FORT BRAGG, N.C., -- Paratroopers and veterans from around the 82nd Airborne Division attended medical facility dedication ceremonies at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 24.
The Taylor-Sandri Medical Training Center was rededicated in honor of Lt. Col. Mark Taylor of Stockton, California, assigned to the 782nd Main Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, and Sgt. Matthew Sandri of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, assigned to 82nd Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.
Taylor and Sandri were killed in action on March 20, 2004 from injuries sustained during a rocket attack on the clinic where they were performing their medical duties in Fallujah, Iraq.
The rededicated facility is equipped to train Soldiers to use life-saving skills under pressure.
On the other side of Fort Bragg, the Troop and Family Medical Clinic was renamed in honor of World War II fallen Paratrooper Pvt. Kelly Byars.
Byars, a combat medic assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on September 20, 1944, in Holland. Byars risked his life under heavy machine gun fire to treat and save several other Paratroopers.
"We couldn't find any family of Pvt. Byars for this ceremony," said Col. Lance Raney, commander of Womack Army Medical Center. "So today we name this clinic in his honor and welcome him into our Family."
Maj. Gen. Richard Clarke, commander of the 82nd Abn. Div., unveiled the clinic's plaque in honor of Byars with the help of Col. Gregory Beaudoin and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Johnson, command team of 3rd BCT, Col. Lance Raney, commander of WAMC and Col. Alesia Carrizelas, commander of 43rd Medical Squadron.
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