FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) honored the 67 INSCOM and Army Security Agency (ASA) Soldiers who lost their lives serving their country with a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Nolan Building, May 26.
The official party, led by Maj. Gen. Michele Bredenkamp, INSCOM commanding general; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jonathan Irby, INSCOM command chief warrant officer; Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart, INSCOM command sergeant major; and retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Alan Lindley, an ASA and Vietnam War veteran, presided over the ceremony, with musical support provided by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet.
Attended in-person by members of the command and honored guests, and shared virtually, this year's ceremony was dedicated to remembering and thanking those who gave their lives.
Bredenkamp began her remarks by honoring our fallen military heroes, both past and present.
“Thank you all for attending our memorial remembrance to pay tribute to the military men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation,” said Bredenkamp. “Each Memorial Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect and honor these brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms we all hold so dearly.”
Bredenkamp imparted the need to remember and celebrate the families they left behind with a call to action for the INSCOM workforce.
“And as we remember those who died in defense of our country, we must also ensure we renew our pledge to assist those left among us,” Bredenkamp said. “The family members, the friends and colleagues of the fallen.”
Bredenkamp recognized two Soldiers that were part of the ASA, which later became INSCOM. Spc. Bruce Crosby, Jr, and Spc. Gary Wescott were killed in action at Fire Base Sarge, Vietnam, in 1972. Crosby and Wescott are the last two names etched on the ASA Monument.
Bredenkamp personally thanked Lindley for his service and outstanding accomplishments.
“CW4 retired Alan Lindley was instrumental in establishing the ASA monument to honor and remember those with whom he served,” commented Bredenkamp. “Chief Lindley, we are grateful for your service and proud to have you with us today to lay a wreath on the ASA Memorial with CW5 Irby.”
Bredenkamp reiterated to the workforce that people are the centerpiece of the Army and INSCOM.
“In our Army, our greatest asset is our people,” said Bredenkamp. “Our all-volunteer Army is made up of Americans of all races, genders and beliefs, but our common commitment to the defense of our nation and love of our country is what binds us together and unifies us as Americans.”
Bredenkamp ended her remarks by asking the audience to honor and remember our fallen Soldiers.
“On this Memorial Day, please take time to remember the nations’ brave, the fallen men and women of our Army and military force,” said Bredenkamp. “We must never forget them, as they know the true cost of freedom, and their service to our country is the greatest sacrifice of all.”
The event concluded with a wreath laying ceremony by the official party. Bredenkamp and Rinehart laid a wreath at the INSCOM Fallen Soldier Memorial, which is made of three granite pillars, honoring those who gave their lives in support of the INSCOM mission. Irby and Lindley laid a wreath at the ASA Memorial, with a statue of a lone Soldier atop its base, honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country.
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