"Greywolf" Soldiers grieve for fallen comrades

By Sgt. Karl Williams, 3rd BCT PAO, 1st Cav. Div.July 6, 2010

FORT HOOD, Texas- Memorial photos of Pfc. Christopher Scott Herrick (left), from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and Spc. Nickolaus Gossack, from B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas- Memorial photos of Pfc. Christopher Scott Herrick (left), from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and Spc. Nickolaus Gossack, from B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT HOOD, Texas- Sgt. Tam Pham, Spc Nickolaus Gossack's team leader from B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hangs a set of dog tags on a rifle display in tribute to Gossack during a memori...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas- Sgt. Tam Pham, Spc Nickolaus Gossack's team leader from B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hangs a set of dog tags on a rifle display in tribute to Gossack during a memori... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - More than 200 Soldiers and Family members filled the pews of Fort Hood's Memorial Chapel, June 30, to pay their respects to Pfc. Christopher Scott Herrick, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and Spc. Nickolaus Gossack, B Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

In a time of mourning, it is necessary to remember that there is always a light to look towards, said Capt. Juan DeSantiago, the A Co. commander.

"Pfc. Herrick can now rest knowing he went out answering the nations' call. Although we mourn the loss of a brother warrior, there is a harvest in the memories his life provided us," he said.

Staff Sgt. David Garcia, an A Co. squad leader said Herrick made a good first impression on him.

"He was changing quickly and trying to make up for mistakes in the past," said Garcia. "I was proud of him for that and I am still proud of him to this day for positive changes he was making in his life."

After his remarks, Garcia hung a set of dog tags on the rifle display in tribute to the fallen Soldier.

Herrick joined the Army February 20, 2008 and completed one station unit training at Fort Benning, Ga., earning the military occupation specialty infantryman. Upon arrival at Fort Hood in July 2008, he was assigned to 3rd Platoon.

Next, members of Gossack's unit addressed the congregation.

"I have no doubt that many of the people in this church have at one time dealt with the loss of another warrior. According to the Samurai of feudal Japan, 'The way of the warrior is a resolute acceptance of death,'" said Capt. Brandon Poythress, Gossack's company commander.

"Today we remember Spc. Gossack and despite my desire to remain resolute, I cannot help but acknowledge a deep pang of sadness for what could have been his future," he said.

Sgt. Tam Pham, Gossack's team leader said every platoon needs a "funny man". Gossack always had something to say to keep Soldiers laughing.

"I will always remember Gossack as the life of the party. He was a person whom you knew would never fail to deliver a smile," Pham said.