FORT LEE, Va. - Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, past and present, gathered at Fort Lee to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices their comrades made throughout the years July 29. Three ceremonies, warrior recognition, fallen hero and hall of fame, set the tone for the final day of the 2011 Transportation Corps Symposium.
The warrior recognition program introduced the honorary colonel, warrant officer, sergeant major and civilian to the leaders in attendance. The primary mission of these special appointees is to maintain the history and traditions of the regiment, which helps enhance unit morale and provide a link to the past generations of Soldiers and their contributions.
The next part of the program recognized the Transportation Corps’ officer, warrant officer, noncommissioned officer and civilian of the year. To be considered for this award, selectees must have exhibited exemplary performance of their duties throughout the year. Each of the recipients received a plaque and eagle bust in appreciation of their accomplishments.
Honoring the service and contributions of both Soldiers and units was the focus of the induction ceremonies held later that day.
Forty-nine Soldiers were inducted as Distinguished Members of the Regiment, which means they have served honorably and with distinction during their Army careers. Inductees are a select group of individuals who have made significant contributions to defense distribution. This can be through innovative solutions to complex problems or by taking care of Soldiers, ensuring they are properly trained, and have everything needed to keep America’s Army moving.
Included in the ranks of inductees were 13 Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice this past year.
The fallen hero ceremony was a somber occasion. As each name was read, a slide with the Soldier’s biography was displayed on a screen while a noncommissioned officer placed identification tags on a traditional memorial. This event was attended by many of the Families of the fallen Soldiers.
Col. Stephen E. Farmen, Chief of Transportation, honored their Soldier’s memory by presenting each Family with a certificate and pin to attest to their loved ones’ induction as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment.
“We owe you all a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay,” Farmen said to the Families. “We will do our best through our commitment to never forget you or your fallen heroes - you will always remain part of our Transportation Corps family.”
As a final tribute to transportation Soldiers, four individuals and two units were inducted into the Transportation Corps Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Regimental Club on post. The four inductees represented each of the ranks, general officer, officer, warrant officer and noncommissioned officer. Two historical units, the 43rd Amphibious Truck Battalion and White House Executive Flight Detachment, were also inducted into the hall of fame.
Inductees are awarded hall of fame status by demonstrating a lifetime of exceptionally distinctive service to the Transportation Corps. The program was established to maintain and enhance the legacy of the Corps and promote cohesiveness and esprit de corps.
“Everyone, and especially those we inducted into Transportation Corps lore, we thank you for all you have done, and urge you to stay connected to our Corps,” Farmen said, while addressing the capacity audience. “For those younger members here today, I hope what you’ve seen will inspire and drive you to make your own history and mark on our Corps.”
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