FORT CAMPBELL, Ky-Leaders from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, induct 14 individuals as Distinguished Members of the Regiment and Honorary Members of the Regiment during a ceremony celebrating the Regiment's 70th Birthday, July 20, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky.
"It is more than fitting, that we take a few minutes out of this great day of celebration to pay tribute to those who helped make our reputation one of unparalleled legend….a legend which forever has its place in our Nation's history," said Col. Val C. Keaveny, Jr., the commander of 4th Bde., 101st Abn.
The individuals selected to be awarded the DMOR and HMOR are recommended for the honor based on their outstanding contributions during their service, to the unit, its Soldiers, Families of the Soldiers and the surrounding community.
"Distinguished Members of the Regiment, your service as a Currahee makes you a distinguished American and Soldier, but it is your service and accomplishment above and beyond, that makes you a Distinguished Member of this Great Regiment," said Keaveny.
Though the list of accomplishments were too length to list in entirety, they include battalion, brigade, division command sergeants major, a contributor to the theory and execution of emerging tactics or air assaults and an individual serving as a Veteran's Affairs therapist. Several of the inductees served within the regiment prior to the current conflict in Afghanistan but during WWII and the Vietnam War.
"It is the number one way to tell Veterans thanks for their service with the regiment," said Command Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Charles W. Fitztpatrick, who was inducted into the regiment during the ceremony. "It is the regiment's way of thanking you for doing the job right while you were active service and after."
Mr. Fitzpatrick, who retired from active duty in the U.S. Army after a total of 31 years of service, served as the battalion command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment from May 1991 to June 1992. He currently works as the chief of Plans and Operations at the Fort Campbell Kinnard Mission Training Complex.
Though the majority of individuals inducted were Veterans, two individuals involved in the Currahee community were also recognized for their outstanding support to the regiment's Soldiers and their Families.
"Honorary Members of the Regiment, we also honor your sacrifice and commitment on behalf of the Regiment," said Keaveny. "Your selfless devotion is inspiring and we appreciate all you do to tell our story and honor our Soldiers. We are honored to bring into our ranks."
"Though I served 10 more years after serving the regiment, I consider that time as some my most enjoyable," said Fitzpatrick. "It was a pretty good feeling to receive this honor."
The individuals inducted into the regiment during the ceremony were:Carmelito"Sonny" Arkangel, MD, James H. Campbell III, Sgt. (Ret.) Donald E. Dodson, Maj. Mark D. Federovich, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret. ) Charles W. Fitzpatrick, Major Gen. (Ret.) Benjamin L. Harrision, John O. Lally, Nicholas W. Miller, Staff Sgt. Gary A. Radford, Sergeant Maj. Hector L. Santos, Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo J. Smith, Herbert J. Suerth, Jr., Lora Gassett and Meg Prior.
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