2013 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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Major Gray: Major Walter David Gray was an Air Liaison Officer assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Carson, Colorado.   He began his career in 1993 as an Enlisted Airman, serving as a weapons loader then as a TACP prior to receiving his commission in 2001 through the AFROTC program at Charleston Southern University.  While at CSU he met his wife Heather.  They married on August 11, 2001 and since have three children; Nyah 8, Garrett 5, and Ava 4.  In 2010, he became one of the first Air Liaison Officers to cross-train into the new 13L AFSC.  In March of 2012 he deployed to Afghanistan supporting the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, leading 25 TACP in combat operations.  He was killed in action outside Combat Outpost Fiaz and earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend.  Above all, David loved the Lord and is now rejoicing in His presence.

SSG Jauregui:  Staff Sergeant Alejandro Jauregui was born in Guadalajara, Mexico on April 12, 1985, at the age of 3 his dad moved them to Williams, CA where he grew up and graduated from high school in 2003.  In July 2003, he joined the Army was sent to Fort Knox, KY for basic training, followed by AIT and Airborne School.  In March 2004, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC and went on his first deployment to Iraq in June 2004 to June 2005.  In September 2006, he deployed to Iraq for a 15 month deployment where he met his wife Isa.  During that deployment he was awarded an Army Accommodation medal for pulling a soldier out of a burning vehicle, that incident inspired him to re-class to be an infantryman after his deployment he went back to basic training for that, after graduating basic training again he was assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and did another two deployments to Afghanistan.  On April 8, 2012 while on his 4th deployment he stepped on a dismounted IED where he lost both of his legs and two fingertips on his right hand as well as his hearing in both of my ears. Through his service for our country he has been decorated with the Purple Heart Army Accommodation Medal X6 one with “V”, Army Achievement Medal X5, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Ribbon X4, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ribbon and Astonian Foreign Jump Wings.

2012 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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2012-1Cpl Jernigan:  In 2002, Corporal Michael Jernigan enlisted as a third generation Marine, following a legacy started in 1946.  Just six months into his first deployment in Iraq, he was catastrophically wounded by an I.E.D. on August 22nd, 2004 in Mahmudiyah, Iraq while serving with Company E 2nd Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Since being wounded Michael Jernigan has made great strides towards recovery and helped pioneer the “Paws for Patriots”, a veterans program at Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc.  Jernigan is active with the local Marine Corps League detachment and has spoken to organizations like the Veterans Administration and the Cooperative Council on Military Education about coming home, returning to civilian life and applying the lessons that they learned in the military to strive for excellence in their lives. His going above and beyond the call of duty earns Corporal Michael Jernigan our American Hero Award.

2012-2

SSG Smith: Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith joined the Army in May 2006 and joined his battalion at Fort Bragg in October 2009. In addition to his two tours of duty in Afghanistan, he previously deployed to Iraq for 15 months in June 2007. Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith was a hard-working and trustworthy soldier on his second deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed on April 3 by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province. Smith is survived by his wife, Lara, and two children, ages 2 and 5. Smith’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge and Parachutist Badge.His response to the call of duty to serve his country despite the cost, merits Staff Sgt. Smith the Trojan Labor Ultimate American Hero Award.

2010 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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Two local members of the U.S. military who were decorated for service in Afghanistan will be recognized Thursday as part of the 2010 Trojan Labor American Hero Awards. The event will be on the fantail deck of the aircraft carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point.

The first award will be given to Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Kutilek, a 2001 Citadel graduate who was injured earlier this year

The second award will be presented to Tech Sgt. Michael Williams, who is assigned to the Charleston Air Force Base. He was injured in Afghanistan in 2009.

2010-2

Kutilek was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during his third tour of duty while serving with the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines in Helmand province. On March 5, Kutilek was leading his men around a corner when he sustained a rifle shot in the right leg.

 

2010-1

Williams, of the 628 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, was on patrol in August 2009 near the Mushan village in Afghanistan when a device exploded, taking off his left leg. While under fire, Williams assisted in medically treating his own wounds while conducting a post-blast analysis to prevent injury to future EOD teams. For his actions, Williams was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor, adding to his other recognitions.

 

Special guest speaker is Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, a Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Corps retiree. Additional guests include Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon, Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and representatives from The Citadel and the Charleston Air Force Base.

– Post And Courier

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20100517/PC1602/305179953

 

 

2008 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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2008

The 3rd Annual Trojan Labor American Hero Awards was held the morning of May 20th, 2008 aboard the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The United States Coast Guard began the ceremony with the presentation of Colors. The opening speech was made by company president, Dan McAnnar who spoke on the importance of recognizing our military especially during Military Appreciation Month. Mr. Kruger Smith, Mayor Pro Tem of Mt. Pleasant, then introduced the special guest speaker, Major General Livingston, USMC recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from his outstanding service in the Vietnam War. His remarks included high regards to all of the men and women who have fought in War on Terrorism. Sgt. Paul Ray Smith and Sgt. Bryan C Luckey were honored at the ceremony.

2008-2

The Trojan Labor American Hero Award was presented to Mr. Mike McCrann representing the family of Sgt. Paul Ray Smith. Sgt. Smith was killed in the line of duty in 2003 and became the first soldier in the Global War on Terror to be awarded the Medal of Honor. US savings bonds were given to his two children in memory of their father.

 

2008-1
The Trojan Labor Ultimate Hero award was given to Ms. Catherine Luckey wife of Sgt.. Bryan C Luckey who died on June 29th, 2006 from combat wounds received in Mosul, Iraq. Sgt. Luckey’s entire family from Tampa, Florida was in attendance. A monetary donation was given to the Association of the United States Army, Wounded Veterans Fund, in Sgt. Luckey’s name. The ceremony concluded with a speech from Trojan Labor CEO, Rick Hermanns commemorating our solders.

 

In addition to the family of Sgt. Luckey other special guests included the family of Sgt. John Phillips, the 2007 Ultimate Hero Award recipient, Mayor Beckham of Folly Beach, Mayor Pro Tem of Hanahan, Levy Berry, Colonel Douglas Fehrmann, The Citadel’s Commanding Officer, Councilman Charles McCarty of Folly Beach and nearby counties’ Veterans Affairs officers.

2007 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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2007

The 2nd Annual Trojan Labor American Hero Awards was held the morning of May 8th, 2007 aboard the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, SC. After members of Wando High School’s Jr. ROTC began the ceremony with a presentation of Colors, company president, Dan McAnnar greeted the invited guests. Mr. Kruger Smith, Mayor Pro Tem of Mt. Pleasant, then introduced the special guest speaker, Major General Livingston, USMC recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from his outstanding service in the Vietnam War. His remarks included high regards to all of the men and women who have fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and added personal comments about the two local Marines who were recognized at this particular event. LCpl F. Nicholas Riccio and Sgt. John Phillips were honored at the ceremony.

2007-1

Lance Corporal Nicholas Riccio, USMC was awarded the Trojan Labor American Hero award for his meritorious action in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After suffering an injury while fighting, he received the Purple Heart, and now resides in Charleston.

 

2007-2The Trojan Labor Ultimate Hero award was given to Ms. Stephanie Phillips wife of Sgt. John Phillips, USMC who died on August 16, 2006 from combat wounds received in the Al Anbar provice of Iraq. Sgt Phillips’ family from St. Stephens, SC was in attendance. A monetary donation was given to the Phillips’ family charity of choice, The Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund, in LCpl Riccio’s name. After remarks by SC Secretary of State, Mark Hammond and Earl Copeland, representing US Congressman Henry Brown’s office, the ceremony concluded with a speech from Trojan Labor CEO, Rick Hermanns commemorating our solders.

In addition to the families of both recipients, other special guests included Mr. T. Patton Adams, a Civilian Aid Emeritus to the Secretary of the US Army, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon, and nearby counties’ Veterans Affairs officers.

2006 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

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The 1st Annual Trojan Labor American Hero Awards was held the morning of May 16th, 2006 aboard the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Kruger B. Smith, the Mayor Pro Tem of Mt. Pleasant, introduced the special guest speaker, Major General Livingston, after members of Wando High School’s Jr. ROTC began the ceremony with a presentation of Colors. Major General James E. Livingston is a retired Marine, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from his outstanding service in the Vietnam War, and a Mt. Pleasant resident. His speech included remarks about the global war on terror and a sincere thanks to all the sacrifices made by members of the armed services. It called all attending to reflect about the sacrifice of our American service members in this wartime.

Two awards were presented at the ceremony to help pay tribute to our armed forces:

2006-1

Sergeant Major James E. Ervin was awarded the Trojan Labor American Hero award for his meritorious action in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

 

2006-2

The Trojan Labor Ultimate Hero award was given to Ms. Wanda Buggs in memory of Sgt. George Edward Buggs who was killed in combat on March 23rd, 2003 while serving as an army sergeant in Nassiriya, Iraq.  A monetary award was also given to the Buggs’ family in Sgt. Major Ervin’s name.

 

Other special guests included Mr.. T. Patton Adams, a Civilian Aid Emeritus to the Secretary of the US Army, Mr.. Earl Copeland, representing US Congressman Henry Brown’s office.