Fallen Airman, Marine, Soldier bound by Texas roots honored in Kiwanis Club Recognition Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A list of dreams - becoming a pilot, traveling, and a family - doggedly turned into reality. An accent so prevalent it was described as "a drawl that could only come from a proud Texan." A belief in the importance of children so strong it dictated a decision to enlist, to fight, and to remain when he could have gone home.

These were the characteristics of three Texas natives, young men who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of their nation. The men were remembered, shared and honored by the University Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls in a recognition ceremony held at Luby's Cafeteria Aug. 8.

Many commanders and chiefs from Sheppard, including 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, attended the ceremony.

Air Force Maj. Troy Gilbert, Marine Sgt. Gary Johnston and Army Cpl. Ryan Collins all died in Iraq fighting the War on Terror. Major Gilbert's F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed during a combat mission in support of ground forces in Anbar Province. Sergeant Johnston died from a bomb blast in the same province less than two months later. Corporal Collins died of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces four months following.

General Devereaux spoke of the honorees' bravery and selflessness, but stressed their natural instinct to do the right thing, heedless of personal reward - an instinct honed by their Texan upbringing. The general stated that the Texas style of hospitality, as much as the military's imbedded Core Values, shaped the lives and fates of the fallen heroes.

Kiwanis Club members served as representatives for each family. Reading from prepared statements, Dr. John Rhoads, Dr. John Thornton and Don Hatley offered the audience a synopsis of each fallen troop's life.

Dr. Rhoads spoke of Major Gilbert, a deeply religious man, husband and father of five, known to his fellow pilots by the call name "Trojan." Dr. Thornton told of Sergeant Johnson's interest in sports and how he'd opt to wear a baseball cap over combing his curly hair. Mr. Hatley spoke of Corporal Collins's characteristic and ultimately fate-shaping decision to remain in Iraq, so a fellow serviceman could go home and witness the birth of his child.

Surviving members of their families sat at the front tables, somber and attentive during the speeches, laughing softly as the more humorous memories of their loved ones were shared with the audience, offering a unified visual of quiet dignity.

Only when presented with folded flags from the Sheppard Honor Guard, and acknowledging the slow, careful salutes each Guardsman offered them, did some of the family break into tears.

The Kiwanis Club members also impressed General Devereaux with their devotion to country. One aspect of the ceremony the general felt moved to comment on during his speech was the Kiwanis Club audience's voices rising together as a choir to sing "The Star Spangled Banner."

"I've attended many ceremonies and heard many renditions of our national anthem, and I've never heard it sound so good," General Devereaux said. "Your spirit of pride and patriotism comes through in your voices."