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Soldiers and family members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division enjoyed food, uncased colors, attached battle streamers, changed commanders and marched in an "honor parade" on Dec. 10 in downtown Leesville. Fallen heroes were prevalent in thoughts and prayers that day, but another group of related people was represented and high on the priority list of those participating in the celebrations — Gold Star Families.
Gold Star Family members are relatives of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation and its freedoms. The Patriot Brigade suffered 24 fallen heroes during its latest deployment to Afghanistan, and Gold Star Families of 19 of those soldiers were able to attend and partake in events honoring them and their heroes.
Units of the fallen soldiers provided escorts for the Gold Star Families and enabled them to meet and further friendships with soldiers who best knew and served with their soldiers.
"It was something that we knew we wanted to be here, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world — not only for the honoring of Cody but for the opportunity to meet these other fine soldiers," said Gold Star Family member Mike McManigal of Holton, Kan. "They are a part of our family now; and, sadly, we didn't really recognize that so much until this event happened."
McManigal and his wife Candy were attending a rededication ceremony of a hero wall at 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment for four of the Task Force Slugger Soldiers who died in Afghanistan. The McManigals are the parents of Pfc. Cody G. Baker, who died Aug. 3 at the age of 19. Baker was part of TF Slugger, but his assigned unit was Company A, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.
McManigal said he and his wife "are on a very slow mend," and that the Army has been wonderful to them. They said they have met many great people and believe it is because of the Army's outreach that they are progressing the way they are.
"We definitely have peaks and valleys that we go through, but we are trying to see as much positive in everything as we can, and I think because of the support that we receive, it helps us do that, helps us to heal," McManigal said. "Cody is a great kid. He is quiet by nature, until you get to know him. He has a very contagious smile, and he can be a friend to anybody."
The McManigals said they are extremely proud of Baker, everything he represented and everything he did. Their pride extends to other soldiers who died as well.
"We do feel that support, and it is an amazing thing," McManigal said. "We had no idea that this type of bond and support (exists). There is a lot more to the military than we even imagined, and it is one of the good things left in this country, I believe.
"We understand when you hear soldiers talk about the camaraderie and the family part of it, we know what that means now," McManigal said. "And even though Cody will not be here with us, we do feel (we are) a part of this family."
McManigal said it has been a pleasure getting to meet many of his son's comrades through Facebook, even being able to meet their parents. They have a new "small ring of friends on Facebook" and plan to continue to communicate with them that way, he said.
Gold Star Family members Tom Buzinski and his wife Carol, of Calabash, N.C., their daughter Lauren and 6-year-old grandson Joey, attended the brigade's color uncasing and change of command ceremony. Their fallen hero, Sgt. Keith Buzinski of Company B, 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Reg, died in Afghanistan April 7.
"We probably still have our moments," said Buzinski speaking of his son's death. "There are more times that we can talk about it than we used to, and this is helping us bring closure into our lives — meeting these troops that were with Keith on that day."
He said they knew instantly they would attend the ceremony when they first heard about it. They wanted to show their appreciation for the treatment they had received first hand.
"We want to meet these people, and thank them and give them a hug for what they did for our son," Buzinski said. "It was just a great day yesterday meeting a lot of these people for the first time. The picnic was just a wonderful experience. They had a big 2-by-3 foot picture of 'Buzz' sitting at the table, and reserving a table for us. That meant a lot to us."
Buzinski said the Amy has offered him and his family support 24 hours a day, if needed. This type of support for the Buzinski Gold Star Family began from the day they were notified of their son's death and continues to this day, he said.
"I can't imagine anything else that the Army could have done for us besides bring our son back, which is impossible to do," Buzinski said. "Other than that, we just feel the support every day that the Army has given us (including) getting here and seeing these people.
"The officers and the sergeants, they come up to us (and offer) anything that we need," Buzinski said. "Basically for the rest of our lives, if we ever need anything or want to get in touch with anybody, they are always saying 'make sure you contact me.'"
Buzinski said his son Keith had a "warrior spirit" from a very young age. He talked of his son's fierce competiveness, even though he was probably the smallest competitor on the soccer field going around slamming into larger kids as a 7-year-old. He said his son had a self-image as "a brute of an ice hockey player" as he took on larger opponents in double teams, often getting "crushed" and feeling he got the better of the situation.
Buzinski wrote a eulogy about his son that he could not bring himself to give but had his best friend read it for him.
"I said he was kind of a warrior butterfly. In his youth, he was kind of like a cute little caterpillar that everybody loved, but he was pretty much the angel of pain," Buzinski said. "He was a biter when he was growing up, and his sister was probably the flavor of the week." When he was about 18 years old, the younger Buzinski left New Jersey and went to live with his sister in Florida before getting out on his own. Buzinski said he could see his son emerging as a mature adult.
"The butterfly was coming out of the cocoon; and then he said that he thought the Army would be a good move," Buzinski said. "(He improved) his maturity level, his dress, his style in clothes, his language, his demeanor, his self-worth, eventually becoming a team leader and having to get back to his boys from his last leave. It made you very proud as parents, very proud."
These families are indicative of the strong Patriot Brigade and other Army Gold Star Families that have suffered great sacrifices in supporting their soldier heroes, the Army and their country. As they struggle through such great losses, they have an extended family to help them along the way and provide the Gold Star treatment they deserve and have earned through their service.
McManigal said the support he and his family received is wonderful. He appreciates how Fort Polk and the surrounding communities have come together to honor the returned and fallen soldiers and their families.
"We read it (itinerary of events) over and the first thing that came to my mind was how the community was involved in this and this parade that is coming up," McManigal said. "And it just looked to me like the whole community was 100 percent behind the troops. I think anytime the community is behind anything it is wonderful, and it's even more special when there are troops involved."
Soldiers and family members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division enjoyed food, uncased colors, attached battle streamers, changed commanders and marched in an "honor parade" on Dec. 10 in downtown Leesville. Fallen heroes were prevalent in thoughts and prayers that day, but another group of related people was represented and high on the priority list of those participating in the celebrations — Gold Star Families.
Gold Star Family members are relatives of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation and its freedoms. The Patriot Brigade suffered 24 fallen heroes during its latest deployment to Afghanistan, and Gold Star Families of 19 of those soldiers were able to attend and partake in events honoring them and their heroes.
Units of the fallen soldiers provided escorts for the Gold Star Families and enabled them to meet and further friendships with soldiers who best knew and served with their soldiers.
"It was something that we knew we wanted to be here, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world — not only for the honoring of Cody but for the opportunity to meet these other fine soldiers," said Gold Star Family member Mike McManigal of Holton, Kan. "They are a part of our family now; and, sadly, we didn't really recognize that so much until this event happened."
McManigal and his wife Candy were attending a rededication ceremony of a hero wall at 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment for four of the Task Force Slugger Soldiers who died in Afghanistan. The McManigals are the parents of Pfc. Cody G. Baker, who died Aug. 3 at the age of 19. Baker was part of TF Slugger, but his assigned unit was Company A, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.
McManigal said he and his wife "are on a very slow mend," and that the Army has been wonderful to them. They said they have met many great people and believe it is because of the Army's outreach that they are progressing the way they are.
"We definitely have peaks and valleys that we go through, but we are trying to see as much positive in everything as we can, and I think because of the support that we receive, it helps us do that, helps us to heal," McManigal said. "Cody is a great kid. He is quiet by nature, until you get to know him. He has a very contagious smile, and he can be a friend to anybody."
The McManigals said they are extremely proud of Baker, everything he represented and everything he did. Their pride extends to other soldiers who died as well.
"We do feel that support, and it is an amazing thing," McManigal said. "We had no idea that this type of bond and support (exists). There is a lot more to the military than we even imagined, and it is one of the good things left in this country, I believe.
"We understand when you hear soldiers talk about the camaraderie and the family part of it, we know what that means now," McManigal said. "And even though Cody will not be here with us, we do feel (we are) a part of this family."
McManigal said it has been a pleasure getting to meet many of his son's comrades through Facebook, even being able to meet their parents. They have a new "small ring of friends on Facebook" and plan to continue to communicate with them that way, he said.
Gold Star Family members Tom Buzinski and his wife Carol, of Calabash, N.C., their daughter Lauren and 6-year-old grandson Joey, attended the brigade's color uncasing and change of command ceremony. Their fallen hero, Sgt. Keith Buzinski of Company B, 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Reg, died in Afghanistan April 7.
"We probably still have our moments," said Buzinski speaking of his son's death. "There are more times that we can talk about it than we used to, and this is helping us bring closure into our lives — meeting these troops that were with Keith on that day."
He said they knew instantly they would attend the ceremony when they first heard about it. They wanted to show their appreciation for the treatment they had received first hand.
"We want to meet these people, and thank them and give them a hug for what they did for our son," Buzinski said. "It was just a great day yesterday meeting a lot of these people for the first time. The picnic was just a wonderful experience. They had a big 2-by-3 foot picture of 'Buzz' sitting at the table, and reserving a table for us. That meant a lot to us."
Buzinski said the Amy has offered him and his family support 24 hours a day, if needed. This type of support for the Buzinski Gold Star Family began from the day they were notified of their son's death and continues to this day, he said.
"I can't imagine anything else that the Army could have done for us besides bring our son back, which is impossible to do," Buzinski said. "Other than that, we just feel the support every day that the Army has given us (including) getting here and seeing these people.
"The officers and the sergeants, they come up to us (and offer) anything that we need," Buzinski said. "Basically for the rest of our lives, if we ever need anything or want to get in touch with anybody, they are always saying 'make sure you contact me.'"
Buzinski said his son Keith had a "warrior spirit" from a very young age. He talked of his son's fierce competiveness, even though he was probably the smallest competitor on the soccer field going around slamming into larger kids as a 7-year-old. He said his son had a self-image as "a brute of an ice hockey player" as he took on larger opponents in double teams, often getting "crushed" and feeling he got the better of the situation.
Buzinski wrote a eulogy about his son that he could not bring himself to give but had his best friend read it for him.
"I said he was kind of a warrior butterfly. In his youth, he was kind of like a cute little caterpillar that everybody loved, but he was pretty much the angel of pain," Buzinski said. "He was a biter when he was growing up, and his sister was probably the flavor of the week." When he was about 18 years old, the younger Buzinski left New Jersey and went to live with his sister in Florida before getting out on his own. Buzinski said he could see his son emerging as a mature adult.
"The butterfly was coming out of the cocoon; and then he said that he thought the Army would be a good move," Buzinski said. "(He improved) his maturity level, his dress, his style in clothes, his language, his demeanor, his self-worth, eventually becoming a team leader and having to get back to his boys from his last leave. It made you very proud as parents, very proud."
These families are indicative of the strong Patriot Brigade and other Army Gold Star Families that have suffered great sacrifices in supporting their soldier heroes, the Army and their country. As they struggle through such great losses, they have an extended family to help them along the way and provide the Gold Star treatment they deserve and have earned through their service.
McManigal said the support he and his family received is wonderful. He appreciates how Fort Polk and the surrounding communities have come together to honor the returned and fallen soldiers and their families.
"We read it (itinerary of events) over and the first thing that came to my mind was how the community was involved in this and this parade that is coming up," McManigal said. "And it just looked to me like the whole community was 100 percent behind the troops. I think anytime the community is behind anything it is wonderful, and it's even more special when there are troops involved."
