As a member of the US Military Academy (USMA) Class of 1997, I vividly recall the day we graduated, May 31st, filled with a sense of pride and anticipation for the future. Little did we know that we were a class destined for combat, much like the Class of 1966 who found themselves in the midst of the Vietnam War. Our journey would take us to the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq, where some of our finest would make the ultimate sacrifice.
When President Bill Clinton handed us our diplomas, we were eager young officers ready to take on the world. Over the years, we honed our skills and rose through the ranks to become company commanders, earning the rank of captain. However, the peace we had known was soon shattered by the harsh realities of war, calling upon us to serve our country in its time of need.
Tragically, some of our own paid the ultimate price in service to their nation. Among the fallen were Captain Matthew J. August, Captain Philip T. Esposito, Lieutenant Colonel Jaimie E. Leonard, Captain Michael J. MacKinnon, Captain Mark C. Paine, Captain Eric T. Paliwoda, and Captain Ian P. Weikel. These brave individuals gave their all on the battlefield, embodying the values of duty, honor, and country with unwavering courage and sacrifice.
Their names and deeds are forever etched in our memories as a stark reminder of the true cost of freedom. The Class of 1997, forged in combat, stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of adversity, exemplifying the spirit of service and sacrifice. As we honor their memory this Memorial Day, we pay tribute to their selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to the principles for which they fought and died. May we never forget the sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters, and may their legacy inspire us to uphold the values they held dear.
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