March 23, 2018 - Kosovo remembrance was held at the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial on the Center Square on Friday, March 23, 2018 with a small band of patriots in attendance.
Larry Hume, Quartermaster, welcomed everyone attending followed by a prayer given by Cynthia Islas, Chaplain.
"Nineteen years ago on March 24, 1999 NATO launched an air campaign called Operation Allied Force, to stop the humanitarian devastation that was unfolding in Kosovo. The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means," said Hume.
Hume stated, "NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on June 10, 1999 once it had concluded a military technical agreement with the federal republic of Yugoslavia. NATO casualties were light and the alliance suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operations."
"However, two American Army helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Gibbs and Kevin Riker died when their AH-64 helicopter crashed in the early hours of May 5, 1999 and the crash was not due to enemy fire, but two of America's finest died that day serving our country."
"Its in their honor and the honor of those who served in Kosovo, we remember them today." In remembrance, a memorial wreath was hung on the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial by Chaplain Cynthia Islas followed by Taps played by Post Commander Gene Hutto.
Following the program, two post members were recognized for their hours of completed service for the Honor Guard.
"First we have a certificate signed by the National Commander in Chief Keith Harman and the State Commander Edward Torres for Auxiliary member Mary Fausett who has completed her first 100 hours on our Honor Guard team," Hume announced and then congratulated Mary.
Hume continued the presentation, "Next, Post Commander Gene Hutto has earned, he's already received his 100 hours certificate, has now earned his 150 hours pen and he is our Honor Guard captain and we would also like to thank him for all he does ensuring that everyone is notified, everything is in place."
Finally he gave recognition to Senior-Vice Newton Johnson who was not in attendance for earning his 300 hours pen.
