Hawaii's Fallen Heroes Honored

Navy NewsStand ^ | Journalist 2nd Class Devin Wright

[SandRat]

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The State of Hawaii held a first of its kind ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol House chambers April 18, for the families of service members with Hawaii ties who were killed in the global war on terrorism.

Members of 48 families of Hawaii's fallen heroes received the state's new Medal of Honor on behalf of service members who gave their lives in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

"Today we have come together to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation, our freedom, our way of life," said Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle. "These were great Americans who are part of our ohana here in Hawaii. We want to thank the families, who have also sacrificed. We want to let them know how painfully we appreciate their sons' and daughters' service to our country."

Among those honored were five Sailors assigned to SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Delivery Vehicle Team (SDVT) 1, Pearl Harbor. The SEALs were killed while conducting combat and counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan in June 2005.

"Our family really appreciates all that the state of Hawaii and the joint chiefs have done in honoring our son and all of these fallen heroes," said James Patton, the father of Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Shane Patton, one of the five SEALs killed in Afghanistan. "While we are honored to accept this award, we also feel it is unfortunate. Hawaii has done so much to acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made by service members."

In addition to Patton, those SEALs from SDVT 1 killed in action June 28 include Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, and Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James E. Suh.

"This award ceremony means so much us," said Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Michael Martin assigned to SDVT 1. "We have deep ties with the Hawaii community, and the fact that the State of Hawaii was able to hold this ceremony to recognize our five team members that were killed last June and their sacrifices is quite an honor for us."

Recipients of the medal include active duty, National Guard and Reserve forces, who were residents of Hawaii, were stationed here, or were attached to Hawaii military commands.

Each fallen service member was recognized by name, a tolling of a ship’s bell, and the presentation of Koa-cased Hawaii Medal of Honor to a family member or loved one.

One hundred twenty service members were awarded the Hawaii Medal of Honor.

The purpose of the award and the ceremony was to express the appreciation and gratitude of the people of Hawaii to the loved ones of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the global war on terrorism.

For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.

[SandRat]

Fallen Heroes PING

[Proud_USA_Republican]

I'm sure Rep. Neil Abercrombie(D), aka "The male Jane Fonda" was nowhere to be found at this ceremony.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT