Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
The ceremony honored the efforts of the Washington state-based armed services members since Sept. 11. The governor presented 12 “Washington Heroes,” one each from active and reserve units of the six military branches, with letters of recognition.
“Since the attack of September 11 you have defended our security and provided us with courage and inspiration,” Locke said. “You have helped us value our freedoms and feel blessed for our lives. As a result, you have the eternal gratitude of our state and an entire nation.”
Joining the governor in recognizing the “Washington Heroes” were senior commanders Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, director of the Washington State Military Department, representing the National Guard; Rear Adm. Len Hering, U.S. Navy; Col. Steve Keim, U.S. Marine Corps; Col. Rick Martin, U.S. Air Force; Col. Richard Schenck, U.S. Army; and Capt. Phillip Sanders, U.S. Coast Guard.
“Service men and women from all walks of life are serving their nation with distinction at home and across the globe. They and their families are in our thoughts and prayers especially on this anniversary of the September 11 attacks,” Lowenberg said.
The “Washington Heroes” exemplify the loyal work being done by service members on behalf of the state and the country. After being introduced by their senior commanding officer, each honoree was presented with a letter of recognition by the governor.
The governor also read Washington state’s proclamation of “Patriot Day” that coincided with the national recognition. The audience joined vocalist Pam Taylor in closing the program with the singing of “God Bless America.”
Prior to the ceremony, the governor joined Lowenberg on a tour of Camp Murray’s Family Programs Office and helped assemble gift packages being sent overseas. This office provides needed family services to military personnel both in state and overseas.
A complete list of “Washington Heroes” is attached, organized alphabetically by service branch.
# # #
U.S. Air Force Recipients:
Master Sgt. Shawn Brumfield, U.S. Air Force: Master Sgt. Brumfield is with the 8th Airlift Squadron, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB. He was one of the primary loadmasters attached to the initial and follow-on C-17 developmental test program and was a lead loadmaster for the airdrop into nothern Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Parker, U.S. Air Force Reserve: Staff Sgt. Parker, a Port Angeles native, has flown 18 medical missions, including 15 missions in and out of Kuwait and Baghdad. He has cared for 800 patients, many of whom were in critical condition. He will be cross training in November to become a C-17 loadmaster.
U.S. Army Recipients:
Sgt. Maxine Garcia, U.S. Army: Sgt. Garcia is assigned to the 513th Transportation Company. She traveled more than 500,000 miles accident free while deployed. She will now be sharing her knowledge and skills in a training program in Yakima.
Lt. Col. Dan Develde, U.S. Army Reserve: Lt. Col. Develde is assigned to the 915th Forward Surgical Team. While his unit was under mortar fire, he attempted to reach the generator to shut off the camp lights. He was seriously wounded by 21 pieces of shrapnel during his brave attempt.
U.S. Coast Guard Recipients:
Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Lincoln, U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer 2nd Class Lincoln made two Antarctic and one Arctic deployment aboard Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star. He is a Coxswain/Boarding Officer for Station Seattle and made deployments to various West Coast ports.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Wildes, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve: Petty Officer 3rd Class Wildes is a firefighter for Central Kitsap Fire Rescue in Silverdale. He was a “fast boat” crewman in Iraq during a six month Iraqi Freedom mission.
U.S. Marine Corps Recipients:
Maj. Ron Neff, U.S. Marine Corps: Maj. Neff flew 24 combat missions in a Prowler aircraft during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received an Air Medal with combat “V” for a mission into Baghdad. He currently lives in Oak Harbor and is assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 at N.A.S. Whidbey Island, which is the squadron that trains all Navy and Marine Corp Prowler aircrew.
Sgt. Jonathon Krajewski, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve: Sgt. Krajewski deployed to Iraq with Combat Service Support Company 135, which conducted convoy operations into central Iraq in support of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his work. He currently lives in Issaquah and is serving as a reservist with 4th Landing Support Battalion, Fort Lewis.
U.S. Navy Recipients:
Petty Officer 1st Class Heath V. Nettleton, U.S. Navy: Petty Officer 1st Class Nettleton, a Tacoma resident, is assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Whidbey Island. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when Iraqi forces attacked the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Post. He returned fire for two hours preventing the Iraqi advance until mechanized infantry arrived to decisively defeat the enemy.
Command Master Chief Gerald Basson, U.S. Naval Reserve: Chief Basson was assigned to Naval Construction Force Support Unit 2 in Kuwait where he developed and used a computerized equipment-tracking module to accurately monitor the location and condition of Civil Engineer Support Equipment for the 1 MEF Engineer Group. He also was instrumental in the reloading of six Maritime Prepositioned Ships, and redirecting an additional 950 pieces of equipment for homeport destinations.
Washington National Guard Recipients:
Maj. Jim Shearer, Army National Guard: Maj. Shearer is currently the commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group. His unit conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has worked for the Seattle Police Department for nine years.
Staff Sgt. Steve Walters, Air National Guard: Staff Sgt. Walters is a 16-year police veteran and SWAT member. In Jan. 2003 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Special Forces teams operating there. He participated in numerous raids on al-Qaida and Taliban strongholds, providing team security.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Locke Honors ‘Washington Heroes’; Recognizes Selfless Service of State’s Servicemen and Women
Gov. Gary Locke today spoke of the selfless service and dedication to duty carried out each day by Washington-based servicemen and women and recognized 12 “Washington Heroes” in a ceremony at Camp Murray.The ceremony honored the efforts of the Washington state-based armed services members since Sept. 11. The governor presented 12 “Washington Heroes,” one each from active and reserve units of the six military branches, with letters of recognition.
“Since the attack of September 11 you have defended our security and provided us with courage and inspiration,” Locke said. “You have helped us value our freedoms and feel blessed for our lives. As a result, you have the eternal gratitude of our state and an entire nation.”
Joining the governor in recognizing the “Washington Heroes” were senior commanders Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, director of the Washington State Military Department, representing the National Guard; Rear Adm. Len Hering, U.S. Navy; Col. Steve Keim, U.S. Marine Corps; Col. Rick Martin, U.S. Air Force; Col. Richard Schenck, U.S. Army; and Capt. Phillip Sanders, U.S. Coast Guard.
“Service men and women from all walks of life are serving their nation with distinction at home and across the globe. They and their families are in our thoughts and prayers especially on this anniversary of the September 11 attacks,” Lowenberg said.
The “Washington Heroes” exemplify the loyal work being done by service members on behalf of the state and the country. After being introduced by their senior commanding officer, each honoree was presented with a letter of recognition by the governor.
The governor also read Washington state’s proclamation of “Patriot Day” that coincided with the national recognition. The audience joined vocalist Pam Taylor in closing the program with the singing of “God Bless America.”
Prior to the ceremony, the governor joined Lowenberg on a tour of Camp Murray’s Family Programs Office and helped assemble gift packages being sent overseas. This office provides needed family services to military personnel both in state and overseas.
A complete list of “Washington Heroes” is attached, organized alphabetically by service branch.
# # #
U.S. Air Force Recipients:
Master Sgt. Shawn Brumfield, U.S. Air Force: Master Sgt. Brumfield is with the 8th Airlift Squadron, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB. He was one of the primary loadmasters attached to the initial and follow-on C-17 developmental test program and was a lead loadmaster for the airdrop into nothern Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Parker, U.S. Air Force Reserve: Staff Sgt. Parker, a Port Angeles native, has flown 18 medical missions, including 15 missions in and out of Kuwait and Baghdad. He has cared for 800 patients, many of whom were in critical condition. He will be cross training in November to become a C-17 loadmaster.
U.S. Army Recipients:
Sgt. Maxine Garcia, U.S. Army: Sgt. Garcia is assigned to the 513th Transportation Company. She traveled more than 500,000 miles accident free while deployed. She will now be sharing her knowledge and skills in a training program in Yakima.
Lt. Col. Dan Develde, U.S. Army Reserve: Lt. Col. Develde is assigned to the 915th Forward Surgical Team. While his unit was under mortar fire, he attempted to reach the generator to shut off the camp lights. He was seriously wounded by 21 pieces of shrapnel during his brave attempt.
U.S. Coast Guard Recipients:
Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Lincoln, U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer 2nd Class Lincoln made two Antarctic and one Arctic deployment aboard Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star. He is a Coxswain/Boarding Officer for Station Seattle and made deployments to various West Coast ports.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Wildes, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve: Petty Officer 3rd Class Wildes is a firefighter for Central Kitsap Fire Rescue in Silverdale. He was a “fast boat” crewman in Iraq during a six month Iraqi Freedom mission.
U.S. Marine Corps Recipients:
Maj. Ron Neff, U.S. Marine Corps: Maj. Neff flew 24 combat missions in a Prowler aircraft during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received an Air Medal with combat “V” for a mission into Baghdad. He currently lives in Oak Harbor and is assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 at N.A.S. Whidbey Island, which is the squadron that trains all Navy and Marine Corp Prowler aircrew.
Sgt. Jonathon Krajewski, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve: Sgt. Krajewski deployed to Iraq with Combat Service Support Company 135, which conducted convoy operations into central Iraq in support of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his work. He currently lives in Issaquah and is serving as a reservist with 4th Landing Support Battalion, Fort Lewis.
U.S. Navy Recipients:
Petty Officer 1st Class Heath V. Nettleton, U.S. Navy: Petty Officer 1st Class Nettleton, a Tacoma resident, is assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Whidbey Island. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when Iraqi forces attacked the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Post. He returned fire for two hours preventing the Iraqi advance until mechanized infantry arrived to decisively defeat the enemy.
Command Master Chief Gerald Basson, U.S. Naval Reserve: Chief Basson was assigned to Naval Construction Force Support Unit 2 in Kuwait where he developed and used a computerized equipment-tracking module to accurately monitor the location and condition of Civil Engineer Support Equipment for the 1 MEF Engineer Group. He also was instrumental in the reloading of six Maritime Prepositioned Ships, and redirecting an additional 950 pieces of equipment for homeport destinations.
Washington National Guard Recipients:
Maj. Jim Shearer, Army National Guard: Maj. Shearer is currently the commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group. His unit conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has worked for the Seattle Police Department for nine years.
Staff Sgt. Steve Walters, Air National Guard: Staff Sgt. Walters is a 16-year police veteran and SWAT member. In Jan. 2003 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Special Forces teams operating there. He participated in numerous raids on al-Qaida and Taliban strongholds, providing team security.
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