Global War on Terror Memorial

JAMES H. DOUGLAS GOVERNOR
State of Vermont OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2010

Contact:
David M. Coriell, Office of the Governor
(802) 828-3333

Clayton Clark, Office of Veteran’s Affairs
(802) 828-3379

Governor Douglas Dedicates Global War on Terror Memorial
Randolph Center, Vt. – On November 11th, 2010, Governor Jim Douglas dedicated the Vermont Global War on Terror Memorial during a Veterans Day ceremony. The memorial recognizes all Vermonters who have served in the current conflicts and lists the 40 military members with Vermont ties who have died in service to their state and nation.

“Vermont has a long history of answering the call to arms to defend our nation, and this memorial recognizes those who volunteered and gave their lives in our defense,” said Governor Douglas, who went on to highlight the wide support given to this project. “This dedication has been made possible by the determination and generosity of patriotic Vermonters.”

The Vermont Fallen Heroes Global War on Terror Memorial Corporation, which is composed of family members of Vermonters who have died in the current conflict, has been responsible for building the memorial. Over 1,000 citizens and companies – such as J.A. McDonald, which donated construction services, and Revision Eyewear, which made a significant monetary contribution – donated time and/or money to the cause.

“Revision is honored to have contributed to the building of the Vermont Global War on Terror memorial, a freedom afforded to us only because of the departed’s great sacrifice,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision Eyewear, which is a Vermont based company that provides protective equipment to American troops.

The dedication is the culmination of four years of efforts by the families of those who gave their lives to their country.

“The common thread with all the families, our resulting purpose, was to be certain that our heroes were never forgotten,” said Marion Gray, President of the Vermont Fallen Heroes GWOT Memorial Corporation.

The memorial, located near the entrance of the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, will ensure all will be remembered.

“Everyone who enters our cemetery will now see this permanent reminder that our state is proud of our men and women in uniform, and we don’t take their sacrifices, or the sacrifices of their families, for granted,” said Clayton Clark, Veteran Services Director for the State of Vermont.

Rank, First Name, Last Name, Home

Spc. Ryan Grady of W. Burke

Spc. Solomon "Kelly" Bangayan of Jay

Sgt. Alan Bean Jr. of Bridport

SFC Mike Benson of Colchester

Msgt. Chris Chapin of Proctor

Sgt. Carlton Clark of Sharon

LCpl. Kurt Dechen of Springfield

Cpl. Chris DeGiovine of Essex Junction

Sgt. Steven Deluzio of Glastonbury CT

SFC Jason Dene of Castleton

1LT Mark Dooley of Wilmington

Cpl. Mark Evnin of Burlington

2LT Joey Fortin of St. Johnsbury

Sgt. Justin Garvey of Brattleboro

Spc. Chris Gelineau of Bristol

Pvt. Kyle Gilbert of Brattleboro

SSgt. Jamie Gray of E. Montpelier

Lt. Col. David Greene of Shelburne

CWO Erik Halvorsen of Bennington

LCpl. Jeff Holmes of White River Jct.

Sgt. Josh Johnson of Richford

Sgt. Adam Kennedy of Norwich University

Cpl. Ryan McGhee of Springfield

Spc. Scott McLaughlin of Hardwick

Spc. Chris Merchant of Hardwick

Col. James Moore of Norwich University

PFC Adam Muller of Jonesville

Sgt. Bill Normandy of E. Barre

Capt. Tony Palermo of Norwich University

Cpt. Pierre Piche of Starksboro

2LT Mark Procopio of Stowe

LCpl. Anthony Rosa of Swanton

SSgt. Scott Rose of Springfield

Sgt. Kevin Sheehan of Milton

Maj. Robert Soltes of Norwich University

Sgt. Tristan Southworth of Walden

Msgt. J. Tom Stone of Tunbridge

LCpl. Adam Strain of N. Hero

Sgt. Jesse Strong of Irasburg

Sgt. Michael Voss of Enosburg