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A Tribute: SPC Brandon T. Titus, PFC Henry C. Risner |
Soldiers pay tribute to fallen comrades
By Pfc. Brian Schroeder
2nd
Brigade Combat Team Journalist
CAMP
VICTORY NORTH, Baghdad, Iraq – Volunteering to ensure the independence of
our country requires courage, honor and personal sacrifice. Our
forefathers fought to protect our liberties and freedoms, and to assure
America remains a beacon of freedom for the rest of the world. Continuing
the constant struggle of upholding our freedoms requires some to give the
ultimate sacrifice.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, and 1st Battalion,
41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Commandos), gathered Aug.
26 in a small chapel to pay their last respects to Spec. Brandon T. Titus
and Pfc. Henry C. Risner, both of B Company, 2-14 Infantry.
“These Soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Lt.
Col. John L. Smith, 2-14 Infantry commander. “I would encourage you
to remember them for the lives they led and what they represent.”
Brandon T.
Titus
Born and raised in Idaho, Spec. Brandon T. Titus was known as an
all-American kid. He loved football, his state and his country.
His father was a Ranger and completed three tours of Vietnam. His
great uncle was a Medal of Honor winner.
“Spec. Titus was outgoing and one of the voices of our company,” said
Capt. Chuck Slagle III, B Company, 2-14 Infantry commander. “In his
absence there is now silence.”
“He joined the Army for two reasons,” said Staff Sgt. Paul Jordan.
“The obligation he felt after 9-11 to earn his freedom, and the legacy of
military service the men in his family have made.”
Titus was known to have a sense of loyalty to his brothers in the Army,
Jordan said.
“So many of us know Soldiers by their last name, rank or what platoon they
are in,” he said. “It’s not often we get to know who they really
are. I got to know Spec. Titus and was proud to serve with such a
fine Soldier. I also got to know Brandon Titus and will miss him.
He will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Titus is survived by his father Thomas, his mother Debi, and his sister
Libby.
PFC Henry C.
Risner
Pfc. Henry C. Risner was known to his peers as a quiet person who really
had a lot to say.
“Pfc. Risner was a quiet professional,” Slagle said. “He never
complained when assigned to any task.”
“When it came to being an infantryman, he was on it,” said Sgt. Dennis
Dominski. “It was an honor to serve with such a fine Soldier.
We are going to miss you.”
Risner is survived by his wife Emily, stepson Skyler, and his unborn child
due in January.
The memorial ceremony honored these two Soldiers with words from their
comrades and a roll call of Soldiers from the unit. During the roll
call, the first sergeant from each unit stands up and calls out the names
of Soldiers in the company. The last name he calls is of the Soldier
who does not respond. A 21-gun salute and playing of Taps concluded
the ceremony.
“We should remember our fallen brothers as young men who gave their best
every day,” Smith said. “They represent America and all that is
good, and for that I salute you Spec. Titus and Pfc. Risner.”
These Soldiers courageously and selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice to
protect our country’s freedoms, but their spirit and memories will live on
forever.
Thanks to the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office for the above text.