Authorized newspaper of Fort Lewis, Washington
The Scottish American Military Society presents the colors beside the Black Hawk Memorial during the ceremony.
Independence Day’s rich tradition was honored July 4 as we were all reminded about the great sacrifices that have been made over the course of our nation’s history.
The residents of Enumclaw kept that tradition close to their hearts in a memorial ceremony for three Soldiers: Chief Warrant Officer James “JT” Whitehead, Chief Warrant Officer Patrick J. Paige and Sgt. Thomas Clarkston, Jr., D Troop 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, who were killed in a training accident in December 2006 when their helicopter crashed near this Cascade foothills town.
The Black Hawk Memorial was officially established on Independence Day at Veteran’s Memorial Park as nearly two hundred people looked on.
“This adds another (memorial) that will never let the community forget why we’re safe and why we have the freedoms that we have,” said John Wise, mayor of Enumclaw.
Post 1949 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars coordinated the project. The memorial is a seven-by-four-foot boulder that mirrors the disaster site at Mount Peak, with a plaque that reads, “The flight is ended; they are now in thy keeping.”
Wise stressed the importance of the memorial to his community as he and many in attendance are veterans.
“They are here, they’re a part of the community,” Wise said, “and we want to celebrate those of all the wars.”
Captain Ricky Thomas, former D Troop, 4-6 Air Cav. commander, described the professionalism exhibited by his Soldiers, saying that Whitehead, Paige and Clarkston were outstanding and experienced Soldiers who were respected by everyone. “It was a privilege and honor to serve with these men,” he said.
Clarkston joined the Army in May 2002 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and an Air Medal for his service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Paige joined the Army in November 1995, and earned the Joint Service Achievement Medal, three Army Achievement Medals and an Army Commendation Medal.
Whitehead joined the service in 1992 and spent 10 years with the Marines and became a gunnery sergeant before joining the Army to fly. He received an Air Medal for his service in during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The memorial is located in the heart of Enumclaw off Highway 410 East.
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