| Florida National Guard SPC 4 Robert Wise Memorial Service November 18 2003 |
On November 12 we lost a warrior at a little after 10AM Bagdad time. An improvised explosive device was detonated approximately 3 meters from a passing convoy; the trail vehicle took a large majority of the blast. SPC 4 Robert Wise was in the front passenger seat and took fatal injuries to his body. PFC Trueman Murher-Irwin also suffered injuries to his arms, legs and left eye (no loss of sight). He had to have surgery to try and repair damage done to one of his feet. The driver of the vehicle SPC 4 "Doc" Moss, suffered minor shrapnel, shell shock and a loss of hearing. The vehicle took the damage while making a right hand turn.
Wise was a great guy, and lived up to his name; he always had something "wise guy" to say about his surroundings and environment of life in general. Wise was a hard worker on the line. He was a 240B gunner, the heaviest weapon system that is carried by a light infantrymen, it is also a position on the line that is unique, it is a leadership position where and E4 has control of an assistant gunner and an ammo bearer. Wise also volunteered to go on active duty status shortly after September 11 2001, and he was at the armory as a guard.
What follows is a photo expose of the Capital Area Chapter's activities in support of the Memorial Service.
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Disaster Services Volunteers set up part of the Disaster Services Mobile Kitchen to prepare 500 meals that would be served after the Memorial Service. |
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Cleveland White, works on cleaning drink cambros that will be used. |
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From left to right Joe Vichich, Cleveland White and Jack Pelham prepare to start cooking by opening 30 # 10 cans of of sauce that will be cooked. |
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From left to right Gary Botts, Joe Vichich, Cleveland White and Jack Pelham add more sauce to the pot. |
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Nancy Schildt has the important job of keeping the pot stirred. |
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After almost three (3) hours of cooking in the parking lot of the Chapter House, David Perryman (left) Joe Vichit (center) and Cleveland White (right) begin loading all the food on ERV # 1074 for transportation to the National Guard Armory. |
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American flags fly at half staff at the National Guard Armory. |
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Inside the National Guard Armory prior to the Memorial Service beginning. |
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Judy Botts (left) and Faye Rioux (right) working in the kitchen at the National Guard Armory work to prepare the salad that will be served. |
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One of many distinguished individuals who spoke during the Memorial Service for SPC 4 Robert Wise. |
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The serving line! |
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Several of the Disaster Services Volunteers who helped to prepare and serve th 500 meals. |
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