Six remembered in Fort Drum ceremony

FORT DRUM — Soldiers speaking on behalf of fallen warriors all saw similar characteristics among their comrades: loyalty, selflessness and bravery.

Lt. Col. Robert V. Urquhart spoke Thursday about six soldiers who died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“In preparation for the solemn event, my wife provided me with a quote from the English writer G.K. Chesterton that really touched me,” Col. Urquhart said. “‘The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what’s behind him.’”

The lives of 1st Sgt. Billy J. Siercks, Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, Spc. Koran P. Contreras, Pfc. Douglas J. Jeffries Jr., Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich and Spc. Kevin R. Shumaker were honored by comrades in arms, family and friends during a remembrance ceremony at the post chapel.

Capt. Joseph M. Lang, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, fought back tears as he shared fond memories of Sgt. Siercks with the crowd.

“On the observation post ... they woke up in the bitter cold and it started to snow. They couldn’t see 10 meters in front of their faces and were warned, ‘This is when the enemy attacks,’” Capt. Lang said. “Sure enough, they did. As soon as 1st Sergeant heard the first shots fired, he jumped up, grabbed the air .50-cal and went running towards the fire to face the enemy.”

Sgt. Siercks died Sept. 28 of injuries he suffered in Logar province when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.

Other fond memories, such as crazy dares, brought a little laughter to a somber crowd.

“I have so many memories of Andrew (Tobin) it’s hard to pick just one to share with you,” said Sgt. Wayne Serge, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “I could stand up here for days talking about all the crazy things we did together. This one escapade really stands out in my mind. Last Halloween, Sgt. Tobin convinced me to dress up like a woman. I know this sounds crazy, but he could talk me into pretty much doing anything. ... Everywhere we went, innocent bystanders were taken aback by what they were seeing. It was pretty comical. We got free drinks all night.”

The soldiers honored Thursday “died doing what they loved doing,” Col. Urquhart said. “Serving their country in uniform as American soldiers defending its freedom and giving others a chance to be free.”