category: patriots/heroes  |  view all recent posts

"Big Andy" log

We like to keep up with what's going on at Pope Field, since that's where Mark was stationed. On March 15, 2013, Special Tactics operators from across Pope Field, N.C. took part in a 6 mile walk around the flightline carrying a log dedicated to a fallen comrade. The log, carved in honor of Staff Sgt. Andrew Harvell, is estimated to weigh 1,250 lbs. Harvell's nickname "Big Andy" is carved on one side of the log and his mantra "Victory or Valhalla" is carved on the other. Harvell was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.

Here is more text from the article:

"We have prospective students carry logs and poles to promote team work, motivation and pride," said Senior Master Sgt Scott Innis, Combat Control School Commandant. "After the pole was finished, the staff at Combat Control School decided that combat controllers should carry it before students. We went further and invited the 21st and 24th Special Tactics Squadrons to be involved, as Andy had been assigned to both during his brief career. We split the distance evenly around the flight line."

The journey around the flightline started and ended with the instructors from the Combat Control School and was passed to the special tactics squadrons along the route. The one rule for this trip was the log doesn't touch the ground again until it is back at the Combat Control School.

This is a great tribute to one of their fallen brothers and one of our nation's heroes.

You can read the article from the Pope Field web site here

You can also read the post about Andy and his team's loss here.

Honor and Remember

We were first introduced to this organization in Manteca, CA last Memorial Day as they presented the Honor and Remember flag to the family of a fallen hero. The flag was created as a symbol to universally recognize the American service men and women who never make it home. It does not replace the American flag. This organization was created by the father of fallen hero George Anthony Lutz II (Tony), after he was killed by sniper fire in Iraq on December 29, 2005. Since it's inception, their mission has been to create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.

They have momentum and are steadily growing, and also getting more and more sponsors. A representative told us there are two important aspects they stress: 1) our heroes did not die in vain, and 2) they will not be forgotten.

We encourage you to visit their site and see if there is a chapter near you. They are not in every state yet, but chances are you've seen their flag somewhere, or will soon.

Honor and Remember web site

Air Force Cross Exibit

Four bronze busts in the likeness of Air Force Cross recipients were unveiled during a ceremony honoring the Airmen at the Combat Control School at Pope Field, NC on December 6, 2012. The recipients were (notice the links to read more about their part in the Air Force's highest honor):

Capt Barry Crawford
Tech Sgt. John Chapman, KIA 4 March 2002
Staff Sgt Robert Gutierrez
Staff Sgt Zach Rhyner

Below are articles on the event:

Air Force News

Air Force Reserve Command

We personally know Barry and Robert--they served with Mark. Barry was one of the CCT's assigned to our family when Mark was killed. His job those 9 days was rough, but he took great care of all our needs.

These are great men. We recommend you read about each of them.

This display and the busts couldn't have been done without generous donations, and the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation.

"Letters for Logan" - book about Capt. Derek Argel

Capt. Derek Argel was killed in the line of duty on Memorial Day 2005 in Iraq. Within days of his death, letters began to arrive to his young 10 month-old son Logan. They continued to come from friends, colleagues of Derek's, other warriors, and even strangers. This book is compilation of some of those letters.

Immediately when I learned of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I never knew Derek, but since the CCT community is small, I knew of his sacrifice. Plus, I'd heard a small speech his mom had given to a large group in Washington, DC and appreciated her support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Deb described Derek as "larger-than-life" and I couldn't help but think of Mark since our mom describes him this way. Derek's story of mental and physical toughness, humor, and skill are inspiring in this book. I loved reading it and highly recommend. It highlights one of our nation's heroes and is written so that the reader wishes they could have met Derek. His relationship with his brother, John, reminds me of Mark and I growing up together.

And for those who have lost a loved one to war, you will more easily understand what Deb when thru--especially the days following the news of his death. Derek was a husband to Wendy, father to Logan, brother to John, and son to Deb. And from reading the many letters written to Logan, he was a friend to many.

We salute Derek for his service and sacrifice. We also salute Deb Argel-Bastian for her ability to compile this book and support the SOWF.

For an article and video about "Letters for Logan", click HERE.

To order "Letters for Logan", click HERE.

Derek with his son Logan.

Videos of Mark

The below video was put together by Doug Cole as a gift to Mark before he left for Basic Training at Lackland AFB in June 2007. A lot of fun times captured in this one.

Below are various pictures of Mark beginning in Basic Training, throughout the CCT pipeline, and while deployed.