“A soldier has transformed a gift from Chrysler’s “Honor Those Who Serve Initiative” into a tribute to his fallen comrades in Iraq. In a ceremony at Fort Lewis Military Reservation in Pierce County, Washington today, Army specialist (Spc.) Michael Gallagher received a custom painted 2008 Jeep Liberty from Chrysler and Operation Gratitude. Gallagher was serving in Iraq earlier this year when he received the 300,000th care package from Operation Gratitude, containing keys to the vehicle. Gallagher decided to turn the gift, donated by Jeep as part of the “Honor Those Who Serve” initiative, into a mobile memorial to his lost friends by designing a mural for the hood, which was then custom painted by Chrysler. It reads:
“In Memory Of The Fallen Heroes Of Alpha Company 2.23 Infantry. You Will Never Be Forgotten. R.I.P Joseph Landry III, Donald Valentine 11, Nicholas Olson, Luigi Marciante Jr., Jason Lemke.”
Following the presentation, 4,000 soldiers who recently served in Iraq took part in a special brigade redeployment ceremony.”
More information and video after the jump
Happy 4th of July everyone! Please take a moment to remember all our brave, young men & women who are out fighting overseas while you’re enjoying the long weekend.
