MORGANTOWN — On May 19, 2002, Gene Vance Jr. was the first West Virginian service member to lose his life in the War on Terror. A member of the Army National Guard, he served in one of the first units sent to Afghanistan.
He saved the lives of two Americans and 18 Afghani soldiers, although he was critically wounded.
Saturday, he was remembered for his bravery and sacrifice.
In a commemorative ceremony honoring all of those who have served in the military, Morgantown celebrated its 7th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day in the Monongalia County Courthouse Square.
Gene Vance Jr. Day began in part because of his brother-in-law, Michael Minc, founder of The Gene Vance Jr. Foundation. The foundation offers resources to those catastrophically injured in combat.
The day started out with live music, followed by an honorary ceremony. The master of ceremonies was Command Sergeant Major Dennis Riggs. Opening the ceremony was the Posting of Colors by the West Virginia Army National Guard, and the singing of the National Anthem by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samantha A. Wolfe. Pastor Shelly Barrick Parsons lead the group in prayer.
Parsons talked about the servicepeople who are serving today, far away from home, and those families who have lost someone they love in the service. Also, those who show wounds of war, visible and invisible. She then led the crowd into “A Global Moment of Silence.”
At 11:11 a.m., the crowd took a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the military.
“Let us take a moment to observe silence in gratitude for the lifetime of freedom we enjoy for the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the armed forces,” she said.
Representatives from all levels of government came to commemorate the military heroes of West Virginia. Mayor Bill Kawecki read the Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day Proclamation. Barbara Fleischauer also presented a citation from the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Also making remarks were representatives from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s and Shelly Capito’s offices, as well as a representative from Gov. Jim Justice’s office.
Stephen Riffon, interim director of WVU Veteran’s Affairs, and also representing President Gordon Gee, honored the troops and said in the face of constant fire and imminent danger, those who serve the country continue to press on.
“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us,” he said, quoting Winston Churchill.
Command Sergeant Major Phillip R. Cantrell of the Army National Guard thanked Vance’s family for continuing to carry his torch. As a soldier, he thanked family and friends for commitment and support to keep those in service motivated to accomplish missions and continue to serve.
“It’s days like today, and events like today that keep us in the uniform and make us want to serve and be a part of this organization,” Cantrell said.
After a reading of the “Names of the WV Fallen,” the Laying of the Wreaths closed the day’s ceremony. The City of Morgantown, as well as several chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, participated.
Jane Larke, WVDAR, state organizing secretary, and Joan Gibson, regent of the Woodburn Chapter, presented Vance’s mother with a Gold Star. Gibson presented it as a token of their affection, and acknowledgement of her great sacrifice and loss, Lark said.
“We hope that she will wear it proudly,” she continued.
After concluding the commemoration, bike riders gathered to participate in the Freedom Ride, Run, and Walk. The ride included a 26 mile round trip to Masontown, as well as a candle lighting and prayer. This supports a fundraising effort for the the Freedom Monument Community Project so that ultimately the city will erect a statue of Vance and another soldier, USMC Rob Jones, carrying the Torch of Freedom.
Michael Minc, founder of The Gene Vance Jr. Foundation, said his family and organization were honored at the privilege bestowed upon them by the West Virginia Army National Guard, The City of Morgantown, and the Great State of West Virginia. He said we should never forget the devastating cost in human life of protecting individual freedoms and the American way of life.
“Perhaps, in some small way, coming generations will be inspired by the fact that only through real community contribution do we leave behind a better world than we found it,” he said.
