Drummer Lee Rigby, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Drummer Lee Rigby killed in Woolwich incident
23 May 2013
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce
that the soldier killed in yesterday's incident in Woolwich, South East
London, is believed to be Drummer Lee Rigby of 2nd Battalion The Royal
Regiment of Fusiliers (attached to the Regimental Recruiting Team in
London).
The soldier’s details are being released pending formal identification from the Metropolitan Police Service.
Drummer Lee Rigby or ‘Riggers’ to his friends was born in
July 1987 in Crumpsall, Manchester. He joined the Army in 2006 and on
successful completion of his infantry training course at Infantry
Training Centre Catterick was selected to be a member of the Corps of
Drums and posted to 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (also
known as the ‘Second Fusiliers’ or ‘2 RRF’).
His first posting was as a machine gunner in Cyprus where the
battalion was serving as the resident infantry battalion in Dhekelia.
Having performed a plethora of tasks while in Cyprus, he returned to the
UK in the early part of 2008 to Hounslow, West London. Here, Drummer
Rigby stood proudly outside the royal palaces as part of the battalion’s
public duties commitment. He was an integral member of the Corps of
Drums throughout the battalion’s time on public duties, the highlight of
which was being a part of the Household Division’s Beating Retreat – a
real honour for a line infantry Corps of Drums.
In April 2009, Drummer Rigby deployed on operations for the first
time to Helmand province, Afghanistan, where he served as a member of
the Fire Support Group at Patrol Base Woqab. On returning to the UK he
completed a second tour of public duties and then moved with the
battalion to Celle, Germany, to be held at a state of high readiness for
contingency operations as part of the Small Scale Contingency Battle
Group.
In 2011, Drummer Rigby took up a recruiting post in London where he
also assisted with duties at the regimental headquarters in the Tower of
London.
An extremely popular and witty soldier, Drummer Rigby was a larger
than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known,
liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers. He was a passionate and
lifelong Manchester United fan.
A loving father to his son Jack, aged 2 years, he will be sorely
missed by all who knew him. The regiment’s thoughts and prayers are with
his family during this extremely difficult time. ‘Once a Fusilier,
always a Fusilier’.
Drummer Rigby's family issued a statement on Thursday, saying: "Lee
was lovely. He would do anything for anybody, he always looked after his
sisters and always protected them. He took a 'big brother' role with
everyone.
"All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy, was be in the Army.
"He wanted to live life and enjoy himself. His family meant
everything to him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and
uncle, and a friend to many. "
My heart is with all who know and love this fine young Hero.. Always remembered. ALWAYS honoured.
Not everyone who could be considered a hero has fought for their country. Paul Gleason, a retired history teacher, has never worn the uniform but in 1965 he wrote his first letter to a soldier, a student of his that joined the Army, and has since written more than 10,000 letters. He can been seen at Burger King just about everyday writing three letters, 15 handwritten pages, to active duty and veterans.
You can read more about Paul Gleason here and here
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To LookThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
From the DoD: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Issues Armed Forces Day Proclamation
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has
marked Armed Forces day by expressing gratitude to service members,
military families, and veterans who keep this nation strong and safe.
Here is the text of his proclamation:
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for all Americans to express their gratitude to service members, military families, and veterans who keep
this nation strong and safe.
In 2013, we mark the twelfth consecutive Armed Forces Day with our nation at war – the longest period of
sustained combat in our history, fought entirely by volunteers who made
the courageous choice to answer the nation’s call.
President Harry Truman, who proclaimed the nation’s first Armed Forces
Day, once said: “America was not built on fear. America was built on
courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at
hand.”
That courage, imagination, and determination comes from ordinary
citizens like you who have stepped forward to do extraordinary things
throughout our nation’s history.
To all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen: take pride – not only on Armed
Forces Day but every day – in the uniform that you wear and the patriotic duty you perform. You are striving to make a difference and
leading purposeful lives. You are part of a force that is admired and respected both at home and abroad. Remember that there is no challenge
that cannot be met through the shared determination of the world’s greatest military.
To the husbands, wives, sons, daughters and loved ones of our service members: Armed Forces Day is also a day to recognize the considerable
sacrifices you make every day, and for this nation to reaffirm its commitments to you. You too have made our nation stronger and safer.
To our nation’s veterans: thank you for the service you gave to this
country and for the support that you give our men and women carrying on
your legacy today.
As Americans take this Armed Forces Day to reflect
on what the military has meant for this country, I hope they also find
new ways to show their admiration and respect for all those in our
military family.
Words of thanks and support will never be enough to repay the debt that this nation owes its patriots.
On May 17, 2006, Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard gave her life while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Aged 26 and from Calgary, Alberta, a proud member
of the 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Shilo, Manitoba), the captain was killed during a ground offensive in Afghanistan.
She was the first Canadian female soldier killed in combat.
Captain Goddard arrived in Afghanistan in January 2006, and had been serving with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry as a ForwardObservationOfficer at the time of her death; her parent unit was the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. A Lament for Captain Goddard
The firefight in the Panjwaye District was part of a joint two-day operation between Canadian and Afghan troops, to secure Kandahar's outskirts after a rumor of Taliban preparations to launch an assault on the city. As troops were moving into a mosque to capture 15 alleged Taliban members, several dozen hidden militants began firing from neighbouring houses.
As a crew commander, Goddard was standing half-exposed in her LAV III, which was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades early in the battle. The battle lasted most of the day on the 17th and into the night, and ended shortly after an American B-1 Lancer dropped a 225 kg bomb. In the end, the two-day operation saw Goddard, an Afghan National Army soldier, and 40 Taliban killed, as well as approximately 20 Taliban captured.
Lt. Alan Wood
90 years old from Sierra Madre, Ca.
May 3, 1922 - April 18, 2013
Alan Wood didn't run into a burning building to rescue someone. He isn't credited with charging into the line of fire or piloting a damaged plane to save the crew. But he did play a role in what has become one of the most iconic images of all time.
After nearly a month of heavy fighting U.S forces were able to capture the island of Iwo Jima. A flag was raised to seal the victory. When asked is anyone had a larger flag it was Lt. Wood who was able to provide one and a picture that has come to symbolize the sacrifice and heart of the military was taken. On April 18, Alan Wood passed away at the age of 90.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To LookThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Alan Wood didn't run into a burning building to rescue someone. He isn't credited with charging into the line of fire or piloting a damaged plane to save the crew. But he did play a role in what has become one of the most iconic images of all time. 
