New Additions To Fort Carson Warrior Memorial

A special ceremony Thursday morning to honor soldiers who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the global war on terrorism. Outside Gate One at Fort Carson off Highway 115, there’s nine stone tablets to honor these soldiers. This new group means the total of Fort Carson heroes is at 366 on the memorial stones.

Friends, family and fellow soldiers gathered to pay their respects to this group. Here is the list of men who were honored today. They include SSG Lex Lee Lewis, MSG Charles Levan Price, The Third, CPT Drew Edward Russell, CPT Joshua Sean Lawrence, SPC Christopher L. Mendonca, SSG, Allen Robert McKenna, Jr., SSG Daniel Joseph Brown, PFC Eric Daniel Soufrine and SGT Ken K. Hermogino.

Family didn’t want to talk, because they are still grieving their loved ones. Two Fort Carson soldiers did talk with me about their friends, mentors and fellow comrades in arms.

CPT Andrew Cairns wanted you to know more about his friend and roommate, CPT Drew Edward Russell. He said, “Drew was always playing with GI Joes while he was growing up. He always dreamed of being an Army man, joining the Army, being an Army officer and lead soldiers in combat.” Cairns said, “Drew’s sense of humor was priceless. He could provide levity during some pretty stressful situations.”

SSG John Hammill wanted you to know more about his former platoon leader and mentor, MSG Charles Levan Price, III. He said, “Charles would do anything for his soldiers, on duty and off duty.” Hammill added that, “In our line of work, in combat, we don’t know if we’re coming back day to day. We think about who we’re doing it for and why we’re doing it. A soldier goes out every morning doing it for his family, for his soldiers and to make sure his soldiers come back. If he has to give up his life to do it, he’ll do it.”