Memorial Day Remarks by Grant McGarry, 1st Ranger Battalion Veteran

Grant McGarry, 1st Ranger Battalion Veteran and Director of GallantFew's Darby Project gave these remarks in Smyrna Georgia the morning of May 25th, 2015 - Memorial Day 2015.  RLTW  km

Good Morning Everybody.

I would like to thank the members of the Smyrna VeteransCommittee, the American Legion Post 160 and the Veterans Memorial Associationof Smyrna for inviting me to speak at such an amazing event.  It is a true honor to have this opportunity on Memorial Day.

First, Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day.  Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.

Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War when an organization of Union Veterans established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. From 1775 to present America has lost over 664,440 men and women in combat.  When you add these Americans to lives lost due to complications from wounds, diseases and illnesses of war at a later date, America has lost 1,354,664 Men and Women.

Here are some but not all conflicts and wars America has fought in and the price to earn and preserve our freedom..

291,557 Americans were killed in combat in World War 2

33,686 Americans were killed in combat in the Korean War

47,424 Americans were killed in combat in the Vietnam War

18 Americans were killed in combat in the Invasion of Grenada

23 Americans were killed in combat in the Invasion of Panama

29 Americans were killed in combat in Somalia

1,742 Americans were killed in combat in Afghanistan

3,527 Americans were killed in combat in Iraq  

Some say the worst wound of war is to be forgotten. 

So with this opportunity I would like take a moment of silence to reflect and remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen and marines that have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live a life of freedom.

(pause)

That was one minute of your life that you gave them when they gave all.

Here is a little about me and my story. 

I was a senior in high school on 9/11 and I watched the twin towers fall in my 2^nd period Criminal Justice class. It impacted me and I was compelled to do something about it. So I went home that day and told my mom I was joining the military.  

She looked at me with a look that was somewhat ok with my decision but asked I go to college first. Then she followed up and said, “After College you can do whatever you want”. 

Unlike most of the decisions I made in my youth I actually listened to my mom and went to college. 

A few years later I was in my senior year at the University of Alabama when I realized that I was not happy and something was missing in my life. 

As I was preparing to graduate and start a new chapter in my life with a business degree it became obvious to me that I had reached an interesting place in my life.  I found myself in a situation that I didn’t want to be in.  I was not excited to start a career in a cubicle crunching numbers or selling widgets.  Like most young men and women I reached this point in my life because I was doing what was expected of me by my parents influence. 

As I started to process this information I had an outer body experience when I finally realized I was not living my own life.  Immediately I took action and started to plan my next move.  I didn’t seek advice from anyone because I wanted take charge of my own destiny. 

I had always thought about joining the military and knew I would be a great fit so I went about this thought quietly.  I was very intrigued and inspired by Pat Tillman’s story and coincidently I knew of a guy attending Alabama who was also an Army Ranger.  As I continued to think about joining the military I reached out to him with questions.  I quickly noticed there was something about him that I envied.  It was the way he stood and his self-confidence.

A few days later after staying up late studying for a Finance test I woke up early to get coffee on my way to the test.  The coffee shop was called Bad Ass Coffee.  As I waited for my order I watched the news and saw a quick shot of some action in Iraq with bombs and gun fire going on in an Iraq city I’d never heard of.  As I thought to myself about the military a feeling came over me that moved me.  I realized I hadn’t done anything for my country and that it was time to do what I thought was not only cool but honorable.  With this feeling of freedom I decided right then and there that I was joining the military.  I left the coffee shop and went to class and took my test.  With the war in Iraq still on my mind I drove to the Army recruiting station and walked in and asked the recruiter for the hardest thing he’s got.  He said, “I have an Army Ranger contract or an SF contract”.  I said, “What’s the difference”?  He said, “If you want to be hardcore and kill bad guys be an Army Ranger”.  I said, 

“Great! Sign me up”. The recruiter said, “Right now”. I said, “Yea before I change my mind”.  

Must have been that Bad Ass Coffee. 

After starting the process to enlist in the Army I drove home and it felt as though a thousand pounds had been lifted off of my shoulders.  I was finally doing what I wanted to do and it felt great. Before going home I stopped at a bookstore and bought a book called “To be an Army Ranger”. 

I went home and read the entire book that night.  The next morning I woke up threw all my books in my back pack and ran to class.  My lifestyle changed dramatically.  My friends no longer found me in the bars.  Instead I was either running to class or at the gym doing pushups, pull ups and sit ups.  When I ran into friends they asked why I would do such a thing; especially right before I graduate.  Some were saying don’t do it and others were not surprised.  There comments were just noise to me. I didn’t care what anyone had to say.  I had a goal and it was to become an Army Ranger.

After finishing up my degree a few months later I shipped off to basic training and never looked back.  I was full of piss and vinegar and chomping at the bits to get over to Iraq.  In just 2 months after arriving at the 1^st Ranger Battalion I finally got my wish and deployed to Iraq.  After three successful deployments to Iraq I deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader and was opened up to an entirely different style of fighting.  Instead of carrying the usual 4 mags and a grenade on a mission like in Iraq I found myself carrying 7-9 mags of ammo and multiple types of grenades. 

As we continued to surge in Afghanistan my platoon deployed in the summer of 2010 to Jalalabad Afghanistan for my second Afghanistan deployment.  It was Taliban hunting season and we were getting after it almost every night.  By this time I had over 300 direct action raid missions under my belt and was the senior team leader in the platoon when intelligence located a high valued target in the Pech Valley of the Kunar Province. 

The HVT was a Salafist commander and the leader of the Nuristan fighters, a sub network of the Taliban. The HVT was known for being an expert with IED’s, rocket propelled grenades and small arms attacks and always traveled with a PSD team of 2-3 armed men.  He was directly linked to events responsible for killing and wounding American soldiers and needed to be captured or killed so that a company of soldier’s in the 101^st Airborne operating out of the Pech Valley would be able to maintain operations in the Kunar Province.

After meticulous planning we flew into the Pech Valley and on the night of August the 18^th and 19^th.  The mission to capture or kill this specific HVT was a GO.  As cloud cover rolled in we lost our ISR platform and no longer had protection from above.  We still had each other but lost a critical element that aided in our own protection.  As my squad climbed onto a second story roof top preparing to make entry through a door an all-out gun fight erupted from directly above us on the 3^rd story rooftop. Grenades and small arms fire were pouring down on us.

Immediately Ranger’s Ethan Gronbeck and Chris Wright were wounded.  As the shrapnel from the grenades and AK-47 rounds were flying everywhere I could here Chris screaming I’m hit, I’m hit.  

Despite the two casualties there was a threat that needed to be eliminated, collectively as a squad we regained fire superiority and killed the HVT and his two man PSD element and pulled Chris to a safer place to treat his wounds.

What felt like an eternity only lasted a few minutes but I replay this moment over and over in my head everyday thinking about what I could have done better to protect Chris and Ethan. 

Chris Wright died a few hours later in surgery. 

Chris Wright was an amazing warrior and was cut from the same cloth as the warriors that scouted with Washington, fought shoulder to shoulder with Jackson, braved the redoubt with Grant, charged the beach at Normandy and climbed the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc.

Chris Wright was a warrior that did not fight for himself or glory he fought for his brothers to his left and right.  Even as Chris laid dying on the battlefield in overwhelming pain he never felt sorry for himself.  It still amazes me to this day how mentally tough Chris Wright was and the only thing I can think of is that he spent his last moments in strength, confidence and honor because he was with his brothers to the end and he knew he had never let anyone down. 

Chris Wright is a true American hero that lived the life that others wouldn’t dare volunteer for so that Americans may live a life in peace.  Before joining the Army Chris’s mom asked him, “Why do you want to join the Army?” Chris said, “So that I can keep my brothers safe.”

Let it not be forgotten that the price of Specialist Christopher Wright’s life and the other 1,354,663 lives lost since 1775 is the cost of our Country’s freedom today.

It is best said by Colonel William O. Darby.  "We the living Ranger, will never forget our fallen comrades.  They and the ideas for which they fought will remain ever-present among us.  For we fully understand the extent of their heroic sacrifices, we will carry their spirit with us into all walks of life.  Into all corners of America our hearts join together in sorrow for their loss but also our hearts swell with pride to have fought alongside such valiant men.  They will never be considered dead for they live with us in spirit."

Because of the wonderful lives lost during my time as a Ranger I have been driven to a greater cause and in memory of my brothers as a tribute to honor these men I have dedicated my life to a greater good on behalf of other Rangers to help facilitate a successful transition for Army Ranger veterans from active military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.

Rangers Lead the Way!

Thank you.

Grant McGarry

Learn more about Darby Project and GallantFew.

Darby Original, Ranger Hall of Fame Honoree Noel Dye Funeral 20 April in Bushnell Florida

WWII ARMY RANGER DARBY LEGEND AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE PVT 1ST CLASS RAYMOND NOEL DYE's 

final journey home will be on:

April 20, 2015 at 1400 (2:00 PM EST)

Florida National Cemetery ,6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513

(352) 793-7740

Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, United States Army Special Operations Command Deputy Commanding General will be attending, and will provide a testimony to the intestinal fortitude of Ranger legend Raymond Noel Dye, whose life of service was honored on April 9 at Fort Benning's Ranger Memorial.

Bio of a Legend

Dye joined the Army on Nov. 12, 1942 and shipped out to Oran, North Africa in April 1943. Upon arrival in North Africa, he answered Col. William O. Darby’s call for volunteers for the elite Ranger Force.  He served with F Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, and later with the 4th Battalion.  The success of 1st Battalion, known as "Darby's Rangers", in Operation Torch, and in combat actions afterwards, led to the formation of the five additional Ranger battalions, as well as the expansion of the Army Ranger program, a prelude to the historic legacy of the Rangers of today.

Ranger Noel Dye

“Ranger Dye saw many conflicts on foreign soil,” said Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, United States Army Special Operations Command Deputy Commanding General. “He served with distinction in combat through three invasions – Sicily, Salerno and Anzio, Italy.”  Dye was wounded four times according to his book, “Leading the Way”.  “Ranger Dye was a Ranger, and true to the Ranger spirit, no hospital was going to keep him from being with his Ranger buddies on the battlefield,” Chinn said.  “His adventures of being AWOL from hospital treatment, so he could shoulder more than his share of the task, are described in his book.”

Dye saw too much for a young Ranger still in his late teens. His adventures in war led him from one battle to the next; surviving a gunshot wound and a mortar shelling.  "Noel represented close traits to what many of you have seen in your ranks today where you can knock a Ranger down but he will keep getting up,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Greenway. “He has a life example we can all aspire to follow.”

One of the most tragic events of young Ranger Dye’s life was the death of his Ranger buddy, Charles Roby. “We all grow old fast in combat, and what took his breath away and a moment that was etched in his heart forever, happened on a cold November morning in 1943, when he saw his Ranger buddy, Charles Roby fall on the battlefield – killed in action,” General Chinn said.  Noel always talked about Roby every time we met; Roby was a true friend to him and I know they are together now in the Objective Rally Point with the Big Ranger in the sky.”

An excerpt from Ranger Dye’s memoirs:

“We made our way about two-thirds of the way across the field when we started taking a lot of small arms fire. We found as many low spots on the ground as we could for cover. As we lay on the ground, our packs and canteens were being shot off. The Germans then started with mortars. After the second shell, Sgt. Altieri had us sound off, in order as usual. No one had been hit. Sgt. Altieri then called us by name, two at a time to get across the last part of the field and into the woods. We ran toward the woods. Roby was heavier than me and carried a Thompson submachine gun with ammo. Roby was on my right as I ran past him and dove across the fence. The mortar barrage continued as I lay on the ground trying to catch my breath. I crawled back into the woods where it would be safe enough to stand up. I called out for Roby but there was no answer. I asked others around me, "Where's Roby?" No one knew. Finally someone pointed toward the field.”

“Ranger Dye’s military career was one of duty, honor, courage, loyalty, selfless service and determination to get the mission done,” Chinn said. “He fought alongside his fellow Rangers throughout Italy, Africa and other campaigns across foreign lands, enduring the cold winters of war.”

Chinn left the memorial attendees with a final thought at Fort Benning, Georgia, during Best Ranger Competition.

“When you look at the life of this great Ranger Hall of Fame legend, from the beginning of his life until the end; we have an inside view of all those wonderful moments he experienced - the lives he touched - the friends he made -  the Soldiers he served with. His epitaph will read, Raymond Noel Dye, born November 2, 1924 - March 8, 2015.  the dash in the middle of his birth and his death represents everything he did in this wonderful life he had. That little dash represents someone who was truly larger than life.”

Dye’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Dye is survived by his wife Theresa, son Richard Meyer, daughter Tondra Mineo and granddaughter Stephie.

Rangers Lead the Way!

For more on Darby WWII Ranger Raymond Dole, please visit
http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/rtb/rhof/index.html

Ranger Noel and Theresa Dye are personal friends, and I grieve with his family and the Ranger family.  These treasures are becoming more rare - not too far off there will be none remaining on this earth.  Find them and appreciate them while you can.  RLTW  km

Rangers Monger and Dye, 2011

GallantFew launches The Darby Project

GallantFew, Inc. announces launch of The Darby Project, Grant McGarry named as project director

 

Every Ranger veteran deserves a life filled with purpose and hope - and who better to help a transitioning Ranger veteran than another Ranger who has already transitioned?

The Darby Project matches transitioning Rangers with Ranger "Guides" - Rangers from the same unit, same military specialty, who have previously successfully transitioned and live in the same local area as the transitioning Ranger. This helps overcome isolation and leads to a smoother and more successful transition.

Elite US Army Rangers face unique challenges when transitioning. The characteristics that make them elite soldiers can prevent them from reaching out for assistance which in turn can lead to isolation and worse. The Veterans Administration tells us that 22 veterans take their own lives every day, and that veteran unemployment and homelessness remain unacceptably high.  

Grant McGarry

In conjunction with the launch of The Darby Project, decorated Ranger veteran, Grant McGarry, has been named as Project Director. McGarry served as rifleman to team leader in the 1st Ranger Battalion and transitioned from active duty to jobs with Triple Canopy and the Coca Cola Company, as well as starting a small business, Live the Ranger Creed. While working for Coca-Cola, Grant helped start the Coca-Cola Military Veterans Business Resource Group and was appointed the Atlanta Chapter President. Grant has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama and plans to start his master's degree in the fall.  

GallantFew's Executive Director, Karl Monger, said "McGarry is a well-respected Ranger veteran who understands the unique transition challenges this community faces. His energy and focus will result in a stronger bond between the active-duty Rangers and the Ranger veteran community, which will lead more Rangers to successful civilian lives filled with purpose and hope."

Rangers planning to transition (or still working through their transition) and Ranger veterans interested in becoming Guides should visit www.darbyproject.org for more information.  There, they will provide contact information and proof of service.  Following a brief interview, they will be identified as a Guide or a Future Guide (all transitioning Rangers will one day help another) and a transition plan of support will be established.

GallantFew is a nationwide charitable nonprofit organization established in 2010 and provides a "Revolutionary Veteran Support Network".  Other programs include The Raider Project, Run Ranger Run and Descendants of Sparta.  Contact info@gallantfew.org for more information.