Valley rallies for its military members

PALMER — The community of the Mat-Su Valley and some visitors united to remember the veterans and recognize one special fallen hero. On Friday, the Glenn Massay Theater hosted a special “Veterans Day Early Celebration.” In addition to the respects paid to the military men and women of the past and presently living, there was a special tribute for the recently fallen. Private First Class Hansen Bradee Kirkpatrick, a local Army soldier who died in Afghanistan over the summer. His family, friends and surrounding community gathered to lend support and pay respects. Colony High School JROTC students performed the Missing Man, table ceremony and a flag folding ceremony for Kirkpatrick. Two buglers, one older and the other younger, played “Taps” in unison. The theater slowly, somberly felt the respect and the gravity of service.

“That’s what we’re supposed to be doing, coming together and providing support,” said keynote speaker, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Before the service, Murkowski approached Kirkpatrick’s parents, Anngel Norkist and William Newnham. She opened her arms wide and said, “I hope it’s OK, I’m gonna’ give you a hug instead of shaking your hand.”

They talked for a while. She told them that if there was anything she could do to help, to ask.

“We’re getting through it,” Newnham said.

The organizer of the event and the emcee was retired Senior Master Sgt. Tom Spangler. He served more than two decades in the Air Force. At the beginning of the service, he called for a moment of quiet recognition for the veterans within the theater. They were asked to stand while they were thanked for their service. There were at least 20 veterans in attendance.

Kirkpatrick gave his life for his country the day before the annual celebration of its independence. Born on Oct. 10, 1997, Kirkpatrick was described as loving and caring. He was part of the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. He died on July 3, 2017.

“It’s good to see recognition for his sacrifice,” Norkist said.

Gene Horner and Peyton Moser played “Taps” for Kirkpatrick. Horner said that he played for the first Alaskan soldier to die in combat. He typically plays for retired vets who’ve died much older. It pained him to commemorate such a young hero, saying it was “heart wrenching.” He said that’s what every soldier signed up for, the risk of never coming back.

“We’re never gonna get off this,” Horner said. “You lose friends; that’s how it goes.”

According to his parents, Kirkpatrick “flip-flopped” for a while about joining the military, but once he got a taste for it, he was fully committed. They said whenever he had his mind set on something he committed 100 percent to it. He was in the Army for just over a year before he lost his life. This was a “reality check” for Moser.

“He’s only 2 years older than I am,” Moser said.

Moser was recently accepted into the Marine Corps Band, which nowadays, without a college background, is rare. He is also waiting to ship off to boot camp for the Marines. Horner has the Army in his veins, so he is sure to playfully harass Moser every chance he gets. The musical duo also plays in the Mat-Su Concert Band together. Moser said he sees Horner as a mentor of sorts. Like looking a mirror through time, Horner seemed proud to see the start of a journey he embarked on 50 years ago.

“He’s a lot better than me,” Horner said. “I’m an old has-been.”

Moser said that Veterans Day was a time to admire those who served before him and model his actions after theirs. He said that he looks up to them and wants to do great things just like they have.

“It’s good to see a community support its military,” Horner said. “Alaska is good about that.”

Horner noted that the venue was also ideal for the senior veterans. This event served as a warm and cozy place to gather. A long-standing tradition for the Valley’s veterans has been to gather at the Veterans’ Wall near the hospital. It’s always at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, on the 11th month. It’s very much alive this year as any other and shows no signs of slowing down. The event is outdoors in an Alaskan autumn, or a normal winter. Horner said the elements are especially harsh for the older attendees.

“The wall is gonna’ be cold tomorrow,” Horner said.

Following the classic and honorary melody, Colony High School JROTC students performed the Missing Man table ceremony. Five students came out one-by-one — each representing the different military branches — and set the table. The ceremony had several symbols including the empty chair representing the soldier who didn’t return, the white tablecloth to represent the soldier’s pure intentions, a slice of lemon to illustrate their bitter fate, a pinch of salt to symbolize the family’s tears, and so on. They also folded a flag with 13 stars to symbolize the original 13 colonies. They folded it 13 times, each fold has a symbol and in this ceremony, contained several famous quotes from past presidents, politicians, philosophers, and activists- ranging from George Washington to Martin Luther King Jr.

“I love and hate going to these things,” said Derek Heavener, Colony High School JROTC instructor, and retired Army First Sgt.

Heavener described the event as bittersweet. He mourned the loss of such a young local. He was also proud of his students for their hard work and excellent execution that afternoon. He was happy to see the community come together for the cause, something he’s always noticed they were good at around here. He also admired Spangler for his dedication to bringing these special services back, again and again. He’s seen the event grown from a crowd of 15 to 20 people outside to 100 or so packed in a theater with senators in the mix.

“The continuous effort Tom puts into this is incredible,” Heavener said.

There’s one word Spangler likes to use when describing this event — “grassroots.” He said like nowhere else he’s aware of, does a community support their military more than the Mat-Su and Alaska as a whole.

“I’ve lived in the Valley for 14 years,” Spangler said. “I’ve never met a community more supportive for the military. I feel embraced here. I feel respected here.”

Kirkpatrick’s father was wearing a shirt that said, “Some people only dream of meeting their hero. I raised mine.”