Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh, Age 33 of Oceanside, CA.
KIA Feb. 11, 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom
Army Sgt. Tainsh was assigned to Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, Louisiana, as a cavalry scout. He was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a mounted patrol. He was struck by shrapnel from a roadside bomb during an insurgent attack and died in the commander’s arms. He managed to fire 400 rounds from the top of his Humvee, saving his entire convoy before dying. Patrick lived in Oceanside, California from the age of 13 to 29 and graduated from El Camino High School. He joined the military in September 2000 at a relatively late age cause there were so many things to wanted to do and see first. He snowboarded in Colorado, surfed in California, but always knew he would join the military and make a career of it like his father. During his military service, Patrick received the following awards: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal. He also received a recommendation for the Silver Star for Bravery. Patrick’s death was especially painful for his family because he had overcome so much – drug problems and a rambling lifestyle to find his true calling.
SGT Tainsh is buried in Fort Benning Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, GA.
We had a great 6 Mile walk today. We walked by Holiday Hills lake and then headed up town to the War Memorial Park. We then made a stop by the Train Depot. We then headed back. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 123 Honks. It was amazing. Thank You.
Army Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh will not be forgotten !
