Today our ride was dedicated in honor of:
Army SSGT Richard Liam Berry, Age 27 of Scottsdale, AZ.
KIA Jul. 22, 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom
SSGT Berry is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
He served with the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.
He joined the Army in 2006 as a combat engineer. He had previously been deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division from September 2006 to November 2007 and Afghanistan from August 2009 to February 2010, also with the 4th BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, and was on his third deployment. Within a few months of an injury during his last deployment, he rejoined the Diablo & Sapper teams, and attended Airborne & Sapper Schools before going thru the Urban Master Breacher Course from which he was the honor graduate. Among his military awards and decorations were the Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart with Oak leaf cluster; Army Commendation Medal with four Oak leaf clusters; Army Good Conduct Medal with two knots; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Nato Medal with Bronze Star; Combat Action Badge; and Basic Parachutist Badge.
We had a great 23 Mile ride today. Our first stop was up town at the War Memorial Park and then we headed west and ended up out on Lantana Road and then we headed back towards main street and worked our way to the 9/11 Memorial. We then headed back up town to present colors for the car show. We had an amazing day. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 17 honks today. Thank you !
Army SSGT Richard Liam Berry will not be forgotten !
