Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army SPC Etienne J Murphy, Age 22 of Loganville, GA.
KIA May 26, 2017 Operation Inherent Resolve
After graduating from South Gwinnett High School, Specialist Etienne Murphy entered the Army at Fort Benning, GA in September 2013, where he completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) as an Infantryman. He was then assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.
After his initial service at Fort Drum, Specialist Murphy desired a greater challenge, so he volunteered for service with the Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment in October 2015. He attended the Army’s Basic Airborne Course and the rigorous Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) at Fort Benning, GA. Upon graduation, he earned the title of “Army Ranger” and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah GA, where he served as an Anti-Tank Gunner.
SPC Murphy’s military education included the Basic Airborne Course, the Combat Life Savers Course and Conbatives Levels 1 and 2.
In May 2017, SPC Murphy was deployed to Syria. On May 26 2017, he was in a vehicle rollover while conducting combat operations.
His awards and decorations include the Parachutist Badge, U.S. Army Expert Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Carbine, Army Achievement Medal with 3 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and Overseas Service Ribbon. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
RLTW!
We had a great 7.78 Mile walk today. We walked by the National Guard Armory and then we made a stop at the 9/11 Memorial. We then headed out to the Crossville City Cemetery and visited 10 of our Fallen Heroes. We then headed up town to the War Memorial Park. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today and I want to thank all who honked, waved, and Saluted in helping us honor this hero today on his birthday. We had 177 honks today. It was an amazing walk.
Army SPC Etienne J Murphy will not be forgotten !
