MG Bromberg, BG and Mrs. Mann, BG Regan, Congressman Teague, our good friends from Alamogordo – Toots and John Green, Mrs. Savre, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mr. Hicks, COL Wicker, CSM Davenport, CSM Curry, CSM Daniel, Distinguished Guests, Community Leaders, Families and Friends of the 2d Engineer Battalion -
Good morning, and thank you for joining us on this fine New Mexican day…to witness the casing of the 2d Engineer Battalion’s Colors… to acknowledge the professionalism, commitment, and selfless service of these outstanding Soldiers…and to formally recognize the Battalion’s impending deployment to Afghanistan.
You know, it is said that the very soul of a unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fight - and in the battle streamers affixed to those colors, for they record the glories of the past, stand guardian over the present and provide inspiration for the unit’s future.
Our colors have been cased many times over the course of this great Nation’s history - our battle streamers proudly attest to the dedication, courage, and sacrifice - of the countless 2d Engineer Battalion Soldiers who have fought and died for the freedoms we hold dear. These colors -- and our Soldiers -- are about to embark on another historic journey, a journey that will add another chapter to the long and proud legacy of those who’ve gone before us, a journey in which we will do OUR part to help ensure the freedoms for the Afghani people.
In my mind, we’ve already made history….being the first deployable unit stationed at White Sands Missile Range…a test center for the past sixty-some years….and fulfilling our mission to stand-up and deploy within a short period of time. I believe we’ve been moderately successful…..a totally separate battalion, standing up, deploying the 573d Clearance Company to Iraq, and now the remainder of the battalion to Afghanistan, in record time on this relatively remote and austere installation, while at the same time being - I believe - a good neighbor, and a well-recognized and a well-respected organization on this post and in this community.
As a side note, I mentioned the 573d Clearance Company in Iraq. Many of you may remember and notice that this battalion is missing one company on the field before you. The 573d Clearance Company, with one third of this battalion’s combat power, deployed to Iraq in November of last year. They are doing a fantastic job and I am happy to tell you they’ve been curtailed and will be re-deploying at the end of July.
The past 18 months has prepared us well for the mission at hand, as we will deploy into a relatively remote and austere environment, figure out the various tribal dynamics and sheikdoms, navigate through the different NATO/Coalition command and control relationships and support structures, and execute to the best of our abilities.
The reason we are here, and the reason we are going to where we are going, is because the Army said “2E - YOU CAN DO IT!” And I am confident we did, we can, and we will.
I thank all those who’ve made our transition and life here a little easier….those who’ve supported and assisted us. You do not know how much of a difference that makes…how much those extra minutes or hours or days that could be better spent training and preparing our Soldiers for combat….how that extra time could save a life.
Over the past eight years … in every case … when the call came … our formations proudly took their turn … and the response of our Soldiers and Families has been incredible … truly humbling. Soldiers continue to enlist and reenlist … and continue to deploy when called … while our Families continue to stand by their sides.
The men and women standing before you today have answered the call. For some, this will be their third, fourth, or fifth deployment in the last eight years, for others – their first. Regardless of number, they stand ready to do their duty. And their Families take on the burdens that no one else can ever imagine, unless they’ve done it themselves.
I firmly believe that as difficult as it is to be a Soldier, it is infinitely more difficult to be the wife, husband, child, Mom or Dad who remain behind, who’s loved one is deployed. I ask that you look after our Families. Knowing they have support and their needs are met allows us to focus on our mission and come back safely. Please pray for us - and for them.
I also ask all of you to take a good look at the Sapper Steel Soldiers out on the field, and those standing, and those in the seats. Take a good look at their Families scattered throughout the seats and bleachers.… they too said “Send Me” … it’s my turn. They represent everything good about America. They volunteered and stand for the cause of freedom … they make our world more peaceful and our Nation more secure … and their families … both here today and across America also serve and also sacrifice in support of their Soldier and their Nation … so please join me in acknowledging these outstanding Soldiers and their Families.
I’d also like to recognize the veterans in attendance today, especially the Southern New Mexico Honor Flight members – the Yellow Jackets – for your service and sacrifice to our great Nation. You are the reason we are able to be here today.
Additionally, many of you may remember that our very own 2E Korean War Veteran’s participated in our Activation Ceremony in October of 2008, and also in our Burning of the Colors Ceremony on 30 November 2009.
We are grateful for the outstanding support we receive our Veterans, from White Sands Missile Range, and from the surrounding communities…and I know you will also appropriately welcome home the 573d Clearance Company Outlaws when they return in a few short months.
So as the remainder of Battalion prepares to head out the door … we rest easy knowing our Families are well supported and cared for here in Southern New Mexico, and we are fortunate to have White Sands, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and the surrounding communities safeguarding and supporting our Families and our rear detachment operations.
Before any deployment … casing the colors is a bitter sweet occasion where we prepare to leave our homes and loved ones … but also look forward to showing what this great team is capable of … and to getting on with the mission we have worked so hard and long to prepare for … just as the 2d Engineer Battalion fought with distinction in the Civil War, Spanish American War, the Philippines, the Mexican War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War on the DMZ on the Last Frontier of Freedom, … it’s now OUR TURN … again … to make a contribution … to earn our next battle streamer … and to continue building upon the 2d Engineer Battalion’s proud history of service to our Nation.
Sapper Steel! Stay Rugged! Army Strong!
Eugene "Gino" S. Piazza April 12, 1927 - July 3, 2010 Resident of Fremont Entered into rest on July 3, 2010 at the age of 83. Loving husband of 57 years to Mary Lou Piazza of Fremont. Beloved father of Mike Piazza & his wife, Katy, of England. Cherished grandfather to Nicola and Alexander. Caring brother to Anna Marie O'Connell of NJ, and Mario Piazza of NY. Eugene 'Gino' S. Piazza was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam earning the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. As a member of the Holy Spirit Parish in Fremont, he was a Fourth Degree 'Sir Knight' in the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Italian Social Club. He was also a member of the Columbo Club of Oakland. For most of the latter part of his life he was heavily involved in his Korean Veterans Association for the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion of the Second Infantry Division serving as its President for many years. He enjoyed the connections to friends and family that email and the internet afforded, as he was able to establish and maintain close contact with many of his former comrades in arms. He enjoyed the company of good friends, doting on his wife, his son, his grandchildren and his godson as well as working on his cars and pottering around the house and his garage. He will be deeply missed by his family and the countless friends and acquaintances he has made over the years. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, 6-8pm with a vigil at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, 94536. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, 94536. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. Fremont Chapel of the Roses 
