1
a Kasal
Photo by Lucian Read, WPN. Nov 13, 2004. 1stSgt Kasal of Weapons Co., 3/1, being assisted from the house where action took place.
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2
b
Kasal (in wheelchair) attends Memorial Dedication of 3/1 on May 5, 2005. Frank Albano, Marine vet of C-1-1 in Korea, talks to Kasal.
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c
Photo by former Marine John Wintersteen, of 3/1 homecoming April 1, 2006. Kasal with cane.
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Just prior to Kasal ceremony formation taking place on grinder. Host unit is Assault Amphibian School Bn, Camp Del Mar (Pendleton).
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Stands begin to fill for start of ceremony. Large contingent of 3/1 Marines on hand to pay respects to Kasal.
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Amtracks of host unit frame the parade deck where ceremony will take place.
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Ceremony formation includes manned Amtracks.
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1stSgt Brad Kasal takes place on the command, "Person to be decorated, front & center!"
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L/R, SgtMaj Harrell, LtCol D.L. Reeves, & MajGen Michael Lehnert prepare to present award of the Navy Cross to Kasal.
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MajGen Lehnert pins the Navy Cross to Kasal's uniform.
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MajGen Lehnert addresses audience, notes Kasal represents accurate definition of "hero," even though he can predict that Kasal will deny that status.
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Kasal, after decoration, listens to MajGen Lehnert's comments.
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Kasal's turn to acknowledge the award and express appreciation to Corps, family, comrades & friends.
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Kasal made particular note of his 3/1 comrades who served with him in Iraq and thanked them for their presence this day.
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Following decoration and comments, Kasal was promoted to SgtMajor, reenlisted, and took the oath.
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Formal ceremony concluded, time for Kasal to accept personal congratulations and well wishes from all those present.
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Marines of all ranks and duty stations took turns to shake hands.
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Kasal patient and outgoing with every greeter.
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Marines from the ranks warmly greeted and chatted easily with the SgtMajor.
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Kasal received greetings from many Marine vets from 3/1 and other units in the 1st Marines.
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Close friends in abundance were included in the crowd of well wishers.
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A bit of hero worship evident among the young in attendance.
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Kasal never rushed his Marines during the lengthy greeting session.
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Marine veterans from WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam waited as long as it took to take Kasal's hand.
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Warmth and interest demonstrated in every greeting.
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The Sergeant Major looks around and recognizes that he has greeted the last person in line.
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As event nears end, Kasal visits with fellow 1st Sergeants of 3/1, Moran and O'Loughlin.
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28
Kasal text
The Navy Cross citation.
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