As we observe RED Friday on August 2, 2024, we come together to honor and support our currently deployed U.S. troops. This tradition, which stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed,” serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who are far from home, ensuring our safety and freedom. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to these brave men and women and reflect on their courage, dedication, and the enduring legacy of past heroes.

In recent news, we’ve celebrated significant events and honored remarkable individuals who exemplify the spirit of service. One such hero is Marine Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher, whose legacy was immortalized with the christening of the future guided-missile destroyer, the USS Patrick Gallagher. This vessel symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Gallagher, who gave his life in Vietnam. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of our service members’ contributions and the importance of honoring their memory.

Our troops continue to face challenges and dangers in various parts of the world. Recently, the U.S. conducted a defensive airstrike in Iraq amid rising tensions, demonstrating our military’s vigilance and readiness to protect American interests and allies. This decisive action highlights the ongoing commitment of our deployed forces to maintain peace and stability in volatile regions. The bravery and professionalism of these service members are a testament to their dedication to their mission and country.

We also remember the extraordinary life of Retired Army Capt. Paul “Bud” Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient, who passed away at the age of 80. Capt. Bucha’s heroic actions during the Vietnam War, particularly during the reconnaissance-in-force mission near Phuoc Vinh, have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. His leadership, courage, and selflessness in the face of overwhelming enemy forces earned him the highest military honor. As we reflect on his life, we draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to his comrades and his country.

These stories of valor and sacrifice underscore the importance of supporting our currently deployed troops. Our service members rely on the backing of their fellow Americans as they carry out their duties in challenging environments. RED Friday is more than a tradition; it’s a pledge to remember and support those who serve on the front lines.

As we wear red today, let’s take a moment to think about the families of our deployed troops, who also endure great sacrifices. The strength and resilience of military families are vital to the morale and well-being of our service members. By standing together, we can ensure that they feel the support and appreciation they deserve.

In closing, let us honor our deployed troops by continuing to recognize their sacrifices and contributions. Through ceremonies like the christening of the USS Patrick Gallagher, decisive actions like the airstrike in Iraq, and the remembrance of heroes like Capt. Paul “Bud” Bucha, we keep the spirit of service and sacrifice alive. Today, and every day, we remember everyone deployed and stand united in our gratitude and support for the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Honoring a Hero: Christening of the Future Guided-Missile Destroyer Patrick Gallagher

Jul 29, 2024

BATH, Maine — With an Irish flag waving overhead and the soulful sounds of bagpipes filling the air, three sisters of an Irish-born Navy Cross recipient christened a new warship bearing their brother’s name on Saturday. The future guided-missile destroyer, Patrick Gallagher, is under construction at Bath Iron Works and commemorates Patrick Gallagher, an Irish citizen and U.S. Marine who heroically sacrificed his life in Vietnam.

In a heartfelt ceremony, Pauline Gallagher, one of Patrick’s sisters, addressed the crowd at the shipyard, sharing how the destroyer helps dispel her mother’s fear that her son’s memory would be forgotten. “Patrick has not been forgotten. He lives forever young in our hearts and minds, and this ship will outlive all of us,” she said, invoking the ship’s motto, a family sentiment: “Life is for living. Be brave and be bold.”

Pauline, along with her sisters Rosemarie Gallagher and Teresa Gallagher Keegan, christened the ship by smashing bottles of sparkling wine against its hull. As the ceremony continued, a Navy band played “Anchors Aweigh,” and colorful streamers filled the sky.

The event was rich with Irish influence. The Irish flag flew alongside the Stars and Stripes, a Navy band played the Irish national anthem, and bagpipes performed “My Gallant Hero.” Seán Fleming, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address, and a large contingent of Gallagher’s family and friends traveled from Ireland to honor his legacy.

Lance Cpl. Patrick “Bob” Gallagher, hailing from County Mayo, Ireland, moved to America for a fresh start and enlisted in the Marines while living on Long Island, New York. In July 1966, he threw himself on a grenade to save his comrades, tossing it into a river before it exploded. Tragically, he was killed in action on patrol in March 1967, just days before he was due to return home.

Teresa Gallagher Keegan, one of nine siblings, described her brother as a humble man who tried to keep his Vietnam service under wraps until he was awarded the Navy Cross. She poignantly recalled how his hometown was preparing for his return. “Ironically, the plane that carried my brother’s coffin home was the plane that would have brought him home to a hero’s welcome,” she said.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, another speaker at the event, noted that Gallagher was among more than 30 Irish citizens who lost their lives in Vietnam, calling the ceremony a “day of solemn remembrance as well as a day of celebration.”

Pauline Gallagher secured a promise from Rear Adm. Thomas Anderson that the ship would visit Ireland after its commissioning, ensuring her brother’s legacy would reach his homeland.

Despite the celebratory tone, the event faced some controversy. Outside the shipyard, police arrested nine protesters from organizations such as Maine Veterans for Peace and a pro-Palestinian group. The Bath Police Department reported that these individuals were blocking vehicles and trespassing.

The Patrick Gallagher, a 510-foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, remains in dry dock as construction continues. Designed for versatile warfare capabilities, it can engage submarines, surface warships, aircraft, and missiles, with the latest versions equipped for ballistic missile defense.

The christening of the future USS Patrick Gallagher serves as a lasting tribute to a brave Marine who gave his life for his comrades, ensuring his name and heroic deeds will not be forgotten.

U.S. Conducts Defensive Airstrike in Iraq Amid Rising Tensions

July 30, 2024

The U.S. military executed a defensive airstrike south of Baghdad, Iraq, targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWAUAS). According to U.S. officials, the strike took place in the Musayib area of Babil Province, responding to recent attacks in Iraq and Syria that posed a threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces.

Earlier reports from Iraqi officials indicated explosions in an area south of Baghdad, a known hub for Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella group for Iranian-backed militias. The PMF reported casualties from an unknown explosion.

This airstrike marks the first in Iraq since February, when a U.S. drone strike killed a leader of an Iranian-backed militia responsible for numerous attacks on U.S. bases. Recent weeks have seen a resurgence in attacks, prompting the U.S. to take defensive measures.

Unlike previous retaliatory strikes, this operation was pre-emptive, targeting militants preparing an attack. Such pre-emptive strikes are also common in Yemen against Houthi militants.

A U.S. official emphasized the commitment to protecting U.S. personnel, asserting the right to self-defense and readiness to act as necessary. Currently, there are 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria, supporting local forces against ISIS.

Iraq condemned the airstrike, describing it as “blatant aggression” and warning of potential escalation in the region. The Iraqi military reported several casualties among the PMF, urging legal and diplomatic measures to ensure Iraq’s security and sovereignty. The PMF, a key force against ISIS, suffered losses in three U.S. airstrikes targeting their headquarters in Babil Province.

Remembering Retired Army Capt. Paul “Bud” Bucha: A Medal of Honor Recipient

Retired Army Capt. Paul “Bud” Bucha, a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in West Haven, Connecticut, at the age of 80. A hero of the Vietnam War, Bucha’s life was marked by exceptional bravery and dedicated service.

Born on August 1, 1943, in Washington, D.C., Paul Bucha was the son of an Army officer. He grew up to become an All-American swimmer at Ladue Horton Watkins High School and was subsequently selected for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Graduating 18th in his class in 1965, Bucha embarked on a military career that would earn him the nation’s highest military honor.

The Medal of Honor was awarded to Bucha in May 1970 for his extraordinary actions during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Vietnam from March 16-18, 1968. As the commanding officer of Company D near Phuoc Vinh in the Binh Duong province, Capt. Bucha faced an overwhelming enemy assault on March 18. Demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety, he moved to the most threatened area to direct the defense, ordering reinforcements to support the lead element. When his men were pinned down by heavy machine gun fire from a concealed bunker, Bucha crawled through intense fire to single-handedly destroy the bunker with grenades, despite sustaining a shrapnel wound.

Realizing that his unit could not hold their positions against the enemy assault, Bucha ordered a strategic withdrawal to a more defensible location. Throughout the night, he continued to inspire and encourage his men, distributing ammunition, and directing artillery and helicopter gunship fire. In complete view of enemy snipers, he used flashlights to oversee the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel and to coordinate the resupply of his company. At daybreak, he led a rescue party to recover the dead and wounded members of his ambushed force.

After leaving the Army in 1972, Bucha became a prominent figure in business, veterans support organizations, and politics. He ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1993 but later served as a foreign policy adviser for former President Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch recognized Bucha’s passing, noting that until his death, he was Connecticut’s only living Medal of Honor recipient. Gov. Lamont stated, “Paul Bucha is an American hero whose service to our country inspired many, including those who went on themselves to make the selfless decision to enlist in the military. Following his military service, he went on to work with several organizations that provide services to veterans and the military community.”

Bucha’s legacy is one of extraordinary valor and unwavering commitment to his country. His actions during the Vietnam War exemplify the highest ideals of military service and sacrifice. As a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, he continued to inspire and support the military community throughout his life.

Retired Army Capt. Paul “Bud” Bucha’s story is a testament to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. His memory will continue to inspire future generations and remind us all of the profound costs of our freedoms.