(CRANE) – Several family members, friends, military personnel from Indiana and throughout the country attended the building dedication of Lance Corporal Alec R. Terwiske.
Almost six years and eight months now have passed since the Dubious County native gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country. In the opening prayer of Father John Boeglin who seen Alec born, and in death opened with the prayer and acknowledging there is no greater love for a person to “Lay down his life for God, Family, and Country.”
Commander Timothy J. Powers makes opening remarks.
Lance Cpl. Alec R. Terwiske was killed in action on September 3, 2012, by an improvised explosive device while in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan. As part of a route clearance company, Lance Corporal Terwiske regularly ventured into harm’s way.
The morning of the fateful day, Lance Corporal Terwiske was providing overwatch when his fellow Marines came under enemy fire. He engaged and eliminated multiple hostile threats before his vehicle moved to protect further his unit triggered a buried improvised explosive device, killing the 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Terwiske was born July 6, 1991, to Alan and Sandy ( Eckert) Terwiske.
He was a 2000 Dubois High School and enlisted in the Marines that same year. Throughout the morning there were numerous testimonials from fellow Marines who brought laughter, loyalty, compassion to those who knew him and exemplified what it means to be a Marine.
His mother in her remarks told the audience that she intended to keep the comments short, but wanted to thank those who tried to keep her son’s memory alive. The words Thank you is not enough, but wanted to express the appreciation of the support given to her and the family. She had a bracelet that she wore, and she later then gave that to Senator Todd Young. During the State of the Union address this year, that bracelet was the given to the Commander in Chief
President of the United States Donald Trump.
Senator Todd Young in later remarks talked of how that bracelet was more than just a bracelet but offered him a perspective. A perspective on what matters in life. How are those, who fight for our alienable rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness? How the issues that we consider life and death may not always be life and death. However, Cpl. Terwiske did give the ultimate sacrifice for his country. This building that we dedicate today will soon decay and no longer exist. But the sacrifice the Lance Cpl. Terwiske will always live on.
Throughout the ceremony the speakers, from Fredrick Street, Major Christopher Kim, Colonel and Colonel Andrew Niebel who talked of his courageous attributes, but a friendly, and smiling friend who cared for those around him. There is no absence of fear in courage, however Cpl. Terwiske was described as a gentle giant, not a child, but a warfighter, a true warrior and distinguished himself from the rest.
It was also noted that other branches of the military were represented the day Cpl. Terwiske was gravely injured. From the Air Force to move him out of harm’s way, Navy Corpsman to treat him, Army medivac who treated him, and prepared him for flight, and the fellow marines who cradled him to he were flown out.
A testimonial was given the first time Lance Cpl. Stephen Martinez first met Terwiske in Camp Pendleton California, most already had completed their training and ready to head out. Martinez sitting in a corner and Terwsike just gave him a big wave. Later, with that big smile of the 6-2 soldier, he came over and introduced himself. “Hi my name is Martinez, and he said my name is Wiske.” From that time on a friendship was ensued.
Senator Mike Braun reflected on the dedication of the many men and woman from Dubois the town, was dedicated to serving the military including his father who signed up for World War II.
The city of Dubois lost three due to war, two killed in action, and one passing following complications of war. He stated there was more who served in the war per capita in the State of Indiana, from the town of Dubois.
During today’s ceremony, many from Dubois made their way up to pay tribute to their comrade and friend.
Sandy Terwiske departs the ceremony today with Terwsike’s brother Brent
His brother following the ceremony told 1340 WBIW he was pleased with the large turnout that came and honored his brother.
“One of the favorite memories of my brother was teaching him how to drive,” Brent said.
The ceremony concluded with the Marine’s Hymn played by the Northeast Dubious High School Band.
“THE MARINES HYMN”
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shore of Tripoli:
We fight our country battles in the air, on land and sea:
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of the United States Marine.
Our flags unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun:
We have fought every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here health to you and our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many strifes, we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By the United States Marines
