Around this time 15 years ago, Tiger field beamed its Friday night lights over the class of 2007 for the very last time. The summer heat was just beginning to make its way into town while Swainsboro High School seniors were eagerly anticipating their chance to make their way out and into the world. As their fight song, Eye of the tiger, played throughout the stadium, the teens ran to huddle together, threw their graduation caps into the air and as they fell like confetti, they took one more glance around at the familiar faces that they shared tiger trail with for the last 13 years.
The future was in their hands and in that moment, 18-year-old Dustin Wright knew where he was destined to be and decided to dedicate his life to fight for his classmates, his hometown, America, and the future of generations to come. So, in July of 2012, Dustin enlisted in the US Army where he attended Airborne School. After his graduation, Dustin began training with the special forces and in 2014, after completing the Special Forces Qualification Course, he was assigned to the third Special Forces Group (Airborne). In January of 2016, Wright was deployed to Stuggart Germany as an Operations Sergeant then to Special Operations Command Forward in North and West Africa. In that time, Dustin had earned the title as Staff Sergeant and obtained an extensive education that included basic airborne school, special forces qualification course, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape course, and the advanced leader’s course. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C Device, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Niger Cross of Valor with Star, Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge. On October 4, 2017, in Niger, West Africa, Army Special Forces were ambushed by ISIS and four American Soldiers lost their lives. One of the four was Staff Sergeant Dustin M. Wright. As ABC News gathered information about the soldier and began sharing it with the world, strangers from across America began to pray for his family and thank God for his sacrifice, while those right here at home remembered the small-town kid who grew up to be an American hero.
This Memorial Day, we hope that you remember the men and women like Dustin who have sacrificed their lives for your safety, as well as their families. Remember the quote by Daniel Webster that says, “Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” As Staff Sergeant Wright was transferred home one last time, a scene of Thank you was witnessed, Dustin, for your service and sacrifice and we continue to thank you and remember you as our hero, today!
We hope each of you have a safe and happy Memorial Day and remember those who fought and gave us the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May God Bless you all!
