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Bronze Star recipient is parade grand marshal
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| By: THERESE APEL, DAILY LEADER Staff Writer |
November 05, 2009 |
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Each year, Christmas decorations include the Christmas star. This year's Brookhaven Christmas Parade will honor a man who is decorated with a star of his own.
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This year's grand marshal for the parade is Chief Petty Officer Brian S. McGee, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, received the Bronze Star for actions in Iraq in which he helped capture high-ranking al-Qaeda militants, train Iraqi Army personnel and save the lives of fellow Americans and Iraqi soldiers and civilians.
"Brian came through Alexander Junior High School years ago when I was the assistant principal - I've known him and his family forever," said Parade Chairman Rita Rich. "He loves the military, he loves that life, he loves to serve his country, and that's why he's made a career of it."
The Christmas Parade takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, with the Fire Brigade starting at 6:45 p.m.
Rich said the theme of this year's parade, "Onward," which is actually a shortening of the phrase "Onward Christian Soldiers," is a tribute not only to McGee, but to the men and women of the military past, present and future.
"We're proud to honor him in this way," she said. "We're proud of all the men and women that serve our country."
McGee, who wore a 2004 Brookhaven High School state championship T-shirt under his uniform and body armor during much of his tour in Iraq, was a part of more than 30 operations, leading raids, fighting in battle, neutralizing explosive devices and training Iraqi soldiers. He also served as an adviser and leader for Iraqi Army units, as well as being attached to Army Special Forces elements while he was on tour from December 2007 to December 2008.
Army officials said McGee's service was "nothing short of exemplary," and awarded him the Bronze Star for several acts. McGee's units captured approximately 100 insurgents, including two High Value Targets; destroyed dozens of weapons caches, explosive devices and enemy vehicles; and cleared and patrolled villages almost daily. McGee even personally stopped a suicide vehicle by manning a machine gun at the rear of his unit's advance.
He also served as a Navy corpsman, where he worked to save lives. As a medical adviser to Iraqi Army units, McGee developed a Trauma Combat Casualty Care training course and instructed more than 50 Iraqi medics.
McGee is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Rich said his higher-ups are letting him come home for the honor.
"His commanding officer has given him time off," said Rich, who added that she had tried to add one more finishing touch to the parade in McGee's honor.
"I called the Navy band and tried to get them scheduled," she said. "Unfortunately they couldn't come this year."
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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