Our President

The war on terror struck close to home this past month, a soldier, a neighbor, died due to injuries from an improvised explosive device. Army Specialist Dennis James, Jr., 21, of Deltona, was in the same branch of service as me.

It’s unsettling that a young man, who went to school just a few miles away, is gone. I did not know him personally. James was a former student at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona; he played football and basketball and was a member of the track team. I drive past the school daily on my way to the office, and my thoughts often stray to the war.

Dennis James joined the Army in June, 2008. After basic training, he was sent to Fort Polk in November, 2009. James deployed with his unit in October, 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and served in Wardak province. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. James had been a soldier for more than three years and served in Afghanistan for more than 10 months, according to the Army’s Public Affairs Office at Fort Drum, NY.

Although, it was a short career, James was an inspirational individual. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge.

Deserving respect was bestowed by the State of Florida. It happened because Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation that included Deltona Mayor John C. Masiarczyk, Sr. The part I found pertinent was, “All State and National flags shall be flown at half-staff at the County Courthouse of Volusia, Florida, and the City Hall of Deltona, Florida, on October 4, 2011, in honor of Specialist Dennis James, Jr.”
Later, a somber and dignified Arrival Ceremony was held for Specialist James at Nellis Air Force Base inLas Vegas on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The personnel did a noble job in transferring the flag draped coffin from the military plane to the waiting hearse, giving it a tribute worthy of this fine young man.

He is survived by his aunt and uncle. All of the above information, a photo, and the Governor’s proclamation are proudly displayed in a beautiful Veterans Park and Museum in Deltona. The organization goes by the acronym VCEP, which stands for Volusia County Educational Partnership. This intimate museum is within walking distance of my home and well worth a visit. If you are in the area, I suggest you take a few hours and enjoy an afternoon at the museum honoring this young man and many more like him.

Steve Kirk

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