JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Marines, family members and friends gathered to honor the sacrifice of two fallen heroes during dedication ceremonies held Oct. 19, 2013, here.
The hangars belonging to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA 773) and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMH-772) were dedicated to Lt. Cols. David S. Green and Franklin P. Kolbe Jr. respectively.
Greene, a Camden, N.Y., native, was a member of what is now known as HMLA-773 when he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.
Greene was killed by enemy fire during an armed reconnaissance mission after five months in Iraq and flying nearly 80 combat sorties.
Kolbe, a Doylestown, Pa., native, served in Vietnam in the 1960s and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 27 Navy and Marine Corps Air Medals and the Purple Heart.
Kolbe died in 1981 during an aircraft mishap aboard the USS Guam while serving as commander of what is now known as HMH-772.
"It's truly an honor on the behalf of the Marine Corps to dedicate these hangars [to] Lt. Col. Greene and Lt. Col. Kolbe," said Marine Aircraft Group 49 commander, Col. Robert T. Tobin. "Their lifetime of accomplishments, leadership and combat bravery are an inspiration to all of us and will serve as an enduring legacy for all of us to live up to."
The names of Lt. Cols. David S. Greene and Franklin P. Kolbe Jr. now grace the sides of HMLA-773 and HMH-772 hangars respectively, complemented with plaques noting their service and sacrifice.
"Putting letters on a building is no recompense for losing a husband or a father or a son or a brother," said retired Marine Col. Karl F. Frost. "I hope at some level, [families] can appreciate that this is the way we express [our appreciation]."
Family members, friends and Marines who had served with Greene and Kolbe were also invited to speak during the ceremony, sharing memories.
"My family is honored to be here today," said Sarah, Greene's wife. "We are humbled that the Marines want to honor Dave's memory in this way. I hope that Dave's life serves as an example to future generations of Marines to continue to strive to uphold honor, humility and grit.
"This building doesn't represent just him, but all who serve, have served and all who have sacrificed," Sarah continued. "May the Marines who work in this building be safely returned home if there is a call to arms; and if they are not returned home, may they be so lucky that their legacies be more about pride than sorrow."
The MAG-49 commander also looked to the future, hoping the actions of these heroes serve as an encouragement to generations of Marines to come.
"As we look into the future, Marines for decades to come will muster here, they'll train here and they'll deploy from here," said Tobin. "[They will] not only know the sacrifices of those who went before us but will also be inspired by the examples Lt. Cols. Greene and Kolbe set as leaders of Marines; passionate human beings; well-loved sons, fathers and brothers. We will not forget. We honor their lives; we will always remember them and we will forever be grateful to their families."