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 CAMP
ARIFJAN, Kuwait — It is the spirit of freedom soaring honorably as
the epitome of virtuous ideals and liberties so vigorously fought
for and defended. They are colors of purity, valor and justice
stitched together by the grace of the independence, equality and
allegiance that united a nation.
From its raising during the
battle of Iwo Jima, to its placement on the moon's surface at
Tranquility Base, to its flying above the rubble of the World Trade
Center buildings after the 9/11 attacks — the American Flag has
gloriously reflected American progress, pride and hope.
It is
a deep understanding and appreciation for Old Glory and the essence
of America that one noncommissioned officer at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait,
said has given him a sense of dignity and respect that he is intent
to share and spread.
“Staff Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton
(photo left) is
unapologetically patriotic, from his attitude to the clothes he
wears. He loves his country and it is evident in everything he does.
From carrying the flag during running events to having a vast amount
of professional knowledge and constantly taking care of people — he
exemplifies the American ideals,” said Pfc. Andrew M. Vice, a
satellite system communications operator/maintainer and one of
Thornton's Soldiers in 56th Signal Company, 54th Signal Battalion,
160th Signal Brigade.
As a platoon sergeant, Thornton makes it a priority to
encourage strong values and purpose in those put in his
charge.
“Pride is an essential part of leadership.
Without pride in what you do and who you belong to, you
become lethargic. I try to instill the pride I feel not only
in country, but in the unit and team, in my Soldiers so they
can spread it on to others,” said Thornton. “I encourage
them to get out to the various physical events around Camp
Arifjan that they feel they can't do. Soldiers need those
positive outlets and can learn that they are capable of far
more than they thought.”
Thornton, a native of
Hesperia, Calif., described his most notable act of
patriotism as carrying a large flag during running events.
He's completed about 40 miles with the flag in the five
months he's been in Kuwait.
“I feel that running
while carrying the flag not only inspires others to push
themselves a little harder, but also motivates me to
continue on. It's hard to slow down and nearly impossible to
stop when you are carrying the nation's colors,” said
Thornton.
During the second annual March for the
Fallen, hosted by the Pennsylvania National Guard, April
27-28, Thornton and his Soldiers completed a 28-mile relay
using an American flag as their baton.
“Carrying the
flag represented the values and freedoms that our fallen
comrades lost their lives defending,” said Thornton whose
team marched in honor of one of his friends, Spc. Ryan
Walker, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq.
Thornton added that he hoped the march would teach his
young soldiers a little bit more about those who have gone
before them. Thornton had his team fold and case the flag
carried in the march and sent it to Wounded Warrior Inc. in
Pennsylvania.
“I didn't really grow up patriotic. I
would say the catalyst was when I deployed during the
invasion of Iraq. The things that I saw really put things
into perspective and made me realize how truly great our
freedoms are. This was compounded by the humanitarian and
heroic acts I witnessed by my fellow soldiers,” said
Thornton who deployed with Third Infantry Division for the
invasion of Iraq in 2003 and deployed twice more to Iraq
during his 11 years of service.
Thornton helps his
community and further expresses his patriotism by
volunteering with the Warrior Brotherhood Veteran's
Motorcycle Club and leading the Kuwait chapter of Team Red,
White and Blue. Team RWB is an organization devoted to
enriching the lives of veterans through promoting physical
activity.
"I became involved with both organizations
because they support Veterans and do so while incorporating
two things I love; motorcycles and physical activities,”
said Thornton. “I just feel a deep sense of pride that,
despite our problems, the people always find a way to
overcome and become better. There are so many people that
truly care about others and are willing to put aside
differences to help their fellow Americans.”
His
respect for his nation and its colors has helped bring those
around him together with a stronger sense of purpose.
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Staff Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton, a platoon sergeant with 56th Signal
Company, 54th Signal Battalion, 160th Signal Brigade, carries the
American flag while running during the Team Rubicon and Team Red,
White and Blue sponsored 5K at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on May 18, 2013.
Carrying the flag during running events and volunteering with Team
Red, White and Blue are just a few ways Thornton reflects the
patriotism he wishes to share and spread to others. (U.S. Army photo
by Sgt. Ashley M. Outler, Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs) |
“Staff Sgt. Thornton reminds everyone that they are a
part of the finest country on earth and gets them pumped up
for America,” said Pfc. Matthew P. Mursewick, satellite
communications technician, 56th Sig. Co., 54th Sig. Bn.,
160th Sig. Bde. “I have seen it first hand, while running
with him and his beautiful flag; people cheering, saluting
and running to catch up. His patriotism is contagious. You
can see sheer motivation come out in other Soldiers just
because of his love for his country.”
Thornton's
soldiers also describe his intelligence, thoughtfulness and
approachability to be traits that make him respectable, but
all reflect the values instilled by strong American pride.
They are also the qualities that he raises daughter Alison
with.
“To me patriotism shouldn't be something that
you have because of a singular event for a few days or weeks
or only on holidays,” said Thornton. “If you are proud of
your country you should be proud of it all the time."
Article and photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Ashley M. Outler
Third
Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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