Fallen soldiers should not be forgotten and their memorials should be eternally maintained. This sentiment is shared by many, both on and off Fort Stewart.
Thus, the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee, GeoVista Credit Union, area veterans and soldiers collaborated in replacing worn brigade flag markers at Warriors Walk with new ones Wednesday. The new metal markers were placed at the foot of the 241 eastern redbud trees planted along the walk that borders Cottrell Field.
“This will serve as a lasting reminder of our soldiers who served so valiantly,” said Fort Stewart Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James Ervin, as he thanked those who participated in the project.

Ervin said committee members and GeoVista Credit Union representatives approached the installation and expressed a desire “to do something” for the 3rd Infantry Division and Warriors Walk. Ervin then contacted the 92nd Engineer Battalion, “the Black Diamonds,” with a request to weld the metal brigade flag markers.
The new markers have the Marne symbol on one side and the fallen soldier’s unit symbol on the other. This will help family members and visitors more easily locate a particular memorial on Warriors Walk, Ervin said.
“The units had provided the cloth (flag markers) for the memorials. After a while, the cloth didn’t withstand the weather as well,” said P.J. Schneider of the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee. Schneider said Fort Stewart officials suggested the committee help with replacing the worn markers.
“We collected the funds,” he said. “GeoVista stepped up and picked up the cost for half the (markers).”
“Last year we donated over $3,000,” said Mary Hancock, GeoVista spokesperson. “This year we donated over $3,000. The dollar amount is not important. What is important are our soldiers and their families.”
Schneider explained this is the second time the committee and GeoVista have helped with Warriors Walk metal markers. The first effort resulted in 137 markers, he said. More than twice that number of markers was produced this time.
Spc. Evan Hite and Spc. Americo Sedillo of the 92nd Engineer Battalion were asked to weld the 450 metal markers. Extra markers were made for future use.
“I felt pride in the work that we did,” Sedillo said. “It’s kind of depressing but at the same time it’s important to remember the soldiers.”
“It’s very important for the families that these areas are well maintained,” Hite said.
The two soldiers put in long hours on the project. In fact, they labored over the metal markers while their battalion trained in the field last month. The 92nd Engineers are scheduled to deploy to Iraq in April.
“We worked from 5 a.m.-7 p.m. every day for two weeks,” Hite said.
The young Army welders agreed Warriors Walk should be cared for year-round, not just during the holidays.
Warriors Walk will receive added holiday greenery during the annual
wreath laying ceremony slated for noon on Saturday, Dec. 12.