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SALT LAKE CITY — To some, this weekend's rivalry football game is considered a "holy war" or a "war on the gridiron battle field." But to Utah's top ranking military commander, such analogies trivialize the accomplishments of those men and women who wage war on true battlefields in service of the country.
"These are the true "band of brothers," said Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, commander of the Utah National Guard. "There's no comparison to a sporting event."
Tarbet was speaking Saturday at an awards ceremony honoring members of the 118th Engineer (Sapper) Company of the Utah National Guard during a Purple Heart ceremony at the Airport Hilton. The event recognized 18 soldiers who were injured during their recent deployment to Afghanistan where the Sapper Company performed route clearance missions.
The unit was responsible for locating improvised explosive devices along roads in combat zones. The 118th Sapper Company operated in and around Khost and Paktia Provinces in Afghanistan where the soldiers received wounds due to combat action in 2010 and 2011.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
Specialist Jeremiah Barnett, 22, of Plain City received two Purple Heart Medals for injuries sustained on May 9 and May 17. Despite suffering two concussions in just over a week, he said he felt fortunate to serve with his fellow soldiers to do a critical job that needed to be done.
This is an extraordinary group of young people. Everyday they were in danger or harm's way. I'm very, very proud of them.
–- Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, commander of the Utah National Guard
"Your mindset when you over there is to get better as fast as you can so you can get back to protecting your "battle buddies,"" he said.
Sgt. First Class Michael Seifert, 33, of Woods Cross received his Purple Heart for injuries sustained on June 11 while on a route clearance mission on a road in the mountains of Afghanistan. He said a rocket-propelled grenade struck the vehicle he was riding in.
"It was a very well planned complex attack," he said. Several other members of his unit were also wounded in the assault, he added.
Months later, he still has lasting effects from the severe concussion he suffered during the attack, including hearing loss and constant headaches. But he said his condition is improving with treatment and he is grateful to have served his country.
"Our job as route clearance is one of the hardest jobs out there," he said. "But every other asset in Afghanistan or Iraq needs us out there clearing those routes."
His brigade commander said the work the 118th Sapper Company performed in Afghanistan was "superb" and some of the most deadly and dangerous work there is. The people of Utah should be especially proud of this unit, he said.
Collectively, the 118th Engineer Company earned 10 Bronze Stars, 25 Purple Hearts, 135 Army Commendation Medals, 19 Army Achievement Medals and 75 Combat Action Medals for their efforts in Afghanistan.
"This is an extraordinary group of young people," Tarbert said. "Everyday they were in danger or harm's way. I'm very, very proud of them."
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