remembering my brother and my friend
Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano died January 17, 2005. I was stationed with SSG Vitagliano at Ft. Lewis, WA. We were both in B-Co. 2nd Ranger Battalion. Later on, I met up with him again in Camp Casey, Korea where we were both assigned to Charlie Company 1- 503(D) Air Assault Unit. We went on to serve together in Ramadi, Iraq as 1st and 2nd Squad Leaders.
SSG Vitagliano was often described as Superman, and to me he was just that. There was nothing that he could not do. Every mission we went on, every target we assaulted, he was incredible. 'Sgt V' was one of the best leaders I have ever worked with. SSG Vitagliano was a former US Marine and a former US Army Airborne Ranger and being a former US Marine and former US Army Airborne Ranger myself, I know SSG Vitagliano exemplified the title Marine and Ranger. He was what every Marine or Ranger aspired to be. He was a true Patriot, a brother, and my friend. I will miss him for the rest of my life. And I think of him daily.
My deepest
sympathies to his family and friends. Staff Sgt. Vitagliano made the
ultimate sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedom.
- He will
never be forgotten! - Semper
Fidelis and Sua Sponte, former SSG Dale G. Rogers, USA - USMC
If family members or friends would like to contact me to add to this tribute to his life, please do so.
posted by RangerJarhead on November 25, 2007
“He had a childlike side that was contagious, magnetic, bigger than life” - deacon Hoffman
“You always looked out for the underdog ... I thank you for trying to make this a better world.”
mother -Inger Lise Severine
“My pride in who you are cannot be hidden, even in my heartbreak.”
father -Gaetano Vitagliano
comments and thoughts welcomed