The American Legion Post 329 with Commander Matthew Whitcomb and VFW 3758 with Commander Steve Ross paid tribute to SFC Orrin Espana with a 21 gun salute and raising of his memorial flag on December 3rd in downtown Loyalton. Family and friends attended the ceremony in front of White’s Sierra Station.
In back: Jeremy Espana, Rick Glynns, Don Yegge, Dave Rudolph, Pat Frutenicht, Van Der Vene, Jerry Warner, Bob Viera.
In back: Jeremy Espana, Rick Glynns, Don Yegge, Dave Rudolph, Pat Frutenicht, Van Der Vene, Jerry Warner, Bob Viera.
SFC ORRIN D. ESPANA was born and raised in Loyalton. He graduated from Loyalton High School in 2001. His original enlistment date into active service was March 31, 2011. He attended United States Army One Station Unit Training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. SFC Espana’s initial Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 19D (Calvary Scout). SFC Espana was later reclassified to 15W (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator).
SFC Espana previous assignments were Bravo Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, 194th Armored Brigade, Fort Knox, KY; Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX; Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, Fort Huachuca, AZ; Charlie Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Charlie Troop, 6th Air Calvary Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Liberty, NC; Soldier Recovery Unit, Fort Liberty, NC. In 2012, SFC Espana deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, FOB Walton.
SFC Espana awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission Medal (NATO) and the Army Aviation Badge. SFC Espana unit award includes the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
SFC Espana is survived by his wife, Jodi, his parents, Victor and Debbie, his brothers, Seth and Jeremy and a host of friends.
SFC ORRIN D. ESPANA was born and raised in Loyalton. He graduated from Loyalton High School in 2001. His original enlistment date into active service was March 31, 2011. He attended United States Army One Station Unit Training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. SFC Espana’s initial Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 19D (Calvary Scout). SFC Espana was later reclassified to 15W (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator).
SFC Espana previous assignments were Bravo Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, 194th Armored Brigade, Fort Knox, KY; Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX; Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, Fort Huachuca, AZ; Charlie Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Charlie Troop, 6th Air Calvary Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Liberty, NC; Soldier Recovery Unit, Fort Liberty, NC. In 2012, SFC Espana deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, FOB Walton.
SFC Espana awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mission Medal (NATO) and the Army Aviation Badge. SFC Espana unit award includes the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
SFC Espana is survived by his wife, Jodi, his parents, Victor and Debbie, his brothers, Seth and Jeremy and a host of friends.
American Legion Commander Matthew Whitcomb addresses the crowd.
