Griffo Raises Oneida County Flag Flown in Afghanistan by Army Reservists

Pictured left to right: Major James M. Hawver, Staff Sergeant Ted Ellinger, Specialist Richard Brown, Sergeant First Class Mike Bolton, Private Cosmo DiNitto, Captain Benedict Conboy

Praising their dedication to the cause of freedom, Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today was joined by members of the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve for a special Flag Day ceremony outside the Oneida County Office Building in Utica.

Griffo and Lieutenant Colonel John Orilio, Commander of the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, raised an Oneida County flag that had been presented to the unit when it left Oneida County in September 2002 for a tour of duty that would take members to both Afghanistan. The flag was flown by the unit while it was stationed in Afghanistan.

“Flag Day is a day set aside to honor the symbol of our freedom,” Griffo said. “America’s flag has been the rallying point for soldiers on battlefields around the world, and the focus of our patriotism here at home. On this day, it is appropriate that we raise this Oneida County flag as a reminder of both the responsibilities of defending freedom and of the patriotism of the citizen-soldiers who serve America.”

In September 2002, approximately 30 members of the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion were mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While serving in Afghanistan, these soldiers assisted with the rebuilding of schools, medical clinics and other facilities that are vital to the stability on that country and acted as a liaison between American military forces and Afghan officials. In addition to serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom, members from the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion served in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Throughout their tour of duty, the 414^th represented America with pride and distinction as its members helped create a new beginning for people who had previously lived under oppression,” Griffo said. “Unsung heroes such as members of the 414^th may never make the headlines, but they are the people sowing the seeds of liberty in what once were deserts of tyranny. It is an honor that Oneida County was represented by these dedicated reservists, who were willing to leave behind their homes and families and answer the call of duty. The flag we raise today is a symbol of both their dedication to their country and our support for all of our reservists and Guard members who are serving the cause of freedom.”