Garrison Charles Avery

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Rocky Burrell on February 12, 2006:

To Kayla, Gary?s Parents, Brothers, Sister, Family, and Friends, Please be so proud, you married, molded, and shared life with one of the best GOD has given us. I new Gary as a student, Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) candidate, Sandhurst trainer, SFAS CIC, fellow officer, and most of all as a great friend. Gary was the ?Quite Professional?, physically tough, mentally sharp, constantly kind, fearless of pain, hunter of adventure, and truly humble. I would like to share 2 things with you the ?Quite Professional? would not have, because that was Gary. In 2003, Gary (along with a very high caliber group of USMA cadets) was selected as one the first cadets in the history of U.S. Army Special Forces to attend SFAS. As the OIC of the program I had the privilege of training with Gary prior to and observing him during SFAS at FT Bragg, NC. Gary and his USMA peers were being assessed against seasoned senior lieutenants and captains from throughout the U.S. Army. Gary?s performance was amazing; he was assessed in the top 5, of an SFAS class with over 300 candidates. In an extremely rigorous course, Gary was physically incredible and mentally superior while always assisting his peers. He did every bit of it with a smile on his face. In 2004, due to his leadership ability and stellar past performance, Gary was put in charge of the 2004 USMA SFAS program. When in charge, Gary took charge, 110% and then some. He trained, molded, and mentored another extremely high caliber group of cadets that went on to unparalleled accomplishments at SFAS. My wife and I had the opportunity to travel with 2LT Avery and his then fianc?Kayla to observe the cadets performance during the course. Throughout the trip Gary continued to amaze me with a leadership style, sense of compassion, and unique positive attitude rarely witnessed. To Gary?s parents, it is with a sad heart that I congratulate you on raising one of the finest young men I have met in my life. As a father, I can only hope to have the ability to instill the character, compassion, and leadership in my children that you were able to pass on to Gary. To Kayla, you were his world, he worshiped you and truly felt you made him complete. Starla and I are here for you always. To Gary?s friends and family, our lives were all made better by having spent time with such a remarkable young man as Gary. Carry on his smile. God speed to all, Rocky MAJ Rocky Burrell Bogot?Colombia

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