Gregory Stuart Salokangas
Tree Tag: V0014
Presented By/Date: Pamela J. Salokangas, March 15, 2021
Dates of Birth/Death: November 11, 1965 -
Dates of Military Service: 1989-2008
Service Branch/Stations: US Army, D 1st/38th (Fort Benning), A 2nd/27th Infantry (Fort Ord), 3rd/123rd Aviation (Fort Ord), 1st/4th INF (Hoenfels, Germany), S2 YPG (CA), Intelligence S2 (Fort Huachuca, AZ), IRR, Rapid Recall Status (10 yr.)
Highest Rank: E4 SPCP
Veteran's Hometown: Nantucket, MA
Who is this Veteran? Greg started his career at Fort Benning for Basic Training and AIT. Greg was then sent to Fort Ord where he continued his training in the 45-day CLC, ammunitions, navigation, weapons, and survival, and schooling to become an US Army Ranger, Combat Medic, Rotello, Blackhawk Crew Chief/Door Gunner/Mechanic, and a Track Commander overseeing 25 tanks with the 1st/4th INF (Tank Battalion) at Hohenfels, Germany. Greg was also assigned as a Humvee Driver and worked in the RECON Center with the Allied Forces Chain of Command for battlefield operations while at Hohenfels. During his term of service, he attended training ops at the NTC, JRTC, JOTC, and other slotted deployment training programs.
Greg is very proud to have served in the 3rd Platoon, A2/27, the highest decorated platoon in the highest decorated battalion in the US Army while at Ford Ord. During war time, Greg served underneath a unit in Panama in 1991 showing security and presence with clean-up from Operation Just Cause. He was also on standby deployment status during Operation Desert Storm with the 82nd and 101st Airborne units, the 10th MTN Division, and the 25th INF.
Greg received several awards and accolades while he served, to include: Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Driver’s Badge (Wheeled Vehicle), National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Sharpshooter Badge (M-16 Rifle), Overseas Ribbon, Soldier of the Quarter (2x) in 3rd/123rd AVN Batt., Jungle Operations Expert, and Germany Headstart.
Greg absolutely loved serving this country in the US Army in rapid deploying units. Even though many experiences were scary, he met all challenges with gusto and enthusiasm, and he was always ready to answer the call at any given moment. Greg thoroughly enjoyed all his various training opportunities, which were mentally and physically challenging. Greg’s military career was inspired by both of his grandfathers who served in the world wars during their lifetimes. “It was exhilarating getting up every morning and being ready to serve for something higher than my individual self.”
About this Tribute Tree: Sweet Gum
Planting Date: This tree is set to be planted in 2021.
Park Location and GPS Coordinates: Oak Hall Regional Park, N40 47.384, W077 47.615