SSG HAGER
By 2LT Peterson
Thank you for being with the Ghost platoon today as we honor our fallen Platoon Sergeant. He was the standard bearer for our platoon and my professional partner.
I began to jokingly refer to SSG Hager as “TASK FORCE” while in Kuwait before moving up to Camp Corregidor. It stuck. He and everyone around him knew exactly what it meant and he embraced the nickname. Before we knew it; everyone was calling him the task force. He loved it.
Anyone that was around him once knew exactly who he was. Whether he was conducting TLP’s, de-conflicting the manifest for the days mission, being the disciplinarian in the platoon, saying hi to everyone in the chowhall, playing ping-pong, talking to his closest friend SFC SKI, or spending time with the “BOYS” of the ghost platoon; he always went all out. There was no half way for SSG Hager.
Our PL/PSG relationship was special and unique. In the short amount of down time we had, he and I did a lot of talking. We were close in age and had many of the same likes and dislikes. We continually spoke about family, his wife Heather, and his son Bayley. Hearing him tell the story of how he imagined his wife braving the attack of the pitbull grew each and every time he told it and he continually bragged of his son’s academic progress. We also spent much time discussing doctrine, duties and responsibilities of subordinate leaders, and tactics. He was a great listener, and an open book with nothing to hide and everything to give.
Now, he has given all he can…
The men of Ghost Platoon are thankful to have spent even a moment in the presence of such a warrior. We intend on carrying his legacy forward and finishing what we have started here.
Recognizing that SSG Hager volunteered as a Ranger, he fully knew of the hazards of his chosen profession, he always endeavored to uphold the prestige, honor and high esprit de corp of the Rangers, and the men of the Ghost Platoon.
Acknowledging the fact that SSG Hager was a more elite Soldier, who arrived at the cutting edge of battle, by land, sea, or air, he accepted the fact that as a Ranger his country expected him to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other Soldier.
Never did he fail his comrades, he always kept himself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and ALWAYS shouldered more than his share of the task, whatever it may have been, giving100% and then some.
Gallantly did he show the world that he was a specially selected and well trained Soldier, his courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment always set the example for others to follow.
Energetically he met the enemies of our country; he defeated them on the field of battle because he was better trained and fought will all his might. Surrender was not a SSG Hager word. He would never have left a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances did he ever embarrass his country.
Readily did he display, the intestinal fortitude required to fight onto the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though he be the lone survivor.
SSG Hager Led The Way.