Discussion: Loss of an orienteer

With Veteran's Day almost upon us, I hope you will excuse the diversion from our regular banter for me to pass along this news of an orienteer from NTOA land who has died in Afghanistan. Dustin was a repeat participant at our yearly TX Jr. Orienteering Camp. His enjoyment of our sport was such that even when his school's team could not attend one of our local events, he would grab a buddy and drive there himself. Last time I saw him at an event, a year ago I think, he was on leave from his duties. He was a good kid who became an exemplary young man.

***********
Folks;

I regret to inform you that First Lieutenant Dustin Vincent was killed in action late last week. Dustin was the JROTC battalion commander and Captain of the Orienteering Team at Mesquite High School. He graduated from Mesquite in 2005 and went on the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was a driving force in building a group of college orienteers. Many of you may remember him from NTOA orienteering meets and from JROTC activities. He was a positive and enthusiastic young man who naturally drew people along with him.

Funeral arrangements are noted below in Major Terry Coatney’s e-mail.

In loving memory…

J R Methered
Colonel, US Army (retired)
Senior Army Instructor

Thanks for sharing that Tom. It is very sad news. He is in our thoughts.

A story on Dustin from one of the local stations: http://bit.ly/s4RHL0

Very sad. He sounds like a remarkable young man.

Yes, very sad.

I sometimes wonder about some of the West Point cadets that have been killed in Afghanistan or Iraq and wonder how many were orienteers or helped out at the West Point events and may have gotten my packet or started me or took finish times or downloads or whatever.

Rest in peace, Dustin. It always hurts to hear when we've lost one of our own - American, service member, orienteer, decent human being.

I don't know of any USMA orienteering alums that have been killed in either area. Many have served, though - both Andrew Komm and his wife, Sarah (Klaben) Komm were in Iraq when I was there in 2009-2010, and Nick Lewis-Walls is in Afghanistan now. I sure there are more - the ones who log on AP are the easiest to keep track of, though.

Thank you for sharing this sad news.
Today is November 11th. In the USA that is Veteran's Day, a day to honor all that have served in their military. In Canada it is known as Remembrance Day. It is the day we honour and remember those who have died in the service of our country, too many of whom were young men just like Dustin Vincent.
I remember our long time school headmaster each year on November 11th being reduced to tears as he read the names of the boys he had taught and helped prepare to send off to war, never to return. Most of us boys joined him in shedding some tears.
I join in shedding a tear for Lt Dustin Vincent.
Lest We Forget.

Let us also remember another young Texas orienteer whom we lost in Afghanistan this week: Private First Class Cody Norris, of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team - 1st Infantry Division. Cody went to LaPorte High School and was a member of HOC. We saw him and his brother Michael (a West Pointer) at many NTOA events. Please keep his family in your thoughts as well on this Veteran's Day.