A Soldier's sacrifice

Community officials, family members gather to honor Sgt. Lucas T. White, killed in Iraq

By Nate Traylor

Leader Staff

PABLO — Last week, a fallen soldier’s bravery was honored before dozens of family members and community officials in a packed Tribal Council Chambers where mother and stepfather Julia and Lyle Brooks received a token of appreciation.

As part of the Montana Military Appreciation Project, the Brooks were presented with the Challenge Coin with the words “Thank You for Your Service to your Country” inscribed on it, in honor of their son Sgt. Lucas White’s service to his country.

“It’s just beautiful,” said Julia said of the coin. She said she keeps it right by her son’s flag in her home.

The Polson couple learned last fall that White was killed in action in Baghdad. He was a 28-year-old leader of a striker patrol when he was killed during an ambush by a small arms fire and an improvised explosive device.

His death made headlines in local publications, but this was the first event in Lake County to publicly recognize the soldier’s efforts.

Attendees were greeted by a large American flag wafting in the breeze, held aloft by a crane. Inside, the Warriors Society presented the Tribal and U.S. flags.

CSKT Chairman James Steele, Jr. noted the presence of both City of Polson and Tribal law enforcement and fire department officials. Also in attendance were a number of Sgt. White’s family members, many of whom belong to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“It’s at times like these we gather, not for creed or race, but for a fallen community member,” said Steele.

The coin’s origins date back to World War I when members of a volunteer flying squadron where given bronze medallions. Emblazoned on the medallions were the squadron’s insignia which proved especially handy for one soldier who found himself in a pinch when his identity was challenged by French troops who thought he was a saboteur. As his life was being threatened, the soldier revealed the token to them — and fortunately for him — one of the French troops recognized the insignia and presented the American ally with a bottle of wine.

Thereafter, it became tradition that all members carried their coins at all times. To ensure compliance, a ritual was developed whereby a challenger requested squad members to reveal their coins and tap them on a hard surface. Those found without their coins were obligated to buy a round of drinks. However, if all squad members produced their tokens, the challenger was the one to buy the round.

Now, the coin represents the challenge met by Montana troops who have served their country, explained Missoula County Sheriffs’ Captain Willis Hintz.

When Julia was notified that she and her husband were going to be given the medallion, she was asked if she wanted to receive it in private or if she would like a ceremony in honor her son. She said that she wanted the presentation to be made public in order to remind the community of the sacrifice made by America’s troops.

“I think it is really important that the public recognize what our veterans did,” Julia explained. “My heart goes out to the other families who lost their sons and daughters.”

Julia has another son, 20-year-old Marine Lance Corporal Marcus Ramos, who could be deployed any day now.

“His brother set such a fine example for him, so it’s his duty,” she said.

Sgt. White intended to make a career out of his military service. He enlisted in the Army in 2001 and was deployed to Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11. After his tour there, he re-enlisted and served in Iraq for five months.

Sgt. White’s grandfather, Edward Five Crows James, acknowledged the soldier’s dedication to his country, saying he was a fine solider and looks forward to the day they are reunited.

“One day, when we go before the Maker, this warrior will be there,” he said.

Sgt. White left behind a wife who was in Washington D.C. visiting his grave at Arlington National Cemetery earlier this week.

Julia gave a special thanks Polson Police Chief Doug Chase and Tribal officer Don Bell and all those who coordinated and attended the event.