The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) memorial wall bears the names of 166 fallen soldiers from the unit, dating back to Vietnam. On June 1, that number rose to 168 as the names of the two soldiers from the unit to die this year were added.

"All gave some, some gave all," began Col. Rand Binford, commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). "Today we recognize those who gave all."

He addressed a large crowd, including all of his assembled unit and the families of the soldiers being memorialized, as well as Joint Base Garrison commander Col. Thomas Brittain, Joint Base Garrison CSM Matt Barnes and Brigadier General Jeff Mathis, Deputy Commanding General, I Corps.

"What we do is not for fame, riches or privilege," said Col. Binford. "We fight so that others may live with freedom and without the fear of oppression and tyranny. We are here to liberate the oppressed."

Staff Sgt. Rusty Hunter Christian, of Greenville, Tenn., died when an improvised explosive device exploded during a patrol on Jan. 28, in Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). This was his second deployment in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.

Master Sgt. Mark W. Coleman, of Yelm, Wash., died when an improvised explosive device exploded during a patrol on May 2, in Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). This was his fifth deployment in support of an Overseas Contingency Operation.

Staff Sgt. Jack Martin and Sergeant First Class Chris Shaw, both of whom were killed within the past 12 months, were also mentioned during the ceremony. Their names were engraved and unveiled during a ceremony on Veterans Day.

"We used to have a plaque...but we knew it wasn't enough," said LTC Dennis Heaney. "So we worked, through donations and fundraising, until we were able to give these men the memorial they deserved."

The wall, which is in the center of the Special Forces compound on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main, was unveiled in 2004 and memorializes all of the unit's soldiers who have died in combat in missions around the world.

"Their memories and actions in life must inspire us. They are our heritage," concluded Col. Binford.