Michael Girdano
Second Lieutenant Michael R. Girdano, West Point Class of 2007, died from wounds sustained on August 1st, 2008 in Asadabad, Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Originally from Apollo, Pennsylvania, 2LT Girdano excelled prior to college, playing baseball and serving as the captain of his high school football team. He then accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy which he had dreamed of attending since a visit there in the 6th grade. He commissioned as an Engineer Officer in May 2007, and graduated the Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course (EBOLC) in December 2007. 2LT Girdano was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry at Fort Cavazos, Texas and deployed as a Platoon Leader to the Chowkay Valley in Afghanistan within several months of his arrival. His sacrifice is commemorated by the Michael Girdano Award which is presented to the EBOLC graduate each class who demonstrates the most exceptional leadership and esprit de corps during the course. Candidates are nominated by their peers and compete before a board to determine the most qualified individual to receive this prestigious recognition.
Awardees:
5-24 2LT Patrick J. Lee
4-24 2LT Togi V. Benji
3-24 2LT Garrett D. Young
2-24 2LT Michael L. Jurczak
1-24 2LT Stephanie M. Skahen
13-23 2LT Jenny L. Mercer
12-23 2LT William L. Timbol
11-23 2LT Charlie Chen
10-23 2LT Sara M. Sheward
09-23 2LT Joshua R. Nehrling
08-23 2LT Anthony J. Smith
07-23 2LT Tarik O. Abuhashem
06-23 2LT William E. McCormick
05-23 2LT Jacob L. Jewett
04-23 2LT Zachary A. Sjostrom
03-23 2LT Jonathan S. Rosebrook and 2LT Jake R. Brownlee
02-23 2LT Douglass J. Belton
01-23 2LT Reilly Altenberg
13-22 2LT Quinton T. Marmo
12-22 2LT Cody A. Lockard
11-22 2LT Chayton S. Galloway
10-22 2LT Elena L. Rippeon
09-22 2LT Timothy J. Martin
08-22 2LT Caleb D. Blanchard