SSG Atkins Functional Fitness Facility Dedication Ceremony
SSG Travis W. Atkins was memorialized on January 9, 2013 through the dedication of the Mountain Functional Fitness Facility as the Atkins Functional Fitness Facility. On June 1, 2007 SSG Atkins distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry at the cost of his life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While conducting route security in the town of Abu Sarnak, Iraq, SSG Atkins apprehended and began to search a group of suspected insurgents. However, one insurgent resisted and engaged SSG Atkins in hand-to-hand combat. As SSG Atkins attempted to subdue the man, he realized the insurgent was attempting to trigger a suicide vest, which he wore under his clothing. Despite SSG Atkins' efforts, the insurgent finally succeeded in reaching his vest. SSG Atkins selflessly tackled the suicide bomber, pinning him to the ground and shielding his Soldiers from the imminent explosion. In this critical and selfless act of valor in which he was mortally wounded, SSG Atkins saved the lives of three other Soldiers and gallantly gave his life for his country. SSG Travis Atkins was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation's second highest medal for heroism.
SSG Atkins Functional Fitness Facility Dedication Ceremony
SSG Travis W. Atkins was memorialized on January 9, 2013 through the dedication of the Mountain Functional Fitness Facility as the Atkins Functional Fitness Facility. On June 1, 2007 SSG Atkins distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry at the cost of his life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While conducting route security in the town of Abu Sarnak, Iraq, SSG Atkins apprehended and began to search a group of suspected insurgents. However, one insurgent resisted and engaged SSG Atkins in hand-to-hand combat. As SSG Atkins attempted to subdue the man, he realized the insurgent was attempting to trigger a suicide vest, which he wore under his clothing. Despite SSG Atkins' efforts, the insurgent finally succeeded in reaching his vest. SSG Atkins selflessly tackled the suicide bomber, pinning him to the ground and shielding his Soldiers from the imminent explosion. In this critical and selfless act of valor in which he was mortally wounded, SSG Atkins saved the lives of three other Soldiers and gallantly gave his life for his country. SSG Travis Atkins was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation's second highest medal for heroism.