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Thursday, December 11, 2014

AND THEN A HERO COMES ALONG

For those of you new(er) to the REGJB, you might not know that Gregg Wenzel, a former Assistant Public Defender, resigned in the wake of 9/11 and joined the CIA Clandestine Services, where he lost his life overseas, on assignment, in a dangerous part of the world, protecting our freedoms. 

In Miami, Gregg Wenzel's memory has been kept alive by his good friend, Brian Tannebaum, who has attended the yearly memorial service at the CIA with Gregg's family, where there is a star in the lobby reflecting Gregg's "last measure of devotion."

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863. 


Brian Tannebaum alerted us to  the Press release from Senator Gillibrand's office in which both houses of congress have passed a law renaming a post office in Gregg's home town in his honor. The Bill await's signature of the President. 






“Called to serve his country following the horrific events of September 11th, Mr. Wenzel paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the freedoms we all know and cherish,” said Senator Schumer. “He is an incredible local hero and a true American. Naming the Monroe Post Office after him would be a truly fitting tribute to his courage, and allow his legacy to live on in an enduring way. I am honored to be able to announce that the bill to rename the post office has now cleared Congress, and I am confident that it will receive a signature from the President upon arriving on his desk.”
“Officer Gregg David Wenzel will forever be remembered by the Monroe community as a true hero,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He bravely answered the call to duty on behalf of our nation and put his life on the line to protect our freedoms. Naming the Monroe Post Office after Officer Wenzel will honor his life and commemorate his legacy. I am pleased this legislation has passed Congress and look forward to the President signing it into law.”
“Gregg Wenzel represents an entire generation who bravely served their country by answering the call to service following the attacks of September 11th. Serving on the frontlines of our intelligence operation, he ultimately sacrificed his life in defense of our freedoms. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Gregg and his family, and for generations to come his hometown will be reminded of his service and sacrifice. Although no one can ever fully repay his family for their tragic loss, I hope this bill will come as some small comfort and as a tribute to his memory,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now here is someone we should be honoring at the Justice Building!

Kissimmee Kid said...

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

REAL FORMER JUDGE said...

He deserves more than a plaque .... change the building name for this hero.

Anonymous said...

Greg Wenzel was everything a public servant should be. While we litigated from opposite sides of the aisle, I always liked, respected, and, yes, trusted him (I felt the same way about Tannenbaum). I wish more people could be like Greg and hope the bill passes.

Stephen Talpins

Anonymous said...

a shout out to Judge Hague who is on the mend after recent surgery. He has been very public about it via social media with periodic updates. Wishing him a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

your fear of death
disrupts your serenade in the meadow
full of wild flowers
our heart draws darkness
fear not my angel
your wings spread eternal
to a new life
light bright with brilliance
come closer and feel warmth
you have arrived and are light

Anonymous said...

been a prosecutor for almost 20 years and one of my favorite adversaries was Greg Wenzel. Great trial lawyer, fierce advocate but had the kind of personality where it was never personal.

Made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and I think it would be great if there was a plaque or something at the MJB honoring his memory.

Anonymous said...

8:34 - Thanks for the beautiful poem. Extremely comforting.

Anonymous said...

How did Gregg die?

Anonymous said...

The Professor says:

Wenzel has his own Wikipedia page. In part it states:

"At the time of his death, Wenzel was 33 years old, he was employed as a clandestine officer of the Central Intelligence Agency CIA and was stationed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia until he was killed in a tragic car accident on July 9, 2003.

On June 1, 2009 the CIA uncovered Gregg's identity as a clandestine services officer."

Anonymous said...

The Professor says:

One more thing. Here are the words of Leon Panetta, then Director of the CIA, when awarding a star on the Wall of Honor for Greg:

“At age 33, a promising young officer—a leader and friend to so many—was taken from us. We find some measure of solace in knowing that Gregg achieved what he set out to do: He lived for a purpose greater than himself. Like his star on this Wall, that lesson remains with us always.”