Aug 25, 2003 By Patty Shultz 4 min read

DUNBAR -Rousing patriotic songs provided the backdrop for the cheers and expression of gratitude that filled the small Dunbar Borough community on Sunday, as family, friends, and neighbors gathered to welcome home two of their own. “Thank you, Sammy! Thank you, David!” erupted from every street corner as military vehicles carrying U.S. Army Pfc. Salvatore “Sam” Ross and U.S. Army Sgt. David Calhoun passed by during a lengthy parade honoring the two soldiers.

Dozens of veteran’s organizations, military personnel, state and local police departments, county and state officials and fire departments from numerous communities took part in the parade. Connellsville Area High School marching band, the VFW Post 47 National Band, the Molinaro Band and the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Company Bagpipers paid tribute through their music to all past and present service men and women.

It was the two soldiers, however, that garnered the most attention from the nearly 1,000 that had gathered.

Normalville resident Beverly Cunningham arrived two hours before the festivities got under way.

“I had to come,” she said as she clutched a U.S. flag.

Her grandson, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Shaffer just returned from a six-month tour of duty in the Middle East and Cunningham said that her attendance was to honor him along with Ross and Calhoun.

Following the parade, a ceremony was held at the borough’s Veteran Park, where soldiers have always been recognized for their service to their community and country.

“This is a tough town that’s always paid a price,” said attorney and Vietnam veteran Charles Watson, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.

John E. Spisso, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, said it was only fitting, that Dunbar now honor its most recent war veterans.

“We take this time and this day to salute two of our great army warriors, ” said Spisso. “Their deeds on the battlefield of Iraq have already been written in the annals of our great army and they forever be remembered as they join the long list of war heroes from Fayette County and western Pennsylvania.

“Your Army, your country and your hometown are very proud of you.”

Calhoun, still recovering from the injuries he sustained when his Humvee was bombed as he traveled through Fellujah, a town outside of Baghdad on July 1, said he was overwhelmed by the attention.

“This is so awesome,” he said as he addressed the crowd. “It was a hard road being over there. But I knew what I had to do to keep all of us safe (and) keep us free.”

Ross, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, said that his time of service in Iraq gave him a new perspective and respect for what he has at home.

“When you go there and see the way that (the Iraqi’s) live, you learn to respect your family and your environment.”

Ross was severely injured when a pit filled with ordnance exploded as he stood nearby.

While he continues to undergo rehabilitation and prepares for additional surgeries, Ross said he never forgets about those of his 307th Engineering unit, or other soldiers, still fighting in Iraq.

“I left 20-some guys in Iraq,” he said. “The war is not over. There are soldiers still being shot and injured everyday.

“Let’s not forget them. Let’s not forget why they are there. The war is not only being fought for our well-being, but also for (the Iraqi) people to be free, to live and be happy.

“Let’s keep them in our prayers.”

Also honored was U.S. Army Sgt. Cole Staats, Ross’ squad leader.

Staats was 20 feet away from Ross when the explosion took place.

“I had just walked away and I turned to check on him and it happened,” said Staats, a West Virginia native.

Although he refuses to take credit for saving his private’s life, Christine Pifer, Ross’ aunt, considers him “the angel in the desert.”

“If it weren’t for him, Sammy would not be here today,” she said. “We will be forever in his debt.”

Borough council President John Maddis and Dunbar Township supervisor Chairman Tom Yekel additionally recognized Ross and Calhoun with keys to the respective communities and plaques honoring their military service.

Fayette County Commission chairman Vincent Vicities said that the county later in the week would also pay tribute to Ross and Calhoun with a proclamation in their honor.

“These are true American heroes that put their lives on the line,” he said.

Also participating in the service was the Rev. Lee Maley, U.S. Navy Master Chief (retired) Ron Schroyer, and the Rev. Jeffrey Popson.