Kyle Hockenberry 'Sacrifice' photo wins top award
Hockenberry. Laura Rauch, Stars and Stripes
5:43 pm Apr. 10, 20121
This picture of infantryman Kyle Hockenberry was awarded best breaking news photograph by the Society of Professional Journalists.
The photograph shows Hockenberry being treated after an explosive device severed his right arm and both of his legs.
Here's the local back-story of the tragically prophetic tattoo on his side:
"It's a lyric I wrote in my mom's house when I was 16," said Justin Brannan, 33.
...
Brannan, now a top aide to New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile, was a member of a hardcore punk group called Indecision that traveled the U.S. and around the world from 1993 to 2000.
His friends quickly recognized the words as a line from a song called "Hallowed Be Thy Name," on a record that was released in 1997.
"That song was like our anthem, our Free Bird," said Brannan.
He said he didn't assume Hockenberry had even heard of his band, and said the lyric has circulated among tattoo enthusiasts, many of whom are unaware it's a line from a song.
"I have no idea if that guy has heard my band," Brannan said. "I know some firefighters and cops that got it after 9/11."
He nevertheless has reached out to Hockenberry's family, and plans to do a benefit concert for the wounded solider in Brooklyn, where the band originated.
Only thing I would change on this story is that it was SPC Hockenberry's left arm that was severed along with his legs. This Thursday in Marietta Ohio, GARY SINISE & THE LT. DAN BAND are playing at the Dyson Baudo Rec Center in a concert to support US Army SPC Kyle Hockenberry
Sponsored by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Gates at 6pm, show at 7pm.
If anyone reading this is near Marietta, come on down and show your support!