Military Matters: Army Ranger from Yuma visits Normandy

During the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Rangers who landed on the beaches of Normandy returned with fellow Rangers.

News 11 spoke to Yuma native, Rocky Rutherford, a sergeant in the Army Rangers 2nd Battalion, who is currently in Normandy and is escorting our veterans. According to Sergeant Rutherford, he saw the opportunity as a chance of a lifetime as veterans described landing on the beach under heavy enemy fire.

Rutherford said the experience was surreal; looking at the beach and envisioning the clashing of waves saturated with blood.

Allied forces had to attack low tied to avoid Nazi barriers and as soon as they were within range, they were met with a barrage of machine gun and artillery fire. Rutherford described the men as true Americans saying that they knew the odds but knew what they had to do and what they had to lose.

Rutherford, who attended Yuma Catholic High School, is remembered for his accolades as an athlete both on the diamond and on the football field. But, he admits that he regrets not spending more time with our veterans. He mentioned that Yuma County is rich in military history with many veterans from a number of wars and each has stories that may soon be gone, forever. He encourages everyone to talk to our veterans, learn our history, and pay tribute to those who fought to protect our way of life.

Rutherford was inspired to join the armed forces because of his grandfather who was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Korean War.

We thank Sergeant Rutherford for his service and ask that we all remember those lost on the beaches of Normandy and any battlefield.