The Dutiful Dempsey Brothers
Greg Dempsey, a 2007 Rye High School graduate, has returned from an eight-month deployment with the United States Army in Afghanistan.
By Lauren Dempsey
Greg Dempsey, a 2007 Rye High School graduate, has returned from an eight-month deployment with the United States Army in Afghanistan. Currently a First Lieutenant, Dempsey served at a number of bases in Kandahar Province, including Kandahar Airfield.
Life on the various bases is tough, he said, especially on the remote Combat Outpost (COP) and
Forward Operating Bases (FOB) where troops are embedded deep in the Afghan population centers. Some of the bases are in desert regions or mountain ranges and troops always have to be alert for an attack. “When outside of bases operating jointly, troops follow local customs and courtesies,” said Dempsey.
Keeping in touch was difficult because of the time difference and spotty Internet connectivity. However, he was able to send a message of appreciation back to the RHS My Soldier Club, which prepared care packages and sent them overseas. “We appreciated the snacks the most. And the sporting goods, things like baseball mitts, provided needed diversion,” said Dempsey.
Aside from visiting family and friends, the first thing he wanted to do when arriving home was head to Jerry’s Post Road Market for his favorite, chicken cutlet with hot sauce. Dinner at Kelly’s was next on his list.
While at Rye High, Dempsey, along with his twin brother Ted, competed on the State Champion Garnet football team, as well as being a member of the baseball and track teams. After graduation, Greg attended and received his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point, while Ted attended and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Greg reported back for duty to Fort Lewis, Washington. His next assignment will be in South Korea.
Ted, a Lieutenant JG, is stationed in Japan, currently serving on a missile cruiser on a goodwill mission helping the typhoon victims in the Philippines.