Unity Army retiree, recruiter recounts tales of sacrifice at Latrobe Veterans Day program

Frigid temperatures on Tuesday canceled plans for Latrobe’s annual Veterans Day parade, but that didn’t stop the community from recognizing local men and women who have donned military uniforms.

Veterans, their supporters and local officials gathered inside the Latrobe American Legion post to hear keynote speaker retired Army Master Sgt. Angie Burd. The Unity resident voiced appreciation for fellow service members who have given up time with their families and put their bodies and lives on the line while serving their country.

That number includes her uncle and Derry area native, Sgt. First Class Earl Fillmore Jr., who was 28 when he was killed in action on Oct. 3, 1993, during the battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Fillmore was fatally wounded while fighting his way to rescue the crew of a downed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter — an engagement that was dramatized in the 2001 film “Black Hawk Down.”

“He started in the military right out of high school,” Burd said of her uncle. “I kind of picked up where he left off. I’m proud that I’m able to continue my family’s service.”

She noted she has five cousins in the Fillmore clan who also are veterans.

Burd began her 27-year military career in 1994. She served on active duty for four years at Fort Hood, Texas, then in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Amid a series of roles as a recruiter, she was deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008.

As a battle noncommissioned officer, she served in a strategic role with a unit that operated a camp for refugees.

“You really had to be resilient,” she recalled. “Your mind is always thinking about home, but you have a job to do there.”

After retiring from the Army in October 2021, Burd became a recruiter for Magellan Federal, a government contractor.

“I recruit behavioral health counselors to serve our military,” she said. “It’s kind of like getting to carry on my military mission, only as a civilian.”

Though the Greater Latrobe Senior High Band didn’t get to march in the parade, the group recorded patriotic selections that were played during Tuesday’s program.