by Phil Hanford, on November 6, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Heroes don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.
The general public often doesn't know the achievements of military service members, as successful missions rarely make the news. The people responsible for those missions' success may never be able to speak of their deeds. Those who do receive recognition may wait years before they receive more than a pat on the back.
For Mid Columbia Forklift’s General Manager, Trey Barber, that wait lasted 31 years.
We Were Never Here
In 1995, Bosnia was a powder keg.
On April 6th 1992, during the Siege of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Serbia (then the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). From the Bosnian point of view, it was a fight for freedom. For the Serbians, it was a civil war. From an international standpoint, it was an internal matter.
Yet, as the war intensified, reports of ethnic cleansing demanded a response. Political pressure prevented overt military intervention, but the United States could not allow genocide to continue.
While the U.S. military’s official mission in Bosnia centered on humanitarian support through Operation Provide Promise, American service members also supported United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) operations in theater.
Our own William “Trey” Barber was among those who served on the ground.
“Officially, we weren’t there,” said Trey, regarding his 1995 tour in Bosnia. “I actually served two tours in Bosnia. My first was during the summer of 1994, and I returned in 1995 as part of Joint Task Force Provide Promise, supporting UNPROFOR. Both deployments were dangerous, but for entirely different reasons. Bosnia was an incredibly complicated environment, and the challenges we encountered could change dramatically depending on where we were, when we were there, and what we were trying to accomplish.”
These soldiers and many others, who served in country as early as 1992, contributed to the international efforts that culminated in NATO’s intervention in 1995, helping end the war. Ultimately, Bosnia won its independence, and Sarajevo became its capital.
For decades, the trials and achievements of Trey and the other members of his unit went unsung.
A Long Time Coming
Recognition finally arrived on September 29th 2026.
In the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., a small crowd gathered. The unit’s six surviving members stood with friends, family, and Senator Tommy Tuberville as all eight members received Bronze Star medals.
Senator Tuberville worked closely with Lieutenant General Glen W. Moorhead to champion this long-overdue award.
“Following our ceremony, Senator Tuberville shared something with me personally that I hadn't known. His father served during World War II and, as the Senator explained, was a multiple Bronze Star recipient. Hearing that gave me an even greater appreciation for his personal involvement in helping bring our recognition to fruition after more than 30 years,” said Trey, expressing the gratitude felt by his entire unit.
The Bronze Star is one of the United States Armed Forces’ highest decorations and is awarded for heroism, achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. When awarded for acts of valor, the"V" device is fixed to the medal’s ribbon to recognize the recipient’s heroic actions.
All eight service members received Bronze Star Medals for achievement in a combat zone.
Those service members included members of the U.S. Army and Air Force from different units and commands who served in Bosnia during 1995. The ceremony honored the following soldiers with this prestigious decoration:
- Brigadier General Guy L. Sands-Pingot, U.S. Army (Ret.)
- Lieutenant Colonel Stacy P. Pilgreen, U.S. Army (Ret.)
- Major Stephen D. Darulla, U.S. Army - Posthumous
- Sergeant Major Steven D. Houde, U.S. Army (Ret.)
- Master Sergeant James D. Bruner, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
- Sergeant William E. Barber III, former U.S. Army
- Command Sergeant Major Keith J. Filipp, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Posthumous
- Master Sergeant David R. Respass, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Posthumous
These service members received their long-overdue recognition, yet much remains unknown to the public.
Custom challenge coin presented to LTC Randall Banky in appreciation of his tireless efforts to secure recognition for the eight Bronze Star recipients.
Reunion and Reflection
Like many groups of separated comrades, it is the habit of service members to share reminiscences when reunited.
Of this, Trey said, “It was as though very little time had passed. The camaraderie was still there, along with the stories, the laughter, and the mutual respect that comes from having shared something extraordinary.”
Trey was kind enough to relate some of those memories and stories, offering unique insight into his experience.
“One of the things that has stayed with me all these years is the people of Bosnia, particularly the people of Sarajevo. They were truly special. Americans often think of our country as a melting pot of different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. What struck me about Bosnia was how much it reminded me of that. Of all the European countries I experienced during my military service, Bosnia stood out for its remarkable diversity.
“As for unusual experiences, I could probably fill a book with stories about how strange some of our circumstances were. One of the funniest involved simply trying to get into Bosnia.”
In 1995, the United States didn’t have conventional ground forces operating in Bosnia. Yet, the military needed to get eight soldiers into a country at war. This posed a challenge, as conventional military transport would have undermined the operation.
“In my case, somebody apparently decided the best way to transport an American soldier from Germany into a war zone was to put him on a civilian bus. So there I was, riding through checkpoints into Bosnia with an M16 rifle and approximately half a million dollars’ worth of military radio equipment. No escort. No special treatment. Just another passenger,” laughed Trey. “Of all the ways I imagined the U.S. Army might get me into a combat zone, that certainly wasn't one of them.
“But, beyond the unusual experiences, what I remember most about our 1995 deployment is the men I served alongside. I had the privilege of serving with seven extraordinary American soldiers under the leadership of Randall Banky.
“I don't use the word ‘heroes’ lightly, but that's genuinely how I think of those men. They were exceptional soldiers who accepted an extraordinarily difficult assignment and carried it out under circumstances most people will never fully understand.
From left: Randall Banky, Trey Barber, and Stacy Pilgreen during their 1995 deployment in Bosnia
“Randy was the kind of leader you hope to serve under at least once in your lifetime. He took care of his soldiers, made sure we accomplished our mission, and most importantly, brought us home. What makes his story even more remarkable is that his commitment to his men didn't end when the deployment did.
“For more than 30 years, he continued fighting to see their service recognized.”
Mid Columbia Forklift Is a Proud Veteran-Owned Business
Mid Columbia Forklift couldn’t be more proud of Trey and all our veterans.
Many of us know first-hand the challenges of military life, the hard lessons it teaches, and the resilience it demands of both those in uniform and their families. Consequently, we work hard to create job opportunities for veterans and their families.
“I think what makes Mid Columbia Forklift particularly special is that the qualities we value as a company are many of the same qualities emphasized throughout military service: integrity, commitment, teamwork, accountability, and taking care of the people around you,” said Trey when asked why he chose Mid Columbia Forklift for his post-service career.
“Ultimately, I think veterans want many of the same things they valued during their service: a sense of purpose, a team they can count on, leadership they can trust, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
“That's the kind of company we're working to build at Mid Columbia Forklift.”
To learn more about our jobs for veterans, contact us online or visit one of our locations.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
Mid Columbia Forklift Creates Job Opportunities for Veterans
Forklift Technician Spotlight: Jose Angel
Mid Columbia Forklift Celebrates 45 Exciting Years
