These are the names of our FALLEN HEROES. If you have any information how this HERO lived, please email the information and a picture in jpeg to us and we will add it to the name.
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Major Jeffery O. Ausborn
41
Gadsden
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Kabul Afghanistan
4-27-2011
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Lance Cpl. Jason N. Barfield
22
Ashford
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Helmand Province, Afghanistan
10-24-2011
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Sgt. Audery D. Bell
33
Tuskegee
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Bayra, Iraq
10-27-2003
Bell, 33, of Tuskegee, Ala., worked at Russell Corp. in Montgomery, Ala. He was a veteran of the first Gulf War and had been in the National Guard about 14 years.
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Capt. Donnie R. Belser
28
Anniston
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Belser graduated from Saks High in 1997 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in 2001.
He was a member of the 524th Transition Team, 1st Infantry Division. Friends remembered him as upbeat and kind.
“He was a very intelligent and outgoing person,” “He was just an overall good person.”
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Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr.
21
Chelsea
| Baghdad, Iraq
12-30-2007
He is survived by his parents, Joseph Richard Berlin Sr. and Deborah Beavers; a brother, Bill Curry; sister, Jennifer Rushing; grandparents, Nancy LaRock and Robert Berlin and Mary Jones; also aunt, Melissa Resse. I never met a finer person, I love you son forever.
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PFC Stephen D. Bicknell
19
Prattville
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Samarra, Iraq
10-15-2006
During his last year of high school, Stephen D. Bicknell had to give up his role as starting quarterback to a sophomore, but he was never bitter. "Even though he was the backup quarterback, he always prepared like he would be the star. "He never complained about it, he just moved back to receiver. He was the ultimate team player." He was a 2005 graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg. Bicknell and his family moved to Alabama from Las Vegas when he was in the 11th grade. Soon, everyone called him "Vegas." "There''s still a picture in the training room from his senior year. It''s of five students at a game. Each of them has a letter painted on them to spell out ''Vegas.'' I think of him every time I see it.".
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Staff Sgt. Scottie L. Bright
36
Montgomery
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Baghdad, Iraq
7-5-2005
On his second tour of duty in Iraq was remembered by his family as the loving father of two teenagers and a man who always tried to help others. "I want everyone to know that he was a very good family man, a loving husband and a great dad,". "I'm just so thankful that we had a wonderful life together. He really took care of us and I just love him so much." "It took the wind out of me,". The couple have a daughter, Shay, 16, and a son, Scottie, Jr., 13. The soldier's brother, Willie Bright Jr., of Jackson, Miss., Bright was always cheerful and helpful. "He just tried to make everybody around him feel better,". He said the death was particularly difficult for their mother, Blanche Bright. "We still can accept it because he chose that for a job. He knew the circumstances. He knew the risks of the job. He was working as a manager at Kay-Bee Toys in Montgomery Mall for about a year when he decided he wanted to join the Army. He registered in Montgomery and moved back to Jackson in August 1991. He later was assigned to the Third Squadron, Third Armored Calvary Regiment at Fort Carson Military Reservation near Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Staff Sgt. William J. Brooks
30
Birmingham
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-3-2005
Brooks liked silly sitcoms like "Gilligan's Island" as a kid and used to make everyone laugh. But when he joined the Army, his serious side emerged. "He was very serious and he was a man,". He was based at Fort Stewart. Brooks is survived by his wife, Roxanne, and daughters Ayana, 11, and Aaryan, 5. Called Jerome by his mother, Brooks learned to play the drums in high school and graduated in 1992. He joined the Army eight years ago to take care of his daughter. Brooks mailed a Mother's Day card early this year so it would reach his mother, Linda, in time. He wrote that he wanted to "make it back home to see everyone," he kept a positive outlook. ".
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Tech. Sgt. Bruce E. Brown
32
Coatopa
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Qatar, Iraq
9-4-2003
Bruce Brown had a loving nickname for his wife of nine years. "He would call her Candy because he said she would sweeten up his day,". He was stationed at Robins Air Force Base. Candice Brown said she met her husband in London in the 1990s while he was on assignment in Europe. She took him to catch the plane that took him to Iraq in July. "I prayed he would come home safely,". The couple would have celebrated their ninth anniversary on Dec. 19. He is also survived by a daughter. " "You can't imagine all the things he did for me and his daughter."
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Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown
31
Prichard
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-8-2007
He was a "gentle giant who never wanted to hurt anybody." He was on his third tour and was assigned to Fort Benning. Brown had been in the Army for 13 years. He was a standout wide receiver and also played on the baseball and basketball teams in high school, graduating in 1994. He played for one year on the Tuskegee University football team on a full scholarship. He left Tuskegee following his freshman year to join the Army so he could better support his family. Brown "a real good person _ real down-to-earth." "He was a fine person all around." He was married to Delisha Brown, who had been his high school sweetheart. They have three children, ages 9, 12 and 14. "This young man is a hero. He lived as a hero,".
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PFC John E. Brown
21
Troy
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Qatar, Iraq
4-14-2003
"He told us he was doing what he loved and not to worry about him and should anything happen to just know he was doing what he loved," "He was a big teddy bear and would do anything for you," "He had a heart of gold. He was brave and we're very proud of him." Brown decided last fall to enlist in the Army after serving in the Reserves.
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Sgt. William E. Brown
25
Phil Campbell
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Taji, Iraq
6-23-2007
He always loved things with wheels and engines. Even a former principal can attest to that. "He was only here for a little while but he was a real likable guy and kind of mechanically inclined." "He climbed underneath my vehicle one time while he was here and tried helping me figure out what was wrong with it." He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson. He was on his second tour. "He was a little mischievous, but he was so likable that you couldn''t help but like him," "He was always making you laugh." When he was about 9, he spotted a turtle crossing the road in front of their car. "William made me stop the car and get the turtle off the road so it wouldn''t get hit. He was such compassionate person." Brown also is survived by his wife, Rachel, and two sons, 6-year-old Ethan and 2-year-old Tyler.
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PFC Paul J. Bueche
19
Daphne
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Balad, Iraq
10-21-2003
Spc. Paul J. Bueche joined the National Guard four days before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and served in Kuwait and Iraq. But it was his youthful energy that loved ones remember best. "He was a grand old kid, fun-loving and mischievous,". Tim Deasy said of the young man who attended his church and parish elementary school. He was in the 131st Aviation Regiment based in Birmingham, Ala. "He lived more in 19 years than many of us live in a lifetime,". "Paul strongly believed in what he was doing, serving in the National Guard to assist the people of the state of Alabama and to keep America safe and strong,". He is survived by his parents, Paul and Marie, and older sisters Jessica and Melissa. |
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Spc. Ahmed A. Cason
24
McCalla
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-4-2004
Spc. Ahmed Akil Cason grew up in a military family, and like most any military kid, he moved around a lot. His early years were spent at Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Benning in Georgia, and then he stayed with grandparents in Arkansas because of Desert Storm more than a decade ago. He finished high school in Alabama. "He was fearful, but I don't think that's anything unusual,". One of Cason's brothers is in the Air Force and another went to Baghdad with the Army. Cason had started a family of his own, marrying a woman he met while working in a Job Corps program. He and Allison Cason had a 3-year-old daughter, Akilaah, and 10-month-old son, Gabriel.
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CWO Robert W. Channell Jr.
36
Tuscalossa
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Al Kut, Iraq
4-22-2003
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade based in CampLejeune, N.C. Robert Channell Jr. wanted to return home to Alabama, buy some land and build a house.
He was so enamored of his home state that he named his dog Bama. He begged his sister to send him videotapes of University of Alabama Crimson Tide football games. And he asked his mother to mail him the Tuscaloos newspaper when he was overseas. “He was proud to be a Marine, proud to be an American, and he was very proud to be from Alabama. Channell enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, at age 19, after graduating from Brookwood (Ala.) High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Middlebrooks. They lived for a time in Japan. They settled down at Camp Lejeune and had a daughter, Bethany, four years ago.
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Cpl. Matthew D. Conley
21
Killen
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Ar Ramadi, Iraq
2-18-2006
Matthew D. Conley was never a large child or a large man, but no matter how hard he was knocked around, he got up. "I remember at one practice I figured the best way to tackle him was to belly flop on him and let him buckle and fall underneath my weight," "I hurt his leg that day - I thought I had split it in two. But Matt got back into practice, and I have held a quiet respect for him ever since." He was assigned to Twentynine Palms. He graduated from high school in 2002 and was quarterback of the football team. "He wasn't the best passer or runner, but he could lead that team," said a friend. He hoped to be home in time to see his wife, Nicole, give birth to their first child, a girl. In the fall, he planned to enter the University of North Alabama and hoped to become a history teacher and coach. "He's a hero in my book. He was always a winner in everything he did. He just wanted to be No. 1."
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Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway
22
Enterprise
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Iraq
6-28-2003
Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway was a Junior ROTC star in high school _ the first step in fulfilling his dream of being an Army Ranger and following his grandfather, father and brother into military service. "He had a great personality and an ability to deal with others. He was always energetic and wanting to do things," said his JROTC instructor. "He was a guy with a military image and fit all the credentials of a soldier at a young age." "He was always a team player (and) always looked for the positive things in life,". "He was liked by everybody on the (drill) team, always laughing, always happy." He is survived by his wife, who is pregnant.
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Staff Sgt. Eric D. Cottrell
39
Pittsview
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Qayyarah, Iraq
8-13-2007
Cottrell was born on January 25,1968 in Riverside, California. He is survived by: His parents, Alan Waters and Mannie Cottrell of Riverside, CA.; His wife, Sherri Cottrell of El Paso, TX.; Two daughters: Megan Cottrell of Pittsview, AL. and Brandy Cottrell of Pittsview, AL.; Two sons: James Christensen of Pittsview, AL. and Eric Cottrell of Pittsview, AL.; Two brothers: Norris Alan Waters of Pennyslvania and Christopher Waters of Hawaii.
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1st Lt. Joseph D. deMoore
36
Jefferson
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Tal Afar, Iraq
1-7-2006
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Lance Cpl. Bradley M. Fairchloth
20
Mobil
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Anbar Province, Iraq
11-26-2004
MOBILE, Ala. — He was a decorated Marine and former Delta State University football player. He was stationed out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., was a member of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion. He earned a Purple Heart on Nov. 16 when he was wounded in attempts to drive insurgents from Fallujah. He had an injury to his face.
A week later, he earned his second Purple Heart after being injured in the leg. A 2002 graduate of Murphy High School, he joined the Marines in October 2003 in part because of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He chose the Marines, because he wanted to be with the best. “He was tough,” “Everybody else would have been sissies.” He played on the defensive line for the Murphy Panthers football team, and was an avid supporter of the program even after graduation. After his graduation, he spent a year playing football on a partial scholarship at Delta State University in Mississippi. “He loved playing football,” his mother said. “He worked really hard for it.” He left for Iraq in July.
Part of his respect for all people came from his experience on church mission trips to other countries. At 9 years old, Faircloth traveled with his mother to Jamaica, pointing to a picture of her son beaming in a classroom surrounded by several black children. The mother and son went on a mission to Ghana about two years later. “He was a rebel with a cause.”
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Cpl. Adam R. Fales
21
Cullman
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Fallujah, Iraq
12-16-2005
High school football coach loved having "a hard-nosed, tough kid" like Adam R. Fales playing on his team. "He played whatever role we asked of him on both sides of the ball. His family was enthusiastic, very supportive of our program," "He was an outstanding young man". He was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. "He dreamed of going into the military ever since he was a little boy. He was always drawing pictures of battles and war. He also wanted to be a history teacher,". "He wanted to do his part," Fales rushed for more than 300 yards in a game his senior year in 2001. He was named to The Cullman Times All-Area Team that season after rushing for more than 1,000 yards. His family described him as laid back and a bit of a homebody when he returned home on leave. He enjoyed family dinners and playing football with his brothers, Jacob and James. "He was the calm one of the bunch."
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Staff Sgt. Jeffery J. Farrow
28
Birmington |
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Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
7-19-2005
STAFF SERGEANT JEFFEREY JEROME was born June 4, 1977 to Mrs. Sheree Farrow Hall and Mr. Louis Phillips in Birmingham, Alabama. He was baptized at an early age and attended North Birmingham Elementary School, Banks Middle School and graduated from Huffman High School and attended the ROTC. He also graduated from Fort Benning, Georgia Charlie 3rd Infantry 3rd Platoon, November 1, 1998, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department, June 21, 2002, Alabama Fire College for Apparatus: Pumper, January 12-16, 2004 with the highest honors and U S Army Airborne School A Co1/507 ABN Class 13-97. He leaves to cherish his memories: a proud mother, Mrs. Sheree Farrow Hall; father, Mr. Louis Phillips; four brothers, Timothy T. Farrow, Louis Farrow, Shawn L. (Shontell) Green, Gerald D. (Kristen) Green; daughter, Casey Diane Simmons; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and special friends, Ms. Eunice Blackmon, Mr. Roger Davis and Mr. Verdell Walker; other relatives and many friends.
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Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell
21
Perdido
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Helmand Province, Afghanistan
8-10-2009
Ferrell was a machine gunner assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Ferrell joined the Marine Corps in November 2007 and was promoted to lance corporal on Jan. 1, 2009. The son of Pam and Bruce Ferrell Sr., he deployed to Afghanistan in May 2009.
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Spc. Richard Gilmore III
22
Jasper
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Baghdad, Iraq
7-18-2007
He graduated in 2003 from Walker High School “I’m so proud of how this city has unified into one body," “I’m proud of all of the young men that serve this country, that keep our freedom and everything we stand for," Gilmore was a member of the Army’s 126th Infantry Division, Alpha Company, based in Germany. Gilmore was on his second tour of duty in Iraq.
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Spc. Steven R. Givens
26
Mobile
| Balad, Iraq
5-8-2005
Steven Ray Givens loved helping the children of Iraq. He sent pictures of them home and asked his family to send back Mardi Gras beads and candy in return. Although his first tour in Iraq was tough, "he wanted to go back. He loved working with kids,". He was based at Fort Benning. Givens, a Houston, Texas, native, lived much of his childhood in Mobile before moving to North Carolina. He met his wife, Cayssia, before his first deployment to Iraq in 2003. They married three days before he shipped out for a second tour. The couple had a 2-year-old son, Blake.
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Spc. Curtis E. Glawson
24
Daleville
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Staff Sgt. Stacy A. Green
34
Alexander City
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Helmand Province, Afghanistan
12-10-2010
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Spc Charles G. Haight
23
Jacksonville
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Iraq
12-26-2003
Charles Haight was the soldier's official name, but most people knew him as C.G., a guy who first played clarinet in his rural high school's band, then later joined the football team. He was based at Fort Lewis, Wash. He joined the Army after serving in the Marine Reserve, and reenlisted so he could later go to college on the G.I. Bill to become a nurse, his family said. "He wanted to help people,". Survivors also include his wife, Michelle, and their 10-month-old son, Gabriel, born shortly before the mechanic was deployed overseas. "He loved kids, and for him to have a baby, then only be able to see it for six weeks is hard _ that made it hard for him in Iraq,".
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Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall
28
Huntsville
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Nerkh, Afghanistan
6-1-2009
Jeffrey wanted to be a Ranger in the United States Army for a long time. He enlisted in the Army in 2000 and in 2005 became a Ranger, a position that carries a lot of prestige. His mother said she can remember when he was two years old, running around in camos, buying anything he could in the Army surplus store. Hall was also the type of guy fellow soldiers would come to with their problems. His family says he succeeded far beyond he had ever thought and for his service and character, they are forever proud. It's not everyday you meet a hero, but since the day Hall walked into each of seven lives, he was just that. His mother, Annette Hall, said, "He was loyal and loving and tender and yet he was a hardcore soldier. He was loyal and loving and tender and yet he was a hardcore soldier and we loved him dearly and he was doing what he wanted to do." More than anything, his family said he loved his wife and 11-month-old daughter, Audrey Faith. "Seeing him with Audrey was just, he was this big, ol', tough, bad guy, but when he had her in his arms, he melted and he was amazing," said his wife Allison. "You couldn't have asked for a better dad. He was truly the sweetest, kindest guy and he loved his little girl." Together four years, he and Allison would celebrate their two year wedding anniversary July 7. Allison's eyes light up when asked what made her hero so special. "His stubbornness. He just is a unique man. He's very strong and there's just something about him I don't really know, that I fell for and he's just amazing and you know doing what he did and being a soldier is something that was really neat and it meant a lot to him and it means a lot to me," she said. It's easy to see his sister Emily resembles her older brother, especially when she smiles. "He was probably the best brother I could have ever asked for," "Of course he would pick on me. I'm going to miss that more than anything is him picking on me and calling me little nicknames like 'Goober' and 'Blondie' and stuff like that, and he was definitely a unique person and he loved everybody, his family, his friends, and he loved God, very much and he was one of those who always believed everything happened for a reason." His two best friends since 2nd grade and family said his loyality made him such a great platoon leader." He's absolutely loyal, just sincere and compassionate," s "If you met Jeff, if you knew him, it was something you'd never, never forget"
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Pfc. Andrew L. Hand
25
Enterprise
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Qalat, Afghanistan
7-24-2010
Andrew was born November 28, 1984 in Valdosta, GA. He was a 2004 graduate of Enterprise High School and was a member of the football and track teams. He joined the National Guard in 2005 and served in 2 deployments, the first in Iraq and the second in Qatar and Kuwait. In 2008 he went into active duty and was stationed in Washington State with his wife and two sons. Survivors include his wife, Amanda Kay Hand, Enterprise, AL; two sons, Tristan Nicholas Laine Hand and Gavin Austin Lee Hand, both of Enterprise; his parents: Kenneth and Renee Hand, Birmingham, AL and Phyllis and Jerry Parris, Birmingham, AL; one sister, Laura Hand Davis and one brother, Robert Bagwell, two nieces and one nephew, all of Birmingham,
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Pfc. James J. Harrelson
19
Dadeville
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Baghdad, Iraq
7-17-2007
A best memory of his former defensive lineman was his smile."I never really saw him when he wasn't smiling," "If things weren't going good he would cheer you up. "He was always wanting to be a part of things and to help," Anyone who met him almost instantly became his friend. "He didn't have an enemy," said his older brother. His mother, Tammy said her son did not yet have a specific plan for his future but one thing was for certain, whatever he did in his life, Lake Martin would be a part of it. Other than living on the lake, Harrelson also told his family several times that he hoped to one day be a father. "He loved babies," "He wanted a couple of his own."He also is survived by his mother and father Tammy and Dennis Kinney.
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Spc. Nicholas C. D. Hensley
28
Prattville
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Spc. Stephen D. Hiller
25
Opelika
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-4-2004
Spc. Stephen D. "Dusty" Hiller left behind a pregnant wife when he was sent to Iraq in March. On April 2, he found out the baby would be a boy. Hiller, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had expected to be overseas for about 18 months, and he was excited about going. "He said he had found his place ... This is what he wanted to do."
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Staff Sgt. Michael W. Hosey
27
Birmingham
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Uruzan Province Afghanistan
9-17-2011
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Sgt. Edmund J. Jeffers
23
Daleville
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Taqqadum, Iraq
9-19-2007
Edmund J. Jeffers was home in June on a break from his tour in Iraq. "He said, 'I like being home Mom, but I'm worried about my soldiers over there,'" She remembered him saying. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson. He wrote an essay, "Hope Rides Alone," backing the war for the conservative Free Republic web site that gained wide notice. He ended his essay: "Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop bickering, let's stop all the bad news and let's stand and fight! Isn't that what America is about anyway?" Government economics teacher said with a smile that Jeffers seldom hesitated to exercise his First Amendment rights. His english teacher remembered him as a rather quiet student with a likable demeanor. His leadership ability was evident. "He was very serious about his job and very serious about the guys, that they knew their job," He also is survived by his wife, Stephanie.
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PFC Howard Johnson II
21
Mobil
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Nasiriyah, Iraq
3-23-2003
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1st Sgt. Charles M. King
48
Mobile
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Baghdad, Iraq
10-14-200
Pastor recalled the day years ago he asked for volunteers to build a 3-foot concrete block wall for a needy neighbor. "Chuckie was the first to arrive," "He was ready to work. Of course, he was too little to carry the heavy blocks, but he brought the workers water all day." He was assigned to Fort Hood. King attended Cuyahoga Community College and worked as a fashion illustrator in Montgomery and an advertising illustrator in Mobile before joining the Army in 1987. King illustrated a children''s book, and several of his paintings were displayed in the Pentagon during a Black History Month celebration in the late 1990s. He is survived by his 6-month-old son, Jordan, and fiancee, Dana Canedy. He also is survived by a 15-year-old daughter, Christina, from a previous relationship. King left his son a journal with instructions on everything from how to deal with disappointment to how to treat women to letting him know it was OK for boys to cry. "He was this big muscular guy," "but he was like a big pussycat."
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Spc. Joshua T. Lancaster
22
Millbrook
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Kandahar, Afghanistan
1-19-2011
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Spc. Cedric L. Lennon
32
West Blocton
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Iraq
6-24-2003
Spc. Cedric L. Lennon had lived with his grandmother at the end of a rural gravel road just outside West Blocton, Ala. He was deployed from Fort Polk to Iraq in March.
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Spc James T. Lindsey
20
Florence
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-12-2007
Lindsey, formerly of Florence. Jamie was a native of Lauderdale County, a 2004 graduate of Bradshaw High School and a member of Underwood Baptist Church. Jamie joined the U.S. Army in February 2005 and was recently promoted to the rank of corporal. He was assigned with the U.S. Army's Third Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fourth Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Jamie is survived by his wife, Michelle Lindsey, of Alaska; mother, Genice Nelson and husband Mike; father, Tony Lindsey and wife Sharron; maternal grandparents, Mae Jones, Bobby Scott and wife Joyce; paternal grandparents, Wayne and Betty Lindsey; stepbrother, Coty Nelson; stepsister, Selena Rogers; brother-in-law, John Sales; mother- and father-in-law, Nunila and Vito Sales.
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Staff Sgt. Tommy S. Little
47
Aliceville
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Iskandariyah,Iraq
3-2-2005
Tommy S. Little joined the National Guard out of high school and planned to stay in as long as he was eligible. Much to his mother's chagrin. "He loved the Guard, and he loved serving in the Army," "But sometimes I didn't want him to keep serving, and I would have put him over my knee to make him stop if I could have. But he was a grown man doing what he wanted to do. Little worked for 20 years at the Aliceville Cotton Mill and joined the National Guard in 1983. He was based in Columbus, Miss., and was a veteran of the Gulf War. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Little, a daughter and three stepchildren.
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Cpl. Jon-Erik Loney
21
Hartselle
| He had "kind and gentle eyes" and was always upbeat. In e-mails, he worried more about his friends than himself. "Even though he was going through all that in Iraq, he was wanting to know, ''How are you?'' or ''How''s your job?''" "No matter what was going on over there, he still took an interest in us." He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Baumholder, Germany. He was a Crimson Tide fanatic, preferred heavy-metal music to rap and had shed more than 100 pounds since high school. His online personality profile says Loney hated only one group of people: terrorists. " "He joined the Army and knew he would probably go to Iraq. " He and his mother, Violet, had already discussed Christmas presents. "He said he didn''t need anything, but he wanted some fishing stuff." He also is survived by his father, Jaime Loney.
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1st Lt. Scott M. Love
32
Huntsville
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Ramadi, Iraq
6-7-2006
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Spc. Christopher E. Mason
32
Mobile
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Baiji, Iraq
11-28-2006
Christopher E. Mason was unusually outgoing and passionate about whatever he tried. While in high school, he became the school mascot, donning a 6-foot hornet costume for game-night antics. He was assigned to Fort Bragg. After his 1994 graduation, Mason became a professional rodeo clown with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy''s Association. He also taught a commercial drivers license qualification course at Bishop State Community College. While in Iraq, his passion for helping people never wavered. "He loved the people, he loved the children that would come out and hold his hand and walk with him. He loved training the Iraqi army. He had a great relationship with the Iraqis," "Corporal Christopher E. Mason was the most mature and dedicated paratrooper I ever met during my time serving in the 82nd Airborne Division," "There was no one that ever came in contact with him that was not overwhelmed by his savvy and charismatic persona." He also is survived by his parents, Garland and Sue.
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PVT Johnathon M. Millican
20
Trafford
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Karbala,Iraq
1-20-2007
"You don't have to love the war," Johnathon M. Millican wrote on his MySpace page, "but you have to love the warrior." He was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Richardson. Shannon Millican was talking with her husband by Web cam from Iraq when something began happening on his end. "She heard somebody holler for them to run, and John took off. She said it was later that his computer was logged off," "A casualty officer came later and told her what had happened." While in high school Millican worked at the concession stand at the community ballpark and coached a 5-year-old T-ball team. "He was a good kid," A friend of Hill's son, lived with Hill and her family for about 2 1/2 years before graduating high school. "He called me 'Mom.' He sent me a Mother's Day card," "John paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms at home," said a tribute to Millican on his high school's Web site.
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Gunnery Sgt. Herman J. Murkerson Jr.
35
Adger
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Anbar Province, Iraq
10-1-2007
He was born and raised in Alabama, he was a 1990 graduate of Oak Grove H.S., joining the U.S. Marine Corps in July of that same year. Gy. Sgt. Murkerson was serving his third tour in Iraq, attached to the Marine HQ Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing of the Second Marine Expeditionary Force. A member of Grant's Creek Baptist Church in Mayesville, NC, he was a dedicated Marine, father and husband. Gunnery Sergeant Murkerson is survived by his: wife, Windy Murkerson; children, Stephen, Daniel and Kristina Murkerson; parents, Jerome Murkerson, Sr. and Brenda Murkerson; brothers, Darryl Murkerson (Jessica), Derrick Murkerson and Johnny Murkerson; sisters, Dee Musgrove and Ellie McFarling (Kevin); and grandmother, Lois Guy.
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Staff Sgt. Travis L. Nelson
41
Anniston
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Baghdad, Iraq
12-10-2005
Around his unit, Travis L. Nelson was the guy who many young soldiers sought advice. "He was the oldest one in his company," "They all called him Old Man River." He was assigned to Fort Campbell. Nelson served in the Army from 1982 to 1992, and won the Bronze Star during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After leaving the Army, he worked at a Wal-Mart distribution center. Nelson enlisted in the National Guard in 2001. "He loved everything about it," "That''s who he was. He was a soldier. He felt it was his duty, and that''s what he wanted to do. Fight for our freedom." Nelson loved to fish and was a big fan of University of Alabama football. He also is survived by his daughter, Summer Edgworth. "Travis was an awesome, awesome guy," "He was accepting of everybody, and he always had a smile on his face and was always laughing and cutting up about something."
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Staff Sgt. Paul B. Norris
30
Cullman
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Balad, Iraq
8-16-2007
Norris and Block were assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade in Fort Hood, Texas
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Sgt. Kenya A. Parker
26
Fairfield |
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Baghdad, Iraq
4-30-2005
Army Sgt. Kenya A. Parker Kenya A. Parker had talked about making the Army a career, but those who knew him had another idea _ comedy. "He just used to have everybody laughing all the time," "Everybody used to tell him he needed to be a comedian, he needed to be on stage. He just said, ''One day, I will be up there.'' He was based at Fort Stewart. Called Kenny by his family and friends, Parker had been in the Army for about five years. He enlisted with an eye to making it a career, but family members said he was thinking about getting out after finishing his second tour in Iraq. The last time she talked to her son, Diane Parker told him a package of things he wanted Gummy Bears, Thin Mints Girl Scout cookies, new rap CDs and other items was on the way. Parker is also survived by his father, Ronald Parker.
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Cpl. Bradford H. Payne
24
Montgomery
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Anbar Province, Iraq
10-6-2006
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Sgt. Carlos E. Pernell
25
Mumford
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Ramadi, Iraq
6-6-2006
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Lance Cpl. Carl L. Raines
20
Coffee
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Capt. Waid C. Ramsey
41
Red Bay
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Paktika, Afghanistan
8-4-11
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Sgt. Joshua L. Rath
22
Decatur
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Maywand, Afghanistan
1-8-2009
Josh Rath joined the Army after graduating from Austin High School in Decatur in 2004. He enlisted with a friend in what his dad called "the buddy system." "He was a really special guy,". "Everybody loved him." As a typical 22-year-old guy in Alabama, he loved football, basketball and soccer. "He was an Auburn fan,"
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Capt. Robert C. Scheet Jr.
31
Dothan
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Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Schmak
28
Hoover
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Lance Cpl. John T. Simms
21
Alexander City
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Staff Sgt. David C. Smith
26
Eight Mile
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Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan
6-9-2010
He was a member of the 66th Rescue Squadron stationed at Nellis AFB Nevada. David loved flying and helping others. A passion he followed to the end. He was a devoted son, a loving brother and faithful friend.
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Pfc. Ricky L. Turner
20
Athens
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Baghdad, Iraq
1-16-2009
Survivors include a wife, Nikki Turner of Hazel Green, his mother, Regina “Susan” Grimes of Huntsville, a brother, SFC Jimmy Grimes of Missouri, who also is stationed overseas, and his grandmother, Dorothy M. Turner of Piney Chapel.
Ricky grew up in Athens and attended Athens High School. He later attended Decatur High School but did not graduate, according to his aunt Tammy Turner of Piney Chapel. “He was very proud to be in the service,” she recalls. “He had a big heart and he was a good boy.” “He was a great person. Everyone is very proud of him.” Ricky joined the Army after taking ROTC classes in high school. “He thought that would be something he could excel in,”
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Spc. Brian A. Vaughm
23
Pell City |
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Lance Cpl. Cody Watson
21
Oxford
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Anbar Province, Iraq
12-6-2006
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CWO Charles G. Wells Jr.
32
Montgomery
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Anbar Province, Iraq
3-30-2005
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Sgt. 1st. Class Stephen J. White
39
Talladega
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An Najaf, Iraq
1-5-2006
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Cpl. Joseph C. Whitehead
22
Axis
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1-17-2011
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Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Willoughby
29
Phenix City
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Bahgdad, Iraq
7-20-2003
Before being called to active duty with the National Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Willoughby was preparing for a bright future as an accountant. He graduated from Auburn University in 2002 with an accounting degree, and one of his professors said he excelled in her rigorous class on advanced accounting topics. He was a quiet student, but a favorite with classmates. "The students all liked him. They loved working with him on group projects,". "He was just a good guy." He was with a military intelligence battalion in the Army National Guard. "It's a shame," "We're losing our best and our brightest."
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Cpl. Christopher E. Winchester
23
Flomaton
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Trebil, Iraq
7-14-2005
Winchester and his fellow Marines took the family back to their camp until the border reopened so they would be protected and wouldn''t have to sleep on the street. "I had sent him a wristband like the young people were around here that said, ''Saved by grace,''" "He gave it to the family''s 12-year-old daughter. She told him he was her hero." He was based at Camp Lejeune. A 2000 high school graduate, he was vice president of his senior class, was voted most attractive and was president of the JAGS program. He joined the Marines when he couldn''t find a job in the area. Even though he was a world away, he stayed close. Winchester called every hour to check on the family during Hurricane Dennis. His also is survived by his stepfather Greg Williams and father Al Winchester. Playing Trivial Pursuit against Eric P. Woods was no fun. "He always knew everything about everything," joked a childhood friend. Take Woods catchphrase "Let me tell you how it really is." . He was stationed at Fort Carson. At 9 months old, his parents nicknamed him Houdini for his ability to get out of any crib or car seat. At 5, Woods was taking part in wrestling meets around the state, and was in a bowling league at 6. And on summer nights when the neighborhood kids would run around pretending to shoot each other, Woods'' mother would notice how he refused to leave any kid behind. Woods graduated high school in 1997 and joined the Army in 2004. He asked his family to send toys, candy and soccer balls for Iraqi children. He also asked for items for other soldiers: foot powder, moist towelettes and lip balm. "As a medic he would hand that out," "He went above and beyond." He is survived by his wife, Jamie, and son, Eric Scott.
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PFC Ryan G. Winslow
19
Jefferson
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Anbar Province, Iraq
4-15-2006
He was born in Birmingham, on January 13, 1987, and attended Hoover High School and Jefferson State Community College. Ryan was a member of Shades Crest Baptist Church. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 2005. He was predeceased in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Annie L. Bailey and Raymond and Sara Winslow; and an uncle, Roger Winslow. He is survived by his parents, George A. and Marynell B. Winslow of Hoover, AL; a sister, Kristen B. Winslow of Hoover, AL; an aunt, Ellen B. Norton of Weaver, AL; an uncle, Raymond A. Winslow, Jr of Hertford, NC; and cousins, Dale Norton of Weaver, AL, and Nicholas and Dallas Winslow of Hertford, NC.
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PVT Justin R. Yomans
20
Eufaula
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