Sunday on the River

This past Sunday was a good day! At the urging of my daughter and son-in-law we traveled to the Buffalo River National Park and spent the day. Our destination was Tyler Bend. This is a great area for canoeing and rafting but not a real great place for fishing. However, it was a very entertaining day.

Not being of the type that relish the heat too much, my wife and I were wanting to do something with the kids but not necessarily something out in the heat. The trip was about a two hour travel from the house. We loaded up about 7:30 and reached our destination at about 9:30.

It was a short walk from a very nice parking and visitor facilities to the high and far reaching bluffs of the river. After this short walk, it felt as if you were hundreds of miles into the wilderness. This idea was short lived however. After we had pulled out our chairs and preceded to make a small "day camp" on the edge of the river, along came a four wheel drive down the river with two Park Rangers.

They immediately asked for our fishing licenses since we had our poles with us. We were proud to present the license that were purchased over the internet the night before. Everything was ok. The preceded to tell us what we had already expected. This area was an outlet for the first leg of any canoe trips that were coming down the river. Their projection was that on this beautiful weekend that we would see hundreds of canoes.

They were right. After about two hours the canoes began to come. There were all kinds of people. All nationalities. All social status from the "just barely could afford to be here" to the "look at me, I have the best equipment and look good doing it"

What the canoers as well as us did not expect was that the Park Rangers were setting up camp just about 100 yards from us. There purpose was to make the day a "safe day" They were checking for glass bottles which were outlawed on the river as well as for proper life jackets and for fishing licenses if there were fishing gear in the boat.

We immediately began to watch what was to be the entertainment of the day. As people would round the bend in the river and see the Rangers, you could hear all kinds of exclamations echo off of the canyon walls. The rangers would stop each canoe and check for the contraband items or the safety equipment. It was obvious that glass liquor bottles were in many of the boats and we could hear the patrons exclaim as they found that they were being ticketed $125 for each of the glass bottles. The only reprieve from this was the couple whose only transgrission was chips and a glass jar of Picante sauce. The only got a "hot" Warning.

As the day went on the Rangers lined the bank with the bottles that either they or the canoers had emptied. It was a site to see as the Rangers continually confiscated and emptied the bottles.

It was very difficult, being just past the Rangers and in the line of traffic of the canoers, to not exclaim in conversation as they would pass by, knowing full well that they had just received a ticket, "Having a nice day". Well we only said it once and a few expletives were released about the nice day that they were having.

The only thing that was extremely during the day was to here the loud shriek of a young lady as she rounded the bend to see the Rangers. We could not see her boat but her seemingly drunken voice echoed an expletive of "OH! S*** across the river. The Rangers proceeded to give the couple a ticket which appeared to be for something other than the glass bottles of past canoers.

The couple continued down the river to our location with laughter, still appearing to be too enebriated to understand their fate. When we asked what they were ticked for the girl exclaimed that they simply were trying to get a little extra sun and had removed their clothing to take it in a little better. The Rangers felt that this was public waters and that nudity was prohibited ---$250 please!

Well the day ended with a drive back to the house, a few laughs about the Rangers and then everyone asleep except for the driver.

A good day on the River with the kids was certainly better than a day at work.

Arkansas' Fallen Soldiers

ARKANSAS' FALLEN

Our great state of Arkansas has sent thousands of our own men and women from the National Guard, Reserve and active duty forces to serve in the war-torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. I am extremely proud of their contribution and am grateful for their service. Sadly, some of these heroes have sacrificed their lives on behalf of freedom and their loss is a tragic and sobering reminder of the terrible human sacrifice that war brings.

Those serving our nation in uniform are not only military men and women, but are also doctors, lawyers, police officers and firemen. They are teachers, factory workers, and business owners. Most importantly, they are husbands and wives, mothers and fathers. The loss of these courageous souls will not only be felt on the battlefield, but also by the families, friends and communities left behind who will miss their friendship and their love.

Our patience and our will have been tested, and will continue to be tested in the months ahead. Through it all, we must find strength in our unity and solace in our efforts to honor the commitment of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our nation and our state will long remember the impact these brave men and women have had in the defense of our freedom. Through their loss and in our pain, we gain a better appreciation of the many blessings we share as Americans.

Arkansas' fallen left their homes as family members, neighbors and friends. They return as heroes. These brave souls will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and I am honored and humbled to pay tribute to their sacrifice. Although they may no longer be with us, their spirit and their legacy live on in the examples they set and the many lives they touched.

Casualties of Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom


Baker, Ronald W.
Bell, Rusty W.
Box, Jr., Hesley
Brandon, Stacey C.
Brown, John
Buie, Jimmy
Bushnell, William
Cason, Ahmed A. "Mel"
Cheatham, Jonathan
Clairday, Jason Scot
Collier, Russell
Creamean, Tyler
Estes, Justin Felder, Arthur "Bo" Fisher, Dustin
Gardner, Jr., Freeman Goins, Michael Giles, Landon S.
Henkes, Richard Hopper, Brian Jenkins, Kenneth
Jessen, Kevin P. Johnson, Jr., Michael Jones, Charles S.
Jones, Gussie M. Kendall, Dustin L. Kimbrough, Paul W.
Kordsmeier, Patrick W. Labadie, William Marcum, Joshua
Marcum, Van Ryan
McCandless, Rodney McGaugh, Dustin K.
McGill, Arthur Ray McHalffey, Jeremy Melton, Kenneth A.
Miranda, Troy "Leon" Mitchell, Raymond Mooney, Adam
Morehead, Kevin Moss, Keelan L. Orton, Billy Joe
Parker, Tommy L. Peters, Dustin Plowman, Derek James
Robbins, William T. Rosenbaum, Thomas C. Rymer II, Lyle W.
Samek, Jesse Sayles, Phillip Shaffer, Jeffrey
Shaw, Alan Smith, Brandon C. Smith, Michael
Taylor, Michael Valdez, Steven A. Warren, William
West, Bobby R.





Baker, Ronald W.
Age: 34
Hometown: Cabot
Rank: Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - 39th Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Died in Landstuhl, Germany, on October 13th, 2004, from injuries sustained by a roadside bomb near Taji, Iraq, on October 7th, 2004


Sgt. Ronald W. Baker, of Cabot, was a loving man who cared deeply for his family and his friends. He was also a native Arkansan who cared deeply for his state and his country. Today, he is remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He is also remembered as a brave soldier who died a hero.

Sgt. Baker was born in the small Arkansas town of Searcy and later moved with his family to nearby Cabot. Wherever he went, Sgt. Baker quickly made friends and those who knew him best often talked of how his personality always seemed to draw others to him. His strong sense of family and community is what contributed to his decision to enlist in the Arkansas Army National Guard a month after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. He served as a member of the Guard's 39th Support Battalion based out of Lonoke and was later called up to serve as a specialist in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Along with many of his comrades in the 39th, he was stationed at Camp Taji, about 16 miles northwest of downtown Baghdad.

On October 7, Sgt. Baker volunteered for a supply mission that would convoy from Camp Taji to another camp nearby. While en route, a roadside bomb concealed in a parked car exploded as the convoy rode by with Sgt. Baker in the gunner's turret of a humvee. As a result of the blast, he sustained serious injuries and was immediately flown to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany. Sgt. Baker's wife, Joanne, and his father, Anthony, were quickly flown in from Arkansas so they could be there to share in his last few moments. Although Sgt. Baker was never baptized, he had previously told his wife that he wanted to leave the world as a Christian. Before he passed away on October 13, Joanne would watch as an Air National Guard Chaplain baptized her husband and, in her words, permitted him to pass into a better place.

The day of his funeral was proclaimed as "Sergeant Ronald Baker Day" in his hometown. Those en route to his memorial ceremony at the Arkansas Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock drove under an arch made of ladders over the highway that hung a large American flag. It was a touching and fitting tribute, created by the Sherwood Fire Department, to honor one of Arkansas' fallen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to make those around him safer.

Along with a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to Joanne; their 7-year-old daughter, Alexis; Anthony and his mother Carolyn; his brother and sister; and to the rest of his family, friends and loved ones. Although Ronald Baker may no longer be with us, the lasting relationships he formed and the principles he fought for live on in all of us.

Bell, Rusty W.
Age: 21
Hometown: Pocahontas
Rank: Specialist
United States Army - 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
Where: Died from non-combat related injuries in Taji, Iraq on August 12th, 2005

Spc. Rusty Bell was raised in Ravenden by his grandparents and later attended Pocahontas High School. There, he was known as a confident and well-liked young man who loved to read and spend time outdoors, particularly if he was horseback riding.

Upon graduation from high school, Spc. Bell enlisted in the United States Army. In the Army, he was a helicopter repair worker and was stationed out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, where he lived with his wife.

He was later deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom and served with the Army’s 603rd Aviation Support Battalion. Throughout his deployment, he continued his love of reading as an active member of Books for Soldiers, an organization which provides donated books to U.S. soldiers serving around the world.

Tragically, he died as a result of non-combat related injuries on August 12, in the Taji Province of Iraq. Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Rusty Bell, but I pray that they can find some solace in the courageous way he lived his life. My thoughts and prayers are with Spc. Bell’s wife, his parents, and all those who knew and loved him.

Box, Jr., Hesley
Age: 24
Hometown: Chidester
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Killed by a car bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 6th, 2004

Sgt. Hesley "Tank" Box Jr., of Chidester, was a 1998 graduate of Camden Fairview High School. He was as an active member of the community, a member of the Roadside Church of God in Ozan and involved with the New Sanctuary Christian Center in Chidester.

In the words of his sister-in-law, Sherry Johnson, "Hesley was a good person, period. He was always giving of his time, always honest with you, always willing to help you out, always willing to go the extra mile to help somebody out."

The relationships Sgt. Box built with his colleagues was a testament to the kind of person he was. With his two young sons back in Arkansas, he became a father figure for younger members of his unit once they were deployed. At just 24, he was a relatively seasoned veteran, having served in the National Guard since 1997 through two previous deployments in Bosnia and Saudi Arabia. In March, he left for Iraq with his comrades in the 39th Infantry Brigade.

My condolences and prayers go out to Sgt. Box's wife, Alexia; his two sons Zacheas and TaDarius; his parents, Hesley, Sr. and Barbie Box; and his brother, Tarcus Kyron Box.

Brandon, Stacey C.
Age: 35
Hometown: Hazen
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - 39th Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in a mortar attack in Taji, Iraq, on April 24, 2004

Sgt. Stacey Brandon, of Hazen, was a 1987 graduate of Kingsland High School. As a corrections officer, he went on to work at the state Department of Correction in Pine Bluff and later with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Forrest City.

In the words of his colleague, Lt. Colonel Don Brooks, "Stacey was one of those guys that five minutes after you met him you felt like you'd known him forever, and you knew you had a friend for life."

Sgt. Brandon joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1990. In May of 2001, he was transferred to Headquarters Company, 39th Support Battalion, before he went on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom in October.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Brandon's wife, April; his year-old daughter Brianna; his four-year old son Johnathan; his parents George and Mary Ann; and all of those who knew and loved him.

Brown, John
Age: 43
Hometown: Little Rock
Rank: Sergeant 1st Class
Army National Guard


Buie, Jimmy D.
Age: 44
Hometown: Floral
Rank: Specialist
Arkansas Army National Guard - 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 4, 2005

Specialist Jimmy Buie was beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and respected within his community. Today, he is remembered as a hero by the grateful nation for whom he gave his life. Spc. Buie was a proud member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 2nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion of the 39th, a close-knit group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other.

It was obvious to those who served with him that in addition to being an outstanding soldier, he was so much more. His easy-going way could always be counted on to brighten a mood with his trademark humor and infectious smile. Throughout his service, he held a firm belief that he was doing what was right; helping rebuild the lives of a people he had never met and bringing stability to a nation he had never known.

Spc. Buie joined the military upon his graduation from high school in 1980. Later, while working for a dental products manufacturer, he met a woman named Lisa who would become the love of his life. The two were inseparable, and the natural chemistry between them soon led to marriage. Spc. Buie quickly took to Lisa's two sons and found great pleasure in spending time with them, whether they were building a go-cart or playing catch.

In his hometown of Batesville, Spc. Buie worked as a mechanic at Mark Martin Ford Mercury, where he rightfully earned the reputation of a quiet, hard-working guy who always got the job done. He joined the National Guard in August of 2004 and was deployed to Iraq after spending a month of training at Fort Hood, Texas. While serving in Iraq, he spoke with Lisa every Sunday evening. During these conversations, he always remained upbeat and spoke of the joy he found in improving the lives of Iraqis, particularly the local farmers, whom he pitied for their poor living conditions. These words and actions spoke volumes of Spc. Buie, a humble man who found comfort in knowing folks were praying for him back in Arkansas, and who used that inspiration to improve the lives of those around him.

Tragically, he was one of three Arkansans killed on January 4th when their humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Their vehicle, which was traveling as part of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they have left behind.

The courageous and selfless way in which Spc. Buie served in uniform brings honor to our nation. The impassioned and generous way in which he led his life, brings honor to us all. On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jimmy Buie. Although he may no longer be with us, we must find some solace knowing that he died for a cause in which he believed. His legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

Bushnell, William
Age: 24
Hometown: Jasper
Rank: Sergeant
Army


Cason, Ahmed A. "Mel"
Age: 24
Hometown: McGehee
Rank: Specialist
United States Army - 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed by an attack of rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 4, 2004

Spc. Ahmed "Mel" Cason was born in Ft. Hood, Texas, but spent much of his early childhood in McGehee. As the proud son of two parents who served in the Army, Spc. Cason followed in their footsteps by enlisting in 2000. As a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was deployed to Baghdad in March of 2001.

Upon his return from the war, Spc. Cason often spoke of reuniting with his family and hopefully attending a junior college where he could play football and eventually follow a career in athletics.

We all share in the sentiments of Spc. Cason's uncle, Wendell Hunt, who said "We are very proud of Ahmed and his service. He strongly believed in keeping America safe for his children and for all of us."

Our condolences and prayers go out to Spc. Cason's wife, Allison; his three-year old daughter Akilaah; his ten-month old son Gabriel; his brothers Bobby and Cedric; and his sisters Jamila and Danitra Hunt.

Cheatham, Jonathan
Age: 19
Hometown: Camden
Rank: Private 1st Class
United States Army Reserve - 489th Engineer Battalion
Cause: Killed by a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 26, 2003

Throughout his childhood and into high school, Pvc. John Marshall Cheatham had a love of sports, particularly soccer, and enjoyed playing trumpet in the school marching band. As a teenager, he was forced to take on the unexpected responsibilities as the paternal head of his household when his father was killed in an accident in 2000. Pvc. Cheatham helped comfort his family in their time of mourning and became a fatherly figure for his sister. "He cared for his sister deeply, always taking care of her," said his mother, Dr. Barbara Porchia. These added obligations, she said, prompted her son to join the Army Reserves.
Pvc. Cheatham's love of animals led him to enroll in college with an interest in veterinarian medicine and computers. He had completed just two weeks of classes before he was activated by the military.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Clairday, Jason Scot
Age: 21
Hometown: Salem

Rank: Corporal
United States Marines - 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force
Cause: Killed by enemy fire in Fallujah, Iraq, on December 12, 2004

Jason Scot Clairday was a young man from Arkansas who had a passion for life, a gift for bringing smiles to the faces of those around him, and a sense of duty toward the country and the people he would serve with honor. He was a loving husband, son, brother and friend. He was also a brave soldier who died a hero, trying to bring freedom to a people he had never met in a country he had never known.

Cpl. Clairday was the type of person others were naturally drawn to. He showed a genuine interest in their well-being and his gentle nature and infectious smile could brighten the darkest of moods. It was apparent to everyone around him that he approached every day with a rare enthusiasm and love for life. This youngest of three boys was often found playing sports or fishing and hunting along a nearby creek, enjoying the outdoors and the time spent with his friends and family. After moving to the small northern Arkansas town of Salem, he did what he did best, made friends, and quickly distinguished himself by excelling in high school athletics and becoming an active member of the First Baptist Church.

Cpl. Clairday enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Salem High School in 2001. It was a decision he was proud to make and members of the First Baptist Church remember the pride with which he wore his Marine dress blues while attending service. On July 30, just weeks prior to his deployment to Iraq, Cpl. Clairday married the love of his life, Sarah. After his military service, he looked forward to returning home to be with her, attending Arkansas State University at Mountain Home, and building a family life. He felt his experience in the Marine Corps was a way to better prepare him for that future.

While in Iraq, Cpl. Clairday sometimes spoke with friends and loved ones of liberating the war-torn country and making a better life for the Iraqi people. While he never talked much about the war, he preferred instead to talk about the end of his enlistment in the spring, the future and coming home to be with his new wife and his family. Sarah last spoke with her husband on December 3rd, when he was scheduled to enter Fallujah for 10 days with his fellow marines in an attempt to bring greater stability to the city prior to the Iraqi national elections slated for January. At the conclusion of the ten days, he was to be granted a two-day leave. Tragically, he was killed by enemy fire on December 12th, a day before he was to leave the area.

At his memorial service in Camp, Arkansas, more than 600 people would come to pay their respects to their fallen Arkansas soldier. At the conclusion of the service, Cpl. Clairday was buried with full military honors. The flag that had draped his casket was presented to his young widow along with the purple heart that he had posthumously earned for his gallant service on behalf of a grateful nation.

When we think of Jason Clairday, we will remember that he gave himself completely to every aspect of his life; his family, his community, and his country. The legacy of his 21 years is a testament to who he was. The love, the humor, the selflessness, and the passion with which he taught us to live our lives, will remain with us forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Sarah, to his family, and to all those who knew and loved him.

Collier, Russell "Doc"
Age: 48
Hometown: Harrison
Rank: Medic Arkansas Army National Guard - 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 206th Field Artillery Regiment
Cause: Killed by small arms fire in Taji, Iraq, on October 3, 2004

Sgt. Russell L. Collier was born in Crossett and as a member of a military family, spent his entire childhood on and around army bases. Through this experience, he was able to learn from an early age about the importance of military service as well as the sacrifice that men and women in uniform make on behalf of our freedom. These lessons led to his decision to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1975. He later transferred to the U.S. Navy and in 1999, volunteered for service in the Arkansas National Guard.

Sgt. Collier was described by those who knew him as a fun-loving man who loved to cook and read and had a passion for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. More importantly, he is remembered as a caring son, brother, husband and father who loved his family and was always very protective of them.

Sgt. Collier worked the full-time night-shift at the Tyson Foods plant in Green Forest before earning his emergency medical technician license. With this license, he became the unit medic for his 206th Alpha Battery when they were deployed to Iraq last spring. Although his family was anxious for his return home in March, they understood that he was doing what he loved; serving his country and helping people. On October 3rd, Sgt. Collier's unit was conducting traffic control operations when they came under attack from insurgent forces. After one of his fellow soldiers was struck by small arms fire, Sgt. Collier left behind his rifle to rush to the aid of the wounded soldier. Tragically, he was killed in the process.

Russell Collier's willingness to place himself in harm's way to help others is a testament to the kind of man he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Rocky; his three children; his sister, Carolyn Pfaus; and to all those who knew and loved him.

Creamean, Tyler L.
Age: 21
Hometown: Jacksonville

Rank: Specialist
United States Army - Company A, 73rd Engineer, 1st Brigade,25th Infantry Division
Cause: Killed by a roadside bomb in Mosul, Iraq, on May 22, 2005

Army Specialist Tyler L. Creamean will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving soul who lived his life with energy and passion. He will also be remembered by his country as a dedicated soldier who bravely answered his nation’s call to service and gave his life in the defense of our freedom.

Despite being born in Texas, Tyler Creamean spent most of his childhood in Jacksonville. Known for his energy and his light-hearted nature, he had a personality that allowed him to make friends with nearly everyone he encountered. He was also known for playing pranks and causing mischief but did not have a mean bone in his body. Instead, he had a gift for lightening dark moods and bringing a quick smile to the faces of those around him when they needed it most. Spc. Creamean attended Jacksonville High School but left after his sophomore year to join the Youth ChalleNGe Program, a 22-week program sponsored by the Arkansas National Guard to help young adults develop as leaders, earn their G.E.D. and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in life. It was an opportunity for Spc. Creamean to learn more about himself and what he wanted in life, and he did just that. He went on to earn the program’s spirit award and shortly after his graduation, he joined the Army in April of 2003.

Spc. Creamean was a part of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division and spent time at Fort Lewis in Washington prior to his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, Spc. Creamean served with the 73rd Engineer Company and conducted more than 600 patrols, sweeping roads for explosive devices and clearing the way so that fellow soldiers as well as Iraqi civilians could pass through safely. In late February, he returned home on leave and on February 24th, his 21st birthday, he married the love of his life, his girlfriend KaMisha. KaMisha, also a soldier, was stationed at Fort Still, Oklahoma, and had begun preparations for her deployment to Iraq. As a result, Spc. Creamean now set his sights on reenlistment, so that his new wife would not have to serve in Iraq without him neraby.

Tragically, early on May 22, while routinely sweeping a stretch of the main highway south of Mosul, Spc. Creamean’s military vehicle hit a roadside bomb that killed him and a fellow soldier. Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Tyler Creamean, but I pray they can find solace in the courageous way he lived his life. Although he may no longer be with us, his spirit will forever live on in the examples he set and the many lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.

Estes, Justiin
Age: 25
Hometown: Sims
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Army



Felder, Arthur "Bo"
Age: 36
Hometown: Lewisville
Rank: Captain
Arkansas Army National Guard - 39th Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in a mortar attack in Taji, Iraq, on April 24, 2004

Cpt. Arthur "Bo" Felder spent much of his life giving back to the community. Remembered by his friends and neighbors as a person of faith and prayer, he is also remembered through his involvement and positive impact on the youth of Arkansas. Cpt. Felder found pleasure in his service as a youth minister and also worked at Step One Alternative school in Little Rock, a school for troubled youth.

"We've had some hard kids to get to, troubled kids from one extreme to the other," said Rev. Eric Alexander, pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in North Little Rock. "He would just walk up and put an arm around them, and before you'd know it, they were best friends with 'Mr. Bo,' and whatever he said, they would do."

Cpt. Felder also spent nearly two decades serving his nation in the Army and National Guard. During that time, he was deployed in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Honduras.

My condolences and prayers go out to Cpt. Felder's ex-wife, Brenda; his daughter Amari; his son Jaelun; his mother, Dr. Cheryl Stuart; his brothers Robert Stuart and Littrelle Felder; and his two sisters Gwendolyn Gingery and Kelana Greer

Fisher, Dustin C.
Hometown: Fort Smith
Age: 22
Rank: Specialist
United States Army - 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
Where: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 24, 2005

Army Specialist Dustin C. Fisher will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving soul who lived his life with energy and passion. He will also be remembered by his country as a dedicated soldier who bravely answered his nation’s call to service and gave his life in the defense of our freedom. Dustin Fisher was born in the Northwest Arkansas town of Fort Smith. He spent his childhood as many children do; hanging out with his friends, playing sports, and making life difficult for his sister. He was a fun-loving person who had a gift for story-telling and was always quick with a sarcastic remark to lighten a conversation. If looking for him, he could often be found cruising around town in his pink pickup truck, a gift from his father that he used to draw attention and meet girls.

Upon his graduation from Van Buren High School in 2001, Spc. Fisher tried a year of college but found it was not for him. It became apparent that he wanted to make something of himself, so he followed his father and brother into military service. Shortly after joining the United States Army, he was sent down to Fort Stewart, Georgia. At Fort Stewart, he not only seemed to find his niche in life, but he also met his soul-mate, a young woman named Alicia. Her presence made him truly happy and two were married just days before his deployment to Iraq in late January. While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Spc. Fisher’s mission often entailed escorting dignitaries across the war-torn country. Although it placed him in ever-present danger, he downplayed its significance to comfort his family and friends. Although he had originally thought of re-enlisting, he now considered returning home to be with Alicia and potentially become a firefighter. He had last been home for Christmas, and was looking forward to returning for a two week leave in late June. Tragically, on May 24, while escorting a high-ranking Iraqi official, Spc. Fisher was one of three soldiers killed when a car bomb exploded near their convoy.

Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Dustin Fisher, but I pray they can find solace in the courageous way he lived his life. Although he may no longer be with us, his spirit will forever live on in the examples he set and the many lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.

Gardner, Jr. Freeman
Age: 26
Hometown: Little Rock
Rank: Sergeant
Army


Giles, Landon S.
Hometown: Gurdon

Age: 19
Rank: Private
U.S. Army - 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
Where: Killed by a roadside bomb east of Baghdad, Iraq, on February 26, 2005

Private 1st Class Landon S. Giles was a passionate and free-spirited young man who lived his life with an admirable sense of adventure and courage. He was also a brave soldier who proudly and honorably served his nation in uniform. In doing so, he gave his life while improving the lives of those he saw as less fortunate while helping to bring freedom and hope to a land that has known only oppression and fear. The way he lived his life is a testament to the kind of person he was. The State of Arkansas and our nation will mourn his loss but will remain forever grateful of the service he rendered on behalf of us all.

Pvc. Giles was born and raised in the southwestern Arkansas town of Arkadelphia. From an early age, his sense of adventure and his athleticism would contribute to the way he spent his childhood. If he wasn’t playing golf, football or baseball, he was most likely hiking or on a hunting trip with friends and family. Above all, Pvc. Giles loved to travel, where he could experience foreign cultures, see new places and meet new people. His father’s job required an extensive amount of travel overseas and it allowed him the opportunity to do just that.

Through travels with his father, Pvc. Giles had the opportunity to see much of the world. When he was just 12, he became a certified scuba diver while diving at Sipadan, an island off the coast of Malaysia. Additionally, he would go on to experience memorable journeys such as climbing volcanoes in the South Pacific, deep-sea fishing off the coast of Australia, surfing in Hawaii, and riding an elephant through parts of Thailand. It was a rare privilege of which he took full advantage. It was an adventure that required courage and imagination and he loved every minute of it. Such was his life.

Wherever that life took him, his friendly personality and outgoing nature provided him with a natural gift for making friends quickly and easily. At the same time, his work ethic, dedication, and discipline earned him the respect of his teachers and coaches. Throughout his time at Arkadelphia High School, Pvc. Giles would call upon these traits when he spoke of entering the military. Shortly before his graduation, he joined the United States Army through their delayed-entry program. Since he had not yet reached the age of 18, he asked his mother, Kim, to fill out the necessary paperwork. Although she disapproved of his decision, she also saw how determined and passionate he felt about it and ultimately complied.

A month after his graduation last May, Pvc. Giles entered the Army as an indirect fire infantryman, assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. The day he was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom, his sister, Jennifer, told him she didn’t want him to go to war. In a gesture befitting of who he was, he replied simply "it’s better I go and not come home than someone with a wife and children." In Iraq, his courage was surpassed only by his selflessness. He often spoke of his heart-felt belief that the Iraqis were being treated unjustly and had no one to fight for their rights. He became a champion of this cause and while proudly serving his country, was also proud to help the people of Iraq in their fight for freedom. Tragically, after serving in Iraq for only a few weeks, he was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol on February 26.

Back in the community he called home, countless friends and neighbors, as well as strangers who simply wanted to pay their respects, lined the procession to his burial service. Many held small American flags in their hands, others simply held their hands over their heart. The community’s outpouring of grief was tempered only by its outpouring of appreciation. Their fallen hero had returned home and it was readily apparent that his sacrifice would not soon be forgotten.

Landon Giles was an inspiration, not only because of the way he lived his life, but because of who he was. He was a loving son, brother, and friend, and he was also a hero. Although his time with us was way too short, his legacy will forever live on in the example he set and the many lives he touched. In the words of his mother Kim, "I want him to be remembered as a strong, brave, compassionate person who put his life on the line to defend our country and help those less fortunate than us."

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who knew and loved this special young man.

Goins, Michael
Age: 23
Hometown: Bonner Springs, Kansas

Rank: Second Lieutenant
United States Army - 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed by hostile fire in Najaf, Iraq, on August 15, 2004

Second Lt. Michael Goins was born in Springfield, Missouri and grew up in the small northwestern Arkansas town of Oak Grove. He later moved with his family to Kansas where he would graduate as valedictorian of his class at Bonner Springs High School. Excelling in and out of the classroom, he was also an outstanding athlete and captain of his football and basketball teams. This success would translate through his time at Kansas State University, where he would graduate with honors from the ROTC program.

Lt. Goins' friends and family describe him as a young man who was always respected and admired by those who knew him best. In the words of his high school basketball coach, he was determined young man with strong leadership abilities and a solid work ethic who was "the one you want your son to be and the one you want your daughter to marry." And although he was an imposing figure because of his physical stature, he was a loving family man who left a standing order with his florist back home to send flowers to his wife each month and on special occasions. Lt. Goins was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, and was later deployed to Iraq in January of 2004. While serving near Najaf as a tank platoon leader, he would also take time to learn Arabic so that he could chat with the young Iraqi children he met on a frequent basis. Tragically, while on patrol on August 15th, he was killed when a gunman fired shots through his open tank hatch.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Paula; his parents, Jim and Tammy; his sisters, Mandy Kilbourn and Sarah Goins; and with all those who knew and loved him.

Henkes, Richard
Age: 32
Hometown: Ashdown
Rank: Sergeant 1st Class
Army


Hopper, Brian
Age: 21
Hometown: Wynne, AR

Rank: Lance Corporal
United States Marine Corps - 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
Cause: Killed in a helicopter crash in western Iraq on January 26, 2005

Brian Hopper lived his life with an energy, sense of adventure, and courage that we can all admire. These were the qualities he displayed throughout his childhood, playing and hunting in the woods around his home in Northeast Arkansas. They were also the qualities that ultimately drew him to military service, bravely defending freedom in a land he had never known.

Lance Cpl. Hopper grew up just outside of the small Arkansas town of Wynne. Like other boys his age, he enjoyed growing up in the countryside; spending his time in the woods and trails near his home. Much of this time was spent with his hunting buddy, his father Rob, who taught him how to shoot when he was six. Together, they could often be found fishing or looking for deer, squirrels, and rabbits.

At Wynne High School, Lance Cpl. Hopper was a member of the drama club and the school's broadcast journalism class, where he helped with the daily news program. He graduated in the Spring of 2002, and it was clear to friends and family that his next step would be enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. Although he was turned down by Marine Corps recruiters in Arkansas because of recent reconstructive knee surgery, this resilient young man would not be detoured. Instead, he made the trip to neighboring Mississippi and met with a new set of recruiters. He never mentioned his knee surgery and was allowed to enlist in September of 2002. He would go on to attend the School of Infantry in January of 2003, where he trained to become a rifleman.

Lance Cpl. Hopper made a brief trip home during Christmas of 2003, following the completion of boot camp. It was quickly apparent to his family that he not only matured physically, but he also spoke and acted differently. The young man they had watched grow up over the years was now truly a Marine, and his father couldn't have been more proud.

As a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lance Cpl. Hooper was deployed to the war-torn nation last summer and quickly earned the reputation of a tough, loyal soldier who repeatedly rose above the call of duty. During military operations in Fallujah, he earned his first Purple Heart after taking on incoming fire. The flak jacket he was wearing saved him from serious injury, and possibly death. Soon after, he earned yet another Purple Heart from much more severe wounds. After raiding an Iraqi home and shooting an armed insurgent, he was struck by an explosion from a fallen grenade that left shrapnel in his knee, leg, arm and face. Although his wounds were severe enough to have him airlifted to Germany, he chose to stay in Iraq with his unit. His personal safety was an afterthought to the loyalty he had for his comrades and the mission before them. Although he still carried pieces of shrapnel in him, he would carry on the fight. It was a testament to the courage and the heart of this brave Marine.

On January 26, he boarded a CH-53E helicopter on a routine mission to help guard the Syrian border for the Iraqi elections. Tragically, the helicopter crashed amid severe weather conditions in western Iraq. All 31 soldiers aboard were killed and it was destined to become the deadliest day of the war thus far for American forces.

Lance Cpl. Hopper's brother, Patrick, who was also serving in Iraq as a Marine Lance Corporal, would accompany his brother's body on that final flight home from Dover Air Force Base to Memphis. Emergency vehicles would shut down every intersection between Memphis and Wynne and allow the two brothers to return home to their family.

On the day of Lance Cpl. Hopper's funeral, the state flag was flown at half-mast over the State Capitol in Little Rock. Along the 12-mile procession from the memorial service to Harris Chapel Cemetery, friends, neighbors and mourners lined the streets to show their respect and to honor this fallen Arkansas hero. Many held American flags high, many saluted, and others held their right hands over their heart.

At his final resting place, Lance Cpl. Hopper was buried with full military honors. It was just a short walk from the home and the woods where he had spent his childhood, and it served as a reminder of how very far he had come in his life. The courageous and honorable way in which he lived his 21 years is a testament to the kind of person he was. When we think of Brian Hopper, we will think of this legacy, and will be reminded of how we are forever grateful to this brave young man for the sacrifice he made on behalf of freedom, and on behalf of us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.

Jenkins, Kenneth
Age: 25
Hometown: Fouke

Rank: Staff Sergeant
United States Army - 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Cause: Killed by small arms fire during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 12, 2006

Staff Sergeant Kenneth was a loving son, a devoted husband, and a loyal friend. He was also an American hero, who fulfilled his life-long ambition of honorably and courageously serving our nation in uniform. In doing so, he was to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Those who knew him best tell of a special young man who always placed his friends and family above all else. Always dependable, he was the type of person who would give you the shirt off of his back if needed. It was this generosity and goodwill that endeared him to others. They were also the traits that allowed him to quickly form new bonds with everyone he met, and with everyone he served.

On July 1, 1999, Staff Sgt. Jenkins fulfilled his aspiration to serve our nation in uniform by enlisting in the United States Army. Soon after completing his training, he was deployed for various missions around the world, which took him to such countries as Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Cuba. Throughout his service, he was a soldier's soldier, grateful to serve and proud of his role in helping to defend the people and the country that he loved. It came as no surprise that Staff Sgt. Jenkins answered his nation's call for duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, completing a full tour of duty and returning for a second.

In Iraq, he served with the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. Tragically, while conducting operations in Baghdad on August 12, his Humvee came under attack by enemy forces and sustained small arms fire. He later died from injuries sustained in that battle. He was scheduled to return home in November.

Staff Sgt. Jenkins was laid to rest with full military honors in Killeen, Texas. Posthumously, he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his courageous service. A few miles away, his fellow soldiers held a separate memorial ceremony at Fort Hood in honor of Jenkins and the five other 4th infantry division soldiers who were killed in Iraq during the month of July.

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of yet another brave soldier from Arkansas. While Kenneth Jenkins may no longer be with us, I pray that we may find some sense of solace knowing that his spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. The way he lived his life is truly an example for us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Brandy Jenkins, his sister, Stephanie Richard, his brother, Mack Jenkins, his parents, and with all those who knew and loved this special young man.

Jessen, Kevin P.
Age: 28
Hometown: Paragould

Rank: Staff Sergeant
United States Army - 22nd Chemical Battalion, 20th Support Command
Cause: Killed by a roadside bomb in Rawah, Iraq, on March 5, 2006

To those who knew Staff Sergeant Kevin P. Jessen, he was a loving husband and proud father whose life was filled with love and laughter. To his fellow soldiers serving on the battlefields of Iraq, he was a hero who, in the course of saving countless American and Iraqi lives, sacrificed his own.

His lifelong interest in military history and explosives led him to a career as an explosive ordinance disposal technician. It came as no surprise to friends and family that the young Arkansan who spent countless hours as a child playing with G.I. Joe toys and bottle rockets, would become a soldier. He joined the ROTC while in high school and upon graduation, enlisted in the National Guard before ultimately joining the United States Army.

Staff Sgt. Jessen’s first of three tours in Iraq occurred shortly after Operation Desert Storm when he helped dispose of explosives left over from the war. In 2004, he returned through service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, only to return for a third tour six months after his second was completed. While serving in a foreign land seemingly worlds away from home, his heart and thoughts were undoubtedly never far from his wife, Carrie, and his 2-year old son, Cameron. Between tours of duty, this battle-hardened soldier was often found changing diapers or handling bottle feedings in the middle of the night. It was the proud duty of a man who loved his family so very much and it was symbolic of his devotion to them.

Throughout his time in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Jessen’s role as an explosives ordinance disposal technician ensured that he was often called upon to disarm roadside bombs. Although it continually placed him in the line of danger, he selflessly saw it as his duty to help protect the lives of his fellow soldiers as well as the lives of Iraqi civilians. Tragically, while serving on a post-blast investigation on March 4th, 2006, he was killed by a secondary explosion in Rawah, Iraq.

At Staff Sgt. Jessen’s memorial service, he was laid to rest with full military honors. Hundreds of family, friends and those wishing to pay their respects joined together to remember this young Arkansan and to honor the life he led. Along his funeral procession, members of a grateful community endured the cold weather to honor this fallen hero, many with hands held over the hearts and waving American flags. At the cemetery, the American flag that had draped Staff Sgt. Jessen's casket was folded and presented to Carrie and Cameron as a token of remembrance of the man they loved and the sacrifice he made on behalf of us all.

Although the 28 years that Kevin Jessen spent with us were far too short, I am hopeful that his friends, family, and loved ones find some solace knowing that he touched the lives so many. He set examples of devotion to family and country that we should all follow, and he led an honorable life of love and selflessness that will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

My thoughts and prayers are with Carrie, Cameron, and all those who knew and loved this fallen hero.

Johnson, Jr., Michael Van
Age: 25
Hometown: Little Rock

Rank: Hospital Corpsman 3
United States Navy - 3rd Marine Division Detachment
Cause: Killed in action in Iraq on March 25, 2003

Navy Medic Michael Van "Doc" Johnson, Jr. was born and raised in Little Rock and graduated from Parkview High School. He would later attend the University of Central Arkansas, where he would earn his degree.

In the words of his sister, Janisa Hooks, "He was just a big kid. He liked to draw and he loved basketball, a real people's person."

In March of 2003, he became the first serviceman from Arkansas killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Navy reports that he was killed by Iraqi forces while tending to an injured Marine.

In the words of his family, he is their hero and they are proud of the sacrifice he made. "He did it for us, so we can walk around the United States and be free," said Hooks. "He made peace with God and himself before he went over."

Shortly before his death, his mother received a letter from him. "Mom," he wrote, "I love you, and don't be afraid if I don't return, realize I'm in heaven with God."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cherice; his mother, Jana Norfleet; and all those who knew and loved him.

Jones, Charles S.
Age: 34
Hometown: West Helena

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer Two
United States Army - 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Died in a helicopter crash in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 28, 2005

Chief Warrant Officer Charles S. Jones was born in Missouri and, as the son of a Senior Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, spent his childhood in numerous communities throughout the country. The Jones family would eventually land in West Helena, Arkansas. There, Chief Warrant Officer Jones would graduate from Central High School and meet the woman who would ultimately become the love of his life, Deborah. The two were soon married and together they would raise four children, Cheryl, Michelle, Trisha, and Charles Junior.

Like his father, a 30-year veteran of the Air Force, Chief Warrant Officer Jones was devoted to his country and sought a career in the armed services. He spent 11 years in the Navy but had a love for flying which ultimately led to his enlistment in the Army in December of 1999, where he would become a helicopter pilot.

In March of last year, he was deployed to the war-torn country for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving overseas, Chief Warrant Officer Jones stayed in touch with his family and friends by writing home on a daily basis. Tragically, weeks before he was to return home, he was killed when his OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crashed in southwestern Baghdad.

When we think of Charles Jones, we will remember the courageous way in which he led his life and will forever grateful for the sacrifice he made on our behalf. His family and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jones, Gussie M.
Age: 41
Hometown: Forrest City

Rank: Captain, Medical Surgical Nurse
United States Army - 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 31st Combat Support Hospital
Cause: Died of a non-combat-related medical condition in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 7, 2004

Cpt. Gussie M. Jones was born in Forrest City and spent much of her youth in Palestine, Arkansas. Along with her seven siblings, she was forced to become self-reliant from an early age due to the untimely death of her parents. As an honor roll student, she became the first in her family to go to college. Cpt. Jones attended Arkansas Central University where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1986. She would go on to earn a degree in nursing, her second bachelor's degree, from Syracuse University in 1988. That same year, she was selected to attend the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program and began her career as a registered nurse and a commissioned officer in September of 1998.

Cpt. Jones served at the Beaumont Army Medical Center's intensive care unit and she volunteered to serve as a medical surgical nurse in Baghdad. Cpt. Jones left from Biggs Army Airfield on January 7 and passed away in November of heart failure in the Baghdad hospital where she served.

"She was a very dedicated person and was always smiling," said co-worker and friend, Cpt. Susan Gilbert. "If anyone asked her to do something, she would do it. And she was very kind and gentle and patient with the patients."

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones.

Kendall, Dustin L.
Age: 21
Hometown: Bryant

Rank: Army Specialist
1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Cause: Killed when his military humvee was accidentally struck by an Abrams tank in Baqouba, Iraq, on January 15, 2006

Specialist Dustin Kendall will be remembered by those who knew him as a charming and charismatic young man, who was beloved by his friends and family and had a special gift for bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he met.

Growing up with a brother and four sisters, Spc. Kendall spent his childhood as many children do: playing sports, causing mischief, and enjoying the company of his family and friends. As the son of missionaries, he spent his childhood in a variety of places and wherever he ended up, his outgoing and friendly nature was sure to follow. These qualities allowed him to make friends quickly and adapt to new surroundings, and that was certainly the case when his family moved to Bryant, an Arkansas town just south of Little Rock, in 2002. In Bryant, Spc. Kendall worked at a local restaurant, where he became a favorite of the regular customers, while he finished his schooling. Later, when his parents moved to Europe to continue their missionary work, he stayed in Arkansas to continue classes at the University of Central Arkansas in nearby Conway. At UCA, he studied business but was considering following one of his passions and pursuing a career in golf, possibly in golf-course design.

As a student, Spc. Kendall joined the United States Army Reserve for primarily financial reasons but, over time, came to enjoy his military life and was ultimately considering a career in the Army. Upon signing up for active duty last summer, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, before being deployed with his unit to Iraq in November of 2005. In Iraq, Spc. Kendall served with the 68th Armor Regiment of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, where he served with distinction, most recently as a bodyguard for an Army colonel. Tragically, he was killed on January 15 in Baqouba, Iraq, when his military humvee was accidentally struck by an American Abrams tank. He was 21-years-old.

A memorial service was held for Spc. Kendall on January 21, in Summerville, South Carolina. Many of his friends and his family gathered to remember the charming young man with the infectious smile and to honor the brave soldier who had given his life in the fight for freedom. Although words cannot convey the sorrow felt by his loved ones, I hope they may find some solace remembering the way he lived his life and knowing that he touched the lives of so many others. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Brandi Lee and Penelope Jean, his brother and his sisters, and to all those who knew and loved him. His time with us was far too short but his spirit will live on is us forever.

Kimbrough, Paul W.
Age: 44
Hometown: Little Rock

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
United States Army Reserve - 416th Engineering Command, Team 28
Cause: Died of cardiac arrest in Incirlik, Turkey, on October 3, 2003

Lt. Colonel Paul Kimbrough was a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and University of Arkansas School of Law. He served as a staff member for Congressman Ray Thornton, then moved to the Transportation Department and later the department's inspector general's office, where he was working when he was deployed.

In the words of Thornton, "Paul had a sense of duty to his fellow man and his country. He was filled with love for his country, for his family, and for his friends."

Just prior to departure, Lt. Colonel Kimbrough was engaged to Yvette Rodriguez of Washington, D.C., with plans to marry upon his return.

Along with his Army Reserve Unit, Lt. Colonel Kimbrough was working to build shelters and improve conditions at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. On October 3, he was evacuated by plane to Turkey after complaining of chest pains but went into cardiac arrest while in flight and later passed away.

When addressing the parents of Lt. Colonel Kimbrough, college friend Jerry Malone spoke of his friend, "Mr. and Mrs. Kimbrough, I can't tell you what you did for this world by bringing us Paul Kimbrough. I won't weep for him. I'm going to weep for myself and all the people he left behind."

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Kordsmeier, Patrick W.
Age: 49
Hometown: North Little Rock

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer
Arkansas Army National Guard - 39th Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in a mortar attack in Taji, Iraq, on April 24, 2004

Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Kordsmeier attended Little Rock Catholic High School before he enlisted in the army at age 17. He would faithfully serve for 30 years, becoming eligible for retirement before the war in Iraq. Instead of retiring, he requested an extension so he might further serve his country.

He was killed in a mortar attack on April 24 as he rushed to the aid of a fellow soldier who was wounded in the attack. It was a selfless act that personified the courage of this Arkansas hero.

In the words of those who knew him best, "He was a dedicated soldier, loving father, devoted husband, supportive brother, and trusted friend. He was a true American hero."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Linda; his daughter, Jennifer Kordsmeier-Legate; and his two sons, Jason and David.

Labadie, William
Age: 45
Hometown: Bauxite

Rank: Sergeant 1st Class
Arkansas Army National Guard - Troop E, 151st Cavalry Squadron, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in an insurgent attack in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 7, 2004

Sgt. William "Wild Bill" Labadie joined the Marine Corps after high school and served for eight years before returning home and becoming a member of the Arkansas National Guard. Sgt. Labadie was known as a soldier's soldier who took his responsibilities seriously and was excited by the opportunity to use his training in the service of his country.

After having been in Iraq for less than a month and in a combat zone for less than 24 hours, he was fatally wounded when his camp came under a mortar and small arms attack.

Sgt. Labadie's mother, Cheryl, was quoted as saying that "[t]his honestly was his goal in life. He knew that this was his last shot at 45 years old. He told his commanding officer: 'Give me a shot.'"

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his wife, Sunnie; his son, Bryan; and his parents, Cheryl and Carl Winters of Bauxite.

Marcum, Joshua
Age: 33
Hometown: Evening Shade

Rank: Specialist
Arkansas Army National Guard - 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 4, 2005

Specialist Joshua Marcum was beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and respected within his community. Today, he is remembered as a hero by the grateful nation for whom he gave his life. Spc. Marcum was a proud member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 2nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion of the 39th, a close-knit group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other.

It was obvious to those who served with him that in addition to being an outstanding soldier, he was so much more. His easy-going way could always be counted on to brighten a mood with his trademark humor and infectious smile. Throughout his service, he held a firm belief that he was doing what was right; helping rebuild the lives of a people he had never met and bringing stability to a nation he had never known.

Spc. Marcum was from the small northern Arkansas town of Evening Shade, where he lived with his wife, Lisa, and their five children. Friends and family describe him as one of the nicest people you could ever meet, a unique individual who disliked cursing, avoided arguments, and had a special calming effect on those around him. He was also the type of person who found pleasure in bringing joy to others; a gift of his that was attributable to his sense of humor and his loving heart.

While serving in Iraq, Spc. Marcum, who had always wanted to be a soldier, was remembered by his comrades as a quiet guy who naturally went out of his way to lend a helping hand to those in need. He kept in frequent contact with his wife throughout his deployment and sought to comfort her by keeping her up to date on his welfare and relaying his positive experiences along the way. With his time in Iraq nearing its end, he was looking forward to returning to his friends and family back in Arkansas and often spoke of taking a float trip down the Spring River soon after.

Tragically, he was one of three Arkansans killed on January 4th when their humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Their vehicle, which was traveling as part of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they have left behind.

The courageous and selfless way in which Spc. Marcum served in uniform brings honor to our nation. The impassioned and generous way in which he led his life, brings honor to us all. On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Joshua Marcum. Although he may no longer be with us, we must find some solace knowing that he died for a cause in which he believed. His legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

Marcum, Van Ryan
Age: 21
Hometown: Prescott

Rank: Private
United States Army - 1st Battallion, 19th Infantry, Infantry Training Brigade
Cause: Killed in a training accident at Fort Benning, GA, on June 19, 2004

Described by those who knew him best, Pvt. Van Ryan Marcum was an affable and generous young man who had always been active in his church. A 2001 graduate of Prescott High School, his former youth minister said that he always reached out to younger kids and wanted to be a youth leader when he moved back from Florida last winter.

Pvc. Marcum had a love for the military and was committed to becoming an Army Ranger. Tragically, he was killed halfway through his 14-week basic infantry training when he touched a charged metal structure on a training range at Fort Benning, Ga. A statement from his unit said, "He was a very good soldier. He was doing well with his training and he was well-liked. He was on his way to becoming an Army Ranger."

My thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Gary and Beverly; his grandmother, Adelle Campbell; and to all those who knew and loved him.

McCandless, Rodney
Age: 21
Hometown: Camden
Rank: Private 1st Class
Army


McGaugh, Dustin K.
Age: 20
Hometown: Springdale

Rank: Specialist
United States Army - Headquarters Battery - 17th Field Artillery Brigade
Cause: Killed by friendly fire in Balad, Iraq, on September 30, 2003

Spc. Dustin K. McGaugh grew up in Springdale, and although he was born 30 minutes before his twin sister, Windy, she often called him "my kid brother." "I wanted to do everything I could to take care of him," she said at his memorial service.

Spc. McGaugh graduated from high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2001. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and was based at Fort Sill, Okla.

His family said he loved children. "When he got to Iraq, one captain was telling us that you were trained not to get out of your vehicle," said his father, James McGaugh. "He said he looked over and Dustin was out giving candy to a bunch of kids."

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.

McGill, Arthur Ray
Age: 20
Hometown: Gravette
Rank: Sergeant
United States Army - 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
Cause: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 19, 2005


The story of Sergeant Arthur Ray McGill is the story of a carefree and loving young man from northwest Arkansas, who was devoted to his family and always put them above all else. It is also the story of a trustworthy and brave soldier, who honorably served his nation in uniform, and ultimately gave his life in the name of freedom.

Sgt. McGill spent most of his childhood in the small Arkansas town of Decatur. Those who knew him best would describe him as a quiet and patient young man who was always considerate of others and treated them with respect. He attended Decatur High School and although he left after his 10th grade year, he went on to earn his General Educational Development diploma at the age of 17. Soon after, he joined the Arkansas National Guard, where he would serve for six years prior to enlisting in the United States Army in November of 2002.

In his free time, "Ray" or "Big Country," as he was known to friends and family, had a love for archery and could often be found playing video games or reading the comic books of his favorite superhero, Spiderman. But above all, his greatest love was his family, particularly his 7-year old daughter Kaylee. Her welfare was her father’s greatest concern, and she knew that he could always be counted on to protect and care for her as best he could.

Sgt. McGill reported for duty in January of 2003 and was deployed for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was one of the soldiers in the initial waves of American troops into Baghdad, and served in the area until that August. Sgt. McGill returned to Iraq in January of 2005. In explaining his decision to re-enlist for a second tour of duty to his loved ones, Sgt. McGill spoke of his feeling of being needed in Iraq, and that he was simply doing his part and was proud to do so. He would also speak of his future after the Army, when he hoped to study criminal justice, buy a home, and become a member of the U.S. Border Patrol in New Mexico.

Throughout his military service, Sgt. McGill’s hard work and dependability quickly earned him the respect and loyalty of his fellow soldiers. They even began calling him "Tizzley," a combination of a teddy bear and a grizzly, which aptly described the 6'6" soldier who had a heart of gold. Though the comradeship with his fellow soldiers grew, Sgt. McGill was still a world away from his family and they were never far from his mind. While in Iraq, he had a habit of sending gifts and money back home to provide for them and spoke to them often by phone or through Instant Messenger on his computer. To make him feel a little closer to home, he also brought a CD-Rom to Iraq, which he spent a good deal of his free time enjoying; it contained over 500 issues of "The Amazing Spiderman" and was never far from his side.

Tragically, Sgt. McGill was killed on July 19 when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle while he was patrolling through the streets of Baghdad. Back in Arkansas, friends and family came to show their respects and bid farewell to their fallen soldier, as his flag-draped coffin was buried at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Kaylee, who had been the love of her father’s life, was presented with an American flag and her father’s dog tags, as well as the Bronze Star and Purple Heart he had earned through his courageous service to our nation.

Although her father may no longer be with us, I am hopeful that these items will forever remind her of the courageous and honorable way he lived his life. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Arthur Ray McGill, but I pray they can find solace knowing that his spirit will forever live on in the examples he set and the many lives he touched.

McHalffey, Jeremy W.
Age: 28
Hometown: Mabelvale

Rank: Specialist
Arkansas Army National Guard - 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 4, 2005>

Specialist Jeremy McHalffey was beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and respected within his community. Today, he is remembered as a hero by the grateful nation for whom he gave his life. Spc. McHalffey was a proud member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 2nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion of the 39th, a close-knit group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other.

It was obvious to those who served with him that in addition to being an outstanding soldier, he was so much more. This hard-charging Arkansan often motivated his colleagues with his determination and focus and throughout his service, held a firm belief that he was doing what was right; helping rebuild the lives of a people he had never met and bringing stability to a nation he had never known.

Spc. McHalffey was born in the small northeastern Arkansas town of Paragould but later moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1995. Throughout his life, he had a love for the outdoors and if you ever needed to find him during hunting season, he was most likely in the woods with his father, looking for turkey or deer. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Marine Corps, and would proudly serve for four years. Upon his return to Springfield, he worked for the Greene County Sheriff's Office and later for Showcase Building Supply. In 2002, he met a dispatcher named Lacy Tindele at a firefighters' training camp. The couple quickly fell in love and their engagement soon followed.

Spc. McHalffey's deep love for his country is what originally motivated him to enlist in the Marine Corps and it is also what later motivated him to serve in Iraq. As his brother Mike reflected, "He was the type of guy to volunteer. If something needed to be done, Jeremy would jump in." Spc. McHalffey initially wanted to re-enlist in the Marines but was told the process could take months. As a result, he and Lacy chose to move to Little Rock, to continue his career in law enforcement and to join the Arkansas National Guard, because he was told it had a significantly shorter waiting time. The couple chose the nearby community of Mabelvale, where Spc. McHalffey commuted to his new job as a detention deputy at the Pulaski County Jail until his deployment. Lacy spent much of her time planning the couple's small wedding, which was to take place upon her fiancee's return from Iraq in a few months.

Tragically, he was one of three Arkansans killed on January 4th when their humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Their vehicle, which was traveling as part of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they have left behind.

The courageous and selfless way in which Spc. McHalffey served in uniform brings honor to our nation. The impassioned and generous way in which he led his life, brings honor to us all. On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jeremy McHalffey. Although he may no longer be with us, we must find some solace knowing that he died for a cause in which he believed. His legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

Melton, Kenneth A.
Age: 30
Hometown: Batesville

Rank: Specialist
Arkansas Army National Guard - Company B, 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment,39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 25, 2004

Spc. Kenneth Melton, a graduate of Thayer High School, was described as someone with a penchant for practical jokes who was always there for others and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Spc. Melton had been in Iraq for almost a month when he was killed while traveling as part of a protection team with battalion leaders in Baghdad.

His daughters wrote to the men in the 39th Infantry as often as they could and the fellow soldiers from Bravo Company were especially affected by his death as he had known and worked with many of them for years. It was reported that upon the announcement of Spc. Melton's death, his fellow Guardsmen were more concerned with comforting his wife and children than of the dangers of their mission.

The Rev. Bob Dustman described Spc. Melton as someone with a testimony of faith. "He was not ashamed of that. He practiced living his Christian Faith."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol; his two daughters, Theresa and Marie; and to all those who knew and loved him.

Miranda, Troy "Leon"
Age: 44
Hometown: Little Rock

Rank: Staff Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - C Company, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in a grenade attack in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 20, 2004

Sgt. Troy "Leon" Miranda graduated from Wickes High School and went on to study business at Henderson State University. For the past ten years, he worked with the Arkansas State Police in the criminal investigation division's office of investigative support.

Sgt. Miranda joined the Army National Guard in 1984 and was assigned to the Guard's counter drug program. He was deployed last October due in large part to his specialized training. He would serve as commander of his unit, specializing in combat warfare, germ warfare, and chemical warfare.

Sgt. Miranda's sister-in-law said of him, "He was the bravest person I knew." His brother, Phillip, also stationed with the 39th in Iraq, accompanied his body back home to Arkansas.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to Sgt. Miranda's parents, Carlos and Bobby, to his family, and to his loved ones.

Mitchell, Raymond
Age: 21
Hometown: West Memphis
Rank: Specialist
Army



Mooney, Adam
Age: 28
Hometown: Cambridge, MD

Rank: 1st Lieutenant
United States Army - 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division
Cause: Killed in a helicopter crash in Mosul, Iraq, on January 25, 2004

1st Lt. Adam Mooney was described by a family friend as someone who took life seriously. "He was a good boy and he grew up to be a good man."

He loved to fish and play soccer and enlisted in the military in 1996 as an aviator. On October 26, he was deployed to the Middle East but was killed three months later when his helicopter went down in the Tigris River during a search for missing soldiers on a capsized watercraft.

More than a tenth of his hometown's population, 1,200 people, attended his funeral in Cambridge, Maryland. In Conway, where his wife resides, flags were lowered and yellow ribbons were tied. It was a true testament of the impact Lt. Mooney had on those who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Katie; his eight-year old daughter, Sydney; and all those who knew and loved him.

Morehead, Kevin
Age: 33
Hometown: Little Rock

Rank: Master Sergeant
United States Army - 5th Special Forces Group
Cause: Killed in a firefight in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on September 12, 2003


Master Sgt. Kevin N. Morehead, an avid hunter and fisherman who loved his aunt's pumpkin pie, was a 1987 graduate of Little Rock Central High School. He joined the army after a brief time at the University of Arkansas and originally trained as a combat medic. He joined the elite Special Forces in 1994.

Sgt. Morehead was a Green Beret stationed at Fort Campbell, Tennessee, and his 14 years of service included a bronze and silver star. He served with valor in Afghanistan, often calling in airstrikes on Taliban positions. Several times his actions saved the lives of hundreds of his men and that is why this Arkansas hero is featured in the Robin Moore book The Hunt for bin Laden.

In the words of Sgt. Morehead's father after his memorial service, "Today is not about me, my wife, his wife. It's an opportunity the state doesn't get very often, to honor a hero."

William Winchell, the department adjutant for the American Legion in Arkansas, found solace in the legacy of Sgt. Morehead, "We know that he did not die in vain. Hopefully, by his actions the world will be a better place for all mankind."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Theresa; his stepdaughters, Kristen Inman and Kaylyn Council; his sister, Kristen Wright; his grandmother, Zelda Guthrie; and his parents, James and Jeanette.

Moss, Keelan L.
Age: 23
Hometown: Little Rock

Rank: Sergeant
United States Army - Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Artillery Regiment, 212thField Air Brigade
Where: Killed in a helicopter crash near Fallujah, Iraq, on November 2nd, 2003

Sgt. Keelan L. Moss was remembered by friends and family as a devoted husband and loving father. He was born in Little Rock, raised in Houston, and entered the service soon after he graduated from high school as an honor student. He was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma at the time of his deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Moss was deployed in April and was heading home for an early Thanksgiving with his family. Tragically, he was killed with 15 of his colleagues when their transport helicopter was shot down in route to Baghdad International Airport. He is now buried at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in Little Rock.

In the words of his mother, Velma Deawayne, "I am very, very proud of my son. He will always be my baby, and I couldn't have asked for a better son. I take comfort in knowing he is in heaven with our heavenly father."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jennifer; his son, Keelan Daniel; his wife's children, Marjani and Dakari; his mother; and to all of those who knew and loved him.

Orton, Billy Joe
Age: 41
Hometown: Humnoke

Rank: Staff Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - 39th Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Cause: Killed in a mortar attack in Taji, Iraq, on April 24, 2004

Staff Sgt. Billy Joe Orton's life revolved around his family and his love for the military. Throughout his youth, he dreamed of being in the Army and years later, would be called a "true soldier" by those who fought beside him. He enlisted in the Army in 1981 and would see deployments in Alaska, Panama, Egypt, and Iraq.

Sgt. Orton's widow, Margarita, was presented with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart at his memorial service. His children, who were also in attendance, were comforted and encouraged by the words of Pastor Tommy Walls of the Macedonia Baptist Church in Humnoke, who reminded them to "stand tall, stand proud," because their father was a hero.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his wife, Margarita; his three children; and to all of those who knew and loved him.

Parker, Jr., Tommy L. "T.J."
Age: 21
Hometown: Cleburne

Rank: Corporal
United States Marines - 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force
Cause: Killed by hostile fire in Ramadi, Iraq, on June 21, 2004

Cpl. Tommy L. Parker, Jr. was born in Stuttgart and graduated from Triple "S" Christian School in Rose Bud. His friends and family remember him as a deeply religious man who was devoted to his family and his country. He was so eager to enlist in the Marines that he needed a waiver signed by his parents because he was only 17. Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and shortly thereafter was assigned to Camp Pendleton in California.

Cpl. Parker would serve with a sniper platoon which seemed a natural fit for a young man with a love of hunting who had accompanied his father on deer and rabbit hunting trips since he was three. He service in the Marine Corps took him to Japan and Indonesia before being deployed to Iraq in February.

Upon his death, a makeshift memorial was created outside the Cleburne County Courthouse. At his memorial service, mourners filled the First United Methodist Church of Heber Springs beyond capacity before his burial with full military honors at the Cleburne County Memorial Gardens.

"Out of all the wonderful virtues he portrayed, the greatest of them was love," said John Taylor, his father in-law, "He truly loved God, family and his country."

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carla; his two-year old daughter, Laura; his parents, Renatta and Tommy; and all those who knew and loved him.

Peters, Dustin
Hometown: Shirley

Age: 25
Rank: Staff Sergeant
United States Air Force - 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 314th Mission Support Group, 314th Airlift Wing
Where:
Killed by a roadside bomb near Bayji, Iraq, on July 11th, 2004

Sgt. Dustin Peters moved to Shirley as a teenager where he graduated from high school in 1996. A year later, he joined the United States Air Force, and completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He later attended technical training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and in November of 2000, was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base as a noncommissioned officer in charge of equipment support.

Loved and respected by those who knew him best, Sgt. Peters enjoyed the Air Force and the opportunity to travel the world while making new friends. Although he was still relatively young, the troops admired him for his friendship and his leadership. He returned to Arkansas last July after serving six months in Iraq but volunteered to serve again in January with a group of young soldiers, many of whom had never been deployed.

"His sole mission to go over there was to take care of those troops," said Master Sgt. Glen Dagen. "He knew the conditions, he knew the ropes. His fear was that he was going to have his young troops from Little Rock (in Iraq) and he couldn't be there to take care of them.".

"He had plans," said Lt. Colonel Daniel Hicks. "He was ready to come home, ready to fish somewhere, ready to hunt. He was ready to be home in Arkansas." Tragically, he was killed three weeks before he was to return home after a homemade bomb exploded near the convoy he was traveling with near Baghdad. To those who served with him, he will always personify the Air Force motto, service before self.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Plowman, Derek James
Hometown: Everton

Age: 20
Rank: Private First Class
Arkansas Army National Guard - 1st Battalion, 142ndFires Brigade
Where:
Died from a gunshot wound in Baghdad on July 20 th 2006

Private First Class Derek James Plowman is remembered by those who knew him best as a compassionate soul, who was always quick to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. Having grown up in a large family that was often filled with laughter, he quickly became the life of every party, developing a special gift for being at ease in large groups and brightening the spirits of the people he came in contact with.

Shortly after moving to Northwest Arkansas from Florida in 2004, Pfc. Plowman graduated from Valley Springs High School. Hoping to study psychology some day, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard for an opportunity to earn money towards his college education. It was also an opportunity for him to serve his country, a decision that personified the selfless attitude of this young man.

In the Guard, Pfc. Plowman was a cook assigned to the 142nd Brigade, a Brigade comprised of citizen soldiers from North and Northwest Arkansas. Upon returning home from basic training, he was informed by one of his superior officers that he would soon be mobilized for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. With courage and reassurance, he looked his Sergeant in the eye and said "That’s OK. I signed on the dotted line and I’ve got a job to do."

The 142nd was mobilized for duty in Iraq on December 7, 2005, and was scheduled to return next summer. Tragically, Pfc. Plowman died from a gunshot wound on July 20 while serving with his brigade in Baghdad. In a memorial service at Valley Springs High School, over 200 mourners gathered to pay their respects for this fallen soldier and to comfort his family. He was later laid to rest at Western Grove Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas.

The loss of this special young man is a sobering reminder of the tragic human cost of war. The loss of any of our brave men and women in uniform is felt by not only their friends and loved ones but also by communities and families across our nation that they fought to defend.

Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Derek Plowman, but I pray they can find solace in the courageous way he lived his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his mother and stepfather, Kim and Andrew Campbell, his father, Donald Plowman, his brothers and sisters, and with all those who knew and loved him.

Robbins, William
Hometown: North Little Rock

Age: 31
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - 206th Field Artillery Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Died of non-combat related injuries in Taji, Iraq, on February 10, 2005

In Arkansas, Staff Sergeant William Robbins was, above all else, a loving family man who devoted himself entirely to his wife and his children. On the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was a dedicated soldier who bravely fought to bring security and stability to a nation torn apart by war.

Staff Sgt. Robbins was born and raised in the small, southern Missouri town of Poplar Bluff. He spent his childhood, as many children do, playing with his friends with whom he shared a love for the outdoors. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a soldier and regardless of where he was or what he did, that thought was never far from his mind.

In 1990, he moved to Arkansas and settled in the North Little Rock area. It was there he met the love of his life, his future wife Kimberly, and together they would raise two beautiful daughters, 5-year-old Tristan Ellis, and Abigail, who was less than a year old. It was clear to those who knew him best that his family was his pride and joy and he cherished every minute he spent with them. This fun-loving soul had a special affinity for children and at family gatherings was often found with the youngest of the group, playing games and bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

In the Arkansas National Guard, Staff Sgt. Robbins worked full-time as Administrative Sergeant at the Guard's armory in Beebe. Last year, he was one of only about a dozen soldiers from the armory mobilized for duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It would prove to be a bittersweet time for the Robbins family; just as the family welcomed home William's mother Janice, a Major in the Army Reserves returning from a deployment in Germany, they bid him farewell with prayers of a safe return.

Staff Sgt. Robbins' deployment was the first in his 11-year service in the Arkansas National Guard. While in Iraq, he was attached to the 206th Field Artillery Battalion of the 39th Infantry Brigade, and was selected to work in a military advisory capacity with the Iraqi National Guard. As American forces sought to transition more of their security and stabilization responsibilities to the Iraqi people, Staff Sgt. Robbins advised and trained these civilian volunteers on infantry tactics as well as the fundamental aspects of being a soldier.

Last fall, Staff Sgt. Robbins took his military leave and was able to return home for a short time. It was a much-needed reprieve from the dangers of Iraq, and offered him the opportunity to return to the place he called home and spend time with the people he cared for most. It also offered him the opportunity to explain to Tristan, who was simply too young to fully understand, why her father had been away and when he would be back for good. As best he could, he explained to her the circumstances of his absence and even the possibility that he may not return. He was once a young man with a parent in the military, and could relate to the lack of comprehension children often have in these situations. Relying on this perspective, as well as the natural gift he had always shown in relating to children, Tristan's father was able to provide her with some much-needed comfort and understanding.

Along with many of the soldiers from the 39th, Staff Sgt. Robbins' mission was soon coming to an end and he was to scheduled to return to Arkansas in late March or April. Upon his return, he was looking forward to a new job with the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson's Regional Training Institute in North Little Rock. Even more so, he was looking forward to being reunited with his family. When he spoke with Kimberly, he reminded her how very much he loved her and couldn't wait to come home. When he spoke with Tristan, he told her how much he looked forward to seeing her again so he could take her in his arms and swing her like an airplane.

Tragically, he passed away on February 10 from a gunshot wound at his home base at Camp Taji. While the loss for Kimberly and her family will be felt deeply, they have found some solace knowing that his last days were spent doing what he wanted to do, helping people. In the days following his death, it was clear to his family the impact he had on each of their lives. It was also quickly apparent that although he was no longer with them, his presence would always be felt; whether it was the devotion and thoughtfulness evident in the basket of chocolates and Valentine's Day card he sent Kimberly just before his death, the spirit embodied in the eyes of Abigail who turned one-year-old on February 23, or the courage that Tristan, thanks to her father, has shown in trying to understand what has happened. They are lasting examples of not only the remarkable way he led his life, but more importantly, are a testament to the kind of man he was.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends of William Robbins, and to all those who knew and loved him. His 31 years with us were far too short, but his legacy of love and service to his nation will remain with us forever.

Rosenbaum, Thomas Chad
Hometown: Hope

Age: 25
Rank: Sergeant
United States Army - 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Killed in an insurgent attack in Baghdad on September 18, 2004

Sgt. Thomas Chad Rosenbaum was born in the small town of Prescott, Arkansas and grew up in nearby Hope. He spent his youth, as many children do, participating in athletics and various extracurricular activities, playing pranks with his friends and collecting small turtles from the banks of nearby rivers with his parents and his brother. Today, he is remembered by his family and loved ones as an outgoing, fun-loving, and fearless young man who loved his God, his family and his country. This love of country motivated him to enlist in the U.S. Army during his senior year of high school. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, and was deployed to Iraq in March.

In Iraq, Sgt. Rosenbaum served as a chemical specialist who also helped train Iraqi security forces in the use of firearms. Although he was originally scheduled to depart Iraq in May, his duty was extended until December. Weeks before his death, Sgt. Rosenbaum had the opportunity to return home on leave for 15 days to spend with his friends and family. Most of this time was spent with the person he called "the love of his life," his 4 year-old son, Ty. Father and son would return to those same Caddo River banks he had known as a child and together they searched for small turtles. Today, Ty still has one of those turtles, whom he has named "Milkshake", and whom he has kept as a reminder of the time spent with his father.

Although Sgt. Rosenbaum may no longer be with us, his spirit and his legacy lives on in each of us through the examples he set and the many lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his son, Ty, his parents, Jackie and Donna, and the rest of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Rymer, Lyle
Hometown: Fort Smith

Age: 24
Rank: Specialist
Arkansas Army National Guard - 239th Engineer Company, 39th Infantry Brigade
Where: Killed by enemy fire in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 28, 2005


Samek, Jesse
Hometown: Rogers

Age: 21
Rank: Airman 1
st Class
United States Air Force - 66th Rescue Squadron
Where: Died from injuries sustained in a helicopter crash on October 21, 2004 near Shindand, Afghanistan

Friends and family would remember Airman Jesse Samek for living a life of fun and happiness. While growing up in Missouri and Arkansas, he spent much of his time, as most children do, hanging out with his friends and playing sports. He also had a great love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hiking, hunting, fishing and snow- and waterskiing with friends and family. He would go on to graduate from Rogers High School in 2001 and attended the University of Arkansas.

It was clear to those who knew Airman Samek that he would succeed regardless of whatever path in life he chose to follow. He decided that path would ultimately be service to his country and he joined the United States Air Force in February of 2003. He was assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, just outside of Las Vegas, and was deployed to Afghanistan in September.

While serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, Airman Samek never lost his perspective on life and was proud to do his part to bring security and freedom to a nation that had seen nothing but war and instability. His family later said that he worked for months to become a member of an elite group that qualified him for rescue duty as a flight engineer on a HH-60 Para Rescue helicopter. Tragically, he died on October 21st from injuries he received when his helicopter crashed during a medical evacuation mission in northwestern Afghanistan. The aircraft was carrying a wounded Afghan election worker who was being transported for medical treatment and Airman Samek was treating him when the aircraft went down.

David Dezarov would make the final trip home with his friend's body. "The hardest thing I've ever had to do was spend the last four days with him and not saying a word." On that flight from Atlanta to Tulsa, the pilot of the plane circled above Rogers for 10 minutes in tribute to that community's fallen hero. During the burial ceremony at Bella Vista Memorial Cemetery, Airman Samek's fellow Airmen would pay their last respects by flying over his casket in the same type of helicopter he once flew so proudly.

My thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Gavin and Julie; his brother, Benjamin; his grandparents, David and Jenny Burkemper; and the rest of his family and friends. Although he is no longer with us, may we find solace in the many lives he touched and the sacrifice he made on behalf of a grateful nation. In the words of his mother, Jesse Samek was a hero; not for what he did, but for who he was.

Sayles, Phillip N.
Age: 26
Hometown: Jacksonville

Rank: Specialist
United States Army -Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Cause: Killed by an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq, on May 28, 2005

Army Specialist Phillip N. Sayles will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving soul who lived his life with energy and passion. He will also be remembered by his country as a dedicated soldier who bravely answered his nation’s call to service and gave his life in the defense of our freedom.

Those who knew Phillip Sayles often spoke of his quiet demeanor and the way he showed determination whenever there was a task at hand, focusing on getting the job done and never complaining. He called the central Arkansas town of Jacksonville home, and attended nearby North Pulaski High School. In school, he was active in the ROTC program, where his leadership skills and discipline quickly distinguished him with the qualities of a soldier. Spc. Sayles transferred to Cabot High School for his senior year, and upon his graduation in 1997, enlisted in the United States Army.

He was a part of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division and spent time at Fort Lewis in Washington prior to his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tragically, on May 28, Spc. Sayles was checking for weapons in three cars that had been pulled over by American troops in Mosul. An improvised explosive device was detonated nearby, killing him and wounding 21 others; including 13 American troops and eight Iraqi civilians.

Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Phillip Sayles, but I pray they can find solace in the courageous way he lived his life. Although he may no longer be with us, his spirit will forever live on in the examples he set and the many lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.

Shaffer, Jeffrey
Age: 21
Hometown: Harrison

Rank: Private 1
st Class United States Army - 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division
Cause: Died of injuries sustained by a roadside bomb during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, on September 13, 2006

By all accounts from family and friends, Pfc. Shaffer lived his life to the fullest. For this young man that meant caring for others, having fun and making people laugh, even when confronted with life's challenges. The image of a tough marine masked the side most familiar to his loved ones, that of a more playful young man who pulled pranks and brought laughter to lives of others. His stepfather, Mark Adams, recalls a golf outing where neither he nor Jeff were playing particularly well. Rather than suffer through the rest of the game, and to the surprise of Mark, Pfc. Shaffer jumped in the water and began collecting golf balls. Mark had never had more fun playing golf. The day was a testament to the effect Pfc. Shaffer often had on others.

But he also had a humble, more serious side and a deep sense of commitment to his country. While working for his uncle's masonry contracting business in Harrison, Arkansas, he took time to earn his GED. Shortly thereafter, and to the surprise of many in his family, he joined the United States Army in February 2005. The tragic events of September 11th changed how he viewed the world and motivated him to serve in the military. For Pfc. Shaffer, serving in the Army was a way he could contribute to the safety of his family and security of all Americans.

The 20-year-old was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division. After being stationed in Germany, Pfc. Shaffer was deployed to Kuwait and later Iraq. Witnessing close friends lose their lives in Iraq, he was never naive about the dangerous realities of war. He believed whatever happened to him was God's will and often told this to his mother to calm her fears. Pfc. Shaffer's life ended on September 13th, 2006, after a roadside bomb detonated near his Bradley assault vehicle.

On September 16th, family, friends and fellow soldiers gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Jeffrey Shaffer. I am proud to pay tribute to him today and am thankful for his service to our country. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, Makayla Grace, who I hope will one day know that her father took full advantage of what life had to offer and brought untold happiness to those around him. My thoughts and prayers are with her, Jeffrey's parents, his aunt and uncle, and all those who knew and loved him.

Shaw, Alan
Age: 31
Hometown: Little Rock
Rank: Sergeant
Army


Smith, Brandon Clinton
Hometown: Fayetteville

Age: 20
Rank: Private 1
st Class United States Marines - 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1stMarine Expeditionary Force
Where: Killed in an insurgent attack in Al Qaim, Iraq, on March 17th, 2004

Pvc. Brandon Clinton Smith was a graduate of Fayetteville High School. Throughout his childhood, he dreamed of becoming a Marine and this past September, he fulfilled that dream by enlisting. He was so proud of the decision he made that he framed his Marine Corps acceptance letter and hung it in his bedroom.

"He made a great Marine. We could see he had changed when he came back from training. He had found himself," said an attendee at Pvc. Smith's funeral, where he was buried with full military honors in Fayetteville on Friday, March 26th.

My thoughts and prayers are with his father, Gordon; his mother, Deborah Bolin his sister, Desirae; and his family and loved ones.

Smith, Michael A.
Hometown: Camden

Age: 24
Rank: Sergeant
Arkansas Army National Guard - 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Where: Died on November 26th from injuries sustained by sniper fire in Baghdad, Iraq

Michael A. Smith was a friendly, easy-going young man who had one of those rare personalities that allowed him to quickly make friends with everyone he met. He was also a brave soldier, who died a hero, fighting for the beliefs, the people and the country he cared for so deeply.

Sgt. Smith was born and raised in the small, southern Arkansas town of Camden. There, he is remembered by those who knew him best as a good and gentle soul, who was always concerned about the welfare of others, and often went out of his way to help them whenever they were in need. Upon his 1999 graduation from Camden Fairview High School, Sgt. Smith set his sights on Southern Arkansas University Tech. Attending the University would allow him to stay close to his family in Camden while pursuing his interest in computers. To help pay his way through college, Sgt. Smith joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. Once he completed his military service, he had plans to return home and begin his education.

Sgt. Smith became a member of the Guard's 39th Support Battalion. He was later called up to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was stationed at Camp Taji, about 16 miles northwest of downtown Baghdad. To his comrades in the 39th, "Smitty" quickly became one of the guys; a dedicated soldier who never complained, always did his duty, and could be entrusted with the lives of those around him.

This November, family and friends of Sgt. Smith were excited with the news that he would be taking his leave of service, and would possibly be home before Thanksgiving. Tragically, five days before he was set to return to Arkansas, he was shot by a sniper while conducting patrols in Baghdad. As a result of the injury, he was flown to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany and then to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His parents, Donald Ray and Deborah, and his sister, Lai, came to visit him in the hospital's intensive care unit. Although Sgt. Smith never regained consciousness in his two weeks at Walter Reed, his family was with him in his final moments before he passed away on November 26.

At his memorial service in Camden, Sgt. Smith's coffin, surrounded by red, white, and blue flowers, was placed at the front of his high school gymnasium. Throughout the service and in the aftermath of his son's passing, Donald Ray Smith described the outpouring of love from the community as "remarkable." It was a testament to the gratitude of a community fully aware of the ultimate sacrifice paid by their fallen Arkansas soldier in the name of freedom.

In the 24 years Michael Smith was with us, the impressions he made and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. Although he will be deeply missed by us all, it is his selflessness,his courage, and his heart that we will remember when we think of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald Ray, Deborah, Lai, and the rest of his family, friends and loved ones.

Taylor, Michael
Age: 40
Hometown: North Little Rock
Rank: Major
Army National Guard


Valdez, Steven A.
Hometown: McRae

Age: 20
Rank: Lance Corporal
United States Marines - 2nd Battalion, 3rdMarines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
Where: Died on September 26th, 2005, from injuries sustained during an insurgent attack at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan

Steven A. Valdez was a brave soldier who died a hero in a foreign land, but he was also a caring young man who deeply loved his family and friends and they were never far from his mind.

Those who knew Lance Corporal Valdez from his childhood in McRea, a small north-central Arkansas town, remember him as competitive, energetic and fun-loving. He graduated from Beebe High School in 2004 and, soon after, followed the footsteps of his older brother Glenn Skaggs, and his grandfather Billy Skaggs, into the United States Marine Corps.

In November of 2004, Lance Corporal Valdez reported to the Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Serving with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, he was deployed to Afghanistan in June as a machine gun operator with Weapons Platoon Company E. Within the year, his family received a letter from the Marines, which cited Valdez’s promotion to Lance Corporal and praised him for going above and beyond what was asked or expected of him. While serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Valdez was stationed at Camp Blessing. The Camp is located in eastern Afghanistan, in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains near the Pakistani border, and serves as a forward operating base for intelligence and military operations aimed to train Afghan security forces and track down al-Qaeda terrorists. He served with a platoon of Marines guarding the camp.

While serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Valdez and his grandfather, Billy, had an agreement; Billy would send care packages with his grandson’s favorite snacks and items from home, but he would also include phone cards with the expectation that the young marine would call his grandfather once a week. For Lance Corporal Valdez, it was a much-needed respite from the stresses of war that allowed him to feel a little closer to home; for Billy, it was reassuring to hear his grandson’s voice and to know that he was safe and healthy.

On September 26, insurgents attacked Camp Blessing with mortar, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. Lance Corporal Valdez was struck by shrapnel from a mortar while running to his machine gun post. The brave 20 year-old died shortly after.

In remembering their loved one, Lance Corporal Valdez’s proud grandfather speaks of him as a "true hero." When his brother, Sergeant Glenn Skaggs, returns to Iraq, he will be concerned about his own well-being, but only in the sense that he doesn’t want to put his family through another grieving process. Despite these concerns, in a manner typical of this courageous and selfless family, he proudly states "My brother was over there for something he believed in, and I want to help finish it."

Although Steven Valdez may no longer be with us, his legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts. On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Warren, William
Age: 48
Hometown: North Little Rock
Rank: 1st Sergeant
Army National Guard


West, Bobby R.
Hometown: Beebe

Age: 23
Rank: Specialist
United States Army - 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1stBrigade, 4th Infantry Division
Where: Died from injuries sustained by a roadside bomb during operations in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 30, 2006

Army Spc. Bobby West died defending this Nation so that others might have the same freedoms we cherish as Americans. For those who knew Specialist West, he will be remembered for the laughter he brought to the lives of those around him. He will also be remembered for acting on his conviction of defending and fighting for the values and liberties we hold so dear as Americans.

At 17, after graduating from Beebe High school, Bobby enlisted with the Arkansas National Guard. Like so many of us, he was deeply affected by the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. However, he felt that the burden to defend our country rested squarely on his shoulders and shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army with his older brother Patrick. Specialist West served our country in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula before being sent to Iraq. Tragically, he was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq and was killed when a roadside bomb detonated while he was on foot patrol with his unit in Baghdad on May 30. His unit was scheduled to leave Iraq in the fall.

I am honored to pay tribute to a great soldier and more importantly a loving son, brother and friend. His loved ones remember how much laughter he brought to their lives with his quick wit and sense of humor. His fellow soldiers will remember him not only for the burden he carried with him to defend this Nation and bring freedom to others, but also for the competitiveness he brought to everything he did in life. His fellow soldiers tell the story of the fierce competitiveness he brought to a pickup basketball game while stationed in Egypt. Regardless of the fact that they were playing in a tin building in 125-135 degree heat, Bobby wouldn't let his opponents leave until they could beat him. It is this sense of commitment and dedication that he brought to his military service. He also believed in what he was doing and loved being a soldier. It is people like Bobby West who make our military the strongest in the world.

I am grateful for the service of Bobby West. I am also reminded of the tragic human cost of war and am saddened at the death of another Arkansas soldier. In the words of his brother, Bobby “was born to defend the greatest Nation on Earth.'' He gave his life defending the greatest Nation on Earth and we owe him and all others who have made that sacrifice an enormous debt of gratitude. Our prayers are with his father Ricky West, his mother Linda Wiggins West, and his older brother Patrick West, and we all pray for the safe return of Patrick who is serving in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division.