1st ID holds memorial for fallen soldiers
Posted On: Tuesday, Aug. 26 2008 03:41 AM
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily HeraldFORT HOOD – Wars come and go, kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, but your life has a value and purpose and meaning beyond what you may understand, Col. Joseph Conn said Monday.
Conn, the chaplain for the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, spoke during a memorial ceremony in honor of Staff Sgt. David L. Paquet, Staff Sgt. Kristopher D. Rodgers and Pfc. John A. Mattox.
Paquet, 26, of Rising Sun, Md., died in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Wednesday from undetermined causes while conducting a patrol, according to information from the Defense Department. He was a forward observer in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, and deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He deployed to Afghanistan in June.
Paquet was a great mentor who made a great impact, said Sgt. Barry Vickers. Paquet was also a great friend to Vickers and anyone else who knew him.
Paquet is survived by his wife, Katie; and parents, Fern and Dawn Paquet.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Rodgers, 29, of Sturgis, Mich., died Aug. 16 in Korengal, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, according to information from the Defense Department. He was an infantryman in 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, who, like Paquet, deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Rodgers deployed to Afghanistan in July.
Rodgers was a true leader of men, said Spc. Robert Walden, and was a person many looked to for guidance. He had a great and vibrant personality and could always break tension with a joke.
Rodgers lived his life to serve others, Walden added, and was a true hero who gave all.
Rodgers is survived by his wife, Selina; son, Kaden; and mother, Katheryn Waird.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation medal with distinguishing device "V", Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge and Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Mattox, 23, died Aug. 10 at Forward Operating Base Bostick, Afghanistan, of injuries from a non-combat-related incident, according to information from the Defense Department. He was a squad automatic weapon gunner in the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment.
Though Pfc. William White didn't know Mattox long, he had a big impact and was fast becoming a friend. Mattox was always in a good mood and had a will-do attitude, White said.
Mattox was a "good 'ole Texas boy" with a big smile and infectious laugh, White said. He had an outstanding and refreshing attitude toward everything he did.
Mattox is survived by parents, Judy and Michael Mattox.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (posthumous), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Ribbon, Wheeled Driver's Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at
astair@kdhnews.com or call (254) 501-7547.