225th Engineer Brigade

Story by 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber

BAGHDAD – Preparations are underway for a memorial ceremony in Baghdad, as Soldiers of the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, cope with the sudden death of one of their own.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rodney Jarvis, 34, a native of Akron, Ohio, died suddenly July 13 from a medical condition.

Nearly complete with his fourth deployment, Jarvis was serving as the property book officer for the "Steel Spike" team, based out of Fort Polk, La., Fort Rucker, Ala., and San Antonio, and was overseeing the battalion's redeployment back to the states in less than seven weeks. The job was nothing new to Jarvis who deployed once before with the 46th Engineers in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07, serving in the same battalion position.

"Everything I know about supply I've learned from chief," stated Capt. Kelly Boone, logistics officer-in-charge, close friend to Jarvis, and a native of Holland, Pa. "He had a way of quoting things from the 'Book of Chief' and sometimes he would just make stuff up. It was hilarious."

Jarvis enjoyed the outdoors and his hobbies included hunting and fishing; he even had numerous fishing poles in his office that he put to use with Soldiers.

"Fishing in Iraq was one thing Chief talked about wanting to do," stated Sean Shands, logistics non-commissioned officer-in-charge, and a native of San Diego. "When we got the chance to do some fishing, he was all over it. It was a chance to relax and put away all work related issues."

According to Shands, Jarvis once said, "I don't care if I don't catch anything, as long as I'm fishing, I'm happy."

"All of us enjoyed his company; the laughs, and the bonding," added Shands. "It didn't matter if we caught anything or not, just hanging out was the best."

Although his fellow Soldiers are grieving and missing their friend, mentor, and comrade, all of their thoughts, concerns and prayers go to Jarvis' family. Known for being a family man, Jarvis always made sure his family came first.

Jarvis is survived by his wife Fashion and two daughters Heather and Kourtnie.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

The memorial ceremony for Jarvis will be held later this week on Camp Liberty and funeral arraignments are pending in Louisiana.

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