"Soldier's Soldier" mourned at memorial ceremony

Photo By Christina McCann | Soldiers kneel to pay their respects to Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, at a memorial ceremony held June 7 at Camp Striker. Atkins was on a patrol with his unit, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., when they detained men who were wearing suicide vests. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chris McCann, 2nd BCT PAO)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.08.2007

Story by Christina McCann 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A Soldier was memorialized June 7 on Camp Striker, Iraq, and remembered as "a Soldier's Soldier" for the heroic actions that cost him his life.

Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, a native of Bozeman, Mont., was on patrol June 1 with his unit, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., when he was killed trying to subdue a suicide bomber.

Atkins' quick action is credited with saving the rest of the squad from certain injury or death. The second man, also a suicide bomber, was shot by another Soldier in the patrol before he could detonate his vest.

Atkins was remembered as an outstanding Soldier who lived up to the Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer, which states that an NCO always places his Soldiers' needs above his own.

Chaplain (Capt.) Kent Coffey, a native of Mesa, Ariz., who serves as the 2-14th battalion chaplain, spoke of Atkins' selflessness.

"Instead of sending one of his guys out to make contact, he took it upon himself, unaware of what was to transpire...I know he was a great example because of the immediate reaction of his team after his life was taken as he fought to prevent a suicide bomber from inflicting harm or injuries to his Soldiers."

His actions would stand the test of a crucible, Coffey said.

"There will remain a gem, formed in the fires of combat and polished with the selfless spirit of a remarkable man," said Coffey.

"He exemplified the model quiet professional," said Co. D Commander Capt. Ben Ruschell, a native of Lexington, Ky. "He was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the Soldiers in his platoon and company. His dedication was contagious, and his devotion will be missed."

Atkins' awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with an oak leaf cluster, an Army Achievement Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer's Professional Development ribbon, an Overseas Service ribbon, an Air Assault badge and a Combat Infantryman's Badge.

He is survived by his parents, John and Elaine Atkins of Bozeman, and his son Trevor Oliver of Coon Rapids, Minn.

• Date Taken: 06.08.2007
• Date Posted: 06.11.2007 11:06
• Story ID: 10757
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ