Cav troops remember fallen Soldier

Photo By Sgt. Quentin Johnson | An honors team with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment “Mustangs,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, salutes during the playing of taps at a memorial for Sgt. Jimmy Dewitt in the Black Jack Chapel here Oct. 3. Dewitt was a Mustang mechanic who died Sept. 20 from injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident in Killeen, Texas. His wife, Kimnesha, and mother, Tauna, survive Dewitt. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd BCT PAO/Released)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

10.08.2014

Story by Sgt. Quentin Johnson 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Members of 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment “Mustangs,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a memorial for fallen comrade Sgt. Jimmy Dewitt at Black Jack Chapel here Oct. 3.

Dewitt, a mechanic with the Mustangs, died Sept. 20 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Killeen, Texas.
More than 100 Soldiers, family members and friends were in attendance to say farewell to Dewitt, who was described as a “natural leader” by Capt. Monica Heightshoe, commander, Company H, Mustangs.

Dewitt was born in Cordele, Georgia. He entered the military March 2011 and was assigned to 1st Cav. Div.’s 4th Brigade Combat Team in October 2011. After 4th Bde. was deactivated, Dewitt was assigned to the Mustangs in July 2013.

While assigned to the Mustangs, Dewitt made a lasting impression as a motivated, dedicated professional, said Heightshoe.

“Dewitt had a natural ability to take the lead, volunteer and help struggling Soldiers regain perspective on their future,” added Heightshoe.

Heightshoe said Dewitt always shared life stories and ideas with others to help motivate them to successfully complete missions and tasks.

“(Dewitt) was always around, motivating Soldiers and pushing them to do better,” said Sgt. Domonic Scott, a mechanic with Company H, Mustangs. “No one could be sad or upset with him around, because he could always make you laugh.”

Dewitt’s personality and humor were just two reasons fellow Soldiers were drawn to him, said Heightshoe.

“I believe Dewitt came into our lives to make us smile, share his willingness to give to others, and be a trusted friend,” said Heightshoe.

Scott said his friendship was one of true character.

“(Dewitt) was more than one of my Soldiers. He was also a great friend,” added Scott. “He had always remained the same person he was from the day I met him.”

Dewitt was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal, and his wife, Kimnesha, and mother, Tauna, survive him.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2014
• Date Posted: 10.08.2014 16:45
• Story ID: 144654
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US