Soldier killed in Iraq remembered

Photo By Spc. Amanda McBride | Soldiers from Company E, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division render honor during a memorial ceremony for Sgt. Samuel Kelsey at Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Dec. 16. Kelsey was the first Soldier killed in the second tour in Iraq of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. He was killed Dec. 13 while trying to render aid to a fellow Soldier wounded by a pressure plate-initiated improvised explosive device during a dismounted patrol.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

12.24.2007

Story by Spc. Amanda McBride 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Pfc. Amanda McBride
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Known to many as the man who could get things done, Sgt. Samuel Kelsey was remembered Dec. 16 as a hero who died while trying to help a fellow Soldier who was wounded in an improvised explosive device attack.

Soldiers and friends came out to pay final respects to Kelsey, assigned to Company E, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah. Kelsey was killed Dec. 13 on a dismounted patrol while trying to help the wounded Soldier. He was the first Soldier killed during the 4th BCT's second deployment to Iraq.

After serving in Iraq on a route clearance team, Kelsey was assigned to Co. E, 3-7th Inf. Regt. in March. While in the company, Kelsey served as a Sapper team leader and squad leader.

"When Sgt. Kelsey arrived at the company, his outgoing personality, love of life, competence and enthusiasm immediately led to significant friendships with the other (non-commissioned officers) of the company and earned the respect and trust of his Soldiers, peers and superiors alike," said Capt. Christian Neels, commander of Co. E, 3-7th Inf. Regt.

According to Spc. Jeffery Reynolds, also assigned to Co. E, 3-7th Inf. Regt., everyone who knew him said he was the first to be on the ground and the first to be out front.

"Sgt. Kelsey was not only a great Soldier and NCO, he was also my best friend," Reynolds said, "And I ask that you all don't forget the times you had with my best friend. You're gone but never forgotten."

The commander of the 3-7th Inf. Regt., Lt. Col. Timothy Newsome, emphasized Kelsey's Warrior Ethos.

"Given the circumstances of Sgt. Kelsey's death it's important and relevant that we pause and consider the Warrior Ethos that is such an important part of our Soldier's Creed," said Newsome. "He was instinctively moving toward a fallen comrade in spite of obvious danger."

During the ceremony, Newsome told Soldiers to learn from the examples set by Kelsey.

"In the coming days, months and years, let us use Sgt. Kelsey's memory and his example as a standard with which we evaluate our own motivations and ensure that we consistently adhere to the tenets of the Warrior Ethos," Newsome said.

Kelsey, a native of Troup, Texas, joined the Army in March 2003 and attended One Stop Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

After graduating, Kelsey's first assignment was Camp Castle, Korea. After his tour in Korea, he returned to Fort Leonard Wood and completed Mine Dog Training, before deploying to Iraq.

Kelsey's awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Korean Service Medal, Iraqi Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Kelsey is survived by his mother Denina Kelsey.

• Date Taken: 12.24.2007
• Date Posted: 12.24.2007 11:06
• Story ID: 14952
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ