Task Force Raider Remembers Fallen Soldier

Photo By Spc. Jessica Dahlberg | A Soldier hangs his head in prayer during the benediction to Pfc. John Alexander Mattox. The memorial service was given Aug. 16, 2008, to honor the fallen Soldier.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

08.18.2008

Story by Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — A lone rifle sits on a wooden platform as Soldiers trickle in to find seats. Music softly resonates in the air, and not a word is spoken above a whisper. The sun glints off identification tags hanging on the rifle - ID tags that once belonged to Pfc. John Alexander Mattox.

Mattox, a Soldier and friend of 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, is remembered among the Task Force Raider Soldiers in a service held Aug. 16, 2008.

"Pfc. Maddox is exactly the kind of Soldier I think about when I think about 6-4," Lt. Col. James Markert, commander, said.

Mattox died on Aug. 9, 2008. His death was noncombat related, but it still leaves an impact on his fellow Soldiers.

During the service, friends of Mattox told about how he was a good, solid man and a strong and courageous Soldier.

According to Sgt. Richard Kaye, Mattox was a good Soldier who was very motivated to do his job and to do it right, and because of his sense of humor it was never boring when Mattox was around.

To honor Mattox, all the Soldiers solemnly stood as his name rang out during the last roll call. When the last echo died out and no one responded, shots were fired to honor the fallen Soldier.

Mattox joined the Army Oct. 17, 2007, and deployed to Afghanistan June 2008 with his Task Force Raider family, who will miss him as they continue to work in Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2008
• Date Posted: 08.18.2008 05:28
• Story ID: 22601
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF