Blue Spader remembered for his service

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins | Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 26th Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, kneel next to the empty boots, helmet, identification tags and weapon of their fallen comrad, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rogers, Aug. 22 , 2008, in the Konar province. Rogers died in an improvised explosive device attack Aug.16, 2008 while on patrol.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

08.25.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. David Hopkins 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — The Blue Spaders of 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said goodbye to another brother in arms, Aug. 22, 2008, in a remote forward operatingbBase in the rugged mountains of the Konar province, Afghanistan.

The memorial service was held for fallen Soldier, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers from LaGrange, Mich. who was killed in action on Aug.16, 2008 when the vehicle he was in was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device during a patrol.

"We are brought together today by the tragic event of 16 August 2008, an event that claimed the life of a Blue Spader, our brother in arms, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers," Capt. Bobby Juranek, 1-26 HHC company commander, said. "When a tragedy of this magnitude occurs, taking from us such a special individual, we are left with feeling the sorrow, anger and sometimes guilt. In order to find peace we come together and share memories. We laugh, cry and remember the unique qualities that made Staff Sgt. Rodgers a patriot and a guardian of freedom."

A formation of Soldiers, fellow Blue Spaders, stood on the mountainside FOB, amongst the pine trees and song birds as some of Rodgers' friends and comrades spoke of their fallen friend. His company commander talked of a Soldier who joined the Army at a time of international instability, but who stepped up to do his duty for his nation and for the American people.

"Staff Sgt. Rodgers watched the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfold and instead of letting others secure his freedom and the freedoms of our great nation, he picked up his weapon and made a difference," Juranek said.

Rodgers will always be known for his service to his country, for doing his duty for his fellow man, but he will also be remembered for the attitude with which he served.

"What I remember most about Staff Sgt. Rodgers is his professionalism, loyalty to his men and his good-natured demeanor," Juranek said. "Regardless of the situation, Staff Sgt. Rodgers always maintained a positive attitude."

Rogers was a member of Recon platoon, and one friend remembers the struggles his friend had and how he took the advice from others who were more experienced so he could better take care of his Soldiers.

"It wasn't always easy for him in Recon platoon but he would always listen and take advice from others in order to make his own SOPs," Sgt. 1st Class Lenneth Kim, Recon platoon leader, said. "He always took care of Soldiers and held them responsible for their actions. His standards were high, but were not unobtainable. He expected everyone in his recon team to meet or surpass them."

Rodgers was a dedicated Soldier, but he also had family that he is leaving behind.

"In addition to being a professional soldier, Staff Sgt. Rodgers was a good friend, loving husband and dedicated father," Kim said

Rodgers will be remembered by his family and his fellow Soldiers for his sacrifice and his comrades will continue to fight with his spirit by their side.

"Let us remember Staff Sgt. Rodgers by continuing to defeat the enemies of our country and take comfort in knowing that Staff Sgt. Rodgers will always be with us," Juranek said. "Let us pick up our weapons and complete the mission."

• Date Taken: 08.25.2008
• Date Posted: 08.25.2008 06:23
• Story ID: 22835
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF