A Fond Remembrance: Soldiers of 125th Forward Support Battalion Bid a Fallen Brother Farewell

TAJI, IRAQ

07.26.2005

Courtesy Story

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Sgt. Kevin Bromley
3rd Bde, 1AD PAO
July 21, 2005

TAJI, Iraq -- The Chapel was full of soldiers; yet still and silent. In a room full of people, Spc. Jared D. Hartley's fellow Soldiers were alone with their thoughts.

They gathered together in the Warrior Chapel at Camp Taji to bid farewell to a young man, a friend, a hero, a brother.

Hartley was assigned to the 125th Forward Support Bn.'s Personal Security Detachment and helped provide security to multitudes of Soldiers traveling the roads in Iraq. He was killed while performing these duties July 15, 2005 north of Baghdad.

"Hartley volunteered for our Personal Security Detachmentâ?¦his actions quickly set him apart as one of the very best Soldiers in the Battalion," said Maj. Shannon Pool, Executive Officer of the 125th Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

His dedication and expertise as a machine gunner were known and respected throughout his unit.

"I remember being amazed by his proficiency while watching him work at a range here in Iraq and at our home station train up," said Pool.

Hartley was a volunteer in every sense, he was always willing to pitch-in and do his part regardless of the task.

"I've always known him as an energetic Soldier who was willing to help anyone out, whether they were a private or a colonel," said Capt. Cheryl Masisak commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 125th FSB. "I admired and respected him for his energy and commitment to others and especially for his devotion to the unit.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason L. Scott, Hartley's former 1st Sgt., indicated that Hartley's most memorable traits were his unrelenting energy and ability to make things out of nothing.

"When he first came to the unit, you could tell he was going to be a good addition to the company," said Scott. "He was a master of 'Jerry-Rigging'â?¦you could count on him to accomplish any task no matter how large or small," said Scott.

Hartley, a trained mechanic was one of the best in his unit.

"He could fix anything correctly and quickly even if just to rig it to serve a purpose just long enough to accomplish a mission, said Staff Sgt. Dustin Waggoner, Hartley's Team Chief.

Hartley will be remembered by his fellow Soldiers as more than a co-worker, he will be remembered as a friend.

Waggoner stated emphatically that "Spc. Hartley was a fun guy to be around, he had no enemies. He often joked around and kept everyone going during difficult missions."

"As a person, I have never known anyone to have more friends," said Pool.

Hartley excelled as a Soldier, he kept going during hard times and pushed forward regardless of difficulty.

"He never backed down from a job or mission, he was always willing to do more," said Pool.

The loss of Hartley will leave a hole that may never be filled in the day to day operations of the 125th FSB.

"The loss of a Soldier is never easy," said Col. David Bishop commander of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. "Hartley represented the very best that America has to offer and he died a hero in the service of his country. He gave his life to better the lives of others and there is no greater gift."

Hartley will be sorely missed by his fellow Soldiers and friends in 3rd Brigade.

"We love you, we miss you, and we will never forget you," said Waggoner

Spc. Hartley is survived by his mother, father, and brother.

Hartley's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, national Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge

• Date Taken: 07.26.2005
• Date Posted: 07.26.2005 10:35
• Story ID: 2504
• Location: TAJI, IQ