Spc. Jayson Howell
29th BCT Public Affairs
BAGHDAD --Task Force Baghdad Soldiers gathered June 26 to remember one of their comrades who died in a terrorist attack a few days earlier.
Sgt. Arnold Duplantier II, 26, and other members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were providing security for the Al Rasheed District Area Council meeting June 22 when they were attacked with small-arms fire by anti-Iraqi forces.
Duplantier was seriously wounded in the attack and, despite the valiant efforts of his fellow Soldiers to save his life, he died soon after.
Duplantier, "Dupe" to his friends, was born and raised in Sacramento, Calif. In 1999, shortly after high school, he enlisted in the California Army National Guard as an infantryman and was assigned to 1st Bn., 184th Inf.
Duplantier served six years in the Army National Guard, including two tours in the Middle East. He deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Spring in 2002, where he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal. Upon returning to Sacramento, he served with distinction in a full-time position at the California Army National Guard Headquarters.
In August 2004, he mobilized with Co. C to Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad. As an infantry team leader, his natural leadership and the sincere care he showed for his men won him the respect of both his troops and his superiors.
The men of Co. C said they remember Duplantier not only for his professionalism as a Soldier, but also for his good humor and selflessness.
"He was a great friend" said Sgt. Antonio Cueva. "When I was with 'Dupe' I could never frown ... he would make sure of that."
Duplantier is survived by his wife, Tanya, and his daughter, Isabel. His Duplantier's love and affection for his family were apparent to all who knew him. He was known for proudly showing off their pictures.
For the Soldiers of Co. C, 1st Bn., 184th Inf., the mission continues and life carries on, but the void left by the loss of a fellow Soldier " a brother " is palpable.
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2005 13:44 |
| Story ID: | 2551 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 10 |
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