3rd Cav honors fallen brother

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill | Spc. Samson Johnson, a paralegal specialist with Feild Artillery Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment is honored during a memorial ceremony held April 19, 2018 at the Main Post Chapel, at Fort Hood, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Taresha Hill)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

04.20.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Jill People 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Samson S. Johnson, 20, a paralegal from Mooreville, Indiana, who was assigned to Field Artillery Squadron, died April 6 in Killeen. His death is under investigation.
Johnson’s leaders and friends recalled the Soldier’s strong work ethic and ability to make others laugh.
Lt. Col. Alexander Lee, the squadron commander, spoke about working with Johnson during the squadron’s rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
“I remember Spc. Johnson as a quiet professional, who really enjoyed his work and always putting the mission first, as a quiet professional,” Lee said. “I’ll also remember Spc. Johnson as a great teammate on our recent NTC rotation serving in our tactical operational center when not doing legal work and gladly lending a hand in any task required no matter what that task would be.”
Capt. Jordan Funderburk, the battery commander, also spoke about Johnson’s professionalism.
“He joined the Brave Rifles in July 2017 as a paralegal,” Fudnerburk said. “There is exactly one paralegal in the squadron to help our squadron command team with UCMJ, rules of engagement, command decisions and court-martial (proceedings) with 500-plus Soldiers, it was a tall order, but he never once complained or quit.”
Sgt. Alexis Bennet, Johnson’s squad leader, thought of him as Family.
“I cannot tell you how hard this has been for the 3CR Family and myself,” Bennet said while sobbing. “Spc. Johnson was not only my Soldier, but like my big, little son; a gentle giant, so to speak.”
Bennet also noted Johnson’s comical side, especially when it came to what he would eat.
“I will not forget one day, I asked Johnson what he had for lunch and his response, ‘Well sergeant, I had a 3 packs of fruit snacks, a bag of popcorn and a Dr Pepper,’ and no, he wasn’t joking,” Bennet said. “Spc. Johnson also tried to microwave a steak, after asking why in in the world he would do this, his response was, ‘Well sergeant, I like my steak kind of rare.’ From that point on I became very aware of Spc. Johnson’s diet.”
As his squad leader, Bennet had high expectations for Johnson’s future.
“He will forever leave a mark in our office and in my life with his kindness and eagerness to learn new things,” Bennet said, then, addressing Johson, “I could have taken you to the promotion board and welcomed you to the noncommission corps, but most of all I wish you were here to see how much your passing has affected us.”
Pfc. James Anderson, who quickly became friends with Johnson at the squadron, recalled a conversation the two had while they were eating.
“We would go to the (dining facility) at (5 p.m.) and stay until it closed just to vent about different things,” Anderson said. “I would ask, ‘How are you trying to tell me “Avengers” wasn’t a great movie, Johnson,’ at which he would reply, ‘Nah, it was 7 at best, but “Pulp Fiction” that’s up there, that’s at least a 8 or 9 at best.’”
Anderson also considered Johnson more a Family member than a fellow Soldier.
“I really miss Johnson. He was Family and really my brother,” Anderson said. “Rest in Peace, Spc. Johnson.”
Johnson’s military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He is survived by his mother, Neely Stantz, his father, Jess Johnson, and siblings, Kimberly Johnson, Nessly Bailey, Justice Sprinkle and Dror Sprinkle.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2018
• Date Posted: 04.25.2018 14:59
• Story ID: 274464
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US