Photo By Angela Fry | Louisiana National Guardsman Maj. Ronald "Wayne" Culver of El Dorado, Ark., (front)...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq -- Louisiana National Guardsman Maj. Ronald "Wayne" Culver of El Dorado, Ark., was killed in the line of duty, May 24, when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device near Numaniyah in southern Iraq.
The vehicle's gunner, Spc. Kenneth Boyer of Pineville, La., with B Company, 199th Brigade Support Battalion in Alexandria, La., sustained minor injuries during the attack and is expected to make a full recovery.
Culver, a two-time Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, deployed as the executive officer for the 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Shreveport, La.
"Maj. Culver's positive influence and sense of duty will be felt in the squadron for years to come," stated Squadron Commander Lt. Col. William Rachal of Breaux Bridge, La. "He was loved and respected by all."
"I have known Wayne Culver for more than 10 years and will always remember his sense of humor, sound counsel, and his constant concern for Soldiers. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this fine officer and friend," continued Rachal.
The 44-year-old armor officer deployed with Louisiana's Tiger Brigade as the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment during their initial OIF deployment in 2004. The 1-156th reorganized into Louisiana's Cavalry Squadron in 2006.
A graduate of Louisiana State University-Shreveport, Culver received multiple military honors during his 22-year career in the LANG. These honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Louisiana War Cross and the Louisiana Commendation Medal.
"The Army has the seven core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage," expressed Squadron Chaplain Capt. James Collins of Norman, Okla. "To me, Wayne exemplified those Army values. We learn them and we are supposed to live them. Not everyone does...but he did. He was a friend to everyone, regardless of rank. It didn't matter if they were a cook or a general, he treated everyone the same. He was a good husband, a good father and a good Soldier, but most importantly, he was a good man."
Culver is the son of Ronald W. Culver, Sr. and Betty Culver, both of Shreveport. He leaves behind his wife, Tracey Culver, and two children, Michelle Francis, 16; and Ronald Wayne, III, 13. Prior to mobilizing with the 2-108th, he was employed by AmerCable.
The 256th is currently deployed to assist in setting the conditions for the responsible drawdown of U.S. Armed Forces and equipment in Iraq and is scheduled to return home some time at the end of this year.
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2010 05:27 |
| Story ID: | 50694 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 375 |
| Downloads: | 180 |
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