KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Members of Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to the 20th Engineer Battalion, paused from their route clearance mission this week to honor four of their fallen comrades whose lives were taken last week by an improvised explosive device. The memorial ceremony was held on July 29th at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak.
The four Soldiers’ lives were ended when their vehicle was struck by a vast amount of explosives, while traveling southwest along Highway 1.
Staff Sgt. Conrad Mora, age 24, from San Diego. This was his second tour in Afghanistan. As the vehicle commander he set the example for his Soldiers to emulate. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ann Mora, his son, Christopher, and his father, Alejandrino Mora and his mother, Carmelito Fernando.
Sgt. Daniel Lim, age 23, from Cypress, Calif. He was a father figure to many of the younger soldiers in the platoon. He is survived by his father, Mr. Woo Bang and his mother Mrs. Soon.
Spc. Joseph Bauer, age 27 from Cincinnati. He joined the military in 2007, and this was his first deployment. His platoon counted on him to make tough decisions and use sound judgment on a daily basis. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Misty Bauer, his father, Mr. Roger Bauer and his mother Ms. Lynn Bauer.
Pfc. Andrew Hand, age 25, from Georgia was the vehicle driver. He previously deployed with the National Guard twice- to Iraq and Kuwait before switching to active duty. He is survived Mrs. Amanda Hand, sons, Gavin and Tristan; father Mr. Kenneth Hand and his mother Ms. Phyliss Parris.
At the memorial fellow soldiers’ paid tribute to their fallen brothers in arms, reflecting on memories of times spent together. They recalled the good times they shared, proving that their legacy will live on. For C/5-3 the mission continues but they will forever be changed; they will carry with them the memories of their comrades. As stated by Maj. Jason Railsback, acting commander of the 20th Engineer Battalion, “I know the Soldiers of the Battery will stand strong together and be back on the road again. Your fallen heroes will be with you, in your minds, in your hearts, forever a part of your soul.” These men gave their lives, for their brothers in arms, for their families, and for their country; they are true heroes.
