Memorial held for fallen Soldiers

Photo By Staff Sgt. Zachary Mott | Capt. Kristian Leibfarth, Sgt. Daryl Mackie and Sgt. Ted Walters, all from Company A, 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, pay final respects to their comrades, Staff Sgt. Curtis Howard II, Sgt. Gordon Misner II and Spc. Thomas Wilwerth, who died when an improvised explosive device struck their Bradley Feb. 22.  

03.23.2006

Courtesy Story

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Much has happened in Iraq since Feb. 22, but for some members of Company A, 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, that is when their world stopped moving.

Staff Sgt. Curtis Howard II, Sgt. Gordon Misner II and Spc. Thomas Wilwerth died on that day when an improvised explosive device struck their Bradley Fighting Vehicle while they were en route to recover another disabled Bradley.

Each member of the crew was remembered for the strength they possessed and the courage they displayed.

Howard, who also served as the company master gunner and headquarters platoon sergeant, was in his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and often used his combat experience to lead and mentor his Soldiers.

"He was known for being an easy guy to talk to and his love of life is apparent in everything," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Martindale, commander of 1-8 CAB, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., when speaking about Howard during the memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base MacKenzie.

Misner, also on his second OIF rotation, was recalled as being one who walked to morning physical training sessions with a rucksack on his back containing his needed gear for the day. He followed up his morning commute by leading the company runs or running circles around the other ability groups.

"We"d say, 'there goes the next Sergeant Major of the Army," said Sgt. Daryl Mackie, a fellow member of Co. A, 1-8 CAB, speaking about Misner's morning activities.

Wilwerth, in his first trip to Iraq, was remembered as a fun-loving guy who enjoyed playing pranks and just talking with his brothers-in-arms.

"Wilwerth is a true Soldier who did everything he could to accomplish the mission and improve everyday," Martindale said.

These men were honored in a ceremony at FOB MacKenzie and will be remembered long after that day.

"They will now become part of Fighting Eagles history and they will never be forgotten," Martindale said.

• Date Taken: 03.23.2006
• Date Posted: 03.23.2006 11:41
• Story ID: 5817