Memorialized Soldier

MOSUL, IRAQ

09.05.2006

Courtesy Story

138th Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq (September 5, 2006) – Soldiers and friends of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division attended a memorial ceremony to honor a fallen comrade at Forward Operating Base Marez Mosul, Iraq.

Sgt 1st Class Richard J. Henkes II, second platoon sergeant, Company C, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf. Rgt., 3rd SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., paid the ultimate price when he lost his life during a combat patrol Sept. 3.

Henkes was born in Maryland Dec. 19, 1973. He graduated high school in 1992, and joined the Army and was assigned to Co. C, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf. Rgt.

According to his Soldiers, Henkes was the type of leader that was always there if there was a problem. He was the kind of person that was very thorough in explaining things to his Soldiers.

Henkes will be remembered through his sense of humor, he could consume large amounts of energy drinks and it was his plan to make a platoon standard operating procedure for each Soldier to grab at least one energy drink for him before they left the chow hall. Henkes never got the chance to tell his Soldiers his idea.

An Improvised Explosive Device exploded the day prior to this Henkes losing his life. Henkes was out on patrol when his platoon and reported to the scene. They took an outer cordon security position, because the Iraqi Army was already on scene securing the inner cordon, said Private Matthew Lee, medic, Co C, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf. Rgt.

Henkes noticed that a little boy had been injured from the blast and told Lee to get his stuff ready. Henkes and Lee walk over to the boy so Lee could start treating the injuries. While Lee was working, Henkes reassured the families that their son was in good hands and they had nothing to worry about.

Henkes awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense service Medal, Glabal War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Henkes is survived by his eight-year-old daughter Isabel.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2006
• Date Posted: 09.13.2006 09:01
• Story ID: 7716
• Location: MOSUL, IQ