Photo By Sgt. Dustin Roberts | Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National...... read more read more
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By Spc. Dustin Roberts
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier, who was killed in northwest Baghdad, was honored by friends and comrades for his ultimate sacrifice for freedom during a memorial ceremony at Camp Liberty, Jan. 6.
Pfc. Benjamin Tollefson, 22, who served with the personal security detachment of Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, died Dec. 31, 2008, in Balad, Iraq, of wounds after special group criminals attacked his personnel security detachment with indirect fire in the Ghazaliya District of northwest Baghdad.
"We honor the sacrifice that he gave," said Lt. Col. David Imhof, commander, STB, 2nd BCT. "We recognize the spirit that was evident in his character, and we also strive together to declare the significance of his life."
The quietly packed Warrior Chapel set the somber mood as Soldiers shared their memories and paid their respects to Tollefson, who was survived by his spouse, Natalie Tollefson, and their eight-month-old son, Mac Tollefson.
"Pfc. Tollefson was a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a Soldier," said Capt. Ryan Cripps, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT. "I've had the privilege to serve with Benjamin Tollefson, and I will never forget him; he will always hold a special place in my heart."
Imhof added that Tollefson understood the meaning of personal courage and loyalty to his country, sacrificing his life for the freedom he believed in.
"Sacrifice is the highest form of devotion to duty," said Imhof. "When one is willing to sacrifice for a particular cause, it means he sees his part in a larger movement for a greater good whatever the price."
Staff Sgt. Zachery Hasse, PSD, 2nd BCT, said Tollefson always had a smile on his face – even when times were most stressful.
"He was more than just a Soldier in the PSD," said Hasse. "He was a friend, a comrade and a member of our Family. We're going to miss him."
Tollefson's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.07.2009 08:15 |
| Story ID: | 28552 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 302 |
| Downloads: | 254 |
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