Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | A Soldier cries at a memorial display set up to honor his friend Spc. Dustin Harris....... read more read more
by Army Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq, (April 11, 2006) - Soldiers of 172nd Brigade Support Battalion, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, remembered Spc. Dustin Harris at a service on Apr. 11, at Forward Operating Base Marez.
Spc. Harris lost his life when an improvised explosive device hit his convoy.
"You have greatly made the ultimate sacrifice, and in my heart and mind there is no greater honor," said Capt. Matthew Arbogast, company commander, 172d BSB. "You gave your life protecting your friends and serving your country, everyone here is proud of you and eternally grateful."
Harris was born May 11, 1984 in Paten, Ma. He attended Katahdin High School and graduated in 2002. Harris joined the Army in July 2005 and worked as a Heavy Vehicle Operator.
According to Spc. Brad Vantiem, 172nd BSB, Harris was a young man who was proud to be in the Army, proud to serve the nation and the ones who cannot defend themselves.
"Dustin was proud to be apart of something bigger than he was, proud to be the quiet hero and not afraid to die," said Vantiem. "He loved his friends, his family, the Army, helping others and loved working hard."
Harris's squad leader and friend Sgt. Jeffrey Myrieckes said Harris was a great friend and a great Soldier. He completed over 50 missions protecting his fellow Soldiers.
"He was a leader among his peers and was an asset to his squad, company and battalion," Myrieckes said.
According to Arbogast, it was an honor to stand beside him guarding our nation's defense. He not only made the company stronger, he kept each of us alert on combat missions.
According to Lt. Col. Mark Keyes, 172nd BSB commander, Dustin is not a hero for what he did, but for who he was. He was special because he loved life.
"He was a young man of courage, passion and commitment," Keyes said. "Dustin was doing what he could to make this world a better place."
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2006 17:05 |
| Story ID: | 6078 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 854 |
| Downloads: | 447 |
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