Diablos Soldier remembered

Photo By Spc. Richard Vogt | Members of Co. C 1st Battalion 17th Infantry Regiment 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team gathered at Forward Operating Base Marez to remember their fellow Soldier Spc. Raymond Henry.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.04.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq - Members of Company C, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team gathered to remember a fellow Soldier at a memorial service held at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul Iraq.

Specialist Raymond Henry, Co. C, 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Rg, 172nd SBCT died from injuries he received while on patrol with his unit April 25.

"For me and for the other Diablos in this room, we will never forget the 25th of April 2006 for on that day we lost a Ranger buddy, a friend and a brother," said Capt Edwin Matthaides III, commander, 1st Bn, 17th Inf. Rgt.

Henry entered the Army in January 2005 and attended Advanced Individual Training in Fort Benning, Ga. After completing training he was assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn,, 17th Inf. Rgt.

"Friends, Buffalos, Diablos, these are the times that we as leaders, Soldiers and friends hope and pray never come," said Lt.Col. Jeffrey Kelly, commander, 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Rgt. "Moments that are never easy, you strive so hard to find the right words and you want to say something so profound, comforting, all-encompassing, something that will embody the spirit of a young Soldier"

Captain Herman Cheatham, chaplain, lead a prayer to the Soldiers present, "Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts this evening over the loss of Raymond Henry, one of your children. We ask that you be with us as we remember our fellow Soldier, our friend, and a son."

"Be with us as we reflect on Ray's life as we know it. Send your comfort to us as only you can during this time of remembrance," Cheatham said. "Shine your love, mercy, and grace down upon us and Ray's family at this time."

According to Sgt. 1st Class Chad Walker, Henry towered over the Iraqi people, but they were not afraid of him because they knew he was a gentle giant.

"I have no doubt that Henry is looking down at us," Walker said. "Each and every one of us loves you, and we will never forget the impact you have made in our lives."

Henry is survived by his mother Willieeta Robinson, his father Ray Henry and a host of family and friends.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2006
• Date Posted: 05.04.2006 10:42
• Story ID: 6266
• Location: MOSUL, IQ