Fallen hero remembered as great EOD tech, mentor, friend

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chauncy R. Mays was a 25-year-old Cookville, Texas, native assigned to 705th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company based at Fort Polk, La., when he died during an improvised explosive device attack while on a dismounted patrol in the Tangi area Feb. 28. Mays was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, while deployed to Afghanistan.  

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.04.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By: U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Matt Meadows
Task Force Patriot Public Affairs

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Fellow soldiers remember U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chauncy R. Mays as a tremendous explosive ordnance disposal technician, an outstanding mentor and a true friend.

Mays, a 25-year-old native of Cookville, Texas, was attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division’s Task Force Patriot based at Fort Polk, La., died as the result of an enemy attack in Wardak province Feb. 28.

He was assigned to 705th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company when he died during an improvised explosive device attack while on a dismounted patrol in the Tangi area. Mays was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, while deployed in Afghanistan.

While his comrades credit Mays’ dedication and expertise for having saved a “countless” number of lives as an EOD non-commissioned officer, he meant much more to them and to his unit.

“Staff Sgt. Mays was more than a friend; he was a brother, a mentor and a very helpful person,” said U.S. Army Spc. Dwayne Rhymes of Conroe, Texas, 705th EOD. “He was a great EOD technician, and he was willing to do anything for anyone. Staff Sgt. Mays was a blessing to those around him, and he will truly be missed.”

U.S. Army Sgt. David Cochran of West Newton, Pa., said there are few people who have a positive impact on everyone around them but that Mays was one such person. “The world is a lesser place without him,” he said.

“His time with us may have been far too short, but the impact he made on our lives will be everlasting,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Czikalla, also with 705th EOD.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alex Dial of Decatur, Ill., said Mays was the unit’s best and he truly set the standard for excellence.

To U.S. Army Sgt. Chandara Hak of Santa Rosa, Calif., Mays was “the greatest mentor” she said she has ever had. “He was a leader who led from the front. He was always careful, but never fearful. I will do my best to follow in his example.”

Mays’ company commander, U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Teller of Hillsville, Va., described the kind of person Mays was and what he meant to the 705th EOD unit and Soldiers.

“Staff Sgt. Mays was a stellar leader and EOD technician who exemplified selfless service; he would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation,” said Teller.

Mays’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal, second award; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal with star device; Iraqi Campaign Medal, second award; Global War on Terror Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, third award; NATO Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Combat Action Badge; Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge; and Driver’s Badge.

• Date Taken: 03.04.2011
• Date Posted: 03.05.2011 06:28
• Story ID: 66530
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF