Friday, February 01, 2008

SSG Gary W Jeffries ~ Farewell and Walk with God


Staff Sergeant Gary W Jeffries
Killed January 28, 2008
Mosul, Iraq

Staff Sergeant Gary W Jeffries, 37, of Roscoe, Texas, was one of five soldiers killed on January 28, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

From the Abilene Reporteer News: http://reporternews.com/news/2008/jan/31/roscoes-slain-soldier-remembered/ He graduated in 1990 from the high school in Roscoe, a town of 1,380 people 50 miles west of Abilene.

In the school yearbook, Jeffries jokingly "willed" to underclassmen his camouflage jacket, his intelligence, ability to fix a carburetor and change oil, and his cowboy boots.

Former classmate Chas McGlothlin of Sweetwater said Jeffries was a quiet kid who was "always in the weight room." He remembers Jeffries showing an interest in the military in high school and frequently wearing camouflage.

Roscoe High School Principal Frank Young was a football coach for the Plowboys when Jeffries was a student-athlete. Young remembers him as a "really quiet kid who did what he was supposed to." He said Jeffries was a good person and hard worker who was part of a good class.

Jeffries joined the Army in 1997 and was on his fourth deployment overseas when he died, according to records from Fort
Carson.

He served in Korea from March 2000 to March 2001 and joined the 3rd Brigade Combat team in April 2001. Jeffries deployed to Iraq from March 2003 to March 2004 and from December 2005 to November 2006. He returned to Iraq in December for his third deployment.

Services: San Antonio is Graveside Only. Ft Sam National Cemetery. Shelter # 4. Wednesday, 06 Feb 08, 11:30 am. The Patriot Guard Riders will be in attendance.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this. Gary was my wife's cousin and his family is from right here in Oregon.

xxxxxxxxxx said...

Thank you Gary for your devotion to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice, there are no words to comfort your loved ones I only stop by to say I wish I had known you, and had a chance to say you are a great guy and courageous and brave individual so I want your family and you to know you will always be in my heart.
Kathie

Lola Hanson said...

This is from the family of James Craig. Jim was with Gary in Iraq.I'm sorry for your loss. Were are very sad for the loss of our loved one, also. These men are heroes and deserve to be honored for thier sacrifice.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sincere Regards,
~Lola Hanson

Anonymous said...

To the Family of SSG Jefferies,
May God Bless and keep you. Our dear James was killed with him. We are heartbroken and know what you are going through. I wish we could just erase Jan 28th from history. I am so sorry for your loss and for all the families who have lost loved ones in war.
Natalie loved him with her whole heart and soul.
Mary S.

Anonymous said...

I met Gary over 10 years ago. He served honorably, selflessly, and with distiction. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and will be sorely missed.

Know that he will be remembered as a hero. He will be in our hearts forever.

The Young Family

Anonymous said...

i was on my second tour with SSG jeffries he was a one of a kind guy. Always willing to give of himself so that another soldier could learn. His constant work ethic was an example for all soldiers to live by. He was such a great man. I had the honor of calling him my friend. His loyalty to his fellow soldiers always made possible for safe and effective patrols. He will surely be missed. Our hearts go out to the families of all our fallen soldiers. From B CO 1-8, SGT Timothy Lunsford Mosul, Iraq, timothy.lunsford@hotmail.com

camo said...

i knew gary and worked with him. he was an outstanding SSG and im truly hurt that he had to leave that way... if he were still with us i would truly do anything to work under him again.... R.I.P. SSG Jeffreys....(chow run)

Anonymous said...

Gary was a close family friend, and even lived with us for a while in high school. He was dedicated to our country, and couldn't wait to join the Army. I miss him every day, and he will always be in my heart. God bless you my friend!

Anonymous said...

i never really got to meet him but i myself thought he was a good perso it was devastating and his son is one of my best friends and i think he didnt deserve it at all may you walk with god and rest in peace