Long Knives remember fallen soldier

By Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public AffairsApril 6, 2010

FORT HOOD, Texas-Soldiers assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, join together to remember Spc. Erik George-Vega during his memorial ceremony at the Fort Hood's Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran's Chapel on April 1. The 30-year-...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas-Soldiers assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, join together to remember Spc. Erik George-Vega during his memorial ceremony at the Fort Hood's Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran's Chapel on April 1. The 30-year-... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT HOOD, Texas-Capt. Keith Williams, commander A Battery,5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division delivers a tribute speech to Spc. Erik George-Vega during his memorial ceremony at the Fort Hood's ...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT HOOD, Texas-Capt. Keith Williams, commander A Battery,5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division delivers a tribute speech to Spc. Erik George-Vega during his memorial ceremony at the Fort Hood's ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, attended Spc. Erik George-Vega's Remembrance Ceremony, here, at the Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran's Chapel on 1 April.

George-Vega, who was assigned to A Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th BCT, died March 14 in San Antonio, Texas.

"He touched a lot of people throughout his life, and always had a way of (brightening) the spirits of others by bringing a smile to their face," said Staff Sgt. David Mendez, a non-commissioned officer assigned to A Battery.

The 30-year-old gun truck driver was born in Mexico, and had recently returned from completing his second tour in Iraq last summer. During his six years of selfless service his awards included; two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, an Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Iraqi Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Overseas Service Ribbons and an Army Service Ribbon.

"He was a hard-working Soldier that was always willing to help out his fellow troops," said Capt. Keith Williams, the A Battery Commander. "Vega will never be forgotten and will always be an Apache Warrior."