1st BSTB holds memorial ceremony in honor of fallen Soldier

CAMP HOVEY, South Korea - Soldiers gathered April 27 at Camp Hovey, South Korea, to pay respects to Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Charles Perry, who died April 22.

Perry was a signal section chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

"Those who knew Sgt. 1st Class Perry say that his life was founded on encouraging other Soldiers to become the best they could be while living the Army values and maturing as a professional Soldier," said Lt. Col. Mark Danner, the 1st BSTB commander. "You easily recognized how he elevated the atmosphere everywhere he went, as he did on many on many occasions for his section, other Soldiers, leaders as well as Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldiers throughout the battalion."

Perry was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, He entered the Army March 2000 as a signal support specialist and deployed twice in 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Perry, and two children, Zachariah and Kaitlyn.

"It is in the spirit of unity that we can honor his memory and draw strength from one another to overcome this tragic loss," Danner said. "Words cannot ease the pain of those who loved him as husband, father, son, friend, Soldier and leader. It is without a doubt that all of us who are here are grateful for his devotion to duty and his service to this nation."