BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- On the morning of June 26, friends and fellow warriors of U.S. Army Sgt. Ricky DeWayne Jones gathered at the Enduring Faith Chapel on Bagram Air Field to honor his life and service.
Jones, 26, a native of Plantersville, Ala., served as range control and reenlistment NCO for Fort Polk's 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Company on June 12, 2008, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was killed June 21 in an early morning indirect fire attack on Bagram Air Field.
"Sergeant Jones has done his duty, and he has given his last breath to the U.S. Army and the United States of America; an honor many Soldiers have endured throughout history," said 1st MEB HHC Commander, Capt. Paul Escobar.
Remembered for his Christian faith, devotion to God and love for his parents, wife and children, Jones stood out in Task Force Warrior as a kind-hearted family man with a thick Alabama accent, a funny story to share, and a willingness to lend a hand to those in need.
"I didn't really know him that long, but in the short time we shared, we formed an unbreakable bond," said Spc. De'Ontay Winchester, Task Force Warrior S6 web master.
During his tribute, Winchester recited a poem he'd written about his special friendship with Jones, which included this line: "Things you never told to anyone, you said those things to me."
Sgt. Willie Givens of 337th Signal Company also paid tribute to his friend, recalling his final moments with Jones shortly before the attack.
"He gave me his vehicle and told me to drop him off at billeting so he could check in with Mrs. Jones before getting some rest," Givens said, referring to billeting NCO, Cpl. Fredda Jones, also of Task Force Warrior and Jones' widow.
Sgt. 1st Class Revon Spain, brigade equal opportunity NCO, had also spoken to Jones about seeing him Sunday morning in church.
"Sergeant Jones would always talk about motorcycles and four wheelers, and how his four-year-old son just loved to ride a four wheeler," Spain recalled, explaining how Jones would try convincing him to ride a motorcycle.
Spain said Jones would always encourage him, "Man, Fredda rides them." Spain said he would always reply, "Yeah, because Fredda is crazy just like you are."
Members of Task Force Warrior, civilian contractors and friends of Jones paid their final respects during the ceremony.
"Let us make Jones proud by not allowing this tragic event to demoralize our unit's morale," Escobar said, challenging the 1st MEB to honor Jones by a deepening commitment to the Task Force Warrior mission.
Social Sharing