Story by Pfc. Jared Sollars
09.27.2009 FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq —Through the efforts of his brothers and sisters-in-arms, Staff Sgt. Leroy O. Webster's name will live on beyond his all-too short life.
The 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division immortalized one of its fallen Soldiers by dedicating the distinguished visitor helicopter pad on Forward Operating Base Warrior to Webster, Sept. 25.
Webster died on dismounted patrol in the Aruba sector of Kirkuk, Iraq, April 25.
The 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division immortalized one of its fallen Soldiers by dedicating the distinguished visitor helicopter pad on Forward Operating Base Warrior to Webster, Sept. 25.
Webster died on dismounted patrol in the Aruba sector of Kirkuk, Iraq, April 25.
"Names are important," said Col. Ryan F. Gonsalves, the commander of 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., during the dedication service. "When we are born we're given a name, and that is the one thing we carry with us for life.
"Our actions give our names meaning," Gonsalves continued. "When people hear our names they think of certain things because of what we've done."
Webster was born on June 21, 1980, in Spencer, Iowa, grew up in Hartley, Iowa, and enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in August 2001. After the Sept. 11 attacks, Webster mobilized with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, Iowa Army National Guard in support of Operation Noble Eagle. During the operation, his unit provided security for Department of Defense installations in Newport, Ind.
Webster deployed to Afghanistan in 2004 with Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, Iowa Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning from Afghanistan, he joined the active duty Army and moved with his family to Sioux Falls, S.D.
Webster was then assigned to Bravo "Thunder" Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006, stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.
This was Webster's second tour with the Thunder Battery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit has operated out of FOB Warrior in Kirkuk during this tour.
During his military career, Webster was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Marksmanship Badge, and the Driver's Badge.
"I am deeply honored to have had the privilege of serving with him," said Gonsalves. "I am proud to name this ground after Staff Sgt. Webster.
"This tribute will commemorate his name here, on this earth, forever," Gonsalves concluded.
Webster is survived by his wife, three daughters and his parents.
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