Honoring SPC Anthony Vargas

Anthony Vargas of Reading, PA

He was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.

“Anthony was a loving husband, father and best friend,” SPC Michael Swift said. “He was always supportive of his friends and would help you out in any way he could. He loved his platoon and greatly admired his leaders.”

“He loved his protein, and was a hard worker and a great soldier. Those of you who knew him well know that he was a good person, one of the best. He was a private person and enjoyed spending time with his family.”

Army Chaplain Capt. Robert Miller, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1-61 Cav: “[Vargas] loved his battle buddies and non-commissioned officers as much as he loved physical training and Adobo spice,” Miller said.

Army Lt. Col. William B. Johnson, 1-61 Cav. commander and Task Force Panther, was the ceremony’s first speaker.

“When I spoke with Louisa Vargas about the loss of her husband, what resonated from her was a concern for you, her husband’s fellow soldiers and comrades in arms,” said Johnson, a native of Clarksville, Tenn.

“Were she here, I think the message for you would be straightforward: keep the faith, take care of each other, and continue to take the fight to the enemy,” Johnson said. “Her concern for you, for all of us, was most humbling and a true testament to them, their faith and spirit.”

SPC Vargas was a veteran of more than 50 combat missions. He was an Infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 61st Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in Oct. 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009.
His awards and decorations include: Combat Infantry Badge; Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Commendation with Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal;  and Army Service Ribbon.

Vargas is survived by his wife, Luisa L. Vargas; son Nathaniel S. Vargas; son Lucas A. Vargas; and daughter Olivia Vargas all of Clarksville, Tenn.; father Julio Vargas and mother, Maria Vargas both of Reading, Pa.

Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, paid last respects to two of their fallen soldiers during a memorial ceremony Nov. 18 at Forward Operating Base Connolly.  The firing squad fired three shots in salute of each fallen soldier and Army Spc. Stuart McClaren, an infantryman from Dumfries, Scotland, also from Troop C, played “Taps,” on his bugle, ending the ceremony.

 If you personally knew SPC Vargas and have stories in Honor of his life, his Victories, his Humor, and/or his achievements, please let us know.