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In Memory of Sgt. Gabriel DeRoo

Sep- 6-2006 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Written by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone, 138th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq (28 August, 2006) - - Soldiers, civilians and distinguished visitors gathered in the Community Affairs Center theater at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq, to honor the memory of a fallen Soldier, Sgt. Gabriel DeRoo.

DeRoo served as a M-240-gunner, automatic rifleman and a team leader for Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

“Last night, as a family, we had our time together to share our experiences and celebrate the man and the life of Gabriel DeRoo,” said Capt. Jim Harbridge, commander, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf.
Regt., 3rd SBCT ‘Legionnaires’. “He would not dwell on the sorrow of leaving a young wife and son behind. He had recognized that what he had worked for in this life, he had obtained.”

DeRoo’s friend and squad leader, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Crosby, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf. Regt., 3rd SBCT ‘Legionnaires’, recalled DeRoo’s affection for the Army-issued black fleece cold weather jacket and pull-over watch cap.

“I know that if it was up to him, we would all be in our black fleeces and beanies right now. He once said that was the best thing the Army ever gave him,” said Crosby.

“If he had his black fleece jacket and his black fleece cap, he was good and everyone around him was good.”

Chaplain (Capt.) Tim McCort, 2nd Bn, 3rd Inf. Rgt., closed out the memorial service eulogy with a Bible passage from the 23rd Psalm.

“The 23rd Psalm was written during a time of intense pain and crisis in David’s life, when his life and kingdom were at risk. The psalm tells us that God provides all in life that we really need,” said McCort. “The journey is over for Sgt. DeRoo but it is the beginning of his eternal rest. Even though Sgt. DeRoo has passed out of our sight, he has not passed out of the Shepard’s hands. In fact, the Shepard now carries him in his arms and close to his heart.”

DeRoo’s Army awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.


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