Friends and fellow soldiers of Sgt. Ricky D. Jones honored his life and service during a memorial ceremony here June 26.
Jones, 26, a native of Plantersville, Ala., served as Range Control and Reenlistment NCO for the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He was killed June 21 in an early morning indirect fire attack on Bagram Air Field.
"Sgt. Jones has done his duty, and he has given his last breath to the U.S. Army and the United States of America," said Capt. Paul Escobar, Jones' company commander.
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 always lend a hand to those in need.
"I didn't really know him that long, but in the short time we did share, we formed an unbreakable bond," said Spc. De'Ontay Winchester, Task Force Warrior Webmaster.
Sgt. First Class Revon Spain, 1st MEB Equal Opportunity Non-commissioned Officer, recalled Jones' love of motorcycles. "Sgt. Jones would always talk about motorcycles and four wheelers, and how his 4-year-old son just loved to ride a four wheeler," Spain said.
Jones is survived by his wife, Cpl. Fredda L. Jones; sons Jamerius D. Jones and Kenderrick J. Jones; his parents Willie Tyrus and Sheila McCray; and a sister, Jasmine Jones.
Jones' military awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Bagram airfield —
