875th soldiers recognized

Area soldiers serving with the 875th Engineer Battalion in Iraq included, from left: Front -- Johnny McCarroll, David Clayton, Aaron Clayton, Sam Isom, Terry Burdin and Michael Prince. Back -- Steve Ward, Ryan Lawrence, Jeremy Ard, Wes Harmon, Kevin Adams and Michael Scott Sims.
(Democrat file photo/Nancy Kemp)

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The event not only allowed the surrounding communities the opportunity to meet with and thank soldiers, it also served as an awards ceremony for the troops.

The Freedom Salute Award was presented to each soldier. Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals also were presented.

Among area soldiers receiving medals were:

David Clayton of Rector, Purple Heart; Johnny McCarroll of Rector, Bronze Star; Tony Wyatt of Marmaduke, Bronze Star; Paul W. Jaques of Marmaduke, Bronze Star, and Kevin Adams of Piggott, Purple Heart.

Though a complete list of awards was not available at press time, the Democrat did receive a list of all Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipients.

The remaining list of those award winners are:

Purple Heart

A Company -- George M. Collins, Scotty D. Gage, Gideon G. Grissom, Marcus L. Hutto and Robert D. Northwood.

C Company -- Edward R. Alsup, Brandon D. Boone, Thomas M. Carter, Brandon E. Morris, William A. Percifull, Brian A. Presson and Michael L. Tyner.

Bronze Star

A Company -- Jeffrey D. Brown, Adam M. Edmonds, Kurtis D. Holloway, Steven M. Joyal, Kahlon E. Mays, Joe J. Shelby, David S. Turpin, Christopher B. Weaver, Paul C. Burns, Roger D. Evans, Richard C. Isom, Jerry W. Lee, Stephen S. McCulley, Gregory W. Stanley, Daniel C. Tyrell, Gregory L. Whitlock, George Collins, Richard J. Holler, Mike K. Jenkins, Brian C. Massey, David A. Moore, Kevin J. Turner and Malcolm H. Warner.

131st Engineer Company -- Henry Glackman, Joe D. Jordan, Ronnie J. Taylor, Jeremy L. Howard, Christopher M. Lady, Seth E. Jacobs and Ronald B. Mafnas.

C Company -- Larry B. Austin, William A. Percifull, Frederick C. Siebert, Joshua A. Wheeler, Christopher A. Centers, Brian M. Lynch, Luke W. McCartney, Charles A. Roe, Bradley J. Smart, Johnny N. Douglas, Dean L. McDonald, Timothy P. Norman, Billy J. Rucker and Stephen M. Spencer.

Headquarters, Headquarters Company -- Patricia M. Anslow, Scott A. Brown, Tony L. Davis, Christopher A. Durney, Michael C. Henderson, Corey L. Seats, Billy J. Ward, Kenneth H. Baker, Ronnie G. Copeland, Timothy D. Dean, Rusty N. Fontenot, Lorne D. Kelly, Joshua B. Simmons, Mark C, White, Amy M. Bell, Daniel H. Dale, Riley D. Donoho, Mark E. Golaway, Todd H. Kirk and Kevin L. Vines.

The ceremony also allowed the 875th the opportunity to welcome its new commanding officer. Maj. Corey Seats of Jonesboro, a 16-year Army veteran, was officially named as the new commanding officer during Sunday's event.

Seats spoke highly of the 875th's efforts in Iraq.

"Our professionalism and bravery was well-known in Iraq. We took 1,515 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) off the road and we saved countless lives. When units needed to get through an area without an IED explosion, they would ask for us to clear it."

Seats took over for the departing Col. Patricia Anslow, who formally stepped down Sunday as commanding officer of the 875th.