Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army Sgt. Israel P. O’Bryan, Age 24 of Newbern, TN
KIA June 11, 2010 in Jalula, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
Israel entered the United States Army on May 25, 2006. He trained as a Mortarman at Fort Benning, GA.
Sergeant O’Bryan was appointed as a Squad Leader in 4th Platoon on August 7, 2009. Sergeant O’Bryan’s awards and decoration include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommiss-ioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Two Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Valorous Unit Award, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Israel was united in marriage on December 29, 2007, with Brenna Selly Hong Loan Oey in Wilmot, SD. Brenna, a former active-duty soldier with the same brigade, met Israel on a previous deployment to Iraq. She moved to Sisseton, SD with their one-year-old son to be with her family during Israel’s second deployment. Israel loved children and his son’s birth was a true blessing. While in high school, Israel was active in sports, including boxing, soccer and baseball. He also enjoyed a good shopping day!
We had a great walk. Spent some time at the City Cemetery visiting several Veterans. I want to thank everyone that honked and waved in helping me honor this hero. It was amazing.
He will NOT be forgotten.
