My walk today was dedicated in honor of :
Army SSGT Omer T. Hawkins II, Age 31 of Cherry Fork, OH.
KIA Oct. 14, 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom
Sgt. Hawkins was from Cherry Fork, Ohio, in Adams County, an area I represent. He was, people have said, the epitome of an all around great guy-polite, intelligent, and outgoing. At 10 years old, he first told people he wanted to enlist in the Army. At North Adams High School near Seaman, Ohio, Sgt. Hawkins was popular with his peers, and voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in his graduating class. An academic standout, he was active in citizenship and Ohio history competitions. He also served on the debate team and played basketball.
After graduation in 1991, Sgt. Hawkins enlisted in the Army. He was a noncommissioned officer in the Army assigned to the 44th Engineer Battalion stationed in Camp Howze in Korea.
He was killed when an IED detonated near his convoy in Ramadi, Iraq.
He was buried next to his father at Locust Grove Cemetery in Peebles, Ohio.
We had a great walk today. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved and saluted in helping me honor this hero. Today was Day 22 of my walk to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide and my fundraiser for National Veterans Resources to help our Veterans in need. I want to thank the couple of people that stopped me this morning with cash donations. I will hand it over to National Veteran Resources in person on November 4th. Thank you.
SSGT Omer T. Hawkins II will not be forgotten !
