Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army SPC Robert W. Tucker, Age 20 of Celina, TN.
KIA Oct. 13, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom
SPC Tucker was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard, Jamestown, TN.
Sgt. Robert Wesley Tucker was born Aug. 9, 1985 in Cookeville, TN. to parents, Kimberly and Robert Tucker. He was a 2003 graduate of Celina High School in Celina, TN. Wesley married his high school sweetheart, Muriel, and enlisted in the Army National Guard in late 2003. The young couple soon learned they were expecting a child. Wesley was training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi months later when his wife went into labor, and did whatever he had to do to make it home in time for the birth of his daughter, Cameron. Wesley made the birth with just a few hours to spare.
Wesley’s character is best demonstrated by his actions after being deployed to Iraq. Wesley wanted to do what he could for the children he encountered in war-torn Iraq, and asked family and friends back home to send toys for the Iraqi children. Wesley was just 20 years old when he was killed in action in Ad Dujayl, Iraq on 13 Oct 2005, when an IED detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was just two weeks away from coming home to his young wife and daughter.
Sgt. Tucker was laid to rest on the same family property that he grew up on. The land that he loved so much, became his final resting place. The Highway Department, for which Wesley had once worked, built a road on the property to lead to the new cemetery that was officially named, The Sergeant Tucker Cemetery. Additionally, a segment of Tennessee State Route 292 in Clay County, TN was designated as the Sergeant Robert Wesley Tucker Memorial Highway. The Central Pike Overpass in Wilson Co. TN was also dedicated in his honor.
We had a great 8.06 Mile walk today. We walked to River Oaks Community and walked around the lake. We got to see 9 Deer and all sorts of wildlife. It was a beautiful day for the walk. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 60 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you.
Army SPC Robert W. Tucker will not be forgotten !
