TALLAHASSEE, FL,USA U.S. Army 1SG, CO C, 4TH BN, 64TH ARMOR (TF BAGHDAD) FORT STEWART 09/16/2005, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
U.S. Army First Sergeant, Alan Nye Gifford, 39, died September 16, 2005 while serving his country in ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’.
Alan was born August 7, 1966 in Fayetteville, NC., and grew up in Tallahassee, FL. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1984, where he excelled in football and baseball. Alan joined the Army in 1986 and quickly moved up the ranks due to his leadership abilities and dedication to his soldiers. Alan served 19 years in the service as a Cavalry Scout, in every position from Squad Leader to Company First Sergeant.
His career highlights include serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC., during the Persian Gulf War, and the 1st of the 509 Parachute Infantry Regiment, Ft. Polk, LA., and Echo Troop, lst Calvary, 172nd Brigade, Ft. Wainwright, AK., where he won the prestigious Draper Award. Alan was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA., and served in Charlie Company, Task Force 4th Battalion, 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Pathfinder Badge and the Senior Parachutes Badge.
Alan, devoted husband of Beth, was married only three short wonderful years. He was the proud father of two-year old Mitchell who he said was the greatest accomplishment of his life. He loved his family and his faithful dog Dakota. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, backpacking and playing golf. Alan always shined like a diamond in the sky, succeeding in everything he did. He knew no strangers and everyone he met always loved him.
Alan was a member of First Baptist Church in Richmond Hill, GA. Alan is survived by his wife Beth and son, Mitchell of Richmond Hill, GA; mother, Hedviga Gifford of Concord, NC; father, Douglas and step-mother, Susan Gifford of Warham, MA; paternal grandfather, Clarence Gifford of Warham, MA; brothers, Andre and his wife, Loretta of Concord, NC and Anthony and his wife Angela of Tallahassee, FL
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