MONDOVI, WI, USA U.S. Army SGT, COMPANY B, 41ST SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION, PORTLAND, OR BAGHDAD, IRAQ 08/28/2009
Earl was an animal lover who raised horses and enjoyed fishing. His hometown is Mondovi, Wisconsin, but he resided in Washington state with his wife Casey and 19-year-old son, Charles. He enjoyed fishing so much, that he even went in Baghdad, although he didn’t want to keep any of his catches. He had two years of active Army Service before being inspired again to serve after the September 11 attacks on the United States. He enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard on September 12, 2001 and was on his third tour in Iraq in 2009 when he became a fallen hero at age 38.
He was a very talented man who knew how to do his job, and desired to use his abilities to care for others. His care for his fellow National Guardsmen was a driving force of him wanting to be deployed for a second and third time. His care for his community led this skilled truck driver and heavy equipment operator to help organize the clearing of a neighborhood road when a landslide blocked it. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, two Army commendation medals, and the combat action badge. He was also posthumously awarded a Purple Heart. His very cohesive and proud batallion thought he served Oregon and this nation well. We do too.
We salute this decorated soldier, Sergeant Earl Delmer Werner, for making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget.