WHITEMAN AFB, MO, USA
U.S. Army
SSG, CO C, 4TH BN, 70TH ARMOR REG, 170 IBCT, BAUMHOLDER, GERMANY
06/18/2011, DEH RAWUD, AFGHANISTAN
Edward Fred Dixon III was born on January 26th, 1974 in Joplin, Missouri. Remembered by friends as being outgoing and friendly, Edward exemplified the characteristics of a hero while growing up. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1992, and later transferred to the United States Army. He was eventually assigned to the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, and the 170th Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder, Germany.
At the age of 37, Edward gabe his life to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He succumbed to injuries inflicted by a vehicle roll over, along with fellow comrades Sgt. 1sr Class Alvin A Boatwright, Army Sagt. Alan L. Snyder, and Spc. Tyler R, Kreinz. As his father says, God needed four warriors on that fateful day, and Edward was one of them.
Their loss was not in vain. A major immediate effect brought about by the courage and sacrifice of these men and the many others that served alongside them is that the women of Afghanistan gained the ability to vote, participate in government, and receive an education. Prior to the operation, these women were strictly prohibited from these activities, and would still be restricted today if it were not for the bravery of selfless heroes like Edward, Alvin, Alan, and Tyler. More broadly, their service left the greater legacy of ensuring freedom for many whom they would never meet in the United States, Afghanistan, and the world at large.
No biography of Edward would be complete without highlighting his greatest legacies; his three children, Oliver, Brianna, and Justin. He also leaves behind his wife, Jana, his sister, Carla, his father, Edward, and his mother, Monica. While Edward gave up his life for freedom, these brave individuals gave up their father; their husband; their brother; their son. Every day that they bear the courage to live with this personal sacrifice is another day that we can live without fear of oppression, violence, and terror. Our freedom is provided for by their bravery. Our gratitude is eternal.
Edward is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missour
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