HEMPSTEAD, TX, USA
U.S. Army
SSG, HHB, 1ST BATTALION, 10TH FIELD ARTILLERY, 3 BCT, FORT BENNING, GA
KHARGULIAH, IRAQ 04/08/2008
Jeffery Lee Hartley, 25, of Hempstead, Texas, died April 8 in Kharguliah, Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an explosive. Hartley grew up in Hempstead and was liked and respected. He is survived by his father and stepmother, David and Ann Hartley, his brother David who also served in Iraq, and sisters Lisa Ann and Kaylie. He was preceded in death by brother Jeremy.
Jeffery Hartley graduated from Hempstead High School in 2001. “He played on the football team and was a member of the power-lifting squad,” said Gail Schroeder his 12th-grade English teacher. Schroeder said he was a good student who made A’s and B’s and was popular and respectful. “He was one of those kids who was at home with the athletes and scholars,” Schroeder said.
Jeff had been in the Army for six years and had made the Army his career. He went on active duty in June 2001 and was on his fifth tour of duty. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA.
Despite a sense of humor that bordered on goofball, there was little question that Jeffery L. Hartley meant business when it was time to work. Jeff was a no-nonsense professional when the mission was on. “You could always count on him,” said Brig. Gen. Francis Mahon. “Everyone he befriended came to feel like a member of Jeff’s family,” said Mahon. “Jeff was a caring young man who always took the time to ensure that others were all OK.”
Jeff was remembered, above all, for his warmth and concern toward fellow soldiers. “He truly loved being in the military,” said Hempstead police Detective Jason Martinez, a family friend. “He was very passionate about it.”
Comentarios