SALT LAKE CITY, UT, USA U.S. Army SFC, 585TH ENGINEER COMPANY, 864TH ENGINEER COMBAT BN, FORT LEWIS, WA JAJI, AFGHANISTAN 08/28/2007
SFC Herrera was assigned to the 585th Engineer Pipeline Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, Washington. He and two other soldiers died August 28, 2007 in Jaji, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. His Battle Buddies described Rocky as someone who helped make them strong. In their remote outpost on the Afghan border, this gift of encouragement was highly valued.
Rocky was born on May 22, 1964 to Henry Herrera and Elaine Campbell Herrera in Salt Lake City, UT. He graduated from West High School where he excelled in wrestling. Rocky also was a very talented boxer and spent numerous hours at the Leo Montoya Gym. Rocky married his wife Traci on October 13, 1990. Rocky was a very proud father of four and was lucky enough to meet his granddaughter while on leave in May of this year. Rocky enjoyed being with his family. When Rocky had time he took advantage of any opportunity he could to spend outdoors, he was a consummate fisherman. Camping, hunting and woodwork were other hobbies Rocky enjoyed. Rocky will be missed tremendously by everyone who had the pleasure to meet and know him. Preceded in death by his father Henry Herrera. Survived by his wife Traci; two sons, Matthew and Mark; two daughters, Tristan and Clairessa; one granddaughter, Kylie; his mother Elaine; brother, Angelo (Vickie); sister Jeri (Andrea); and six nieces; and one nephew. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 5th at 12:00 noon at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 E. 2100 S., SLC, the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Catholic Bishop of Salt Lake City, presiding. Friends may call upon the family two hours prior to the funeral. Graveside services to follow immediately after at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. and “T” Street with Military Honor Guard. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor.
A small, remote outpost on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was renamed “COP Herrera” in honor of Rocky Herrera.
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