HOWELL, MI, USA U.S. Army SPC, COMPANY E, 125TH INFANTRY, (89 MP BDE), BIG RAPIDS, MI SALMAN PAK, IRAQ 12/23/2006
Specialist Wilson Algrim was one of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom when they died December 23, 2006, in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, Big Rapids, Michigan.
Family and friends remembered the 21-year-old as a quiet, likable guy who was able to overcome several obstacles and mold himself into a strong young man during his time spent in the armed forces. Wilson Algrim was born in Antioquia, Columbia. When he was 8 years old, he and his two sisters and one brother were adopted by Don and Judy Algrim. Judy lived in Columbia when she taught at the University of the Andes, in Bogota, Columbia. Wilson attended Howell Public Schools for a short time, but since he had never gone to school in Columbia, he was far behind his classmates. Consequently, he was sent to Michigan Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, near Battle Creek. The program gives students a lot of help with tutoring and vocational education. He graduated from this program in 2004 and eventually became part of the Michigan Army National Guard.
He liked Superman, and would run around the house in a Superman outfit and pretend that he was flying. He played basketball and enjoyed swimming and movies with his family; and he and his brother used to pretend they were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Wilson was gregarious, courageous, curious, friendly, loving and affectionate. And one of the “9-11 generation” so called by friends who recognized this generation’s willingness to volunteer for dangerous war duty.