Four Soldiers from the Duke Brigade were remembered by Family, friends and comrades Friday during a memorial service in the 1st Cavalry Division Memorial Chapel.
Staff Sgt. Nathan Cox, Sgt. Brandon Farley, Pfc. Joseph Gonzales and Pvt. Michael Murdock lost their lives in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Maj. Gregory Stokes, rear detachment commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said it takes a special person to serve – It is the path less taken and more difficult than most, Stokes said.
“(These Soldiers) played key roles in making this brigade one of the best in the Army,” Stokes said. “These four men represent the best of what America has to offer.”
Murdock, 22, died Sept. 11 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered at Combat Outpost Lybert, Afghanistan, when he was struck by enemy fire.
Farley, 30, died Sept. 18 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained Sept. 17 when his mounted patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades in Able Monti, Afghanistan.
Cox, 32, and Gonzales, 18, died Sept. 20 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Murdock, a field artillery automated tactical data system specialist with 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, exhibited a “courage and determination that set the standard of what to achieve,” Stokes said.
Captain Kevin Shilley, Murdock’s company commander, remembered the young Soldier with a crooked smile and North Carolina drawl for his willingness to join the fight.
“He enlisted in an Army at war and that had been at war,” Shilley said.
Murdock, given the opportunity, could turn any conversation into a long visit, Shilley said.
Murdock’s platoon leader, 1st Lt. Christopher Grates sent remarks to be read at the service.
“Murdock was one of the most eager people I have ever met,” the statement read. “He was always looking to find some way to improve himself.”
Grates called him “General Murdock.”
“He always had the answer to everything,” the lieutenant stated.
Captain Gregory Wiley, a company commander with 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., honored Cox, Gonzales and Farley, all three of whom served with him.
“These Soldiers fought not only for our country,” Wiley said. “They ensured we all enjoy the freedoms.”
Cox, a fire team leader, “embodied Army values,” Stokes said.
Sergeant Berry Vickers, who worked with Cox for four years, remembered the staff sergeant as a loving husband and father as well as a great leader.
“He was always there to help Soldiers,” Vickers said.
Gonzalez was remembered by his roommate at Fort Hood, Pfc. Jermaine Decker, who said his first impression of Gonzalez was that he was shy.
“That first week, he proved me wrong,” Decker said. “He always had something to talk about, some random thing to say.”
When they were in Jalalabad, Afghanistan together and it was 120 degrees outside, Gonzales would tell Decker, “at least it’s not 130.”
The two served down range until Decker was injured about three weeks before Gonzales was killed. “My only regret is that I couldn’t be there to save his life,” Decker said.
Stokes said Gonzales “exceeded the standards of excellence” in his service.
Farley was remembered as a laidback Soldier who took everything in stride.
“He never let anything bother him,” Staff Sgt. Adam Bilsberry said. “I am proud to have served with him.”
Farley liked going to the gym, University of Oklahoma football and hanging out with friends around a bonfire, his friend said.
“He left an everlasting mark on the Soldiers he served with in combat,” Stokes said
