Gary A. Vaillant
Profile
Age: 41
From: Trujillo, Puerto Rico
Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor, Camp Casey, Korea
Incident: Army Staff Sgt. Gary A. Vaillant was killed Sept. 5 when his tank ran over an improvised explosive device in Khalidiya, Iraq.
Died: September 05, 2004
Soldier’s family celebrates his life
Associated Press
RADCLIFF, Ky.— The family and friends of a soldier killed in Iraq gathered at his church to celebrate his life and ministry.
Staff Sgt. Gary A. Vaillant, 41, had led a Spanish-speaking congregation at the Radcliff Church of God and his funeral service was conducted in Spanish and English.
Vaillant died Sept. 5 in Khalidiya, when his tank ran over an explosive. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor, Camp Casey, Korea.
“Yes, I’m going to grieve for that smile,” said Bishop Larry Richardson, a pastor at the church. “...But he knew the way home and I’m not going to grieve for that.”
Vaillant’s 12-year-old daughter, Sarah, began the Sept. 15 service by singing “God Bless the USA.”
The song was one of Gary Vaillant’s favorites, said his wife, Michaela Vaillant.
During the service, Mike Brown said Gary Vaillant was more than a friend,...