
One of Army Staff Sgt. Michael D. Moody Jr.’s proudest days was his recent promotion to staff sergeant, one step above his father’s rank before the elder Moody’s return to civilian life.
“I used to say: ‘I’m the sergeant, I’m in charge,’ ” said Michael D. Moody Sr. “When he made E-6 he said, ‘Dad, now I’m in charge.’ ” Moody, 31, Richmond, Va., was killed June 23 by an explosive and small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to Fort Benning, Ga.
He graduated high school in 1994 and enlisted in 1997. It was something family friend Alton Mason knew Moody always wanted: “His father was in the Army, and what his father did, he wanted to do.”
He was serving his...