 |
Fallen Hero Remembered As Great EOD Tech, Mentor, Friend
(March 8, 2011) | 
|
|
|
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chauncy R. Mays was a
25-year-old Cookville, Texas, native assigned to 705th Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Company based at Fort Polk, La., when he died
during an improvised explosive device attack while on a dismounted
patrol in the Tangi area Feb. 28, 2011. Mays was working out of
Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, while
deployed to Afghanistan. Courtesy Photo (12/21/2011) |
|
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Mar. 4, 2011) – Fellow soldiers
remember U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chauncy R. Mays as a tremendous
explosive ordnance disposal technician, an outstanding mentor and a
true friend.
Mays, a 25-year-old native of Cookville, Texas, was attached to
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's Task Force Patriot
based at Fort Polk, La., died as the result of an enemy attack in
Wardak province Feb. 28.
He was assigned to 705th Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Company when he died during an improvised
explosive device attack while on a dismounted patrol in the Tangi
area. Mays was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd
Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, while deployed in Afghanistan.
While his comrades credit Mays' dedication and expertise for
having saved a “countless” number of lives as an EOD
non-commissioned officer, he meant much more to them and to his
unit.
“Staff Sgt. Mays was more than a friend; he was a
brother, a mentor and a very helpful person,” said U.S. Army Spc.
Dwayne Rhymes of Conroe, Texas, 705th EOD. “He was a great EOD
technician, and he was willing to do anything for anyone. Staff Sgt.
Mays was a blessing to those around him, and he will truly be
missed.”
U.S. Army Sgt. David Cochran of West Newton, Pa.,
said there are few people who have a positive impact on everyone
around them but that Mays was one such person. “The world is a
lesser place without him,” he said.
“His time with us may
have been far too short, but the impact he made on our lives will be
everlasting,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Czikalla, also with
705th EOD.
|
|
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alex Dial of Decatur, Ill., said Mays was the unit's
best and he truly set the standard for excellence.
To U.S. Army
Sgt. Chandara Hak of Santa Rosa, Calif.,
Mays was “the greatest mentor” she said she has ever had. “He was a
leader who led from the front. He was always careful, but never fearful.
I will do my best to follow in his example.”
Mays' company
commander, U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Teller of Hillsville, Va., described
the kind of person Mays was and what he meant to the 705th EOD unit and
Soldiers.
“Staff Sgt. Mays was a stellar leader and EOD
technician who exemplified selfless service; he would give you the shirt
off his back without hesitation,” said Teller.
Mays' awards and
decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters;
Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good
Conduct Medal, second award; National Defense Service Medal; Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal with star device;
Iraqi Campaign Medal, second award; Global War on Terror Service Medal;
NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas
Service Ribbon, third award; NATO Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation;
Combat Action Badge; Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge; Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Badge; and Driver's Badge. | |
By Army SFC Matt Meadows
Combined Joint Task Force 101, Patriot Public Affairs
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
Comment on this article
|
Bronze Star Recipients |
Other Heroes |
|
