Dustin J Harris - OurWarHeroes.org - Tribute sites by Q Madp

Dustin J Harris

Patten, Maine

April 6, 2006

Age

Military

Rank

Unit/Location

Army

Spc

172nd Brigade Support Battalion, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team

Fort Wainwright, Alaska

Killed in Bayji, Iraq, when an improvised device detonated while he was conducting dismounted patrol operations.

From Bangor Daily News 4-13-06. Follows a list of his training and medals received:

PATTEN, MAINE- Spc. Dustin James Harris, 21, died April 6, 2006, while serving his country proudly in Bayji, Iraq during "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Dustin was born May 11, 1984, in Millinocket, the son of Lorna and Scott Harris of Patten. Dustin graduated from Katahdin High School in June 2002. He then attended Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor for two years, while majoring in diesel and heavy mechanics. Dustin enlisted in the U.S. Army June 2004. His military career began immediately in July with the Echo Company 3rd Battalion and the 323rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Jackson, S.C. After graduating from basic training in September, Spc. Harris went to advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He trained with the Alpha Company 58 Transportation Battalion 3rd Chemical Brigade as a heavy wheeled vehicle operator. He started airborne training with Charlie Company 507th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. His most exhilarating accomplishment was when he earned his wings as a qualified paratrooper. Dustin was then stationed at Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska with the 172nd Battalion Stryker Brigade. After a short stay in Fairbanks, a month long tour then began at Fort Polk, La. with the Joint Readiness Training Center Program, where he trained in desert warfare and advanced convoy mission training. Dustin received an Army Achievement Medal and was promoted to Specialist after only 12 months of service time. In August 2005, Dustin was deployed to Iraq, where he took tremendous pride in serving his country. While serving in Iraq, Dustin received numerous awards including, a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge and Weapons Qualification Badge. His fellow comrades and friends have communicated to his family that he was an excellent soldier and that they felt privileged to have known and served with him.