Rockport Soldier Killed in Crash

http://www.rockportpilot.com/articles/2007/08/24/news/news00.txt

2002 RFHS graduate killed in Iraq helicopter crash
By NORMA MARTINEZ, Managing Editor

He was the class clown who loved to surf and had an infectious laugh. He seemed destined for the California coast and a life on the big screen, but after the tragedy of 9-11, he changed his mind and career path, choosing to serve his country in a job in which he paid the ultimate sacrifice, his life.

Rockport-Fulton High School 2002 graduate Sgt. Garrett McLead was one of 14 U.S. soldiers killed Wednesday, Aug. 22, when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed in northern Iraq. His parents, Patrick and Patti McLead of Aransas Pass, and his brother Mason of Austin were notified Wednesday morning.

A brief press conference was held Thursday with representatives from the McLead family present to speak on their behalf. The young man’s uncle, Paul Emmons, and family friend Rockport police chief Tim Jayroe were the representatives.

Garrett’s mother is an eighth-grade history teacher at A.C. Blunt Middle School in Aransas Pass, and his father owns a salon in Rockport.

Garrett was best known as a surfer and skateboarder in high school, but he also competed with the Pirate varsity soccer team and played tennis. He was a member of the band and worked on the high school year book staff.

He was also a six-year member of the 4-H organization and placed fifth at the state livestock judging competition one year.

His classmates and family, however, remember him most as a fun-loving individual who “always found things to get into.”

A classmate of McLead’s remembers him “streaking” onto the football field during the annual powder puff football game. His cousin and uncle remember that incident fondly and with laughter. His cousin Greg pointed out Garrett’s parents and grandparents were in the stands that day. They just smiled, waved and said, “That’s our boy.”

Although he remained an easygoing teenager with a laugh to be remembered, the reminder his senior year began with the tragic incidents of 9-11 were not to be forgotten.

It was those tragic events which led him to decide after his birthday in May 2002 to join the army.

His uncle, Paul Emmons, said the announcement took the family by surprise, but they were very proud of his choice.

His entire group of closest friends had chosen to enlist in all branches of the armed forces.

McLead trained at Fort Benning, GA and then was stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI assigned to the 2-35 Infantry, Tropic Lightning Division.

His first tour of duty was in Afghanistan where he was active in the search for Osama bin Laden.

He completed his tour and his first two years of service and returned to the United States. He then chose to reenlist and began training as a sniper also at Fort Benning.

His second tour took him to Iraq where he continued the battle against Al-Queda. He came home in May for a short visit, spending a week with his cousin, Greg Emmons, in Houston.

Greg happily remembers the visit and notes although he can not divulge all they did, he can say Garrett had a good time.

After his return to service, Garrett requested a move to a reconnaissance team, the one he was with when he was killed.

P. Emmons said he last spoke to his nephew Friday, Aug. 17. The young man told his uncle they were preparing to face some major skirmishes north of Baghdad, but he appeared upbeat and excited to go. He knew it was a reconnaissance mission, Emmons noted, adding, “he was a true warrior in every sense of the word.” He did not shy away from anything and was always the first to step forward, he said.

Even overseas, however, his fun loving attitude did not diminish.

Laura Simank, director of public relations for the Aransas Pass Independent School District, explained his mother recently mailed him a package which included surfing magazines. They joked about what he would do with surfing magazines in Iraq.

According to information from another family friend, Garrett was supposed to be coming home next month, in time to take an anniversary trip with his parents. Garrett and his brother Mason had purchased a trip to Puerto Rico for the entire family.

He also was facing the last of his enlistment, although Emmons said he believed he would have reenlisted.

He talked about becoming a recruiter and working out of the Houston area, Emmons said.

Jayroe told media representatives Garrett should be remembered as a hero. He was a fine young man whose mission was clear to him and who was happy and proud to be in the army serving his country.

Emmons said the family met with army representatives Wednesday, but they did not have any new information about the Black Hawk helicopter accident.

He said army officials have been very cordial to the family in all their dealings.

Emmons said at this time they do not know when Garrett’s body will be shipped home. They know he has to be sent to Germany first and then to the United States.

Currently there are three options for burial, Arlington, Fort Sam Houston, or Rockport, but no decision had been made as of Thursday.

Emmons said the outpouring of support and community spirit has been wonderful and the media also has been cooperative.

Ironically, Garrett is a member of the same class as Lcpl. Matthew Wayne Holloway who was killed in January 2005 while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq.

Both young men paid the ultimate price while serving their country.

Emmons, in concluding the press conference, said Garrett lived and died by this creed, “For two centuries I have kept your nation safe, purchasing freedom with my blood, to tyrants I am the day of reckoning, to the suppressed, the hope of the future, where the fighting is thick, there I am... I am the infantry! Follow me!”

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I am overcome.

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