HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - SFC Stefen Sammons' family is saying goodbye to the 44-year-old U.S. Army soldier this weekend.
In a statement released to WSAZ-TV, the family wrote:
Our family wishes to thank all of our friends and all of Stefen's for their support during our time of loss.
Stefen was such a great person who meant something special to each of us.
Always walking around with a smile on his face, he would tell you, 'If you're not happy and having a good time, it's your own fault.'
He had a genuine care for others, a deep love for family, God and country.
We are all thankful for all the special moments that he has left us.
He will continue to live on within our hearts and minds.
-Sammons family
SFC Sammons' visitation was Saturday at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, W.Va.
His funeral was Sunday, Jan. 11.
Army officials told WSAZ-TV Sammons collapsed during a physical fitness test. His unit deploys to Afghanistan "very soon."
Press Release from Governor Manchin's Office:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered all U.S. and state flags displayed at state facilities lowered to half-staff Sunday, Jan. 11, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of Sgt. 1st Class Stefen Ellis Sammons.
Sammons, 44, passed away on Jan. 5, 2009, while stationed on active duty at Camp Atterbury, Ind., awaiting deployment to Afghanistan. Sammons was assigned as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Sammons was a 1982 graduate of Huntington East High School. Sgt. 1st Class Sammons was a dedicated soldier, serving as part of several different military assignments throughout his career.
Prior to his death, Sammons had been awarded numerous medals and commendations for his military service. Sgt. 1st Class Sammons will be posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
His funeral service is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, W.Va. Sammons will be buried in West Hamlin (Lincoln County).
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A soldier from Putnam County died this week in Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin's office tells WSAZ.com that 44-year-old Sergeant First Class Stefen Ellis Sammons died Monday while in deployment to Afghanistan. He served under the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) for Operations Noble Eagle.
The National Guard says Sammons' death was not combat-related.
Governor Manchin has ordered all U.S. and state flags to half-staff for Sunday, January 11, in honor of Sammons.
If you have a picture of Stefen that you'd like to share with us, please e-mail it to: pix@wsaz.com