Honoree: Sean D. Diamond

Hometown: Dublin, CA
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Player: Tyler Kowack
Army Staff Sergeant Sean D. Diamond, 41, of Dublin, California was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 555th Engineer Brigade in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was killed February 15, 2009, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Salam, Iraq.
SSG Diamond first joined the Army in 1987, spending two years in active duty and six years in the Army Reserve. After a brief break in service, he returned to active duty after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, and became a heavy equipment operator. SSG Diamond participated in more than 100 combat patrols with his company and worked on more than 25 construction projects.
SPC Shawn Durham recalled, “I met SSG Diamond in 2006 He and I served together and he always guided me and provided mentorship as a soldier, NCO and as a father.” His son said, “What I admire the most about my dad was that he never talked badly about anyone and always made sure that we were happy. To my dad, family always came first. To know my dad is to have a friend for life.”
SSG Diamond is survived by his wife, Laura and four children, Taylor, Madison, Sean, and Athena.