Honoree: Russell L. Slay


Russell L. Slay
Dates: Died November 9, 2004
Hometown: Humble, TX
Branch of Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Player: Wheaton Ennis

Staff Sergeant Russell Slay, 28, of Humble, TX was assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejuene, NC. He was killed in action on November 9, 2004, along with seven other soldiers when their armored vehicles were attacked by terrorists in Fallujah, Iraq.

SSgt. Russell graduated from Humble High School where he played football and was in the band. After graduation, he worked for a while, but then followed the lead of one of his friends and enlisted in the Marine Corps in December of 1994. According to his dad, he wanted to be somewhere that would teach and inspire him.

During his 10-year career, SSgt Slay was trained to drive armored vehicles that carried combat troops from ships to beachheads during amphibious attacks. This was his second tour in Iraq.

SSgt. Russell Slay’s friends agreed that he will be fondly remembered for his engaging spirit, his contagious sense of humor and love of life. His commitment to America's freedom will forever ring.

SSgt was also a loving, loyal, and dedicated father. He is survived by his finance and two children, Walker and Kinlee.