Fallen Soldier: Anthony G. Jones

Sergeant Jones, 25, of Greenville, S.C. died June 14, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Benning, Ga. He was on his third tour in Iraq.

Sgt Jones joined the Army right after high school and wanted to re-enlist for a second term. His goal was to become an Army Ranger.

“He was a great soldier,” Lt. Dennis Graves said. “I’m not an emotional guy — I don’t cry. But on June 14, I cried. Graves said Jones sometimes had to be told to take a break. And while some soldiers would come back from outings with counterfeit compact discs or DVD’s, Jones would return with knives and extra ammunition.

SGT Jones was able to come home for the birth of his second son, arriving just a few hours after Aaron was born. "He made it home," said his wife, Kelly. "He was able to see his children, and see his wife before it all happened. He got to hold him and tell him how much he loved him."

Jones is survived by his wife, Kelly and two sons, Blair and Aaron.