Army National Guard SFC George A. Pugliese, 39, of Queens, New York. was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, New Milford, Pa. He died September 28, 2005, when his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire in Ramadi, Iraq.

SFC Pugliese was born and raised in Queens, New York. He participated in many sports, had a paper route, and just enjoyed his childhood. Under a deferred enrollment while in high school, he joined the Army in 1986. A prior sports-related injury resulted in a medical discharge during basic training. After surgery, therapy, a lot of exercise and determination, he again entered the military by joining the PA National Guard.

As a teenager, SGC Pugliese received some advice from his mom who said, “Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in and be a leader not a follower”. George not only took her advice, but he lived that philosophy for the rest of his life.

SFC Pugliese was survived by wife, LeeAnne and three children.