Army Sergeant Eric Wayne Morris, 31, of Sparks, NV was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Washington. He died April 28, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker military vehicle.

SGT Morris attended Reed High School and first enlisted in the Army in 1992 at age 18. He served for more than nine years before leaving active duty in early 2001. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, he reenlisted because he felt compelled to help protect his country. He completed a lengthy first deployment to Iraq, spent only about two months at home and then returned for a second tour in September 2004. SGT Morris was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

SGT Morris was known for actively staying in touch and spending time with his family, always making them feel important. Friends described him as generous, full of life and love, and able to make others smile during difficult times.

SGT Morris was survived by his wife and twin stepdaughters.