An Arkansas National Guard Soldier killed in action while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom will be memorialized at Fort Hood, Texas, Nov. 23 when a health clinic is named in his honor.
Sgt. Russell Lee Collier, of Harrison, Ark., was killed Oct. 3, 2004, in Taji, Iraq, while trying to save the life of a fellow Soldier who was wounded by small arms fire. His unselfish actions under direct enemy fire led to his own mortal wounds. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions.
At the time of the action Collier was assigned to the 39th Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, which is headquartered in Russellville, Ark. Prior to deployment, Collier participated in the brigade’s training at Fort Hood with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In recognition of his service to the Army Medical Corps, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is hosting an official naming ceremony for its West Fort Hood Clinic at 3 p.m. Nov. 23. Media are invited to attend.
Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, adjutant general of Arkansas, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald L. Chastain, former adjutant general of Arkansas and former commander of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during Collier’s service in Iraq, are scheduled to attend the ceremony with additional Arkansas National Guard Soldiers. Chastain will serve as the guest speaker.
Collier’s widow and children will be in attendance as the guests of honor.
