Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr. in a 2008 photo.
Sue Ziegler of Arnold sent in photos of a family friend, the late Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr., who was killed in Iraq in 2009.
“I was a mentor to Sgt. Forrest’s mother, Tina Hessler,” Ziegler said. “This man deserves to be recognized for his heroic deeds.”
Forrest grew up in High Ridge and graduated from Rockwood Summit High School in 2003, enlisting in the Army just a few months later. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colo. He died April 10, 2009, in Mosul, Iraq when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber.
“The bomber’s vehicle was headed for Iraq police headquarters,” Ziegler said. “He shot the bomber, prematurely setting off explosions and preventing worse casualties. He died a hero and sadly left behind a young wife and two baby boys.
“He is so dearly missed and loved. He did what was in his heart. He fought and died for our country, and it would be such an honor to see (his) name recognized and honored for his service.”
