AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > December > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFamily recalls ‘jovial’ soldier killed in Iraq
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton/AJC
A memorial service was held Thursday in Iraq for victims (from left) Philip A. Dodson Jr., Marcus Futrell and Philip L. Travis.
A Gwinnett County man was among three Georgia National Guardsmen who were killed Friday in a truck accident in Iraq.
The Department of Defense has identified the three as Staff Sgt. Philip L. Travis, 41, of Snellville, Spc. Marcus S. Futrell, 20, of Macon and Sgt. Philip A. Dodson Jr., 42, of Forsyth.
The three died Friday at Tallil Air Base of injuries sustained when their truck rolled over.
Travis grew up in Alabama before moving to Atlanta as a teen, his aunt Yvonne Carter said. Travis previously served in the Navy, she said.
“He loved to read. He loved computers,” Carter said. “He was a very jovial guy, a very happy-go-lucky guy.”
Sgt. Bruce Westbrook, 47, of Atlanta, was a friend of Travis.
“We met in Lawrenceville at the guard unit. He was the cook. He was just a nice fellow. We got to know each other pretty good and went out together to eat lunch,” Westbrook said.
“He really cared about his job. We use to say when we got back to Atlanta we were going to go out and laugh about all this. He use to love big knives and had a collection of them. He was so close to going home. He was suppose to be safe down there. I don’t understand it.”
The three accident victims were assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 148th Support Battalion, a unit of the 48th Brigade, based in Monroe County.
With more than 2,500 Georgians and nearly 2,000 soldiers from other states, the 48th Brigade represents the largest overseas deployment of the state’s Guard since World War II. Friday’s accident brings the death toll for the unit to 25.
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By you goofed
December 8, 2005 07:12 AM | Link to this
the 148th isn’t based out of Forsyth County but instead Monroe County - Forsyth, Ga.
By John and Cheri Bradley
December 8, 2005 07:14 AM | Link to this
Phil, we will miss you deeply. You were always our Hero! Your friends - John and Cheri
By Juel
December 8, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this
You are more than missed. Always & Forever
By Robert
December 8, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this
These three brave soldiers, all of them leaving behind families, will be mourned and missed by everyone who knew them. God Bless them for their services.
Robert
By Toni
December 8, 2005 07:38 PM | Link to this
Dearest Philip, you will be missed more than words can ever say.
By Brandy Smith
December 8, 2005 08:04 PM | Link to this
Philip…I will always remember the good times. I send special prayers to your family and friends.
By April
December 9, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
You are a hero to all of us. We will always know what you did for this country and your family. We are so proud of all of you. Your families will always be in our prayers.
By Nicole
December 10, 2005 11:14 PM | Link to this
Your bravery will never be forgotten. You all are truly heroes!!! God bless all the families as they try to heal their broken hearts!
By sgt ernest soria
December 11, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this
i am currently on leave and by the time this gets posted i will be back in iraq, i came to hhc from another unit. but i can say that it is with head held high and more conviction than i can write or say that it is my privlage to have served with all three of these fine soldiers. they did when asked go serve their country with pride and did not waver in their duty. they have more courage and honor than most soldiers that i have met. i know that with out a doubt that when all this is said and done that i will meet them again someday and we once again be brothers in arms and we will fight side by side once more. i can not imagine the pain or hurt felt by the familes but i can tell you that i will honor them till the day that i pass from this world and i can only hope that it will be with the courage and honor showed by these outstanding soldiers.
By Sister of a 108th Soldier
December 12, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this
Dear Sgt. Soria, Thanks so much for your heart felt tribute to your fellow soldiers. It touched me deeply and reinforced the pride I feel for all of our American soldiers. It makes me wonder again how all of you give of yourselves so unselfishly. As a military sister, I understand some of the sacrifices all of you make, but we here at home will never truly understand the length and breadth of them. Just please know that all of you are receiving many thoughts and prayers daily. Thanks to all of you and Godspeed.
By Jordan
December 13, 2005 08:56 AM | Link to this
hey hank! we all miss you and think about you. come home safe! love, jordan and jean and gmv
By robert
December 17, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this
Ssgt Travis if you hear me I will have a extra cheese burger for you…Damn…..Thank you…And my prayers go out to your family…And yes You were always upbeat….I’ll miss you….
Spc LloydBy pc aka cb
December 18, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this
Philip, I never really knew you, but I knew you very well. You will be missed more than you will ever know. May your soul rest forever with God. … pc aka cb