Memorials

FORT LEWIS, Wash. (I Corps Release) -- A memorial ceremony for Cpl. Michael Mathew
Rojas and Cpl. Wade James Oglesby will be held Tuesday, April 24 at 2:30
p.m. in the Main Post Chapel, where they will be remembered by family,
friends, Soldiers and the Fort Lewis community.

According to the Dept. of Defense, Rojas, 21, and Oglesby, 27,
died April 18 when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded near their
vehicle.

Rojas entered the Army in July 2004. He trained at Fort Sill as
a cannon crewmember, then reported to Fort Lewis in Nov., 2004, where he
was assigned to Battery C, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment,
3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team). He was
from Fresno, California.

Oglesby, from Grand Junction, Colorado, entered the Army in Aug. 2004.
He trained at Fort Sill as a cannon crewmember, then reported to Fort
Lewis in Dec., 2004, where he was assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st
Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry
Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team).

The Soldiers deployed with their unit in June 2006. This was
their first deployment.

Rojas' awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat
Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Oglesby's awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Combat Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and
Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Members of the I Corps and Fort Lewis community extend their condolences
to the Rojas and Oglesby families.

STATEMENT FROM OGLESBY'S FAMILY

His brother, Richard Oglesby, and sister, Samantha Oglesby, released the
following statement:

"Cpl. Wade Oglesby was a Soldier long before joining the Army. As a
fatherless boy he spent his own childhood being a father figure for his
younger sister. As a teenager, while others were out having fun and
enjoying their youth, Wade opted to stay home with his dying mother,
temporarily giving up his education. He helped his mother with her day
to day burdens and fears as she faced her own death. After losing his
beloved mother, Wade Oglesby pursued his education and went on to follow
his heart, beginning his own life. Always honest, fair, and ready to
defend others, he was drawn to a place that shared his values, the
United States Army. In the Army he blossomed, knowing he'd found his
true calling in life. He loved the opportunity his country bestowed upon
him as he looked into the eyes of innocent children in Iraq. Wade was
always willing to sacrifice his own life for others and he looked at his
fellow Soldiers in Iraq as a unity willing to give their lives for their
beliefs right along with him. On April 18th of 2007, Corporal Wade James
Oglesby gave the ultimate sacrifice while fighting terrorism overseas
for his country. He leaves behind an older brother, Richard Oglesby, a
younger sister, Samantha Oglesby and her daughter and newborn son. We
were told he is an American hero, he would say all of our Soldiers are.
We will forever love and miss him."

Comments

[Richard Oglesby]

As the only brother of Cpl Wade Oglesby, I want to extend my deepest love, respect, and prayers to the family of Cpl Michael Rojas. To everyone else, my sister and I thank you for your love and support during our loss. Richard Oglesby