DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Gerardo Campos, 23, of Miami, Fla., died June 2 in Maiwand, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
For more information the media may contact I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.
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MIAMI (CBS4) – Family and friends are mourning the loss of a South
Florida soldier who died after his unit was attacked with small arms
fire in Afghanistan.
Spc. Gerardo Campos, 23, died Saturday in Maiwand, Afghanistan while
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He leaves behind a wife and 10
month old daughter.
Long before Spc. Campos died serving his country, his family knew him
as a hero. Campos grew up in Homestead, one of five children.
“He was just a good man, honest man, good man brave man,” said
sister, Erica Campos. “He was everything- everything you can think of –
superhero, friend, father, best brother,” said Eduardo Campos, the
youngest of the 5 siblings.
Gerardo taught his younger brother to play football and wrestled with
his sisters. Erica Campos said he taught her to be tough. And when he
joined the Army, fellow soldiers looked up to him too.
“He always did say that I have to be strong for them, show them not to be scared and I know that’s what he did,” said Erica.
“If anybody would get to know him, they’d be honored to know him,”
said Eduardo. “I know he went down serving his country and I’m very
proud of him and now it’s up to me and my older brother to take care of
his little daughter.”
His family said his wife and daughter were the loves of Campos’
life. His wife was getting ready to send a present for his first
Father’s day. Now, they will all teach Campos’ daughter to be proud of
her dad.
“He left with honor, a brave soldier,” said Erica. “He fought for us. He gave his life for us”
Spc. Campos enlisted in the United States Army in March 2010
“A never-say-never type of attitude with a go-getter personality, he
was a friend you could always count on,” said Knight. “Spc. Campos was
the wind beneath the wings of his platoon. He motivated his fellow
Soldiers and believed in their ability to rise to the occasion,
regularly pushing them beyond their limits. Spc. Campos had a level of
maturity far beyond his age and displayed the potential to become a
future Sergeant Major in the Army.”
Spc. Campos was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based
at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Army officials say his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star
Medal, the Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army
Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s
Badge, the NATO Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
Washington Time
Kabul Time
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