Private First Class Brian R. Bates, Jr.

Private First Class Brian R. Bates, Jr. was from Gretna, Louisiana. He attended George Cox Elementary school and Livaudais Middle school in Terrytown, Louisiana. He played basketball, baseball and soccer at Oakdale Playground.

Brian was raised primarily by his grandmother, Marline O'Briant Tully. Prior to his enlistment in the United States Army he married his wife Enjolie and had a daughter and a son. He joined the United States Army to help support his family.

Private First Class Bates, Jr. found great satisfaction in the United States Army. As a Private First Class he had toughened and was an excellent soldier. He was a ground combat trooper and was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division.

He received his orders for Operation Freedom and served as a member of Alpha Company, 15t Batallion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He drove a Stryker armored vehicle.

Private First Class Bates paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country when he was engaged in combat by enemy troops who employed roadside, improvise explosive devises to mortally wound him.

PFC Bates was highly decorated for his brave combat service. He received the Star Bronze Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the NATO service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Thank you Private First Class Bates for your service to our country.