Army Sgt. Gene A. Hawkins

Died October 12, 2006 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

24, of Orlando, Fla.; assigned to 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement), Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Oct. 12 from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicle in Mosul, Iraq.

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SGT Gene Anthony Hawkins

July 26, 1982 – Oct. 12, 2006

Sgt. Gene Anthony Hawkins was born on July 26, 1982, in New York City. SGT Hawkins enlisted in the Army on Feb. 5, 2003, as a 21B combat engineer.

Upon completion of Basic Training and Advanced individual Training, SGT Hawkins’ first duty station was Camp Castle, South Korea, with Charlie Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion. He served in many positions while stationed there to include M2420 gunner, Platoon Sergeant Driver, and team leader.

SGT Hawkins PCS’d to Fort Lewis, Washington, and became part of the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion on July 6, 2004. His first position in the RUGGED Battalion was that of the command sergeant major’s driver. While in that duty position he also worked in the reenlistment section, providing soldiers information and guidance.

In May of 2005, he was assigned to Alpha Company (“FIDO”), 14th Combat Engineer Battalion, and in November of 2005, he deployed with the unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While is Mosul, he served as part of 1st Platoon and moved to 2nd Platoon in December of 2005 where he served as a team leader. During his time in Iraq, he made a positive impact by protecting coalition forces and Iraqi civilians through his detection of improvised explosive devices along main supply routes and alternate supply routes. He was a highly respected noncommissioned officer and great friend to many.

SGT Hawkins’ award and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Combat Action Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

SGT Hawkins died Oct. 12, 2006, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his RG-31 mine protected vehicle in Mosul, Iraq. He is survived by his grandmother Gwen Taliver and aunt, Laura Sanford.