Jeremy D Vrooman
Date of Death: 07/15/2008
Age: 28
Incident Location: Kn'an, Diyala province, Iraq
Hometown: Superior
Branch of Service: Army
Unit: 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Unit Base: Vilseck, Germany
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Vrooman, 28, assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany; died on July 15, 2008, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was conducting combat operations in Kn'an., Iraq.
Vrooman was stationed at Fort Carson and served his first tour in Iraq in 2003, driving an ammunition truck. He then spent a few months as a recruiter in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, before deciding to join a Stryker unit in Germany.
"He was what every man should aspire to be, what every husband should aspire to be and what every father should hope to be," Bruce Vrooman said. Lori Donahue recalled her son loved to laugh and had an infectious smile. He loved playing with his kids, military vehicle models and fishing. He wanted to be remembered in true cavalry tradition - that meant displaying his Stetson instead of a Kevlar helmet at his memorial ceremony. He also is survived by his wife, Latrecia, and two children, Xavier and Jade.
Wisconsin Army National Guard Lt. Col. Margaret Frittitta presented the Army Bronze Star with "V" attachment for Valor medal to Bruce and Susan Vrooman of Superior, Jeremy's father and stepmother, and stepbrother Brad Steckelberg, of Sioux Falls, S.D. Many Wisconsin Gold Star families - families of fallen service members - shared in the presentation during the special weekend to reach out to them.
Eyewitness statements from soldiers were obtained, bringing the facts of Staff Sgt. Vrooman's sacrifice to light. Through his quick thinking and training, Vrooman saved the lives of all 59 men directly involved in the mission named Operation Cougar Storm. The award states "For valorous achievement on July 15, 2008, while serving as the Senior Troop Dismount with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Vrooman's quick thinking and tactical abilities helped members of Palehorse Troop to survive a lethal explosion." "Without hesitation, SSG Vrooman signaled for his men to exit the area while covering his team. SSG Vrooman's sacrifice saved the lives of his team from the blast. SSG Vrooman's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army," the award states..
Vrooman is also survived by his wife, Latrecia, and two children, Xavier and Jade. Other than Jeremy's family and brother, other survivors include half-sister Kierra Donahue; stepbrothers, Jason Donahue and Brad Steckelberg; and stepparents Wayne Donahur and Sue Vrooman.
Vrooman was stationed at Fort Carson and served his first tour in Iraq in 2003, driving an ammunition truck. He then spent a few months as a recruiter in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, before deciding to join a Stryker unit in Germany.
"He was what every man should aspire to be, what every husband should aspire to be and what every father should hope to be," Bruce Vrooman said. Lori Donahue recalled her son loved to laugh and had an infectious smile. He loved playing with his kids, military vehicle models and fishing. He wanted to be remembered in true cavalry tradition - that meant displaying his Stetson instead of a Kevlar helmet at his memorial ceremony. He also is survived by his wife, Latrecia, and two children, Xavier and Jade.
Wisconsin Army National Guard Lt. Col. Margaret Frittitta presented the Army Bronze Star with "V" attachment for Valor medal to Bruce and Susan Vrooman of Superior, Jeremy's father and stepmother, and stepbrother Brad Steckelberg, of Sioux Falls, S.D. Many Wisconsin Gold Star families - families of fallen service members - shared in the presentation during the special weekend to reach out to them.
Eyewitness statements from soldiers were obtained, bringing the facts of Staff Sgt. Vrooman's sacrifice to light. Through his quick thinking and training, Vrooman saved the lives of all 59 men directly involved in the mission named Operation Cougar Storm. The award states "For valorous achievement on July 15, 2008, while serving as the Senior Troop Dismount with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Vrooman's quick thinking and tactical abilities helped members of Palehorse Troop to survive a lethal explosion." "Without hesitation, SSG Vrooman signaled for his men to exit the area while covering his team. SSG Vrooman's sacrifice saved the lives of his team from the blast. SSG Vrooman's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army," the award states..
Vrooman is also survived by his wife, Latrecia, and two children, Xavier and Jade. Other than Jeremy's family and brother, other survivors include half-sister Kierra Donahue; stepbrothers, Jason Donahue and Brad Steckelberg; and stepparents Wayne Donahur and Sue Vrooman.