Jeff Fortenberry: “First Lieutenant Garrison Avery died Wednesday, February 1, from injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq. The…”

“First Lieutenant Garrison Avery died Wednesday, February 1, from injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq. The personnel carrier in which he was traveling hit a roadside bomb, killing him and two fellow soldiers. He was 23 years old. He leaves behind his wife Kayla, his bride of just 8 months. Garrison was the son of Gary and Susan Avery of Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2000 and from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 2004. He then signed up for Army Ranger training, and with his strong intellect and fierce dedication, Garrison Avery became a decorated member of the United States Army. He served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In his service and in his life, Garrison exemplified the solemn virtues of the great American soldier: The drive and purpose that compelled him at 17 years old to earn his parents' permission to join the Army; the seriousness and excellence that propelled his decorated graduation from West Point; the humility and dignity that kept him from speaking of his numerous special honors awarded for excellent service; the compassion and justice that drove him beyond the call of duty to help Iraqi children, orphaned by the war; the strength, honor and courage he displayed as an officer, leading his troops in the midst of battle; and the faith, love and respect he gave to God, to his family and to his country.…”