Army Staff Sgt. Steven C. Reynolds

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Steven C. Reynolds, 32, of Jordan, N.Y.

SSG Reynolds was assigned to the 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.; killed Nov. 24 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee causing it to flip into a canal in Baghdad. Also killed was Pfc. Marc A. Delgado.

Steven Reynolds' family and friends say he was always a man on a mission, whether it was at home or overseas. They say he was always on the go but never too busy to call or e-mail the people close to him, and when he could, pay them a visit.

He spent his two week leave from his second tour of duty in Iraq bouncing around the east coast.

"The reason he put so much quality time in the 15 days he went on leave is because he knew it could be the last time he sees everybody," said his mother, Shirley Reynolds.

That would be the last time Reynolds saw his family and friends. He was killed Thanksgiving Day when an improvised explosive device went off near his vehicle in Baghdad. The vehicle flipped over into a canal.

"He died doing what he loved," Reynolds said. "I know it's a cliche, but he really did. He wouldn't have had it any other way."

Reynolds' parents say he dreamed of joining the Army ever since he was a young boy.

"He went right out of high school and went into training. I think his first hitch to get into police was five years, instead of four because he wanted to be in the military police, and the training was a lot longer. He enjoyed it. He was very patriotic, and it was exactly what he wanted to do," said his father, Norman Reynolds.

Reynolds' family says he was a modest person, who knew of the dangers of fighting in the war, but to him he was just doing his job and wanted no praise. Loved ones say he's a hero who gave so much to so many people.

"He made such an impact on my life, for myself personally because we were friends," said Alex Puyol. "Through some of my issues, he was always a friend to me there. He taught me the value of being who you are because he was who he was."

Army Staff Sgt. Steven C. Reynolds was killed in action on 11/24/05.