Army Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn, 22, of San Diego, CA

Sgt. Vaughn was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died April 7, 2008 in Baghdad from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked using a rocket-propelled grenade, improvised explosive device and small-arms fire.

Army Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn remembered
The Associated Press

When Mike Haberek arrived at Fort Hood fresh out of basic training, he was assigned to Richard A. Vaughn’s crew.

“He took me under his wing and set me on the right track for the rest of my military career. He was always one willing to teach and help his friends out anytime. He is truly one of a kind, and the world is deprived without him,” Haberek said.

Vaughn, 22, of San Diego, died April 7 in Baghdad from wounds sustained when hostile forces attacked. He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.

“Richard’s courage and unyielding loyalty remind all Californians of the sacrifices made to protect democracy and keep us safe. We will honor and cherish the memory of this brave Californian forever,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

Vaughn joined the military in November 2003 as an M1 Armor Crewman and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, since April 2004. He deployed in March 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Rachelle, and parents James and Jennine Vaughn.

Army Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn was killed in action on 4/7/08.