Army Capt. Waid C. Ramsey, 41, of Red Bay, Ala.
Capt. Ramsey was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Alabama National Guard, Birmingham, Ala.; died Aug. 4, 2011 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with small-arms fire.
"The Alabama National Guard is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family during this time of grief. We are praying for Captain Ramsey's family, friends and all the soldiers of the 20th Special Forces Group who have lost a brother-in-arms. We salute Capt. Ramsey for his years of dedicated service and his final sacrifice," said Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, Alabama National Guard Adjutant General.
Capt Waid "Chip" Ramsey graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988 where he served for three years before joining the Army in 1991 as an infantryman. He later joined the Alabama National Guard in 1998.
In 2000, he received his commission as a second lieutenant from the 200th Regiment (OCS), Alabama Army National Guard; his first assignment was as a Detachment Operations Commander with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (A). Ramsey served as the battalion human resources officer during a deployment to Uzbekistan in 2002-2003.
Perry Ramsey, Waid's father said that family and a commitment to service were very important to his son.
Eric West, close friend and neighbor, said he'd had an email from Chip the day before he died.
Recalling a moment with his friend, he said, "I told him my love and my dream was to get my hands on a '71 Challenger to restore, and I'll be darn if he didn't come home with a brand new 2011 Dodge Challenger."
Eric said that Chip gave him the keys to the car so he could look after it while he was deployed. West said he will take it for one last spin in honor of his friend.
CPT Waid C. Ramsey, was a great man. He would always quiz me on some random points of leadership. For a few years I thought I would never get his questions correct. After researching I found out that he made them up, and wanted us to view all possible answers. But in doing so, I learned so much about myself and being a better soldier. He was my Commander and my friend. I will always reflect on his wisdom and outlook. His spirit will always be in our heart, and guide us through any obstacle life has before us.~ SGT Adam H., Springville, Alabama
CPT. Ramsey,
You were and continue to be an inspiration to all. You were by far one of the best individuals I have ever come into contact with. You bridged the gap between the enlisted and officer communities, your personality was the ultimate tool. You will be missed dearly by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during these trying times. Like many others I too will miss our conversations.
"I will keep constantly in mind that until men grow wings their parachutes must be dependable."
"Until Men Grow Wings" - Sir, you have definitely earned yours.
Rest In Peace Sir! SPC M,, Billy 20TH SFG (A) Parachute Rigger
Capt Ramsey’s awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Parachutist Badge
Air Assault Badge
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
Faithful Service Medal for Alabama
Capt. Ramsey was interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville on Sunday, Aug. 14. Members of the Alabama National Guard's 20th Special Forces Group served as pall bearers.
Capt Ramsey is survived by mother, Charlotte; father and stepmother, Perry and Kathy; wife, Mary and their children, Bradley and Megan.
Army Capt. Waid C. Ramsey was killed in action on 8/04/11.
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