Army Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson, 24, of Chelsea, Okla.

Sgt Peterson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, Tulsa, Okla.; died Aug. 4, 2011 in Paktia province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.


Sgt Peterson graduated from Chelsea High School in 2005 where he was a member of the football team and named "Most Dependable" . He graduated from Rogers State University in Claremore in 2008.

Sgt Peterson deployed to Afghanistan in June. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan.

"Oklahoma has lost another brave son. Sgt. Peterson was an exceptional soldier who worked tirelessly to protect the values that we as Americans hold close to our hearts. I ask for all Oklahomans to pray for his family and friends as they deal with this tragedy," Oklahoma adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Myles Deering said.

Brigade Commander, Col. Joel Ward of Claremore, said, "
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Peterson's family, friends and fellow soldiers in this difficult time. As soldiers, we mourn our losses while we prepare for our next mission. Sgt. Peterson's memory will never be lost to those he served and fought with."

“When you think about someone who gives their life for our country they kind of have a different status in our mind is just what they are willing to do,” says Sgt. Peterson’s friend, Jason Weis.

“Peterson died at the young age of 24. He was hit by gunfire, while on foot patrol in Afghanistan’s Paktia province. That’s when the tears starting to fly,”says Weis.

Weis says his friend knew something like this could happen. Peterson told his family if he were killed in the line of duty he would want people to donate to Stop Child Trafficking Now because the battle continues. “When I heard that, that just speaks volumes to his character,” says Weis.

Friend David Brace says he was shocked to hear the news his friend had died. He says he will remember his zest for life and Anthony’s passion to lead others to Christ.

Anthony,
Your my role model. Every Sunday I saw you, you always had a huge smile on your face. I remember everytime I saw you, you always greeted with a hug. I still your arms around me sometimes. RIP, stay strong at the right hand of God, I love you and you will not be forgotten.~Joshua Boggs, Chelsea, Oklahoma.

Sgt Peterson was laid to rest at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, OK

Sgt Peterson is survived by parents, Terra and Garth; sister, Brittany Peterson; and a 5 year old son.

Army Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson was killed in action on 8/04/11.