Army Spc. Bradley L. Melton

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Bradley L. Melton, 29, of Rolla, Mo.

Spc. Melton was assigned to Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died May 16, 2011 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.

Spc Melton attended high school in Raymondsville and joined the Army in 2000. He was previously stationed at Ft Hood, Tx, and Ft leonard Wood, Mo.

On Wednesday, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell issued a statement in response to the death of the soldiers. "Sandy and I were saddened to learn of the tragic loss of these soldiers," he said. "Their brave sacrifice demonstrates an unyielding service to others, and it will not be forgotten. On behalf of all Alaskans, we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones during this difficult time."

Spc Melton was a combat engineer like his stepfather, Steve Beem, who retired from the Army a couple years ago. Beem said Melton was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had only been there a few weeks.

According to reports, the IED went off while Spc Melton was on a route clearance mission.

"He was very family oriented, you couldn't separate him from his mother. He loved his mother very, very much, and was just a good person to be around. On a bad day, he'd make you smile. On a happy day, he'd make you even happier," said Beem, whom Melton called "Dad".

Beem said the entire family need a lot of support right now, but they're also thinking of those who were deployed with Melton and hoping they make it through the rest of their tour safely.

When he is laid to rest, the Patriot Guard Riders expect to be there to help honor him and his service.

Spc Bradley leaves behind his mom and stepdad; a fiancee (no name provided), plus two sons, Tristen and Preston; and two sisters.

Army Spc. Bradley L. Melton was killed in action on 5/16/11.