Army Sgt. Mark A. Cofield, 25, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sgt Cofield was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died July 17, 2011 in Baghdad of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident.
Sgt Cofield tragically died from a head injury. No details were given.
Sgt. Cofield excelled at everything, especially athletics. A hockey player for most of his life, he was his school's hockey team. He also participated in art and drama while at Rampart High.
Sgt. Cofield came from a military family. His father served in the Air Force and recently re-enlisted in the Army where he is a Major. His brother is also in the Army and served two tours overseas.
Sgt Cofield joined the Army in February 2009 in Military Intelligence. He graduated at the top of his class in training courses. He loved being an airborne paratrooper and working in the human intelligence field. He was training for, and dreamed of joining his brother in Special Forces training so they could serve together.
Sgt Cofield was promoted to Sergeant just 18 months after basic training. He deployed to Iraq in October of 2010.
"Never thought it'd be us, we always thought we were the lucky ones to have all three of them come back. So that was hard," Sara said.
"I'm proud to say that my brother served, that's a good thing. He not only was a soldier and served our country and will be missed as a part of it, but he'll be missed as a brother, and as a son, and as a friend," Sara said.
Family friend, Suzi Dixon said, "His death just comes so close to home and just hits your heart and makes it all real."
"There's going to be such a hole in this community's heart because Mark was all about love," neighbor Liz Cameron said.
Mother, Tari Cofield, is an active member of Blue Star Mothers of America and was an integral part of creating a chapter for the Southern Colorado area.
sgt cofield,
i will miss you bro and i will never forget all the great things you taught me not only about being a soldier but also an amazing friend. i find myself wondering and wishing i could see you one more time to get that awesome smile or hear your crazy laugh but i kno one day i will see you again my friend... i love u buddy and you will never be forgotten... "it does what it's told, it puts the rucksack on it's back!!!" goodbye my friend ~ SGT Justin allison, hope mills, North Carolina
July 23, 2011
SGT Cofield,
You will always be the greatest soldier, brother, and friend i have ever met. I miss you so much. I wish i could give you a huge hug and tell you how much you mean to me. You will always be remembered SGT Cofield.~Kirenjeet K., San Jose, California
July 23, 2011
My deepest condolences go out to the Cofield family. SGT Cofield was an outstanding soldier and always had a warm loving smile on his face I served with him at Ft Bragg. He will truly be missed.~Christina O.
July 22, 2011
SGT Cofield,
You were more than a great soldier, you were a great friend. You will be truly missed. Without your help I wouldn't have came as far as I have.-Spc. Brandon C., Iraq
Sgt Cofield had mentioned numerous times about wanting a big party to celebrate his life if the time came. Multiple celebrations went on showing the "mark" that Mark left in this world.
Mother, Tari said, "The folks at Peterson AFB lined the main avenue when we left the flight line. All the way out the main gate, all different branches of service, Colonels to admin assistants, active duty to contractors, saluting our son as he traveled to the funeral home."
The Patriot Guard Riders were in attendance for the dignified arrival, funeral and interment of SGT Cofield.
Sgt Cofield's funeral took place Friday, July 29 at the Soldier's Memorial Chapel, Fort Carson.
Sgt Cofield was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.
Sgt Cofield is survived by his parents, Tari and John; brothers, Sgt John Cofield, Matthew and sister Sara Grace.
Army Sgt. Mark A. Cofield died in a non-combat related incident on 7/17/11.
No comments:
Post a Comment