United States Marine Sergeant Damon Ward, son of NIN Community Relations Coordinator Susan Daniel, was prepared to depart for another tour in Iraq, but he needed some new gear. A previous close call in battle caused Damon to reexamine his body armor, which he discovered to be very old.
Due to budget restraints in the military, many soldiers are using body armor that dates as far back as the Vietnam War. New armor is available, but soldiers have to buy it themselves. The cost of new armor? $1,500. Fortunately for Damon, he’s surrounded by friends and family that helped him raise the money.
Newton County Stone management joined with members of Damon’s family, including his proud mother, and raised the money for Damon’s new armor in time for his most recent deployment in March.
“I appreciate all the support that Rogers Group employees have given my mom through my deployments,” Damon said.
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Sgt. Damon Ward patrols the streets of Iraq.
Sgt. Ward (far right) and other troops questioning an Iraqi citizen.
Sgt. Ward (on top) training another soldier to properly aim a sniper rifle.
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