Vincent E. Summers
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
August 30, 1967 – October 15, 2005
Age – 38
South Haven, MI
Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom
2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA
Died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq
A native of Detroit and an Army veteran of 18 years, he was on his third deployment to Iraq, having served in Desert Storm and in Operation Iraqi Freedom I in 2003. His current tour began in January 2005 and he would have returned from Iraq in three months.
He was a dedicated U.S. Army SSG, who loved his career, adored his wife Melissa and son Preston. Vincent was passionate about his family and loved to spend time with them. Vincent was frequently seen repair vehicles for friends and playing with his remote control truck. He deeply cared about his community and lovingly gave his time to those in need, he never met a stranger.
During his career he served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Germany and Korea. He took great pride in his military career and served with honor and dignity.
He was remembered by one of high school teachers Medal of Honor recipient Jim McCloughan. “Summers, a 1987 South Haven graduate, was the first South Haven man to die in combat since Vietnam. He was the first from Southwest Michigan to die in the Iraq War. It’s just tragic, but you have to also understand what a hero (Summers) is. Summers was one of five soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in Ramada during an operation. I remember him being very quiet, very shy and very well-mannered. He was always smiling. He had a warm presence about him.”
He was remembered by fellow soldiers as follows:
SSG Summers was not only an amazing man but an outstanding leader and friend, it was devastating when I returned to Iraq only to see his photo on the wall next to many of my friends from A 1/15 IN. I will always remember our days in the Kuwait desert getting ready to go downtown, or sweating in the tents. The funny thing is he was also my neighbor back at Ft Benning. You will never be forgotten brother. May 27, 2022″
1SG (R) Leon J Richardson. of Indiana
“Vincent Summers and I were stationed at Fort Stewart together in the same platoon. In fact, we were roommates for several months. I was saddened to hear about his death. We served together, laughed, talked, argued… everything friends and fellow soldiers do. I got out of the army around the time he re-enlisted. I am proud to have known him and to have served with him. May God bless him and his family and friends.”
Dana Chavez of Arvada, CO
SSG Summers embodied the Army value of Selfless Service. I was his platoon leader and Bradley Commander. He consistently set me up for success and always took care of me in true NCO fashion. The platoon was a great unit due in large part to his skill and tireless efforts to square others away. He was a talented Bradley gunner and a great guy to talk to no matter what the topic. SSG Summers, I thank you for your service and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
CPT Lee Spencer Wallace of Ft. Benning, GA