Brian K. Derks
Specialist 4th Class, United States Army
July 12, 1984 – August 13, 2005
Age – 21
White Cloud, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA
Died of injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated while on mounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist 4th Class Brian Keith Derks, age 21 of White Cloud, passed away from injuries he received while serving his country in the United States Army stationed with the Fox Group Second Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. His family said “We are proud of Brian for his service to our country because it’s been his dream. Brian’s dream was to serve in the army and he emailed and telephoned his parents frequently. He often bragged about driving the Humvee around Baghdad. He loved doing so. He sent pictures of himself with other soldiers from his unit. Brian had great pride in what his mission was in Iraq.”
Brian was born on July 12, 1984 in Fremont, MI and graduated from White Cloud High School in 2003 where he enjoyed and was an active member of the Quiz Bowl team, football, and baseball teams. He had served as the captain of the Quiz Bowl team and brought them to the nationals. Consistently Brian would buzz in before a question was even half done. He just had vast knowledge in all sorts of areas. He had an astute mind.
During his junior and senior year of high school, Brian worked at Bob Evans Restaurant in Big Rapids prior to his enlistment in the United States Army. Brian was an active member of the White Cloud community where he is a lifelong member of the Christ Lutheran Church; an active member of the White Cloud Boy Scouts Troup #1137 where he became an Eagle Scout and served as assistant Scout Master for a period. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, computers and spending time with his family on all the holiday’s but especially Thanksgiving. Brian’s sense of humor kept everybody laughing, his loyalty first to God then to his family and friends and his country and his generosity will always be remembered.
CPT Jarrod Wickline said Derks was originally turned down by an Army recruiter because he was 100 pounds overweight. “He took that as a personal challenge. Derks then lost the weight – in three months. There is no doubt to me that by sheer willpower alone he could be anything he wanted to be.”
He was remembered by a brother-in-arms –
It’s been two years since that fateful day; I must say things have not gotten any easier. I still think about the moments we shared, good and bad. I’ve learned so much from you. You have inspired me to live one day at a time and not take it for granted. You had so much potential and there was no telling where you were going to go in life and that is what saddens me most. You are sorely missed my friend. Take care, until we meet again.
Jonnathan Estrada