Gabriel G. DeRoo
Sergeant, United States Army
April 1, 1981 – August 20, 2006
Age – 25
Paw Paw, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2 Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, WA
Killed by small arms fire while engaged in combat operations in Mosul, Iraq.
Gabe wanted to serve his country after the events of 911, so he enlisted in the Army. He was placed in the Arrowhead Stryker Brigade, America’s first Stryker Brigade.
“War is horrible, but sitting by while evil persists is worse.”
“I am healthy, I am capable and I owe it to my Country”.
‘SGT Gabriel De Roo
Gabriel lived his life to honor his Lord. During his first deployment each member of his team had their own call names that they used among themselves. Gabriel’s team named him John 3:16.
He had told family that the Army provided him with clothes, food, and shelter when it was available. If he was injured, he would be cared for. If he was killed, God had provided for that, too. Gabriel had also said if there was a grenade tossed near them he would be the first on one it. He knew he was ready to meet his Lord and he wanted to make sure his teammates had the opportunity to get right with the Lord.
He excelled in all aspects of combat training. A spirit of sacrifice and concern for others motivated Gabe. A book of military quotes was found among his things sent home. One quote highlighted was by Nathan Hale: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”” Just below it a quote from Manning Coles read, “If a country is worth living in, it is worth fighting for.” Gabe wrote in the margin “right on the money.” All who knew Gabe were impressed with his gentle smile, calm demeanor and genuine care for others. He was always more concerned about the well-being of his men than he was about himself.
Gabriel did things all out. If he was playing scrimmage football, it was the Super Bowl and deserved his very best effort. If he was playing a softball game, it was the last game in the World Series. He learned if he wanted to advance his career, he had to listen, learn and apply what his officers were telling him. When Gabriel still lived at home each child had his or her own place at the table. The table was covered with a world map and a heavy piece of clear plastic. Gabriel put the Proverb about the Lion and the Gazelle under the plastic at his place at the table, reminding himself at every meal or family game night that whether he was the Lion or the Gazelle, when the sun comes up you better be running! (i.e. putting in your best performance!).