Yuma, AZ - A plaque with 1st Lt. Alejo Thompson's name on it, will now join more than 2,000 others.
"I think it's really important that we recognize the people who give up so much for our liberty," says Chuck Wullenjohn, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.
30-year old Lt. Thompson of Yuma, an ARMY soldier based out of Fort Carson, Colorado Died on May 11 while serving during operation enduring freedom.
The Military Times reports he died of injuries caused by enemy small-arms fire.
today his plaque was placed on the wall at the Yuma Armed Forces Park.
"The Chamber of Commerce has a tradition of placing every fallen soldier, Marine, or military person from Yuma county on a plaque here at the park. We wish we didn't have to put any names on the wall, but we are proud to have this here," says Wullenjohn.
The plaques are in place to honor the deceased and some living military veterans.
"The most important thing that we are doing out here today is remembering the sacrifices that he made and holding a memory of him and the things he has done in the highest regard," says Commander Young Reed Of the Yuma Proving Grounds.
The park is located at 291 Gila Street at the site of Yuma's old railroad depot.
The park gives veterans and their loved ones a place to reflect and honor all who have served our nation. The park is the only one of its kind in Arizona.
Commander Young tells news 13 about the importance of the service held today and the plaques displayed.
"We are also are remembering the entire department defense. We have a lot of folks in Afghanistan today, military, government civilians and government contractors who are all prosecuting the nation's initiatives here trying to do the right thing for the government and trying to do the right thing for America."
Lt. Thompson was deployed to Afghanistan in March. He also had served in Iraq from March 2003 to February 2004.
Lt. Thompson is survived by his parents, wife, son and daughter.
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