Cody A. Board

Pfc. Cody A. Board, age 19, was killed Monday by an improvised explosive device in Mirwais, Afghanistan, where he was returning from a patrol. He would have been 20 this Tuesday. Cody A. Board was born in an Army hospital at Fort Sill, Okla. He knew from childhood that he wanted to be a soldier, just like his father, and his uncle, and his grandfather. His father, a West Point graduate and Desert Storm veteran, urged his son to explore all military options when he graduated from McKinney North High School in 2009.

Pfc. Board moved to McKinney with his family in 1999, after his father, a captain, left the military for health reasons. Cody Board is remembered for his team loyalty and perseverance. Pfc. Board was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany.

In addition to his father, survivors include his mother, Melissa Sue of McKinney; two brothers, Aaron, a senior at McKinney North High School, and Tyler, a freshman at the school; his maternal grandfather, retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Al Daley of Grove, Okla.; and his paternal grandfather, Bob Board of Coon Rapids, Minn.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Cody Board is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen