Samuel Hairston - U.S. Military casualty in Afghanistan

Samuel Hairston

Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston, age 35, of Houston, Texas, died on August 12, 2014, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy fire.

Samuel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Sam joined the Army in March of 2003.  After initial training, he arrived at Fort Bragg in 2003 and was assigned to the 1st Brigade in August of 2013.

His battalion deployed to Afghanistan earlier in 2014. 

Sam's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters and the NATO medal. His qualifications include the Ranger tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge and the Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.

Sam's military comrades are in mourning over the death of their brother.  Officials

Angels of God, pray for Sam and for those
who have lost him

describe Sam as an exceptional noncommissioned officer and a valued member of his team. He will be forever remembered.

Samuel's family members are devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Samuel is survived by many loving comrades, friends and relatives including his wife Staff Sgt. Tawana Hairston; and his son, Hayden.

Thank you for serving, Sam.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Samuel.

Pray that Samuel is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.