KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The ‘Raider’ Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who was killed MOnday, 30 Aug. near the Arghandab river valley outside Kandahar City, Afghanistan while on a combat logisitics patrol.
Pfc. Chad Derek Clements, a 26-year-old native of Huntington, Ind. was assigned to Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Clements was loved dearly by his fellow Soldiers and known for his incredible worth ethic, and ability to take on monumental tasks with ease.
“Chat was one of our hardest working and smartest Soldiers in the platoon,’ said 2nd Lt. Guy Stark, Forward Support Company platoon leader for 1-66. “He was a best friend to many in the platoon and could always raise spirits, when needed.”
“I would always run into him at the gym with his friends and he was always lifting more than I could,” said Stark. “That’s the best way I can describe Clements; as a guy who could put a lot of weight on his shoulders and carry it around wherever it was needed, with ease.”
Clements enlisted in the Army as a Motor Transport Operator in February 2009. he attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., then Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon completion of his training, he reported to Fort Carson, Colo. where he was assigned to FSC, 1-66.
“Chat Clements was an outstanding Soldier that served in the ammunition section of the platoon and worked closely with his mentor, Staff Sgt. Kessler,” said Sgt. 1st Class Sean Patterson, FSC platoon sergeant for 1-66. “He’s one of the finest Americans that I have ever had the privilege to serve with.”
A memorial in Pfc. Chat Derek Clements’ honor was held in Afghanistan.
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