Staff Sgt Eric Duckworth
U.S. Army 10/30/80-10/10/07 Plano, TX Clear Lake High School Army Staff Sergeant Eric Duckworth was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on October 10, when he was leading a convoy and his vehicle was hit by an IED, an improvised explosive device, on the side of the road. Sergeant Duckworth was 26 years of age and on his second tour in Iraq. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas, in 1999, and while in high school, he wanted to participate in the military, so he joined the ROTC. As soon as he graduated from high school, he joined the United States Army. His parents, Michael and Barbara Duckworth, of The Woodlands, Texas, say that for as long as they can remember, their son Eric wanted to serve his country in public service both in law enforcement and in the military. Sergeant Duckworth was also a husband and a father. He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Sonya, and they have three children. Eric said that the Iraqi people were grateful to Americans for their sacrifice in Iraq. Sergeant Duckworth also said it was his destiny and his belief that he should be an American soldier. He shared that belief with his mother in their last conversation they had together before he was killed in Iraq. The whole Duckworth family felt it was important that Staff Sergeant Eric Duckworth serve in the United States Army overseas. Sergeant Duckworth's service to his family and the Army and this country will always be remembered. Of course he is one of those few proud American heroes. Staff Sergeant Duckworth, America appreciates your sacrifice on the alter of freedom for the rest of us, and we also appreciate the sacrifice of the entire Duckworth family down in Houston, Texas. We are sympathetic and grieve with this family, but are proud of their son who served in the United States Army.