U.S. Army Sgt. Corey E. Garver, 26, of Topsham, died Sunday in Zormat, Afghanistan, “of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.”
The attack occurred in the Paktiya Province of Afghanistan. Garver was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Garver joined the Army in June 2007 as an infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division.
Craig King, principal of Mt. Ararat High School where Garver attended from 2004 to 2006, said he didn’t know Garver well but remembers the day Garver met with his recruiter and was very excited about joining the military.
“We are saddened to hear that this young man has passed away,” King said Tuesday. “Like many young people who have attended Mt. Ararat High School, Corey chose to serve his country, placing the defense of our nation above his personal safety.”
Records show Garver attended Mt. Ararat for three years and moved on to Merrymeeting Adult Education, King said.
He grew up in the Old Farm Road neighborhood. At high school, he had many friends and “a very outgoing personality,” King said.
“I remember the day Corey met with his military recruiter in the Guidance Office. He was happy that he had found a calling to pursue. Corey told me he was excited about his decision to enlist and it was evident to me that he was proud of the commitment he was making.”
King added, “On behalf of the Mt. Ararat High School community, I’d like to extend our sincere condolences to the Garver family.”
“Sgt. Garver died defending his country and we owe him and his family a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice,” said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D- 1st District. “I know words can’t ease the pain that his family is feeling, but I hope they know that the thoughts and prayers of the people of Maine go out to them during this most difficult time.”
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King also expressed condolences.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Sergeant Garver’s passing,” they said. “He was a true American hero who valiantly dedicated himself to the defense of our country. His actions on the battlefield demonstrated the highest caliber of leadership and courage and we owe him our enduring gratitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this most difficult time.”
Garver’s awards include two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Garver is survived by his parents, Zachary D. Garver of Brunswick, and Ellen H. Garver of Topsham.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
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