KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 3, 2003

ARMY

Sgt. Eugene Williams, 24

Highland, N.Y.

Eugene Williams died Saturday, March 29, when a suicide bomber posing as a taxi driver blew up a car at an Army checkpoint north of Najaf in central Iraq.

Williams was one of four U.S. soldiers killed in the blast. All four were assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Williams was from Highland, N.Y., a Hudson Valley town 70 miles south of Albany. His wife, Brandy, and daughter, Mya, 3, live in Waipahu, Hawaii. Brandy Williams is expecting a second child in June.

The couple married three years ago.

"When our children grow up, I will be sure to tell them how proud we all are of their daddy and that he may not be here with us but that he will always remain in our hearts," Brandy Williams said in a statement.

Williams, who graduated from Highland High School in 1996, also is survived by his parents, Ulysses and Betty Jean Williams; a sister; and two brothers.

His younger brother, Eric, 19, is in the Army and is serving in Iraq.

"We received a letter from Eugene on Saturday," said Lori Ackert, his sister. "He was very optimistic - he said he couldn't wait to come home so he could cook us some good food."

The Highland Little League is leading a fund-raising drive to help the Williams family go to Hawaii, where the funeral will be held. Ulys-ses Williams serves the group as an umpire, and Betty Jean Williams works in the concession stand.

"There's nothing that is going to replace their son," said Jody Pavero, owner of Pavero Cold Storage and Ulysses Williams' employer. "That's the highest price you can pay."

Betty Jean Williams said the family is waiting to hear whether Eric can attend the funeral. "I've been waiting for him to call me," she said.

"I want the Lord to take care of my baby," Betty Jean Williams said. "Watch out for all the other young boys there."