Brian Russell Bates Jr.

On October 27, 2009, United States Army Private First Class Brian R. Bates Jr. sustained fatal injuries when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Loy Kariz, Afghanistan while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Bates served with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Bates, a Louisiana native, enlisted in the United States Army with the intent to build a military career to support his family. Bates loved serving his country and saw it as an enormous honor. Bates earned numerous awards during his service, including but not limited to the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, an Army Good Conduct medal, a National Defense Service medal, an Afghanistan Campaign medal with Bronze Service Star, a Global War on Terrorism Service medal, an Army Service ribbon, an Overseas Service ribbon, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization medal, a Combat Infantryman badge, a Basic Marksmanship Qualification badge Expert with Rifle Bar and the Overseas Service bar.

United States Army Private First Class Brian R. Bates is survived by his wife, Enjolie, and two children, Rylie and Braiden.