SSG Eugene H. E. Alex Memorial Highway

Eugene deployed to Iraq in 2005, a few months into the deployment Eugene’s Stryker hit a IED. He suffered a concussion and whiplash. He was flown back home to Alaska for convalescent leave. When his convalescent leave was up. He returned to Iraq where he stood by on radio watch and working around their camp. Eugene was still having some unresolved medical issues from the blast. He stayed in this position for the remainder of his deployment. As Eugene’s Brigade was preparing to come home. The violence in Baghdad had spiraled out of control. Eugene was one of 4,000 troops ordered to stay beyond their standard one-year tour.

He could have stayed in the position he was in. He was safe doing radio watch, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do.  For month’s Eugene watched  Soldiers roll in and out doing missions.  His medical issues were resolved, the hold that kept him off a line was lifted. Eugene felt ready and wanted nothing more than to return back to the line, he loved leading Soldiers. He loved being part of a team, with determination he fought his way back to the line unit. He was exhausted with running outside the wire. Yet, he was happy, he was back leading, he felt like he was making a difference. Eugene had a job to do, he couldn’t have more proud to be serving a long side the men of Charlie Troop.

Baghdad was dangerous, the Strykers were part of the front line, clearing houses, and working neighborhood by neighborhood to bring the city under control. On August 30, 2006 Eugene was in the gunner hatch at a traffic control point. Watching over his fellow Soldiers was they were conducting inspections. A sniper shot him, in the 1 inch space opening between his helmet and vest collar. He was medically evacuated to Germany, where it was determined that Eugene was brain dead. To comply with his final wishes, his organs were donated. Eugene saved or improved the lives of six people by donating his heart, eyes, kidneys and liver.

His tragic death creates a most significant professional loss for his Troop as well as a grievous personal loss for his family and friends. Eugene was more than a hero that died for his county. He was a son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and an excellent father. He has more than earned the right to never be forgotten. A person is truly never forgotten as long as their name is spoken.

With the SSG Eugene Alex Memorial Highway, his name will be spoken often. Keeping him alive in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.   A portion of M-81 from Gera Road to South Van Buren Road will be; designate as the "Staff Sergeant Eugene H. E. Alex Memorial Highway.

Will you please consider donating to honor SSG Eugene Alex?