Stevon Booker

He paid the ultimate price and made the ultimate sacrifice…his life. The incredible outpouring of community support and caring is a wonderful testimony of Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker's life. Not just as a hero in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but as a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. His death brought the reality of war right into the heart of the Alle-Kiski Valley and the Alle-Kiski Valley did what they do best; they came out in full force to help make the family's burden a little easier. "The support has been beautiful. It is so overwhelming that I can't even put it in words," stated Stevon's mother Freddy Jackson.

Through the words spoken by those who knew and loved Stevon, one gains a picture of a man possessing great strength and character. His nephew, Alexander Booker, softly expressed the impact that his uncle had in his life, "He always pushed me to be the best and now his death pushes me even further."

Stevon, 34, was the first casualty of war from Operation Iraqi Freedom from the western Pennsylvania area. He grew up in Kiskimenetas and graduated from Apollo Ridge High School. He joined the Army shortly after graduation and was in active duty of the A Company I-64th AR 3rd Infantry division of the United States Army. He wore his uniform with pride and a determination to make a difference in the lives of others. "Saddam Hussein was doing awful things to the people and my son was determined in his heart to help set these people free."

All of America shares in the tears shed by the family and friends, but also rejoices at the knowledge that there are young men and women of this caliber representing and defending our country. We will remember this local hero who gave his life so that a nation could live in the freedom we have come to love.

Donations to the Stevon Booker Memorial Fund can be made by mailing checks to Apollo Trust Co., PO Box 247, Apollo PA 15613.