Private First Class Amy Duerksen joined the Army in April 2005. She was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas with the 4th Infantry Division. They were deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when Duerksen died of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident at Camp Taji, Iraq.

“Amy died doing what she wanted to do and fulfilling what she believed in,” the family wrote. “She was serving her country and defending the freedom of others. This noble and honorable American tradition can never be diminished”.

With kindness and gentleness for people, Amy caused you to warm to her quickly. Kind smiles, encouraging words, and affectionate hugs were the order of the day with Amy. She loved people, and they knew it.