Derek John Farley

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Nassau, NY

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Derek joined the Army right out of high school in 2004. He went to school and became an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. He served in Iraq from 2006-2007 receiving a Purple Heart for the loss of his ear drum. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and was KIA in Afghanistan on August 17, 2010 while disarming a bomb. He had 2 weeks left of his deployment.

As a child, Derek was always dismantling his toys to see how they worked. He never sat still, was a very curious child. He was one of the most hard working people I knew. He was loyal to his profession, military friends and family. He believed in what he was doing, saving people’s lives. He told me early on he would go into the military.

He was very proud of being an EOD Team Leader and hungry to learn more. He loved being a soldier, It’s what made his heart beat.

Age: 24

Date of Death: August 17, 2010