Buie, Jimmy D.;

Age: 44

Hometown: Floral

Rank: Specialist; Arkansas Army National Guard - 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th; Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st; Cavalry Division

Cause: Died in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 4, 2005, from wounds suffered in combat

Specialist Jimmy Buie was beloved by his family, admired by his friends, and respected within his community.  Today, he is remembered as a hero by the grateful nation for whom he gavehis life. Spc. Buie was a proud member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 2nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3l Battalion of the 39th, a close-knit group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other.

It was obvious to those who served with him that in addition to being an outstanding soldier,he was so much more.  His easy-going way could always be counted on to brighten a mood with his trademark humor and infectious smile. Throughout his service, he held a firm belief that he was doing what was right; helping rebuild the lives of a people he had never met and bringing stability to a nation he had never known.

Spc. Buie joined the military upon his graduation from high school in 1980. Later, while working for a dental products manufacturer, he met a woman named Lisa who would become the love of his life. The two were inseparable, and the natural chemistry between them soon led to marriage. Spc. Buie quickly took to Lisa's two sons and found great pleasure in spending time with them, whether they were building a go-cart or playing catch.

In his hometown of Batesville, Spc. Buie worked as a mechanic at Mark Martin Ford Mercury, where he rightfully earned the reputation of a quiet, hard-working guy who always got the job done. He joined the National Guard in August of 2004 and was deployed to Iraq after spending a month of training at Fort Hood, Texas. While serving in Iraq, he spoke with Lisa every Sunday evening. During these conversations, he always remained upbeat and spoke of the joy he found in improving the lives of Iraqis, particularly the local farmers, whom he pitied for their poor living conditions. These words and actions spoke volumes of Spc. Buie, a humble man who found comfort in knowing folks were praying for him back in Arkansas, and who used that inspiration to improve the lives of those around him.

Tragically, he was one of three Arkansans killed on January 4th when their humvee was struck by a roadside bomb.  Their vehicle, which was traveling as part of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they have left behind.

The courageous and selfless way in which Spc. Buie served in uniform brings honor to our nation.  The impassioned and generous way in which he led his life, brings honor to us all.  On behalf of a grateful nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jimmy Buie. Although he may no longer be with us, we must find some solace knowing that he died for a cause in which he believed. His legacy and his spirit will forever live on in our hearts