Arkansas lost another great young patriot on July 15, 2007, when Sgt. John R. Massey of Judsonia, Arkansas, died from combat wounds after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. Sgt. Massey was a member of the Arkansas National Guard’s C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Fires Brigade based in Ozark, Arkansas.

Sgt. Massey was remembered by friends and family as a good father who enjoyed playing with his kids, spending time with his family, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford also shared stories about Sgt. Massey’s dedication to serve. According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Wofford had been told by Sgt. Massey’s father that he had always wanted to be in the military and that "this is the way John would have wanted to go out - as a soldier." A fellow soldier noted, "All you needed to tell him was when and where, and it would be done." In fact, Wofford recalled once asking Massey if he would like to give up his spot manning a .50 caliber machine gun in the turrets of his armored patrol vehicle. According to Wofford, Sgt. Massey said, "You can order me out of the turret . . . That’s the only way I’m leaving." When it was all said and done, Maj. Gen. Wofford said that "Sgt. Massey stayed in the turret until the very end."

Sgt. Massey was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, as well as the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal. He is survived by his wife, Amanda "Mandy" Massey; two daugthers, Monica and Emily; son, Joseph; mother Deborah Massey; and father, Ray Massey; as well as other relatives and friends.