Arkansas lost a fine young American, on March 5, 2007, when Staff Sgt. Justin Estes of Sims was killed while trying to assist a wounded soldier near Samarra, Iraq. According to reports, Sgt. Estes was in the third vehicle of a convoy when another vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Without regard for himself, Sgt. Estes left his vehicle and rushed to pull an injured comrade out of the burning vehicle. He began administering first aid to the wounded soldier when another IED detonated. He died in the arms of a second soldier from the explosion. Sgt. Estes was remembered as a fine soldier, "The Best of the Best," who put others before himself. He was serving his second tour for the 82nd Airborne and was set to return to the United States after his first tour. However, he gave his slot to a fellow soldier so that he could see his newborn son.

Family and friends also recalled his fun-loving spirit. Sgt. Estes was awarded three medals , the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He is survived by his parents, Don and Kathy Estes of Kentucky and John and Diane Salyers of Sims. He also has two older sisters, Norma and Kelli, in addition to other family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Estes family during this trying time.