Staff Sgt. Gregory Elam of Columbus, Ga., grew up in Cusseta, Ga., and graduated from Spencer High School in Columbus. He joined the Army in October 1986. He previously deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm from August 1990 through March 1991. His military schools include Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Chaplain Assistant Reclassification Course and the Mortuary Affairs Advanced Individual Training. Gregory had just reentered the Army from the reserves, deciding he wanted to come back in and take care of soldier. He was the type of person that would always help people out. There was no favor he would turn down, and he always did it with a joke, a smile and a laugh. He was a man with a calm, reserved demeanor. His goal was to be the NCO that wanted the soldiers to form a team. He always had a smile on his face, or a joke to tell to pull the team together. He not only wanted to be a leader to soldiers, but he wanted to be a role model. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Good Conduct Medal (4th award), National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Southwest Asia Medal with bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numeral two), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral two), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Tracked Vehicles, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (numeral two) and the Army Superior Unit Award. Survivors also include his mother, who lives in Greenwood, S.C., and two daughters. He was 39.

Army
54th Quartermaster Company
49th Quartermaster Group
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Lee, Va.