SSGT Bryant Wayne Mackey
3rd Squadron 3rd ACR
Aug. 17, 1977 - Feb. 20, 2008
Staff Sergeant Mackey grew up in western Kansas. His family moved to Eureka when he was in fifth grade. Bryant joined the Army in August of 2001. Bryant was injured during his first tour of duty in Iraq when he moved an injured comrade out of harm’s way. Bryant was currently on his second tour in Iraq, assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Hood, Texas. He was killed in Mosul, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle. Bryant was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal posthumously. (From Find A Grave Website)
A BRIEF HISTORY of The 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR)
The 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR), known as “Thunder Squadron,” is a cavalry unit with a distinguished history of reconnaissance, security, and combat operations. The 3rd ACR, originally established in 1846, has played a significant role in various military campaigns throughout U.S. history.
Operations in Iraq (2003-2011)
The 3rd Squadron, 3rd ACR deployed multiple times during the Iraq War, particularly in 2003, 2005-2006, and 2007-2009.
The unit was instrumental in counterinsurgency operations, working closely with Iraqi Security Forces to restore stability.
In 2008, the squadron was primarily stationed in Mosul, conducting joint operations, reconnaissance, and security missions to combat insurgents.