SSGT Bryant Wayne Mackey
3rd Squadron 3rd ACR
Aug. 17, 1977 - Feb. 20, 2008
Bryant Wayne Mackey, was born to Carl “Lynn” and Karen Mackey in 1977. Bryant’s father, Lynn, grew up in Montezuma, Ks, and graduated from Montezuma High School in 1970. Bryant started to school in Cimarron, KS and went there until moving to Eureka, KS when Bryant was in the fifth grade. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1996, where he was active in football and wrestling. Known for his quiet demeanor, Bryant possessed a sharp sense of humor and was often the source of entertainment for his family.
Staff Sergeant Bryant Mackey joined the Army in August of 2001. He 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. He is buried at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas.
(Find a Grave, Cimarron, KS Library, and other internet research)
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.