Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard, 46 of Polk City, Iowa, was assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa Army National Guard, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa. She died January 20, 2007 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter she was in crashed. She was the first woman in the history of the Iowa National Guard to be killed in combat.
This quilt was made by Freedom Quilts for her family in honor of Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard.
Thank you for remembering my cousin, Marilyn, in such a wonderful and personal way. The tribute meant so much to my Aunt Mary. Initially she was hesitant to respond because every formal event has been very emotional and difficult for her, but she felt very comforted by this remembrance. Marilyn’s spirit and personality truly have been represented. We all miss her still.
Thank you again.
Mrs. Jim (Duanna) McCreery