Remembering the Life and Memory of...

Sgt. Steven Checo

Hometown: New York, New York, U.S./Elizabeth, NJ.
Age: 22 years old
Died: December 20, 2002 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 504th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Birth: May 24, 1980
Queens
Queens County
New York, USA
Death: Dec. 21, 2002
Paktika, Afghanistan
Army Sgt. Checo was a member of the 504th Infantry, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Checo died as a result of gunshot wounds received during a firefight in Ivo Shkin, Afganistan in the early dawn. He was returning to base from a mounted surveillance mission when enemy forces fired upon his unit. Checo was shot at least twice and died during surgery at a field hospital in Afghanistan. One of the enemy left dead at the battle site was a Chechnyan, which shows how culturally diverse Al Qaeda is. Steven's family emigrated from the Dominican Republic and since the age of 13, Steven knew he wanted to live a military life. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx. He entered the Army on 19 August 1999 and at 6 feet 2 inches and forged like steel, he completed the rigorous US Army Airborne Course. Steven's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with V Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), the National Defense Service medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Patch, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. Steven was a down to earth guy – a quiet guy who spoke volumes through his demeanor. He loved a challenge and would often take pictures parachuting from a plane. He re-enlisted in March for four years because he believed in the American cause.  

Sergeant Steven Checo, known to his family as "Steven" was born in Queens, New York on 24 May 1980. He grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan. He was part of the St. Barnabas Hospital Naval Cadets Warriors. Sergeant Checo entered the United States Army on 19 August 1999 as an 11B Infantryman at Fort Benning, GA. During this initial training period, he qualified as a Grenadier, Expert Rifleman (M16), Heavy Anti-Armor Specialist (11H), and Weapons Crewman (11N). His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with V Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), the National Defense Service medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Patch, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. After completing the rigorous US Army Airborne Course, Sgt Checo served with Headquaters & Headquaters Company, 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, NC. Subsequent to a one-year tour in the Republic of Korea (ROK), he returned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC - Returning to active jump status, which he enjoyed. This time he served proudly as a member of D CO, 2nd Battalion/504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Sgt Steven Checo, 22, died as a result of gunshot wounds received during a firefight in Ivo Shkin, Afganistan in the early dawn of December 21st, 2002. SGT Checo was returning to base from a mounted surveillance mission when enemy forces fired upon his unit. Sgt Steven Checo is survived by his mother(Ms. Arelis Perez), his father (Mr. Nelson Checo), a brother (Erik-24), and a sister (Jennifer-19). His family remembers him as being funny, courageous, hardheaded, ambitious, and most of all loving. Written by Major Darryl Cureton Posted by Erik Checo

http://www.myspace.com/sgtcheco