SFC Samuel Hairston

FORT BRAGG, N.C - An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was killed in action in Afghanistan, Tuesday.

Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston, a 35-year-old Paratrooper from Houston, Texas, was a platoon sergeant with A Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.

“We have suffered a great loss in the 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and express our deepest condolences. Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Hairston was an exceptional noncommissioned officer and a valued member of our team,” said Lt. Col. Chris Hockenberry, Hairston’s battalion commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We will never forget him.”

Hairston enlisted in the Army in March of 2003. Upon completion of one station unit training, he completed the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived at Fort Bragg, N.C. in 2003, and was later assigned to 1st BCT in August of 2013.

Hairston’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters and the NATO medal. His qualifications include the Ranger tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge and
the Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.

He is survived by his wife, Staff Sgt. Tawana Hairston and his son Hayden.

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