SGT Cory R. Mracek, 26, U.S. Army, born in Nebraska March 16, 1977, was killed in action on January 27, 2004. Mracek served as a Fire Support Specialist with 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While conducting a patrol in Iskandariyah, he and two brothers-in-arms passed away when they were struck by a roadside bomb. Mracek had only been in-country for eight days. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!