In Memory OfSgt Russell L. Crupe Jr.

SGT Russell L. Crupe Jr., 32, U.S. Army National Guard, born September 16, 1979, lost the battle within on July 23, 2012. A Navy veteran turned combat engineer with the 56th Stryker Brigade, Crupe drove point in a Husky in Iraq, hunting roadside bombs so the convoy behind him would live. His leaders trusted him to set the pace; across a full tour he missed one device, and no one was hurt. An avid reader who earned the Combat Action Badge, he has a Pennsylvania highway exit named in his honor. He is survived by his parents, Russ and Heidi. Rest easy, Soldier! Til Valhalla, Brother!