South Dakota National Guard

Public Affairs Office

2823 West Main St.

Rapid City, S.D.  57702

Phone  605-737-6721

e-mail PAOSD@sd-arng.ngb.army.mil

April 28, 2004

PAO 04-04-28-1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Family remembers Brooks

RAPID CITY - South Dakota lost another great soldier Saturday when Staff Sgt. Cory Brooks, Philip, died Saturday as the result of a non-combat related incident.

            Brooks, 32, leaves behind a mother and father, Darral and Marilyn Brooks of Philip, S.D. and a sister and brother-in-law, Angi and Mike Kiewel of Rapid City.  Cory loved his nephew and niece, Hunter and Hannah Kiewel with all of his heart.  Cory also leaves behind a very special, loving and trusted friend, Heidi Linngren of Rapid City.

            Cory's family and friends were as proud of him in death as they were in his life.  Cory's tender heart and healthy laugh touched everyone that he met.  He died doing what meant the most to him.  His last correspondence reflected a proud soldier who loved his family very much and longed for the day he would be home to see those who meant the most to him.

            Cory graduated from Law School at the University of South Dakota in December off 2000.  On that same date, he received a Master's of Science in Administrative Studies.

            He had retuned home to Philip after graduation to pursue his career and spend time on his family's ranch, with his very large yellow lab, Zeke, both of which he loved very much.

            In addition to those mentioned, Cory left behind many, many, close relatives and friends.  The family asks for peace at this time and that everyone keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

            Brooks joined the Guard in May of 1989 as a combat engineer.  He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in September of 1999.  He was assigned to Detachment 1, Company A, 153^rd Engineer Battalion from Winner, S.D.  His unit deployed to Iraq Feb. 21.

            There will be a viewing from 4 to 7 p.m. (MDT) at the Phillip High School Armory Sunday.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. (MDT) Monday at Phillip High School Armory, and the interment will be 3 p.m. (MDT) at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION - contact Maj. Harold Walker at 737-6721.