#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Glenn Watkins

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Glenn James Watkins from Idaho Falls, Idaho, who was killed in action on April 5, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq.

Glenn James Watkins had a long military career, which began in the Navy in August 1981. He served on active duty with the Navy for four years. Then after a brief tour with the Navy Reserve, he returned to active duty, this time with the Army. He served three years from June 1986 to June 1989.

Following his active service, Watkins joined the Washington Army National Guard and served with the 303rd Armor Regiment headquartered in Port Orchard for two years. When he moved to California, he joined the California National Guard, serving with the 184th Infantry Regiment. He later returned to Washington and rejoined the 81st Armor Brigade.

In November 2003, Watkins mobilized with the 81st Armor Brigade and served in Iraq until they redeployed in late March and early April of 2005. He volunteered to remain in Iraq and serve with his old unit, the 184th Infantry of the California Army National Guard, which was then in Iraq as part of a different National Guard combat brigade. He was one of more than 70 Washington Army National Guardsmen who volunteered to remain in Iraq.

Watkins, 42, died April 5, 2005 from wounds he received when a vehicle-based improvised explosive device exploded alongside the Humvee in which he was manning the turret machine gun.

Watkins’ awards and decorations include the a Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart among many others.

He was laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

We honor his service.

As it did last year, this year National Cemetery Administration is collaborating with Carry The Load for Memorial Day to honor fallen Veterans. Both NCA and Carry The Load are honoring select “Veterans of the Day” with remembrances on social media during May.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Jim Theres

Graphic artist: Steve Ellmore