Honoring the Fallen
The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we—in a less final, less heroic way -- be willing to give of ourselves.
President Ronald Reagan,
May 1982
2019 Freedom Cruise Fallen Soldier Honoree
Army Spc. Chad J. Vollmer
KIA December 23, 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Assigned to the Army National Guard E. Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, also known as the “Hooligans”.
Sgt. Chad J. Vollmer died December 23rd, 2006 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations in Salman Pak, Iraq. Also killed were: Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim and Pvt. Bobby Mejia II.
He was born in Grand Rapids on January 22, 1982 to proud parents, Sandi and Terry Vollmer, and a loving sister, Heather. Chad loved the military and loved his country. He entered the ROTC program in his freshman year at Central High School and entered the Army National Guard between his junior and senior year in high school. Chad had the opportunity after 9/11 to participate in the United States Homeland Security Initiative at the Kent County International Airport and in Detroit at the Ambassador Bridge to Canada. He was serving his second tour of duty in the service of his country outside of the United States. First in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt as a member of the Delta Dragons D. Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, and secondly in Iraq as part of Company E “Hooligans”, assigned to the 759th Task Force. Throughout his life Chad touched many lives, young and old, and he will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Chad J. Vollmer, was 24, of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
