Delaware National Guard 280th eulogizes lost soldier
By Spc. James Vadakin
Det. 1, 444th Mobile Public Affairs
 A Holly Tree was planted as a memorial to Staff Sgt. Barrington St. John during the December drill weekend. St. John passed away last year, due to Leukemia. |
The 280th Signal Battalion held a ceremony honoring the memory of Staff Sgt. Barrington St. John, the unit’s full time technician who passed away at the age of 37 due to Leukemia last November. Members of St. John’s family were invited to the 1st Regiment Armory for the ceremony dedicating an American Holly tree to St. John’s memory over the December drill weekend.
Capt. Wiley Blevins, B Company Commander, 280th Signal Battalion said the holly was selected because of it’s symbolic value as the Delaware state tree and as an evergreen.
St. John was buried with full military honors last year, and the unit long-planned this ceremony. Blevins said it was delayed a year to give the unit and St. John’s family time to grieve. "His death was a significant loss to our unit and to everyone. He is missed."
 Chaplain (Cpt.) David Murphy delievered the eulogy. |
Murphy said he often joked that St. John was an Army Values poster boy because of his professionalism and always squared-away uniform.
"His death left a hole, a void. The unit really
wanted to do something to honor him," said the chaplain.
 Family members extend their hand of appreciation to commander, Capt. Wiley Blevins, and one of St. John's previous co-workers. |
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