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Fellow soldiers pay tribute to Sgt. Douglas Bull, a former Wilkes-Barre resident killed earlier this month while on a mission in Afghanistan.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The sound of gunshots broke the silence on July 13 at Forward Operating Base Khogyani, Afghanistan, as the rifle team rendered a gun salute in honor of its fallen comrade.
The American flag waved in the wind beside a pair of empty boots that no one would ever be able to fill, those of a great leader, husband, father and friend. These boots belonged to Sgt. Douglas J. Bull, a combat engineer with Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Bull was an alumnus of Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre.
“I’d like to try and remember Sergeant Bull for the animated, spirited, unique individual that he became known for,” said Spc. Dean Gannon, a fellow soldier paying tribute to Bull during his memorial. “I give a resounding heartfelt thank-you for the many gifts of insight and tear-inducing laughs. There will only ever be one Sergeant Bull; it’s just a shame (he) left us so soon.”
Bull was conducting a route-clearing mission on July 8 in the Konar province of Afghanistan when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED).
He is survived by his wife Tera, daughter Arianna, son Jaden and parents Christopher Bull and Mary Rambus. His mother is an Edwardsville resident.
“It was enlightening to hear a young man like you express how deeply you cared for your family. I know that you are their hero,” Spc. Anthony Slaughter said to his fallen comrade during the memorial. “I didn’t realize it then but I realize it now, how special every single moment with your family was to you. They love you and so do I.”
A 29-year-old native of Wilkes-Barre, Bull joined the Army in February 1999. His first assignment was with the 54th Engineer Battalion in Bamberg, Germany, where, during a previous deployment to Iraq in 2005, he helped develop the doctrine used today for route-clearing missions.
When he arrived to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry, in November 2007, his leadership skills and engineer expertise were put to work and proved an asset to his newly established company.
While serving with the unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Bull was called to perform one of the toughest engineer missions in one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan. Despite the risks, he embraced the challenge and courageously led his crew into the combat zone.
“I remember that when I spoke with Sergeant Bull about being in the route-clearance platoon he stepped up and took this mission with pride,” said Capt. Brian Corbin, Bull’s company commander. “I can’t remember Sergeant Bull without a smile on his face. He was always positive about his missions, portrayed a can-do attitude and cared deeply for his soldiers and fellow aces.”
At the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Bull was named “Hero of the Battle” for his hard work and dedication. But those who knew him well remember him more for his positive outlook and humorous nature.
“Through all the tasks that were placed on you, you always maintained your sense of humor and had fun performing your job. I want to say thank you,” said Slaughter. “You made being a squad leader fun and exciting; you performed exceptionally and it reflected how good our team could be.”
Bull’s memory will not be forgotten as the unit continues on with the mission he began with them.
“It was an honor to serve with you then and it is an honor to serve with you watching over me now,” Slaughter said.
Slaughter ended his tribute with a prayer.
“By the way Lord,” he said, “thank you for putting another angel around us named Sergeant Douglas John Bull. Amen.”