A Hero’s Honor – Sgt Gabriel DeRoo

In Memory of Gabriel DeRoo

A loving husband, father, son, and noble hero, is now at rest with his Savior in heaven. Gabriel was born April 1, 1981, to David and Laura DeRoo, and he grew up in Paw Paw, Michigan. As a teenager he entrusted his life to Christ, a decision which shaped the rest of his life.

After attending college, in June of 2003, he enlisted in the Army and joined the Stryker Brigade stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. His awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.

He desired to serve his God and his country, and he impacted those around him by his integrity, work ethic, and gentleness. Before his first year-long tour in Iraq he fell in love with Hannah Suko, and they were married December 31, 2004, after his return home.They made their home in Tacoma, and a year later their lives were blessed with a baby boy, Gabriel II.

In June 2006, he left for Iraq to serve his second tour with the Stryker Brigade. In Mosul, on August 20, 2006, he was killed in action by enemy fire. He had said that if anyone were to die, he wished it to be him so his fellow soldiers would have time to get right with the Lord.

He will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind: his wife and son, parents, sisters (Angel, Chastity, Charity, and Patience), father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mark and Nancy Suko, and many other relatives, as well as his friends and fellow soldiers.

Please help us honor Gabe’s memory and give encouragement to his family. Visit www.gabrielderoo.us