Members of the Dominant Breed Motorcycle Club join together during a silent moment to remember Sgt. 1st Class James Brandon Gray after the memorial service. Bonnie Heater A fallen Soldier was honored June 4 in a memorial ceremony held in Alexander Hall at Fort Gordon. Sgt. 1st Class James “ Jay G” Brandon Gray, a 17- year Army veteran and reservist, was killed May 22 by a hitand run driver while seated on his motorcycle on the side of a road in downtown Augusta. The driver was later charged with DUI or driving under the influrence. Gray was remembered as a devoted father, husband, community leader and outstanding noncommissioned officer.

“ Sgt. 1st Class James Brandon Gray was a great Soldier,” said Lt. Col. Jimmy Westbrooks, 2nd Battalion, 347th Training Support Battalion commander. “He used the NCO Creed as his foundation for leadership. We feel sad for what we have lost. We feel poor for the empty spaces…., but we will rejoice again someday in a better place where Sergeant Gray has gone.”

As the training NCO in S-3 Operations with the 2nd Battalion, 347th Training Support Battalion at Fort Gordon, he was known as a very dependable Soldier who had a way of making sure the words of the NCO Creed didn’t fall on deaf ears. “Gray would say, ‘”All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership and I will provide that leadership,” said Capt. Angela Lee, a member of the 157th Infantry Brigade.

Gray’s leadership extended to his off- duty activities as well. As an experienced motorcyclist and national president of the Dominant Breed Motorcycle Club, he volunteered his time and talent to ensure his Army reserve unit had the best motorcycle safety program within the brigade.

Many of the Dominant Breed Motorcycle Club members and fellow Army reservists took a moment of silence during the memorial to reflect upon their loss and grief.

Following a silent tribute, a final roll call was taken and a 21-gun rifle volley began - afterwhich the Soldiers lowered their weapons and stood at attention and rendered honors as “Taps” was played.

Col. Marc Harris, U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, chief of staff, escorted Gray’s wife, Tara, and their son James Brandon Gray Jr., and daughter, Breanna Tiara Gray, to the front foyer of Alexander Hall, where Westbrooks formally presented Gray’s posthumous Meritorious Service Medal to his family.

The Battalion’s command sergeant major turned to Tara Gray and said, “We remain with you to offer support as long as you and your family need us.”

Gray was buried with full honors June 6 at Arlington National Ceremony in Arlington, Va. Westbrooks was at the graveside service with Tara Gray and her children. Members of the Dominant Breed Motorcycle Club, which Gray was the national president, were the pallbearers.