Terry Jay Lynch
Army SGT
From: Shepherd, Yellowstone County
Date of Death: 6/29/2009
Conflict: Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan
Sergeant Terry J. Lynch of Shepherd, Montana, attended Shepherd High School, where both staff and students liked him. The energetic young man with a lot of spirit took his swearing-in oath into the Army as given by Army General Peter Schoomaker in July 2005. Terry was proud to have participated in the Fourth of July ceremony held in Cody, Wyoming, that day. He was embarking on his basic training and was glad to be doing something for his country. Terry was all set to come home on leave in July 2009.
His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge. Terry was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when he died at age 22 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
He was an energetic and inquisitive child who had many fun trips and adventures with his parents and siblings, including a trip to Australia, where his mother grew up. His spirit and love of fun endeared him to his many friends. His older brother, David, was killed at the age of 16 in a car accident. A few years later, his mother lost her life to cancer at the age of 59. He is survived by his father, Charles, and a sister, Kristin.
