A public memorial will be held on Sunday, November 19th in Puyallup for Army Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, a Special Forces medic who was killed in Niger last month along with three of his fellow soldiers.
Black, 35, attended Puyallup High School where he excelled in wrestling and chess. Black simultaneously earned his AA from Pierce College along with his high school diploma. He enlisted in the Army in 2009.
During his service, Black was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was additionally decorated with the Special Forces tab, the Ranger tab and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge for sharpshooter with rifle.
On October 4th, SSG Black and other members of the 3rd Special Forces Group were ambushed during a joint patrol of U.S.-Niger forces. The purpose of the patrol was to advance stability efforts in the region.
The public memorial will take place at 3 pm at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in Puyallup, 330 S. Meridian. Free parking is available in the adjacent library lot or across the street at city hall.