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Garrett Ian Baker McLead
(1984--2007)
 Local soldier killed in Iraq
BY David Kassabian and Barbara Ramirez
Caller-Times
Originally published 04:32 a.m., August 23, 2007; Updated 04:32 a.m., August 23,
2007
A 23-year-old soldier from Rockport died in a helicopter crash Wednesday in
northern Iraq, a family friend said.
Garrett McLead, a 2002 graduate of Rockport-Fulton High School, was serving
in the Army, said family friend and Rockport Police Chief Tim Jayroe. McLead's
family was notified just before noon Wednesday, Jayroe said.
McLead was one of 14 U.S. soldiers killed when a Black Hawk helicopter
crashed during a nighttime mission near the city of Kirkuk. The military said it
appeared the aircraft was downed by mechanical problems and not hostile fire.
McLead's parents declined to comment Wednesday. A Department of Defense
spokesman contacted Wednesday evening was unable to confirm McLead's death or
release details about his unit.
The family has asked a spokesman from Aransas Pass High School to make a
formal announcement today, Jayroe said. McLead's parents recently moved to
Aransas Pass, where his mother is a teacher.
The soldier was a member of First Baptist Church of Rockport, enjoyed surfing
and played varsity tennis and soccer in high school. "He had a strong
spiritual side and a real deep faith," said Walter Knight, retired pastor
of the church. "That's what gave him the courage to do what he did as a
soldier."
Knight described McLead as an adventure seeker who changed from a moppy-haired
teen to a clean-cut soldier overnight. He said the enthusiastic soldier
re-enlisted after his first term.
McLead had a great smile and always was happy, said David Roaten, former
youth pastor at McLead's church.
"He was always a real upbeat kid," Roaten said. "He and his
buddies were always up to something, but in a good way."
Contact David Kassabian at 886-3778 or kassabiand@caller.com
or Barbara Ramirez at 886-3792 or ramirezb@caller.com.
The Associated press contributed to this report.
ROCKPORT -- Garrett Ian McLead, an Iraq War Army veteran
and a member of Young Life, First Baptist Church of Rockport and the Third Coast
Squadron/Commemorative Air Force, died Aug. 22, 2007. He was 23. Survivors
include his parents, Patrick and Patti McLead of Aransas Pass; a brother, Mason
McLead of Austin; and his grandparents, Norman and Jean Faye McLead of Rockport.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at First Baptist Church of Rockport. Burial
will be in Rockport Cemetery.
Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, Aransas Pass | 