Over an Army career of 30 years, he spent 3 tours in Vietnam and was stationed at various posts stateside as well as tours in Korea, Thailand, Germany and Italy. During his years of service SGM(R) Brooks was awarded several commendations including the Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (10th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (3d Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3d Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Vietnamese cross of Gallantry with Palm. SGM(R) Brooks graduated with Class 16 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, TX, in 1981. His last tour of duty was with C Company, 73d Ordnance Battalion, 269th Ordnance Brigade, USAOMMCS, Redstone Arsenal, AL. He then proceeded to spend approximately 18 years as a federal employee at Redstone Arsenal with the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center.
SGM(R) Brooks was a long-time active member of Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA), Chapter 1067, Redstone Arsenal Sergeants Major Association, American Legion, VFW Post 2702, DAV, Redstone Arsenal Military Retiree Council and Redstone Arsenal Bicentennial Post Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of these organizations.
SGM(R) Brooks is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cynthia Brooks and son, Virgil Brooks, both of Huntsville; his daughter, Veronica Brooks of Ellenwood, Georgia; brother-in-law, Keith White, Alexandria, VA; aunt, Lucille Derrickson, Paris, KY, and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Valhalla Funeral Home from 2:00pm until 3:45pm. Graveside Services, with full military honors will begin at 4:00pm in Valhalla Memory Gardens - Chapel of Peace. Please leave fond memories and words of encouragement for the Brooks family at www.valhallafunerals.com.
FAMILY
Cynthia BrooksWife
Virgil BrooksSon
Veronica BrooksDaughter
Keith WhiteBrother-in-Law
Lucille DerricksonAunt
Numerous cousins.
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