Rep. Baird helps remember life of Hoosier hero Fields

Friday, February 22, 2013
Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) addresses fellow Indiana House legislators honoring the memory of soldier, Arronn Fields of Brazil as the fallen soldier's parents, Jackie and William Pilkin, look on Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) authored a resolution to honor the memory of Arronn Fields, a fallen Hoosier soldier from Clay County Wednesday.

Rep. Baird presented the resolution to Fields' parents, Jackie and William Pilkin, who later had the opportunity to address the legislators on behalf of their son.

Rep. Baird was joined by fellow State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Alan Morrison (R-Terre Haute) as co-authors on the resolution.

"Every Hoosier, every American, should be grateful for men like Arronn Fields," Rep. Baird said. "They are the real heroes who allow us to enjoy our freedoms every day, and it is important that we recognize and honor all of servicemen and women for their devotion to our safety and well-being.

"The resolution that I presented today is a small way of honoring a fallen hero, a tribute of boundless appreciation and humility. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Born Nov. 27, 1984 in Clay County, Fields graduated from Northview High School in 2003. He worked at Page's Grocery in Brazil, FedEx in Terre Haute and later joined the Indiana Army National Guard where he earned the rank of specialist.

"Indiana's National Guard was fortunate to have such a brave, selfless person in their ranks, and the sacrifices he made will never be forgotten or overlooked," Rep. Heaton praised.

After completing a tour of duty in Iraq, Fields deployed to Afghanistan in January 2012 with the 381st Military Police Company as part of an operational component to Operation Enduring Freedom.

On May 21 last year, while conducting a routine patrol mission, he was killed from injuries sustained during a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Qal-ah-ye Mirza Jal, Afghanistan.

Throughout his military service, Fields received various military awards including a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support of the 108th Military Police Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom, American Legion Post 117 Certificate of Honor, and Outstanding Unload Performance Certificate.

"His life accomplishments are far reaching, and he will be remembered as a hero by family members, friends and all who hear of his sacrifices," said Rep. Morrison.

Visit www.in.gov/legislative for more information about Resolution 13.

Rep. Baird represents all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.

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