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On Aug. 12, 2014, our Heavenly Father welcomed a new soldier into his ranks when Sgt. First Class Samuel C. Hairston, a decorated military veteran of 11 years, gave his life in Ghazni Afghanistan after sustaining wounds from small arms fire.
Sam was born to Bernette and Josephine Hairston in Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. on June 22, 1979. Raised in Shalimar, Fla., Sam graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1997. He went on to pursue a Division 1 Football Scholarship at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics.
In 2003, he joined the United States Army as an infantryman. Hairston selflessly served four combat tours throughout his career which included two tours in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. A decorated service member, Sgt. First Class Hairston earned the Parachutist, Pathfinder, Combat Infantryman and Halo Badges as well as the coveted Ranger Tab. Throughout his career he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
On April 2, 2010, Sam "Sammy Bear" changed the life of his "Sugarbritches," Tawana Hairston, forever, and made her his wife. Together they raised their son, Hayden Motes. He was a loving, caring, devoted, God fearing husband and father.
Sgt. First Class Hairston was a natural born leader. He was admired by many, both military and civilian. He was the man that would get things done, always placing the mission first and never expecting anything in return. He took pride in all he did and would have dropped everything to help anyone in need. Sam had a smile that would light up the room and will forever be remembered by everyone who was blessed to have had him in their life.
He gave his life the same way he lived it, selflessly taking care of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Tawana Hairston; and son, Hayden Motes of Cameron, N.C.; parents, Bernette and Josephine Hairston of Shalimar; brothers, Junee Cardama of Crestview, Fla., Broady Hairston of Lexington Park, Md. and T.J Hairston of Shalimar.
Sgt. First Class Hairston's viewing will be Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, from 1500hrs to 1900hrs and Funeral services will be Sunday Aug. 24, 2014, at 1000hrs. All services will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, N.E. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Sam will be laid to rest in Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Pkwy NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
"My son, my son, where have you gone,
Off to war never to return.
My son, my son, where are you now,
No longer in danger, you are one of God's Angels
Fight on my son, in the army of the Lord,
Carry high your Honor,
Carry high your Sword.
I love you my son".
-Bernette Hairston
Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thank you for protecting and standing up for the oppressed. Your memory will live on as along as I have a breath in me. Continue to protect and serve in heaven. We'll share a fox hole one day.
SSgt Luna-Ruiz
Other
August 31, 2021
Matt Rulo
August 15, 2020
May God Bless him in eternity and sit him at the right hand of the father. May his sacrifice never be forgotten. Rangers Lead The Way!!
Stephen Costello 1SG RET, USA
August 12, 2019
Today I was going through military times. As I scrolled through the names, and stories of the men and women who have come before me, I came across Samuel C. Hairston. He was embodied the Soldiers Creed, and Army Values. I am grateful for his Service. To his Family: I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you tonight. Sergeant...You will not be Forgotten.
L Smith
August 1, 2016
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Robert Weaver
December 13, 2014
Thank you for your service. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. I will be forever greatful. Your name will not be forgotten. Rest in peace knowing you are a hero.
leiloni crawford
November 26, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences to the family. May GOD grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days. (Psalm 83:18)
bvd- (John 17:3)
November 24, 2014
Thank you for your service SFC Samuel Hairston. We will not forget your sacrifice.
November 23, 2014
To all of Samuel's family, my name is Cheyenne and I am a senior at Winfield City High School (Winfield,AL)and I would like to share my condolences with you all. My Government class has been tasked with finding and writing in the guestbooks of recently fallen soldiers in honor of veterans day and through my search I found Mr. Hairston. I myself have a friend who is currently in military training and I do fear that he may get killed in action, but I also know that every man and woman who goes overseas are incredably brave and it is because of them that we are able to live the life that we do and for that I say thank you. to Samuel. To the fallen. To you, his family. I am very glad that we are able to live in our country safe from harm because of those we have lost and those who are still fighting. Personally, I do not plan to join any form of the military. the closest I get is with my marching band, but that just goes to show that I'm better suited for animation than the brave job our soldiers hold. I hope that everyone who knew Samuel is comforted by the fact that his spirit still lives on in every American heart that walks this story today. If you would like to respond to this then I would love to hear from you! Just email my teacher via the little contact link. Thank you!
November 6, 2014
To the Hairston Family, Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one and Hero, Samuel, and my sincerest gratitude for his service for our country.
God bless you Sgt. First Class Samuel C. Hairston...never to be forgotten.
S. Kronenwetter
October 2, 2014
To the family, friends, and military unit of Sgt. Hairston, Please, accept my deepest condolences for your loss of Samuel. We will not forget his brave service or ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom and protect our way of life. He is a true American Hero! May he rest in Peace and may you have comfort and healing for your loss. With deep gratitude,
M. Carpenter
August 31, 2014
Rest in peace, Sam. Your absence here on Earth is deeply felt by so many and though we mourn for our loss, we know that the angels rejoiced as you entered God's kingdom.
Beth Flores
August 26, 2014
I taught Sam and his brother Broady for four years (each) at Choctawhatchee High School. Both were members of my most elite singing ensemble, the Madrigals. We all shared many memories of many performances, and I loved both of these boys! My heart is broken.......I felt, after four years, an intimate relationship with these students. Sam was very special! I hope he knew that...........I will always remember his smile!
Jackie Hails
August 25, 2014
Thank you for being such a great roll model. You will rest in heaven. Thanks for your selfless service.
wendi martin
August 25, 2014
My father, a Viet Nam Veteran told me once,"For a soldier, the war never ends until the Lord calls him home."
Your war is over now. You are home now. Live in Peace. May God bless you as an angel for the ones you love and the ones who have loved you.
Until we are granted life's final reward, we wait to see you again.
We are only here for a visit...
Brian S & family
August 25, 2014
A warrior, a brother, a teammate, a classmate, and a friend. I salute you Mr. Hairston, you our HERO. Job well done my friend!
Reggie Robinson
August 25, 2014
I want to send my condolences to all of the Hairston family. Your son gave the ultimate sacrifice for family and country. Remember and hold dear all of your memories of him. He will always be in your heart. T.J., I especially want to say remember what a great brother he was to you.
Pat Webster
August 24, 2014
A Fallen Indian is never forgotten! May you rest in peace Sam. God bless your family and we will keep them in our prayers. Thank you for all your service.
Mollianne Sheppard
August 24, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all his family. Thank you Sam for the ultimate sacrifice you have given us. I honor you
Charline Tabb
August 24, 2014
It was an honor and a privilege to have known Sam. The world is a darker place without his bright smile.
Jaclyn Carpenter
August 24, 2014
Rest in peace Brother!
August 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family. No parent should have to bury their child. He paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Alana Parkes
August 23, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. So many fine men and women have given their lives for our freedom. Thanks from my heart to yours for your son's sacrifice to keep our country free. Prayers for your family.
August 23, 2014
My deepest & most heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the family."THANK YOU" for serving our country.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Katherine Brown
August 23, 2014
Thank you for your service and may god bless the family of a great soldier.
Clifton Gordon
August 23, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful son is with our Lord now, at peace, at home. I pray for you and your family that you may find peace and comfort walking with our Father.
Carlise Downie
August 23, 2014
My deapest condolences to the family of true American hero who gave his preceous life for our freedom.RIP
Susanna Zaslavskaya
August 23, 2014
Sorry for the loss of this fine young man, God bless your family.
JoAnn Taverna
August 23, 2014
Peace be with the family, he is a hero!
August 23, 2014
Josie, please know that I am praying for you and your family as you go through this most difficult time. Your son is a hero!
RIP Sgt. Hairston. You paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free. As you walk through Heaven's gate and join the soldiers who have gone on before you, please know that your family, friends, and community will always remember your bravery and sacrifice given, as you led the way to freedom.
God bless you and yours,
Mary
Mary Swisher
August 23, 2014
In deepest Sympathy, to the Family of Sgt. First Class, Samuel C. Hairston, may this fine young Soldie,r Rest in Peace, in God's Eternal Garden, Sleeping with the Angels!
Joyce McDaniel
August 23, 2014
It's really tough when we lose one of our bright young citizens. Our heart goes out to SFC Hairston's family for the loss of their loved one. May God grant him peace in his heavenly home. Thank God for brave soldiers like SFC Hairston who are willing to sign up and defend our country.
Bob Davis
August 23, 2014
A Cross will be made in Honor of Samuel. He will join the other 385 Fallen Floridians Tribute.
Jim Vanderbleek
August 23, 2014
I wish to say I'm sorry for your loss. I am proud you raised such a fine son. I wish I could thank him for his service to our country.
Roberta Davis
August 23, 2014
If I am not able to make todays viewing, please accept our regards and condolences of the passing of Sam. Judy and I remember the times that he and his brothers and Matt, Amy and Danny played together at Clark Air Base.
Gerry & Judy Timms
August 23, 2014
As I didn't know Samuel personality. I understand the lose of another hero.my brother in law died for our freedom back in Jan ..my you find peace and know he is and will cont to be a hero in so many ways.prayers to your family.
D Lacey
August 23, 2014
prayers to you all,what an awesome man , thank you for everything,our freedom and the dedication you have of serving your country ,may you rest in peace .....many thank you's my brother
debbie hilvar
August 23, 2014
I didn't know SFC Hairston or his family but I wanted to offer my condolences. My thought and prayers are with you. May God comfort you during your time of grief. Thank you SFC Hairston for your service and protecting out freedoms. God bless!
Gina Boggess
August 23, 2014
May your family find peace and comfort. What a brave man. Thank you for your service.
Shelby Mitteer
August 23, 2014
Rest in Peace..and thank you for your service!
melissa gleneck
August 23, 2014
I did not know you, but I wanted to thank you for your service! You gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy the things we Americans love to do! God has a special place for men like you!
Rest in Pease SFC Sam Hairston!!
Robert Mofford
August 23, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family & friends of SFC Hairston. I did not know him, but will be showing my gratitude & support tomorrow at his viewing.
Carolann Holbrook
August 23, 2014
With a very heavy heart I thank you for serving our great nation and giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Dominique Leahy
August 23, 2014
Your service will be remembered by many for years to come and the legacy you leave behind will be carried with pride for what you did for them and for our country. Rest in peace Samuel. Sending your family prayers of comfort and peace and love.
Chuck and Soila McGill Jr. and family
August 23, 2014
Prayers go out to the family and friends of this fallen soldier. God rest and keep him.
Lisa-Marie Culotta
August 22, 2014
Sam, Thank you for defending our freedoms, I'm so sorry you paid the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers, to everyone who loves Sam,are for healing and peace. May the Lord keep you wrapped in his arms and Bless you with the knowledge you will see your Hero, again one day. God Bless you, Sam. Rest In Peace
Pamela Davis
August 22, 2014
My prayers and condolences are with friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a hero in my eyes. He made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your service. May god bless you. Rest in peace.
leiloni crawford
August 22, 2014
Thank you Sam for your service for freedom for all. God bless you and your family. You are an American hero!
Addie Roebuck
August 22, 2014
We will miss you Sammy. Our memories of you will last forever.
Jennifer Folsom
August 22, 2014
Though I do not know you I wanted to say Thank you for your service and your sacrifice so we can live free God Bless dear one and the family you leave behind may they find comfort in the arms of the angels
Cathy Holland
August 22, 2014
My condolences go out to the family and friends. I will be outside supporting this hero!
Crystal
August 22, 2014
Rip Sgt. Hairston! Thank you for your service! My deepest condolences to the family.
mesha esco
August 22, 2014
Rest In Peace SFC Hairston, Slow hand Salute my brother in arms.
L. W.
August 22, 2014
Rest in Peace noble warrior. God bless your family.
Melissa Addison
August 22, 2014
Lo there do I see my father, Lo there do I see my mother, my sisters and my brothers , Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning.Lo,they do call me, they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever"
RIP Sam, I am glad to have called you friend.
Brandon S
August 22, 2014
God Bless and thank you for all you have done to protect our freedom
George Galanis
August 22, 2014
Thank you for fighting and keepin us safe... Ur an angel in the Lord's army now.... May God hold u in his arms now... Prayers for the family as well...
Pamela Edwards
August 22, 2014
Valhalla has received a noble soul. Thank you for your service, Sam. Rest in peace.
Allison Warner Vann
August 22, 2014
I will miss you my friend.
Steve Vainio
August 22, 2014
From one Soldier to another Soldiers family. Thank you, And may God Bless Your Family and Hold Them In his Loving Arms. With Love, Respect, And Appreciation From A Tennessee Soldier.
Hope Durham
August 22, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss...
The loss of a loved one is a hard thing to face,
The world speeds past, you can't keep up the pace.
The minutes blur to hours; then into days,
Everything's confusing, your mind's in a haze.
This misery you fear will never end,
A pain your heart can't comprehend.
In the silence of the night you ask yourself why?
And can't find the strength to say goodbye.
Your eyes filled with tears, your heart broken in two,
It's now that you wonder how you will make it thru.
But as the days begin to pass by,
You'll notice the sunset in the sky.
The memories now bring a laugh and a smile,
You notice the tears haven't flown in awhile.
Your life is now different and things are not the same,
But it can still be wonderful, even though it's changed.
Debbie Casey
May 15, 2014
In memory of: Michael La'Von Casey 1967 - 2002
Debbie Casey
August 22, 2014
We are very proud of you, rest with the Lord.
Bobbie Heinrichs
August 22, 2014
I would just like to say God Bless all of his family and help them through this time. I wish that I could thank him for his service. I know the pain of your loss. I lost my Dad in the Vietnam war and my heart goes out to your family.
Dorothy Phillips
August 22, 2014
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected] is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church of Mechanicsburg, PA would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your loved one's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Lynne Neibert
August 22, 2014
We are so saddened by the loss of Sam. We have so many wonderful memories of all the times Sam spent at our home when he and our son were growing up. When he came through our door he was always wearing that bright beautiful smile of his. One of the sweetest young men I've ever known. I'm sure he had that same smile when he entered the gates of Heaven. He will always be in our hearts and his family will always be in our prayers.
The Lowrey Family
August 21, 2014
I grew up 2 street from you and Broady. Went to the same schools. I will miss you big smile and kind heart. May God Bless your family during this time. You are a hero to the world. Thank you!
Melissa Coiner
August 21, 2014
I didn't know Sam, but he was my brother. As a CHS grad and vet of Iraqi freedom he was one of my tribe. God rest his soul. And May peace be with you who loved him.
Angela Hanck
August 21, 2014
Proud to have known and coached Sam at Meigs.
Tom Grant
August 21, 2014
Thank you SGT Hairston! I pray for comfort and peace for your family and that they would feel God's presence all around them. I pray that others would remember how you lived rather than how you died. You truly were an American hero!
Anne Lockhart
August 21, 2014
RIP Soldier. Terrible loss. Thanks for your service. Prayers for family and friends...
Bagger Jim
August 21, 2014
Thank you Mr. Hairston for your service. It is an honor to know that you loved this country enough to fight for it. Although, I did not know you, I am from FWB too and so we are neighbors. Rest in peace, you are a hero.
Carolyn Scaife
August 21, 2014
Sam is missed by his "Big Green" family. May the memories of him live on forever in our hearts and minds. Prayers for strength and solace for Ms. Josie and the entire family.
Lisa Musgrove
August 21, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family of this brave young man. May he RIP.
Maria C. Mulero
August 21, 2014
To the Hairston Family ,
I want you to know I share your pain. Samuel played football with my son Lt. Clifford Gadsden in high school. Clifford was killed in Iraq in 2005. Your son took up the challenge to defend this country. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice and for his courage. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Minerva Gadsden
August 20, 2014
Sam was the kindest person I ever had the privilege of knowing and the world is a lesser place without him.
I had the honor of knowing Sam for 25 years and I can honestly say that I have nothing but wonderful memories about him. His smile would brighten anyone's day and he was always ready to give an encouraging word to anyone who needed it. I will treasure the memories of my friend forever.
I hope his family knows he is greatly missed just as he was greatly loved.
To his family I offer my sincerest condolences and my prayers.
To Sam, rest well my friend for I know you are with the angels.
Kyle Lowrey
August 19, 2014
Our family is so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA 5/18/11 - Afghanistan
August 19, 2014
I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Samuel will never be forgotten.
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed.
But I salute you; allow me the honor to salute you with permission let me say. Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part. I salute you.
For those missing in action;for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor to salute you with permission let me say even though I hold no rank know that from my heart my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel,A Proud Aunt
SGT. David M.Fisher KIA 12/1/04 Iraq - - - -
S MacDaniel
August 19, 2014
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