Andrew Sgt. SOUTHARD

Fort Campbell - Sgt. Andrew P. Southard gave the ultimate sacrifice on Friday, November 10, 2023, while serving the Country he loved; overseas in the Mediterranean Sea. The Southard family moved to Spokane in December of 1992, when Andy's father, E7 Master Stg. Frank (Randy) Southard was transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base. The Family lived in the area until E7 Master Stg. Frank (Randy) Southard's retirement from the Air Force. Andrew, better known as Andy by his friends and family, was born on October 27, 1996, in Spokane, Washington, to Kim and Randy Southard. Andy attended kindergarten at Cooper Elementary, then attended Longfellow Elementary before the family moved to Apache Junction, Arizona in 2007 following Randy's retirement in 2006. Andy continued his grammar school through high school education in Apache Junction, AZ. Until his graduation from Apache Junction High School in 2015. Andy's smile was contagious and had a fun-loving attitude. He had a very caring heart and would do anything to help others. Andy enjoyed many things but he had a love for riding his dirt bike, especially on the motor track. Andy followed a similar path to his father in service to his country by enlisting in the Army in 2015 as a 15T UH-60 "Black Hawk" Crew Chief. He was assigned to the 1st Armored Division Aviation Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Southard later completed a 13-month rotation to Task Force Sinia, Egypt in support of ongoing peacekeeping operations. After finishing his tour, he reported to Fort Campbell's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Southard volunteered for assignment to the 160th SOAR (Abn) and after completing an extensive training and assessment program in 2023, he remained in 1st Bn., 160th SOAR (Abn) for service as an MH-60M Crew Chief. While assigned to the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Southard deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He graduated from the En-listed Combat Skills, Combat-ives Level 1, MH_60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Course, and the Basic Leaders Course. Southard's awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Basic Aviation Badge. Andy is survived by his loving wife Ashley Southard, son Jack Gavin, and Daughter Hallie Southard. His parents Ret. E7 Master Stg. Frank (Randy) Southard, Kim Southard, and brother Samuel (Sam) Southard. Grandparents Bev Salter, Harry and Marcia Florian, his aunt and uncle, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Andrea Southard, and Aunt Tami. A memorial service will be held at Neal Tarley Parchman Funeral Home on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 9:00 AM until the hour of service at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parch-man Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37040; (931)408-9690. Online condolences may be made, and live streaming of the service may be viewed at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.