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Local soldier killed in Afghanistan
A 23-year-old paratrooper from Spotsylvania died in Afghanistan yesterday from injuries sustained when a bomb went off near his vehicle.
Date published: 6/22/2007
BY EDIE GROSS
A 23-year-old paratrooper from Spotsylvania died in Afghanistan yesterday from injuries sustained when a bomb went off near his vehicle.
Sgt. Dustin Perrott, a 2003 graduate of Chancellor High School, was on patrol in Miri, Afghanistan, about 60 miles southwest of Kabul, when he was killed, according to information from the military.
His parents, John and Susan Calamos, said today they were proud of their son’s efforts but were not prepared to talk to the media just yet.
Perrott, who’d been stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., was an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Iraq from December 2004 to March 2005.
“Sgt. Perrott was a tremendous paratrooper who had been a leader in this organization for a long time. He was the kind of leader that infused others with motivation,” the regiment’s commander, Lt. Col. Timothy McAteer, said in a statement. “You just couldn’t help but smile when you talked to him.”
In addition to his parents, Perrott is survived by his wife, Anna Marie Perrott, and his sister, Angeline Perrott.
Edie Gross: 540/374-5428
egross@freelancestar.com
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Family Statement from Mrs. Anna Perrott (Sgt. Perrott's wife)
"Sgt. Dustin Perrott wasn't just a Soldier, he was an amazing person and a wonderful husband. Sgt. Perrott was known by the name of Dusty. Dusty was always smiling and laughing. Everyone always seemed drawn to his kindness. Dusty was a huge guy. We also called him the 'Gentle Giant.' Dusty loved to play his drums, he has played since he was just a kid. Dusty had an ear for music like nothing I've ever seen. Although he couldn't read sheet music, he could hear something once and play it right back with no error. He loved all music from Snot to Elton John. Sgt. Perrott was that guy that would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar to his name. His father was a service member, and from the first day I met him (Dusty), he always wanted to be in the Army. I'll never forget how proud he was and how tall he stood the day he enlisted. Dusty has always been HOOAH about his job and understood what could happen to an Infantryman.
'I want to serve my country, I'm proud to serve my country,' he'd always say, although he'd never brag or boast about his career. After work and playing the drums, Dusty loved to go skydiving. Dusty jumped with the Army Golden Knights many times while working on his civilian skydiving license. He loved spending time with his granny and mother. He'd always say I love those women. He loved and adored our Black Lab, Butler. He also enjoyed playing cards and watching his DVDs. We collected DVDs and have over 500. His favorite movies were Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, Casino, Talledega Nights, and many, many more. Sgt. Clouse was also in 2-508 and was Sgt. Perrott's best friend. They were always together and Sgt. Clouse meant the most to him. Dusty had many other friends in the unit including: Sgt. Fletcher, Orr, Conner, Ryder, Beck, McCabe, Frientz, Blain, Emerich, Dochnal, Gerrish, Edmunds, and many others. Dusty had many friends from Fredericksburg, as well, including: Chris Burkle, Bobby Maddox, Jason Rendon, Jamie and Sgt. Ryan Tarmen, Jennifer Bishop, Marc Lambert, Jessica and Spc. Chinchilla and the McDonald family and many others.
I will always miss my husband and my love for him will always grow. The vows we pledged said 'till death do us part' and only half my heart went to Iraq and Afghanistan, and now half my heart is with him for good. We may not be together physically, but we will always be in each other's hearts. I love you always and forever and you will always be my hero. Our bond and love will never be broken. You're my one and only always. RIP Sgt. Perrott 05-05-1984 – 06-21-2007”
Dusty and Anna were married on August 13th, 2004. They’ve been together since December 22, 2002.
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Date published: 6/22/2007
Most recent reader comments:
Thank you
(posted by
Dana1
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Mrs. Perrott, Thank you for sharing him with all of us. My heart goes out to you with much gratitude for your husbands service. I will be forever grateful to him.
Prayers and sympathy
(posted by
riley6
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
My prayers and sympathy for the family who has suffered the loss of their beloved son. I can't imagine their pain. Our family is so grateful to the young man for the sacrifice he made in duty to his country. He is truely a HERO!
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