Staff Sgt. Darrell R. Griffin

The City of Alhambra was extremely saddened to hear news that Staff Sgt. Darryl R. Griffin, 36, a former resident of Alhambra, died March 21, 2007 in Balad, Iraq, from wounds suffered in combat. He was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team).

Staff Sgt. Griffin and his wife, Diana, lived in Alhambra from 1995 to 2001. He was employed as an EMT for American Medical Response, and also worked for Home Depot. According to his family, he was in the process of joining the Alhambra Police Department when an opportunity arose to join the Army.

Prior to joining the Army he served in the Army National Guard. He reported for active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington in July 2001, at which time he was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT). He was deployed to Iraq from October 2004 to September 2005. Staff Sgt. Griffin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his actions in saving the lives of three U.S. soldiers as well as two Iraqi Army soldiers injred during battle in Tal Afar, Iraq. This was Staff Sgt. Griffin's second tour in Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division approximately one year ago.

Other awards he received include: Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

His wife, Diana, noted that "Darrell was my husband, my Soldier, my gift from God who was also the love of my life and always will be." He was also "a Soldier's Soldier of "Strength and Honor,' whose commitment to duty, honor and loyalty will be forever remembered by all who know and love him. The news of his death saddens us deeply and we ask for your prayers in our time of grief. Please also continue to keep our Soldiers in your prayers."

Staff Sgt. Griffin will be buried at Sawtell Cemetery in Westwood (arrangements still pending). The family has requested privacy during their time of mourning.