Ssg Michael Anthony Sams

Staff Sergeant Michael A. Sams was born April 16, 1974 in Valdosta, Georgia. Sergeant Sams began his military career on September 07, 1992. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After Basic Training he completed Advance Individual Training (AIT), also at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After AIT he was assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia where he served two and a half years in the 24th Corps Support Group. After his enlistment, Staff Sergeant Sams left service with an honorable discharge. Staff Sergeant Sams later returned to active duty in October of 1999 as a helicopter repairman assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia for AIT. In July of 2000, Sergeant Sams was assigned to 2/3 Aviation Hunter Army Airfield where he served as Blackhawk Crewchief. In September of 2004, Staff Sergeant Sams was reassigned to 228th Aviation at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, where he served as a Blackhawk Crewchief for one year. Upon leaving Honduras, Staff Sergeant Sams was assigned to 3rd Battalion 160th Regiment (Airborne).

His military schools consist of the Combatives Level I, Special Operation Training Course (Green Platoon), Warrior Leaders Course, The Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Technical Transportation of Hazard Material Course, Aviation Accident Prevention Course, SERE Course, The Combat Lifesaver Course, and Air Assault.

His awards and decorations included an Air Medal (Numeral 5), Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), The Joint Service Achievement Medal, The Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Clasp), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (3 Campaign Starts), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Ribbon, The Basic Aviation Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

Staff Sergeant Sams is preceded in death by his father, Mr. George Sams, his brother, Mr. George “ToTo” Sams, his grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. George Sams and Mr. Mr. John T. Thomas.

Staff Sergeant Sams is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carla Sams of Savannah, GA; his daughter, Gabrielle Dominique; his mother, Clemmie Jean Sams of Valdosta, GA; his grandmother, Alberta (Richard) Irvin of Valdosta, GA; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Staff Sergeant Michael A. Sams will be on Sunday September 12, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. from the sanctuary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta, GA. Dr. William C. Morgan is pastor and will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Pallbearer’s Cemetery, Valdosta, GA. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net. Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC of Valdosta, GA is in charge of the arrangements.