FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – A combat medic killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom will be memorialized at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 when Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s West Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) Health Clinic is renamed in his honor.

Sgt. Russell Lee Collier was killed Oct. 3, 2004, in Taji, Iraq, when rendering medical aid to a fellow Soldier who was wounded by small arms fire. His unselfish actions under direct enemy fire led to his own mortal wounds. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions.

Collier was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas National Guard. He trained at Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) with the 1st Cavalry Division and deployed as the battery medic for the 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery Regiment, Rhode Island National Guard.

In recognition of his service to the Army Medical Corps, Darnall Medical Center is hosting an official naming ceremony at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the West Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) Clinic. Media are invited to attend.

General officers from the Southern Regional Medical Command, III Corps and Arkansas National Guard will provide remarks.

Collier’s widow and children will be in attendance as the guests of honor, and his former commanders are expected to attend.

Media interested in covering this event should RSVP by 3 p.m. Nov. 19 to Christie Vanover at (254) 286-7954 or christie.vanover@us.army.mil.