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Plantersville soldier killed in Afghanistan
Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Jones
Everybody knew him as “Mojo.” But officially, he was known as U.S. Army Sgt. Ricky Dewayne Jones.
Jones, 26, died Sunday after a rocket attack at Bagram, a U.S. base in Afghanistan about 25 miles northeast of Kabul. Another soldier died in the attack and six Americans — four military and two civilians — were wounded. The Department of Defense released a statement acknowledging the fatality.
“I don't know how he got the name Mojo,” said his mother, Shelia McCrary. “I was young when I had him. His grandmother and grandfather must have given him that name. Maybe because he moved so fast.”
And Jones was known at Dallas County High School for his speed. He was a running back on the varsity football team. No. 3.
“He was the best No. 3,” his mother said.
McCrary said military officials notified her of Jones' death Sunday. He died instantly when a rocket hit his living quarters at the air base. He was assigned to the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk, La. The brigade organized at Fort Polk in 2007, the first of its kind in the regular Army.
A public relations spokesman at Fort Polk said he had no additional information on the events surrounding Jones' death.
Jones had come home in March on a two-week leave to help his mother as she recovered from hip surgery. He was fine, but knew he had to return to his duty station.
While he was home, he visited his father, Willie Tyus.
“He was feeling good,” Tyus said. “He told me he loved it.”
Jones enlisted in the military shortly after graduating from Dallas County High School in 2001, his father said.
On Friday night, McCrary talked to her son for what would be the last time. He called about 9:30 p.m. local time.
“He was feeling fine,” Jones' mother said. “His son's birthday was coming up and he said he was sending something.”
Jones has three children — two 4-year-olds and a 2-year-old.
Two weeks prior in a telephone conversation with his mother, Jones told her about some bombing in the area.
“He said about 15 were killed over there,” McCrary said.
Jones' body arrived in Delaware about 11 a.m. Monday. His remains will be shipped to Alabama in about three days, his mother said.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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Comments
Posted by SelmaGirl09 (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 1:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rest In Peace Mojo...
Posted by mbwm (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our prayers are with the family. It takes a lot of courage to fight for our freedom.
Posted by miss27 (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Prayers go out to family.. Mojo, thank you for your courage to protect your country. Rest in Peace.. you will be missed..
Posted by goneinalabama (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers goes out to the Jones Family. You all had a true solider. It seems like yesturday when I seen Rickey at the baseball field behind my uncle's house in Plantersville. I really didnt know who he was until I seen his picture. But I was very young when I lasted seen him. You will be truely missed.
Posted by 2himiowe (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shelia, please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With thoughts of peace and courage for you,
Tamara Dudley-Johnson (co-worker)
Posted by Nikki (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodmorning everyone, I would like to take the time out to thank you for all the calls, emails and prayers that we have recieved during our season of grieving. Please continue to pray and ask god to give us strength.
Posted by proudwifeofasoldier (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mojo Jones. I did not personally know him as he graduated from DCHS after I did but I know many people who did know him and have spoken highly of him. This has really hit close to home as my husband has been stationed at Bagram in the past. May Mojo Jones rest in peace for making the ultimate sacrifice in order for me to live in the free world. May God give his family and friends the strength to get through this especially his children.
Posted by bunnyk (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I went to school with him. I did not know him personally, but he always stood out. He was a great young man and will always be remembered. Thank you Mojo for fighting for our freedom.
Posted by Shavette (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MoJo you will truly be missed, you did a lot when you put up your right hand to serve and protect your country, I respect and appreciate everything that you did. You are gone but you will forever be in my heart. Thanks for serving our country! RIP you cousin SSgt Marlena Ross
Posted by killingourselves (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like pay my utmost respect to a fallen comrade. I didn't know Ricky but being a fellow DCHS graduate and a soldier, its just like I lost a brother as well. People thats not in the military doesn't know how tight of a bond that we have with one another. It hurts every soldier in every branch of service. This one hurts even deeper for me. To my fellow DCHS hornet, fellow Alabamian, neighbor, and most of all, MY FELLOW BROTHER AT ARMS, I've never met you but I love you bro. You took the ultimate challenge and made the ultimate sacrifice. You are resting now. May god bless your entire family. To Mrs. McCrary, I can't imagine the hurt you're going through right now. My prayers goes out to the whole family. Look to God and he will guide you through it all. Keep your head up. You raised one of the best sons the world have ever known. YOU RAISED A SOLDIER.
Posted by Twun (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear family and friends I would like to say that I am sorry I couldn't do anything for him we was always together and they called us partners in crime but we had fun. So on that note mother I am very sorrry for what happen I just want you to know that I am here for you and the family I dont know how I am going to make it by myself here. But I want you to be strong as I am right her with you and to the boys I got cha and Fredda I dont know where to start or end but I want all of you to know that I am here and with you every step of the way.
With love your other son and fellow soldier
SPC Antonio Shelton
Twun
Posted by deb8302 (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First i would like to say He will truly be missed,My blessings are with his family and kids.I would like the family to know you will be in my prayers.Ricky Jones will always be a brave hero in my eyes.
Posted by nbamanate (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our prayers are with the Jones family during their time of sorrow. Mojo has given the ultimate sacrifice for us and his country and he will be forever remembered. Keep your hands in God's hand and he will help you through this ordeal. We will keep you in our prayers and may God bless you all.
Posted by lawis4me (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the Jones Family: May God bless you and may you find peace in your time of sorrow. I extend my personal thank you to your son for giving his life for our country. I pray that his death will not be in vain. He is a true hero!
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