Sgt. Maj. Timothy Bolyard

42, US Army

September 3 marks the anniversary of the passing of Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Bolyard, 42, of Thornton, West Virginia, We honor and remember him, his mother Sandra Bolyard and his wife Amy J. (Lynn) Bolyard. He was born Jan 15, 1976,

CSM Bolyard was deployed with 3rd Squadron, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia. He died from wounds sustained from small arms fire in Logar province, Afghanistan September 3, 2018 Serving During Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

He joined the Army in June 1994, was an armor/cavalry scout senior sergeant who served as the squadron command sergeant major for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, of Fort Benning, Georgia, according to the Army. His awards and decorations include six Bronze Star Medals, two of them with Valor, four Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, nine Army Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Combat Action Badge.

A native of Thorton, W.Va., CSM Bolyard served a 24-year career in the U.S. Army. He was less than two months away from retirement when he was killed in what officials called, 'an insider attack' in Afghanistan.

Fellow soldiers, veterans, family members, neighbors and strangers all lined the streets between the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home and the cemetery on Sep. 19, 2018, to pay their respects.

"Serving alongside Tim was an honor and a privilege every single day," said Sgt. Major of the Army, Daniel A. Dailey, who has known CSM Bolyard for nearly 20 years. "His bravery was unmatched. His leadership, his humility, his humbleness for his soldiers, it's just unmatched. He's a phenomenal leader, a phenomenal gentleman, and a phenomenal father. We couldn't have asked for better service from a great American."

Dailey, the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, said he was a better person for knowing CSM Bolyard throughout his life. "There are hazards of our chosen profession," Daily said. "They're very hard to deal with. I think what we must focus on is what he stood for, what he lived for. He loved being an American soldier. He loved wearing the uniform. He'd be proud to know that we were still here today honoring him for the sacrifice he made to this great nation."

More than 70 motorcycles led the procession to the cemetery with veterans from around the country. They included Patriot Guard Riders, Eight Eight Six Foundation, Combat Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Legacy Veterans, American Legion Riders, and other groups.

"This is a hometown boy," said Mike Jarvis, Eight Eight Six Foundation president. "It's like a family member that we're here to honor."

Mark Landes, commanding general of the Security Forces Assistance Command, did not know CSM Bolyard personally but said he knew about the type of man and soldier he was. "I've heard so many stories where he took the time to stop, listen, and address people and their concerns" Landes said. "He was just an amazing leader and amazing man. He was in the service of so many people. What a shining example for all of us. He happily did it, with a smile on his face everywhere he went."

Amy Jackson graduated with Tim in 1994. Her husband played football alongside him in school. She said she talked to Tim around a month before he died. "Tim was an amazing person," Jackson said. "He was the best friend anyone could ask for. In the army, he was the man. He was awesome." Her class made t-shirts in his honor in Grafton's blue and gold colors. The back featured the number 60 from his days on the Grafton High School football field. The name "Caveman" was at the top of the shirts, a nod to his football nickname, describing the way his friends said he ran down the field. 

Jackson offered a simple, yet resonating message for the family of her longtime friend. “Thank you for letting him serve," she said.

He is survived by 3 children and multiple grandchildren.

Let us always remember him and...

Say His Name

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