Memorial to be Dedicated to Student Killed in Iraq

            West Virginia State University will pause during its Homecoming celebration for a solemn task.  A plaque will be added to the Alumni Carillon in honor of Sergeant Deforest Talbert, a student who was killed in Iraq in 2004.  The memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 15 in the Visitor's Plaza where the carillon is located. 

            Those expected to give remarks include Assistant Adjutant General Charles T. Veit, WVSU President Hazo W. Carter, Jr., SGT. Talbert's task force commander, COL Wilcoxon, and fellow soldier SGT Jacques Bridges.  The ceremony will conclude with a 21 gun volley fire and the playing of Taps.

            SGT Deforest Talbert was a native of Alexandria VA.  Following his high school graduation, he enrolled at West Virginia State University, majoring in communications.  While attending WVSU, he enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard in Dunbar, WV.  He was assigned to Bravo Company 1/150 AR.

            Sergeant Talbert was mobilized as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in October 2003.  Once in Iraq, he served as an Assistant Gunner.  While patrolling on the evening of July 24, 2004, SGT Talbert's convoy was the target of an enemy attack using an Improvised Explosive Device.  While three of his fellow soldiers were injured, SGT Talbert was killed instantly.

            Sergeant Talbert is survived by his son Deontae Talbert, Deontae's mother Frances Hamilett, SGT Talbert's mother Gloria Nesbitt and his father Benjamin Dickens, his brother James, two sisters Tawanna Loving and LaTasha Marble along with fourteen nieces and nephews.