DOB/DOD: July 7, 1984 (Kingston, Jamaica) – March 20, 2007; 22 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Katana Khadeen (1981-)
CHILDREN: One daughter, Iyana (2006-). One son, Stephen Jr. (2007-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: Park Avenue; Bridgeport
ENLISTMENT: August 24, 2005
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 11C10; Indirect Fire Infantryman
UNIT: Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; Fort Riley, Kansas
FAMILY: Born to Cedric S. Hamilton (1963-) and Jacqueline Hamilton-Carby (1966-). Stepfather Ruel (-). Two stepbrothers, Craig and Noel. One brother, Huntley (-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with device, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), Global War on Terrorism Medal (Service), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal – Afghanistan, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Killed in action when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle in Iraq. Also killed in this incident:
Army Sergeant Wayne R. Cornell; Holstein, Nebraska
Bassick High School (Bridgeport, CT) Class of 2002. Photo from the 2000 yearbook.
From The Record-Journal (Meriden, CT) on March 23, 2007
BRIDGEPORT SOLDIER IS 38TH FROM STATE TO DIE IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN
HARTFORD (AP) — Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of a soldier from Bridgeport killed this week in a roadside bombing in Iraq. Army Private First Class Stephen K. Richardson, 22, died Tuesday when the bomb exploded near his vehicle, the Department of Defense said Wednesday. The blast also killed another soldier in his unit. They were soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Riley, Kansas. He’s the 38th person with Connecticut ties who has died since March 2002 in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Private Richardson and thousands upon thousands of brave men and women like him serve our nation every day,” Rell said. “Our gratitude runs deep, especially when such a young life is ended so soon. On behalf of all of Connecticut, I extend condolences and prayers for comfort to his family — here in Connecticut, his wife and daughter in Kansas, and his relatives in Jamaica.” Flags will remain at half-staff until Richardson is buried. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Richardson, an indirect fire infantryman, enlisted in the Army in 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division in 2006, according to Fort Riley. It was his first deployment in the war. He was born in Jamaica and moved to Connecticut when he was 12 or 13, said Lieutenant Colonel John Whitford of the Connecticut National Guard. Richardson was a student for one semester at the University of Bridgeport in 2004. Professor Edward Geist, Richardson’s adviser there, said Richardson wanted to be a business major and study international business. Geist remembered a placement essay in which Richardson wrote that he wanted to return to Jamaica and use his education to bring about positive changes. “He would have done that, too,” Geist said. Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi extended his city’s sympathy to Richardson’s family. “Private Richardson served our country with courage and conviction,” Fabrizi said. “Every time we lose a soldier in combat, it’s heartbreaking, but it is even more so when it’s one of your own and when it is someone so young.”
From The Jamaica Observer (Kingston, Jamaica) on April 10, 2007
STEPHEN RICHARDSON LAID TO REST
Stephen Karl Richardson, the Jamaican who was killed last month by a roadside bomb in Iraq, was buried yesterday with military honours.
The 22-year-old soldier, who migrated to the United States in 1999 and later enlisted in the US Army, was killed on March 20 when a bomb exploded near his vehicle. The explosion also killed another member of his unit.
Yesterday, the Richardson family remembered their loved one as “a man who, in his death, has brought honour to his family, to his country, and to the United States of America.”
Richardson’s wife, Katana, told scores of mourners who crammed into the Chisolm Avenue Seventh Day Church of God in Kingston that her husband was a hero.
“My husband was a hero,” she said resolutely when she went to the microphone.
“Nothing bad was said about my husband; he was a soldier. “Today, I walk, and I hold my head high,” she said.
Richardson was honoured with the Purple Heart, a United States Military decoration to those who die or are wounded, serving the country, a Bronze Star for meritorious service, and a Good Conduct Medal.
General Charles Cleveland, who gave the tribute on behalf of the US Military, said Richardson’s platoon leader called him a “man of many talents and abilities.” Richardson, who was known to members of his platoon as ‘Jamaica,’ was also remembered for being the eternal comic.
The tributes poured in from St George’s College, where Richardson, who was also known as “Itchy,” spent his early high school years; the YMCA, where he participated in summer camps; from organisations with which he was associated; and, of course, from family.
Richardson’s father, Cedric Karl Richardson, remembered his son in a tribute read by Aunt Eulah Powell.
“He was a son of moral, respect and humility,” who had left behind a to-do list, which had as its main item a charge not to “forget my life,” the tribute for the elder Richardson read.
Richardson’s mother, Jacqueline Hamilton-Carby, quickly cautioned those who might have thought she was too composed when she took to the lectern to pay tribute to her “cute, intelligent, unique child.”
“It is not me, Jackie, standing here talking to you. It is the blessed holy spirit who was sent to strengthen me. My strength is absolutely gone,” Hamilton Carby said.
The youngest member of the family, Richardson’s 10-month-old daughter Iyana Richardson, was a picture of childhood carefreeness during the service as dressed in her lavender dress and white shoes and socks, she moved in her baby half steps around the church.
Occasionally, the child would return to the arms of her mother, whose demeanour was the opposite of her daughter’s.
Katana was a picture of agony. Agony, as a result of the one thing her 10-month-old toddler’s mind was not yet capable of recognition.
Iyana could not know that she was at her father’s funeral service or that Private First Class Stephen Ron Oneil Karl Richardson’s name had gone down in history with thousands of other ‘braves’ before him.
But the pregnant Katana knew more than her children did that their father would not be around to teach them to ride their bicycles or share jokes with them.
Katana’s shrill wails of sadness, which started during a rendition of ‘When the Last Teardrop Falls,’ by a friend of Richardson’s, filled the church.
“It’s so hard to lose the one you love/To finally have to say goodbye/You try to be strong, but the pain keeps holdin’ on/And all that you can do is cry,” Jodi Beckford sang.
And cry Katana did, only no tears came. She screamed. And when someone accidentally knocked over a photograph of Richardson, she hurried from her seat, picked it up, and put it back in place.
She did not return to her seat immediately but stood with knitted brows. Perhaps the fallen photograph had reminded her that she would have to create memories of her husband through images for their children.
From The Weekly Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) on April 12, 2007
SLAIN JAMAICAN-BORN US SOLDIER HAILED AS HERO
The death of Jamaican-born soldier Stephen Richardson of the United States Army is another indication that the U.S.-led war in Iraq is not yet won, and remote countries such as Jamaica are paying dearly. Specialist Richardson was killed in the line of duty while fighting in Iraq on March 20. He joined the U.S. military in August 2005 where he enlisted with the First Infantry Division based in Kansas. He was sent to Iraq in February. On Sunday, April 8. A throng of family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers gathered at the Jamaica Council Seventh-day Church of God at 54 Chisolm Avenue. Kingston 13 to bid farewell to a Jamaican here and a “Georgian Gem,” as described by the vice-principal of St George’s College, Valerie Virgo. While attending St. George’s (1996-2001), Ms. Virgo said excellence was Richardson’s forte. She remembered him as a top-10 student who was always punctual, disciplined, and helpful. It was those qualities that led him to serve in the U.S. Army, attributes which were also recognised by his peers and superiors in the military. He was given an official funeral by the U.S. Army. Specialist Richardson was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medal for meritorious service and wounds sustained in the war against terrorism. “His commitment contributed to our nation’s continuing war on terror, and his actions represented his dedication to the security of the United States of America.” Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army. Pete Geren stated in a message read at the funeral Sunday. He was also given the Good Conduct Medal “for exemplary behaviour, efficiency, and fidelity,” Geren said. Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, who paid tribute on behalf of the U.S. Army, described the 22-year-old soldier as an “exceptional man … and soldier”. He said Specialist Richardson did not only want to make a difference for the U.S. but also for Jamaica and the rest of the world.
However, some family members were incensed that he was killed in the controversial Iraq war. One irate man, who said he was a cousin, voiced his anger aloud, quarreling that the U.S.-led war in Iraq was “foolishness.” “Mi use to hold him in mi hand as a baby, and look deh now, him dead,” lamented the relative, who appeared to be in his early 30s. “Weh (George) Bush nuh go send him daughter ah Iraq?” he continued while other relatives added to the chorus. Four American soldiers were killed in attacks south of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on April 8, while another two died from wounds suffered. More than 3,200 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq in four years of war, and thousands more have been wounded, the lead factor in why many Americans are ready to wind down the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Specialist Richardson is survived by his pregnant wife, Katana, and young daughter, Iyana. He was buried in the Port Maria Cemetery, St. Mary Parish.
From Obits.Pennlive.com
My beloved son was taken from me this year; it will make 11 years, and what a time it has been! To say I have missed him is really an understatement. However, it has been a time when God showed up in extraordinary ways. Thank you, Lord.
I miss him immensely and will always do, but his family, my beautiful daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren have been a tower of strength. So together, we continue the journey as life goes on but without the ‘SPECIAL CROWNED ONE.’
— Stephen’s very Proud mom
PFC Stephen “Itchie” Richardson. Words honestly cannot explain how I feel. All I can remember is the glory days of St. George’s College and our Rugby games, both school and representing Jamaica. I honestly know that you were dedicated to your work, but it is sad to know that you are gone. R.I.P. We will meet again. You will always be remembered in everything I do! Gone, but not forgotten!
— Huntley Anderson
To PFC Stephen K. Richardson’s wife, children, mother, and family. I just saw an episode of “A Baby Story,” and I cried the whole time and still am. Your story touched my heart so much that I just had to find you. I pray that as the days, weeks, and months go by that God will give your heart more joy and comfort and less and less sorrow. This man was truly loved. May God bless you deeply. Please give the children a big hug from me, all the way from Bermuda. Hugs for all.
— Jennifer Simmons
Memorialized with a street naming at the corner of Noble Street and Richardson Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Private First Class Richardson is buried in Port Maria Public Cemetery, 9422+XCP, Port Maria, Jamaica.
A gravesite photo could not be obtained by the publishing date. Attempts were made through e-mails to the local government office in Jamaica as well as Port Maria related Facebook groups.