Our Latest American Hero #61

marilyngabbard, originally uploaded by Randuwa.

“She Has Touched So Many People”

POLK CITY - Command Sergeant Major Marilyn Gabbard was one of the soldiers who died Saturday when a Blackhawk helicopter crashed northeast of Baghdad.

Command Sergeant Major Gabbard started her 27-year career in the Iowa National Guard as a Private. And the Polk City resident rose through the ranks to become a top enlisted leader.

Command Sergeant Major Gabbard died along with 11 other soldiers in an area northeast of Baghdad.

Army officials still aren't sure if a mechanical problem or gunfire brought the helicopter down.

Guard members do know they lost a highly-respected, top enlisted leader.

"If you look around this room, she has touched so many people in so many different ways within our organization," said Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, Iowa National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel Hapgood says Gabbard was the first member of the Guard Headquarters staff to die in Iraq.

She began her first tour just before Christmas and was in charge of a National Guard affairs team in Baghdad.

As Iowa's first female command Sergeant Major, she was a mentor and example to other women in the guard.

"She was the second female ever promoted to Sergeant Major and first Command Sgt. Major, and that gives the rest of the females in the Guard, the knowledge they can do it too," said Sgt. Major Renee Blodgett, Iowa National Guard.

Friends remembered her organizing skills and that included helping out at an American Legion post in her home of Polk City.

"She was a great lady, she'd do anything for the post, anytime we'd ask her to assist, just one outstanding member," said Lee Booton, American Legion Post #232.

Navy Petty Officer Jamie Jaenkie of Iowa Falls was the first Iowa woman to die in combat in Iraq last June.

Command Sergeant Major Gabbard's death now brings the Iowa death toll for all military services in Iraq and Afghanistan to 50.