Friends Remember Broken Arrow Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Dan Bewley, News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- An Army National Guard Soldier from Broken Arrow was killed in Afghanistan Friday.

7/31/2011:  Related Story: Broken Arrow Soldier Among Two Killed In Afghanistan

Specialist Augustus Vicari was born in Indiana but spent the last few years in Broken Arrow. He died Friday while on patrol with the 45th Infantry in Afghanistan.

Specialist Vicari was one of two Oklahoma soldiers who died Friday from an improvised explosive device. He's being remembered as young man who acted far beyond his 22 years.

"He was an example to his generation. He was very polite, very respectful, really responsible young man," said Michael Ray, Vicari's Friend.

Ray has only known Specialist Augustus Vicari, or Augy as his friends call him, for just a few years. But in that short time Ray says he made a big impression.

"The Augy that most people knew was my friend; the soldier that died was my brother. That's the esteem with which I'll always think of Augy," he said.

Specialist Vicari had only been in Afghanistan for a month.

"If a person knew him, I think that, it was easy for one to just feel good about knowing Augy, feel proud to have had the opportunity to know him," Ray said.

Specialist Vicari was born and raised in Lowell, Indiana. He moved to Oklahoma so his long time sweetheart could be closer to her father.

Augy and Holly were married last September. His father-in-law says Augy cried when he asked for permission to marry his daughter.

"He really liked Augy. He had every confidence that Holly would always be okay with Augy," Ray said.

Marcia Kerr of the Blue Star Moms never knew Specialist Vicari but says his death should remind everyone that lives are still at risk in a war zone.

"It's a horrible reminder to them that this isn't over yet and that there are young men and women everyday sacrificing their lives in a far away country and we need to remember them," Kerr said.

Ray agrees saying he'll never forget his friends sacrifice.

"We owe Holly and every other parent, spouse, brother, sister...we all those people a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid," he said.

Specialist Vicari's body arrived in the United States Monday. He will be buried in a family cemetery in his hometown of Lowell, Indiana.

A memorial fund has been established for Vicari's widow. The fund is set up at BancFirst under "Memorial Fund for Augustus Vicari."

08/01/2011 Related Story: Broken Arrow Soldier Describes Afghanistan Ceremony For Fallen Soldiers