GUARDSMAN GENE VANCE HONORED IN WASHINGTON -
Remembered At Appalachian Classic Bike Race

(06/19/2003)
Gene Vance, a West Virginia Army National Guard sergeant killed in an ambush in Afghanistan in May 2002, has been carved into the black granite wall of a National Security Agency memorial honoring codebreakers and codebmakers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Staff Sgt. Gene Arden Vance's name became the 153rd to be added to the National Security Agency.

The 38-year-old man was well-known to local and regional residents and was a frequent participant in the Appalachian Bike Classic, where he was honored at last year's race. A trail has been named after him at the park.

Riderless bike taken to Old Glory, Appalachian Classic 2002

Chris Lynn on Vance Trail, Appalachian Classic 2003
Photo courtesy of Maggie Bennett

Lisa Vance of Morgantown, who attended the May 30 ceremony, conducted by NSA Director Michael V. Hayden. "I was told it was comparable to the CIA's Gold Star...it is quite an honor."

Vance was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 19th Special Forces Group, a guard unit based in Kenova called to active duty in the fall of 2001.