Banks, Derek Ramond

Sergeant Derek Ramond Banks was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. He served with distinction in the Army National Guard, specifically within the 237th Engineer Battalion based in West Point, Virginia. Banks was part of the ongoing efforts under Operation Iraqi Freedom, a military campaign initiated in March 2003.

Operation Iraqi Freedom saw many soldiers deployed to various regions of Iraq, where they were tasked with multiple roles, including engineering and reconstruction tasks. The conflict period from 2005 to 2007 was particularly perilous, with increased sectarian violence following the bombing of the al-Askari shrine in Samarra in 2006.

On November 14, 2007, Banks lost his life in an incident classified by the Army as hostile, occurring in San Antonio, United States. His death underscores the far-reaching impacts of the conflict, affecting not only those deployed overseas but also within the United States.

Banks’ death is a reminder of the human cost of military operations and the challenging circumstances faced by service members and their families. His contributions to his unit and his country remain part of the broader narrative of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom officially concluded in August 2010, marking the end of a significant chapter in U.S. military history. Banks' legacy continues to be honored by those who served alongside him and those who remember his service.

Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in March 2003, concluded in August 2010. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Aubin, Jay Thomas, Beaupre, Ryan Anthony, Childers, Therrel Shane, Gutierrez, Jose.

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