Private First Class Anthony P. Seig, 19, of Sunman (Weisburg Road) lost his life while serving as a soldier in Operation Iraqi Freedom last Saturday, September 9.

According to information from the Department of Defense, the soldier died in Baghdad due to injuries sustained from indirect fire from enemy forces while he was on base. Seig was assigned to the 118th Military Police Company (Airborne), 503rd Military Police Battalion (Airborne), 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. While deployed in Iraq, the 118th Military Police Company (Airborne) was under the operational control of the 519th Military Police Battalion from Fort Polk, LA.

Seig was assigned to the unit as a military police in February of 2006. He was deployed to Iraq in June. His previous assignment was in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he completed his basic and advanced individual training.

Seig is the son of Linda Seig of Sunman and the late Ronald Seig. Mrs. Seig told the media her husband died of cancer three years ago. She said before her son left for overseas he told her should anything happen to him, he wanted to be cremated like his dad and have his ashes on the property alongside him.

News from the Department of Defense noted that “Pfc. Anthony Seig was an exceptional soldier and person. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, positive outlook, friendly demeanor, and professionalism.” Members of his unit said, “We are all better persons for having known him.”
The 2005 graduate of East Central High School had many friends there as well. He will be remembered Friday, September 15 with a color guard presentation and tribute before the football game. The school paid special tribute on September 11 to their former classmate and to all of the victims of 9/11.

A memorial service will be held for Seig at the Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel this Friday. The family does not expect to get his body for 7 to 10 days.

Described as a high achiever, self motivated, fun loving person, Seig’s football coach Don Stonefield said, “I remember him most wearing combat boots in the weight room, running and lifting in those when others were wearing tennis shoes.”

The fallen soldier’s mother concluded, “He did what he wanted to do...he always wanted to be a soldier or a policeman.”

Seig’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Action Badge. Members of his unit describe him as “an exceptional soldier and person.”