U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kyu “Q” Chay. Kyu’s journey began in Daegu, South Korea, and took him on a path that would lead him to become a beloved husband, a dedicated father, and a heroic soldier. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.
Kyu’s love story with his wife, Cathy, is one that warmed the hearts of all who knew them. They were married at Saint Francis of Assisi in New York City on a day filled with significance. It was October 29th, 2000, the first day of snow that year. The world seemed to pause for a moment, as if nature itself celebrated the union of two souls. Kyu and Cathy were grateful that the snowfall stopped just long enough to capture the beauty of their wedding in pictures, forever preserving the magic of that day.
A man of great intellect and potential, Kyu graduated from the State University of New York, Albany, and set his sights on the Brooklyn School of Law. In January of 2001, however, he made the selfless decision to forego his legal studies and dedicate himself to a higher calling—the service of his country. Kyu joined the U.S. Army, a decision that reflected his unyielding commitment to defending the principles of liberty that he held dear.
Kyu considered pursuing a commission within the Army, but his true passion lay in becoming a linguist, a role only open to enlisted soldiers. With this goal in mind, he enlisted in the Army and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and service to his nation. His path led him to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and then to Monterey, California, where he underwent advanced language studies. Ultimately, he was assigned to the 313th Military Intelligence Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division.
As an Arabic cryptologic linguist, Kyu played a vital role in the mission to protect the freedoms we hold dear. He deployed to the Uruzgan province of Afghanistan as a Special Operations Team-Alpha (SOT-A) assistant team leader with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. SSG Chay used signals intelligence to provide early indications and warnings of Taliban attacks to the Green Berets he supported. Kyu’s dedication to this mission was unwavering, and his tireless efforts made a difference in the lives of many.
On October 28, 2006 SSG Chay, at the age of 34, was providing mobile signals intelligence support to his team on a vehicle patrol when his HMMWV drove over an improvised explosive device. He gave his life to protect his teammates and defend the freedoms we hold so dear, demonstrating his bravery and unwavering commitment to duty.
As we pause today to mourn the loss of a beloved husband, a loving father, and a courageous soldier, we must also celebrate the life of Staff Sergeant Kyu Chay. He leaves behind his wife Cathy, his son Jason, and his daughter Kelly. Their love and his memory will forever live on in our hearts.
Kyu’s legacy is one of selflessness, dedication, and love for his family and his country. He exemplified the ideals of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than himself. We are eternally grateful for his service and will forever honor the memory of this extraordinary man.
In closing, let us remember Kyu’s life as a testament to the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice. He is a true American hero, and his memory will continue to inspire us all. May he rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will never fade.
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