St. Louis MEPS ceremony room dedicated to fallen soldier Published July 23, 2014 By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- More than 70 people gathered at the Military Entrance Processing Station in St. Louis July 17 to dedicate a ceremony room to Spc. Sterling Wyatt, a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Army Lt. Col. Patricia George, St. Louis MEPS and 11th Battalion commander, was the first to speak of the deceased hero during the ceremony. "Sterling represents the all-American citizen who volunteered to become the all-American soldier," she said. "He told his parents that the Army gave him a purpose and a meaning in life." She went on to talk about how the Columbia, Missouri, native graduated in 2009 from Rock Bridge High School. During his senior year he completed his Certified Nurse Attendant certification at Columbia Career Center before he decided to join the Army. She also explained how the specialist was killed in action when his vehicle was attacked with an enemy IED while on patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Wyatt was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Medal of Valor, the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Certificate of Achievement. "Sterling will always be remembered and honored each day as we enlist the future leaders and protectors of the Unites States. He will never be forgotten," said George. The next speaker was Marine Col. William Reinhart, Western Sector United States Military Entrance Processing Command commander. "When people take the oath, he or she is going against their own wants and desires for a higher calling," he said. "Spc. Sterling Wyatt epitomizes the spirit of self-sacrifice and sense of purpose." Bob McDavid, the mayor of Columbia, gave the closing remarks before the family and attendees moved to the ceremony room where all local, future servicemembers go to swear into their respective branches. The room was blocked off by a gold ribbon that Randy and Sherry Wyatt, the parents of the soldier, then cut to symbolize the re-naming of the room. Chandler Wyatt, the soldier's brother, and Reinhart unveiled the nameplate for the room shortly after. Everyone proceeded into the newly dedicated room for the final portion of the ceremony. The family then unveiled a frame containing a photo of the eldest Wyatt son, his Purple Heart, his Bronze Star, and his biography. Twelve soon-to-be servicemembers were sworn in to christen the room. Sherry Wyatt said, "I am very humbled and honored that our son will be remembered in this way. It is very heart-warming. He lived a huge life in such a short period of time."