The banners of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, D-Company will hang heavy in the evening breeze this Sunday as soldiers, friends, and comrades gather in solemn remembrance of Sergeant Garrik Clayton Hale. A veteran of countless battles and a steadfast pillar of the company, Sergeant Hale’s passing has left a void that cannot easily be filled.
Born in Darkshire, Duskwood, Garrik Clayton Hale lived a life defined by service and duty. From his early years in the Night’s Watch, standing vigilant against the horrors lurking beyond the firelight, to his time with The Broken Blade, and later his command role in The Last Vigil, Hale's career was one of relentless dedication. His final posting with the 82nd Infantry Battalion, D-Company, saw him embark on a routine deployment to Pandaria, where fate dealt its cruelest hand. Separated from his unit while clearing out a spider nest in Lion’s Landing, Sergeant Hale fought until the very end. Despite efforts to save him, his injuries were too severe, and the venom took its toll before he could be brought to safety.
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Those who served alongside him remember not only the soldier but the man. A comrade who always checked in on others, offering judgment-free support and motivation, he was more than just another name in the ranks. He was the glue that held them together. His loss will be felt deeply, not just within D-Company, but across all who had the honor of knowing him.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 23rd, at 20:00, in the Stormwind Cemetery for those who wish to pay their respects to the fallen soldier. Let us gather not just in grief, but in gratitude—for the sacrifices he made, for the kindness he showed, and for the example he set.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hale. Your watch is over.