 Pensacola News Journal -- The family of a Pensacola man who died serving in Kuwait remembered him Tuesday as a standout high school athlete, loyal son and family man.
Army Staff Sgt. Javares Washington's family said he was killed Sunday in a vehicle accident. Washington's family was notified Monday.
Washington, 27, was best known locally for his days at Escambia High School, where he played football and was also on the track team.
The former running back graduated in 1999 and left Pensacola for Flagstaff, Ariz., to play football on a full scholarship at Northern Arizona University.
He left the university the following season because his scholarship was cut, Washington's mother, Felicia Smith, said.
Escambia High's former football coach Ronnie Gilliland had a close relationship with Washington. Gilliland's son, Brett Gilliland, who played quarterback on the team, was Washington's high school buddy.
"It's been real tough," Ronnie Gilliland said of Washington's death. "My wife was real close to him. He was just a real likeable young man."
Washington decided to join the military after leaving college, following in the footsteps of his brother.
"He enjoyed it," said Washington's stepfather, Roy Smith. "It showed and taught him a lot of things. It gave him independence." 
Washington, who was stationed in Kentucky, left for Kuwait Sept. 7.
"He went by and visited everybody he knew because he knew he was coming home, but it wasn't going to be any time soon," his stepfather said. "We definitely didn't expect him not to come home at all."
Washington called his family as often as he could after leaving for Kuwait. Washington's parents spent Tuesday remembering the good times they shared with their son while being comforted by family and friends.
"I want to remember Javares when he was home, before he went to Kuwait," Felicia Smith said.
Washington's wife, Letrica, 28, his daughter, Tristyne, 9 months, and stepson, Mekhi, 7, plan to arrive in Pensacola later this week from Kentucky. Washington also leaves behind another son, Jayden, 6, of Pensacola and four siblings, including two stepbrothers.
Washington's family is planning a memorial service for him. The arrangements were incomplete as of Tuesday. |
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Air Assault!