Sour Lake, Tx Soldier killed

[Stouttrout]

Keep his family in your prayers and fly your flags in his honor.


After two tours of duty in Iraq, Leston Michael Winters decided in February to leave his position in a Missouri Army hospital to return to the front lines.

Over the Christmas holidays, the medic told his family he felt compelled to be there.

On Thursday, three months after arriving in Afghanistan, Winters, 30, was killed by an improvised explosive device in the Zhari district of Kandahar Province.

GALLERY: See family photos of Winters

"He had an opportunity to stay home," said longtime family friend Shodi Jacobson, 47. "This was his service. He reenlisted because he could help. This is what he was good at."

Born in Florida, Winters - called Tony by his friends family - moved with his mother and stepfather to Sour Lake at age 9. He did not become serious about sports or schoolwork, only on practical jokes and clowning, his family said.

He put lizards in his sister's bed and became quick friends with classmates. The slightly built Winters played a little football in high school and tried rodeos and claimed he would never grow up.

Winters loved to hunt and fish - but was never very good at it, said his stepfather, Carl Spivey, 47. He caused little trouble, his stepfather said, and was baptized at the First Baptist Church.

[yj-4BT]

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. An American Hero that won't be forgotten!

[Bunker]

godspeed brother

thoughts and prayers to the family

your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten

[BagBat]

Prayers for your family and loved ones and gratitude for your sacrifice!