Laura Walker was born on June 16, 1981, in Texas. She entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on June 28, 1999, and was commissioned a 2d Lt in the Corps of Engineers of the U.S. Army on May 31, 2003. While a cadet at West Point, she graduated from Air Assault School at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in June 2001. After completing the Engineer Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Lt Walker served with the 555th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington, deploying to Iraq in support of the 4th Infantry Division from January to April 2004. She then served as a vertical construction platoon leader in the 864th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) at Fort Lewis from April 2004 to March 2005, followed by service in Afghanistan deployed with the 864th ECB (H) from March 2005 until she was killed in action in Delak, Afghanistan, on August 18, 2005. During this time, Lt Walker was selected to be the Executive Officer of the 864th Battalion Headquarters' Company, but was killed during a two-month assignment as the Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Officer. She was buried at the U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery in West Point, New York.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to her family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which her life she gave.