8/17/2010
Staff Sgt. Derek John Farley was born in Troy, New York on May 21, 1986 and died in Afghanistan on August 17, 2010. He is survived by his parents Kenneth and Carrie Boyce Farley, his brother Dylan M. Farley and sisters Colleen (Nick) Corrodore, Theresa (Jim) Burl and Julie Farley. Derek leaves behind the love of his life Maria Moebius. Derek is survived by his maternal grandparents Owen and Joyel Defferding Boyce and he was the paternal grandson of the late Paul and Edna Palmer Farley. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Derek touched the lives of all of his family members, friends and neighbors. Derek is a 2004 Columbia High School graduate and joined the Army right out of high school.
SSG Farley was assigned to the 702nd Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 191st Ordnance Battalion, 21st Theater Sustainment Command. SSG Farley’s team responded to a roadside bomb in Bala Boluk, Farah, Afghanistan. The improvised explosive device exploded when SSG Farley attempted to render it safe. SSG Farley had received the Purple Heart for an injury he had received in Iraq in 2007, while attempting to disarm an improvised explosive device. In the 2007 incident, SSG Farley suffered the loss the hearing in one ear. SSG Farley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email: sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.
He was a good Soldier. I stood in his ramp ceremony on FOB Farah, Afghanistan. I’ll never forget it. RIP
Hello Captain,
Thank you for honoring and being there for my son. He loved the U.S.A., loved being a soldier and truly felt he was making a difference
as an EOD Tech. I miss him every day but this gives me comfort knowing he lived life to the fullest.
Thank you for serving our country and if you EVER need me, please reach out.
Carrie Farley
American Gold Star Mother, Albany, NY Chapter
I was on-ground when this happened. I watched him bravely walk to the front of the convoy. I’ll never forget the look on his face; he was stoic, he had a look of focus in his eyes, and his movements radiated a sense of purpose. I still remember him; I look him up on the internet every year, I find videos about him every year. I watch the interview where his mother reads his letter.
I did not know him personally, but I truly am appreciative of his sacrifice. He inspires me. Even all these years later, I still think about him all the time.
The man was brave; he saved lives that day. Dozens and dozens of lives. Even his brothers in arms. We are grateful. My best wishes to his family; without him, I may not be here. I appreciate everything he gave.
I just started as a civilian librarian for the Army Sustainment University and I love what I do but the EOD soldiers will always have a special place in my heart because of SSG Farley. He was a close friend of my nephew from high school days. As a long time student of military history I care deeply about the well being of our military personnel and veterans. I also want to do all I can to ensure that we remember those who have given their lives. I have always kept a photo of SSG Farley on the desk even though I only met him once. I do it because people ask and I tell them about him. I want people to know that while we largely forgot about Afghanistan while it was actually happening , the bravest of the brave like SSG Farley gave their lives and it is our duty as Americans to never forget them. They and their families they leave behind deserve at least that much from us.