Army Command Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner, 48, was roughly a year away from retirement when he lost his life Monday in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.
Also killed in the bicycle bomb explosion was Army Spc. Joey Riley, 27.
The Department of Defense has not confirmed the identities of the two soldiers killed in Monday's explosion, but family members of both Turner and Riley have contacted the media to share their stories.
Turner's mother, Wanda, spoke with the Delmarva Daily Times, which is based near Turner's hometown of Wicomico County, Md.
Wanda Turner told the newspaper her son left her a voicemail message on Saturday, just days before his death. It's all she has left of him now. (Video at end of post.)
In addition to his mother and siblings, Turner is survived by his wife, five children, and three grandchildren. One of Turner's sons, Devin Turner, is currently serving in the Army and to deployed in Afghanistan.
To see the video of Turner's mother listening to his final voicemail message, click here.
