National Guard Unit Honors Fellow Soldier at Sylvan Springs

Family and friends of a fallen National Guard soldier gathered at Sunday to honor Spc. Vincent “Vinney” Valiant's memory close to what would have been his 34th birthday.

Valiant was shot outside of his apartment on Feb. 13 in Ferguson. Police said it was an attempted robbery and an 18-year-old Alton, IL woman has been charged with his murder.

“The support I’ve received from Vinney’s unit has been excellent,” said his mother, Annette Valiant in a release from the National Guard. “The commanding officer and others are always there to help.”

Valiant served in the 1035th Maintenance Support Company, based out of Jefferson Barracks. Members of his unit used their annual Family Day picnic to remember their comrade.

Valiant had been serving in the guard for the last three and a half years and was known for his exceptional cooking skills, the release said.

Annette Valiant has kept her son’s memory alive by remaining a member of the 1035th Family Support Group, an organization that works to support military families in times of need.

“I stayed with the organization because Vinney was so committed to and passionate about the unit and what the Guard stands for,” she said. “My involvement keeps his memory alive and it makes me feel good knowing that Vinney’s fellow soldiers have not forgotten him.”