U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) honored two of Alabama’s fallen service members this week in a speech delivered on the Senate floor, commemorating their sacrifice ahead of Memorial Day, according to a press release issued from Senator Tuberville’s office.
Tuberville paid tribute to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Wesley Hosey of Clay and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jason Barfield of Ashford, sharing their personal stories and the legacy they leave behind.
Staff Sgt. Hosey, a graduate of Clay-Chalkville High School, enlisted in the Army at 17 with his father’s permission. Known for his patriotism and kindness, Hosey often requested candy in care packages—not for himself, but to share with children during his deployment. He was killed in action on September 17, 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom, just one week before his 28th birthday.
“For U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Wesley Hosey, there was never a question in anyone’s mind as to what he wanted to do when he grew up. Every Career Day, he would always dress up as a soldier. Michael loved reading about history —and he loved our country. So much so, that his friends and family gave him the nickname, ‘Merican,’” Tuberville said.
Lance Cpl. Barfield, a gifted musician and Ashford High School band member, turned down a college band scholarship to enlist in the Marines. He was killed on October 24, 2011, at age 22. According to Tuberville, he died pushing eight fellow Marines, a native translator, and a military K-9 out of the path of a booby trap explosion.
“Jason lived his life with the goal of making a difference. His mom Kelli says that Jason believed that there was good in everyone—even if you couldn’t find it at first, that just meant just to dig a little bit deeper,” Tuberville said. “Jason lived by the motto that ‘Every Day is A Good Day.’”
In his speech, Tuberville emphasized the importance of remembering fallen service members and introduced a resolution to designate May 2025 as “Fallen Heroes Memorial Month.”
“Michael Wesley Hosey and Jason Barfield are two young men who never got to start a family or fully pursue their dreams,” Tuberville said. “We may never have met Michael or Jason, yet they courageously were willing to give their lives for their fellow Americans. We will continue to share their stories to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
Senator Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
