Summary

Adams was killed on March 16, 2004 in an accident in Asad, Iraq, just west of Baghdad while riding in a homeward-bound convoy to Kuwait.

Story

Lining the street that now bears his name, more than 100 community members, family, and current and former U.S. Military service members joined in the honorary naming of a road in memory and recognition of First Lieutenant Michael R. Adams.

The street where Adams’ childhood home is located, at Southeast 185th Place in the unincorporated community of Fairwood, was given the honorary road name designation "1LT Michael Adams Place," to honor Adams' life, dedication and service to his country.

“It is my privilege to dedicate this road in honor of First Lieutenant Michael Adams,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who sponsored the road dedication legislation and whose district includes the Fairwood community. “We will never forget his sacrifice and dedication to serve.”

In his last email to his family, Adams talked about how much he loved his job and how dedicated he was to getting the 15 soldiers he led back home. He remained with his platoon longer than he had to because he wanted to return with them to Fort Carson, Colo. on the unit’s last boat home.

Adams was killed on March 16, 2004 in an accident in Asad, Iraq, just west of Baghdad while riding in a homeward-bound convoy to Kuwait.

First Lieutenant Adams lived with his family in the unincorporated community of Fairwood from the time he was in third grade until his graduation from Kentridge High School in 1998. Michael’s parents Don and Barbara Adams were among those in attendance.

“This was a huge honor,” said Barbara Adams. “So many people from his life came—people from the neighborhood, people from high school, people from Leavenworth, and people from West Point. We are so grateful.”

Don and Barbara Adams, the parents of First Lieutenant Michael R. Adams, join Councilmember Dunn under the street sign in the Fairwood neighborhood unveiled in honor of their son

A 2002 graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Adams trained to be an Armor Officer at Fort Knox, Ky., before being assigned to be a tank platoon leader with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colo. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq.

Adams was an Eagle Scout, Commander of the Kentridge High School Junior ROTC Unit and an impeccable student. He was nominated by former U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn to the United States Naval Academy and by U.S. Senator Patty Murray to the United States Military Academy at West Point.