Active Unit News

Rick Adams is the incoming President for the 4th Infantry Division Association. His son Michael was Killed in Iraq while serving with the 1st Armored Division, his other son, Matt, is serving in Korea.
Article published Aug 24, 2003
One returns home to mourn the other
JANET S. SPENCER
Staff Writer
Using all the strength of a well-trained soldier, Matt Adams calmly talked Saturday night about his younger brother, whose love for the Army influenced him to join.Now Adams, 28, a second lieutenant stationed in Korea, has been called home to mourn the death of Pfc. Michael Scott Adams, killed in a training accident Thursday in Iraq.Despite the tragedy, Matt Adams said he has no qualms about returning to his duties six miles south of the demilitarized zone."I'll go back. Just like Michael was ready to go to Iraq. We knew we were in harm's way. That's what soldiers do. Michael knew exactly what he was getting into," Adams said.A banner bearing two blue stars hangs on the front door of the west Spartanburg home where Adams, 20-year-old Michael and their older sister, Christie Teuteberg, grew up.Patty Adams posted it to honor her two sons in the military, following a tradition begun during World War II.Now Michael's star must be changed to gold.Michael enlisted a few weeks after his graduation from Dorman High School in 2001. Michael's pride and dedication to serving his country and the events of Sept. 11 convinced older brother Matt he belonged in the Army, too."I was pumped up with being an American and wanting to do something. I thought: What better way to express that than to join up? Michael loved it, and that's why I do. That's why I go to work every day," Adams said.Although eight years separate the two brothers in age, Adams said he and Michael were always close.The last time the brothers talked – with both on active duty – was by telephone in July prior to their celebration of birthdays in August.They always had plenty of Army business to discuss, he said.In total control of his emotions while he reminisced about his brother's influence on his own career, including the fact that Michael was considering signing up for another stint, Adams paused only once when he talked about what Michael might say if he could speak to the family now.He switched the focus to memories of his childhood, recalling his brother's competitiveness."I think his first word was ball," he said, regaining his composure.A family friend, Bob DiAntonio, displayed a photo of Michael when he was just nine months old."At that young age, Michael was already walking and carrying a ball," DiAntonio said.Adams said he and Michael played several sports growing up. "But he loved tennis," he said.Adams' brother-in-law, Matt Teuteberg from Milwaukee, Wis., explained how proud the family is of Michael."And rightfully so. He saw a lot of duty in Iraq. He told his mom and dad when they talked on the phone about two weeks ago about working checkpoints and doing foot patrol in small teams," Teuteberg said.He told them how proud he was to serve his country and how much he loved it. "He didn't complain about the living conditions or missing the comforts of home," he said.Michael was deployed to Iraq on April 21, after being stationed in Germany."We expected him home by Christmas. That was going to be our present," Teuteberg said.Committed to returning to his duty post, Matt Adams said his brother's death will make him more alert to the possibility of accidents."I have men under me. We take safety precautions now. But I will definitely take two more steps to ensure the safety for my men," he said.He refused to consider who is to blame."You have to train as if you are in a war. You run a risk in training. I'm sure he was fighting up to the end," Adams said.His parents, Rick and Patty Adams, want to honor Michael's memory by establishing a scholarship at Dorman High School.Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael S. Adams scholarship fund in care of the Spartanburg County Foundation, 320 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.The family expects to finalize funeral arrangements on Monday.Janet Spencer can be reached at 562-7222 or janet.spencer@shj.com.

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