SGT La David Johnson American Hero / Colin Kaepernick 2 of 3
0To most of the country, Sgt. La David Terrence Johnson was an American service member killed in action in West Africa.
But to his family and in his community in Miami Gardens, Fla., Johnson was also known as “Wheelie King,” a nickname he earned for riding his bicycle on one wheel. He rode a lot, usually on his way to work.
“You go slow, though. Make sure you keep your balance,” Johnson told ABC affiliate WPLG in 2013, the year before he enlisted in the Army. “Once you feel that you are comfortable, you could just ride all day.”
Johnson and three other American soldiers were killed in an ambush in Niger on Oct. 4. He left behind a wife who is six months pregnant and two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl.
Now, two weeks after the 25-year-old soldier’s death, his name is entangled in a controversy involving President Trump, who has been accused of making insensitive remarks to Johnson’s young widow.
As questions continue to swirl around the circumstances of Johnson’s death — and around what Trump actually said to his wife during a Tuesday-afternoon phone call — the fallen soldier’s loved ones have largely remained quiet, except for a few public Facebook posts sharing pictures, condolences and memories of him.
To those who knew him, he was a loving husband who had his wife’s name, Myeshia, tattooed across his chest; a soldier who pushed to improve himself; a son who enjoyed talking about his family.
He was also a father who was looking forward to seeing his baby girl.
“He was very excited. He said, ‘Sergeant B, I’m having a girl!’ ” Staff Sgt. Dennis Bohler, Johnson’s close friend, told The Washington Post.
He was also that kid on the bike, forever riding with one wheel up.
This weekend, friends and family members will hold a “WHEELIE KING 305” parade to remember Johnson, his wife announced on Facebook.
“Everyone With DirtBikes, 4 wheelers, Pocket Bikes ,BMX Bikes Come Out And Shout Out For My Husband!!!” Myeshia Johnson wrote.
One relative shared images of Johnson’s toddler getting on his bicycle for the first time.
“Ladavid Johnson look at your boy … want(s) to be exactly like you,” Sharri Johnson wrote.