Private First Class Bufford K. Vanslyke reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, 11 June 2006, for basic training. After graduating basic training, he reported to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. He graduated with the Military Occupational Specialty of 0311, Rifleman. Upon graduation from Infantry Training school, Private First Class Vanslyke was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Saginaw, Michigan, for his tour of duty. During his tour he served as a Rifleman.
Prior to activation, Private First Class Vanslyke attended an annual training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, where he completed the Combat Lifesavers Course, the IED Defense Train the Trainer Course, and other pre-deployment training requirements. On 20 December 2006, Private First Class Vanslyke arrived in Al Fallujah, Iraq where he was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Private First Class Vanslyke is survived by his wife Kortni, a son Kaiden, and his Parents Keith Vanslyke and Cindy Fisher.
Military Schools: Basic Training, School of Infantry, Combat Lifesavers Course, IED Defense Train the Trainer Course.
Personal Decorations: Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Navy Unit Commendation.