OPERATION BARAGE
2025 Gold Star Mission | Bronx, NY
Yunus Barage is a proud American patriot, who emigrated from Gambia, as a young man in search of a better life.
A skilled tradesman, Yunus began his journey in the U.S. as a construction laborer. Through hard work and determination, he built his own successful construction and carpentry business in the Bronx, NY. A devoted father of three–two sons and a daughter, Yunus instilled in his children the values of hard work, service, and love for their country. Inspired by these principles, both of his sons chose to serve in the U.S. military. His youngest joined the Navy, and his eldest, Amara Barage, enlisted in the Army.
Amara quickly distinguished himself as a self-starter and natural leader. Rising through the ranks, he became a Sergeant specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) one of the most dangerous and demanding roles in the military. Sgt. Amara Barage served in the 723rd Ordinance Disposal Company, 184th OD Battalion (EOD), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
“No parent should have to deal with red tape in the midst of such heartbreaking loss. VRL will cover the cost of your son’s burial, and handle all necessary paperwork on your behalf. You’ve carried enough Mr. Barage. Let us carry this.”
–Dre Popow, VRL Staff
On April 11th, 2011, local law enforcement responded to a call from Sgt. Amara’s residence. Tragically, they discovered that Sgt. Amara had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. He was only twenty-two years old.
There are no words to fully capture the pain of such a loss. Overcome with grief, Yunus quietly walked into the Veterans Rebuilding Life (VRL) headquarters in Queens, NY. He carried a stack of VA forms and a heavy heart—seeking help not just with paperwork, but with the unbearable burden of burying his son. Moved by his story, a representative of VRL gently responded:
Within 48 hours, VRL’s veteran service officers took immediate action. They completed and submitted all required VA forms on Mr. Barage’s behalf and paid the full cost of his son’s burial upfront—hoping that these small acts of support might offer a measure of peace during an unimaginable time.