In Memoriam

[Grace]

France


5 French soldiers killed by bomb blast

Five French soldiers have been killed in a bombing in Kapisa province, eastern Afghanistan today 13th July 2011. Four other French soldiers were seriously injured in the attack.

The French troops were guarding a meeting of local leaders in Joybar village when a terrorist detonated a bomb nearby.

More information to follow.

[Grace]

12 July 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Robert S. Greniger, 21, of Greenfield, Minn., died July 12 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWpd5l3NW4k/Th-OT5tvP6I/AAAAAAAABxQ/bXFwHFRLv5A/s320/greniger.jpg

[Grace]

12 July 2011


20-year-old US Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom, from Midland, Michigan, was killed in action on 12th July 2011 in Afghanistan. He was serving alongside a US Marine unit which came under insurgent fire.

His mother, Debi Bartley-Ullom, told a local TV news station that her son enlisted in the Navy after a recruiter visited his school. She says he was on his first deployment in Afghanistan.

Corpsman Ullom was a 2009 graduate of Midland High School, where he played football and ran track.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ATgs8aaBCIs/Th5jRiWTjdI/AAAAAAAABw4/nWJjI1-c8g4/s320/ullom-a.jpg

[Grace]

France


French Paratroop Warrant Officer Jean-Marc Gueniat, age 37, was one of five French soldiers killed on 13th July 2011 while attending a meeting with village elders in the village of Joybar, Kapisa province. They were all killed when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb.

WO Gueniat served with the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment. He joined the Regiment in April 1994 and during his military career served in the Central African Republic, former Yugoslavia, New Caledonia and Ivory Coast.

He deployed to Afghanistan in May this year with the Lafayette Task Force, Battle Group Raptor.

WO Gueniat leaves his wife and two children.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSZCJJtdyAI/Th7GD1LNL1I/AAAAAAAABxI/mn0nhPdtX3g/s320/Gueniat-jp.jpg



French Master Corporal Sébastien Vermeille, age 31, was one of five French soldiers killed on 13th July 2011 while attending a meeting with village elders in the village of Joybar, Kapisa province. They were all killed when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb.

M-Cpl. Vermeille was a broadcasting operator with the SIRPA Army of Lyon which he joined in 2009. Prior to that he served with the 1st Regiment of Marines in Angoulême. He had previously served in Ivory Coast, Djibouti, New Caledonia, Chad and Kosovo. He deployed to Afghanistan in May this year with Lafayette Task Force, Battle Group Raptor.

M-Cpl. Vermeille leaves behind his wife and two children.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuVGtM5_Ag4/Th52rMH5QOI/AAAAAAAABxA/ODdM7YWUlBQ/s320/Vermeille-s.jpg



French Army Warrant Officer Emmanuel Techer, age 38, was one of five French soldiers killed on 13th July 2011 while attending a meeting with village elders in the village of Joybar, Kapisa province. They were all killed when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb.

WO Techer, served with the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment. In January 1993 he was admitted to the School of NCOs. Appointed sergeant in 1994, he joined the 17th Engineer Regiment Paratrooper (RGP) of Monta

Until 2007, WO Techer was a technical trainer at the Commando Training Centre in Givet. He later rejoined 17th RGP where he commanded the 2nd Company. During his career, he had deployed on combat missions to Chad (1994 and 2008), Yugoslavia (1995 and 1996), Senegal (1998), Kosovo (1998), New Caledonia (2004). He deployed to Afghanistan in May this year.

WO Techer was awarded the Medal with Overseas clasp Chad, the gold medal of National Defence, with staples Airborne troops, foreign aid and Mission Engineering, the medal of recognition of the nation, the French Commemorative Medal Button former Yugoslavia. He leaves behind his wife.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-uorgEO1K4/Th5SnDahYVI/AAAAAAAABww/UdzOt0vexKk/s320/techer-e.jpg



French Army Warrant Officer Laurent Marsol, age 35, was one of five French soldiers killed on 13th July 2011 while attending a meeting with village elders in the village of Joybar, Kapisa province. They were all killed when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb.

WO Marsol, served with the 1st Parachute Regiment (Chasseurs). In June 1998 he joined the 14th Command Regiment and two years later was admitted to the National School of NCOs. During his military career, WO Marsol had been deployed on active duty to Gabon, Kosovo and Chad. This was his second combat tour of Afghanistan deploying on 14th May.

WO Marsol was awarded the Medal with clasps Overseas Côte d'Ivoire, Central African Republic and Chad, the French Commemorative Medal Button former Yugoslavia, the Gold Medal of National Defence, Button "Airborne" Cross with bronze star.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6KtXwCZ0h0/Th5PfjstVUI/AAAAAAAABwo/_JMET7b_n_0/s320/marsol-l.jpg



French Army officer, Lieutenant Thomas Gauvin, age 27, was one of five French soldiers killed on 13th July 2011 while attending a meeting with village elders in the village of Joybar, Kapisa province. They were all killed when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb.

Lt. Gauvin, from Caen, served with the 1st Parachute Regiment (Chasseurs). In September 2005, he began studying at the French Military Academy - Ecole Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr - where he was top of his class. In August 2008, he joined the Parachute Regiment.

In 2010, he deployed to Central African Republic and deployed to Afghanistan on 6th May 2011. Lt. Gauvin holds the Bronze Medal of National Defense (Airborne Troops) button. He leaves his wife.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCLYKM_sio4/Th5L9PyKzeI/AAAAAAAABwg/xgyTEGnffaY/s320/gauvin-t.jpg

[Grace]

France


French Special Forces Commando Benjamin Bourdet was killed in action on 14th July 2011 in the Alasay Valley, Kapisa province, Afghanistan during a battle with enemy forces.

The 30-year-old Commando was born in Cherbourg and joined the French Marines in 2003. Between 2004 and 2007 he deployed four times to New Caledonia. He was promoted to Petty Officer rank in September 2007 and assigned to a Marine unit guarding nuclear submarines. He deployed twice to Djibouti on operations against maritime piracy.

Second-Master Bourdet was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He holds the Gold and Silver National Defense Medals.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lusF25F2I8/Th-i4MkSv4I/AAAAAAAABxY/3jMv3BY1UJA/s320/bourdet-b.jpg

[Grace]

Canada


Canadian Army Trooper Stefan Jankowski, age 25, died in Canada from a prescription drug overdose on Saturday 9th July 2011. He had been suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since returning from combat duties in Afghanistan.

Dodging bullets, seeing a boy with his face blown off and holding a dead friend in his arms was more than Trooper Jankowski could bear. He suffered anxiety, depression and insomnia as well as the horrors of war.

He served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Note: Trooper Jankowski is one of thousands of troops from all nations who suffered from PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. We have included him on this website as a tribute to his service in Afghanistan.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0orjjZ401TM/TiAwKUIrfZI/AAAAAAAABxg/E6gYLGpIcLs/s320/jankowsk-s.jpg

[Grace]

14 July 2011



US Army Sergeant Jeremy R. Summers, died on 14th July 2011 from wounds he received during a battle with enemy forces the previous day. The incident, involving small-arms fire, happened in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

27-year-old Sgt. Summers, from Mount Olivet, Kentucky, served with the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell.

Sgt. Summers joined the Army in March 2005 and transferred to Fort Campbell in August 2009. He leaves behind his parents.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbZ8Z5LVj4E/TiE-Gu4ZAXI/AAAAAAAABxo/CGSgAsTH91A/s320/summers-j.jpg

[Grace]

It's over for Canada -


KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — It's official. After six years at war, the packers and movers have taken over.

In a ceremony staged in front of the memorial to the 157 Canadian soldiers and four civilians killed in this war, Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner handed command over all Canadian military operations in Kandahar to the people responsible for packing up the exhausted remains of Canada's most recent combat history.



Entire Article . . . . (http://www.vancouversun.com/news/canada-in-afghanistan/Canada+hands+Afghan+base+over+packers+movers/5115658/story.html)

We should be so lucky.

[Grace]

15 July 2011


US Green Beret, Staff Sergeant Wyatt A. Goldsmith, died on 15th July 2011 at Camp Bastion Hospital, Afghanistan after he was injured when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenade fire in Helmand province, Afghanistan. SSgt. Goldsmith, age 28, from Colville, Washington, served with 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

SSgt. Goldsmith joined the Army in June 2004 as a Special Forces recruit. In October 2004, on completion of basic training, advanced individual training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, he was assigned to the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg.

Goldsmith attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 2005 and was selected to continue his training as medical sergeant in the Special Forces Qualification Course. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his parents John and Lorie Goldsmith of Colville, Washington and his sister Nicole.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDZemBJpQWs/TiN6h1js3II/AAAAAAAABxw/5RT935817I0/s320/goldsmith_w.jpg

[Grace]

15 July 2011


US Army Sergeant Lex L. Lewis, died on 15th July 2011 from injuries he received in Farah province when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.

40-year-old Sgt. Lewis, from Rapid City, was a cavalry scout serving with 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Sgt. Lewis joined the Army in 1999 and joined his current unit in 2008. He had previously deployed to Iraq twice. His decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, South West Asia Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

[Grace]

16 July 2011


US Army Specialist Frank R. Gross, died in Kandahar on 16th July 2011 from injuries he received when a roadside bomb caused his vehicle to roll over in Khowst province.

25-year-old Spc. Gross, from Oldsmar, Florida, served with the 2nd Battalion, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

Spc. Gross was born in Virginia Beach and enlisted in the Army in May 2010, said Chris Haug, chief of media relations for Fort Hood public affairs.

His mother, Antonia, said in a phone interview that Spc. Gross had deployed to Afghanistan on 28th June this year. Her last correspondence with him was via a Skype call a week before he died.

Spc. Gross leaves his parents Antonia and Craig and his sister Natalie.

[Grace]

15 July 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn.

Spc. Daniel L. Elliott, 21, of Youngsville, N.C., died July 15 in Basra, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 290th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, Cary, N.C.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAxVcrpDDsOmkSCk6c1TEGip-OJ5b48h2Xyh72TSVZ4j-snkH-

[Grace]

16 July 2011


US Army Corporal Raphael Arruda, from South Ogden, Utah, died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan on Saturday 16th July 2011. Cpl. Arruda, age 21, was patrolling in a mine-resistant vehicle when it was struck by a roadside bomb. He died as a result of the blunt force trauma caused by the blast.

His family were told of his death on Sunday. His father, however, was in the family’s native country of Brazil Sunday, tending to affairs in the wake of his own mother’s death less than two weeks ago

Cpl. Arruda was a combat engineer, on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He would have celebrated his 22nd birthday on 23rd July.

His Facebook page said he attended Bonneville High School in Ogden in 2007-2008 and that he joined the U.S. Army in 2008.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2BrQ6zO3oU/TiQu07aHcOI/AAAAAAAABx4/U54MA6D9w9o/s320/arruda-r.jpg

[Grace]

England


It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Paul Watkins, from 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's), was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 16 July 2011.

Ministry of Defence statement. (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalPaulWatkinsKilledInAfghanistan.htm)

[Grace]

17 July 2011


US Army Private 1st Class Tyler M. Springman was one of two American soldiers killed by a bomb blast in Kandahar province on 17th July 2011.

Pfc. Springman, age 19 from Hartland, Maine, served with the Alaska-based 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EU4fVJJaPS0/TiWffokcA3I/AAAAAAAAByk/val2srczvVU/s320/springman-t.jpg




US Army Sergeant 1st Class Kenneth B. Elwell was one of two American soldiers killed by a bomb blast in Kandahar province on 17th July 2011.

Sfc. Elwell, age 33 from Holland, Pa., served with the Alaska-based 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

[Grace]

World War II


Missing World War II Soldiers Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Pfc. Lawrence N. Harris, of Elkins, W.V., Cpl. Judge C. Hellums, of Paris, Miss., and Pvt. Donald D. Owens, of Cleveland, will be buried as a group, in a single casket, on July 20 in Arlington National Cemetery. In late September 1944, their unit, the 773rd Tank Battalion, was fighting its way east to France’s eastern border, clearing German forces out of the Parroy Forest near Lunéville. On Oct. 9, 1944, in the final battle for control of the region, Hellums, Harris, Owens and two other soldiers were attacked by enemy fire in their M-10 Tank Destroyer. Two men survived with serious injuries but Harris, Hellums and Owens were reported to have been killed. Evidence at the time indicated the remains of the men had been destroyed in the attack and were neither recovered nor buried near the location.

In November 1946, a French soldier working in the Parroy Forest found debris associated with an M-10 vehicle and human remains, which were turned over to the American Graves Registration Command. The remains were buried as unknowns in what is now known as the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. A year later the AGRC returned to the Parroy Forest to conduct interviews and search for additional remains. Investigators noted at that time that all remains of U.S. soldiers had reportedly been removed in the last two years and that the crew was likely buried elsewhere as unknowns.

In 2003, a French citizen exploring the Parroy Forest discovered human remains and an identification bracelet engraved with Hellums’ name, from a site he had probed occasionally since 1998. The information was eventually sent to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). In April 2006, the man turned over the items to a JPAC team working in Europe. A few months later a second JPAC team returned to the site and recovered more human remains, personal effects and an identification tag for Owens.

Historians at DPMO and JPAC continued their research on the burials at the Ardennes Cemetery, and drew a correlation to those unknowns removed from the 1944 battle site. In early 2008 JPAC disinterred these remains and began their forensic review.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons for the men and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of each soldier’s relatives in the identification of their remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 remain unaccounted-for from the conflict.

[Grace]

15 July 2011


US Marine Lance Corporal Christopher L. Camero died on 15th July 2011 from wounds suffered on 6th July while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The 19-year-old, from Kailia Kona, Hawaii, served with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division based at Twentynine Palms, California.

Friends of L-Cpl. Camero posted the news of his death on the Internet, saying he had stepped on a homemade bomb while on a patrol, his legs had to be amputated and that he had been on life support since being wounded.

L-Cpl. Camero chronicled his deployment to Afghanistan on his Facebook page, posting photos of himself on a plane heading for Germany, then Kyrgyzstan, arriving in Afghanistan on 12th April.

His unit of about 1,000 Marines patrols Nahr-e-saraj district south of Sangin, where some of the heaviest recent fighting has occurred, and north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q_4ioHqpXA/TibfyA93EYI/AAAAAAAABzU/WFglVU6cIsY/s320/camero-c.jpg

[Grace]

17 July 2011


US Marine Lance Corporal Jabari N. Thompson, age 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died on 17th July 2011 from wounds he received on 13th July while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

L-Cpl. Thompson, from Brooklyn, New York, served with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6PFFlR6I18/TibesZGfqBI/AAAAAAAABzM/mBdzym6pEJE/s320/Thompson-j.jpg

[Grace]

England


British Army Corporal Mark Anthony Palin from 1st Battalion The Rifles was killed in action in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province on 18th July 2011. He was leading a patrol to clear an enemy explosives cache when a hidden bomb exploded near him.

32-year-old Corporal Palin was born in Plymouth and joined the Army in 1996. He served in Germany, Northern Ireland and Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan in April this year.

Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière DSO MBE, Commanding Officer, 1 RIFLES said: "Corporal Mark Palin was a Battalion personality through and through. He thrived on the friendship of many, and was generous to a fault in the friendship he gave in return. Indeed this was the very essence of the man; always putting others first, and taking huge enjoyment in making others smile and laugh, no matter how difficult the circumstances."

Corporal Palin leaves behind his wife Carla, young son Lennon, father Paul, brother Matthew and sister Louise.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MavEJGXNTZA/TiYaEMZDj2I/AAAAAAAABys/nj1NE8PnHac/s320/palin-m.jpg

[Grace]

Another Medal of Honor


The Military Times brings us word that a third living soldier will receive the Medal of Honor. He is Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer, 22, a scout sniper who left active duty in June 2010, and now resides in Austin, Texas.

Meyer was on a mission to meet with tribal elders in Afghanistan, in a village close to the Pakistani border, on September 8, 2009. They came under attack from heavily armed insurgents who outnumbered them more than four to one. Frantic pleas for artillery support were refused, leading to letters of reprimand for several of the officers in charge of the operation.

The officers might have been negligent, but Cpl. Meyer was amazing:

Meyer, then 21, went into the kill zone on foot after helicopter pilots called on to respond said they could not help retrieve the four missing service members because the fighting on the ground was too fierce, according to a witness statement he provided the military. He found his buddies in a trench where pilots had spotted them.

“I checked them all for a pulse. There [sic] bodies were already stiff,” Meyer said in a sworn statement he was asked to provide military investigators. “I found SSgt Kenefick facedown in the trench w/ his GPS in his hand. His face appeared as if he were screaming. He had been shot in the head.”

Meyer was already suffering from shrapnel wounds at the time. He nevertheless assisted in the retrieval of the bodies. All four of the fallen soldiers were subsequently honored with Bronze Stars.

Two other Marines involved in the battle were awarded the Navy Cross for their heroic actions. Captain Ademola Fabayo threw himself into close-quarters battle with the insurgents, and carried a wounded comrade to safety. Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez made three trips into the kill zone with a Humvee, while Cpl. Meyer manned its machine gun turret. Meyer went into the zone on foot when they couldn’t find the missing men from the Humvee.

During the award ceremony for Capt. Fabayo and Staff Sgt. Rodriguez-Chavez, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said their story “doesn’t need any other explanation… whatever words there are, they’re not adequate in adding anything to the actions of that day.”

True, but words are how we share the incredible treasures of courage our nation has been blessed with. They are how we remember the heroes we have lost, and give thanks for those who made it home. Corporal Dakota Meyer will be the first living Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since Vietnam. Spread the word.

[phesina]

God bless Corporal Dakota Meyer.

[Grace]

12 July 2011


US Marine Major Jeremy James Graczyk, age 33, died on 12th July 2011 in a BASE jumping accident in Switzerland.

Major Graczyk, a decorated war veteran, had deployed more than seven times to Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa. He attended the United States Naval Academy, and received a BSc degree in Systems Engineering in 1999. He was promoted to the rank of major in 2009.

Major Graczyk holds three Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Citation, two National Defense Service Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, five Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and seven Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

He is survived by his parents, James and Darlene Graczyk, sister Jennifer, nephews Aidan and Gabe, grandparents Richard and Leora Shoop and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kcNV53iCR4/TiZjjSJCiVI/AAAAAAAABzE/yW_3DAjvnUQ/s320/graczyk-j.jpg

[Grace]

18 July 2011


Pennsylvania TV station WHTM has reported that three soldiers with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's 131st Transportation Company were killed in Afghanistan on Monday, according to friends and relatives.



US Army National Guard Staff-Sgt. Kenneth R. VanGiesen, from Kane, Pennsylvania, was killed along with two fellow soldiers on Monday 18th July when his patrol vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He was serving with the 131st Transportation Company.

According to a report in Kanerepublican.com, SSgt VanGiesen, a mechanic, was pulled from his "home" base to go to Afghanistan with another National Guard unit that needed someone with his expertise.

The 30-year-old soldier is the son of Tom and Sue VanGiesen from Kane. He and his longtime girlfriend, Erin Sirianni of Kane, have been living in a house they purchased in Erie where SSgt. VanGiesen had been working with the National Guard.

SSgt. VanGiesen had previously deployed to Iraq twice.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-w9F9uLoL4/Tie3KQPGawI/AAAAAAAABz0/lBBle76JFXw/s320/vangiesen-k-3.jpg



US Army Sergeant Brian K. Mowery from Halifax, Pennsylvania, was one of three soldiers killed on 18th July 2011 in Ghazni province, when his patrol vehicle struck a road mine.

The 49-year-old served with the 131st Transportation Company, 213th Area Support Group, based at Williamstown, Pennsylvania.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4L9SEqPFdpk/TieGWgsjY0I/AAAAAAAABzc/L8_nC1HYOSs/s320/mowery-b.jpg






US Army Sergeant Edward W. Koehler, age 47, from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was one of three soldiers killed on 18th July 2011 in Ghazni province, when his patrol vehicle struck a road mine.

Sgt. Koehler served with the 131st Transportation Company, 213th Area Support Group, based at Williamstown, Pennsylvania.

After serving with the Marine Corps from 1982 to 1988, he took a 10-year break from the service. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1997 as a motor transport operator, serving his entire Guard career in the 131st Transportation Company.

This was Sgt. Koehler's first tour of duty in Afghanistan. He had also served with the 131st in Kuwait and Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

His awards include the Combat Action Badge, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Governor's Unit Citation.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LK1dkCRcTic/TieOVzR70_I/AAAAAAAABzs/FIy62asZ47E/s320/koehler-e.jpg

[Grace]

18 July 2011



[B]Nebraska Army National Guard Sergeant Omar A. Jones died on 18th July 2011 at a base in Balkh province from a "non-combat" related injury. The 28-year-old soldier served with the 126th Chemical Battalion, 92nd Troop Command, Nebraska Army National Guard, based at Wahoo, Nebraska.

The Nebraska National Guard said Sgt. Jones was born in Jackson, Mississippi and enlisted in the Army in 2001 when he was 18. After his active tour duty, he joined the Nebraska National Guard in 2005. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq. This was his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jones, who spent much of his childhood in Colombia, is survived by his wife, Ava L. Jones, his daughter, Airiana G. Jones, son Malachi A. Jones, his father, Dennis D. Jones and his mother, Luz A. Jones.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApFi0UkIyQM/Tio-rZ1AcOI/AAAAAAAAB0U/f6CzssFr1Es/s320/jones-o.jpg

[Grace]

19 July 2011


27-year-old US Army Sergeant Jacob Molina was one of two soldiers killed in Kunar province on 19th July 2011 from the blast of a roadside bomb against their patrol vehicle.

Sgt. Molina, from Houston, Texas, served in the Hawaiian based 25th Infantry Division with 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. He enlisted in the Army in February 2007. This was his second overseas combat tour. He had previously served in Iraq.

His mother, Janie Torre, told a local news channel that Jacob had wanted to be in the military ever since becoming a teenager. She knew it was his destiny, but never expected he wouldn’t come back alive.

"He’s tough," said Janie, choking back the tears. "And, I’ve always known Jacob to get out of everything, not this time."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehAfqtFJf5g/TikEoFjXoNI/AAAAAAAAB0E/IbVzgkZ6tds/s320/molina-j.jpg




29-year-old US Army Staff Sergeant James M. Christen was one of two soldiers killed in Kunar province on 19th July 2011 from the blast of a roadside bomb against their patrol vehicle.

Staff-Sgt. Christen, from Loomis, California, served in the Hawaiian based 25th Infantry Division with 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.

This was Staff-Sgt. Christen’s third overseas combat deployment. He previously served two tours in Iraq. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xUNs1F3v9I/TikB-23LvcI/AAAAAAAABz8/UydxIKV2A4g/s320/christen-j.jpg

[Grace]

21 July 2011


36-year-old US Army Master Sergeant Benjamin A. Stevenson was killed in action in Paktika province on 21st July 2011 by small arms fire in a contact with enemy forces.

Master Sgt. Stevenson, from Canyon Lake, Texas, served with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjPeU_Tu_v4/Tio1eeaaLjI/AAAAAAAAB0M/7pDIdwOm8GM/s320/stevenson_b.JPG

[Grace]

23 July 2011



President Obama marked the passing of a “genuine soldier-statesman” Saturday after it emerged former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Shalikashvili had died at 75.

Shalikashvili led the Joint Chiefs under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, succeeding Gen. Colin Powell. He counseled Clinton on the use of troops in Bosnia and other trouble spots.

Polish-born Shalikashvili fled his homeland in 1944 ahead of the Russian advance and came to the U.S. as a teenager. He survived a stroke in 2004.

Obama said in a statement: “With the passing of General John M. Shalikashvili, the United States has lost a genuine soldier-statesman whose extraordinary life represented the promise of America and the limitless possibilities that are open to those who choose to serve it. From his arrival in the United States as a 16-year old Polish immigrant after the Second World War, to a young man who learned English from John Wayne movies, to his rise to the highest ranks of our military, Shali’s life was an “only in America” story. By any measure, he made our country a safer and better place.

“As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he strengthened our alliances in Europe and in Asia, forged closer defense ties with Russia, and championed the Partnership for Peace with the former Soviet states. At the same time, he oversaw successful military operations in Bosnia and Haiti, and elsewhere. Most of all, he fought tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and their families who serve to keep us safe.

“Michelle and I extend our heartfelt condolences to General Shalikashvili’s wife Joan and their son Brant.” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who worked with Shalikashvili in the Clinton White House, also paid tribute “with a heavy heart.”

His statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the passing of General John M. Shalikashvili. John was an extraordinary patriot who faithfully defended this country for four decades, rising to the very pinnacle of the military profession. He lived the American dream, arriving from Europe with his family as a teenager after World War II, and he dedicated his life to defending the country that had quickly adopted him and his family.

“I worked closely with John back in the Clinton administration when he served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I was the White House Chief of Staff. I came to rely on his wise counsel, his wealth of military expertise, and his candor as we were challenged by foreign policy crises in Haiti, the Balkans, and elsewhere. I will remember John as always being a stalwart advocate for the brave men and women who don the uniform and stand guard over this nation.

“During my many years of public service, I have had the privilege to serve alongside great leaders. John Shalikashvili was one of this country's finest. My condolences go out to his wife Joan and his son Brant.”

Current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen said in a statement: “The Joint Chiefs and the more than two million men and women in uniform join me today in mourning the death of retired General John Shalikashvili, our 13th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“During his tenure as Chairman, he skillfully shepherded our military through the early years of the post-Cold War era, helping to redefine both U.S. and NATO relationships with former members of the Warsaw Pact, while crafting a vision for our military that vastly improved its joint capabilities and interoperability, efforts that continue to make a difference around the world today.”

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfZ2r2daaiAbifi6ChUIwf4-vp-TDUz6Xtgarj7xY9MpdgMih2

[Grace]

Italy


Italian paratrooper, Caporal Maggiore David Tobini, was killed in action on Monday 25th July 2011 during a gun battle with enemy forces near Bala Murghab. Two other Italian troops were wounded.

C-Maggiore, age 28, served with the Italian 183rd Parachute Regiment "Nimbus". He lived in Osteria Nuova, Rome, with his mother and brother. His father also lives in Rome. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

E’ il 1° Caporal Maggiore David Tobini, 28 anni, del 183° reggimento paracadutisti “Nembo” di Pistoia, il militare italiano rimasto ucciso oggi nel corso di un’operazione nella parte occidentale dell’Afghanistan.

Altri due soldati sono rimasti feriti, uno dei quali in modo grave.

Durante l’operazione congiunta condotta da forze italiane e afgane nella zona a nord ovest della valle di Bala Murghab, l’unità nella quale erano presenti anche i militari italiani e’ stata attaccata.

Resta in gravi condizioni uno dei due militari rimasti feriti nello scontro a fuoco, mentre il secondo non è in pericolo di vita.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_sAp8WNxUI/Ti5RCbXFEaI/AAAAAAAAB0c/_aYA1BgdcmI/s320/tobini-d.jpg

[Grace]

World War II



Missing World War II Soldiers Indentified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Monday that the remains 12 U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are Army Air Forces

1st Lt. Jack E. Volz, 21, of Indianapolis;
2nd Lt. Regis E. Dietz, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pa.;
2nd Lt. Edward J. Lake, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y.;
2nd Lt. Martin P. Murray, 21, of Lowell, Mass.;
2nd Lt. William J. Shryock, 23, of Gary, Ind.;
Tech. Sgt. Robert S. Wren, 25, of Seattle, Wash.;
Tech. Sgt. Hollis R. Smith, 22, of Cove, Ark.;
Staff Sgt. Berthold A. Chastain, 27, Dalton, Ga.;
Staff Sgt. Clyde L. Green, 24, Erie, Pa.;
Staff Sgt. Frederick E. Harris, 23, Medford, Mass.;
Staff Sgt. Claude A. Ray, 24, Coffeyville, Kan.;
and Staff Sgt. Claude G. Tyler, 24, Landover, Md.

The remains representing the entire crew will be buried as a group, in a single casket, Aug. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Eight of the airmen were identified and buried as individuals during previous ceremonies. Shryock, Green and Harris were also individually identified and will be interred individually at Arlington on the same day as the group interment.

These 12 airmen were ordered to carry out a reconnaissance mission in their B-24D Liberator, taking off from an airfield near Port Moresby, New Guinea, on Oct. 27, 1943. Allied plans were being formulated to mount an attack on the Japanese redoubt at Rabaul, New Britain. American strategists considered it critical to take Rabaul in order to support the eventual invasion of the Philippines. The crew’s assigned area of reconnaissance was the nearby shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. But during their mission, they were radioed to land at a friendly air strip nearby due to poor weather conditions. The last radio transmission from the crew did not indicate their location, and in the following weeks, multiple searches over land and sea areas did not locate the aircraft.

Following World War II, the Army Graves Registration Service conducted investigations and searches for 43 missing airmen, including these airmen, in the area but concluded in June 1949 that they were unrecoverable.

In August 2003, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received information on a crash site from a citizen in Papua New Guinea while they were investigating another case. He also turned over an identification card from one of the crew members and reported that there were possible human remains at the site of the crash. Twice in 2004 other JPAC teams attempted to visit the site but were unable to do so due to poor weather and hazardous conditions at the helicopter landing site. Another team was able to successfully excavate the site from January to March 2007 where they found several identification tags from the B-24D crew as well as human remains.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA—which matched that of some of the crewmembers’ families—in the identification of their remains

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died. At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 73,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.

[wombat2u2004]

Interesting to watch and listen to what really happened, and why so many lives were just thrown away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F67C8yzww_Y

[Grace]

Poland


Polish Army Lance-Corporal Paweł Poświat was killed in Ghazni province on 28th July 2011 when a road mine detonated beneath his armored patrol vehicle. L-Cpl. Poświat, age 29, was driving the vehicle at the time of the explosion.

Seriously injured, he was evacuated by helicopter to the Polish military base hospital in Ghazni. Sadly, doctors were unable to save his life.

L-Cpl. Poświat, a bachelor, joined the Polish Army in 2003 and served with the 17th Wielkopolska Mechanized Brigade.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkvSZQ2MF4k/TjIH4mHdSBI/AAAAAAAAB0k/Ld6S2BlCfTk/s320/Pawe%25C5%2582%2BPo%25C5%259Bwiat.jpg

[Grace]

29 July 2011


22-year-old Oklahoma Army National Guardsman, Augustus 'Augy' Vicari was killed in action on Friday 29th July 2011 when his patrol vehicle struck a roadside bomb. He had deployed to Afghanistan in June.

The soldier, who graduated from Lowell High School, Indiana, in 2008 was married and lived in Oklahoma. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2009. He and his wife, Holly, would have celebrated their first wedding anniversary in September.

A "quick wit and ready smile" is how family and friends are remembering Augustus Vicari, one of five children.



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHwzt96irf0/TjSQwmsnNxI/AAAAAAAAB0s/LI-GvKJv-Rc/s320/vicari-a.jpg

[Grace]

29 July 2011


US Army officer 2nd Lieutenant Jered W. Ewy was one of two Oklahoma National Guardsmen killed in action on 29th July 2011 when a bomb detonated as they were on patrol in Paktia, Afghanistan.

2nd Lt. Ewy, age 33, was serving with the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Also killed in the same incident was Spc. Augustus Vicari


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkzkET8XmCw/TjX9Onv4wlI/AAAAAAAAB08/cW19jssrx5Q/s320/ewy-jered.jpg

[wombat2u2004]

"The Last of the First"
The first offensive action of the United States during World War II was on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands by the United States Marine Corps.
August 7, 1942.The First Marine Division fought on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Cape Gloucester,New Britian, New Guinea, Peleliu, Okinawa.
There is a bottle of 1st Grand Cru Cognac, (circa 1920-25) that is to be opened by the last survivor among the Marines and sailors who served in combat with the division during WW II. It was estimated that it would be opened by 2010. It is in the Marines' Memorial Club in San Francisco and is in the custody of the First Marine Division Association.
Navy Pharmacist Mates served side by side with the Marines. Wore out uniforms but with their insignia. They were our beloved "Corpsman".
136 KIA with the 1st Division.
Who knows? Maybe I will be the one to raise the glass in a toast to a truly great Division.

Fideli Certa Merces - To the faithful there is just reward
Semper Fidelis -Always Faithful
To be a Marine is enough
Pfc. Thomas C. Reedy, Jr.
566495Company C, 1st Battalion,
7th Regiment First Marine Division
United States Marine Corps 1944-46

[Grace]

31 July 2011



Hawaii-based US Army Sergeant William B. GrossPaniagua, from Daly City, California, was killed in action on 31st July 2011 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when an insurgent bomb detonated against his patrol vehicle.

28-year-old Sgt. GrossPaniagua served with the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Sgt. GrossPaniagua enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2005 as a Combat Engineer. He previously served in Iraq in 2008 and this was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3_UTgJSsgI/TjfoVgX8knI/AAAAAAAAB1E/3yH505KQ5sU/s320/GrossPaniagua.jpg

[Grace]

31 July 2011



US Army Pfc. Brice M. Scott, age 22, was killed in action on Sunday 31st July 2011 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, during a contact with enemy forces involving small-arms fire.

Pfc. Scott, on his first deployment to Afghanistan, was a father and former North Eugene High School student in Oregon. On joining the Army, he continued a family tradition of military service going back generations.

His family told local news that "he sought out the action of the front line and died doing the job he loved."

Pfc. Scott served with the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAgxU0m06g0/Tjih8T3QMRI/AAAAAAAAB1M/Km6Sp2uyWNk/s320/scott-b-1.jpg

[Grace]

1 August 2011


32-year-old US Marine Staff Sergeant Leon H. Lucas Jr., from Wilson, North Carolina, died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan on 1st August 2011.

Staff Sgt. Lucas served with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California.

[Grace]

Vietnam



Soldier Missing from Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Chief Warrant Officer George A. Howes, of Knox, Ind., will be buried Aug. 5 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Jan. 10, 1970, Howes and three aircrew members were returning to their base at Chu Lai, South Vietnam aboard a UH-1C Huey helicopter. Due to bad weather, their helicopter went down over Quang Nam Province, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.). A search was initiated for the crew, but no sign of the helicopter or crew was spotted.

In 1989, the S.R.V. gave to U.S. specialists 25 boxes that reportedly contained the remains of U.S. servicemen related to this incident. Later that year, additional remains and a military identification tag from one of the other missing servicemen were obtained from a Vietnamese refugee.

Between 1993 and 1999, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted three investigations in Ho Chi Minh City and two investigations in Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (formerly Quang Nam Province). A Vietnamese citizen in Ho Chi Minh City turned over a military identification tag bearing Howes’ name and told the team he knew where the remains of as many as nine American servicemen were buried. He agreed to lead the team to the burial site. In 1994, the team excavated the site and recovered a metal box and several bags containing human remains. In 2006, the remains of three of the four men were identified and buried. No remains could be attributed to Howes given the technology of the time. In 2008, given advances in DNA technology, the remains were reanalyzed.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of Howes’ sister and brother—in the identification of the remains.

[Grace]

31 July 2011


US Marine Sergeant Christopher M. Wrinkle, age 27, from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, died in Afghanistan on Sunday 31st July 2011. Sgt. Wrinkle, who holds two Purple Hearts, was engaged to be married to Elizabeth Cunnings.

He graduated from Dallastown Area Senior High in 2001 and had spent almost ten years serving with the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command based at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Major Jeffrey Landis, public affairs officer of the special operations command, told local news reporters.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vE1YkZficrA/Tjm9v2yBiKI/AAAAAAAAB1c/pF1_M4MrhRQ/s320/wrinkle-c-1.jpg

[Grace]

31 July 2011


US Marine Staff Sergeant Patrick R. Dolphin, from Moscow, Pennsylvania, died in Afghanistan on Sunday 31st July 2011.

The 29-year-old graduated from North Pocono High School in 2000 and joined the Marine Corps just before his 18th birthday, completing his basic training in 2001.

Staff Sgt. Dolphin had previously served two tours of duty in Iraq. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.



http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk8MlSCg2Qk/Tji3j63JoLI/AAAAAAAAB1U/gAxbGPX6Xjo/s320/dolphin-p.jpg

[Grace]

2 August 2011


Oklahoma National Guard Staff Sgt. Kirk Owen, age 37, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 2nd August 2011 from the blast of a roadside bomb that struck his vehicle during a mine-sweeping operation, according to a family spokesman.

Staff Sgt. Owen, from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was on his second combat tour in Afghanistan, serving with the 45th Infantry. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEy3qZZt4sk/TjnS-1G6ZoI/AAAAAAAAB2E/PR1WmvNKHJs/s320/Owen-k-1.jpg

[Grace]

England



It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Marine James Robert Wright, from Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali (North), was killed in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan on Friday 5 August 2011.


Ministry of Defence statement (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MarineJamesRobertWrightKilledInAfghanistan.htm)

[Grace]

About time -


Army Announces Nine Month Deployment Period

The Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced today a change in the length of future unit operational deployments from 12 months to nine months. This change will be fully implemented by April 2012, and applies to division-level-and-below units. This policy will not affect personnel or units currently deployed or deploying prior to Jan. 1, 2012. The deployment period for high demand and low density units and individual deployers will remain one year.

The reduced deployment length will improve soldier and family quality of life while continuing to meet operational requirements and is an important step in sustaining the all-volunteer-force. This policy change is consistent with secretary of defense policies for utilization of the total force. Implementation of this change is based on the projected demand for Army forces, and is contingent on global security conditions and combatant commander requirements.

[Grace]

3 August 2011


24-year-old US Army Specialist Barun Rai, from Silver Spring, Maryland, died on 3rd August 2011 from injuries received when a patrol vehicle overturned in Logar province, Afghanistan.

Spc. Rai, originally from Nepal, served with the 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, based at Warner Barracks, Bamberg, Germany.

[Grace]

3 August 2011


10th Mountain Division Private 1st Class Gil I. Morales Del Valle was one of two US Army soldiers killed from the blast of an insurgent bomb that detonated against their patrol vehicle in Wardak province. He died on 3rd August 2011.

21-year-old Pfc. Morales Del Valle, from Jacksonville, Florida, served with the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He joined the Army in February 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in October 2010.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8U3HRvqe6zQ/TjybaJGY9aI/AAAAAAAAB2U/g5_xgoCKo5w/s320/morales-g.jpg



10th Mountain Division Private 1st Class Cody G. Baker was one of two US Army soldiers killed from the blast of an insurgent bomb that detonated against their patrol vehicle in Wardak province. He died on 3rd August 2011.

19-year-old Pfc. Baker, from Holton, Kansas, served with the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He joined the Army in June 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in November 2010.

His awards include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, among others. Army officials said Pfc. Baker is survived by his mother and stepfather.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1ZRgRxrBsg/TjyZkHCHN7I/AAAAAAAAB2M/fvmcvM5g7DA/s320/baker-c.jpg

[Grace]

4 August 2011


Oklahoma National Guard Sergeant Anthony Del Mar Peterson, from Chelsea, Oklahoma, was killed in action on 4th August 2011 during a battle with enemy forces in Paktia province, Afghanistan. He was wounded by small arms fire and died from his injuries.

Sgt. Peterson, age 24, was serving with the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. This was his third operational tour in Afghanistan.

"Oklahoma has lost another brave son," Major General Myles Deering, Oklahoma's adjutant general, said on Friday. "Sergeant Peterson was an exceptional soldier who worked tirelessly to protect the values that we as Americans hold close to our hearts."

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeYf2riqqXs/TjyeWRH5eMI/AAAAAAAAB2c/f6sgQ80viDU/s320/peterson-a.jpg

[Grace]

4 August 2011


Alabama National Guard officer, Captain Waid C. Ramsey, was killed in action on 4th August 2011 in Paktika province during a contact with enemy forces who attacked his patrol with small arms fire.

41-year-old Capt. Ramsey, from Red Bay, Alabama, deployed to Afghanistan in November 2010 with the Guard's 20th Special Forces Group of Birmingham. He is the second soldier from the 20th Special Forces Group to die in combat in Afghanistan in the last two years.

[Grace]

5 August 2011


A US Marine Corps press officer has confirmed that 21-year-old Marine Sergeant Daniel D. Gurr was shot and killed in action by enemy forces during a patrol in Sangin district on Friday 5th August 2011.

Sgt. Gurr, from Vernal, Utah, served with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), based at Okinawa, Japan.

He graduated from Uinta High School in 2008 and joined the Marine Corps shortly afterwards. He was single.


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF-8bfqN4W8/TjyqXRbWXSI/AAAAAAAAB2k/h2RKTf4L_n0/s320/gurr-d.jpg

[Grace]

5 August 2011


10th Mountain Specialist Mark J. Downer was killed in action in Kandahar on 5th August 2011 when enemy forces fired a rocket-propelled grenade at his unit. He died from injuries received from the blast.

23-year-old Spc. Downer, from Warner Robins, Georgia, was a combat medic serving with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Drum, New York. He joined the Army in December 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in March this year.

Spc. Downer leaves his parents and a child.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPyn3paOJDU/Tj3SCjAWNdI/AAAAAAAAB2s/tg8eWCeuIIE/s320/downer-m.jpg

[Grace]

5 August 2011


US Army Specialist Jinsu Lee died in Kunar province on 5th August 2011. The military are investigating the circumstances of his death.

Spc. Lee, age 34, from Chatsworth, California, was a Unit Supply Specialist serving with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

His service awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal with Star, Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Overseas Service Ribbon.

Spc. Lee joined the Army in August 2009 and this was his first overseas deployment. He leaves his wife and three daughters.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DInDc0hF88s/Tj3U1kqubrI/AAAAAAAAB20/GI14x4WYnx8/s320/lee-j.jpg

[Grace]

And so it begins -

#1


6 August 2011


US Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Philadelphia-area native, was one of the US troops killed in Afghanistan on 6th August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter he was in was reportedly shot down by enemy forces, killing all on board.

The 25-year-old joined the Navy in 2004 after graduating from High School, and embarked on the career of his dreams. His family told news reporters this was his third combat deployment to Afghanistan.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--O0SGpinXbY/Tj4260mhd1I/AAAAAAAAB3E/L5BsGsDVgHY/s320/strange-m.jpg

Fron the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


If someone was sad, Michael Strange tried to make them smile. He loved snowboarding, surfing, scuba diving, running, and shooting guns on the range.

"He loved his friends, his family, his country; he loved making people laugh. He was one of a kind," Strange's brother, Charles Strange III, said outside the family's Philadelphia home, where American flags were planted throughout the neighborhood.

Strange, 25, decided to join the military when he was still in high school, and had been in the Navy for about six years, first stationed in Hawaii and for the last two in Virginia Beach, where he became a SEAL about two years ago, his mother, Elizabeth Strange, told The Associated Press.

But he always told his family not to worry.

"He wasn't supposed to die this young. He was supposed to be safe," Elizabeth Strange said. "And he told me that, and I believed him. I shouldn't have believed him because I know better. He would say, 'Mom, don't be ridiculous and worry so much. I'm safe.'"

Charles Strange said his brother loved the SEALS, especially "the competitiveness, getting in shape and running and swimming and all of that."

He also had two sisters and recently became an uncle. The family last saw him in June, when he came for a weeklong visit for his birthday, his mother said. He was supposed to be back for Thanksgiving.

"It was going to be such a good time," his mother said.

His grandmother Bernice Strange remembered him as a young man who loved cheesesteaks and the Philadelphia Eagles and always brought her flowers.

"He was a wonderful grandson to have," she said Monday night. "God truly blessed me with him."

[Grace]

#2

6 August 2011


US Navy SEAL Aaron Carson Vaughn was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the Chinook helicopter he was in was reportedly shot down by enemy forces and crashed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, killing all on board.

He was based in Virginia Beach and had served in Guam, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Aaron Vaughn's grandmother, Geneva Vaughn of Union City, Tennessee, said on Saturday that her grandson, a Tennessee native, had returned to combat just two weeks after his 2-month-old daughter was born this summer.

He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and two children, 2-year-old son Reagan and 2-month-old daughter Chamberlyn.

[Grace]

#3

6 August 2011


US Navy SEAL Tommy Ratzlaff, age 34, from Arkansas was one of the Special Forces troops killed on 6th August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter crashed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, killing all on board.

Local news stations are reporting that Ratzlaff leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young sons.

He joined the US Navy in 1995 after graduating from high school and started training in the SEAL program the following year.

Ratzlaff’s family told local news that they’re "proud of him and his accomplishments," adding "he would have been grateful for all the support he’s getting. He died defending everyone he loved."

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -

Thomas Ratzlaff wanted to be a Navy SEAL ever since he was a young boy growing up in Green Forest, Ark.

"He did what he loved and died defending those he loved and those who loved him," his nephew, Jeff Adams, said as he read a statement from the family.

When Ratzlaff visited his hometown in northwest Arkansas, his late father would bring him by the log cabin restaurant where he ordered an egg, sausage and wheat toast every morning.

"The whole town was proud of him," said Loree Blackburn, who runs that restaurant.

Now, the community of 2,700 remembers Ratzlaff with flags flying at half-staff.

Ratzlaff, 34, would have been grateful for the outpouring of support for his family, his nephew said. But he "would want the focus to remain on the cause for which he made the sacrifice, not the sacrifice itself."

He had two sons and a wife expecting their third child — a girl — in November. He also leaves behind a sister and mother.

"As a Navy SEAL team member, my uncle was trained to keep a low profile and to do his job," Adams said.

[Grace]

#4

6 August 2011



Nebraska Army Air Guardsman Sergeant Patrick Hamburger was killed on 6th August 2011 in the Chinook helicopter crash in Wardak province, Afghanistan. The 30-year-old father had only been in Afghanistan for about a week before the incident.

http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OW&Date=20110807&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=110809751&Ref=AR&maxw=490&maxh=275
Sgt. Hamburger's stepfather, DeLayne Peck, told local news that his stepson had joined the Air Guard when he was 18, and that he planned to propose to the mother of his 2-year-old daughter when he returned from Afghanistan.

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -

Patrick Hamburger planned to propose to his girlfriend, but had a job to do first: a mission in Afghanistan.

The 30-year-old sergeant from Grand Island, Neb., joined the Nebraska National Guard when he was a senior at Lincoln Southeast High School, but this was his first deployment, his brother Chris Hamburger told The Associated Press.

"He didn't have to go, and he wanted to go because his group was getting deployed. He wanted to be there for them. That's him for you," Chris Hamburger said, adding that Patrick always looked out for his two younger brothers and friends.

He was also the kind of guy who helped his girlfriend raise her 13-year-old daughter from another relationship, as well as the couple's own 2-year-old daughter, and planned to propose marriage when he got home, Chris Hamburger said.

Patrick Hamburger had been in Afghanistan less than two weeks and had arrived at Forward Operating Base Shank a few days before climbing aboard the helicopter to rush to the aid of an Army Ranger unit under fire from insurgents.

"It doesn't come as a total surprise that he was trying to help people and that's how it all ended up happening," Chris Hamburger said.

[Grace]

France



French Foreign Legion Corporal Kisan Bahadur Thapa was one of two French Legionnaires killed in action on 7th August 2011 in a battle with enemy forces near the Tagab Valley, Kapisa. He served with 2nd Parachute Regiment Etranger (REP), based at Calvi, Corsica.

Cpl. Thapa joined the Foreign Legion in March 2008 and was assigned to the 2nd REP after his initial training with the 4th Foreign Regiment of Castelnaudary. He was promoted to Legionnaire 1st Class in November 2008, and promoted to Corporal in May this year. He previously served in New Caledonia and Afghanistan.

Described by his superiors as "thorough, calm, a good comrade, and remaining calm and cool in the face of adversity," Cpl. Thapa was destined for further promotion. He held the Bronze Medal of National Defence with staples "Foreign Legion" and "Mission of external assistance," the French commemorative medal with clasp "Afghanistan" and the NATO Medal.

Aged 30, Cpl. Thapa was married with a baby boy.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUj40DYuX8s/Tj8sMm7cY9I/AAAAAAAAB3U/vN9pzpUvxzQ/s320/thapa-kisan-bahadur.jpg



French Foreign Legionnaire 1st Class Gerhardus Jansen was one of two French Legionnaires killed in action on 7th August 2011 in a battle with enemy forces near the Tagab Valley, Kapisa. He served with 2nd Parachute Regiment Etranger (REP), based at Calvi, Corsica. He joined the 2nd REP in August 2008.

In January 2009, he was promoted to Legionnaire 1st Class. After a mission in Djibouti, Jansen deployed to Afghanistan.

The 24-year-old was awarded the Bronze Medal of National Defence clip "Foreign Legion" and "Mission of external assistance," the French Commemorative Medal clasp "Afghanistan" and the NATO Medal.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMexYsy4dCI/Tj8pjiJ5liI/AAAAAAAAB3M/0-bWmo-aXC8/s320/jansen-gerhardus.jpg

[Grace]

#5

6 August 2011



US Navy SEAL, Jason Workman, age 33 from Utah was one of the US troops killed on 6th August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter crashed in Wardak province. Married with a young son, he had been a Navy SEAL for eight years.

Article from his local paper. (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705388839/Blanding-man-among-Navy-SEALs-killed-in-Afghanistan.html)

[Grace]

#6

6 August 2011


35-year-old US Navy SEAL Matt Mills was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the Chinook helicopter he was in, crashed in Wardak province. The father of three, from Texas, leaves his wife Keri and their one-year-old son. He also leaves a 13-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son from a previous marriage.

Chief Petty Officer Mills had been in the Navy for almost 14 years and had served on USS Kinkaid. He joined the Navy SEALs around 10 years ago. He had deployed many times to Iraq and Afghanistan prior to this tour.

Local article about CPO Mills. (http://www.kxan.com/dpp/military/navy-seal-killed-from-bastrop)

[Grace]

World War II




Soldier Missing in Action from WWII Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being buried with full military honors.

Army Pfc. William F. Stehlin of Dayton, Ky., will be buried on Aug. 11 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov. 20, 1944, Stehlin, as part of the 333rd Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, went missing near Süggerath while his unit conducted a largely successful offensive to capture towns in Western Germany. In 1951, after an extensive search, his remains were determined unrecoverable by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel.

In 2009, a German citizen digging in a wooded area near Süggerath, discovered a grave with the remains of two individuals, military-related equipment and identification tags.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command laboratory also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains. The other individual, Pfc. Edward L. O’Toole, was identified and buried on July 15 in San Bruno, Calif.

Today, more than 73,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.

[Grace]

6 August 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Daniel J. Patron, 26, of Canton, Ohio, died Aug. 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.


Article from hometown paper. (http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x1852600678/Perry-grad-Daniel-J-Patron-killed-in-Afghanistan)


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0iMVK6e-_M/TkCb6xbsZpI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Pgum5m3LJrE/s320/patron-d.jpg

[Grace]

7 August 2011


US Marine Sergeant Adan Gonzales Jr was killed in action during combat operations in Helmand province on 7th August 2011.

The 28-year-old, from Bakersfield, California served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Sgt. Gonzales Jr had served in the US Marine Corps for five years. He leaves his wife Catalina and their three children - two daughters ages five and three and a one-year-old son.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzm2x7Mtxao/TkEw2BgQVlI/AAAAAAAAB30/jqTTyzeN6sA/s320/gonzales-a.jpg

[Grace]

7 August 2011



US Marine Sergeant Joshua J. Robinson was killed in action during combat operations in Helmand province on 7th August 2011.

The 29-year-old, from Omaha, Nebraska served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton, California.

[Grace]

8 August 2011


US Army Sergeant Alessandro "Sandrino" Plutino, a Rifle Team Leader in B Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment was killed in action in Afghanistan on 8th August 2011 by enemy gunfire while leading his Rangers in an assault.

According to news reports, Sgt. Plutino was on his third tour in Afghanistan after completing three tours in Iraq. He was due to return home to Pitman, New Jersey in 15 days and looked forward to seeing his mother Dianne, father Sandro, sister Brenna and fiancée Natalie Layton.

Article from his hometown paper (http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2011/08/alessandro_sandrino_plutino_ar.html)

[Grace]

#7

6 August 2011


36-year-old US Navy SEAL Kevin Houston was among the Special Forces fatalities when a Chinook helicopter crashed in Wardak province, Afghanistan on 6th August 2011.

Friends and family have recalled how Houston overcame many hurdles in his life to realise his childhood dream to be a Navy SEAL. At high school, he broke his back in a motorcycle accident. His parents divorced when he was young and he lost his sister, Miranda, to cancer. Despite it all, he joined the Navy as a teenager and became a SEAL in 1999.

He leaves his wife, Meiling, and their three children - two boys and a girl, ages 3, 11 and 17.

Article from hometown radio station. (http://www.wbur.org/2011/08/08/navy-seal-obit)

[Grace]

#8

6 August 2011


28-year-old USAF Airman Daniel Zerbe was killed in action on 6th August 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when the Chinook helicopter he was in crashed, killing all on board.

Airman Zerbe was a Special Ops Para-rescue jumper, a position that is reserved for an elite few, who was trained to save the lives of injured soldiers.

The helicopter with 30 American Special Forces troops and 7 Afghan Commandos on board, was tasked with helping Army Rangers who were engaged in a battle with enemy forces. As the helicopter was landing, it reportedly took a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade.

Airman Zerbe, from Philadelphia, was living his dream military career according to family and friends.

Article from hometown paper. (http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_18641417)

[Grace]

From ABC, Faces of the Fallen . . . . 20 of them here.


http://abcnews.go.com/US/slideshow/faces-fallen-troops-navy-seals-killed-afghanistan-helicopter-14270067

[Grace]

#9

6 August 2011


US Army Specialist Alexander Bennett was killed in action on 6th August 2011 in Wardak province when his Chinook helicopter was shot down by enemy forces. He was serving with the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment.

23-year-old Spc. Bennett was a Chinook helicopter flight mechanic with the Army Reserve. He had previously served in Iraq in 2009. After returning home to Tacoma, Washington from Iraq, he moved to Kansas to join the unit based at New Century AirCenter.

Lt. Col. Richard Sherman, the former commander of Bravo Company, 7th Battalion, told local news that Spc. Bennett had a reputation as a prankster. “He was a typical young kid and liked to go out and have a good time with the guys,” Sherman said. “He never pranked me but then again at the time I was a major so specialists tend to not make majors their targets for pranks.”

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRokw3IqiRA/TkNU8yeNgNI/AAAAAAAAB40/D175zUqddsI/s320/bennett-a.jpg

[Grace]

#10

6 August 2011



US Navy Chief Petty Officer Brian R. Bill was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province.

He joined the US Navy in June 2001. On completion of his basic training in Illinois, he attended and completed Basic Underwater Demolition training in California. In 2003, his ambition was realised when he was assigned to an East Coast Navy SEAL team based at Virginia Beach.

Chief Petty Officer Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stamford and Norwich University in Norwich. He was also fluent in French and had studied Russian. He also held a commercial pilot's license.

During his career he was awarded three Bronze Stars with Valor, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0le_fAp-os4/TkNa_8nFzDI/AAAAAAAAB48/GpHgNjvKqM8/s320/bill-b.JPG

[Grace]

#11

6 August 2011



US Navy Chief Petty Officer Robert James Reeves was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

CPO Reeves died along with his friend and colleague Lt. Commander Jonas Kelsall. Both men were born in Shreveport.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlo1ufjMoJ4/TkOjwBNsGeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/Bny0Yxcz24k/s320/reeves-r.JPG

[Grace]

10 August 2011


23-year-old US Marine Corporal Nicholas S. Ott, died on 10th August 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Cpl Ott, from Manchester, NJ, served with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He joined the Marine Corps in September 2007. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

[Grace]

#12


6 August 2011


28-year-old US Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, from Angwin, California, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYGrtekMI34/TkSzd6FP5sI/AAAAAAAAB5k/dyB_IYsAp60/s320/benson-d.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -

Before he became a U.S. Navy SEAL, Darrik Benson was known as a good student and an all-around nice kid in Angwin, a small town in California's Napa Valley where he grew up.

At the end of his latest tour of duty next month, he planned to marry his girlfriend, Kara, and spend time with his 2-year-old son, Landon.

"She's very broken up about this," Benson's mother, Claudia Benson, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Benson had recently earned his commercial pilot's license to possibly fly airplanes after his military service ended.

Linda Hansel, who taught Benson in eighth grade, remembered him as bright, outgoing and just a touch mischievous.

[Grace]

#13

6 August 2011


32-year-old US Navy Special Warfare Operator, Lieutenant-Commander Jonas B. Kelsall, from Shreveport, Louisiana, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan. He served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0bMDnQqYl0/TkSzOCp1XPI/AAAAAAAAB5c/8zb3q85nuns/s320/kelsall-j.JPG

From Urban Christian News -

Lt.Cdr Kelsall and CPO Robert Reeves (#11) had been childhood friends in Shreveport, La., where they played soccer together and graduated from Caddo Magnet High School, Kelsall's father, John, told The Times of Shreveport and KLSA-TV.

Both joined the military after graduation, though Reeves spent a year at Louisiana State University first, his father, Jim Reeves, told the newspaper.

Reeves became a SEAL in 1999 and served on SEAL Team 6, his father said. During his many deployments, he earned four Bronze Stars and other honors.

Kelsall was one of the first members of SEAL Team 7, his father said.

He trained in San Diego and met his wife of three years, Victoria, when he was attending the University of Texas out of Basic Underwater Demolition training, his father said.

Reeves placed several American flags outside his home and his neighbors joined in, many decorating their homes in red, white and blue in support of the families.

[Grace]

#14

6 August 2011



44-year-old US Navy Special Warfare Operator, Master Chief Petty Officer Louis J. Langlais, from Santa Barbara, California, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan. He served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.


Article from KCOY. (http://www.kcoy.com/story/15250357/santa-barbara-navy-seal-killed-in-afghanistan-chopper)

[Grace]

#15

6 August 2011


US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kraig M. Vickers, from Hawaii, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 36-year-old was an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist and a Bomb-disposal technician serving with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG6ElmE0WvE/TkSy95CVrzI/AAAAAAAAB5U/ijWgEA8XGC4/s320/vickers-k.JPG

From Fox News -

When he was a Maui High School football player, no one could match Kraig Vickers' intensity on the field.

But off the field? "You couldn't find a nicer guy," his former coach remembers.

"He played middle linebacker, so he was really smart, the quarterback of the defense; and when he put on his helmet, no one could match his intensity and aggressiveness," coach Curtis Lee told the Maui News.

Kraig Vickers had been a Navy Bomb Disposal Team member, his father, Robert Vickers, told the newspaper. He said his son would have turned 37 on Thursday before declining further comment on his death.

Kraig Vickers graduated high school in 1992.

He lived in Virginia Beach, Va., with his wife, Nani, who was pregnant, and their three children, his friend from childhood, Michael Labuanan, told the newspaper.

"I gravitated towards Kraig because of his easygoing personality and the drive to become the best person that he could be," said Labuanan in an email.

U.S. Rep Mazie Hirono released a statement Sunday, extending her "gratitude to Kraig Vickers for his loyal service to our country."

[Grace]

#16

6 August 2011



US Air Force Tech. Sergeant John W. Brown, from Tallahassee, Florida, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 33-year-old served with the USAF 24th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Pope Field, North Carolina.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sqCUHSPg5A/TkU1ovcUZxI/AAAAAAAAB78/nbXqncKkdFE/s320/Brown-j.jpg

Article from FSU news (http://www.fsunews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110812/NEWS01/108120335/1010)

[Grace]

#17

6 August 2011


US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell, from Long Beach, California, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 26-year-old served with the USAF 24th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Pope Field, North Carolina.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5qZlgdhJj8/TkU1de02i9I/AAAAAAAAB70/ZXoAMXXsbnw/s320/harvell-a.jpg

From NBC, Los Angeles (http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Andrew--Harvell---Heart-of-a-Lion--127561838.html)

[Grace]

#18

6 August 2011



US Army Specialist Spencer C. Duncan, from Olathe, Kansas, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

21-year-old Spc. Duncan served with the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion).

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VI0ExLHe7KE/TkSypicvrII/AAAAAAAAB5M/XM2MEcG9wcg/s320/duncan-s.jpg

From NBC, Kansas City -

Over the weekend, we learned 21-year-old Spc. Spencer C. Duncan of Olathe, Kan., also was lost in the attack.

Duncan served as a door gunner on a Chinook helicopter which the Pentagon says was hit by rocket fire. He was a member of Bravo Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, based at New Century Air Center in Gardner.

Friends say Duncan joined the military in 2008 and had been in Afghanistan since late May. He was stationed at Forward Operating Base, Shank.

Duncan, a 2008 graduate of Olathe South High School, is survived by his parents, Dale and Megan Duncan, of Olathe and two younger brothers, one of which is serving in the United States Marine Corps.

There will be a candlelight vigil held for Spencer Duncan on Aug.10 at 8 p.m.

The vigil will be held at Blue Valley Baptist Church, on the corner of 151st and Antioch in Overland Park.

[Grace]

#19

6 August 2011


US Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, from Hays, Kansas, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

31-year-old CWO Nichols served with the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion).

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWtv-lIQcwY/TkS0QFkq5GI/AAAAAAAAB5s/eBkyiQmww1s/s320/nichols-b.jp

From the Daily News.net -

Senator wants soldier to receive proper honor

By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN

[email protected]

Years ago, Allen Schmidt served with Doug Nichols in the 388th Medical Logistics Battalion in Hays.

So Schmidt, a retired colonel of the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, is going to do all he can to see that Nichols' son receives his due honor.

Chief Warrant Officer-2 Bryan Nichols, 31, who grew up in Hays, was one of the pilots aboard the U.S. Chinook helicopter that was shot down in Afghanistan last weekend. There were 30 U.S. troops on board, and it was the deadliest single loss for American forces in the war in Afghanistan.

Bryan Nichols, the youngest of Doug and Cindy Nichols' four children, grew up in Hays and graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in 1998.

Bryan Nichols had been living in the Kansas City area, but his parents still live in the Hays area, near Palco.

Also aboard the chopper was another former Hays resident -- Chief Warrant Officer-4 David Carter, whose family now lives in Colorado.

The remains of the 30 U.S. troops arrived Tuesday in the United States in Dover, Del., and Nichols' parents were there.

Doug Nichols is keeping Schmidt, now a Kansas state senator who returned to his hometown of Hays to live after retiring from the military, informed of the timetable of his son's arrival back home.

Schmidt said Doug Nichols said his son's body tentatively is expected to arrive in Hays sometime early next week, and Schmidt said he wants to be there to "honor his arrival at the airport."

"We want to find out what time his body is coming in," Schmidt said. "I don't care what time it is. If I know (the time), I'm going to be out there."

The Fort Hays VFW Post and the Hays American Legion both are planning to be on-hand to give tribute to Nichols.

Schmidt said he was glad Nichols' parents were able to make it to Delaware when the bodies of the U.S. troops arrived.

"It's a very solemn ceremony," Schmidt said. "An officer meets every single soldier that comes off the plane. It's something of great respect."

Schmidt said he expects numerous tributaries and memorials for Bryan Nichols.

"They never know when they're going to get that call, when they are going to have to sacrifice with injuries or even their life," Schmidt said. "Like Bryan -- a young man with such a promising future, a stellar member of society."

Longtime friends Sgt. First Class Seth Kastle and Capt. Jamie Schwandt of the U.S. Army Reserves have set up a memorial fund for Bryan Nichols' 10-year-old son, Braydon.

[Grace]

#20

6 August 2011


US Army Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, from Centennial, Colorado, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

47-year-old CWO Carter served with the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), based at Aurora, Colorado.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQs2oY06cto/TkS1QGZceMI/AAAAAAAAB50/bSKv4O2NY9o/s320/carter-d.JPG

Article from the Aurora Sentinel (http://www.aurorasentinel.com/email_push/news/article_34c2759c-c1e4-11e0-926f-001cc4c03286.html)

[Grace]

7 July 2011


San Diego Police Officer Jeremy Henwood, a US Marine Corps Reserve Captain who had been a police officer for four years, returned home from a grueling tour of duty in Afghanistan in February this year.

Officer Henwood joined the Marines in 1995 and deployed twice to Iraq. In Afghanistan's northern Helmand province, he led a company of 160 Marines. In November 2010, he led an 11-mile-long supply convoy for four days to a U.S. base in Musa Qala. His group struck about 15 improvised explosives and survived small-arms attacks.

Back in San Diego, on Sunday 7th July he was shot and killed during a routine patrol for no apparent reason. The decorated Marine from Bexar, Texas, was due for promotion to Major in September this year.

We have included Officer Henwood on this website as a tribute to his service in Afghanistan.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLHKRLKh8U4/TkU7xs46ktI/AAAAAAAAB8E/WlmL5Tu2Ml8/s320/henwood-j.jpg

[Grace]

#21

6 August 2011


US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas P. Spehar, from Minnesota, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 24-year-old officer served with a West-coast based Navy Special Warfare unit.

Article, with photo, from WAVY.com (http://www.wavy.com/dpp/military/navy/nicholas-patrick-spehar-bio)

[Grace]

#22

6 August 2011


Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, from Ukiah, California, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hIWOeO9vfU/TkTe--PcInI/AAAAAAAAB60/ks1kVbAltMc/s320/pittman-j-2.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -

Jesse Pittman made it known he wanted to become a SEAL during his second summer working as a seasonal firefighter for California's forestry department. He trained in his off-time with an ex-SEAL to prepare.

He was a hard worker who shared a love of hotrods with his father and older brother, and he did odd jobs at an automotive repair shop in his hometown of Willits, Calif., to learn how to build and repair cars.

Despite being a leader on his fire crew and having a good career ahead of him as a firefighter, Pittman made it clear becoming a SEAL was his passion.

"He liked to be challenged, and I think that challenge is what drew him to both of those careers," his friend Chris Wilkes told the San Francisco Chronicle. "When he told me he wanted to be a Navy SEAL, I told him he had been watching too much TV. But he said, 'No, I can do that.'"

[Grace]

#23

6 August 2011


36-year-old US Navy Special Warfare Operator, Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher G. Campbell, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan. He served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvK0t_gQnL4/TkS6tL5sZLI/AAAAAAAAB58/VnmJ1cM1MJA/s320/campbell-c.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


Chris Campbell may have been physically slight, but family and friends said the Navy SEAL was always ready to take on a challenge.

His mother, Diane Campbell, told The Daily News of Jacksonville she remembered him and his older brother learning to ride a unicycle brought back from Okinawa as one example of her son's determination.

"If Chris thought he could, he would try," Diane Campbell said.

Former high school football coach Jack Baile remembered Campbell, 36, showing he was up to a test when he tried out for the team as a smallish junior at about 5 foot-7 and 140 pounds.

"When kids come out for football for the first time, the first thing you're worried about is, are they going to like to be hit, or want to be hit, and like to hit. That was not a problem with Chris. He had no fear with that," Baile told The Associated Press.

"I remember hearing for the first time when he had joined the SEALS, I thought that kind of fits Chris. He didn't have a lot of fear of things and I think he always wanted to try to prove to somebody that he could do things. He was an adventurous-type guy."

Campbell's work frequently sent him on missions out of the country, and his family asked few questions when he showed up with a full beard or arrived for a visit that could only last three hours. In an email to his daughter Samantha sent days before the crash, he wrote that he was looking forward to coming home in November and celebrating her 15th birthday in January.

Chris Campbell told his family that if he was killed in the line of duty, he wanted the local newspaper to write about his life and death, with a request for donations in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. The project helps wounded service members recover from their war injuries.

[Grace]

FYI, I have added information to several of the previously posted notices. They are numbers 1, 3, 4, and 12.

[Grace]

#24

6 August 2011


US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jared W. Day, from Taylorsville, Utah, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old Information Systems Technician served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taIPkV8GnHQ/TkS8JDgehVI/AAAAAAAAB6M/6CTrFxpr_sY/s320/day-jared-2.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


Jared William Day grew up in the Salt Lake City area and joined the Navy in 2002 "because he loved his country, the people who live here, and the freedoms we all have," his family said.

The 28-year-old Navy SEAL had participated in multiple missions around the world, and was an Information Systems Technician First Class, a family statement said.

"He was truly special, not only to our family, but to this country," his family said. "Jared's memory will live in our hearts forever."

His family also described him as being "determined with a fierce sense of humor."

Day rose to become an elite member of a Naval Special Warfare unit where he served as tactical commander.

Day's family attended a ceremony for the soldiers earlier this week at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where they were given a few minutes with President Barack Obama.

[Grace]

# 25 & 26

6 August 2011


US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara, from South Sioux City, Nebraska, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 26-year-old Master-at-Arms was the lead dog-handler serving with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit. His dog, Bart, died with him in the crash.

Petty Officer Douangdara's parents fled Lao and later emigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the Navy in February 2003. Upon completion of his initial training, he served in Sicily. He joined his SEAL team in January 2008.

His awards include the Bronze Star with “V” device, Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Rifle Marksmanship Medal, and the Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vd4cwXaZ4o/TkTufA7kEHI/AAAAAAAAB7M/ZWMkDF_Q9N0/s320/Douangdara-j-2.jpg


Bart was a US Navy Special Warfare Operations dog, belonging to the East-coast Navy SEAL team. He was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

Bart died alongside his handler, US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara.

Bart has his own Facebook Memorial page.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Noz8BkfvNrw/TkTxHnY3k1I/AAAAAAAAB7U/1YXH2lazkSA/s320/bart-navy-seal-dog.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -

John Douangdara told his family very little about his duties in the military. They didn't even know he took part in operations with the Navy SEALs.

But his mother, Sengchanh Douangdara, said it was clear the 26-year-old master at arms petty officer 1st class from South Sioux City, Neb., was committed to the military and proud to serve the country that adopted his Laotian family decades ago. Douangdara was Naval Special Warfare personnel, who support the SEALs.

"I know that he loved his job. It was a job he chose," she told the Sioux City Journal.

She recalled her son as "the middle child, very quiet."

Douangdara's parents fled communist forces in their native Laos in 1979, then immigrated to the United States after the birth of their first child. John was born four years later, the third of five children his parents would raise in South Sioux City, a Missouri River town along the border with Iowa.

The oldest child, Chan Follen, said her family's sadness is tempered by pride in Douangdara's service to the U.S.

"We are proud Johnny fought for the country that embraced our family and gave us the opportunity to reach for the American dream," Follen said.

[Grace]

#27

6 August 2011


US Navy Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas, from Minneapolis, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 31-year-old Special Warfare Operator served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlPHANC1IhE/TkS-usRx0VI/AAAAAAAAB6c/daiGZ6LJt40/s320/faas-j.JPG

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


Top of his class. Quarterback. Team captain.

John Faas' football coach had encouraged the natural-born leader to consider applying to a service academy to become a military officer, but Faas had decided in middle school that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL.

The 31-year-old from Minneapolis never wavered about his goal, joining the elite fighting force and becoming a chief petty officer.

"This is where John felt he was called," said Ron Monson, the football coach at Minnehaha Academy, a private Christian school in Minneapolis where Faas graduated as the 1998 class valedictorian.

The coach said Faas never showed bravado and didn't fit the Hollywood stereotype of a SEAL. Instead, the son of Gretchen and Robert Faas of Minneapolis, was the guy who always stood up for his fellow students.

"John was a man of unquestionable integrity and courage, as were those he served with," his family said in a statement. "He became a SEAL to serve his country and to make the world a better place for those less fortunate."

[Grace]

#28

6 August 2011


US Navy Chief Petty Officer Matthew D. Mason, from Kansas City, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 37-year-old Special Warfare Operator served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ew-s578-t8/TkS_jCyyA_I/AAAAAAAAB6k/xbBfNnP_zIk/s320/mason-m.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


A severe arm injury during fighting in Fallujah in 2004 didn't keep Matthew Mason off the Iraq War battlefield. Nor did it dull the competitive fire of the avid runner and former high school athlete from outside Kansas City.

Within five months of losing part of his left arm, absorbing shrapnel and suffering a collapsed lung, Mason competed in a triathlon. He soon returned to his SEAL unit.

"He could have gotten out of combat," said family friend Elizabeth Frogge. "He just insisted on going back."

Mason, the father of two toddler sons, grew up in Holt, Mo., and played football and baseball at Kearney High School. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1998. His wife, who is expecting their third child — another boy — also attended Northwest Missouri.

Mason returned to Missouri in May to compete in a Kansas City triathlon, and took his family to Walt Disney World for the first time this summer, Frogge said.

"He loved doing what he did," she said. "He was the type of guy who thought he was invincible."

[Grace]

#29

6 August 2011


US Navy Chief Petty Officer Heath M. Robinson, from Detroit, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 34-year-old Special Warfare Operator served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kKqSdGYf1w/TkUzepJFzGI/AAAAAAAAB7k/IGP_L3lOnsM/s320/robinson-h.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


Before he even graduated from Michigan's Petoskey High about 225 miles northwest of Detroit, Heath M. Robinson was the type of guy people could picture becoming a Navy SEAL.

"He was hardworking, dedicated and loyal," athletic director Gary Hice told the Detroit Free Press. "And those are all attributes for a Navy SEAL. He was a nice young man."

Robinson joined the military after high school, according to the Petoskey News-Review, and his service record shows he served in six Special Warfare Units from 2000 to 2011.

Robinson's father declined to comment about his son's death when reached by The Associated Press.

Petoskey Principal Jim Kanine said Robinson and his family would be remembered in prayers.

"We understand that's the ultimate sacrifice a human being can make," Kanine said.

[Grace]

#30

6 August 2011


US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jon T. Tumilson, from Rockford, Iowa, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 35-year-old Special Warfare Operator served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLRyZ9ql_ro/TkUzqibUTWI/AAAAAAAAB7s/XGBSZ1iX0-o/s320/tumilson-j.jpg

From the Daily Sentinel, Colorado -


Jon Tumilson got an early start on his preparation to join the SEALS. He had been a wrestler in high school and competed in marathons and triathlons.

Neighbors remembered the Rockford, Iowa, man as a warrior committed to the SEALs, no matter the pain he endured in training or the risks he ran on each mission.

"When he did something, he put his all into it," Jan Stowe, a neighbor of the Tumilsons for more than 30 years, told the Des Moines Register.

Tumilson, who was 35 when he died, "was going to be a Navy SEAL since I can't remember when," Stowe said. "He's like a hero to everyone here."

Another neighbor, Mark Biggs, said people were shocked by his death.

"You just never thought it would happen to Jon," Biggs told the Mason City Globe Gazette. "He's done so many dangerous things."

Friend Justin Schriever remembered Tumilson as "a die-hard at everything. He'd always go the extra mile on everything. He wouldn't let anything stop him from accomplishing something."

[Grace]

#31

6 August 2011


US Navy Chief Petty Officer Nicholas H. Null, from West Virginia, was killed in action on 6th August 2011 when the helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

The 30-year-old Bomb-disposal technician served with an East-coast based Navy SEAL unit.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzZQs7cfeTE/TkTBqKO_LLI/AAAAAAAAB6s/OcF6g5ravp0/s320/null-nick.jpg

Article with more info. (http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/DOD-W-Va-man-among-Afghanistan-copter-victims-1868882.php)

[Grace]

France


French Army Master Corporal Facrou Husseini Ali, of the 19th Engineer Regiment (19th RG) was killed in action when a roadside bomb exploded against his patrol vehicle near Tagab on 11th August 2011.

The 32-year-old combat engineer deployed to Afghanistan in June 2011. He was the father of two children aged 1 and 7 years.

With over 10 years of service, Master Corporal Husseini Ali served successively with the 19th RG in Guyana (2002), Côte d'Ivoire (2004 and 2010), Kosovo (2006 and 2008) and Polynesia (2007).

He had been decorated several times with medals and awards during his career.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c55ZhrwsPsI/TkUwhs_M3GI/AAAAAAAAB7c/E3lPln5WihI/s320/Facrou%2BHousseini%2BAli.jpg

[Grace]

Charles P. Murray, Jr.
Medal of Honor Recipient




MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., August 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Friday, August 12, 2011 in Columbia, South Carolina at age 90.

Charles received his Medal of Honor in Salzburg, Austria, presented by Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Commanding Gen. U.S. II Corps. on July 5, 1945.

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy by commanding Company C, 30th Infantry, displaying supreme courage and heroic initiative near Kaysersberg, France, on 16 December 1944, while leading a reinforced platoon into enemy territory, Murray fired from an exposed position, disorganizing the enemy ranks and forcing their withdrawal. He then moved with his patrol to secure possession of a bridge and construction of a roadblock, capturing enemy troops while sustaining injuries.

Charles Murray is survived by his wife Anne and many other family members. Funeral services are pending. There are 84 recipients alive today.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and consists exclusively of the living recipients of our nation's highest award for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. Those who wear this light blue ribbon and Medal around their neck are "recipients" of this prestigious award; they are not "winners." Although it is common to refer to the Medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is simply named the Medal of Honor, although, as stated, the Congress did establish the Society as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBUeZe4cy6UnKzgEzHqqyp6Y0cTgo-FkHG4d5pwLzTK1nNUPsA

[Grace]

11 August 2011


US Army Specialist Patrick L. Lay II, from Bradenton, Florida, was killed in action on Thursday 11th August 2011 while on combat operations in Afghanistan.

21-year-old Spc. Lay died from injuries he sustained in a bomb blast. He was an infantryman serving with the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York.

His mother, Stefenie Hernandez, told local news: “My son gave his life for his country so we can live free and continue to have what we have,” She went on to say that “He was fun-loving. He liked to joke. He was a very, very sweet child.”

He was engaged to Joann Steiff, also 21. They were planning to marry next year.


Article from local paper (http://bradenton.patch.com/articles/local-soldier-killed-in-combat-in-afghanistan)

[Grace]

11 August 2011


27-year-old US Army Specialist Rueben Lopez, was killed in action on Thursday 11th August 2011 when a bomb detonated beside his patrol in southern Afghanistan. He served with the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York.

Spc. Lopez joined the Army on 10th August 2010 and was killed in action one year and one day later. Before he enlisted in the Army, Spc. Lopez, from California, was an active member of the Williams Neighborhood Church and graduated from Williams High School in 2002.

Spc. Lopez leaves his parents Gloria and Reuben Lopez, his four sisters, Monica, Kelly, Leticia and Renee and his grandparents Margaret Del Rio, and Alex and Rita Estrada of Colusa.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYMKsrHKRx4/TkXcL8uqpNI/AAAAAAAAB8M/YHrcqy0z7Ag/s320/lopez-r.jpg

Article from local paper. (http://www.corning-observer.com/news/killed-10265-lopez-afghanistan.html)

[Grace]

11 August 2011


US Army Spc. Jameel T. Freeman was killed in action on 11th August 2011 when his patrol vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

The 26-year-old Baltimore native is survived by his wife and two children.



Article from the Baltimore Sun. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-soldier-killed-afghanistan-20110812,0,2158865.story)

[Grace]

11 August 2011


19-year-old US Navy Hospitalman Riley Gallinger-Long was killed on 11th August 2011 in Helmand province during a foot patrol with a US Marine unit in Marjah district.

The sailor, from Cornelius, Oregon, graduated from Forest Grove High School last year. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epg4rbjQrMw/Tkcdr0Fc_EI/AAAAAAAAB8U/rMDhgWT66b4/s320/Gallinger-Long-r.jpg

[Grace]

Army Released July Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of July. Among active-duty soldiers, there were 22 potential suicides: three have been confirmed as suicide and 19 remain under investigation. For June 2011, the Army reported nine potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, three cases have been confirmed as suicide, and six cases remain under investigation.

During July 2011, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 10 potential suicides: none have been confirmed as suicide and 10 remain under investigation. For June 2011, the Army reported five potential suicides among not-on-active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of six cases. Four cases have been confirmed as suicide, and two cases remain under investigation.

“Every suicide represents a tragic loss to our Army and the nation. While the high number of potential suicides in July is discouraging, we are confident our efforts aimed at increasing individuals’ resiliency, while reducing incidence of at-risk and high-risk behavior across the force, are having a positive impact,” Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, stated. “We absolutely recognize there is much work to be done and remain committed to ensuring our people are cared for and have ready access to the best possible programs and services.”


One who could no longer deal with his demons. (http://www.komonews.com/news/local/127623973.html)

[Grace]

11 August 2011


Sgt. Edward J. Frank II, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y. Died Aug. 11 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Article from NBCNY (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Yonkers-Soldier-Killed-in-Afghanistan-127683533.html)

[Grace]

11 August 2011


Spc. Jordan M. Morris, 23, of Stillwater, Okla., died Aug. 11 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Article from local paper. (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=12&articleid=20110814_12_0_imgsrc909120)

[Grace]

France


French Army Lieutenant Camille Levrel, from the 152nd Infantry Regiment (152 RI) was killed in action on 14th August 2011 after being shot by enemy forces during a mission in Kapisa.

The 36-year-old officer was married with three children. He had served the French Army for 14 years. During that time, he served in Germany, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Chad and Kosovo. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He deployed to Afghanistan on 31st May this year as part of Operation "Pamir".

Lt. Levrel was awarded the Gold Medal of National Defense (Infantry), among other medals during his career.

Lt. Levrel was described as being highly motivated with a serious and professional attitude.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhfEdxqC1HA/TkhrC1n5cAI/AAAAAAAAB80/rMdaX2GaL34/s320/levrel.jpg

[Grace]

Great Britain


It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lieutenant Daniel John Clack, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Afghanistan on 12 August 2011.


Ministry of Defence statement (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LieutenantDanielJohnClackKilledInAfghanistan.htm)

[Grace]

14 August 2011


Bataan Death March survivor Albert Brown, at age 105


Link to article (http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=14312315)

[Grace]

13 August 2011


Oklahoma Army National Guard officer, 2nd Lieutenant Joe L. Cunningham from Kingston, Oklahoma, died in Laghman province on 13th August 2011 from injuries injuries sustained in what the military call a non-combat related incident.

27-year-old 2Lt. Cunningham served with the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment and was commissioned last year. He had previously served in Iraq in 2005 and 2006. He enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard two months after the 9/11 attack.

Lt. Col. Max Moss of the Oklahoma Army National Guard said about 2Lt. Cunningham: “After earning the rank of sergeant and demonstrating outstanding character and leadership potential, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School. He will be greatly missed by all of us in uniform that knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they cope with his loss,”

2Lt. Cunningham's awards include the Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuwahfCqiEY/TkotmRTAGGI/AAAAAAAAB9c/V2Qqy1FCBII/s320/cunningham-j-1.jpg

[Grace]

12 August 2011


US Army Master Sergeant Charles L. Price III, from Milam, Texas, was killed in action on 12th August 2011 in Kandahar province, from injuries he received when a bomb exploded by his patrol unit.

40-year-old Master Sgt. Price served with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He joined the Army in 1989 and had served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Kosovo and Iraq. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Price had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He had also earned the Army Commendation medal five times.

He leaves his wife and seven children, the youngest of whom is 3.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6ZtaI570Hw/Tksi6kPkXnI/AAAAAAAAB90/A8d4zU7gT1A/s320/price-c-2.jpg

[Grace]

14 August 2011


US Army Sergeant Matthew A. Harmon, from Bagley, Minnesota, was killed in Paktika province when a bomb exploded during a vehicle recovery operation he was involved with.

29-year-old Sgt. Harmon served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, based at Grafenwoehr, Germany. He joined the Army in March 2005 and deployed to Afghanistan in July this year. He had previously served twice in Iraq.

Sgt. Harmon leaves behind his wife, Nicole, and their three children, Danika, 8, Vincent, 5, and Elsie, 3, his parents Tom and Irene, sister Melissa, brothers Dean and Mark.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xov2ryV-Uew/Tksdk5NuRAI/AAAAAAAAB9k/yQF5K9KCoME/s320/harmon-m.jpg


US Army Specialist Joseph VanDreumel, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was killed in Paktika province when a bomb exploded during a vehicle recovery operation he was involved with.

32-year-old Spc. VanDreumel, served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, based at Grafenwoehr, Germany. He joined the Army in 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan six weeks ago.

Spc. VanDreumel leaves behind his wife, Sarah, his 8-year old son Skyler and 10-year old daughter Angel.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6a_oYChjWI/Tksf3afQBPI/AAAAAAAAB9s/6X3BoOfQivU/s320/VanDreumel-a.jpg

[Grace]

14 August 2011


Oklahoma Army National Guard officer, 1st Lt. Damon T. Leehan, was killed in action on Sunday 14th August 2011 when his patrol vehicle struck a road mine in the Alingar district of Laghman Province.

30-year-old 1Lt. Leehan was a platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 179 Infantry Regiment, based in Edmond. He joined the National Guard in 1988 and was on his third combat tour of Afghanistan.

1Lt. Leehan leaves his wife Audrey Leehan and two children, Emma and Ethan. The Leehans were expecting to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary on 17th September.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gJhMZYbU5U/TkuB4I9ydFI/AAAAAAAAB98/qTyUQAVXFjY/s320/leehan-d1.jpg

[Grace]

16 August 2011


Oklahoma Army National Guard Spc. Joshua M. Seals, age 21, from Porter, Oklahoma died on 16th August 2011 from a non-combat related incident in Paktia province.

Spc. Seals was a machine gunner serving with the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This was the first deployment for Spc. Seals who joined the Guard three years ago to become a truck driver. He is the eighth Oklahoma National Guard soldier to die in Afghanistan in the past three weeks.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0qgeqArGWw/Tkx8GHX4d8I/AAAAAAAAB-E/zHZ3N0qDBsE/s320/seals-j.jpg

[Grace]

16 August 2011


US Army Spc. Dennis G. Jensen died on 16th August 2011 in Helmand province when he was struck by steel bridge panels that fell from a forklift. The incident occurred near Camp Leatherneck.

21-year-old Spc. Jensen, from Vermillion, South Dakota, was serving with the 153rd Engineer Battalion, 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based at Sioux Falls. He had volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan as a bridge crew member.

Spc. Jensen is survived by his mother, Christine Bestgen, father Glenn Jensen and sister Melissa Jensen.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NrcJkwna8lE/Tkx9csX1JgI/AAAAAAAAB-M/vyxCVTdhfRc/s320/jensen-d.jpg

[Grace]

18 August 2011


US Marine Lance Corporal Travis M. Nelson was killed in action in Helmand province on 18th August 2011. The young Marine was shot by enemy forces while on patrol. He had celebrated his 19th birthday two weeks ago.

L-Cpl. Nelson, from Pace in Florida, served with the 6th Marine Regiment based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He joined the Marines in September and was promoted to Lance Corporal in June. He had deployed to Afghanistan in March.

L-Cpl. Nelson's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

He was engaged to his high school sweetheart, Madeline Cates. He leaves his parents, Scott and Becky Nelson and sister Anna.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uySZHJ8RSiY/Tk8RKooLpMI/AAAAAAAAB-U/2EPF30_-ACw/s320/nelson-t.jpg

[Grace]

19 August 2011


US Army Private First Class Douglas Leonard Cordo, from Kingston, New York was killed in action on 19th August 2011 in Zabul, Afghanistan, when his unit was hit by a bomb blast. Pfc. Cordo died from injuries received in the attack.

20-year-old Pfc. Cordo served with the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He deployed to Afghanistan in April this year for a one year tour.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beQ1XzbpFmk/TlBRnXmHKnI/AAAAAAAAB-k/ezq7KSljX8Y/s320/cordo-d.jpg

[Grace]

New Zealand


New Zealand SAS Corporal Doug Grant, age 41, was killed in action in Kabul on Friday 19th August 2011 during an operation at the British Council buildings.

Cpl. Grant, known as "Dougie", was evacuated by helicopter but died from gunshot wounds on the way to a military hospital at Bagram.

Cpl. Grant, from Linton, had spent 21 years in the New Zealand Defence Force, serving with an Infantry Regiment and with Engineers before joining the Special Air Service. He had actually left the SAS so that he could spend more time with his family but had volunteered to serve in Afghanistan.

He had served in East Timor twice, the former Yugoslavia and was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He leaves behind his wife Tina, their seven-year-old daughter and their five-year-old son.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Toas6LAPRVg/TlGvh0FZNZI/AAAAAAAAB-s/X3glf8alFcQ/s320/grant-d.jpg

[Grace]

This will break your heart. The funeral for SEAL Jon Tumilson, killed in that copter crash, was held Friday. His dog, Hawkeye, guarded him one last time.

http://i.imgur.com/KKku9.jpg

[Grace]

Australia


26-year-old Private Matthew Lambert, serving with the Australian Townsville-based 2nd Battalion RAR, was killed in action on 22nd August 2011 when a bomb detonated beside his unit while he was conducting a night patrol north-east of Tarin Kot.

Pvt. Lambert was born in Kogarah, New South Wales. He joined the Army in 2005 and served in East Timor in 2009 receiving a number of military honours.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard, speaking about Pvt. Lambert, said: "Private Lambert's colleagues described him as a man who excelled at any task he was assigned and a soldier who was proud to serve his country. Matthew was a sniper. A tough specialist in mind and body, one of the most skilled soldiers in one of the most skilled armies in the world."

Private Lambert is survived by his wife, parents and family.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIwEsWhjRlc/TlOYO0I-wwI/AAAAAAAAB_E/A2SKFkPB26M/s320/lambert-m.jpg

[Grace]

Poland


Polish Army Senior Private Szymon Sitarczuk, age 28, was killed in action on 18th August 2011 in the northern part of Ghazni province. His unit was on patrol when a bomb exploded. The explosion was followed by a gun battle with enemy forces.

Snr. Pvt. Sitarczuk served with 1st Company of Motorised Infantry of "Alfa" Combat Group. He had served in 1st Sappers Brigade since 2004. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

[Grace]

23 August 2011


US 10th Mountain Division officer, 1st Lt. Timothy J. Steele, from Duxbury, Massachusetts, was killed in action on 23rd August 2011 when a bomb exploded in Kandahar province.

The 25-year-old West Point graduate served with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Drum, New York.

1Lt Steele was commissioned in May 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan in March this year. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the Air Assault Medal, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab.

1Lt Steele is survived by his wife, child, and his parents.


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVn91zAnVQQ/TlWXiOtuMAI/AAAAAAAAB_M/hCznJO4qvC4/s320/steele-t.jpg

[Grace]

24 August 2011


US 10th Mountain Division Sergeant Andrew R. Tobin, from Jacksonville, Illinois, was killed in action on 24th August 2011 during a contact with enemy forces involving small arms. The incident occurred in Kandahar province.

24-year-old Sgt. Tobin deployed to Afghanistan in March this year. He previously served in the country from January to December last year. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Drum, New York.

Sgt. Tobin, who joined the army in January 2008, leaves his wife and father.http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khSW1prW9TA/TlowDzfpLkI/AAAAAAAAB_s/JXY1yYi9kTs/s320/tobin-a.jpg

[Grace]

25 August 2011


Alaska-based Stryker Brigade Pfc. Brandon S. Mullins, age 21, from Owensboro, Kentucky, was killed in action on 25th August 2011 when his unit struck a bomb during a patrol. Pfc. Mullins died from his injuries. The incident occurred in Kandahar province.

Pfc. Mullins, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Wainwright, deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team in April this year.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH2Mn65LNgA/TlkbHCmlzeI/AAAAAAAAB_U/yA_jlSui-JI/s320/mullins-b.jpg

[Grace]

25 August 2011


20-year-old US Army 10th Mountain Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich, from Texas, was killed in action on 25th August 2011 in Kandahar province, during a battle with enemy forces who attacked his unit using small arms fire.

Pfc. Dietrich served with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Drum, New York. He joined the Army in March 2009 and arrived at Fort Drum in July 2010 to join the 10th Mountain Division.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edBbO7X0uMQ/Tlov2sshuTI/AAAAAAAAB_k/nHbQFUGQcMw/s320/dietrich-j.jpg

[Grace]

27 August 2011


US Army Military Policeman, Specialist Michael Christopher Roberts, was killed on 27th August 2011 by an insurgent bomb while conducting operations in Kandahar.

23-year-old Spc. Roberts, from Watauga, Texas, served with the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He joined the Army in November 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2011.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Spc. Roberts is survived by his parents, David and Kathy Roberts.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_hTuGNIbhE/Tlro0TbVRLI/AAAAAAAAB_0/wslx1XdnOmE/s320/roberts-m.JPG

[Grace]

28 August 2011


Alaska-based US Army Specialist Douglas J. Green was killed in action in Kandahar on 28th August 2011. He died from injuries received when insurgents detonated a bomb against his unit and opened fire with small arms.

23-year-old Spc. Green, from Sterling, Virginia, served with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Wainwright.

Spc. Green joined the Army in September 2007 and transferred to Alaska in March 2008 on completion of his training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He had previously deployed to Iraq from September 2008 to September 2009.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRbSrsXfZQ8/TlzykCcg_jI/AAAAAAAAB_8/Tb6oAQ1s1Y0/s320/green-d.jpg

[Grace]

25 August 2011


26-year-old US Army Sergeant Colby Richmond was killed in action on Thursday 25th August 2011 when a bomb exploded by the truck he was driving in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Richmond, from Providence, North Carolina, served with the 546th Transportation Company, 82nd Sustainment Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, based at Fort Bragg. He leaves his wife, six-year-old son and his mother.

His mother, Cynthia Richmond, told WFMY News: "You have a child who leaves home to go and serve his country and you can correspond with that individual, and then they come back there in a casket."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA536EoLelc/TmAjKqSmRmI/AAAAAAAACAs/jS2iRxOgj2E/s320/richmond-c.jpg

[Grace]

25 August 2011


US Army Sergeant Devin Daniels was killed in Afghanistan last week while conducting combat operations. The 22-year-old was from Idaho and had graduated from Eagle High School in 2007, according to a report by IdahoStatesman.com published on 31st August.

Sgt. Daniels is survived by his wife, Samantha, and a 7-month-old daughter, Olivia.

Article from his local TV station. (http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/128838448.html)

[Grace]

Great Britain


British Royal Marine Sergeant Barry Weston, serving with 42 Commando, was killed in action on Tuesday 30th August 2011 in Helmand province. He died from the blast of an insurgent bomb while leading a foot patrol near the village of Sukmanda in southern Nahr-e Saraj district.

40-year-old Sgt. Weston, known as 'Baz', joined the Royal Marines in September 1991. After completing six months of arduous training, he joined 42 Commando.

He served in many combat operations including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Iraq. He distinguished himself as a Reconnaissance Operator, Platoon Weapons Instructor and Recruit Troop Sergeant, amongst many other talents.

Sgt. Weston leaves behind his wife Joanne and their three daughters Jasmine, Poppy and Rose.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k855nPWjN1Y/Tl8hEX8U0PI/AAAAAAAACAM/iVvvy3ivuWM/s320/weston-b.jpg

[Grace]

Country of Georgia


Georgian Army Junior Sergeant Rezo Beridze, age 35, died from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his patrol unit in Helmand province. He joined the Georgian Armed Forces in 2002 and had previously deployed to Iraq.

The Georgian Ministry of Defense confirmed his death on Wednesday evening, 31st August 2011. According to a news report in the newspaper Batumelebi, the body of Jr. Sgt. Beridze was repatriated to Georgia on 27th August.

The Georgian Army's 33rd Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade is currently serving in Helmand province, having rotated with the 32nd battalion in Helmand this April.

[Grace]

28 August 2011


US Army Private 1st Class Alberto L. Obod Jr., died in Kandahar province on 28th August 2011 from injuries he suffered in a vehicle rollover incident.

26-year-old Pfc. Obod, from Orlando, Florida, was serving with the 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, based at Bamberg, Germany.

Pfc. Obod became an American citizen in April this year, during a naturalization ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, according to the US embassy in Kabul. He is from South Digos, Philippines, originally.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpxdRmbnoqc/TmAhI4h6bxI/AAAAAAAACAc/TddLS04cgzk/s320/obod-a.jpg

[Grace]

Vietnam



Air Force Pilot Missing From Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Air Force Major Thomas E. Reitmann of Red Wing, Minn., will be buried on Sept. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1965, Reitmann was assigned to the 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed out of Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., to Takhli Air Base, Thailand. On Dec 1, 1965, he was flying a strike mission as the number three aircraft in a flight of four F-105D Thunderchiefs as part of Operation Rolling Thunder. His target was a railroad bridge located about 45 nautical miles northeast of Hanoi. As the aircrew approached the target area, they encountered extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft artillery (AAA). While attempting to acquire his target and release his ordnance, Reitmann received a direct AAA hit and crashed in Lang Son Province, North Vietnam. Other pilots in the flight observed no parachute, and no signals or emergency beepers were heard. Due to the intense enemy fire in the area a search-and-rescue team was not able to survey the site and a two-day electronic search found no sign of the aircraft or Reitmann.

In 1988, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) repatriated remains to the United States believed to be those of Reitmann. The remains were later identified as those of another American pilot who went missing in the area on the same day as Reitmann.

Between 1991 and 2009, joint U.S.-S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), analyzed numerous leads, interviewed villagers, and attempted to locate the aircraft. Although no evidence of the crash site was found, in 2009 and 2011 a local farmer turned over remains and a metal button he claimed to have found in his corn field.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of his brother -- in the identification of Reitmann’s remains.

Article with picture from local paper. (http://m.startribune.com/news/?id=128909688&c=y)

[Grace]

31 August 2011


US Army Specialist Dennis James Jr was killed in action on 31st August 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan. The 21-year-old 10th Mountain Division soldier died from injuries he received when an insurgent bomb exploded beside his patrol unit.

Spc. James, from Deltona, Florida served with 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Polk.

His awards include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uM8dmmW5gGw/TmGGn_6c3NI/AAAAAAAACA8/gAxyiGLU2aM/s320/james-d.jpg

[Grace]

Denmark


Danish Army Konstabel Jacob Sten Lund Olsen, age 22, died on 3rd September 2011 from injuries sustained when an insurgent bomb exploded against his unit.

He was part of a foot patrol near Gereshk, Helmand province, and was evacuated to Camp Bastion field hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Konstabel Olsen joined the Danish Army in August 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in July 2011 with the Hussar Guards Regiment (Gardehusarregimentet).

He is survived by his parents, girlfriend and six siblings.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAQELfcxM6E/TmSzaG386xI/AAAAAAAACBE/pJqxBtS1l-A/s320/Olsen-j.jpg

[Grace]

3 September 2011


US Army Specialist Christopher J. Scott, was killed in action on 3rd September 2011 when his patrol unit came under enemy fire. The incident occurred in Kandahar province.

The 21-year-old Military Policeman, from Tyrone, New York, was serving with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This was his first overseas deployment. He deployed two months ago.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9g-9qK9vJ4/TmS42HLcWrI/AAAAAAAACBM/h9vfcQsPO0g/s320/scott-c.jpg

[Grace]

31 August 2011


24-year-old US 10th Mountain Division Specialist Kevin R. Shumaker died from rabies on 31st August 2011 whilst being treated for the disease in a US hospital.

Spc. Shumaker joined the Army in February 2009 and served as a cook with the 615th Military Police Company in Afghanistan from May 2010 to May 2011. He returned to Fort Drum, New York, in August this year.

It is thought that Spc. Shumaker contracted the disease overseas but this is currently under investigation. The Army said he did not contract the disease in New York.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon, according to the Army.

Spc. Shumaker is survived by his mother and stepfather.

Note: He is included in this thread because of his service in Afghanistan.

[Grace]

4 September 2011



US Army Private 1st Class Christophe J. Marquis, died in Germany at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on 4th September 2011. He had been transferred to the hospital from Afghanistan where he was critically injured by a bomb blast in Kandahar on 27th August.

40-year-old Pfc. Marquis, from Tampa, Florida, served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

After joining the Army in April 2010, he transferred to Alaska in February 2011 on completion of training. He deployed to Afghanistan in April this year.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybp8HPGcE8Q/TmZyTy9XziI/AAAAAAAACBU/fgItwvip_Gc/s320/marquis-c.jpg

[Grace]

September 2011


US civilian engineer James Coker


US engineer James W. "Will" Coker was murdered in eastern Kabul after he went missing last week. Some news sources suggest he was kidnapped. His body was found on Monday 5th September.

An Afghan military official told CBS News that the body had been beheaded. However, a Western official in Kabul told the press that Mr. Coker had been strangled. His body was discovered in a cave in hills near the outskirts of Kabul.

Mr. Coker was working in Afghanistan as a construction contractor for the US Army Corps of Engineers. His family, in Charleston, South Carolina, were notified by military officers of his death on Monday.


Article from his local newspaper. (http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/sep/06/local-man-killed-afghanistan/)

[Grace]

France


French paratrooper Lieutenant Valery Tholy, aged 36, was killed in action on 7th September 2011 during a battle with enemy forces in the village of Mobayan, Kapisa province. In an intense exchange of fire, which involved rocket-propelled grenades and artillery, several French Paras and a French journalist were wounded.

Lt. Tholy, married with three children, served with the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment based in Montauban. He joined the French Army in 1997 and completed officer training in 2007. He joined the 17th RGP in 2008.

During his 13 years of service, Lt. Tholy served in Yugoslavia, Cote d'Ivoire, Central African Republic and Djibouti. He deployed to Afghanistan in August this year.

Described as a seasoned, experienced soldier, he commanded his unit to the highest standards.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXQyoDMM8Ag/TmgBxLZUUlI/AAAAAAAACBc/DhczKzc35mY/s320/tholy-v.jpg

[Grace]

2 September 2011


32-year-old US Army Corporal Chester Gerhardt Stoda from Black River Falls, Wisconsin, died on 2nd September 2011 while scuba diving at Kauai, Hawaii. He was on leave from duty in Afghanistan.

Cpl. Stoda joined the Army in February 2008 as a combat engineer. He was serving with the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade and had deployed to Afghanistan in December 2010.

His awards and decorations include the Korea Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Overseas Service Ribbons and a Combat Action Badge.

Cpl. Stoda was included because he was on leave from active duty in Afghanistan at the time of his death.

[Grace]

8 September 2011


US Army Specialist Koran P. Contreras, from Lawndale, California, was one of two 10th Mountain Division soldiers killed in action on 8th September 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated while they were on patrol. The incident happened in Kandahar.

21-year-old Spc. Contreras served with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, New York. He joined the Army in April 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in March this year. He previously served in Iraq in 2009.

He was previously awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Family survivors include his wife and mother.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/oefkia/Sep2011-Afghanistan%20KIA/contreras.jpg

[Grace]

8 September 2011


US Army Private 1st Class Douglas J. Jeffries Jr, from Springville, California, was one of two 10th Mountain Division soldiers killed in action on 8th September 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated while they were on patrol. The incident happened in Kandahar.

20-year-old Pfc. Jeffries joined the Army in November 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in March this year. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, New York.

He graduated from Porterville High School in 2009. School Principal, Connie Owens, commented to local news, "It takes a special kind of individual to serve his country and I believe he was that kind of individual." Pfc. Jeffries was the son of Doug Jeffries of Springville and Evelyn Jeffries of Las Vegas.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/oefkia/Sep2011-Afghanistan%20KIA/jeffries-d.jpg

[Grace]

9 September 2011


US Army Private 1st Class Tony J. Potter Jr., from Okmulgee, was one of three Oklahoma National Guard servicemen killed in action on 9th September 2011 in Paktia, Afghanistan, during an engagement with enemy forces involving small-arms fire.

20-year-old Pfc. Potter joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2010 and was promoted in May this year. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 279 Infantry Regiment, based in Tulsa. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His wife, Emily, is pregnant with their first child. The couple were married last December.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrdvI559SGU/Tm4C0F9zd_I/AAAAAAAACBs/Nvrjncs9ii4/s320/potter-t.jpg

[Grace]

9 September 2011


US Army Specialist Christopher D. Horton, from Collinsville, was one of three Oklahoma National Guard servicemen killed in action on 9th September 2011 in Paktia, Afghanistan, during an engagement with enemy forces involving small-arms fire.

26-year-old Spc. Horton joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2008 and was qualified as a sniper. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, based in Tulsa. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kEp6cv43_8/Tm4FkU4WI4I/AAAAAAAACB0/tnZ__5Oc7BQ/s320/horton-c-1.jpg

[Grace]

9 September 2011



US Army Sergeant Bret D. Isenhower, from Lamar, was one of three Oklahoma National Guard servicemen killed in action on 9th September 2011 in Paktia, Afghanistan, during an engagement with enemy forces involving small-arms fire.

26-year-old Sgt. Isenhower joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2006 and was promoted to Sergeant in March this year. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, based in Tulsa. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan but he served in Iraq in 2007.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/oefkia/Sep2011-Afghanistan%20KIA/isenhower-b.jpg

[Grace]

9 September 2011


25-year-old US Navy Petty Officer Brian K. Lundy from Austin, Texas, died on Friday 9th September 2011 from injuries received when a bomb exploded while he was conducting a dismounted patrol in Marjah, Helmand province.

PO Lundy was serving as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, based at Camp Lejeune.

[Grace]

9 September 2011


19-year-old US Army Pfc. Brett E. Wood, from Spencer, Indiana, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on 9th September 2011. According to local news reports, Pfc. Wood had suffered injuries from a previous roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan.

His body arrived at Dover Air Force Base earlier today (Monday 12th September).

Article from local paper. (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20110912/NEWS07/110919912)http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_s-cLFKSyRU/Tm64GXiwXcI/AAAAAAAACB8/MHh4OzcXgcQ/s320/wood-b-1.jpg

[Grace]

10 September 2011


US Army Staff Sgt. Keith F. Rudd, age 36, died on 10th September 2011 in Parvan, Afghanistan, from wounds received during combat.

Staff Sgt. Rudd, 36, was a medic with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg. He joined the Army in 2003. This was his third deployment.

He is survived by his father, who lives in Sunnyville, Calif.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90O4Qe9FMG8/TnK_uz-opyI/AAAAAAAACCU/eZFvVpK5Pio/s320/rudd-k.jpg

[Grace]

10 September


30-year-old US Army Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Quintana, from Huntington Park, California died on 10th September 2011 from wounds caused by small-arms fire during an insurgent attack on his unit in Paktika province.

Staff Sgt. Quintana served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment based in Germany. He deployed to Afghanistan in July this year.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/afghanistan/tzcas.daniel.quintana.172nd.jpg

[Grace]

13 September 2011


US Special Forces Sergeant 1st Class Danial R. Adams, was killed in action in Wardak province on 13th September 2011 during a battle with enemy forces. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based in Stuttgart, Germany.

35-year-old Sfc. Adams, from Portland, Oregon, joined the Army in 1995. Military officials said he was married with three children.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ismug0uK0mk/TnHSqVDnJGI/AAAAAAAACCE/T3Oj6ABZIf0/s320/adams-d.jpg

[Grace]

Army Releases August Suicide Data




The Army released suicide data today for the month of August. Among active-duty soldiers, there were 19 potential suicides: three have been confirmed as suicides and 16 remain under investigation. For July 2011, the Army reported 22 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, five cases have been confirmed as suicide, and 17 cases remain under investigation.

During August 2011, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were nine potential suicides: none have been confirmed as suicide and nine remain under investigation. For July 2011, the Army reported 10 potential suicides among not-on-active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of 11 cases. Three cases have been confirmed as suicide and eight cases remain under investigation.

“Suicide prevention training and awareness are vital components of the Army's health promotion and risk reduction efforts against the tragic occurrence of suicide within our ranks,” said Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. “It is a priority that deserves our full attention and continued emphasis by all leaders. Junior leaders and first-line supervisors can be especially effective in assisting those in a moment of crisis. We collaborate extensively with other federal and national programs to assure we remain abreast of the very latest research and best practices. To date, our focused efforts have resulted in thousands of trained individuals throughout the Army who now have the skills to recognize the signs of suicide, exercise appropriate intervention techniques, and engage the numerous organizations within the Army and DoD that stand ready to help at any hour of the day or night. These skills are invaluable and have equipped many in our Army to lend a hand to fellow soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, and their families in their daily encounters,” said Bostick.

Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website athttp://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .

Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_63.pdf and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) at http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p600_24.pdf .

The Army's comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at http://www.preventsuicide.army.mil .

Suicide prevention training resources for Army families can be accessed at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/training_sub.asp?sub_cat=20 (requires Army Knowledge Online access to download materials).

Information about Military OneSource is located athttp://www.militaryonesource.comor by dialing the toll-free number 1-800-342-9647for those residing in the continental United States. Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource website for dialing instructions for their specific location.

Information about the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program is located at http://www.army.mil/csf/ .

The Defense Center for Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) Outreach Center can be contacted at 1-866-966-1020, via electronic mail at [email protected] and at http://www.dcoe.health.mil .

The website for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is http://www.afsp.org/, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Council site is found athttp://www.sprc.org/index.asp .

The website for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is http://www.TAPS.org, and they can be reached at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).

[Grace]

Great Britain



The British Ministry of Defence has reported the death of 21-year-old Fusilier Dean Griffiths, from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, while on a live-firing range in Kent on 14th September 2011. Fusilier Griffiths was in training for deployment to Afghanistan.

According to The Guardian newspaper, Fusilier Dean was shot in the head during a "fire and move" drill.

The young soldier was due to become a father. His brother, Dewi Griffiths, paid this tribute: "Dean was fun, loving and caring, and was so excited at becoming a father. He touched the lives of so many and we will all miss our Deano."

Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Webb, described Fusilier Griffiths as "an outstanding soldier with the potential for a long and very successful career in The Royal Welsh."

The incident is being investigated by the civil police.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jnsZpaFtc4/TnLOAY9VD8I/AAAAAAAACCc/wyeEUPmPCVk/s320/griffiths-d.jpg

[Grace]

14 September 2011


US Army Sergeant Rodolfo "Rudy" Rodriguez Jr., age 26, from Pharr, Texas, was killed in action on 14th September 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He died from injuries sustained from an enemy bomb blast.

Sgt. Rodriguez served with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He deployed to Afghanistan in August and was due home in December.

Sgt. Rodriguez leaves his wife Melissa, 7-year-old son Derek, 5-year-old daughter Kathlyn and his parents, Rodolfo and Cristella.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/afghanistan/tzcas.rodolfo.rodriguez.usarak.jpg

[Grace]

Great Britain


British Lance Corporal Jonathan James McKinlay, of B Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed in action on 14th September 2001.

L-Cpl McKinlay deployed to Afghanistan as a battle casualty replacement in June 2011, having recently qualified as a Bravo Mortar Fire Controller. He was based in Checkpoint Chaabak in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was killed by a burst of small arms fire while on patrol with his team and members of the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) in a village near to his checkpoint.

Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière DSO MBE, Commanding Officer, The First Battalion, The Rifles, said this about L-Cpl McKinlay: "To anyone who met him, Lance Corporal Jon McKinlay made an instant impression. On the one hand a hard professional soldier who demanded the very highest standards from himself and his men and yet on the other a man of great compassion, humour and somebody who had time for others. He had irrepressible energy and was industrious to the core."

He leaves behind a loving family - his wife, Lisa, his mother, Valerie, sister, Becca, daughter, Megan, and his stepchildren, Ollie and Piper.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Sxg7JnCo6o/TnNjcWTNpKI/AAAAAAAACCk/B4tiMfTy3HM/s320/MCKINLAY-j.jpg

[Grace]

15 September 2011



Oklahoma National Guard Sergeant Mycal L. Prince was killed in action on 15th September 2011 in Laghman province, Afghanistan in a battle with enemy forces involving rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

28-year-old Sgt. Prince, from Minco, Oklahoma, joined the National Guard shortly after his 17th birthday and had deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Iraq in 2008. He was a serving police officer with the Minco Police Department.

Maj. Gen. Myles L. Deering, adjutant general with the Oklahoma National Guard, paid tribute to Sergeant Prince saying the he "served his nation and this great state for more than a decade with honor and distinction.”


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOsutgDXBAA/TnRTT_l6WFI/AAAAAAAACC0/HAtnFcmVaRQ/s320/prince-m.jpg

[Grace]

15 September 2011



US Marine Corporal Michael J. Dutcher, age 22, from Asheville, North Carolina, died on 15th September while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Dutcher served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California. He deployed to Afghanistan in April this year and was due home in October.

Michael is survived by many loving family members and friends including his mother, Teresa, his twin brother Timothy, and his fiancée.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/oefkia/Sep2011-Afghanistan%20KIA/dutcher-m.jpg

[Grace]

2011 Foreign Fatalities - Afghanistan

* Australia: 7

* Azerbaijan: 6

* Canada: 3

* Czech: 1

* Denmark: 3

* Fiji: 1

* Finland: 1

* France: 23

* Georgia: 4

* Germany: 7

* Hungary: 2

* Italy: 5

* Jordan: 1

* NATO: 4

* Nepal: 4

* New Zealand: 2

* Norway: 1

* Poland: 7

* Romania: 3

* Spain: 4

* Sweden: 1

* UK: 34

* US: 329

[Grace]

17 September 2011



27-year-old US Army Staff Sergeant Michael W. Hosey, from Birmingham, Alabama, was killed in action on 17th September 2011 during a battle with enemy forces in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. He died from small arms fire injuries.

Staff Sgt. Hosey served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

SSgt. Hosey joined the Army in 2001 as a Communications Intelligence Specialist. He served the 11th Military Intelligence Brigade as an instructor. In 2003, he was assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he served as a Communications Intelligence Specialist. In 2005, he was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington.

He has been posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNuKcZu_QRs/TngLbu3E1eI/AAAAAAAACC8/E_ovMVLXpT4/s320/hosey-m.jpg

[Grace]

17 September 2011


US Army Sergeant Garrick L. Eppinger Jr., died in Parwan province on 17th September 2011. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan.

Sgt. Eppinger, age 25, from Appleton, Wisconsin, served with the 395th Ordnance Company, 687th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade, 646th Regional Support Group, based at Wausau, Wisconsin.



Article from local paper. (http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/appleton-mayor-tim-hanna-orders-city-flags-to-half-staff-in-honor-of-sgt-garrick-eppinger)

[Grace]

18 September 2011



US Army Specialist Chazray C. Clark, was killed in action on 18th September 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated beside his unit in Kandahar province.

24-year-old Spc. Clark, from Ecorse, Michigan served with 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Article from local paper. (http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/09/detroit-area_soldier_killed_by.html)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yOIDSJRlAA/TnyL76mVYkI/AAAAAAAACDc/TGKuV_GBM5Q/s320/clark-c.jpg

[Grace]

World War II



Airmen Missing In Action From WWII Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of nine servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William J. Sarsfield of Philadelphia; 2nd Lt. Charles E. Trimingham of Salinas, Calif.; Tech. Sgt. Robert L. Christopherson of Blue Earth, Minn.; and Tech. Sgt. Leonard A. Gionet of Shirley, Mass., will be buried as a group in a single casket on Sept. 21 in Arlington National Cemetery, along with remains representing previously identified crew members 2nd Lt. Herman H. Knott, 2nd Lt. Francis G. Peattie, Staff Sgt. Henry Garcia, Staff Sgt. Robert E. Griebel, and Staff Sgt. Pace P. Payne, who were individually buried in 1985. These nine airmen were ordered to carry out a bombing mission over Rabaul, Papau New Guinea (P.N.G.), in their B-17E Flying Fortress nicknamed Naughty but Nice, taking off from an airfield near Dobodura, P.N.G., on June 26, 1943. The aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire and ultimately shot down by Japanese fighter aircraft. A tenth man, the navigator and only survivor of the crash -- 2nd Lt. Jose L. Holguin -- was held as a prisoner of war until his release in September 1945.

In 1949, U.S. military personnel in the area were led by local citizens to a B-17 crash site on New Britain Island. Remains were recovered but couldn’t be identified given the technology of the time. The remains were buried as unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

In 1982 and 1983, Holguin returned to the area and located the crash site. A fragment of the aircraft nose art was recovered and is displayed in the War Museum in Kokopo, P.N.G. In 1985, the remains were exhumed and identified as Knott, Payne, Garcia, Peattie, and Griebel. In 2001, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) excavated the site and found additional human remains and crew-related equipment.

Among forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of some of the crewmembers’ families -- in the identification of their remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 73,000 are unaccounted for from the conflict.

[Grace]

Great Britain



British Marine Commando David Fairbrother, of Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan on 19th September 2011. The Commando and his unit were ambushed by enemy forces while conducting a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army in Khorgajat, Nahr-e Saraj.

Born in February 1987, Marine Fairbrother joined the Royal Marines in November 2009 and joined 42 Commando in September 2010.

His sharp mind and strong soldiering skills made him a natural choice for training as a member of an All Arms Search Team, seeing him conduct numerous compound clearances at significant risk in order to ensure the safety of his comrades.

Marine Fairbrother was a highly motivated Royal Marine who was excelling in his first appointment and had aspirations to specialise in the Landing Craft branch on his return from operations. His passion for testing himself both physically and mentally was epitomised by his hobbies of Skydiving and Waterpolo. He was a Marine with great potential who will be sorely missed.

Marine Fairbrother leaves his mother Julie, sisters Ruth and Emily and his girlfriend Melissa.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEkUG8tnrm0/TnknlQR2CdI/AAAAAAAACDE/ZLQCDzBThj4/s320/Fairbrother.jpg

[Grace]

18 September 2011




FORT HOOD, Texas -- Officials have released the name of a soldier who died Sept. 18 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a noncombat related incident.

Staff Sgt. Estevan Altamirano, 30, whose home of record is listed as Edcouch, Texas, entered active-duty service in January 2001 as an armor crewman. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, since April 2008.

Altamirano deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 through February 2005, October 2006 through January 2008, January 2009 through December 2009 and May 2011 through September 2011.

Altamirano awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons and a Combat Action Badge.

Circumstances surrounding this incident is under investigation.

[Grace]

18 September 2011



The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Ryan J. Cook, 29, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Sept. 18 in Takhar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

http://images.onset.freedom.com/wpec/medium/lrwji5-lrwji2ryancookpic.jpg

Article from newspaper. (http://newsminer.com/bookmark/15620604-Fairbanks-based-soldier-killed-by-roadside-bomb-in-Afghanistan)

[Grace]

18 September 2011


Sgt. Timothy D. Sayne, 31, of Reno, Nev., died Sept. 18 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

http://illinoishomepage.net/images/Multi_Media/illinoishomepage/nxd_media/img/jpg/2011_09/773a6987-e013-9844-8d7a-6fdabbac1646/220x165.jpg

From his local paper -


September 21, 2011
Former Effingham man killed in action

The Effingham Daily News Wed Sep 21, 2011

EFFINGHAM — Former Effingham resident Timothy D. Sayne was reportedly killed in action in Afghanistan Sunday.

The 31-year-old U.S. Army sergeant was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, according to information obtained from Hall Funeral Chapel. He has been in the Army since 2008.

Sayne, an Effingham High School graduate, was the son of Mary “Kathy” (Even) Sayne of Effingham and Robert Sayne. He has one son and another on the way with wife, Thania.

Services will be held in Effingham at a yet-to-be-determined date, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.

No more information on his death is available at this time.

[Grace]

21 September 2011



US Army Specialist Robert E. Dyas, from Nampa, Idaho, was one of two soldiers killed in action in Kandahar province on 21st September 2011 from injuries received when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire.

21-year-old Spc. Dyas served with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Spc. Dyas leaves his mother Melissa Nowland, stepfather Jerry Nowland, brother Jake and fiancee, Kasey Kobelt.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbyqlrOjlV0/Tn3OKYA7OkI/AAAAAAAACE8/5i-8jx4Sbwc/s320/dyas-r.jpg

[Grace]

21 September 2011



US Army Specialist Jakob J. Roelli, from Darlington, Wisconsin, was one of two soldiers killed in action in Kandahar province on 21st September 2011 from injuries received when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire.

24-year-old Spc. Roelli served with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_6sFMY_Fzc/Tn3OW2T1SwI/AAAAAAAACFE/l2T8PEN3UfM/s320/roelli-j.jpg

[Grace]

21 September 2011


21-year-old US Marine Lance Corporal Terry C. Wright, from Carrolton, Ohio, was killed in Afghanistan on 21st September 2011 whilst on his second tour of duty in the country.

He graduated from boot camp in October 2008, and deployed to Afghanistan for the first time in December 2009. He left for his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in July this year.

L-Cpl. Wright served with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO Medal for Afghanistan.

He leaves his mother, a brother and sister among other loving relatives and friends.

[Grace]

Italy


28-year-old Italian Army Caporal Maggiore Massimo Di Legge was one of three military personnel killed on Friday 23rd September 2011 in a vehicle accident near their base in Herat, Afghanistan.

Caporal Maggiore Di Legge was born in Aprilia and served with the Central Logistics Group based in Rome. He was part of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) involved in training Afghan National Army soldiers.

He leaves his parents and two brothers.

Friends left messages of condolence on his Facebook page. "Finding out that you died in the war has left me speechless," said one former classmate.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VIY1nJS3wQ/Tn6MJcD_BqI/AAAAAAAACFc/1jf5lUesTUc/s320/dilegge-m.jpg




Italian Army Caporal Maggiore Scelto Mario Frasca was one of three military personnel killed on Friday 23rd September 2011 in a vehicle accident near their base in Herat, Afghanistan.

The 32-year-old was born in Foggia and was based in Verona with Headquarters Land Forces Command. He joined the Italian Army in 1999 and served in Kosovo and Afghanistan prior to this deployment.

He was part of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) involved in training Afghan National Army soldiers.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtIVPIQZw60/Tn6EkBA6zYI/AAAAAAAACFM/c0ksWp98NZ4/s320/frasca-mario.jpg



Italian Army Lieutenant Riccardo Bucci was one of three military personnel killed on Friday 23rd September 2011 in a vehicle accident near their base in Herat, Afghanistan.

34-year-old Lt. Bucci, who was born in Milan, served with the Reggimento Lagunari 'Serenissima' having served in that regiment since 2007. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He also previously served in Bosnia.

He was part of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) involved in training Afghan National Army soldiers.

Lt. Bucci leaves behind his wife and 13-month-old child


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG939xBfLrM/Tn6I0DczeLI/AAAAAAAACFU/t0D6LPfhsrA/s320/Bucci-riccardo.jpg

[Grace]

22 September 2011



Longwood Soldier Dies In Iraq
Army Sergeant Was Serving Operation New Dawn


A soldier from Longwood, Fla. died Thursday while serving in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed.

Sgt. Andy C. Morales, 32, was assigned to the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Orlando. He was supporting Operation New Dawn in Baghdad when he died.

http://www.clickorlando.com/2011/0925/29296703_240X320.jpg

[Grace]

23 September 2011


US Army Sergeant Rafael E. Bigai Baez, from San Juan, Puerto Rico died on 23rd September 2011 from injuries received in a bomb blast in Wardak province.

28-year-old Sgt. Bigai Baez was an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He joined the Army in October 2003 and arrived at Fort Polk in June, 2010. Bigai Baez deployed to Kuwait from December 2004 to December 2005. He deployed to Afghanistan with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.

He was awarded the the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and several other honors.

Bigai Baez is survived by his two children, his mother and father.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbtjEi-Sy4Y/ToTvSnrVDqI/AAAAAAAACGM/ZaakWy8_nNw/s320/BigaiBaez-r.jpg



US Army Private 1st Class Carlos A. Aparicio, from San Bernadino, California died on 23rd September 2011 from injuries received in a bomb blast in Wardak province.

19-year-old Private First Class Aparicio was an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He joined the Army in June 2010. After training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he arrived at Fort Polk in January, 2011. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in February 2011.

Aparicio's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal and other honors.

Aparicio is survived by his mother and father.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCua2VbXEXg/ToTvasuNO2I/AAAAAAAACGU/wIB7tQSGjgw/s320/Aparicio-c.jpg

[Grace]

24 September 2011



A soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord has been killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced on Monday.

Sgt. Tyler N. Holtz, 22, was fatally shot by insurgents while leading an assault against an enemy position in Wardak province on Saturday.

Holtz, of Dana Point, Calif., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

He joined the Army in 2007 and served as a rifleman and a Ranger Team Leader for more than three years, according to the United States Army Special Operations Command.

He was on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

"Sgt. Tyler Holtz was a courageous and incredibly talented Ranger who died while leading his men against determined insurgents," Lt. Col. David Hodne, commander of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, said in a written statement.

"Tyler Holtz personified the Ranger Creed to the final moments of his life and his actions inspire us to do the same. We will honor his memory and mourn his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holtz family."

Holtz is survived by his father, mother and three brothers.

http://media.komonews.com/images/110926_Tyler_Nicholas_Holtz.jpg

[Grace]

24 September 2011



US Marine Lance Corporal Frankie Watson, age 21, from Tennessee, was killed in action on 24th September while conducting a patrol in Afghanistan. Family members said the Marine was shot in the chest.

According to news reports, L-Cpl. Watson had worked as a deputy in the Monroe County Sheriffs Department and patrol officer for the Madisonville Police Department, after he graduated from Sequoyah High School in 2008.

Article and pictures from hometown paper. (http://www.wbir.com/news/article/185440/2/-Monroe-County-Marine-killed-in-Afghanistan)

[Grace]

25 September 2011



An Oklahoma soldier died in Afghanistan Sunday.

Spc. Francisco J. Briseno-Alvarez Jr., 27, of Oklahoma City died when insurgents attacked his unit using an Improvised Explosive Device, or IED.

Three other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Briseno-Alvarez joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard on September 11, 2010. He was serving in the 1st Battalion of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Stillwater.

He is the 12th soldier from the Oklahoma National Guard to die in Afghanistan since July 29th.


http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/afghanistan/tzcas.francisco.briseno.alvarez.okarng.jpg

[Grace]

26 September 2011



21-year-old US Cavalry Specialist Garrett A. Fant, from American Canyon, California, was killed in action in Helmand province on 26th September 2011 when an insurgent bomb exploded against his unit. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Spc. Fant joined the Army in March 2009 and served with 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

His awards include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, and the Army Service Ribbon.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RflvlPmR4Nw/ToTjkU203HI/AAAAAAAACF8/zhoUxbmP93A/s320/fant-g.jpg

[Grace]

28 September 2011


US Marine 1st Lt. Ryan K. Iannelli, age 27, from Clarksboro, New Jersey, died on 28th September 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

1Lt Iannelli served with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Air Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.

http://militarytimes.com/valor/xml/images/ryan-iannelli-6567997.jpg

[Grace]

New Zealand



33-year-old New Zealand SAS Lance Corporal Leon Smith was killed in action on 28th September 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan. The Special Air Service trooper was shot in the head during a contact with enemy forces. He had served with the SAS since 2008 and had spent 11 of the past 24 months on combat operations.

He was part of an operation assisting Afghan police targeting an insurgent group planning an attack on Kabul. He was shot while watching over the cordon. He was evacuated by air and taken to a nearby base, but died on the operating table.

L-Cpl. Smith was an advanced medic and was first on the scene when SAS soldier Corporal Doug Grant was killed on 19th August.

Lance Corporal Smith’s family say he died doing what he loved.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhZy_ytqPO4/ToTl61eFKsI/AAAAAAAACGE/ESwMHa73444/s320/Smith-Leon.jpg

[Grace]

28 September 2011



Lance Cpl. John R. Wimpey Cagle
19, of Tucker, Ga.; was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Sept. 28 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations.

Article and picture from the AJC. (http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/marine-from-tucker-dies-1191715.html)

[Grace]

28 September 2011



1st Lt. Ivan D. Lechowich 27, of Valrico, Fla.; was assigned to 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; died Sept. 28, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.


Article from his local paper. (http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/king-high-graduate-dies-in-afghanistan-leaving-young-family/1194538)

[Grace]

28 September 2011



Spc. Steven E. Gutowski 24, of Plymouth, Mass.; He was assigned to 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; died Sept. 28, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

http://militarytimes.com/valor/xml/images/steven-gutowski-6568001.jpg

Article from the Plymouth Patch (http://plymouth.patch.com/articles/friends-of-plymouth-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-share-thoughts-on-facebook)

[Grace]

28 September 2011


Pfc. David A. Drake, 21, of Lumberton, Texas; was assigned to 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; died Sept. 28, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

http://militarytimes.com/valor/xml/images/david-drake-6568002.jpg


Article with picture and video from local TV station. (http://www.kfdm.com/news/hardin-45015-family-others.html)

[Grace]

25 September 2011



1st. Lt. Andres Zermeno, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died Sep. 25 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort. Polk, La.

Article with picture from local paper. (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/military/article/GI-who-went-to-St-Mary-s-slain-in-Afghanistan-2189957.php)

[Grace]

29 September 2011



Fort Polk Solder from Ga. Dies in Iraq


FORT POLK, La. - The Army has announced the death in Iraq of a Fort Polk soldier from Georgia.

A news release from the Louisiana base on Saturday said that 23-year-old Spc. Adrian G. Mills of Newnan, Ga., died Sept. 29 in Kirkuk, Iraq. He died from wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents.

Mills was assigned to the 272nd Military Police Company, 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

http://media2.myfoxatlanta.com//photo/2011/10/01/soldier02_20111001211422_320_240.JPG

[Grace]

28 September 2011



US Marine Staff Sergeant Nicholas A. Sprovtsoff was one of two Marines who died during combat operations in Helmand province on 28th September 2011.

28-year-old Staff Sgt. Sprovtsoff, from Davison, Michigan, served with the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Staff Sgt. Sprovtsoff had 10 years service with the Marine Corps. He attended the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman School at Camp Pendleton in 2002 and served his first six years as an AAV crew man. In November 2008, he joined MARSOC as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician.

His awards include a Bronze Star with combat V, Army Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat V, Army Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--U-JIDMoNhE/Toe5xYtCiSI/AAAAAAAACHk/qWjEtWRdFWg/s320/sprovtsoff-n-2.jpg

[Grace]

28 September 2011



La Cueva grad dies in Afghan combat


ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque Marine has been killed in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Christopher Diaz, 27, died in combat Wednesday in Helmand province, a Taliban hotbed along the Pakistan border.

The pentagon has not yet released details.

Diaz graduated from La Cueva High School and was in ROTC there.

His instructor told news 13 Diaz comes from a long line of marines. His grandfather, father and older brother were all in the corps.

Chris Diaz well-represented his school, his ROTC unit, the Marine Corps and the Diaz family extremely well," Bill Barker of the ROTC program said. "I think we have that to be proud of."

A Marine from Michigan was killed in the same incident.

[Grace]

28 September 2011



21-year-old US Army Specialist James A. Butz, from Indiana, was killed in action on 28th September 2011 when a roadside bomb exploded as he was rushing to the aid of injured colleagues in Helmand province.

The 82nd Airborne Division combat medic served with the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Bragg.

He joined the Army in 2009 and after training transferred to the 1st Battalion in 2010. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Spc. Butz leaves his mother Mary, father John, brothers Will and John plus other relatives and friends.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgsfYGs8h4k/Toe4ADcad9I/AAAAAAAACHc/OARIt6HYA2g/s320/butz-j.jpg

[Grace]

1 October 2011


US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson, from Omaha, Nebraska, was killed on 1st October 2011 when the patrol vehicle he was in struck a road mine in Zabul province.

26-year-old PO1 Nelson, father of two boys, served with the Naval Special Warfare Unit, based in Virginia. He had graduated from SEAL training in 2006 and had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Captain Tim Szymanski, commander of Nelson's unit said: “Caleb Nelson was a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator, and a loving husband and father. His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all who knew him.”

He is survived by his wife, two sons and his parents.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icSqlYuX7lw/TomlDoO-MeI/AAAAAAAACHs/8ADIHAK6Vxs/s320/nelson-c.jpg

[Grace]

28 September 2011



US Army 10th Mountain Division First Sergeant Billy J. Siercks died in Landstuhl, Germany on 28th September 2011 from injuries he received during a contact with enemy forces in Logar, Afghanistan, the previous day.

32-year-old Sgt. Siercks, from Velda Village, Missouri, served with the 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Drum, New York.



Article and photo from local paper. (http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_a7cfd468-edc1-11e0-b4dc-0019bb30f31a.html)

[Grace]

Vietnam



Missing Vietnam War Soldiers Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Master Sgt. Charles V. Newton of Canadian, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class Douglas E. Dahill of Lima, Ohio; and Sgt. 1st Class Charles F. Prevedel of St. Louis, Mo., all U.S. Army, will be buried as a group on Oct. 5 at Arlington National Cemetery. Newton was also individually identified and will be interred individually at Arlington on the same day as the group interment. On April 17, 1969, the men and three Vietnamese soldiers were on a long-range reconnaissance patrol operating in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, near the border of Laos. That afternoon the patrol was ambushed by enemy forces and radioed for air support but thunderstorms in the area prevented rescue attempts. Search and rescue teams reached the site the next day but over the next week found no signs of the men.

Between 1990 and 1993,joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), interviewed witnesses, investigated leads and excavated the site associated with the ambush. The teams recovered human remains, personal effects and military equipment. In 2003, some of the recovered remains were identified as those of Prevedel. In 2006 and 2007, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams returned to the site and recovered additional remains and military equipment.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

[Grace]

Korea



U.S. Soldier MIA from Korean War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. Edward M. Pedregon of El Paso, Texas, will be buried on Oct. 6 in Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service was held in San Elizario, Texas, on Oct. 1. In late November 1950 Pedregon and the Heavy Mortar Company, of the 31st Regimental Combat Team – known as Task Force Faith – were overrun by Chinese forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. After several days of heavy attacks, Task Force Faith was forced to withdraw, but was stopped by enemy blockades that overpowered them on Dec. 2, 1950. Pedregon was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950.

In 1953, following the exchange of all prisoners of war by both sides of the conflict, no further information was gained to indicate that Pedregon had been held as a prisoner of war, and he was declared dead.

In 2004, a joint U.S./Korean People’s Army team excavated several sites in the Chosin Reservoir area and recovered the remains of at least nine individuals and military equipment. The location of the remains corresponds to the positions temporarily held by elements of Task Force Faith in late November 1950.

Among forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used dental records, and mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of Pedregon’s mother and brother—in the identification of the remains.

[Grace]

Poland



Polish Army Lance Corporal Rafal Nowakowski was killed in action on 4th October 2011 in Ghazni province when a bomb exploded beneath the armored vehicle he was in.

30-year-old L-Cpl. Nowakowski served as a rifleman with the 17th Wielkopolska Mechanised Brigade based at Międzyrzec. He had been in the Polish Army since 2003.

Two other soldiers were wounded and their condition has been described as “stable”.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9zNqnrzWfU/ToxQJS7xr3I/AAAAAAAACIE/HmfMZlDsAq4/s320/Rafal_Nowakowski.jpg

[Grace]

Update, of sorts, from a previous post.

http://www.creators.com/opinion/connie-schultz.html


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGLEsfpN3cg/TaMLQmm0tFI/AAAAAAAACBo/VSQTnU9ltzk/s1600/204611_10150230897887265_511322264_8464788_733963_ o.jpg

[Miss Z]

Great Britain - David Fairbrother




http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEkUG8tnrm0/TnknlQR2CdI/AAAAAAAACDE/ZLQCDzBThj4/s320/Fairbrother.jpg

Grace, I'm so happy that you found David's memorial tribute. He went to my secondary school, and although a few years above myself, I have a few vague memories of him. He was a very keen sportsman, and many staff I am still in contact with recall his enthusiasm and commitment to the school teams.

He was recently repatriated at RAF Brize Norton, and his body was brought for a last visit to the school he played such a key role in.

If anyone would like to read more about him, you can see the website of my old secondary school: http://www.qegs.blackburn.sch.uk/news-events/current-news_item.php?id=1021

[Grace]

Grace, I'm so happy that you found David's memorial tribute. He went to my secondary school, and although a few years above myself, I have a few vague memories of him. He was a very keen sportsman, and many staff I am still in contact with recall his enthusiasm and commitment to the school teams.

He was recently repatriated at RAF Brize Norton, and his body was brought for a last visit to the school he played such a key role in.

If anyone would like to read more about him, you can see the website of my old secondary school: http://www.qegs.blackburn.sch.uk/news-events/current-news_item.php?id=1021

Thanks for providing that link. It's nice to find out more about the lives of the service men and women than just their rank and unit.

[Grace]

6 October 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt, 24, of San Antonio, Texas, died Oct. 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

This incident is under investigation.


Article with photo from hometown paper. (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/military/article/Marine-from-S-A-killed-in-Afghanistan-2206972.php)

[Grace]

8 October 2011



US Army Specialist Ricardo Cerros Jr was killed in action in Logar province on 8th October 2011 during a gun battle with enemy forces. He died from gunshot wounds.

24-year-old Spc. Cerros, from Salinas, California, served with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He enlisted in the Army in July 2010 and joined the Rangers in March this year. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. David Hodne, Commander of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, said about Spc. Cerros: “He was a warrior who lost his life while fighting courageously alongside his fellow Rangers. We will honor his service to our country and never forget his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cerros family.”

Spc. Cerros leaves his father and stepmother, Ricardo Cerros Sr. and Deborah Cerros, and his mother, Maqueirte Cuevas among other relatives and friends.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtpwZCCpEcI/TpJAGZNTrTI/AAAAAAAACIc/ZgVBgAl_KhA/s320/ceros-r.jpg

[Grace]

3 October 2011



19-year-old Alaska-based Private Danny Chen, from New York, died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan on 3rd October. Pvt. Chen served with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwFTE1cWD1I/To0qyfD4GlI/AAAAAAAACIM/4MB72s2dHfw/s320/chen-d.jpg

[Grace]

8 October 2011


Army Capt. Joshua S. Lawrence
29, of Nashville, Tenn.
Assigned to 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Oct. 8 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by a rocket propelled grenade.

http://www.militarytimes.com/assets/honor-the-fallen/images/soldiers/joshua-lawrence-6568011.jpg

Article from hometown paper (http://www.wsmv.com/story/15657946/nashville-native-killed-in-afghanistan-attack)

[Grace]

8 October 2011


Army Capt. Drew E. Russell, 25, of Scotts, Mich.; assigned to 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Oct. 8 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by a rocket propelled grenade.

________________________________________________

'Ever since he was a little kid, he was in the Army'

The Associated Press

SCOTTS, Mich. — A 25-year-old Army captain from southwestern Michigan whose boyhood maneuvers with toy soldiers were more like training than play and who was planning a military career was killed along with a comrade from Tennessee when Afghan insurgents attacked their unit with a rocket propelled grenade, his family and the military said.

Capt. Drew E. Russell of Scotts and Capt. Joshua Lawrence, 29, of Nashville, Tenn., died Saturday after enemy forces attacked their unit in Kandahar province, the Defense Department announced Monday.

Russell's hometown is in Kalamazoo County, about 10 miles southeast of Kalamazoo.

Russell and Lawrence were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo.

Russell graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2004 and entered Western Michigan University as an ROTC student, graduating in 2008 with a double major in criminal justice and military science, the Kalamazoo Gazette reported.

Jim Russell, 59, said his son planned a military career. He said his son spent long hours as a child arranging units of toy soldiers around the house and staging mock battles. It was more practice than play, the father said.

"I always looked at him and wondered if he was (Gen. George) Patton," the father told The Gazette of Colorado Springs, Colo. "Ever since he was a little kid, he was in the Army. That's what he wanted."

Russell also had a playful side, his father said. He once broke into a friend's house while she was on vacation and ripped the labels off of every can of food.

"She spent three or four months guessing what dinner was going to be," his father said.

Russell's first overseas deployment was to Afghanistan, starting June 13. He was responsible for U.S. and Afghan soldiers at police stations around Afghanistan, his family said.

"He was a wonderful son," said mother Patti Russell, 52. "He was very loving and he had a great sense of humor. There's just an empty hole in my heart that will never be filled again."

Russell's remains were flown to Dover, Del., Air Force Base on Monday afternoon.

"Drew won't even be able to have kids," Jim Russell said as he choked back tears. "What do you say? He had a good future in front of him."

Drew Russell is also survived by his brother, James. Funeral plans were not immediately announced.


http://www.militarytimes.com/assets/honor-the-fallen/images/soldiers/drew-russell-6568010.jpg

[Grace]

10 October 2011



Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 James B. Wilke, 38, of Ione, Calif.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Oct. 10 in Doha, Qatar, in a noncombat incident


Article and picture from local paper (http://www.kvia.com/news/29465219/detail.html)

[Grace]

10 October 2011



Army Sgt. Nathan L. Wyrick, 34, of Enumclaw, Wash.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Oct. 10 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of combat-related injuries.


http://www.militarytimes.com/assets/honor-the-fallen/images/soldiers/nathan-wyrick-6568014.jpg

Article from local paper (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016486204_wyrick13.html)

[Grace]

Update on post #1691 - Army Private Danny Chen - he may have committed suicide following abuse by others in his unit.



US Army Pvt. Danny Chen death subject to criminal investigation
MANHATTAN: The US Army's criminal investigations unit is probing the death of a soldier from Manhattan who was killed in Afghanistan early this month.

Army Pvt. Danny Chen, 19, who grew up in Chinatown and went to school on the Lower East Side, died on Oct. 3 in Kandahar Province, the military said last week.

Chen’s parents reportedly said military personnel informed them that their son had been subjected to harassment and physical abuse by fellow soldiers and may have committed suicide. Reports indicate that Chen died from a gunshot wound to the head.



Read full story at DNAinfo.com Manhattan Local News (http://www.dnainfo.com/20111012/lower-east-side-east-village/manhattan-soldier-killed-afghanistan-was-reportedly-abused-before-death)

[Grace]

12 October 2011


33-year-old US Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Michael R. Tatham, died in a motorcycle accident in Bali, Indonesia whilst on leave from combat operations in Afghanistan.

CPO Tatham, from University Place, Washington, served with a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Unit. A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, CPO Tatham was a highly decorated Special Forces member with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with combat “V,” Joint Service Achievement Medal, four Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals including one with “V,” two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and NATO Service Medal, along with the expert rifle and expert pistol ribbons.

He is survived by his parents and a younger brother.

[Grace]

13 October 2011



21-year-old US Marine Lance Corporal Scott D. Harper, from Winston, Georgia, was killed in Helmand province whilst conducting combat operations on 13th October 2011.

Lance Cpl. Harper served with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

[Grace]

13 October 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Robert B. Cowdrey, 39, of Atwater, Ohio, died Oct. 13 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Article and picture from local paper. (http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/10/decorated_army_sergeant_from_a.html)

[Grace]

Estonia



Estonian Army Corporal Agris Hutrof was killed in action during a firefight with enemy forces in Helmand province on 15th October 2011.

25-year-old Cpl. Hutrof, who was injured seriously during the battle, died after he was transferred to a field hospital. He joined the army as a conscript in 2008 and then opted to turn professional, and had been serving in Afghanistan since May 2011.

Three other Estonian soldiers were also wounded in the incident.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEoMyDImmlI/TpuDJLbg3LI/AAAAAAAACKE/YI45UdZIUFo/s320/hutrof-a.jpg

[phesina]

Update on post #1691 - Army Private Danny Chen - he may have committed suicide following abuse by others in his unit.




Read full story at DNAinfo.com Manhattan Local News (http://www.dnainfo.com/20111012/lower-east-side-east-village/manhattan-soldier-killed-afghanistan-was-reportedly-abused-before-death)

How awful.

All these deaths are awful, but this one even more so.

[Grace]

13 October 2011


US Army 10th Mountain Division Spc. Jeremiah "Jerry" T. Sancho was killed in action on 13th October 2011 when enemy forces detonated a bomb against his unit in Kandahar province.

23-year-old Spc. Sancho, from Palm Bay, Florida, was serving with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Drum, New York. He deployed to Afghanistan in April this year.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

His wife, RaiAnne, posted this farewell message to him on her Facebook page: "Jerry I miss you. I love you so much baby. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you, but I know you’re watching over me. I love you and was proud to be your wife."


Article with photo from local paper. (http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111016/BREAKINGNEWS/111016002/Widow-grieves-Palm-Bay-soldier-killed-Afghanistan)

[Grace]

15 October 2011


Gurkha Rifleman Vijay Rai

Rifleman Vijay Rai from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles was killed in action in Helmand province on 15th October 2011. His unit was protecting a checkpoint in Nahr-e-Saraj district when they were attacked by enemy forces. Rifleman Rai died from gunshot wounds.

Rifleman Rai was born in Bhojpur District, Deaurali, in the East of Nepal in August 1990. After passing the infamous Gurkha Selection, he joined the British Army in December 2008. He was posted to 2 RGR in Brunei when he finished his basic training.

On 14th October, his Company deployed with members of the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) and soldiers from the 1 RIFLES to a checkpoint in an area known to have a strong insurgent presence. Next day, Rifleman Rai was in position on the roof of the checkpoint when enemy forces attacked with small arms fire. Rifleman Rai was hit in the opening burst. He was given medical care on the ground and evacuated to Bastion hospital by helicopter but sadly he later died of his wounds.

Rifleman Vijay's family said: "Our family is shocked with the news of Vijay's death in Afghanistan on 15th October 2011. He was the youngest son. He followed his father's and brother's footsteps as his father and elder brother served as Indian Gurkhas and his middle brother is serving with Indian Gurkhas as a Sergeant. He rang his family a day before he was taken away from us.

"He was very proud to be a Gurkha, and died doing his chosen job. His father and family members are very proud of him."



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbfRQVG6Jo8/TpxEDnDlvEI/AAAAAAAACKQ/H2tU3Rf2x0s/s320/Rai-v.jpg

[Grace]

13 October 2011



Hawaii-based US Army Staff Sergeant Houston M. Taylor, from Texas, was killed in action on 13th October 2011 when enemy forces attacked his unit in Kunar province.

25-year-old SSgt. Taylor served with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Married to his childhood sweetheart and father to two children, he had been in the Army since 2005. He joined the 2nd Battalion in March 2010 and was assigned as a section leader.

His medals and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal 2 OLC, Army Achievement Medal 3 OLC, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 3, NATO Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bj--9hUvk3k/TpzXd7ZLfpI/AAAAAAAACKc/h9QV6Re5G2I/s320/taylor-h.jpg

[Grace]

2011 Foreign Fatalities

* Australia: 7

* Azerbaijan: 6

* Canada: 3

* Czech: 1

* Denmark: 3

* Estonia: 1

* Fiji: 1

* Finland: 1

* France: 23

* Georgia: 4

* Germany: 7

* Hungary: 2

* Italy: 8

* Jordan: 1

* Nepal: 4

* New Zealand: 3

* Norway: 1

* Poland: 8

* Romania: 3

* Spain: 4

* Sweden: 1

* UK: 36

* US: 367

[Grace]

Korea



POW/MIA Talks Begin with North Korean Officials

A delegation from the United States will meet in Bangkok on Oct. 18 to begin negotiations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on resuming recovery of the remains of American servicemen missing in action from the Korean War.

Robert J. Newberry, deputy assistant secretary of defense for POW/missing personnel affairs, will lead negotiations with a team including representatives from the Department of State, the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the United Nations Command-Korea.

The talks will only address the issue of resuming remains recovery of missing U.S. servicemen from the Korean War. Accounting for Americans missing in action is a stand-alone humanitarian matter, not tied to any other issue between the two countries.

Of the approximately 83,000 Americans missing from all conflicts, more than 7,900 are from the Korean War with 5,500 of those believed to be missing in the DPRK.

[Grace]

7 September 2011 - better late than never



Cmdr. James Kevin Crawford

From: East Concord, New York
Age: 50
Unit: Assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, supporting operations at the Combined Maritime Forces Coalition Coordination Center in Bahrain

Died as a result of cardiac arrest after he collapsed while exercising at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain.

[Grace]

17 October 2011

From WTVR, Richmond, VA -


Soldier dies while serving in Iraq

The Virginia National Guard has confirmed that Staff Sgt. James R. Leep, Jr. died Oct. 17, 2011

9:25 PM EDT, October 18, 2011


A soldier from Virginia has died while serving in Iraq.

The Virginia National Guard has confirmed that Staff Sgt. James R. Leep, Jr. died Oct. 17, 2011, in Babil Province, Iraq as the result of non-combat related injuries.

Leep, who was 44 years old, was serving in Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment in Iraq at the time of his death.

He was assigned to the Gate City-based 1033rd Engineer Company as a combat engineer and construction equipment supervisor and was reassigned to Troop A as a truck commander for the unit's convoy security mission and was commander for a convoy escort team.

He is survived by his wife, two adult children and sister. He was from Davenport, Va.

The Soldier’s death is under investigation


http://media.trb.com/media/alternatethumbnails/story/2011-10/65505553-18193539.jpg

[Grace]

14 October 2011

From the Arizona Republic -

18, 2011 07:12 PM
The Arizona Republic-12 News breaking News Team

The Pentagon on Tuesday announced the death of a Phoenix soldier fighting in Afghanistan.

Spc. Michael D. Elm, 25, was killed by an improvised explosive device Oct. 14 in Khost province. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Knox, Ky.

Elm's unit has been a part of Operation Steel Rain, which seeks to disrupt insurgent cells in the Tirzaye district of Khost.

A division press release described the cells, known as the Haqqani network, as a militant Islamic organization linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida. It is believed to be based along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Haqqani insurgents have been blamed for a recent series of attacks that have claimed the lives of Afghan officials and U.S. and Afghan troops.



http://i.azcentral.com/i/sized/4/6/0/e298/j350/PHP4E9ED7C6D8064.jpg

[Grace]

19 October 2011



US Army Staff Sergeant Jorge Miguel Oliveira, was killed in action on 19th October 2011 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when an insurgent bomb exploded beside his unit.

33-year-old SSgt. Oliveira, from Newark, New Jersey was serving with the New Jersey Army National Guard, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, based at Riverdale. This was his third deployment with the New Jersey National Guard. He served in Iraq in 2008.

SSgt. Oliveira was a Law Enforcement Officer with the Essex County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey, where he had served for 11 years. He joined the National Guard in 2003 and served at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2004. The following year he served in response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

He leaves his mother and father, a brother and sister.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NFUdyiaibI/TqDdeg0oKHI/AAAAAAAACLc/8no_Btvs3sg/s320/oliveira-j.JPG

[Grace]

19 October 2011



US Navy Chief Petty Officer Raymond J. Border, died on 19th October 2011 during a mission to assess a route in Paktika province. He was serving with a provincial reconstruction team.

31-year-old CPO Border, from Ohio, was based in Gulfport, Mississippi with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 74.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHhcDQrUBSw/TqDeGogkooI/AAAAAAAACLo/x8S-tswJSaY/s320/border-r.jpg


Article from local paper (http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20111021/NEWS01/111021002/West-Lafayette-family-mourns-loss-Chief-Petty-Officer-Raymond-Border-?odyssey=nav|head)

[Grace]

World War II



Aircrew Missing in Action from WWII Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of 10 servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Robert R. Bishop of Joliet, Ill.;
2nd Lt. Thomas Digman, Jr. of Pittsburgh;
2nd Lt. Donald W. Hess of Sioux City, Iowa;
2nd Lt. Arthur W. Luce, of Fort Bragg, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Karaso, of Philadelphia;
Staff Sgt. Ralph L. McDonald of East Point, Ga.;
Sgt. John P. Bonnassiolle of Oakland, Calif.;
Sgt. James T. Blong of Port Washington, Wis.;
Sgt. Michael A. Chiodo of Cleveland;
and Sgt. John J. Harringer, Jr. of South Bend, Ind.,
will be buried as a group, in a single casket representing the entire crew, on Oct. 26, in Arlington National Cemetery. Hess and Karaso will be interred individually in Arlington National Cemetery.

On April 29, 1944, the 10 airmen were ordered to carry out a bombing mission over Berlin, Germany, in their B-24J Liberator aircraft, piloted by Bishop and Luce. German documents captured after the war noted that the aircraft crashed near the town of East Meitze, Germany, and there were no survivors. German forces buried the remains of Digman, Blong, and one unknown airman in a cemetery near Hannover, Germany, around the time of the crash. In 1946, the Army Graves Registration Service exhumed the remains of the three individuals for identification and reburied them in a U.S. Military Cemetery in Condroz, Belgium.

In 2003, a German national located the site of the crash and recovered human remains, which were turned over to U.S. officials. In 2005, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the crash site and gathered additional human remains, military equipment, and metal identification tags for Bishop, Blong, Bonnassiolle, and Harringer. The team also recovered a class ring with the initials AWL -- presumably belonging to Luce. In 2007, a JPAC team completed the site excavation and found additional evidence that helped to confirm the identity of the crew.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used dental analysis and mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of some of the crewmembers’ families -- in the identification of their remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 73,000 remain unaccounted-for from the conflict.

[Grace]

22 October 2011



An insurgent bomb claimed the life of US Army officer, 1st Lieutenant Ashley I. White, from Ohio, along with two other soldiers on 22nd October 2011 in Kandahar province.

1Lt. White, age 24, served with the North Carolina National Guard, assigned to 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. According to various news sources, she was part of an elite Cultural Support Team of female soldiers working alongside Special Operations forces.

A press release from Army Special Operations Command said 1Lt. White "selflessly served and her actions exemplify the highest commitment to duty, honor and country."

She leaves her husband Captain Jason Stumpf, her parents, Robert and Deborah White, brother Josh and twin sister Brittney.

The other soldiers killed were Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij and Pfc.Christopher A. Horns, both serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm0LxtOpo_8/TqT0B6cWKiI/AAAAAAAACL0/uT_mV9Bn2dY/s320/white-a.jpg

[Grace]

22 October 2011


An insurgent bomb claimed the life of US Army Private 1st Class Christopher A. Horns, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, along with two other soldiers on 22nd October 2011 in Kandahar province. Pfc. Horns was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

20-year-old Pfc. Horns joined the Army in July 2010 and was assigned as a rifleman to the 75th Ranger Regiment in March this year. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. David Hodne, commander of the 2nd Battalion, paid this tribute to Pfc. Horns: "Courageous and disciplined, he lost his life while pressing the assault in an area known for insurgent activity. He earned the universal respect of seniors and peers alike. We will honor his service and remember his sacrifice."

Pfc. Horns leaves his parents Larry and Tamara Horns, and his sister Tiffany.

The other soldiers killed were 1st Lieutenant Ashley White and Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-tDvC4GEjc/TqT-DQb0J7I/AAAAAAAACMA/OSlsUEajiB4/s1600/horns-c.jpg

[Grace]

22 October 2011


An insurgent bomb claimed the life of US Army Sergeant 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, age 29, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, along with two other soldiers on 22nd October 2011 in Kandahar province. Sgt. Domeij was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

He joined the Army in July 2001 after graduating from Rancho Bernardo High School, and joined the 75th Ranger Regiment in 2002, where he served as a forward observer. This was his 14th combat deployment.

Sgt. Domeij was described as "a Ranger you wanted at your side when the chips were down" by 2nd battalion commander Lt. Col. David Hodne, who went on to say: "He was one of those men who was known by all as much for his humor, enthusiasm, and loyal friendship as he was for his unparalleled skill and bravery under fire."

Sgt. Domeij leaves his wife Sarah, daughters Mikajsa and Aaliyah, his mother Scoti and brother Kyle.

The other soldiers killed were 1st Lieutenant Ashley White and Pfc. Christopher Horns.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgmj6L3e9aA/TqUB67rqxaI/AAAAAAAACMM/fuDzdH8291I/s320/domeij-k.jpg

[Grace]

14 October 2011


US Army Sgt. Cody L. Bryan, age 22, of Kettering, Ohio, died on October 14, 2011, from complications after surgery for an injury he sustained while in Iraq on his second tour. He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment.

Obituary and picture from hometown (http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=SGT.+Cody-Bryan&lc=6930&pid=154234849&mid=4858322&locale=en_US)

[Grace]

From ABC News - article about Kristoffer B. Domeij (post #1715)

14 deployments!! (http://abcnews.go.com/US/army-ranger-helped-rescue-jessica-lynch-dies-14th/story?id=14811227)

[Grace]

21 October 2011


WASHINGTON (October 25, 2011)—Fort Hood

Pfc. Steven F. Shapiro, 29, of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif., died Friday in Tallil, Iraq, the military said Tuesday.

That’s the same day on which President Barack Obama announced that all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by year’s end.

No details of the circumstances of the death were released.

Shapiro was assigned to Fort Hood’s 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

Shapiro joined the Army in March 2010 and deployed to Iraq earlier this year, Fort Hood said Tuesday.

http://media.graytvinc.com/images/PFC-Steven-Shapiro.jpg

[Grace]

24 October 2011


22-year-old US Marine Lance Corporal Jason N. Barfield, from Ashford, Alabama, died in Helmand province on 24th October 2011 during combat operations in the area.

L-Cpl. Barfield served with 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2010. This was his first combat deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the NATO-ISAF Medal.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XR_s5bthHWY/TqduIhHun7I/AAAAAAAACNU/FRQkL6XQ1Bs/s320/barfield-j.jpg

[Grace]

23 October 2011


US Army Sergeant Edward Grace, serving with the Massachusetts National Guard in Afghanistan, died on 22nd October 2011 from an unknown medical condition at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

39-year-old Sgt. Grace had been flown to Walter Reed from Afghanistan, where he was serving with the 182nd Infantry Battalion, providing security for a provincial reconstruction team. He joined the National Guard in 2006 and deployed to Afghanistan in March this year for a 1-year mission.

Lt. Col. James Sahady, public affairs officer with the Massachusetts Army National Guard told the press that Sgt. Grace’s medical condition was not combat-related.

[Grace]

23 October 2011



FORT HOOD (October 25, 2011)—Fort Hood

Capt. Shawn P. T. Charles of Hickory, N.C. died Sunday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio of what the Army said Tuesday was a non-combat-related illness.

Charles, 40, deployed to Iraq in August, Fort Hood said.
Click here to find out more!

Charles was assigned to Fort Hood’s 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

He joined the Army in 2009, Fort Hood said, and his decorations included the Bronze Star Medal.


http://media.graytvinc.com/images/Capt.-Shawn-P.-T.-Charles-F.jpg

[Grace]

25 October 2011


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn.

Sgt. 1st Class David G. Robinson, 28, of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., died Oct. 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Support Activity, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


Article and picture from the Chicago Tribune. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-chicagoarea-soldier-dies-in-saudi-arabia-20111027,0,6370359.story)

[Grace]

Today, in Kabul - at least 5 Americans and a Canadian killed in a suicide bombing.

3 Australians in another incident.

Details when they are posted.

[Grace]

26 October 2011


26-year-old US Army Sgt. John A. Lyons, from Seaside Park, New Jersey was killed in action in Ghazni province on 26th October 2011. He died during an exchange of fire with enemy forces.

Sgt. Lyons served with the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Hood in Texas. He joined the Army in February 2009 as a combat engineer and deployed to Afghanistan in December 2010 on a one year mission.

His awards and decorations include the NATO Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge.

Article from local paper. (http://www.app.com/article/20111028/NJNEWS/310280060/Seaside-Park-soldier-is-killed-by-insurgents)

[Grace]

27 October 2011


Japan-based US Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Dunning was killed on 27th October while attempting to disarm a homemade bomb that had been buried by insurgents in Helmand province.

31-year-old SSgt Dunning, from Milpitas, California, served with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based in Okinawa. He had served in the military for almost 13 years. This was his second combat deployment to Afghanistan.



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6W72tPoWYQ/TqvOlS27FhI/AAAAAAAACN8/zOxwWcTUkLg/s320/dunning-s.jpg

[Grace]

Silver Star awarded


US Army Spc. Jesse A. Snow, who was killed in action in Afghanistan last year on 14th November, has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Spc. Snow's family received the award for "his courageous and selfless actions in saving the lives of three fellow brothers in arms and solely denying the enemy the ability to capture any American soldiers," the US Air Force said at the ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqTz4EUYdR8/TqtfauqDhhI/AAAAAAAACNw/wU0voPm_CIU/s320/snow_j.jpg


Article from local paper. (http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/local-fallen-hero-snow-honored-with-silver-star-1276049.html)

[Grace]

27 October 2011


Canadian Sgt. Janick Gilbert, 34, died in Nunavut, Canada on 27th October while attempting to rescue two men in trouble in a boat 25km east of Igloolik. Sgt. Gilbert was a Search and Rescue (SAR) technician with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron.


Article with photo from CBC. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2011/10/29/mtl-.html)

[Grace]

Canada



Canadian Army Master Corporal Byron Greff, from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed in Kabul on 29th October 2011 when the vehicle he was in was rammed by a suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives.

M-Cpl. Greff was serving as a mentor and trainer advising Afghan National Army trainers who provide recruit training to Afghan soldiers. He is the first Canadian soldier to be killed since Canada ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in July, and launched its current operation to train Afghan troops.

He joined the Canadian Forces in 2001 and had been serving with the Third Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry since 2002. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and hockey, and in typical paratrooper fashion, he was extremely fit. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Of8Gf_lV0D0/Tqyob2X5EtI/AAAAAAAACOI/4ruLZo3iNt0/s320/greff-b.jpg

[Grace]

Australia



Australian Army Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, age 27, was one of three soldiers killed on 29th October 2011 by a rogue Afghan Army soldier at a patrol base in northern Kandahar.

L-Cpl. Gavin joined the in 2004 and, on completion of his basic training was posted as an infantryman to the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), in Townsville in 2005. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in January 2009. He was a highly-qualified soldier, having completed specialist training as a combat first aider, Pashtu linguist and infantry support weapons operator.

L-Cpl. Gaving served in East Timor three times and deployed to Afghanistan in June 2011. He leaves his wife and their three children.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvK1TINyjho/Tq5SYGU4gkI/AAAAAAAACOs/lRtdNX8E6dQ/s320/gavin-l.jpg

[Grace]

Australia


Australian Army Corporal Ashley Birt, age 22, was one of three soldiers killed on 29th October 2011 by a rogue Afghan Army soldier at a patrol base in northern Kandahar.

Cpl. Birt joined the Australian Regular Army in June 2007 and served with the Royal Australian Engineers as a Geospatial Technician. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in February 2011 and to Corporal in April 2011.

His colleagues describe him as being a proud and well-liked soldier of the 1 TOPO SVY SQN. He maintained a very high level of physical fitness and played hockey at the highest levels. Due to his natural leadership style, maturity, hard work ethic and dedication to his specialist trade, he was quickly promoted through the ranks.

He leaves his parents Don and Linda and his brother Dale, who issued the following statement: "The death of Ashley has been a tragic shock to our family, his mates and the Gympie community. Ashley was a proud soldier who loved his job. He was a loving son, devoted brother, wonderful uncle and loyal friend who will be dearly missed."

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yj8ieL81C5Q/Tq5MalYuBKI/AAAAAAAACOg/8QOKXICGDYA/s320/birt-a-2.jpg

[Grace]

Australia


Australian Army Captain Bryce Duffy, age 26, was one of three soldiers killed on 29th October 2011 by a rogue Afghan Army soldier at a patrol base in northern Kandahar.

Captain Duffy was born in Sydney and was educated in Brisbane. He joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in January 2003 and completed a Bachelor of Science. He graduated from the Royal Military College in December 2006 and was posted to 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery based in Brisbane. He was transferred to the 4th Field Regiment in January 2011 as the Assistant Operations Officer, before his second deployment to Afghanistan in September.

Captain Duffy was a well known and highly-regarded young officer. He was recognised by his commanders for his strength of character, determination and diligence. He leaves his partner, parents and family.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrqyBQs418M/Tq5Tux8OAII/AAAAAAAACO4/GXZgRrBLAeY/s320/Duffy-b.jpg

[Grace]

Scotland




Scottish construction worker, David Quinn, from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, was killed on 29th October 2011 in Kabul, when a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into an armoured NATO bus.

Mr. Quinn was working for Texas-based construction firm Fluor Corporation in the country. He was a former pupil at Caldervale High School in Airdrie and leaves his wife Jane and daughter Sophie.

Other victims of the attack included British construction worker Stephen Brown, who also worked for Fluor Corp., Canadian soldier Master Corporal Byron Greff, four US soldiers, a civilian from Kosovo and five American civilians.

[Grace]

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer - article about the funeral of 1st Lt. Ashley White Stumpf, post 1713.

Much too beautiful a day for the funeral of a beautiful young woman.

http://photos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2011/10/funeral_for_1st_lt_ashley_whit_7.html

[Grace]

29 October 2011


US Military victims of Kabul suicide bomb

Four American servicemen were among the victims of the Kabul suicide bomb attack on a NATO armored bus. They died on 29th October 2011. They have been named as:

Lt. Col. David E. Cabrera, 41, of Abilene, Texas, assigned to Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda.

Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Newman, 26, of Shelby, N.C., assigned to Medical Company A, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

Sgt. James M. Darrough, 38, of Austin, Texas, assigned to 101st Finance Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell.

Sgt. Carlo F. Eugenio, 29, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., assigned to 756th Transportation Company, 224th Sustainment Brigade, California Army National Guard, Van Nuys.

[Grace]

Sergeant James Michael Darrough of Austin, Texas


Ft. Campbell soldier killed by explosive device in Afghanistan
Posted: Nov 01, 2011 9:04 PM EST


FT. CAMPBELL, Ky. – A Fort Campbell soldier was killed after the vehicle he was traveling in was struck by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device on Saturday while in Afghanistan.

Sergeant James Michael Darrough of Austin, Texas, was a Financial Management Technician assigned to Charlie Detachment, 101st Finance Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion; 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

The 38-year-old joined the Army in February 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in July 2009.

While serving, Darrough received many awards and decorations including a Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.

Darrough is survived by his father, Robert Darrough of North Carolina and mother, Janelle Darrough of Texas.

He is also survived by his wife, Isaura Darrough; sons, Justin and Jared Darrough and daughters, Julianna and Jenna Darrough, all of Clarksville, Tenn.

A memorial service will be held for Darrough in Afghanistan on November 9.

http://wkrn.images.worldnow.com/images/15930146_BG1.jpg

[Grace]

US Army Sergeant Carlo F. Eugenio


Article from local paper. (http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_19239944)

[Grace]

US Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Rod Newman



US Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Rod Newman, age 26, was a victim of the Kabul suicide bomber who rammed a car packed with explosives into a NATO armored bus on 29th October 2011.

Staff Sgt. Newman, from Shelby, North Carolina, served with Medical Company A, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. He deployed to Afghanistan in May this year and was due to return home for two weeks leave next month.


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qfne9FiMnw/Tq9M7__cYhI/AAAAAAAACPE/1BcX6Gfzc5w/s320/newman-c.jpg


Article from local paper. (http://www.shelbystar.com/news/family-59720-couple-soldier.html)

[Grace]

US Army Lieutenant Colonel David E. Cabrera



US Army Lieutenant Colonel David E. Cabrera, age 41, was one of the victims of a suicide car bomber who rammed an armored bus in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 29th October 2011.

Lt. Col. Cabrera, from Abilene, Texas, was Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXXhvfbz7ks/TrCZuBsB6kI/AAAAAAAACPQ/bY6CgIqt4ss/s320/cabrera-d.jpg

Article from local paper (http://blog.chron.com/armedsources/2011/11/lieutenant-colonel-from-houston-killed-in-suicide-bombing/)

[Grace]

29 October 2011


45-year-old American citizen Matthew Lemmon, from Memphis, was killed in Kabul on 29th October 2011 when a suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into a NATO armored bus which Mr. Lemmon was travelling in.

Matthew Lemmon, a heating and air-conditioning engineer, had taken the job in Afghanistan as a way to increase earnings and help his family. He had taken a three-week break from the job in early October and returned to Afghanistan on 24th October.

He leaves his wife Kim, their two children, Zachary (15) and Lily (3) and other relatives and friends.

Article from Memphis paper. (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/nov/02/suicide-bomb-claims-memphis-man-in-afghanistan/)

[Grace]

1 November 2011


19-year-old US Army Private 1st Class Sarina N. Butcher was killed in action on 1st November 2011 in Paktia province. She was in a vehicle when it hit a homemade roadside bomb.

Pfc. Butcher, from Checotah, Oklahoma, was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard based at Tulsa serving with the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Pfc. Butcher joined the Guard in April 2010 after attending Checotah High School. She is the first female Oklahoma National Guard soldier to be killed in action. Her awards include National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal.

Pfc. Butcher will be posthumously promoted to the rank of Specialist.

Killed in the same incident was Spc. Christopher D. Gailey.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsZa26bLj8Y/TrHu3LrIzhI/AAAAAAAACPc/qHFe8k4R6bs/s320/butcher-s.jpg

[Grace]

1 November 2011


26-year-old US Army Specialist Christopher D. Gailey was killed in action on 1st November 2011 in Paktia province. He was in a vehicle when it hit a homemade roadside bomb.

Spc. Gailey, a motor vehicle operator from Ochelata, Oklahoma, was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard based at Tulsa serving with the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Spc. Gailey joined the National Guard in June 2004 and deployed to Iraq in 2007-08. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal and the Oklahoma Long Service Ribbon.

Killed in the same incident was Pfc. Sarina N. Butcher.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVkPcmIOhy0/TrH1Fqj_UfI/AAAAAAAACPo/LRQnJBxTrPs/s320/gailey-c.jpg

[Grace]

30 October 2011


Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers, 28, of New London, Conn., died when a rocket-propelled grenade fired by insurgents exploded near him on October 30, 2011, in Kandahar Province, the Pentagon said.

Cullers was a wheeled vehicle mechanic with 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum in northern New York.

He joined the Army in October 2004, served in Korea and Oklahoma, and arrived at Fort Drum in December 2008, according to the military.

Cullers had previously served in Afghanistan from December 2008 to December 2009 and returned there with his unit in March 2011, according to Fort Drum public affairs.

Among his many awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge, the Army said.

Cullers is survived by his mother and father.



http://media2.myfoxny.com//photo/2011/11/03/SSgtAriRCullers_20111103162954_320_240.JPG

[Grace]

29 October 2011


32-year-old American citizen Jarod Keith Cravens, from Texas, was killed in Kabul on 29th October 2011 when a suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into a NATO armored bus in which he was traveling.

Jarod Keith Cravens had served eight years in the Marine Corps but returned to work as a contractor, his wife Stephanie said.

The couple has a 12-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter.

Cravens had most recently been in North Texas just a few weeks ago on leave, where he was able to attend Game 4 of the World Series with family members, and the State Fair of Texas with his children.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftiK7DhnA6c/TrNRA1v4dEI/AAAAAAAACQY/Z0sqMKl0wbE/s320/cravens-jarod.jpg

[Grace]

Scotland
29 October 2011

Father-of-one David Quinn, from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, was one of two Britons killed in the attack which claimed the lives of 17 people.

The Taliban suicide bomber targeted an armoured Nato vehicle as the convoy was passing the American University in Kabul, killing five coalition troops and eight civilian contractors.

Three Afghan civilians and one police officer also died in the attack. Eight other Afghans, including two children, were wounded, officials said.

Mr Quinn's family said they were "heartbroken" by his death and were too upset to speak about it.

The 34-year-old electrician was a keen flautist and his friends have paid tribute to him on a music website.

Whistling Willie, a contributor to Chiff & Fipple, an internet forum dedicated to flute and whistle playing, said: "David was a friend of mine, who was a true gentleman and a friend to all who knew him.

"So sad that he leaves behind a young family. RIP Davy."

Another post left by Fourstep said: "David was one of the contractors killed in Afghanistan. A sad, sad loss not only to the flute band scene in the UK but a true gent who would help anyone out when they came asking."

Other users told how they contacted their local folk music radio stations to ask for a piece of flute music to be played in Mr Quinn's honour.

Mr Quinn and Stephen Brown, who also died, were employed by US engineering and construction company Fluor Corp.

A spokesman for the Texas-based company said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of our co-workers.

"Right now our focus is on helping them deal with the situation."

Fluor is contracted by the US army to provide coalition forces with non-combat support services ranging from security to base-camp construction, housing, transportation, fuel and meals.

The company is building, as well as managing the expansion of, eight base camps in southern Afghanistan, including one to accommodate 20,000 US military personnel.

The UK is scheduled to withdraw combat troops from Afghanistan in 2014.

[Grace]

3 November 2011 in Iraq



First Lt. Dustin Vincent, 25, of Mesquite, Texas, was killed Thursday by small arms fire while leaving his vehicle. Vincent was on patrol in the Kirkuk Province.

Vincent was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, currently deployed as an advise and assist force in support of Operation New Dawn.

Vincent joined the Army in June 2009 as an artillery officer. This was his first deployment. Vincent’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror-Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

[Grace]

England



British Army Private Matthew Haseldin from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (2 MERCIAN) was killed in action in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province 3rd November 2011. His patrol was attacked by enemy forces and Pvt. Haseldin was hit by small arms fire.

21-year-old Pvt. Haseldin, from Yorkshire, had only been in the Army since February this year and completed his training in August. He deployed to Afghanistan in September.

Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Martyn Chatterley, Regimental Sergeant Major, 2 MERCIAN and Coalition Force Burma, said: "Private Matthew Haseldin was only 21 years old, still young, enthusiastic and eager to further his career. He was proud and enthusiastic with his fellow soldiers and his mates. For the short time I knew Matthew he made an instant impression. He will be sorely missed but we should be proud to have known him and to have fought alongside him. My most sincere condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by all in 2 MERCIAN but never forgotten. Stand FIRM, Strike Hard."

Matthew's parents Alan and Jill said: "Matthew was a loving son and we are very proud of him. He had only been in the Army for a few months. Friends and family will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mV71VpBv27Y/TrSzRIXAApI/AAAAAAAACRs/Qyvan3uqGm4/s320/Haseldin-m.jpg

[Grace]

Spain



35-year-old Spanish Army Staff Sgt. Joaquin Moya Espejo was killed in action on Sunday 6th November 2011 when insurgents attacked a group of Afghan troops being accompanied by Spanish military advisers near Ludina, Badghis province.

The attack occurred northwest of Ludina, where Afghan troops, Spanish military advisers and a sniper team had taken up position on a hill to protect troops moving through a valley. The soldiers came under small arms fire from a distant position and Staff Sgt. Moya Espejo, who was wearing a bullet-proof vest, was hit in the chest.

He was airlifted to a military field hospital at Bala Morghab, but he went into cardio-respiratory arrest and was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

Staff Sgt. Moya Espejo served with Infantry Regiment Garellano 45 based in the Spanish city of Vitoria.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTrGSMldkJI/Trctj1VSdZI/AAAAAAAACR4/JluFoSUvhP0/s320/Espejo_j.jpg

[Grace]

Vietnam


Soldiers Missing from Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Capt. Arnold E. Holm Jr. of Waterford, Conn.; Spc. Robin R. Yeakley of South Bend, Ind.; and Pfc. Wayne Bibbs of Chicago, will be buried as a group, in a single casket representing the entire crew, on Nov. 9, in Arlington National Cemetery. On June 11, 1972, Holm was the pilot of an OH-6A Cayuse helicopter flying a reconnaissance mission in Thua Thien-Hue Province, South Vietnam. Also on board were his observer, Yeakley, and his door gunner, Bibbs. The aircraft made a second pass over a ridge, where enemy bunkers had been sighted, exploded and crashed, exploding again upon impact. Crews of other U.S. aircraft, involved in the mission, reported receiving enemy ground fire as they overflew the crash site looking for survivors.

Between 1993 and 2008, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), interviewed witnesses, investigated, surveyed and excavated possible crash sites several times. They recovered human remains, OH-6A helicopter wreckage and crew-related equipment—including two identification tags bearing Yeakley’s name.

Scientists from the JPAC used forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence to identify the crew.

Today more than 1,600 American remain un-accounted for from the Vietnam War. More than 900 servicemen have been accounted for from that conflict, and returned to their families for burial with military honors since 1973. The U.S. government continues to work closely with the governments of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to recover all Americans lost in the Vietnam War.

[Grace]

5 November 2011


25-year-old US Marine Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels, from Elmwood Park, Illinois, was killed in action on 5th November 2011 while on combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

L-Cpl. Daniels served with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California. His family told local news reporters that he had deployed to Afghanistan less than two months ago.

His sister, Kati, said that L-Cpl Daniels had joined the Marine Corps less than two years ago and was trained in bomb disposal.

"I just didn't believe it because he was only there for a month and a half and he just got an award for digging up a bomb, and then this happened. And I didn't want to believe it when (the Marines) came to our house," she told reporters.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IUlfYSxaJY/Trk6K7D8zLI/AAAAAAAACS0/5j-m4pvjlOI/s320/daniels-n.jpg

[Grace]

England


28-year-old British Army Private Matthew Thornton, from 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (4 YORKS), was killed in action on 9th November 2011 while on patrol in Babaji, Lashkar Gah. His unit was ambushed by enemy forces using grenades and small arms fire. During the battle, Pvt Thornton was caught in the blast from a hidden bomb and was killed.

Pvt Thornton was a volunteer with the Territorial Army. He worked in a factory manufacturing door and window frames in Barnsley, Yorkshire. Born in Barnsley, he was educated at Darton High School prior to joining Fontenay Company, East and West Riding Regiment, in October 2004, which subsequently became D Company, 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in June 2006.

He left the Territorial Army in 2007, but re-enlisted into D Company in September 2009, eager to deploy to Afghanistan when the opportunity arose. He volunteered his services for this deployment.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Crowley, Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "Private Matthew Thornton displayed that he had the volunteer ethos in spades. He was a fine soldier and an even finer man. 4 YORKS is a family and we have lost one of our own. He was a true Yorkshire Warrior."

Pvt Thornton leaves behind his father Michael, mother Susan, sister Sarah, and his brother Nathan.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pfrNsTdNxQ/Tr0JFHOlRkI/AAAAAAAACTk/w8dxS6q9s_k/s320/thornton-m.jpg