In Memoriam [Archive] - Page 8

Grace

11-17-2011, 01:11 PM

14 November 2011

A Fort Bragg-based soldier has been killed in Iraq, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday night.

Spc. David E. Hickman, 23, of Greensboro, was killed by a roadside bomb on Monday in Baghdad, the Pentagon said.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

Veronica Hickman, Spc. Hickman's mother, told the News & Record of Greensboro that her son was a good student and star athlete at Northeast Guilford High School in Greensboro, where he played football and ran track. He also did Taekwondo and rock climbing, Veronica Hickman said.

"David was always an adventurous person," she told the News & Record. "He was never afraid to try things. He always tried dangerous things. It would make me so mad."

Hickman enlisted in the Army in 2009, going to basic training around Thanksgiving of that year, Veronica Hickman told the newspaper. He deployed to Iraq around Memorial Day this year.

David Eugene Hickman, Spc. Hickman's father, told the newspaper that he tried to persuade his son to be in the Air Force, like him, in air traffic control.

"But he wanted to do the crazy stuff," the elder Hickman said. "He wanted to be in the air, shooting and stuff."

On Friday - Veterans Day - Veronica Hickman told her son and other veterans that she was proud of their service.

"I was telling him, 'Good job,' " she told the News & Record.

Grace

11-17-2011, 01:13 PM

11 November 2011

US Army Specialist James Edward "Jimmy" Hall Jr died in his sleep in Miamisburg, Ohio on 11th November 2011. He had been severely injured by a bomb blast in Afghanistan in May 2011 and was evacuated to the USA to recover.

27-year-old Spc. Hall had suffered facial burns, chest injuries and a traumatic brain injury and was evacuated first to Germany and then to the US. Four days before he was injured, his wife Laura gave birth to the couple's son, Aiden James Hall.

He joined the Army about five years ago and served in Iraq for a year.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8z79kEon3Q/TsTdt7t9EwI/AAAAAAAACUg/WYRJ6X4GtN4/s320/hall-j.jpg

Grace

11-17-2011, 01:14 PM

England

British Army Lance Corporal Peter Eustace from 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES) was killed in action in Helmand province 16th November 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated while he was on patrol.

L-Cpl. Eustace joined the Army in 2004. He flourished on operations and showed the dependability, courage and quickness of mind for which he became known. His rich qualities made him a natural choice to undertake a Junior Non Commissioned Officer (JNCO) selection cadre, which he passed with ease in March 2009.

He deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011 and had previously served in Iraq.

Lieutenant Colonel Bill Wright MBE, Commanding Officer 2 RIFLES, paid tribute to L-Cpl. Eustace: "After two very demanding operational tours, the first fighting on the streets of Basra on Operation TELIC 9 and the latter showing nerves of steel and huge courage in the IED laden alleyways around FOB Wishtan on Operation HERRICK 10, he had nothing left to prove as a warrior. He was one of those men you can completely rely on when things get tough."

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxfGvG15nTs/TsVA-zhmteI/AAAAAAAACUs/Nni3xdnhD5g/s320/Eustace-p.jpg

Grace

11-19-2011, 01:51 PM

16 November 2011

US Army Specialist James Burnett Jr., age 21, was killed in action on 16th November 2011 in Kandahar when an insurgent bomb blast hit the patrol vehicle he was in.

Spc. Burnett, from Missouri, had joined the army at the age of 17 and was serving with an Alaska-based Infantry regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011.

He had returned to the US in July for two weeks leave and became engaged to his girlfriend. On his return to Afghanistan he had spoken with his father and step-mother a few weeks ago and had told them: "I'm in a bad place. Pray for me."

Spc. Burnett leaves behind his father and stepmother, James and Cheri Burnett, his mother and stepfather, John and Rebecca Rogers, his grandparents, Neil and Sally Rogers, fiancee Amy Keeler and eight siblings.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orRAGb9hZ2Y/TsXC2qQIFEI/AAAAAAAACU4/ZL36djSpSZo/s320/burnett-j.jpg

Grace

11-19-2011, 01:52 PM

16 November 2011

US Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin, from Navarre, Florida was one of two soldiers killed in action on 16th November 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated beside their patrol vehicle. The incident occurred in Kandahar province.

22-year-old Pfc. Colin served with the Alaska-based 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The 2007 graduate of Navarre High School joined the Army in February 2010. This was his first deployment.

He leaves his father Ken, mother Kathy and his older brother, Michael.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbQR_4JFbxs/TscA7yZXnVI/AAAAAAAACVE/wDYUs4DePLU/s320/colin-m.jpg

Grace

11-19-2011, 01:56 PM

16 November 2011

US Army Specialist Sean M. Walsh was killed in Khowst province on 16th November 2011 from what the US Department of Defense describes as "injuries sustained after encountering indirect fire."

21-year-old Spc. Walsh, from San Jose, California, served with the 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, based at Pittsburg, California.

Local link with picture. (http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/11/18/san-jose-army-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan/)

Grace

11-19-2011, 01:57 PM

England

British Army Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon was one of two British Cavalry soldiers killed in action on 17th November 2011 when their armoured patrol vehicle hit an insurgent roadside bomb. The incident occurred in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand province.

31-year-old L-Cpl. Scanlon served with the elite 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards. He joined the Army in November 1998 and had served in Bosnia in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 and 2005 before deciding to leave the Army in July 2006. After being dissatisfied in a number of civilian jobs he rejoined the Army and the Regiment in September 2009 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan last month.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasper de Quincey Adams, Commanding Officer, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards said: "Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon was one of life's great characters, always with an infectious smile and a tangible love of life. An experienced soldier, calm under pressure, he was hand picked as the Troop Leader's gunner on a demanding operational tour. He was a fighting soldier, cracking in the field or on operations, and in camp, his flamboyant character meant he could find fun in any situation. His appetite for the finer things in life was prodigious and had earned him one of the more memorable nicknames - nothing was ever half hearted for Lance Corporal Scanlon."

L-Cpl. Scanlon leaves behind his mother Cherry, step-father Robert, father Raymond and sisters Lisa and Emma.

The other soldier killed in the same incident was Lieutenant David Boyce

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDdg8gXZL84/TscNNx48SaI/AAAAAAAACVQ/pw3dvKJrmTE/s320/scanlon-r.jpg

Grace

11-19-2011, 01:59 PM

England

British Army Lieutenant David Alexander Grant Boyce was one of two British Cavalry soldiers killed in action on 17th November 2011 when their armoured patrol vehicle hit an insurgent roadside bomb. The incident occurred in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand province.

25-year-old Lt. Boyce joined the Army in September 2009 and commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst into 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards in August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan last month.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasper de Quincey Adams, Commanding Officer, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards said: "Lieutenant David Boyce was a charming young officer who, quite simply, represented everything that is great about the Regiment and British Army. He died while commanding his soldiers on operations in a complex and demanding environment. He led from the front, setting the very highest standards, and inspired his men and peers alike. Tall, powerful and with an infectious smile he, like so many officers of his generation, was committed to his men and determined to succeed on the operations."

Lt. Boyce leaves his father Martin, mother Andrea, sister Charlotte and girlfriend Jodie.

The other soldier killed in the same incident was Lance-Corporal Richard Scanlon

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkk2z_hJb5Q/TscQI8uijEI/AAAAAAAACVc/Lui2fl08LBA/s320/boyce-d.jpg

Grace

11-21-2011, 06:15 PM

18 November 2011

US Army Private 1st Class Adam E. Dobereiner, from Molin, Illinois, was killed in action on Friday 18th November 2011 after an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle, according to the US Army's 8th Engineer Battalion Facebook page.

The incident occurred in the Arghandab Valley, Kandahar province. 21-year-old Pfc. Dobereiner was a member of the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas. Two other soldiers were injured by the blast.

The Battalion's Facebook page quoted: "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines (American and foreign) gathered in Kandahar to hold a ramp ceremony in honor of PFC Adam Dobereiner. Please keep all of the Soldiers, their Families, and the 937th Clearance Company in your thoughts and prayers as they finish up the deployment and begin their journey home."

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4alEceXaL5c/Tsm8etU019I/AAAAAAAACVo/TpZBkEYXbYM/s320/dobereiner-a.JPG

Scooter's Mom

11-21-2011, 07:33 PM

9 November 2011

http://blog.chron.com/armedsources/files/2011/11/norris-service-uniform-207x300.jpg

Several of my friends in Houston knew this young man. They buried him today.

Grace

11-22-2011, 06:00 PM

18 November 2011

US Marine Lance Corporal Joshua D. Corral was killed in action during combat operations in Helmand on 18th November 2011.

19-year-old L-Cpl. Corral, from Danville, California, was a machine-gunner serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California.

He joined the Marine Corps in July 2010 and deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion on his first overseas tour of duty. His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCQn6S0uuC8/Tsu5ajy9R1I/AAAAAAAACWM/PFSa-A80Eps/s320/corral-j.jpg

Grace

11-22-2011, 06:02 PM

England

British Army Private Thomas Christopher Lake, from 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was killed in action during a patrol in the Jamal Kowi area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand on Sunday 20th November 2011. He was caught in the blast of an insurgent bomb and was airlifted to a field hospital. Sadly, he was declared killed in action.

29-year-old Private Lake, from Watford, joined the Army in November 2009 and passed out of training in May 2010, joining 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), known as 'The Tigers', in Germany shortly afterwards.

He deployed to Canada with B Company, 4 Platoon in July 2010 and stayed with that platoon for the rest of his training and deployment to Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Colonel James Coote, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, said: "Private Tom Lake epitomised the very best qualities of the British infantryman; he was a true Tiger - ever professional and totally committed to his mates and his battalion, he had an irrepressible smile and an understated manner that together made him hugely respected by all those that had the privilege to serve with him."

Private Lake leaves behind his mother Carol among other family and friends.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAES84v1WXg/Tsuq6JVqjKI/AAAAAAAACWA/_rPU7DAqaf8/s320/lake-t.jpg

Grace

11-23-2011, 09:45 PM

21 November 2011

US Marine Corporal Zachary C. Reiff died on Monday 21st November 2011 at a German hospital from injuries he received in a bomb explosion while on patrol in Helmand province three days previously.

22-year-old Cpl. Reiff, from Preston, Iowa, served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, in California. He joined the Marine Corps in December 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal service awards include the Purple Heart with gold star device, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star device.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwowsOAOosE/Ts2ZCkp1BWI/AAAAAAAACWY/ixzD1VJGNh4/s320/reiff-z.jpg

Grace

11-23-2011, 09:47 PM

21 November 2011

20-year-old US Army 10th Mountain Division Private Jackie L. Diener II, was killed in action on 21st November 2011 in Kandahar province during an exchange of fire with enemy forces.

Pvt. Diener, from Boyne City, Michigan, served with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment. He joined the Army in March this year and transferred to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, in July. He deployed to Afghanistan in September.

Pvt. Diener's grandmother, Donna Diener, told reporters that he was eager to join the military. "This is something he chose. He wanted to do it. He wanted to serve his country."

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7GyuTjXKoM/Ts2dg4YRhiI/AAAAAAAACWk/uQx9rPOsSjs/s320/diener-j.jpg

Grace

11-29-2011, 03:19 PM

26 November 2011

US Marine Corporal Adam J. Buyes died on 26th November 2011 in Helmand province during combat operations.

21-year-old Cpl Buyes, from Salem, Oregon, was serving with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based at Okinawa, Japan. The US Department of Defense announced that the incident leading to his death is being investigated.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQLGPH7nBJ4/TtR4rrfGtCI/AAAAAAAACWw/ioD7kKOiyuY/s320/buyes-a.jpg

Article from local paper. (http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/11/salem_marine_cpl_adam_buyes_di_1.html)

Grace

11-29-2011, 03:21 PM

England

British Army Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel, from 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES), was killed in action on 27th November 2011 during a foot patrol in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province. He was caught in the blast from an insurgent bomb.

20-year-old Rifleman Steel, from Leeds, joined the Army in November 2009 and completed his training in April 2010. He then joined 5 RIFLES based at Paderborn, Germany. He underwent extensive training on the Warrior armoured fighting vehicle and took part in a six-week, vehicle-mounted exercise in Canada in late 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, Commanding Officer 5 RIFLES, said: "Rifleman Sheldon Steel was a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness, and natural leadership flair – all underscored by a quiet confidence and understated ambition."

Rifleman Steel leaves behind his mother Victoria, sisters Cody and Carys and brother Kameron.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qbry3xYoR2Q/TtR8l0PcZmI/AAAAAAAACW8/LSNnf3VX3MA/s320/steel-s.jpg

phesina

12-02-2011, 04:57 PM

Thank you so much, Gretchen, for keeping on with these sad postings. God bless you.

Grace

12-03-2011, 10:48 PM

21 November 2011

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Dennis R. Murray, from Red Broiling Springs, Tennessee, was killed in action on 21st November 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated in Kandahar province.

38-year-old Sgt. Murray was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas. He joined the Army in September 1991 as an armored crew member. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGj-ThnLuFM/TtrCaL8qaOI/AAAAAAAACXI/46QW4iF4XWw/s320/murray-d.jpg

Grace

12-03-2011, 10:49 PM

30 November 2011

US Marine Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell, was killed on 30th November 2011 during combat operations in Helmand province.

28-year-old Sgt. Bell, from Detroit, Michigan, joined the Marine Corps in 2001 after graduating from high school and was on his second combat deployment when he was killed. He had previously served in Iraq.

He was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3uNWlprxVQ/TtrFcIsq1OI/AAAAAAAACXU/N09ARAt8-YE/s320/bell-v.jpg

Grace

12-06-2011, 06:46 PM

3 December 2011

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

Sgt. Ryan D. Sharp, 28, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, died Dec. 3, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered Nov. 21 at Kandahar province, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

http://www.localnews8.com/2011/1204/29919868_240X180.jpg

Grace

12-09-2011, 07:55 PM

3 December 2011

21-year-old US Army infantryman, Specialist Ryan M. Lumley from Florida, was one of three American soldiers killed in action when their patrol was hit by the blast of an insurgent bomb on 3rd December 2011. The incident happened in Wardak province.

Spc. Lumley served with the Texas-based 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in March 2009.

The other soldiers killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Clark Corley Jr, and Spc. Thomas Mayberry.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-camzteaz60U/TuF9lKG9c-I/AAAAAAAACXs/hE0EVL7A7yE/s320/lumley-r.jpg

Grace

12-09-2011, 07:57 PM

3 December 2011

21-year-old US Army infantryman, Specialist Thomas J. Mayberry from California, was one of three American soldiers killed in action when their patrol was hit by the blast of an insurgent bomb on 3rd December 2011. The incident happened in Wardak province.

Spc. Mayberry served with the Texas-based 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in January 2009 and had been based in South Korea before transferring to Fort Bliss, Texas.

The other soldiers killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Clark Corley Jr, and Spc. Ryan Lumley

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wA92kdYmvfY/TuGAKaVrpAI/AAAAAAAACX4/CdW09rnLKMU/s320/mayberry-t.jpg

Grace

12-09-2011, 07:58 PM

3 December 2011

35-year-old US Army Sergeant 1st Class Clark A. Corley Jr., from California, was one of three American soldiers killed in action when their patrol was hit by the blast of an insurgent bomb on 3rd December 2011. The incident happened in Wardak province.

Sergeant Corley served with the Texas-based 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in December 1995 and had been previously stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Irwin, Fort Lee, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and South Korea.

Sgt. Corley's decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal-Fourth Award, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

He leaves behind his wife and one child.

The other soldiers killed were: Spc Thomas Mayberry, and Spc Ryan Lumley

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDANvrqooNQ/TuGEyBSBSTI/AAAAAAAACYE/TNjoRCMk2Dc/s320/corley-c.jpg

Grace

12-09-2011, 08:00 PM

4 December 2011

US Army Specialist Christopher Luis Mendonca died in a vehicle accident near Binghampton, New York, on Sunday 4th December 2011 while he was home on leave from Afghanistan.

20-year-old Spc. Mendonca, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He had graduated from Holbrook High School, in Massachusetts and had wanted to be a State Trooper after he completed his Army service.

Spc. Mendonca leaves behind his parents Domingas and Luis Mendonca, his wife Kasey, brother Joseph, maternal grandmother, Ana Gomes and his paternal grandmother, Justina Mendonca.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAucUKnkIqM/TuK0BDYov5I/AAAAAAAACYo/5NXtB325KWk/s320/mendonca-c.jpg

Grace

12-09-2011, 08:02 PM

England

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Sapper Elijah Bond of 35 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers at the Queen Elizabeth NHS Hospital, Birmingham.

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

Grace

12-11-2011, 01:52 PM

New Zealand

One year later . . . . .

The family of Private John "Jack" Howard, from Wellington, New Zealand, had his ashes interred in Karori cemetery in Wellington on Friday 9th December 2011.

Private Howard was killed while on patrol in Nad-e Ali District, Helmand province on 5th December 2010. He was serving with the British Army's 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3PARA) at the time.

Private Howard's body was flown back to England where his family was waiting, before being flown to Wellington for his funeral last year. His ashes were marked with a white marble headstone bearing the Parachute Regiment seal, the New Zealand Sunday Star Times reported.

New Zealand's Channel 3 News reported that notebooks kept by Private Howard were returned to his family after his death, and revealed a number of close calls on the battlefield. A week before his death, he was shot through his backpack. The bullet narrowly missed him.

Private Howard's death in Afghanistan is believed to have been caused by 'friendly-fire' during a U.S. airstrike by a jet on a ‘strafing run'.

His funeral last year, at Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul, included an honour guard of traditional Maori warriors while comrades from his regiment carried his Union Jack draped coffin.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-36CFV2gvA/TuQFrTzbJkI/AAAAAAAACZA/Hip_lsbOn8I/s320/John-Howard.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:01 AM

10 DECEMBER 2011

US Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Jacob Levy, from Ramseur, North Carolina, died on 10th December 2011 in a US military hospital in Germany. He was shot by a sniper while on patrol in Helmand province on Wednesday 7th December and had been evacuated to Germany.

21-year-old LCpl Levy, serving with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, had volunteered for this deployment, his second tour in Afghanistan.

LCpl Levy's stepfather, Kevin Sheek, told local news reporters: "Jacob died doing a job he was willing to die for. He was an awesome man and an awesome Marine." He went on to say that LCpl Levy was an organ donor and, "there will be triumph through the tragedy. Other people will live because Jacob laid his life down."

LCpl Levy leaves behind his mother Amanda Sheek, father Christopher Alan Levy, stepfather Kevin Sheek and three brothers, Payne Sheek (14), Elijah Sheek (9) and Thunder Levy (11).

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeMxbj8C_HQ/TuVsO73eeLI/AAAAAAAACZM/Ye-1eN0Vpvk/s320/levy-j.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:04 AM

13 December 2011

20-year-old US Army Private Jalfred D. Vaquerano, died on 13th December 2011 in a military hospital at Landstuhl, Germany, from injuries received in Logar province when enemy forces opened fire on his unit.

Pvt. Vaquerano, from Apopka, Florida, served with the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvzD_YkVP5g/TulYki2FjlI/AAAAAAAACZw/3uTaxQBHHZE/s320/vaquerano-j.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:06 AM

14 December 2011

US Marines Major Sam Griffith was killed in action in Afghanistan by enemy fire while on a routine patrol. 36-year-old Major Griffith served with the 4th Anglico, an air naval gunfire company based in West Palm Beach. The Marine Reservist was on his third deployment to Afghanistan.

Military officials confirmed his death on Wednesday but did not say how he died. Lt. Col. Aaron Marx, inspector instructor at 4th Anglico, taking to CBS12 News, said this about Major Griffith: "He was extremely proficient at his job, one of the best I've ever known," Marx said, adding that he was a "deeply committed family man."

Major Griffith leaves behind his wife Casey and two young sons. He lived in Virginia Beach with his family.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xWihnd7Z5I/TulfjUleJ8I/AAAAAAAACZ8/J1JUY04a5Xc/s320/griffith-s.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:07 AM

11 December 2011

US Army 25th Infantry Specialist Ronald H. Wildrick Jr. was killed in action in Kunar province on 11th December 2011 when an insurgent bomb exploded while he was on patrol with his unit.

30-year-old Spc. Wildrick, from Blairstown, New Jersey, served with the Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in June 2008 as an Infantryman. This was his first overseas deployment. He was married with two daughters.

Spc. Wildrick’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Basic Parachutist Badge. Posthumous awards include Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Also killed in the same incident was Sgt. Christopher L. Muniz, also of the 25th Infantry.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtDLFt_oV6g/Tuf2ITKepPI/AAAAAAAACZY/Ucerv5-uUXw/s320/wildrick-r.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:09 AM

11 December 2011

US Army 25th Infantry Sergeant Christopher L. Muniz was killed in action in Kunar province on 11th December 2011 when an insurgent bomb exploded while he was on patrol with his unit.

24-year-old Sgt. Muniz, from New Cuyama, California, served with the Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in November 2008 as a Signal Intelligence Analyst and was on his first overseas deployment.

Sgt. Muniz’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Posthumous Awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Also killed in the same incident was Spc. Ronald H. Wildrick Jr, also of the 25th Infantry.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPfixSM1yEU/Tuf5vLFSwZI/AAAAAAAACZk/X6YHr9lu1gI/s320/muniz-c.jpg

Grace

12-17-2011, 11:11 AM

Army Releases November Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of November. Among active-duty soldiers, there were seven potential suicides: none have been confirmed as suicide and seven remain under investigation. For October 2011, the Army reported 17 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, four cases have been confirmed as suicide and 13 cases remain under investigation.

During November 2011, among Reserve Component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were eight potential suicides (eight Army National Guard and no Army Reserve): two have been confirmed as suicide and six remain under investigation. For October 2011, the Army reported 12 potential suicides among not-on-active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of 13 cases (five Army National Guard and eight Army Reserve). Four cases have been confirmed as suicide and nine cases remain under investigation.

As of Nov. 30, 2011, the Army has identified 260 potential soldier suicides for CY 2011. Of that total, 154 were active duty suicides: 100 have been confirmed as suicide and 54 remain under investigation; 106 were Reserve Component not on active duty suicides (73 Army National Guard and 33 Army Reserve): 84 have been confirmed as suicide and 22 remain under investigation. Compared to previous years, the Army had 305 in CY 2010 (159 active-duty and 146 not-on-active-duty) and 242 in CY 2009 (162 active-duty and 80 not-on-active-duty).

“Suicide continues to be a challenge for our Army Family,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III. “It is a devastating loss when one of our own, whether soldier, civilian or family member, dies by suicide.” Chandler also said that overcoming this challenge will take the Army’s collective efforts, dedication, support and understanding. “To that end, I am calling on all of our leaders, but especially the noncommissioned officers, the backbone of our great Army, to make a difference. We must cultivate a climate that encourages help-seeking behaviors and supports those who ask for help,” said Chandler. “By standing shoulder to shoulder, we can ensure that no one stands alone!”

An article from the NY Times addressing this - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/us/31hotline.html?pagewanted=all

pomtzu

12-17-2011, 11:46 AM

Grace

12-17-2011, 12:08 PM

Gretchen - you have been so diligent and dedicated to keep this thread going for so long. Bless you! :love:

Now that the war is "officially" over (even tho thousands of support troops stay behind), hopefully you will have a lot fewer memorials to post. We can only hope and pray...........

Ah - but they are still dying in Afghanistan. That's where most of the deaths have occurred over the past 6-12 months. If someone would stop that fiasco, we might be able to shut this down.

Thanks for the kind comments - and thanks to Pat, and others, for similar remarks. I'm gratified to see that so many of us do read this thread.

Grace

12-17-2011, 03:04 PM

TOTAL FATALITIES - to date

Australia (32)
Belgium (1)
Canada (158)
Czech (5)
Denmark (42)
Estonia (9)
Finland (2)
France (76)
Georgia (10)
Germany (56)
Hungary (6)
Italy (42)
Jordan (2)
Latvia (4)
Lithuania (1)
Netherlands (25)
New Zealand (4)
Norway (10)
Poland (31)
Portugal (2)
Romania (19)
Serbia (1)
South Korea (2)
Spain (97)
Sweden (5)
Turkey (2)
United Kingdom (392)
United States (1858)

Journalists (21)
Aid Workers (46)

Afghan Military (8587 est.)
Afghan Civilians (8,813 est.)

Grace

12-23-2011, 03:55 PM

21 December 2011

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — The Pentagon on Friday announced that Spc. Mikayla A. Bragg, 21, of Longview, Wash., died Wednesday in Afghanistan.

She was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.

Her family told The Daily News of Longview (http://is.gd/69n5zi ) she was shot in a guard tower.

Her stepmother, Amber Bragg of Longview, said she had been scheduled to leave Afghanistan and return to the United States on Jan. 6.

Bragg's father, Steve Bragg, flew to Dover Air Force Base to identify the body.

Mikayla Bragg joined the Army after graduating from Mark Morris High School in 2008. She was deployed in August as truck driver. Her mother, Sheyanne Baker, lives in Shelton.

http://media.king5.com/images/kayla-bragg-final.jpg

Grace

12-23-2011, 04:05 PM

Poland

Five Polish soldiers were killed on 21st December 2011 in Ghazni province when an insurgent bomb was detonated beside their patrol. The soldiers, serving with the 20th Mechanized Brigade of Bartoszyce were specialists from a provincial reconstruction team. They were travelling in an armored vehicle when the bomb exploded.

They were immediately evacuated by helicopter to a military field hospital.

Polish spokesman Jacek Sonta said in Warsaw that the soldiers were in a convoy headed to Rawza, in eastern Ghazni province, when it struck the bomb.

22-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Krystian W Banach was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2008. This was his first combat mission. Sgt Banach was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eThUwH4LiA8/TvMicbiShpI/AAAAAAAACaI/qK_AcllpxG4/s320/banach-k.jpg

25-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Marek Tomala was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2006. This was his third combat deployment. Sgt Tomala, who leaves behind his wife and daughter, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marcin Szczurowski, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFwc2HGHvzY/TvMncr_n9OI/AAAAAAAACaU/7tVzhXj9ouQ/s320/Tomala-m.jpg

30-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Marcin Szczurowski, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2003. This was his first overseas combat deployment.

Sgt Szczurowski, who leaves behind his wife and two daughters, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmjbvDPZOjc/TvMqVxPeeuI/AAAAAAAACag/6rg5dT5wXFo/s320/szczurowski-m.jpg

30-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Lukasz Krawiec, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2007. This was his second overseas combat deployment.

Sgt Szczurowski, a bachelor, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viqVUmhBi0g/TvMu3aeOG2I/AAAAAAAACas/VdrP6FPZxYM/s320/krawiec-l.jpg

33-year-old Polish Army Jr Ensign (1st Warrant Officer) Piotr Ciesielski, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2005. This was his first overseas combat deployment.

WO Ciesielski, who leaves his wife and two daughters, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Junior Ensign (1st Warrant Officer).

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski and Lukasz Krawiec, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpnMDnN3hC8/TvMxvNVXjmI/AAAAAAAACa4/XCB02ldOxBU/s320/ciesielski-p.jpg

katladyd

12-24-2011, 01:21 AM

Sadly, they are in other countries, also. Our governments, US and Canada, do not reveal where a good majority of the soldiers are fighting now. I have a friend whose husband is in the Canadian army and she told me where her husband and many of his fellow Canadians, Americans, and Europeans are seeing action. She told me by mistake and said I cannot tell anyone where they are, so I won't, but they sure as heck are NOT in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Grace

12-27-2011, 02:50 PM

Poland

Polish Sergeant Zbigniew Biskup died in the Intensive Care Unit of a Polish military hospital in Ghazni on 22nd December 2011. His cause of death is being investigated by Polish doctors but it was not connected to combat operations.

35-year-old Sgt. Biskup had been in Afghanistan for over two months. This was his fourth foreign mission. Previously he had served in Iraq from July 2005 to March 2006 and January to August 2008. He had also served in Afghanistan from May to November 2010. He was a senior helicopter technician with the 7th Air-Assault Group.

He leaves behind his wife and a son.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v64ELUKL238/TvkHG0nAvNI/AAAAAAAACbQ/HBc88rt-tog/s320/biskup-z.jpg

Grace

12-27-2011, 02:55 PM

Christmas Day

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann, 27, of Marshfield, Wis., died Dec. 25, in Kunar province Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

From his local TV station -

MARSHFIELD (AP) - The military says an Army medic from Marshfield has died in Afghanistan of injuries suffered in an insurgent attack.

The Defense Department said Tuesday that 27-year-old Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann died on Christmas Day in Kunar province. The military says he was hurt when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.

His mother told The Associated Press by telephone the family was preparing to fly to Dover, Del., for the arrival of her son's body. Janice Altmann says the family is "devastated."

She says Altmann had served two tours in Iraq and just re-enlisted for another four years. She says he got married in February. He had no children.

Altmann was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

http://waow.images.worldnow.com/images/16398927_BG2.jpg

Grace

12-29-2011, 09:33 PM

Will it never end . . . . .

France

Two non-commissioned officers of the French Foreign Legion were killed on 29th December 2011 during a joint French-Afghan operation in Kapisa. The two NCOs were shot and killed by a rogue Afghan Army soldier.

One of the Legionnaires has been named as CWO Mohammed El Gharrafa with 19 years of military service experience. The other man has not yet been identified. Both served with 2e REG (Foreign Engineering Regiment).

French Foreign Legion Chief Warrant Officer Mohammed El Gharrafa, age 39, was one of two Legionnaires killed by an Afghan soldier on 29th December 2011 in Kapisa.

The two non-commissioned officers, serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment (2e REG), belonged to a French Mountain Commando Group. The attack took place during a joint French-Afghan operation in the Alassa Bedraou valley. A rogue Afghan National Army soldier shot and killed the two French Legionnaires.

CWO Gharrafa joined the Foreign Legion in December 1992. After his initial training in the 4th Foreign Regiment, he joined the 1st Foreign Engineering Regiment. In 1996 he began a two-year deployment with the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment in French Guiana. In 1999, he volunteered to serve in the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment and was involved in the formation of a Mountain Commando Group. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer on 1 December 2011.

CWO Gharrafa had deployed on several overseas operations: Bosnia, Tajikistan, Guyana, Lebanon, Djibouti. He deployed to Afghanistan in September.

He leaves a wife and four children.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqEqMI7Bv6w/Tv0AyjSpcII/AAAAAAAACbo/idLZRFqiqXs/s320/gharrafi-m.jpg

Grace

12-29-2011, 09:37 PM

England

British Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, aged 34, died on 23rd December 2011 after the vehicle he was in struck a roadside bomb during an operation south of Kabul.

Squadron Leader Downing had been seriously wounded in the blast and was flown back to the UK where sadly, he died of his wounds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. His family were with him when he died.

Known as Ant, Squadron Leader Downing was, by trade, an Engineering Officer in the Royal Air Force. His unassuming and modest demeanour belied a hugely professional officer and an extremely determined individual. His generous nature and interest in Afghanistan and her people, led to his intimate involvement in the planning and subsequent conduct of outreach patrols.

Ant was professionally respected and hugely appreciated for his skills, and built a strong rapport with the Afghan soldiers and their British mentors; his loss is felt greatly among both. He leaves behind his parents, a brother, a girlfriend and a dedicated following of friends, with whom this great loss is shared.

Killed in the same incident was Royal Marines Captain Tom Jennings.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyegToJKGEs/Tv0QdwUgo6I/AAAAAAAACcA/Ei4Rx_37IpY/s320/downing-a.jpg

British Royal Marines Commando Captain Tom Jennings was killed on 22nd December 2011 when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an explosive device whilst on an operation to the south of Kabul.

Capt Jennings, aged 29, was a true leader, selfless in his professional approach serving those who were his responsibility. Dedicated and humble, he was an archetypal Royal Marine with a keen sense of humour even when faced with adversity. Whilst working with the Afghan forces that he partnered, he displayed empathy and a broad cultural understanding that ensured he was highly valued by the Afghans as well as his Royal Marine brothers.

He was devoted to his wife and their two young sons whose loss cannot be portrayed in words. The Royal Marines have lost a brother, they have lost their world.

Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, Royal Air Force, was also killed in the same incident.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlFgo_FYW24/Tv0NcoUZuAI/AAAAAAAACb0/XKwwlTioThk/s320/jennings-t.jpg

Grace

12-29-2011, 09:42 PM

27 December 2011

Three US soldiers serving with 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas, were killed in action on 27th December 2011 when a bomb exploded beside their patrol unit in Paktia.

The three were identified as:

Sergeant Noah M. Korte
Specialist Kurt W. Kern
Private 1st Class Justin M. Whitmire

US Army Private 1st Class Justin M. Whitmire, from South Carolina, was killed on 27th December 2011 when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

20-year-old Pfc. Whitmire was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed in the incident.

He had been in Afghanistan for just 19 days, his family told local news reporters. His father, Donnie Whitmire, said: "Justin was a 20 year old who loved to fish and had big plans for when he returned to Simpsonville. He said when I get back I have money to buy a brand new boat and go fishing all the time."

Pfc. Whitmire graduated from Hillcrest High School last year where he was on the debate team. Family members say he had offers to go to Harvard University but decided to join the military instead.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-VgI8DG8Uo/Tv0nDsj82XI/AAAAAAAACcM/_JQlMkbw_rg/s320/whitmire-j.jpg

US Army Specialist Kurt W. Kern, from Texas, was killed on 27th December 2011 when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

24-year-old Spc. Kern was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed in the incident. He had been in Afghanistan for less than one month.

Spc. Kern, a McAllen Memorial graduate, joined the armed forces in September 2009 as a military police officer after studying at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin.

Spc. Kern's older brother, Keith, told local news reporters that his brother was "proud to be a soldier and really loved his job. Ever since he was little, he wanted to be a soldier. He finally went for it and loved it." His family said later that Spc. Kern had been "so intent on serving his country, that when his original deployment was canceled, he volunteered to deploy with another unit."

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEABJFTxFdI/Tv0s8TwZT2I/AAAAAAAACcY/r_MUqSyBhTw/s320/kern-k.jpg

US Army Sergeant Noah M. Korte, from California, was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed on 27th December 2011, when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

29-year-old Sgt. Korte joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month. He served three tours of duty in Iraq — from January to April 2004, March 2005 to February 2006 and September 2007 to December 2008. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations included four Army Commendation medals, two Good Conduct ribbons, the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHvDlKYk2E4/Tv0v1hUM9eI/AAAAAAAACck/fepWZyW1zj0/s320/korte-n.jpg

Grace

01-03-2012, 03:05 PM

England

19-year-old British Army Private John King of 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in action on 30th December 2011 during an operation in Helmand province.

While on a foot patrol, his unit came under fire from enemy forces. During the firefight Private King was caught in the blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and was killed, despite the best efforts of medics at the scene. The incident occurred near the village of Llara Kalay, in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

Private King, from Darlington, joined the Army in 2009 and served with B(FAMARS) Company of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan as part of Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (North), commanded by the Danish Battle Group, in October 2011.

After joining the Army Private King attended the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, before joining 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment in May 2010, based in Oxford Barracks, Münster, Germany.

The family of Private King said: "John was a tremendous son, brother and boyfriend. He was a devoted grandson, a loving family member, and a proud soldier who died doing a job he adored. He will be sadly missed by all his family, friends, and loyal German Shepherd dog Rex."

Private King leaves behind his mother Karen, father Barry, brothers Ian and Stephen, and girlfriend Kelly. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viGJWAH38JM/TwEFbKZIVGI/AAAAAAAACdI/28SkObivaqw/s320/King-j.jpg

Grace

01-03-2012, 03:06 PM

Georgia

Georgian Army Corporal Besik Niniashvili, was killed on 31st December 2011 when a road mine exploded near him during a combat mission in Helmand.

Corporal Niniashvili served in the 31st Light Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade. He had been a member of the Georgian Armed Forces since 2007. During his service, he had been awarded the Medal for Outstanding Combat Service, Honorary Certificate, Medal for Combat Wound and Medal for “Participation in International Operations.

Grace

01-03-2012, 03:13 PM

31 December 2011

The Department of Defense announced the non-combat death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.

Spc. Pernell J. Herrera, 33, of Espanola, New Mexico, died Dec. 31, 2011,in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat incident.

Spc. Herrera was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWkq0uBrh-g/TwJIoLwUBBI/AAAAAAAACdU/0kVLhuWAlkw/s320/herrera-p.jpg

Grace

01-03-2012, 03:19 PM

31 December 2011

A soldier who returned to the UK from Afghanistan for Christmas has been killed after being in collision with a taxi.

Lee Foley, 26, had been on a night out in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, with his parents and girlfriend when he was struck by the car and later died in hospital.

The accident happened at 10.30pm on New Year's Eve when the family were in the town centre to enjoy the celebrations.

His parents, Paul and Sian, and sister Lyndsey, 23, were today too upset to speak but a family friend said: 'It is so tragic. He has been dodging bullets in Afghanistan on two tours of duty out there.

'It is unbelievable that he then gets killed on a night out back home with his family. Everyone is heartbroken - he was a smashing lad.

'A lot of tears are being shed.'

'They were so proud of him. Naturally, like the parents of all squaddies in Afghanistan, they were worried about him and glad to have him home.

'He was going to rejoin his regiment on January 10 and then due to go back out to Afghanistan later this year.

'It is a tragic way to start the New Year - everyone is heartbroken.'

Mr Foley joined the Army as a teenager and was a member of 39 Squadron of the Royal Engineers.

In 2008 he completed the Three Peaks Challenge as part of his squadron’s team, the Ponderoza Plodders.

He was fifth to cross the finishing line out of the 185 competitors who scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

His father Paul, said at the time: 'He trained really hard for it and it was lovely to see him crossing the line at the bottom of Snowdon. He has done very, very well.'

Floral tributes were left at the scene of the crash yesterday, with one card reading: 'RIP Lee, a lovely person. So, so sad. A pleasure to know you.'

Tributes were also paid on Facebook where friend Iain Jones, 26, of Merthyr Tydfil, said: 'RIP Lee. You were a good guy. This tragedy will touch many people. Thoughts go out to the family and friends.'

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: 'At approximately 10.10pm on Saturday, December 31, a fatal road traffic collision occurred in Merthyr Tydfil town centre.

'A 26-year-old local male pedestrian was in collision with a black Vauxhall Astra estate taxi and later died of his injuries at hospital.

'A police family liaison officer has been appointed to support the next of kin.'

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/02/article-0-0F51688900000578-353_468x498.jpg

Grace

01-03-2012, 08:52 PM

2 January 2012

24-year-old US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad R. Regelin, from California, was killed in action during a combat operation in Helmand on 2nd January 2012. He died after being caught in the blast of an insurgent bomb.

PO Regelin served as a bomb disposal technician with Marine Special Operations Company Bravo. He was stationed at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, California.

PO Regelin's family told local news that he was killed just an hour after he’d spoken to his family by telephone. His parents, Shirene and Scott Regelin of Anderson, were notified of his death shortly after 2 p.m.

"He called us while he was on watch," PO Regelin's brother, Justin, said. "He was really upbeat because he had just gotten his orders to come back stateside on Feb. 15. He told us that he had about a week to go (in Kandahar) before they could helicopter in the replacement team."

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnAlvP8ytr8/TwOgp-iHSrI/AAAAAAAACdg/moEdWZvJcUg/s320/regelin-c.jpg

Grace

01-04-2012, 11:44 AM

United Kingdom

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Rifleman Sachin Limbu, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Monday 2 January 2012.

He died from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan in June 2010.

Minstry of Defense statement (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RiflemanSachinLimbuDiesInUkFromWoundsSustainedInAf ghanistan.htm)

Grace

01-04-2012, 11:46 AM

Lance Sergeant Dan Collins: The Afghanistan hero who could bear the horrors of war no longer

Entire article with photo (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2081638/Lance-Sergeant-Dan-Collins-Afghanistan-hero-bear-horrors-war-longer.html)

phesina

01-04-2012, 01:39 PM

How very sad. Rest in peace, Sergeant Collins.

Grace

01-06-2012, 11:43 AM

5 and 6 January 2012

Eight NATO troops have been killed in action in a series of bombings targeting troops in southern Afghanistan, ISAF has announced.

The first attack happened on Thursday 5th January when an insurgent bomb killed three troops. A fourth soldier died early Friday 6th January in a separate insurgent attack.

Later Friday 6th January, four more troops were killed in another bombing in southern Afghanistan.

ISAF did not release the nationalities of the eight troops. Details about the incidents and identities will be released by the troops' home countries.

More information to follow.

More details when available.

Grace

01-07-2012, 09:32 PM

Three USAF servicemen were killed while on patrol in Helmand province on 5th January 2012. Killed were:

34-year-old Technical Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz

23-year-old Senior Airman Bryan Bell

24-year-old Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler

34-year-old USAF Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, from Michigan, was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Sgt. Schwartz was a bomb-disposal technician serving with the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. His family told local news that this was his sixth combat mission and that he had also served in Iraq. He had served in the US Air Force for 12 years.

Sgt. Schwartz leaves his wife, Jenny, and three daughters.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glPK00Pi5Po/TwheKCPrIzI/AAAAAAAACeE/ICG-tr68jHs/s320/schwartz-m.jpg

24-year-old USAF Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, from Westminster, Maryland was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Afc Seidler was serving with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNpUMgBTEA8/TwhsEbj981I/AAAAAAAACeQ/yl3XsnOU2VM/s320/seidler-m.jpg

23-year-old USAF Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, from Erie, Pennsylvania, was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Sr. Airman Bell, a bomb-disposal technician serving with the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, was a volunteer firefighter. He graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 2006 and joined the Air Force the same year.

He leaves behind his father, mother, wife and sister.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doeopi347W8/TwhsN1ubUNI/AAAAAAAACec/5HmivWy9At8/s320/bell-bryan-2.jpg

Grace

01-07-2012, 09:35 PM

5 January 2012

From FoxNews

Four Indiana National Guardsmen Killed in Afghanistan

Four soldiers with an Indiana-based National Guard unit were killed in Afghanistan and a fifth was injured when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb as they were working to clear a supply route of the improvised bombs, guard officials said Saturday.

Indiana Adjutant General Martin Umbarger said the four members of the Valparaiso-based 713th Engineer Company died Thursday morning in southern Afghanistan. He said all of the men were combat engineers who specialized in clearing major supply routes.

The blast occurred as their vehicle traveled along a road, scouting for signs of roadside bombs and other potential problems convoys might encounter as the move supplies in the decade-long war in Afghanistan, Umbarger said.

"Their mission is to keep the major supply routes clear of all obstacles for the convoys. And what that means is they're the first ones to go out to make sure the route can be used, so it's a very important mission -- but it's also extremely dangerous," he told The Associated Press.

The four men killed were identified as: Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, 32, of Indianapolis, Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt, 21, of Merrillville, Ind., Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr., 44, of Hamlet, Ind., and Spc. Christopher A. Patterson, 20, of Aurora, Ill.

A fifth soldier injured in the blast, Pvt. Douglas Rachowicz, 29, of Hammond, Ind., was initially treated at a military base hospital in Kandahar before being airlifted to the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, Umbarger said.

He said the four soldiers' deaths were the greatest number of Indiana guards since March 2005, when four members of the Indianapolis-based 76th Infantry Brigade died when a land mine exploded under their military vehicle about 30 miles south of the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said in a statement that Umbarger called him Saturday morning to tell him of the deaths. The governor said he's praying for the soldiers' families.

"I received from the adjutant general the news a person in my job dreads the most, that we have lost soldiers in combat. I had begun to hope that I had received the last such phone call, and cannot convey the sadness which it instantly brought," Daniels said.

"My prayers are joined with those of millions of Hoosiers who will hear this terrible news with deep grief but also with gratitude for the courage of those we have lost, and pride that we come from a state that produces men such as these," he said.

Umbarger said the four soldiers' families were informed Friday of the deaths, and the last family members were told the news Friday night. He said he's "humbled and honored" by the courage of the nation's service members and said the sacrifices of the four men won't be forgotten.

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of these brave citizen-soldiers," he said in a statement. "We will honor their sacrifice and always remember them."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/07/four-indiana-national-guardsmen-killed-in-afghanistan/print#ixzz1ipmdSANq

Grace

01-08-2012, 05:34 PM

Georgia

Georgian Army Corporal Shalva Pailodze from the 31st Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Brigade, was killed in action on 6th January 2012 during an enemy attack on his patrol unit in Helmand province. A Georgian Ministry of Defense statement said he "was killed as a result of a fatal injury during an attack by Taliban insurgents."

Corporal Pailodze, who joined the Georgian armed force in 2008, had the Medal for Participation in International Operations, according to the MoD.

This is the second Georgian Army fatality in a week and the twelfth one since Georgia joined the NATO-led operation in November 2009.

The 31st infantry battalion is now in Helmand province for its second, six-month deployment.

Grace

01-08-2012, 05:40 PM

Regarding post #1809 - Indiana National Guard deaths -

Article and pictures from local CBS affiliate (http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-north-judson-soldier-killed-in-action-in-afghanistan-20120107,0,330817.story)

Grace

01-10-2012, 09:44 PM

8 January 2012

20-year-old US Army Private 1st Class Dustin P. Napier, from Kentucky died on 8th January 2012 after being shot by an Afghan Army soldier at a military base in Zabul province.

Pfc. Napier graduated from South Laurel High School in London, Kentucky two years ago and joined the Army shortly afterwards. He married in October 2011.

Pfc. Napier served with the Alaska-based 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKzGqVWrMBc/TwzInSy1RYI/AAAAAAAACfM/Inhhbjlle5c/s320/napier-d.JPG

Bonny

01-11-2012, 07:13 AM

Yesterday the Army Reserve Troops from my area arrived home safely after a years duty in Afghanistan. The U.S. Flags were up flying along the streets on their return , yellow ribbons were tied everywhere, & they were greeted with honor. It is a good feeling to have them all home. :)

Grace

01-15-2012, 12:46 PM

10 January 2012

30-year-old US Army Pfc. Michael W. Pyron, from Hopewell, Virginia, died in Parwan province on 10th January 2012. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, said Major Carla Debro, an Army spokeswoman. She could not elaborate, but did say that he was not killed in combat.

Pfc. Pyron, who joined the Army in May 2010, was a radio and communications security specialist serving with the Georgia-based 25th Signal Battalion, 160th Signal Brigade, 335th Signal Command Theater.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ym1-KoCkoM/TxKO-sh402I/AAAAAAAACf0/s7d7PK7McMs/s320/pyron-m.JPG

Grace

01-15-2012, 12:49 PM

11 January 2012

US Army Pfc. Neil Turner

Article and picture from local paper. (http://blog.thenewstribune.com/military/2012/01/12/lincoln-high-graduate-dies-in-afghanistan-training-accident/)

Grace

01-19-2012, 10:04 PM

Active-Duty Army suicides reach record high
Source (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/us/active-duty-army-suicides-reach-record-high.html?_r=1&hp)

Grace

01-20-2012, 03:28 PM

16 January 2012

48-year-old US Contractor Todd Walker was one of three aircrew members killed on 16th January 2012 in a helicopter crash in Helmand province. Mr. Walker was employed by AAR Airlift, a US company contracted to work in Afghanistan for the US Department of Defense. He had flown helicopters for 27 years all across the world.

His parents talked about their son to local news. "He loved the Lord and that was first in his life. After that, his wife and his three kids. He adored his family," his mother Jan said. "He lived on the edge. That's what I always tell everybody. He lived on the edge all his life."

His father Darrell said "He liked people. He liked to travel. He wasn't afraid to do anything."

Todd Walker leaves behind a loving wife, three kids, a sister, and his parents.

Grace

01-20-2012, 03:31 PM

16 January 2012

51-year-old US Contractor Michael Clawson was one of three aircrew members killed on 16th January 2012 in a helicopter crash in Helmand province.

Mr. Clawson was employed by AAR Airlift, a US company contracted to work in Afghanistan for the US Department of Defense.

According to a local news report, Mr Clawson leaves behind his wife and five children.

Grace

01-20-2012, 03:34 PM

15 January 2012

The US Department of Defense has announced the death of Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin B. Wise, who was injured in combat operations in Balkh province on 9th January 2011.

34-year-old Sgt. Wise died on 15th January 2011 at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany where he had been medically evacuated to following the incident. His unit had been attacked by enemy forces with small-arms fire.

Sgt. Wise, from Little Rock, Arkansas, served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

52312

Grace

01-20-2012, 03:35 PM

15 January 2012

20-year-old US Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth E. Cochran, from Idaho, was one of two Marines killed in action on 15th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province.

L-Cpl Cochran served with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Okinawa, Japan. He deployed to Afghanistan in November 2011.

L-Cpl. Cochran is survived by his father, former U.S. Marine George Cochran of Wilder; his mother, U.S. Army Captain Julia Cochran; sister, U.S. Army Specialist Joyce Cochran; brother George (Geo) Cochran; and sister Michael Cochran.

52313

Grace

01-20-2012, 03:37 PM

15 January 2012

22-year-old US Marine Corporal Jon-Luke Bateman, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was one of two Marines killed in action on 15th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province.

Cpl. Bateman served with the California-based 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He joined the Marine Corps in February 2008. This was his first combat deployment.

His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and NATO Medal for International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

52314

Grace

01-22-2012, 02:48 PM

Six US Marines were killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed during an operation in Helmand province. The six, all serving with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii were identified as:

Capt. Daniel B. Bartle (27) from Washington.
Capt. Nathan R. McHone (29) from Illinois.
MSgt. Travis W. Riddick (40) from Iowa.
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites (23) from Maryland.
Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard (25) from New Jersey.
Cpl. Joseph D. Logan (22) from Texas.

Grace

01-22-2012, 02:54 PM

19 January 2012

US Marine Captain Daniel Bartle was among six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when the helicopter he was in crashed while on operations in Helmand province.

He served with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

27-year-old Captain Bartle, a congressional page and a United States Naval Academy graduate, was one of the pilots of the aircraft. He grew up in Missoula, Montana and decided to serve his country while working as a congressional page in Washington, D.C.

Captain Bartle leaves his parents, John and Sandra, a brother and sister.

52331

US Marine Master Sergeant Travis Riddick, 40, was killed in a helicopter crash in Helmand province on Thursday 19th January 2012. Five others were killed in the same incident.

He joined the Marines Corps in 1990 after graduating from Centerville High School in Iowa. He had previously served three tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, prior to this deployment.

His father, John, told the Des Moines Register that Travis had been promoted to Master Sergeant on 1st January and that he had "just four or five weeks remaining on this tour of duty." He went on to say that his son had previously served on the president’s helicopter squadron. "He flew President Clinton and President Bush."

52332

22-year-old US Marine Corporal Joseph D. Logan, from Texas, was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2008 and joined the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 in May as an aerial observer. This was his second deployment.

Cpl. Logan's awards include an Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO ISAF Medal.

He leaves his wife, parents, siblings and other close relatives.

23-year-old US Marine Corporal Jesse W. Stites, was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2008 and had served with the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 since March 2009.

He deployed to Afghanistan (his second tour) in August 2011 and was due to return home in March this year.

52384

25-year-old US Marine Corporal Kevin J. Reinhard was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province. He joined the Marine Corps in the spring of 2008, interrupting his college studies to do so.

"He felt he needed to do something more, something better with his life than what he felt he was doing," his sister told the Daily Record. "He wanted to serve his country, so he left school and enlisted."

He joined the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 in September 2009 and deployed with the unit to Afghanistan in August last year. This was his second combat tour.

Corporal Reinhard's awards include Air Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and NATO ISAF Medal.

52333

US Marine Captain Nathan R. McHone, 29, was killed in a helicopter crash in Helmand province on Thursday 19th January 2012. Five others were killed in the same incident.

Captain McHone, one of the helicopter's pilots, served with the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363. He joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and joined the squadron in October 2009. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

52383

Grace

01-22-2012, 02:57 PM

18 January 2012

US Marine Corporal Phillip D. McGeath, died on 18th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

25-year-old Cpl McGeath, from Glendale, Arizona, served with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

52334

Grace

01-22-2012, 02:58 PM

18 January 2012

US Army Specialist Keith D. Benson, aged 27, died on 18th January 2012 in Paktika province, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

Spc. Benson, a combat medic, served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, based at Grafenwoehr, Germany.

52335

Grace

01-22-2012, 03:06 PM

France
20 January 2012

27-year-old French Army Sergeant Geoffrey Baumel was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier in Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

Sgt. Baumel joined the Army in September 2006 and served with the 93rd Regiment of Mountain Artillery (93e RAM) as a mechanic. He was born in Echirolles in November 1984. During his service, he deployed to Guyana in 2008 and was promoted to Brigadier (Sergeant) on 1st October 2010.

He deployed to Afghanistan in September 2011 as part of a Mentoring and Advisory team involved in training the Afghan Army. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa.

He leaves his partner and one child.

52336

34-year-old French Foreign Legion Staff Sergeant Svilen Simeonov was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

SSgt Simeonov, a Bulgarian national, joined the Foreign Legion in September 2001 and completed his intial training with the 4th Foreign Regiment at Castelnaudary. At the time of his death he was serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineers Regiment. He was trained as a Firefighter, a combat Engineer and Minesweeper.

Promoted to Corporal in 2004, he quickly rose through the ranks becoming a Sergeant in 2005 and Staff Sergeant in 2009. He served in French Guiana in 2004, Cote d'Ivoire and Afghanistan in 2007 and also served in Djibouti three times. He deployed to Afghanistan on this mission in September 2011.

He leaves his wife and one child.

52337

45-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Denis Estin was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Estin had served with the French Army for over 28 years. Born in December 1966, he joined the Parachute Artillery Regiment in November 1984. He quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader with highly professional qualities. he was promoted to Sergeant in May 1987. He attended the national school for non-commissioned officers and was appointed Sergeant 1st Class in July 1988.

In 1993 he was posted to 68 Artiller Regiment of Africa as a Warrant Officer.

August 2009 he joined the elite 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment as a communications specialist. During his long career he served in Central African Republic in 1986 and 1994, Chad in 1996, Martinique in 1999, Bosnia in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2004 and 2009. He deployed on this mission to Afghanistan in September 2011.

He was married with two children.

52338

43-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Fabien Willm was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Willm joined the French Army in 1986 as a student NCO, he was assigned the following year at 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (93e RAM) where he began his career as a gunner.

Since August 2009, he served as Senior Technician in the same regiment. He was married with one child.

52340

These men were killed by an Afghan soldier, someone we were trying to help. Why are we still fighting?

Grace

01-25-2012, 09:55 PM

21 January 2012

23-year-old US Marine Corporal Christopher G. Singer, from California, was killed during combat operations in Helmand province on 21st January 2012.

Cpl. Singer, a combat engineer, served with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California. He joined the Marine Corps in September 2007. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

52382

Grace

01-25-2012, 10:05 PM

Regarding post #1823 - I now have access to photos of some of the troops, that were not available prior to this. For some unknown reason, I am not allowed to post this one photo.

US Marine Corporal Joseph Logan - 52385

Grace

01-25-2012, 10:07 PM

England

British Army Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and 200 Signal Squadron died on 24th January 2012 at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

21-year-old Signaller Sartorius-Jones, from Cheshire, joined the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals, Blandford, and began a career as a Communications Systems Operator.

The former British national Taekwondo champion had previously served in Iraq and had volunteered to extend his time in Afghanistan.

Signaller Sartorius-Jones leaves behind his wife Kellyanne and young son Dylan as well as his parents Robert and Amanda Sartorius-Jones and brother, Alan.

52386

Grace

01-29-2012, 01:38 PM

25 January 2012

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – According to the Dept. of Defense, 1st Lt. David A. Johnson, 24, of Horicon, Wis., died Jan. 25, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered after encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting a dismounted patrol. 1st Lt. Johnson was a platoon leader assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to unit records, Johnson was commissioned in 2010 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and he is a graduate of Evangel University, Springfield, Mo. In 2011 he attended the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in August 2011, and was assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December. This was 1st Lt. Johnson’s first deployment.

Article from local paper (http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120127/APC0101/301280036/Mayville-soldier-U-S-Army-1st-Lt-David-Johnson-killed-Afghanistan)

Grace

01-29-2012, 01:43 PM

22 January 2012

US Marine Captain Joshua C. Pairsh, who was supporting Afghanistan's Operation Enduring Freedom, died in the United States on 22nd January 2012 from a non-combat related illness.

29-year-old Captain Pairsh, from Illinois, was assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve, based in Washington, D.C.

Joshua Pairsh was from the small village of Equality in southeastern Illinois. A 2004 Cum Laude graduate of Murray State University in Kentucky, Pairsh earned a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He had been deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008.

Pairsh was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve. He was a ground supply officer with 4th Civil Affairs Group, based out of Washington, D.C. He had been promoted to a Marine Corps captain in the fall of 2010.

Captain Joshua C. Pairsh died January 22nd after returning to the US from Afghanistan on January 3rd. He was 29 years old and had come down with what was reported to be a “non-combat related illness.” According to the Evansville Courier & Press site:

Capt. Joshua C. Pairsh, 29, of Equality died Sunday at a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Family members said Pairsh contracted pneumonia while serving in Afghanistan and was transferred to a hospital in Germany where he was diagnosed with lymphoma and was later transferred to the Washington, D.C., hospital…

His remains were cremated, according to a spokesperson with the Vickery Funeral Home in Equality, and will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery with a graveside service set for 3 p.m. Feb. 15. A local memorial service is also planned.

Captain Pairsh is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two children, Avery and Lawson.

52433

Grace

02-04-2012, 12:10 PM

3 February 2012

From the Washington Post

FORT HOOD, Texas — A 49-year-old brigadier general died Friday in Afghanistan of apparent natural causes, the U.S. Army said, and he is among the highest-ranking service members to die there.

Fort Hood announced Brig. Gen. Terence Hildner’s death Saturday in a statement posted on its website. Hildner had commanded the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Hood since August 2010. He left for Afghanistan in December to support the NATO mission there.

The Army said his death was under investigation, although it appeared natural.

“This is a tragic loss for the Army, III Corps and for our Central Texas community,” Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., Fort Hood’s commanding general, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

The 13th ESC led by Hildner supports other units, handling the distribution of everything from clothing to ammunition and performing maintenance on equipment, according to its website. It includes the 1st Medical Brigade, which provides health care and combat medical service.

Hildner served in Iraq during both Operation Desert Storm and the 2003 U.S.-led war. He also served in Kuwait and was part of the last U.S. patrol along the East-West German border before its reunification.

He assumed command of the 13th Corps Support Command’s Special Troops Battalion at Fort Hood in 2003 and was in charge during two deployments, one in Iraq and one following Hurricane Katrina. In Iraq, the battalion provided general logistical support to units around Joint Base Balad and the Abu Gharib prison complex. It provided military and humanitarian support after Katrina swamped New Orleans.

Hildner was born in New Haven, Conn., and listed Fairfax, Va., as his official home. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1984 and attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1997.

From July 2007 to July 2009, Hildner led the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at Fort Lee, Va., training more than 20,000 soldiers a year for deployment worldwide.

Col. Knowles Atchison, 13th ESC rear commander, said in a statement that Hildner’s death was a shock to the unit.

“Both forward deployed elements and we at home station are deeply saddened by this loss,” he said. “We will all pull together through this difficult period and care for one another.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296h/2010-2019/Wires/Online/2012-02-04/AP/Images/Generals%20Death%20Afghanistan.JPEG-0a770.jpg

Grace

02-04-2012, 12:12 PM

Britain

British Gurkha, Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung, serving with the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27th January 2012.

L-Cpl Gurung was on a foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand when he was shot and died from the wound. Born in Majthana, Nepal, in October 1985, he joined the Brigade of Gurkhas in December 2004. After he completed training in the UK, he joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and served both in Brunei and Britain.

Known as 'Gaj' to his friends, L-Cpl Gurung served three times in Afghanistan. First in 2006 with 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, and again in 2008. Major Spiro Christopher Marcandonatos, Officer Commanding D (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "I have known Lance Corporal Gurung for nearly three years. An extraordinary individual, he made an impression from the very first time I met him. Bright and well-educated, he was most definitely a 'people person' who abided by all the right values; a true Gurkha at heart, with a Western twist."

He leaves behind his wife Manisha, father Gum Bahadur, mother Lekh Maya, his brother Buddha and sister Junu.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxSQbZRI2Qg/TyaVQPLk4vI/AAAAAAAACkM/DrnHAbATV34/s320/gurung-g-2.jpg

Grace

02-04-2012, 12:14 PM

31 January 2012

23-year-old US Marine Sergeant William C. Stacey, died on 31st January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Sgt. Stacey joined the Marine Corps in January 2007. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze star devices, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with silver star device, and the NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2RhurROPb8/TyuxM4S9V_I/AAAAAAAACkw/fRLXtOgn2Lo/s320/stacey-w.jpg

Grace

02-04-2012, 12:16 PM

1 February 2012

22-year-old US Marine Lance Cpl. Edward J. Dycus, from Mississippi, was killed on 1st February 2012 in Helmand province.

L-Cpl Dycus served with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The US Department of Defense said the incident leading to his death was under investigation. However, according to various news reports, L-Cpl. Dycus was killed by an Afghan Army soldier who was guarding a joint operating base with him.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsjvWE1RdEU/TyuzBZJp1KI/AAAAAAAACk8/RSdjtTpKkzw/s320/dycus-e.jpg

Grace

02-07-2012, 10:50 AM

World War I

Last Known WWI Veteran Dies at 110

LONDON February 7, 2012 (AP)

Florence Green, the world's last known veteran of World War I, has died at the age of 110, the care home where she lived said Tuesday.

Briar House Care Home in King's Lynn, England, said Green died Saturday, two weeks before her 111th birthday.

Born Florence Beatrice Patterson in London on Feb. 19, 1901, she joined the Women's Royal Air Force in September 1918 at the age of 17.

She went to work as a waitress in the officers' mess at RAF Marham in eastern England, and was serving there when the war ended in November 1918.

Green remembered her wartime service with affection.

"I met dozens of pilots and would go on dates," she said in an interview in 2008. "I had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes but I was scared of flying. I would work every hour God sent. But I had dozens of friends on the base and we had a great deal of fun in our spare time. In many ways, I had the time of my life."

She was officially recognized as a veteran when a researcher found her service record in the National Archives.

The RAF marked her 110th birthday in February 2011 with a cake.

Asked what it was like to be 110, Green said "It's not much different to being 109."

The war's last known combatant, Royal Navy veteran Claude Choules, died in Australia in May.

After his death, Green became the war's last known surviving service member from the war, according to the Order of the First World War, a U.S.-based group that tracks veterans.

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcweUzPDYaVwS4nJ_ZYYyQC5i3Tre1I RRmam-SAm7KpWN4nkqK

Grace

02-11-2012, 07:06 PM

7 February 2012

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Billy A. Sutton, died from a medical condition unrelated to combat in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan on 7th February 2012.

42-year-old Sgt Sutton, from Tupelo, Mississippi, served with the 223rd Engineer Battalion, 168th Engineer Brigade, Mississippi National Guard, based at West Point, Mississippi.

He enlisted in September 2001 and was married. He leaves his wife and stepson.

52595

mon

02-12-2012, 03:40 AM

No words can express the gratitude and debt we owe to the brave and fallen men and women

Grace

02-19-2012, 01:13 PM

11 February 2012

24-year-old US Army Private 1st Class Cesar Cortez, from Oceanside, California, died on 11th February 2012 in Bahrain.

Pfc. Cortez, who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from a base in Bahrain, served with the 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

52665

Grace

02-19-2012, 01:14 PM

10 February 2012

US Marine Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca, from North Arlington, New Jersey, was killed in action on 10th February 2012 during an ambush by enemy forces in Helmand province.

20-year-old L-Cpl. Montes De Oca served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

According to a report in the NY Daily News, L-Cpl. Montes De Oca was killed at the beginning of his patrol. "He was walking out of the base and he was immediately shot," his girlfriend Maria Samaniego said.

52666

Grace

02-19-2012, 01:17 PM

14 February 2012

A Navy hospital corpsman deployed with a Camp Pendleton Marine unit in Djibouti died in training, the Pentagon announced.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, 21, of Maricopa, Ariz., was killed Tuesday serving with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He died from a gunshot wound during a training exercise, according to the Naval Safety Center.

The Marine unit stopped in Africa during a sea tour, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the war in Afghanistan.

Estrada described his job as "fix broken Marines," according to his Facebook page.

He is survived by his wife, Alyssa. "My best friend and my soul mate died," she wrote on her page.

"Kyler Estrada is now and always will be the one love of my life. Thank you baby for giving me enough happiness in one year to last me the rest of forever. I will never forget you my love."

Thanking family and friends for the outpouring of condolences, she said: "Kyler was so blessed to have so many people who cared about him, and always will."

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2012/02/16/Estrada_t220.jpg?6c1e5ab6b516cf8d8614ae6c229bad770 05ad092

Grace

02-19-2012, 01:20 PM

England

British Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, of 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment was killed in action on 13th February 2012 during a patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province. SAC Tomlin was fatally shot when insurgents attacked his unit.

21-year-old SAC Tomlin joined the Royal Air Force in October 2008, completing his Trainee Gunners Course in April 2009 before moving on to the Phase One Field Gunners Course. He was selected to join 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, based at Royal Air Force Honington, in June 2009.

He served in Afghanistan in 2010 as a specialist driver on a rifle flight (the RAF Regiment equivalent of a platoon), defending Kandahar Air Base. He deployed on his second tour in Afghanistan in October 2011 with No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing at Camp Bastion.

Flight Lieutenant David Martin, Deputy Squadron Commander, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said: "Professional, experienced and extremely popular, Senior Aircraftman Tomlin was one of the best gunners in 2 Squadron. He excelled at everything he did and he epitomised the Royal Air Force Regiment spirit in every way. He was hugely respected by his peers and he frequently mentored the younger members of the Squadron. Joining the Squadron in 2009, Senior Aircraftman Tomlin soon proved to be an exceptional marksman, displaying an excellent flair for fieldcraft."

He leaves behind his mother and father, Diane and Kevin, and a sister, Michelle.

52667

Grace

02-19-2012, 01:22 PM

Navy Names Five New Ships

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next five Navy ships; three Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers, the USS John Finn, the USS Ralph Johnson, and the USS Rafael Peralta, and two littoral combat ships (LCS), the USS Sioux City and the USS Omaha.

Mabus named the three destroyers after Navy and Marine Corps heroes whose actions occurred during different conflicts which spanned several decades, but were united in their uncommon valor. The littoral combat ships were named after two American communities.

John Finn, who retired as a lieutenant, received the Medal of Honor from Adm. Chester Nimitz for displaying “magnificent courage in the face of almost certain death” during the Japanese attack on military installations in Hawaii during Pearl Harbor. Marine Corps Pfc. Ralph Henry Johnson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for shouting a warning to his fellow Marines and hurling himself on an explosive device, saving the life of one Marine and preventing the enemy from penetrating his sector of the patrol’s perimeter during the Vietnam War. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Rafael Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for selflessly covering a grenade with his body to save his fellow Marines from the blast during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Finn, Johnson and Peralta have all been recognized with some of our nation’s highest awards,” said Mabus. “I want to ensure their service and sacrifice will be known by today's sailors and Marines and honored for several decades to come by a new generation of Americans and people from around the world who will come in contact with these ships.”

The Arleigh Burke class destroyers will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. All three ships will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with the Navy’s ability to execute the Department of Defense’ defense strategy.

“The littoral combat ship is a major part of the future of our Navy,” Mabus said, pointing out LCS is fast, agile, and operates with a smaller crew and can perform operations in both shallow and deep waters.

“I chose the name for our two new littoral combat ships after Midwestern cities from America’s heartland, to honor the patriotic, hard-working citizens of Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, for their support of and contributions to the military.”

Sioux City and Omaha will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly as combat needs demand. These mission packages are supported by special detachments that will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.

Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis., will build the Freedom variant, the USS Sioux City, which will be 378 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 57 feet, displace approximately 3,000 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots. Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., will build the Independence variant, the USS Omaha, which will be 419 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 103 feet, displace approximately 3,000 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:34 AM

16 February 2012

US Army Sergeant Jerry D. Reed II, age 30, from Russellville, Arkansas, died on 16th February 2012 in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Reed served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade, based at Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:37 AM

17 February 2012

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- A Navy sailor from Columbus has died in Dubai.

The Department of Defense said Petty Officer First Class Paris S. Pough died Friday during a port visit to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.

Pough was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson, which is based in San Diego. According to the ship's Facebook page, the 40-year-old hull technician died as a result of a noncombat-related incident in the port city.

Officials did not release the cause of death.

He was described as a "hard-working, trustworthy shipmate."

The Defense Department lists Pough as being from Columbus, but he has an address listed in Kingsland, S.C.

A woman who answered the phone at that number said he has four children, ages 12 to 1. She declined comment.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:39 AM

Albania

Albanian Army Captain Feti Vogli, age 30, was killed in southern Afghanistan on 20th February 2012 while escorting a USAID team to a meeting with local Afghan officials.

Afghan police officers, who were accompanying the group, opened fire on the NATO troops. Captain Vogli died later at a hospital in Kandahar whilst a second Albanian soldier was in a coma at the hospital.

Captain Vogli was born in Baldushk, near Tirana. He graduated from the Albanian Military Academy specializing in Army Artillery. He completed the Special Forces Course in 2005 and joined the Special Forces Battalion as Group Commander.

He leaves his wife Alva and their 2-year-old daughter Egi.

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Grace

02-23-2012, 08:43 AM

21 February 2012

28-year-old US Army Sergeant Allen R. McKenna Jr., from Noble, Oklahoma, died on 21st February 2012 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. McKenna joined the US Army in September 2004 and served with the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

His decorations included the Army Commendation Medal twice and the Army Achievement Medal.

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Grace

02-23-2012, 08:46 AM

Italy

Three Italian soldiers were killed on 20th February 2012 when the Lynx VTLM vehicle they were in overturned while crossing a river, trapping three of the crew inside.

The incident happened about 20km south-west of Shindand during a recovery and rescue operation of another unit that was stranded by bad weather.

The three soldiers, all serving with 66 Military Aircraft Regiment were named as:
Chief Corporal Francesco Currò, 1st Corporal Luca Valente and 1st Corporal Francesco Paolo Messineo.

A fourth soldier was injured in the accident and is currently in a stable condition in hospital.

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From left to right: Messineo, Curro, Valente.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:50 AM

18 February 2012

NAIROBI, Kenya

An American reconnaissance plane crashed 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the only U.S. base in Africa, killing four service members on board, after returning from a mission in support of the war in Afghanistan, the military said Monday.

The statement said that the crash occurred at about 8 p.m. Saturday in Djibouti. U.S. personnel from Camp Lemonnier in the tiny Horn of Africa nation responded to the scene.

Specialist Ryan Whitney of the 1st Special Operations Wing said that initial indications are that the plane did not crash because of hostile fire. The plane was conducting an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, he said. A statement from U.S. Africa Command called it a "routine" flight.

Amy Oliver, public affairs director of the Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing, said the single-engine, fixed-wing U-28A was returning from a mission in support of the Afghanistan war.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Camp Lemonnier lies only miles from the border with Somalia.

The four killed in the crash included: Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the 319th Special Operations Squadron; Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Georgia, with the 34th Special Operations Squadron; 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, of Bend, Oregon, with the 34th Special Operations Squadron; and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten, 26, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with the 25th Intelligence Squadron.

Hall was a U-28 pilot with more than 1,300 combat flight hours. He was assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:51 AM

Georgia

Three soldiers from Georgia were killed in action on 21st February 2012 during a combat mission in Helmand province.

The three servicemen were named as Corporal Beraia Valiko, Corporal Meladze Ruslan and Corporal Kacharava Paata. They were killed when their combat vehicle exploded following an insurgent attack.

All three served in the 31st Light Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade.

Grace

02-23-2012, 08:53 AM

Army Releases January Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of January. During January, among active-duty soldiers, there were 16 potential suicides: five have been confirmed as suicide and 11 remain under investigation. For December, the Army reported 11 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, eight have been confirmed as a suicide and three remain under investigation.

During January, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were six potential suicides (five Army National Guard and one Army Reserve): none have been confirmed as suicide and six remain under investigation. For December, among that same group, the Army reported five potential suicides. Since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of six cases (four Army National Guard and two Army Reserve). Six were confirmed as suicides and none remain under investigation.

“With our Army in significant transition, our leadership at all levels is engaged to synchronize our efforts to improve the health and discipline of the force and the well-being of our Army families,” said Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, the Army deputy chief of staff, G-1. “I am encouraged by the 2011 Army suicide data that reflects a slight decrease in suicides from the record year experienced in 2010 and a halting of the dramatic increases experienced between 2006 and 2009; however, many challenges lie ahead, which we must tackle together.” Bostick urges leaders and soldiers to read, digest and apply the principles and lessons learned reflected in the “Gold Book” as it continues and expands the dialogue on health promotion and risk reduction. “The ‘Gold Book’ will help leaders at all levels continue the face to face conversations that are focused on reducing the stigma associated with help-seeking behavior. Our Army family deserves our very best effort and that is what they will receive!”