In Memoriam [Archive]

Grace

07-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Monday was a really bad day.
July 6, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of 2 soldiers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 6 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered earlier that day in Paktya, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Capt. Mark A. Garner, 30, of North Carolina, died July 6 in Argandab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany.

_____________________________________________

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 6 in Konduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

Killed were:

2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, 41, of Glenwood, Ill. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.

Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, 25, of Bulloch, Ga. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Americus, Ga.

Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.

Spc. Issac L. Johnson, 24, of Columbus, Ga. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, Rome, Ga.

Grace

07-08-2009, 07:58 PM

July 7, 2009

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

Spc. Christopher M. Talbert, 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died July 7 in Shindad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Marion, Ill.

Grace

07-09-2009, 02:26 PM

July 8, 2009

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

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Darren Ethan Tate, 21, of Canyon, Texas died of non-hostile causes July 8 at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, and deployed as an Individual Augmentee to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.

Grace

07-09-2009, 10:44 PM

3 more from July 8, 2009

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

Sgt. Michael C. Roy, 25, of North Fort Myers, Fla., died July 8 while supporting combat operations in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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

Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg, 19, of Wright City, Mo., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Spc. Gregory J. Missman, 36, of Batavia, Ohio, died July 8 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained elsewhere in Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Grace

07-09-2009, 10:46 PM

And then there is this - perhaps the saddest of all.

The Army released suicide data for the month of June today. Among active-duty soldiers there were no confirmed suicides and nine potential suicides. In May, the Army reported one confirmed suicide and 16 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since that time, seven have been confirmed and nine remain under investigation.

There have been 88 reported active-duty suicides in the Army during calendar year 2009. Of these, 54 have been confirmed, and 34 are pending determination of manner of death. For the same period in 2008, there were 67 confirmed suicides among active-duty soldiers.

blue

07-09-2009, 11:18 PM

Fort Richardson soldier killed in Afghanistan

Anchorage Daily News / adn.com

(07/08/09 16:36:13)

A Fort Richardson soldier died Monday of wounds suffered during an attack on his unit in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced today. Eight other soldiers in the same unit were wounded in the incident.

Statements from the department and from Fort Richardson identified the dead soldier as Pfc. Nicolas H.J. Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson.

Gideon's unit came under attack Monday at Forward Operating Base Salerno in Paktya, Afghanistan. He was wounded during the attack and died later in the day, according to a statement from Fort Richardson.

Copyright © Thu Jul 09 2009 20:05:35 GMT-08001900 The Anchorage Daily News (www.adn.com)

Link (http://www.adn.com/news/military/iraq/story/858335.html).

http://media.adn.com/smedia/2009/07/08/20/181-4545043.21120.original.standalone.prod_affiliate.7 .jpg

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Pfc. Nicolas Hugh Joseph Gideon at Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 7, 2009. Statements from the Department of Defense and Fort Richardson said Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif., was wounded Monday when his unit came under attack in Paktya, Afghanistan, from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. He died later the same day. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson. He is the third Fort Richardson soldier to die in Afghanistan in recent days.

May God bless our soldiers and their families.

Grace

07-10-2009, 07:28 AM

Thank you, blue, for posting that picture.

Grace

07-10-2009, 05:25 PM

July 9, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Roger G. Hager, 20, of Gibsonville, N.C., and Master Sgt. John E. Hayes, 36, of Middleburg, Fla., died July 8 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

lizbud

07-10-2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks for collecting these & posting updates. I used to read the list
from newspapers every week, but I don't always stop to think & pray
for these brave soldiers:( I can't help but think of Sen Kerry saying.

How do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Vietnam -– How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?”

-- John Kerry in his 1971 appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Just substitute Iran Or Afganistan for Vietnam.:(

Grace

07-10-2009, 07:47 PM

You're most welcome, lizbud. I'm glad to know that people are stopping in to read the updates.

Grace

07-11-2009, 07:54 PM

July 9, 2009

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

Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, of La Grange, Texas, died July 9 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Edwina's Secretary

07-12-2009, 01:00 PM

Grace

07-12-2009, 01:16 PM

This morning, as every Sunday, I read the obituaries of all those who died in uniform this week.

I have been struck by the ages. More people in their 30's and 40's than I would expect. It is not so apparent from those you have posted, Grace, but has anyone else noticed that.

Yes, I have noticed that over time. So I went back through this post. I have listed 25 names (just since June 29th :( ). 9 of them are 30 and over - one was 41. So that's just over 1/3.

I can remember a couple of years ago seeing one who was in his mid-50s.

Grace

07-13-2009, 02:40 PM

July 10, 2009

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

Cpl. Matthew R. Lembke, 22, of Tualatin, Ore., died July 10 of wounds sustained on June 24 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Grace

07-14-2009, 06:01 PM

Let's not forget the British -
http://msp120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/slipvayne_13/british_flag.jpg

In a 24 hour period of time, in Afghanistan, they lost 8 young men.

Article -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/14/british-soldiers-killedby-taliban-afghanistan

Coming home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BWdETm9u5A) - - this made me cry.

Grace

07-14-2009, 06:04 PM

And now for some more of our own.

July 11, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Pedro A. Barbozaflores, 27, of Glendale, Calif., and Master Sgt. Jerome D. Hatfield, 36, of Axton, Va., died July 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

July 12, 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Eric J. Lindstrom, 27, of Flagstaff, Ariz., died July 12 near Barge Matal, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms and indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Lindstrom is the second soldier from the 10th Mountain Division to die in the last 3 days.

Grace

07-15-2009, 02:09 PM

July 13, 2009

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

Chief Warrant Officer Rodney A. Jarvis, 34, of Akron, Ohio, died July 13 in Baghdad of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 46th Engineer Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk, La.

Grace

07-15-2009, 02:11 PM

July 13, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Michael W. Heede Jr., 22, of Delta, Pa., and Staff Sgt. David S. Spicer, 33, of Zanesfield, Ohio, died July 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Heede was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Spicer was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

07-16-2009, 06:13 PM

July 14, 2009

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

Sgt. 1st Class Jason J. Fabrizi, 29, of Seffner, Fla., died July 14 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his mounted patrol was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

blue

07-17-2009, 09:09 PM

The funeral procession of Staff Sergent First Class John C. Beale, take the 12 minutes and watch it.

Link (http://e.blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf?file=http%3A%2F%2Fblip.tv%2Frss%2Ff lash%2F2257594%3Freferrer%3Dhttp%25253A%25252F%252 52Fsn121w.snt121.mail.live.com%25252Fmail%25252FIn boxLight.aspx%25253FFolderID%25253D00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001%252526InboxSortAscending%25253DFalse% 252526InboxSortBy%25253DDate%252526n%25253D1192966 267%26source%3D3&showplayerpath=http%3A%2F%2Fblip.tv%2Fscripts%2Ffl ash%2Fshowplayer.swf&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Frepdavis.blip.tv%2Frss%2Fflas h&brandname=blip.tv&brandlink=http%3A%2F%2Fblip.tv%2F%3Futm_source%3Db randlink&enablejs=true). And get the tissues before you click.

Grace

07-17-2009, 09:42 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

July 16, 2009

From the Canadian Department of Defence -

OTTAWA – Our fallen soldier, Private Sébastien Courcy from 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment based in Quebec City, Quebec, returns home to Canada Sunday.

Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

What: At the request of the family, media will be permitted on the tarmac.

Present to pay their respects will be the Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.

Pte Courcy died while conducting operations in the Panjwayi District. The incident occurred approximately 17 kilometres south-west from Kandahar City at around 6:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on July 16, 2009.

Pte Courcy was serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group.

Grace

07-18-2009, 09:11 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/3dflags_usa0001-0001a.gif July 16, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July16 in Basra of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.

Killed were:

Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn.;

Spc. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn.; and

Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn.

All three soldiers were assigned to the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.

Grace

07-19-2009, 04:56 PM

July 17, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 17 in a F-15E crash near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Grace

07-19-2009, 04:58 PM

This one is not In Memoriam - but keep him in your prayers.

The Department of Defense announced today the identity of a soldier listed as Missing-Captured on July 3 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 23, of Ketchum, Idaho, was declared Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) on July 1 and his status was changed to "Missing-Captured” on July 3.

Pfc. Bergdahl is a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

AvaJoy

07-20-2009, 09:16 AM

I was just thinking about this today - yes it's news when a celebrity dies, but then it's all you hear about for months. When a soldier (or even a fireman or policeman) dies in the line of duty, there's a small article on the 3rd page of the paper. Thanks for this thread, and lots of prayers and thoughts going out to those who risk their lives every day.

I thoroughly agree with the above.
Since this is the Doghouse, I trust no one will freak out upon reading this joke:
Q. What is the difference between Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson?
A. About six hours.

Why people worship celebrities is inconceivable to me.

RICHARD

07-20-2009, 09:51 AM

London, England (AHN) - The world's oldest man and one of the last surviving World War I servicemen, Henry Allingham has passed away at the age of 113. Born in 1896, Allingham became the world's oldest man in June.

Allingham who served with the Royal Naval Air Service in WWI, transferred to the Royal Air Force when it was created. Queen Elizabeth in a statement once said he was "one of the generation who sacrificed so much for us all."

--------------

I loved his quote about his longevity.

Cigarettes, booze and wild, wild women.;)

God bless you, Mr. Allingham.

Grace

07-20-2009, 05:41 PM

July 19, 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Lara, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas, died July 19 while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Grace

07-20-2009, 05:42 PM

July 18, 2009

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

Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died July 18 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington of wounds suffered July 10 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Edwina's Secretary

07-20-2009, 06:02 PM

This week there were 11 deaths reported in the LA Times. The most in one week for a long while...:(:(

Grace

07-20-2009, 06:08 PM

I think I heard on the evening news - 30 so far this month. That may have been including the 4 who died today. They are not on the DoD site yet.

Grace

07-22-2009, 06:55 PM

Another bad day :(

July 20, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 20 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle followed by an attack from enemy forces using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery (STRIKE), 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:

Sgt. Gregory Owens Jr., 24, of Garland, Texas.

Spc. Anthony M. Lightfoot, 20, of Riverdale, Ga.

Spc. Andrew J. Roughton, 21, of Houston, Texas.

Pfc. Dennis J. Pratt, 34, of Duncan, Okla.

Grace

07-22-2009, 06:56 PM

July 21, 2009

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

Spc. Raymundo P. Morales, 34, of Dalton, Ga., died July 21 in Methar Lam, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 148th Brigade Support Battalion, Cedartown, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

07-23-2009, 08:46 PM

July 22, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 22 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joshua J. Rimer, 24, of Rochester, Pa.; and

Spc. Randy L.J. Neff, Jr., 22, of Blackfoot, Idaho.

Grace

07-24-2009, 05:56 PM

July 23, 2009

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

Sgt. Ryan H. Lane, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died July 23 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

07-25-2009, 09:12 AM

23 July 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy S. Lasher, 27, of Oneida, N.Y., and Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, 21, of Yarmouth Port, Mass., died July 23 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

07-27-2009, 12:11 PM

24 July 2009

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

Spc. Herberth A. Berrios-Campos, 21, of Bealeton, Va., died July 24 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

blue

07-27-2009, 09:49 PM

I have no idea if this is true or not so no link or source.

THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER on his 3rd tour IN IRAQ.

Okay, I need to rant.

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief? When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America.
Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a POP ICON?
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too.
We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to pass this along if you want. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military; "So that others may live..."

Isaac

Only two people have ever effectively given their lives for you.
Jesus Christ and The American G.I.

Grace

07-27-2009, 10:16 PM

I have no idea if this is true or not so no link or source.

I have no idea either. It seems to be posted on every message board from here to there.

I do wish, though, that you had posted this in the MJ topic. I would prefer to keep this thread free of Hollywood hype - keep it just for the troops.

blue

07-27-2009, 10:20 PM

I have no idea either. It seems to be posted on every message board from here to there.

I do wish, though, that you had posted this in the MJ topic. I would prefer to keep this thread free of Hollywood hype - keep it just for the troops.

It was more about the troops then MJ, its why I posted it here.

Im not about to prop up a pop figure at the cost of people fighting and dying so you and I can disagree.

Grace

07-27-2009, 10:33 PM

25 July 2009

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

Pfc. Donald W. Vincent, 26, of Gainesville, Fla., died July 25 of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yet another from the 10th Mountain Division

24 July 2009

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

Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 24 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Grace

07-28-2009, 05:31 PM

Navy Christens New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham

The Navy will christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, Aug. 1, 2009, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.

Designated DDG 109, the new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps.

On April 14, 2004, Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander’s convoy was ambushed. When Dunham’s squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines. When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Retired Gen. Michael W. Hagee, former commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. In accordance with Navy tradition, she will break a bottle of champagne across the ship’s bow and christen the ship.

Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower,” the new maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.

Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Additional information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4.

Grace

07-29-2009, 03:05 PM

23 July 2009

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

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Andrew Scott Charpentier, 21, of Great Falls, Mont., died July 23 at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., from a non-combat related illness incurred while assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Grace

07-30-2009, 06:32 PM

29 July 2009

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

Pvt. Gerrick D. Smith, 19, of Sullivan, Ill., died July 29 in Herat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, Illinois Army National Guard, Marion, Ill.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

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

Chief Warrant Officer Douglas M. Vose III, 38, of Concrete, Wash., died July 29 in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Stuttgart, Germany.

Grace

08-01-2009, 10:33 PM

30 July 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla., died July 30 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Posey was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Stroud was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-02-2009, 08:30 AM

From another war -

Remains Identified as Navy Captain Michael Scott Speicher

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) has positively identified remains recovered in Iraq as those of Captain Michael Scott Speicher. Captain Speicher was shot down flying a combat mission in an F/A-18 Hornet over west-central Iraq on January 17th, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Speicher's family for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country," said Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy. "I am also extremely grateful to all those who have worked so tirelessly over the last 18 years to bring Captain Speicher home."

“Our Navy will never give up looking for a shipmate, regardless of how long or how difficult that search may be,” said Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Captain Speicher and his family for the sacrifice they have made for our nation and the example of strength they have set for all of us.”

Acting on information provided by an Iraqi citizen in early July, US Marines stationed in Al Anbar Province went to a location in the desert which was believed to be the crash site of Captain Speicher’s jet. The Iraqi citizen stated he knew of two Iraqi citizens who recalled an American jet impacting the desert and the remains of the pilot being buried in the desert. One of these Iraqi citizens stated that they were present when Captain Speicher was found dead at the crash site by Bedouins and his remains buried. The Iraqi citizens led US Marines to the site who searched the area. Remains were recovered over several days during the past week and flown to Dover Air Force Base for scientific identification by the AFIP’s Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

The recovered remains include bones and multiple skeletal fragments. Positive identification was made by comparing Captain Speicher’s dental records with the jawbone recovered at the site. The teeth are a match, both visually and radiographically.

While dental records have confirmed the remains to be those of Captain Speicher, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology DNA Lab in Rockville, Maryland is running DNA tests on the remains recovered in Iraq and comparing them to DNA reference samples previously provided by family members. Results will take approximately 24 hours.

Grace

08-02-2009, 06:03 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

1 August 2009

Two Canadian soldiers killed and one injured in an explosive device strike

CEFCOM NR–09.021 - August 2, 2009

OTTAWA– Two Canadian soldiers were killed and one injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near a patrol in the Zhari District. The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City at around 3:20 p.m., Kandahar time, on 1 August, 2009.

Killed in action was Corporal Christian Bobbitt from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec. The next of kin for the second soldier killed has been notified; however, they have asked for more time to inform other family members. Until such time, the name of the second soldier will not be released.

The injured member was evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield and is in stable condition. The identity of the injured member will not be released.

Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of our fallen comrades.

Canadian soldiers and their ANSF partners work together for the greater good of Afghanistan. Security operations sometimes require a heavy price to be paid, but the challenge we face cannot deter us from our ultimate goal and commitment we have toward Afghans.

Grace

08-03-2009, 02:50 PM

25 July 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk, 39, of Gulfport, Miss., died July 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade on July 23 in Kirkuk, Iraq.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Grace

08-03-2009, 03:28 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

The name of the second Canadian soldier released -

OTTAWA – The identity of the second Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan on August 1, 2009 is as follows:

Sapper Matthieu Allard from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec.

Grace

08-03-2009, 06:01 PM

31 July 2009

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

Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Clermont, Fla., died July 31 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum. N.Y.

Grace

08-03-2009, 06:03 PM

1 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 1 in Mushan Village, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their patrol with improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls, 27, of West Lawn, Penn.;

Pfc. Richard K. Jones, 21, of Person, N.C.; and

Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon, 19, of Knoxville, Tenn.

Grace

08-04-2009, 03:23 PM

2 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device Aug. 2 in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Capt. Ronald G. Luce Jr., 27, of Fayetteville, N.C.;

Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado, 42, of Fairfax, Va.; and

Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III, 43, of Bentonia, Miss.

All three soldiers were members of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Jackson, Miss.

Grace

08-05-2009, 06:03 PM

4 August 2009

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

Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm, 19, of Plymouth, Ohio, died August 4 in Maysan province, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-06-2009, 10:22 PM

5 August 2009

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

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony C. Garcia, 21, of Tyndall, Fla. died Aug. 5 while supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan.

Grace

08-07-2009, 10:36 AM

Harry Patch, 17 June 1898 – 25 July 2009

Harry Patch was England's last surviving soldier from WWI. (There is a sailor from the British Navy still alive.)

His funeral was yesterday. You can read about it here. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/world/europe/07funeral.html?hpw)

Grace

08-07-2009, 05:03 PM

6 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

The following Marines died Aug. 6 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan:

Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine, 22, of Farmingdale, N.Y.

Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine, 20, of San Antonio, Texas.

Cpl. Christian A. Guzman Rivera, 21, of Homestead, Fla.

Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins, 24, of Paris, Texas.

Argentine, Babine and Hoskins were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Guzman Rivera was assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Grace

08-09-2009, 03:01 PM

7 August 2009

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

Capt. Matthew C. Freeman, 29, of Richmond Hill, Ga., died Aug. 7 while supporting combat operations in Kapisa province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Grace

08-10-2009, 12:55 PM

8 August 2009

Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith, 33, of Nashville, N.C., died Aug. 8 in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident that occurred Aug. 4 at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan,. She was assigned to the 50th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-10-2009, 12:56 PM

8 August 2009

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

Spc. Matthew K.S. Swanson, 20, of Lake Forest, Calif., died Aug. 8 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over July 19 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-10-2009, 10:02 PM

7 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow, 23, of Naples, Fla., died Aug. 7, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-10-2009, 10:03 PM

8 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera, 20, of Palmdale, Calif. died Aug. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-10-2009, 10:04 PM

9 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel, 21, of Winfield, Mo., died Aug. 9, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-11-2009, 01:07 PM

10 August 2009

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

Spc. Richard A. Walters Jr., 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, died Aug. 10 in Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 14th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Benning, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-12-2009, 06:07 PM

10 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell, 21, of Perdido, Ala., died Aug. 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-14-2009, 11:40 AM

12 August 2009

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

Capt. John Tinsley, 28, of Tallahassee, Fla., died Aug. 12 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Grace

08-14-2009, 06:05 PM

13 August 2009

Sgt. William J. Cahir, 40, of Washington D.C., died Aug. 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Washington D.C.

Sgt. Cahir is a former Washington-based journalist and congressional staffer who joined the Marines in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Grace

08-16-2009, 10:00 AM

From Great Britain -

13 August 2009

With deep regret, the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Mark Hale and Rifleman Daniel Wild of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 Rifles) and Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery (The Lowland Gunners) were killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 13 August 2009.

Grace

08-17-2009, 07:43 AM

From Great Britain

15 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private Richard Hunt, age 21, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Selly Oak on Saturday 15 August 2009 from wounds sustained in Helmand province two days previously.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sergeant Simon Valentine, 29, of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 15 August 2009.

Sergeant Valentine died as a result of injuries sustained in an explosion that happened while on a foot patrol near Sangin, northen Helmand province.

Grace

08-17-2009, 02:06 PM

14 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Grace

08-17-2009, 05:54 PM

16 August 2009

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

Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush, 22, of Middleville, Mich., died Aug 16 in Herat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Grace

08-18-2009, 10:55 AM

From Great Britain

16 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal James Fullarton (age 24), Fusilier Simon Annis (age 22) and Fusilier Louis Carter (age 19 , all of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2 RRF), were killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 16 August 2009.

All three died following an explosion while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand province.

Grace

08-19-2009, 11:28 AM

16 August 2009

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

Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31, of Chesapeake, Va., died Aug. 16 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when he was shot Aug. 14 while on patrol in Ghanzi, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Glen Arm, Md.

Grace

08-19-2009, 04:17 PM

17 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas, 26, of Floral Park, N.Y., died Aug. 17 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-20-2009, 12:38 PM

18 August 2009

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

Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin, 34, of Garfield Heights, OH,, died Aug. 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

08-20-2009, 07:49 PM

19 August 2009

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

Pfc. William Z. Vanosdol, 23, of Pinson, Ala., died Aug. 19 at Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy rocket fire struck his quarters. He was assigned to the 172nd Support Battalion, Schweinfurt, Germany.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

17 August 2009

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

Spc. Matthew D. Hastings, 23, of Claremore, Okla., died Aug. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 582nd Medical Logistics Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-20-2009, 10:08 PM

19 August 2009

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

Spc. Paul E. Dumont, Jr., 23, of Williamsburg, Va., died Aug. 19 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 149th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, Va.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

08-20-2009, 10:09 PM

18 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 18 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen, 29, of San Antonio, Texas.

Pfc. Morris L. Walker, 23, of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Grace

08-21-2009, 03:38 PM

18 August 2009

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

Army 1st Sgt. Jose S.N. Crisostomo, 59, of Inarajan, Guam, died Aug. 18 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to International Security Assistance Force Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Grace

08-21-2009, 07:16 PM

From Great Britain -
20 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Serjeant Paul McAleese (29), of 2nd Battalion the Rifles, and Private Jonathan Young (18), of The 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's), were killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 20 August 2009.

The two soldiers were killed following two explosions that happened while they were on a foot patrol taking place in Sangin District, Helmand Province on Thursday morning.

Grace

08-21-2009, 07:17 PM

20 August 2009

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

Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton, 21, of Oak Park, Calif., died Aug. 20 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Grace

08-22-2009, 02:08 PM

20 August 2009

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

Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of Boscawen, N.H., died Aug. 20 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Grace

08-23-2009, 10:33 PM

Grace

08-23-2009, 10:34 PM

18 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 18 in Arghandab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash..

Killed were:

Spc. Troy O. Tom, 21, of Shiprock, N.M.

Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney, 20, of Litchfield, Minn.

Karen

08-23-2009, 10:36 PM

Thank you for maintaining this thread.

Grace

08-24-2009, 09:12 PM

22 August 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, of Somerville, N.J., died Aug. 22 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

phesina

08-25-2009, 04:48 PM

Thank you, indeed, Gretchen. Every day I look at the new names and their ages and their homes. Such precious lives lost.

Grace

08-25-2009, 06:04 PM

I counted up today - since I started this thread there have been 99 American troop deaths, 3 from Canada, and 16 from Great Britain.

That doesn't include the 4 Americans from today - their names haven't been posted yet on the DoD website :(

Grace

08-26-2009, 10:07 AM

Great Britain
25 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a British soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Selly Oak, today, Tuesday 25 August 2009.

The soldier died from wounds he sustained in an explosion while on a foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand province on the evening of Saturday 15 August 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"This fine British soldier made the ultimate sacrifice and his passing is mourned by the Task Force. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades at this very sad time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before any further details are released.

I will add his name to this once it is released.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Fusilier Shaun Bush, 25, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers died at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Selly Oak, on Tuesday 25 August 2009.
Fusilier Shaun Bush

Fusilier Shaun Bush, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
[Picture: via MOD]

Fusilier Bush died of wounds he had sustained in Afghanistan. He had been taking part in a foot patrol in Sangin district, Helmand province, on Saturday 15 August when an explosive device detonated, killing his colleague Sergeant Simon Valentine.

Grace

08-26-2009, 10:09 AM

23 August 2009

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

2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died Aug. 23 in Muhallah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Grace

08-26-2009, 07:45 PM

22 August 2009

This is interesting - a Canadian serving in the U.S Army.

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

Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, died Aug. 22 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Catty1

08-26-2009, 08:09 PM

Grace - just to add some specifics, Cpl Morin was from a reserve in Saskatchewan, and another soldier, Lyle Whitehead, died in a accident on the reserve itself.

Thank you, gentlemen.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2009/08/26/morin-whitehead-deaths.html

2 soldiers from Sask. reserve killed far apart
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 | 11:56 AM CT Comments16Recommend27
CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2009/08/24/darby-morin-cp-250-7210344.jpg
On Monday a U.S. army team arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Del., with the remains of Sgt. Darby T. Morin. A funeral is planned for next week on Big River First Nation, Sask. (Steve Ruark/Associated Press)

A small First Nation reserve in northern Saskatchewan is grieving over an unlikely double tragedy — two soldiers from the Cree community who died in vehicle rollovers on the same day — 10,000 kilometres apart.

On Saturday, U.S. army Sgt. Darby Morin, 25, of Big River First Nation was killed when his vehicle rolled over while he was serving in Afghanistan.

Also on Saturday, Kyle Whitehead, 23, died when a car he was driving on the Saskatchewan reserve went into a ditch and rolled five to six times. Whitehead, a private in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry of the Canadian Forces, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

The deaths have hit reserve residents hard. The community of about 2,200 is 190 kilometres north of Saskatoon.

Grace

08-26-2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the info, Candace. I get all my information from the Departments of Defense/Defence in the respective countries. Until, and unless, it is posted there, I don't report it.

Grace

08-27-2009, 10:44 AM

26 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, 20, of San Clemente, Calif., died Aug. 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Grace

08-27-2009, 04:03 PM

25 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 25 in southern Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California.

Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Arizona.

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Mo.

Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, Wash.

Grace

08-28-2009, 06:29 PM

27 August 2009

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

Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., died Aug. 27 in Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Grace

08-28-2009, 06:30 PM

26 August 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Kurt R. Curtiss, 27, of Murray, Utah, died Aug. 26 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Grace

08-29-2009, 03:12 PM

Great Britain

29 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a Royal Marine has died following an explosion whilst on a foot patrol near Gereshk in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 29 August 2009.
Ministry of Defence

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"This Marine gave his life for his country and the freedom of the Afghan people; there is no greater sacrifice than this. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones."

The Royal Marine's next of kin have been informed.

The family have asked for no further information to be released.

Grace

08-29-2009, 03:14 PM

28 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 28 in Rashid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an explosively formed penetrator. Both Soldiers were assigned to the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard in Portland.

Killed were:

Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, of Mondovi, Wis.; and

Pvt. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, Ore.

Grace

08-31-2009, 02:09 PM

28 August 2009

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

Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III, 22, of Columbia, S.C., died Aug. 28 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Grace

08-31-2009, 03:52 PM

From the United Kingdom

31 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that two soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been killed in Afghanistan.

The soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol north of Lashkar Gah District, southern Helmand Province on the morning of Monday 31 August 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said:

"Everyone in Task Force Helmand is deeply saddened by the deaths of these two brave soldiers. While there are no words that can ease their loss, our heartfelt sympathies go to their families, friends and fellow soldiers at this extremely difficult time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

Grace

08-31-2009, 06:11 PM

29 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 29 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when they were shot by enemy forces Aug. 28 while conducting combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke, 29, of Orlando, Fla.; and

Pfc. Eric W. Hario, 19, of Monroe, Mich.

Grace

09-01-2009, 03:12 PM

The two soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who were killed on 31 August, have been identified.

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of Sergeant Stuart Millar, age 40, and Private Kevin Elliott, age 24, of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion believed to have been caused by a rocket-propelled grenade when they were attacked by insurgents whilst patrolling on foot in Babaji District, Helmand Province on the morning of Monday 31 August 2009.

Daisy and Delilah

09-01-2009, 07:35 PM

I would like to send out another big thank you, Grace. Reading this thread is heartbreaking. It's about time that we, as Americans, can see in print, the loss of human life that's occurring and kept almost silent. Bless you.

May all of our fallen troops Rest In Peace.:(

I feel awful for their families. As we can see, not a day goes by that we don't lose precious life.:(

Grace

09-01-2009, 07:46 PM

31 August 2009

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

Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, 31, of Elyria, Ohio, died Aug. 31 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

09-02-2009, 11:33 AM

31 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 31 in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Spc. Jonathan D. Welch, 19, of Yorba Linda, Calif.

Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu, 20, of Cumberland, Maine.

Grace

09-02-2009, 11:34 AM

31 August 2009

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

Spc. Tyler R. Walshe, 21, of Shasta Calif., died Aug. 31 in southern Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Grace

09-03-2009, 12:13 PM

3 September 2009

From the United Kingdom

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment was killed in Afghanistan today, Thursday 3 September 2009.

The soldier, operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group, died as a result of a gunshot wound he sustained whilst on a foot patrol in the Babaji district, central Helmand province.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"This brave soldier died bringing a better life to the people of Afghanistan. We mourn his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time. His loss has not been in vain."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

Grace

09-04-2009, 01:38 PM

Updating previous post (#126) about UK soldier killed.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private Gavin Elliott, age 19, of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 3 September 2009.

Private Elliott was operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group when he died as a result of a gunshot wound sustained whilst on a foot patrol in Babaji district, central Helmand province.

Grace

09-04-2009, 05:49 PM

3 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 3 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 25, of Burnsville, Minn.; and

Spc. Jordan M. Shay, 22, of Salisbury, Mass.

The incident is under investigation.

Grace

09-04-2009, 09:40 PM

3 September 2009

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

Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione, 21, of Howell, Mich., died Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Battalion.

Grace

09-05-2009, 02:51 PM

3 September 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr., 19, of San Antonio, Texas, died Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

09-07-2009, 10:46 AM

4 September 2009

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

2nd Lt. Darryn D. Andrews, 34, of Dallas, Texas, died Sept. 4 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Grace

09-07-2009, 10:47 AM

6 September 2009

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

Sgt. Randy M. Haney, 27, of Orlando, Fla., died Sept. 6 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Daisy and Delilah

09-07-2009, 02:01 PM

Every time I visit this thread I cry.:( :( :(

Edwina's Secretary

09-08-2009, 05:42 PM

A very sad day today for our troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan...:(:(

Grace

09-08-2009, 05:46 PM

6 September 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas, died Sept. 6 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Grace

09-08-2009, 09:47 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

6 September 2009

OTTAWA– Two Canadian soldiers were killed and five injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle in the vicinity of Dand District, approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City at around 12:00 p.m., Kandahar time, on 6 September 2009.

Killed in action was Corporal Jean-François Drouin from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec.

Killed in action was Major Yannick Pépin also from 5e Régiment du génie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec.

Grace

09-09-2009, 03:22 PM

8 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe Ga., died Sept. 8 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive devise. He was assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Grace

09-09-2009, 06:09 PM

5 September 2009

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

Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, Texas, died Sept. 5 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Grace

09-09-2009, 06:12 PM

United Kingdom - one was saved, two were lost.

9 September 2009

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has issued a statement on an operation in Afghanistan to free hostage Stephen Farrell, a journalist of dual British/Irish nationality.

The Prime Minister said:

"Last night, Stephen Farrell, a journalist of dual British/Irish nationality, was freed from Taliban captivity in a British operation supported by the Afghan authorities and our NATO allies.

"He is now safe and well, receiving support from embassy staff and undergoing medical checks. Sadly, we were unable to rescue Stephen's Afghan interpreter, Sultan Munadi, and we send his family our condolences.

"It is with very deep sadness that I must also confirm that, while acting with the greatest of courage in this most dangerous mission, one member of the British Armed Forces lost his life.

"His family has been informed, and our immediate thoughts are with them. His bravery will not be forgotten.

"This operation was carried out after extensive planning and consideration. Those involved knew the high risks they were running. That they undertook it in such circumstances showed breathtaking heroism. I also want to thank the Afghan authorities and our NATO allies for their support.

"Hostage taking is never justified, and the UK does not make substantive concessions, including paying ransoms. But whenever British nationals are kidnapped, we and our allies will do everything in our power to free them.

"As we all know, and as last night once again demonstrated, our Armed Forces have the skill and courage to act. They are truly the finest among us, and all of us in Britain pay tribute to them, and to the families and communities who sustain them in their awesome responsibilities."

Daisy and Delilah

09-09-2009, 09:06 PM

:( :( :(
When will this all end?

Grace

09-10-2009, 12:28 PM

8 September 2009

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

Petty Officer 3rd Class James R. Layton, 22, of Riverbank, Calif., died Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to an embedded training team with Combined Security Tranisiton Command in Afghanistan.

Grace

09-10-2009, 02:16 PM

The United Kingdom soldier, mentioned in post #139, has been identified.

It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirms that Corporal John Harrison from The Parachute Regiment was killed in Afghanistan in the early hours of Wednesday 9 September 2009.

Corporal Harrison, aged 29, was part of an operation to free hostages from Taliban captivity. Stephen Farrell, a journalist of dual British/Irish nationality, was freed in the operation, which was supported by the Afghan authorities and our NATO allies. Sadly, it was not possible to rescue Mr Farrell's Afghan interpreter, Sultan Munadi.

Grace

09-10-2009, 02:20 PM

It's not just IEDs that are killing our troops. For some, it is by their own hand.

Army Releases August Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data for the month of August today. Among active duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides, all of which are pending determination of the manner of death. In July, the Army reported no confirmed suicides and eight potential suicides among active duty soldiers. However, since the release of the July report, an additional four potential suicides have been reported, each of which is pending determination of the manner of death. As a result, for the month of July, there were 12 potential suicides. Two of those have been confirmed as suicides and ten remain under investigation.

There were 110 reported active duty Army suicides from January 2009 through August 2009. Of those, 71 have been confirmed, and 39 are pending determination of manner of death. For the same period in 2008, there were 89 suicides among active duty soldiers.

During August 2009, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were six potential suicides. Among that same group, from January 2009 through August 2009, there were 20 confirmed suicides. Thirty-four potential suicides are currently under investigation to determine the manner of death. For the same period in 2008, there were 36 suicides among reserve soldiers who were not on active duty.

Killearn Kitties

09-10-2009, 03:38 PM

Grace

09-10-2009, 03:48 PM

Grace, I'm sorry to say that this is the first time I have opened this thread. Because it was started at the same time as a bunch of celebrity deaths, I kind of thought that that was what was going to be in it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate you paying tribute to our soldiers and others as well as your own.

I am so pleased, if amazed, to see mention of Henry Allingham and Harry Patch in this thread. I am pretty surprised that their deaths would be reported at all in the States.

Thank you.

Thank you for the kind words. Your soldiers were not mentioned specifically in this country - that I'm aware of. I check the Departments of Defense/Defence websites for the U.S.A., Canada and United Kingdom at least once a day. That's where I get all my information.

I feel it's only fair to mention your troops, as they've been with ours - from the beginning.

Grace

09-10-2009, 05:59 PM

As pointed out earlier by ES, Tuesday was one horrific day.

8 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

The following Marines died Sept. 8 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan:

Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr., 31, of Columbus, Ga.

1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson, 25, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, 30, of Roswell, Ga.

Gunnery Sgt. Johnson and Staff Sgt. Kenefick were assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

1st Lt. Johnson was assigned to 7th Communications Battalion, 3rd Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Grace

09-10-2009, 06:01 PM

5 September 2009

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

Sgt. Youvert Loney, 28, of Pohnpei, Micronesia, died Sept. 5 in Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle using small arms and recoilless rifle fires. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Grace

09-10-2009, 06:02 PM

More from 8 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8 in Baji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, U.S. Army, Alaska, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith, 31, of Marion, Ohio.

Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons, 20, of Fernley, Nev.

Pfc. Zachary T. Myers, 21, of Delaware, Ohio.

Grace

09-11-2009, 05:15 PM

10 September 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C., died Sept. 10 from wounds sustained Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

09-13-2009, 02:34 PM

CNN has a wonderful site dedicated to all the troops who are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to those I have included from Canada and the United Kingdom, there are 7 others who died so far this month.

POLAND
4 September 2009 - Sgt. Marcin Poreba, 32. 5 Pulku Inzynieryjnego (5th Engineers Regiment) Killed when his convoy was attacked with homemade explosives in Afghanistan.

8 September 2009 - Pvt. Artur Pyc, 27. 18 Batalion Desantowo-Szturmowy, 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej (18th Air Assault Battalion, 25th Air Cavalry Brigade) Died on September 8, 2009, at a hospital in Lublin, Poland, of wounds received when a roadside bomb exploded underneath his armored vehicle in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on May 22, 2009

FRANCE
4 September 2009 - Cpl. Johan Naguin, 24 3e régiment d'infanterie marine (3rd Marine Infantry Regiment) Killed when his patrol vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kapisa province, Afghanistan,

NETHERLANDS
6 September 2009 - Cpl. Kevin van de Rijdt, 26 Speciale eenheid Task Force 55, Korps Commandotroepen (Special Task Force Unit 55, Commando Corps) Killed in a firefight between Taliban fighters and Dutch special operations forces near Deh Rawood in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

7 September 2009 - Sgt. Maj. Mark Leijsen, 44 101 Geniebataljon, Koninklijke Landmacht (101st Engineer Battalion, Royal Netherlands Army) Killed when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb near a Dutch outpost in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

TRINIDAD
4 September 2009 - Master Cpl. Thomas Rousselle, 30 3e régiment d'infanterie marine (3rd Marine Infantry Regiment) Died on September 6, 2009, of wounds sustained when his patrol vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kapisa province, Afghanistan.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
5 September 2009 - Sgt. Youvert Loney, 28 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Killed when enemy forces attacked his vehicle using small arms and recoilless rifle fires in Abad, Afghanistan.

Grace

09-14-2009, 01:15 PM

12 September 2009

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

Sgt. Tyler A. Juden, 23, of Winfield, Kan., died Sept. 12 in Turan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fires. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Grace

09-14-2009, 01:16 PM

12 September 2009

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

Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W. Va., died Sept.12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

09-14-2009, 01:18 PM

11 September 2009

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

Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek, 20, of DeKalb, Ill., died Sept. 11 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 when enemy attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device followed by a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Grace

09-14-2009, 01:22 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

13 September 2009

Pvt. Patrick Lormand, age 21, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. Killed when a roadside bomb detonated near his armored vehicle in Kandahar province 6.2 miles (10 km) southwest of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Grace

09-14-2009, 06:33 PM

12 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 12 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, of Rochester N.Y.

Spc. Daniel L. Cox, 23, of Parsons, Kan.

Daisy and Delilah

09-14-2009, 07:29 PM

:( :( :( :( :(

Grace

09-14-2009, 09:47 PM

United Kingdom

13 September 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group, has been killed in Afghanistan.

The soldier was killed as a result of a gunshot wound whilst on a foot patrol in the Babaji district, central Helmand province, on the evening of 13 September 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"This brave British soldier has paid the ultimate sacrifice and his memory will live with us forever. We all mourn his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

Grace

09-15-2009, 01:06 PM

The soldier from the UK has been identified - Jason Dunn-Bridgeman, age 20.

Grace

09-15-2009, 04:59 PM

12 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky, 25, of Melrose, Fla., died Sept. 12 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from enemy fire while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

Grace

09-16-2009, 05:11 PM

United Kingdom

16 September 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a British soldier from 2nd Royal Tank Regiment has died of his wounds on Wednesday 16 September 2009 at the Royal College of Defence Medicine, Selly Oak.

The soldier had been wounded in an explosion whilst in a Viking vehicle on a Combat Logistic Patrol in rural north-west Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Saturday 12 September 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"This brave British soldier has made the ultimate sacrifice and his passing is mourned by the whole of Task Force Helmand.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades at this very sad time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

Grace

09-16-2009, 05:12 PM

15 September 2009

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

Spc. Demetrius L. Void, 20, of Orangeburg, S.C., died Sept. 15 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when a military vehicle struck him while conducting physical training. He was assigned to the 57th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

09-16-2009, 05:14 PM

14 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device Sept. 14 in southern Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

1st Lt. David T. Wright II, 26, of Moore, Okla.; and

Sgt. Andrew H. McConnell, 24, of Carlisle, Pa.

I wonder if/when this will ever end :(

Grace

09-16-2009, 05:20 PM

These numbers do not include my last 3 posts -

From CNN -

Afghanistan

There have been 1,379 coalition deaths --
827 Americans,
11 Australians,
one Belgian,
214 Britons,
130 Canadians,
three Czech,
24 Danes,
21 Dutch,
six Estonians,
one Finn,
31 French,
30 Germans,
two Hungarians,
14 Italians,
three Latvian,
one Lithuanian,
four Norwegians,
13 Poles,
two Portuguese,
11 Romanians,
one South Korean,
25 Spaniards,
two Swedes
and two Turks --

in the war on terror as of September 16, 2009, according to a CNN count. The list also includes one U.S. Defense Department civilian employee. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. At least 3,896 U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.

Edwina's Secretary

09-16-2009, 06:07 PM

I heard on the radio that three more troops were killed today in Afghanistan...:(:(

Daisy and Delilah

09-16-2009, 08:03 PM

I seriously wonder how many Americans actually know about these young people that have died for our freedom.

Thank you again, Gretchen.:(

RICHARD

09-16-2009, 08:27 PM

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/09/16/soldiers-friend-keeps-promise-by-wearing-a-neon-dress-to-his-fu/?icid=main|main|dl4|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.styleli st.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fsoldiers-friend-keeps-promise-by-wearing-a-neon-dress-to-his-fu%2F

Grace

09-16-2009, 08:42 PM

Thank you, Richard.

Terry, I dare say many in this country scarcely give a thought to what is happening over there.

RICHARD

09-16-2009, 08:58 PM

Thank you, Richard.

Terry, I dare say many in this country scarcely give a thought to what is happening over there.

That usually is the result of a drunken promise.

Guys, in their belief that we can win any fight, live forever, drink more than a pal, pick up the gal at the next table/at the end of the bar and own the baddest, fastest and cleanest car will make a drunken promise to a friend.

Usually draped all over each other and having a Grand Olde Tyme, we say things we would never say to each other sober, we make promises-some with absolutely no foot in reality, many forgotten as soon as we say them and some so bizarre we would never admit to even having them pop into our heads........

-----------------------------------

He could have picked a nice black frock for his friend.

God knows us guys need some one to coordinate our outfits for us.:(

Grace

09-16-2009, 09:49 PM

Another one from the United Kingdom.

16 September 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Rifles has been killed in Afghanistan.

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol in the Gereshk District, central Helmand Province on the afternoon of 16 September 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said:

"Everyone in Task Force Helmand is deeply saddened by the death of this brave soldier. While we know that there are no words that can ease the loss but our heartfelt sympathies go to his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this extremely difficult time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

RICHARD

09-16-2009, 11:40 PM

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy
Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st
Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the
History Channel , you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't
know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having
trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was
at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of
the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne
or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the
101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served,
and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so,
and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart
skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training
jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him "yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what
D-Day was." At that point he said "I also made a second jump into
Holland , into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . .
and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of
D-Day..

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said
"Yes. And it's real sad because, these days, so few of the guys are
left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart
was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in
Coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to
get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came
forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have
it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are
still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to
make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it.
And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17, 2009 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center .
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet
way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the
veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

Chuck Yeager, MajGen. [ret.]

Grace

09-17-2009, 01:32 PM

The Medal of Honor was awarded, posthumously, today to Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti of Raynham, MA.

Sgt Monti died on 21 June 2006, in Gowardesh, Afghanistan. He was 30 years old, and served with 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Excellent article about this from the Boston Globe. (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/09/obama_to_presen.html)

Killearn Kitties

09-17-2009, 02:52 PM

Stylelist? Passion for fashion? Is this a website you normally read Richard?
I'm not quite sure what to say to that one. Where did he get that dress?

RICHARD

09-17-2009, 03:22 PM

Stylelist? Passion for fashion? Is this a website you normally read Richard?
I'm not quite sure what to say to that one. Where did he get that dress?

Like Playboy, I just read it, I don't look a the pics?:o

Seriously, I saw the headline for the story and thought it was a kind and special gesture... As I said before? Us guys are a fun lot when we are besotted beyond belief and start to get all weepy and pal-sy. I get the idea that the promise may have been made at a going away party and the thought of death walked into the festivities.

IT might have gone like this?

"You ain't gonna die!"
"Well, ya never know..."
"HOKAY! If you die before me, I'll wear a dress to your funeral...."
"You are on!"
"What kind should I wear???????"

Then, to ward off the thought of dying the talk turned to the color, style..

I still have a 100+ mile walk in my future.;)

------------------

So you don't know that knee high boots are the fashion trend for this fall?:confused:

Grace

09-17-2009, 06:12 PM

The two soldiers from the United Kingdom have been identified.

It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Acting Serjeant* Stuart McGrath of 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES), and Trooper Brett Hall of 2nd Battalion The Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR), following separate incidents in Afghanistan.

Acting Sjt Hall was killed as a result of an explosion in Gereshk District, Helmand province, on the afternoon of 16 September 2009, dying from his wounds before he could be extracted to hospital. Tpr Hall died, also on 16 September, at the Royal College of Defence Medicine Selly Oak, following injuries sustained when an explosion hit his Combat Logistic Patrol in rural north-west Helmand province.

Grace

09-17-2009, 06:13 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

17 September 2009

OTTAWA – One Canadian soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated in the vicinity of his vehicle while on patrol in Panjwai District. The incident occurred approximately 25 kilometres South-West of Kandahar City at around 10:15 a.m., Kandahar time, on 17th September, 2009.

Killed in action was Private Jonathan Couturier from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, based in Valcartier, Quebec. He was serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group.

Grace

09-17-2009, 06:15 PM

16 September 2009

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

Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II, 22, of River Falls, Ala., died Sept. 16 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, from a non-combat related illness, after becoming ill Sept. 11 in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

09-17-2009, 06:16 PM

16 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 16 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md.;

Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree City, Ga.; and

Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas.

Grace

09-18-2009, 07:11 PM

Italy

17 September 2009

SIX Italian soldiers were killed when a suicide car bomber struck their vehicle while traveling on Airport Road in Kabul, Afghanistan. They were all members of the 186° Reggimento Paracadutisti (186th Parachute Regiment)

Sgt. Maj. Roberto Valente, 31

1st Cpl. Maj. Davide Ricchiuto, 26

1st Cpl. Maj. Massimiliano Randino, 32

1st Cpl. Maj. Giandomenico Pistonami, 26

1st Cpl. Maj. Matteo Mureddu, 26

Lt. Antonio Fortunato, 29

Grace

09-19-2009, 01:43 PM

17 September 2009

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

Pfc. Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died Sept. 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

RICHARD

09-19-2009, 06:43 PM

http://news.aol.com/article/wwii-fighter-pilot-jack-harold-glenns/677464?icid=main|main|dl1|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fnews. aol.com%2Farticle%2Fwwii-fighter-pilot-jack-harold-glenns%2F677464

Grace

09-19-2009, 06:45 PM

I saw that story on NBC News the other night. Amazing that Heinz Kruse kept it through all the years.

Grace

09-21-2009, 02:29 PM

DENMARK

19 September 2009

Pvt. Steffen Bloch Larsen, 23, 3 Mekaniserede Infanterikompagni, 2 Bataljon Den Kongelige Livgarde (3rd Mechanized Infantry Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Life Guards).
Killed when his unit came under fire during a dismounted patrol north of Gereshk in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Grace

09-21-2009, 02:31 PM

20 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Senior Airman Matthew R. Courtois, 22, of Lucas, Texas, died Sep 20 as a result of a non-hostile incident on Abdullah Al Mubarak Airbase, Kuwait. He was assigned to the 366th Security Forces Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

09-21-2009, 09:16 PM

19 September 2009

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

Spc. Michael S. Cote Jr., 20, of Denham Springs, La., died Sept. 19 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the Blackhawk helicopter he was in crashed. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, Task Force 49, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

09-21-2009, 09:18 PM

United Kingdom

21 September 2009

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment has been killed in Afghanistan on the morning of 21 September 2009.

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a dismounted patrol in the Gereshk District, central Helmand Province.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"The death of this courageous soldier from 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment is a heartfelt blow to all of us serving in Task Force Helmand. Our sorrow is nothing compared to the heartache felt by his family to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released

The name of the British soldier has been released.

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett MC, of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 21 September 2009.

Acting Sergeant Lockett was on a dismounted patrol near Patrol Base SANDFORD in the Gereshk district of Helmand province when an explosion detonated, killing him before he could be extracted to hospital.

He was investigating and confirming the find of an Improvised Explosive Device when it exploded. Two other soldiers were injured in the same incident.

Grace

09-22-2009, 12:01 PM

20 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 20 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Spc. Corey J. Kowall, 20, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Spc. Damon G. Winkleman, 23, of Lakeville, Ohio.

The incident is under investigation.

RICHARD

09-22-2009, 01:01 PM

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/p/739771/6338717.aspx#6338717

Sorry I don't bank with them any more, It's an unfortunate misunderstanding.:rolleyes:

It's really unfortunate that something like this turns into a national news story.

Both parties are at fault in this one.

The woman for not asking for permission and the bank manager for pulling them up.

I can see some stupid customer going to the mananger and asking her to remove the flags, too.

We have become a nation of paranoid AHs-all because we are afraid of hurting someone's feelings by doing something that was really O.K. a few years ago.

------------------------

As I move away from the sidewalk of civility and dash into the oncoming traffic?

If you see something that really bothers you and you feel you must complain about it? Grab a sheet of paper and a sharp number 2 pencil.

Jab the pencil into your eyes and use the paper to sop up the mess that follows.

You will never see another offensive flag on anyone's lawn again.

Killearn Kitties

09-22-2009, 04:40 PM

Michael Lockett was awarded the Military Cross two years ago, the highest honour that the country can present.

A bit about him on the BBC site.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8269774.stm

Grace

09-22-2009, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the information, Karen, and the link.

Grace

09-22-2009, 05:41 PM

19 September 2009

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

Sgt. David A. Davis, 28, of Dalhart, Texas, died Sept. 19 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked Bagram Airfield using indirect fire. He was assigned to the 32nd Transportation Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Grace

09-23-2009, 10:08 PM

12 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tech Sgt. James R Hornbarger, 33, of Castle Rock, Wash., died Sept. 12 as a result of a non-hostile incident in the Mediterranean. He was assigned to the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

Grace

09-23-2009, 10:09 PM

21 September 2009

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

Pfc. William L. Meredith, 26, of Virginia Beach, Va., died Sept. 21 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 569th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

Daisy and Delilah

09-24-2009, 08:15 PM

:( :( :( :(

Rest in Peace Fallen Soldiers :(

Thank you, Gretchen.

Grace

09-25-2009, 09:49 PM

24 September 2009

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

Lance Cpl. John J. Malone, 24, of Yonkers, N.Y., died Sept. 24 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Fore, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Daisy and Delilah

09-26-2009, 02:54 PM

I heard we lost five more yesterday while I was listening to AM radio.:(

Grace

09-26-2009, 03:32 PM

I heard we lost five more yesterday while I was listening to AM radio.:(

I heard about that, also. I'll include them as soon as the DoD site lists them :(

Grace

09-26-2009, 06:10 PM

24 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 24 in Omar Zai, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Sgt. Titus R. Reynolds, 23, of Columbus, Ohio;

Sgt. Edward B. Smith, 30, of Homestead, Fla.; and

Spc. Joseph V. White, 21, of Bellevue, Wash.

RICHARD

09-26-2009, 07:16 PM

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/11/postid/1239615/view/topic/Default.aspx

Grace

09-26-2009, 07:30 PM

After all these years, he's been found and coming home. Big time LES

Thank you, Richard, for posting this.

RICHARD

09-26-2009, 07:34 PM

After all these years, he's been found and coming home. Big time LES

Thank you, Richard, for posting this.

He's home.

And it's really neat to see the men and women who took time out from their world to be there when he came home.

Grace

09-26-2009, 08:04 PM

Have you heard about this documentary - The Way We Get By (http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/)

RICHARD

09-27-2009, 10:46 AM

Have you heard about this documentary - The Way We Get By (http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/)

Looks very good. Had not seen it adverted anywhere.

Of course, a film like that would be a wonderful teaching too to the 'youngsters' of today. I knew a wonderful vet, who has since passed, he let down his veneer to tell me a story about an adventure he had during WWII. I was especially touched-because he took the time to let me into his world-He had killed a man while out to pick up jeep that had broken down.

He shot a sniper that was in a tree and he ended the story with a, "I wondered what happened to him, He could still be in that tree".

It took me a couple of days to digest that. It was not the boastful claim of a man who carved a notch on the stock of his rifle-it was a thought that was older than I was, a genuine lament about having to do something that goes against everything in life we are taught.

The numbers in our current war are bad-but, what did we do when the numbers were Viet Nam sized? Korea sized or WWII sized?

Instead of sending the returning soldiers home with a lifetime pay check and some hidden shame, we are really looking out for our men and women now.

I do not mean to slight anyone who has served, been injured or killed in the ME.

I am questioning what we did with how many thousand WWII vets who saw the same kind of things on a battlefield 60 plus years ago and how they have endured the decades wrapped up inside themselves.

This film shows that these oldtimers were and still are, a cut above the people they walk amongst.

I am six foot two and have no problems looking up to the people in the documentary.......

Grace

09-27-2009, 12:29 PM

UNITED KINGDOM

27 September 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed in Afghanistan, today, Sunday 27 September 2009.

The soldier died as a result of an explosion that happened during a vehicle patrol in Musa Qaleh District, northern Helmand Province, this morning.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"The death of this brave soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh is mourned by his friends, colleagues and all of us serving in Task Force Helmand. We know that our loss is nothing compared to the sorrow of his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released

I will add the name as soon as they release it.

Grace

09-28-2009, 10:21 AM

26 September 2009

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

Spc. Kevin J. Graham, 27, of Benton, Ky., died Sept. 26 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Grace

09-28-2009, 09:27 PM

The UK soldier has been identified -

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private James Prosser from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed in Afghanistan, on Sunday 27 September 2009.

Private Prosser died as a result of an explosion that happened during a vehicle patrol in Musa Qaleh district, northern Helmand province.

Private James Prosser was born in Cwmbran, on 14 April, 1988 and educated at Llantarnam Comprehensive School before he joined the Army in July 2008. After completing his infantry training at ITC Catterick, Private Prosser joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh in February 2009.

Grace

09-29-2009, 12:33 PM

Daisy and Delilah

09-29-2009, 07:06 PM

How can we continue with this war? All I can think about are the grieving families. Those pictures never leave my mind. They send their young people away, healthy and strong, and they come back in body bags.

Please let this come to an end!!:( :( :(

phesina

09-29-2009, 08:30 PM

That's what gets me too, and again thank you so much, Gretchen, for doing this and keeping up with it. Every day I read their names and ages and where they are from. This makes it all so much more real than just seeing news reports. All these young (and other ages too) people, with so much to offer, going to fight for their countries and their ideals, cut so short.

RICHARD

09-30-2009, 05:38 PM

http://news.aol.com/article/air-force-fighter-jet-lost-in-1955-found/691257

Grace

09-30-2009, 06:00 PM

FRANCE

27 Sepember 2009

Three French soldiers died in an unexpected and extremely violent thunderstorm during an operation in Kapisa province, Afghanistan. All of them from 13e Régiment De Dragons Parachutistes (13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment)

1st Sgt. Yann Hertach, 38

Pfc. Kevin Lemoine, 20

Cpl. Gabriel Poirier, 38

Grace

09-30-2009, 06:02 PM

26 September 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Jordan L. Chrobot, 24, of Frederick, Md., died Sept. 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Grace

10-01-2009, 12:50 PM

29 September 2009

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

Spc. Ross E. Vogel, III, 27, of Red Lion, Pa., died Sept. 29 in Kut, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 67th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

10-01-2009, 10:09 PM

30 September 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Alex French IV, 31, of Milledgeville, Ga., died Sept. 30 in Kwhost, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using an improvised-explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Lawrenceville, Ga.

Grace

10-01-2009, 10:11 PM

29 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 29 in Jolo Island, the Philippines, from the detonation of an improvised-explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, 37, of Markham, Ill.

Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, 26, of Bethany, Okla.

The incident is under investigation.

Grace

10-03-2009, 12:32 PM

United Kingdom

1 October 2009

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a Gunner from 34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment was killed in Afghanistan, Thursday 1 October 2009.

The Gunner was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a force protection patrol near to Camp Bastion in central Helmand province yesterday afternoon.

I will post the name once it is released.

Grace

10-03-2009, 12:33 PM

1 October 2009

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

Spc. Russell S. Hercules Jr., 22 of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Oct. 1 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Grace

10-03-2009, 12:34 PM

2 October 2009

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

Sgt. Ryan C. Adams, 26 of Rhinelander, Wisc., died Oct. 2 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle using rocket-propelled grenade fire. He was assigned to the 91st Engineer Company (Sapper), Wisconsin Army National Guard, Rhinelander, Wisc.

Grace

10-03-2009, 09:27 PM

United Kingdom update -

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Senior Aircraftman Marcin Wojtak, 24, of the Royal Air Force Regiment who was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 1 October 2009.

Senior Aircraftman Wojtak was killed as a result of an explosion whilst commanding his vehicle in the desert to the south of Bastion Joint Operating Base.

Karen

10-03-2009, 11:11 PM

Rest in peace, gentlemen and women.

Grace

10-04-2009, 11:45 AM

1 October 2009

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

Sgt. Roberto D. Sanchez, 24 of Satellite Beach, Fla., died Oct. 1 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield Ga.

Grace

10-04-2009, 11:47 AM

2 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 2 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked their unit using small arms fire.

Killed were:

Sgt. Aaron M. Smith, 25, of Manhattan, Kan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Pfc. Brandon A. Owens, 21, of Memphis, Tenn. He was assigned to the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Grace

10-04-2009, 05:22 PM

Those last two deaths I posted - it appears these troops were killed by supposedly "friendly" fire. There are two differing reports that I will post here.

Reuters: (http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINSP45915920091003)

KABUL, Oct 3 (Reuters) - An Afghan soldier on guard at a joint base with U.S. troops shot dead two American servicemen and wounded two others as they slept, a provincial official said on Saturday.

Shahedullah Shahed, spokesman for the governor of Wardak province west of Kabul, said the shooting took place after a combined team of Afghan and U.S. forces had returned from a joint operation late on Friday.

"The Americans were in the middle of sleep when an Afghan soldier on duty opened fire on them," Shahed said.

"We have no clue as to why he shot them."

A statement from NATO-led forces said two American soldiers died from injuries suffered in a "hostile attack" in eastern Afghanistan on Friday. A press officer for the Western troops said he could give no further details of the incident. (For more Reuters coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan, see: here) (Reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Editing by Andrew Dobbie)

CBS NEWS: (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/03/world/main5360910.shtml)

An Afghan policeman conducting a joint operation with U.S. soldiers opened fire on the Americans, killing two of them before fleeing, an Afghan official said Saturday, raising fears that militants have infiltrated the ranks of Afghan forces.

The U.S. military earlier said two American troops died in a firefight in Wardak on Friday, but declined to confirm any new details.

Although Afghan forces have periodically turned their guns on international troops, training and working jointly with Afghan police and soldiers on patrols and operations are key to the U.S. strategy of curbing the spreading Taliban-led insurgency.

Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the Wardak provincial governor, said the policeman fired on the Americans while they were patrolling together Friday night, killing two and injuring two. Shahid said two of the officer's relatives were in custody for questioning.

A third U.S. service member died Friday of wounds from a bomb attack in Wardak the day before.

Makes me wonder more and more what we are doing there . . . . . . :(

Grace

10-05-2009, 12:53 PM

3 October 2009

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

Sgt. Thomas D. Rabjohn, 39, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., died Oct. 3 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during an attempt to disarm it. He was assigned to the 363rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment, Coolidge, Ariz.

Grace

10-05-2009, 12:54 PM

1 October 2009

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

Spc. Paul E. Andersen, 49, of Dowagiac, Mich., died Oct. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his camp using indirect fire. He was assigned to the 855th Quartermaster Company, South Bend, Ind.

Edwina's Secretary

10-05-2009, 02:57 PM

I heard on the radio - five were killed in one day and October 2009 to date (5 days!) there have been more deaths than the whole month of October 2008.:(:(

Grace

10-05-2009, 05:37 PM

2 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 2 in Murcheh, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when they were attacked by a suicide bomber. They were assigned to the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Greensboro, N.C.

Killed were:

Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver, 32, of Medford, Mass.

Pfc. Alan H. Newton Jr., 26, of Asheboro, N.C.

The incident is under investigation.

Grace

10-05-2009, 05:44 PM

I heard on the radio - five were killed in one day and October 2009 to date (5 days!) there have been more deaths than the whole month of October 2008.:(:(

In the ABC News email I got this morning, they say that at least 17 troops have died so far this month - and this is only the 5th!!

Grace

10-06-2009, 06:34 AM

United Kingdom

5 October 2009

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards has been killed in Afghanistan.

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol near to Nad e-Ali district centre in central Helmand province on the morning of 5 October 2009.

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

Grace

10-06-2009, 02:26 PM

The names have not yet been posted on the DoD website, so this is from CNN -

(CNN) -- The flag-draped coffins of five U.S. soldiers killed during a weekend onslaught against a U.S. military outpost in Afghanistan arrived Tuesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the military said.

The bodies include Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk of South Portland, Maine; Spc. Michael P. Scusa of Villas, New Jersey; Spc. Stephen L. Mace of Lovettsville, Virginia; Spc. Christopher T. Griffin of Kincheloe, Michigan; and Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson of Reno, Nevada, according to the Air Force mortuary affairs office.

Coverage of the troops' return is allowed with the permission of their families under a policy the Obama administration instituted this year.

On Saturday, Taliban militants attacked American and Afghan troops in Nuristan province, opening fire on the outpost from multiple locations with rockets, mortars and heavy-caliber machine guns. At least eight American troops and two members of the Afghan national security forces were killed, the military said.

It was the largest number of Americans killed by hostile action in a single day since July 2008 when nine troops died, according to CNN records.

Daisy and Delilah

10-06-2009, 08:20 PM

We seem to be losing more people than ever. Are we actually going to send more troops to Afghanistan? Please let this stop!!:(

I am beginning to wonder if this is ever going to end, for real. I don't hear any talk that indicates it's in the works. Bless these young people and their families. I can't say that enough.:(

Grace

10-07-2009, 08:35 AM

Update post #228 -

It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Guardsman Jamie Janes, 20, of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, in Afghanistan on Monday 5 October 2009.

Guardsman Janes was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol near to Nad e-Ali district centre in central Helmand province. He was mortally wounded by an improvised explosive device, which also wounded three of his colleagues. The explosion was followed up by an insurgent ambush which the patrol then had to fight off before evacuating the wounded soldiers.
Unfortunately Guardsman Janes died en route to hospital.

Grace

10-07-2009, 11:49 AM

6 October 2009

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

Maj. Tad T. Hervas, 48, of Coon Rapids, Minn., died Oct. 6 at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 34th Infantry Division, Rosemont, Minn.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Grace

10-07-2009, 04:53 PM

3 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 3 in Kamdesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their contingency outpost with small arms, rocket-propelled grenade and indirect fires. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, 25 of Savannah, Ga.

Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, 27, of Tucson, Ariz.

Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, 24, of Applegate, Calif.

Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk, 30, of South Portland, Maine.

Sgt. Michael P. Scusa, 22, of Villas, N.J.

Spc. Christopher T. Griffin, 24, of Kincheloe, Mich.

Spc. Stephan L. Mace, 21, of Lovettsville, Va.

Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson, 22, of Reno, Nev.

5 of these men were mentioned in post #229.

Grace

10-07-2009, 04:54 PM

4 October 2009

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

Spc. Kevin O. Hill, 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died Oct. 4 at Contingency Outpost Dehanna, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and indirect fires. He was assigned to the 576th Mobility Augmentation Company, Fort Carson, Colo.

Grace

10-07-2009, 04:58 PM

The conflict in Afghanistan started 8 years ago today, October 7th.

According to CNN, in Afghanistan alone, there have been 1,435 coalition deaths as of 6 October 2009 --

865 Americans,
11 Australians,
one Belgian,
219 Britons,
131 Canadians,
3 Czech,
25 Danes,
21 Dutch,
6 Estonians,
one Finn,
35 French,
30 Germans,
2 Hungarians,
20 Italians,
3 Latvian,
one Lithuanian,
4 Norwegians,
13 Poles,
2 Portuguese,
11 Romanians,
one South Korean,
25 Spaniards,
2 Swedes,
2 Turks
and one NATO/ISAF

Grace

10-07-2009, 05:02 PM

In Iraq, according to CNN, there have been 4,668 coalition deaths since the beginning in May 2003 - as of 6 October 2009 -

4,351 Americans,
two Australians,
one Azerbaijani,
179 Britons,
13 Bulgarians,
one Czech,
seven Danes,
two Dutch,
two Estonians,
one Fijian,
five Georgians,
one Hungarian,
33 Italians,
one Kazakh,
three Latvians,
22 Poles,
three Romanians,
five Salvadoran,
four Slovaks,
one South Korean,
11 Spaniards,
two Thai,
18 Ukrainians

The list also includes 13 U.S. Defense Department civilian employees.

Daisy and Delilah

10-07-2009, 07:28 PM

Thank you for those figures, Gretchen. I am teary eyed here, looking at the ages of those young people. The statistics are mind blowing. Families will be without those soldiers on Thanksgiving and Christmas for the first time. The families will never see their loved ones again. It breaks my heart.:(

Rest In Peace Fallen Soldiers :( Thank you for protecting us. You saved us, but, unfortunately, you couldn't save yourselves. :(

I'm honestly getting to the point that I resent high government officials doing anything besides trying to bring these soldiers home asap. I know I shouldn't feel this way but I can't help it. My heart hopes they are working on a plan that will take effect right away. I just hoped I would have seen large amounts of them already home. What is it going to take? Isn't this enough? :( :( :(

Grace

10-09-2009, 06:04 PM

FRANCE

Died 8 October 2009

Sgt. Johann Hivin-Gerard, 29
3e Regiment d'Infanterie de Marine (3rd Marine Infantry Regiment)

Died on October 8, 2009, at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France, of wounds sustained when a roadside bomb struck his armored vehicle while escorting a logistics convoy in the Surobi district north of Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 4, 2009

Grace

10-09-2009, 06:06 PM

Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, SPAIN

7 October 2009

Cpl. Cristo A. Cabello Santana, 24
Regimiento de Infanteria Ligera IX (9th Light Infantry Regiment)

Killed when a roadside bomb struck his armored vehicle during a reconnaissance and security patrol east of Herat, Afghanistan.

Grace

10-09-2009, 06:08 PM

7 October 2009

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

Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41, of Shiprock, N.M., died Oct. 7 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., of wounds suffered Sept. 8 when insurgents attacked his unit in the Ganjigal Valley, Afghanistan, using small arms and indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Grace

10-10-2009, 01:43 PM

UNITED KINGDOM

8 October 2009

It is with extreme sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal James Hill, 23 from Redhill in Surrey, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in Afghanistan on 8 October 2009.

Lance Corporal Hill was killed as a result of an explosion that happened near to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

Grace

10-12-2009, 03:38 PM

10 October 2009

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

Spc. George W. Cauley, 24, of Walker, Minn., died Oct. 10 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device on Oct. 7 in Helmand province. He was assigned to the 114th Truck Company of the Minnesota Army National Guard in Duluth, Minn.

Grace

10-13-2009, 06:41 PM

10 October 2009

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

Lance Cpl. Alfonso Ochoa Jr., 20, of Armona, Calif., died Oct. 10 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Grace

10-13-2009, 06:42 PM

9 October 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Taylor, 27, of Bovey, Minn., died Oct. 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Grace

10-14-2009, 07:34 PM

This is really special -

Posted on Fri, Oct. 02, 2009
Army: Kapaun worthy of Medal of Honor
BY ROY WENZL
The Wichita Eagle

Father Emil Kapaun, the U.S. Army chaplain who died in a prison camp after saving dozens of soldiers' lives in the Korean War, is deserving of the Medal of Honor, the secretary of the Army has determined.

Kapaun, a native of Pilsen, in Marion County, and a former parish priest there, died of starvation and pneumonia in the prison camp at Pyoktong, North Korea, on May 23, 1951; he was 35. Soldiers who were with him have said that the communist Chinese camp guards murdered him because he rallied fellow starving soldiers to pray, to stay alive and to stay true to their country in the face of relentless brainwashing sessions.

Fellow prisoners of war have pleaded with the military for decades to give Kapaun the Medal of Honor. As a result, Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, as early as April 2001 asked Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to review Kapaun's eligibility for the honor.

In a letter Tiahrt received this week, Army Secretary Pete Geren wrote, "After giving this request careful, personal consideration, I have determined that Chaplain Kapaun's actions in combat operations and as a prisoner of war in Korea warrant award of the Medal of Honor.

"This brave Soldier clearly distinguished himself by his courageous actions. The Army and our nation are forever grateful for his heroic service."

Tiahrt said Thursday that the decision is not entirely complete. Congress and President Obama must sign off on it.

"But it's the Secretary of the Army who does the research and makes the key recommendation," Tiahrt said. "This is huge, and I'm very happy about this."

Tiahrt himself called Kapaun's remaining immediate family — his brother, Eugene, and Eugene's wife, Helen, who live in Bel Aire. The news stunned Helen, who spoke for her ailing husband.

"We are proud of him, as we should be," she said.

"But I don't think Father Emil would have wanted honors for himself. He would have said, 'Oh, shucks,' and thrown off any thoughts about honors to someone else."

The Roman Catholic Church has for several decades conducted a separate investigation to determine whether Kapaun should be declared a saint. That investigation has gained strength in recent months.

The Vatican earlier this year sent an investigator to Wichita to interview families and their doctors who say their children miraculously recovered from what looked like fatal medical problems after they prayed to the soul of Kapaun. Proving at least two miracles is a requirement for considering sainthood in the church.

The military during the Korean War had already awarded Kapaun the Distinguished Service Cross, its second-highest award. But fellow POWS said he deserved the nation's highest award.

A number of them dictated notarized affidavits testifying to his heroism under fire and in prison. Several fellow prisoners, after they were released at the end of the war, came to Wichita and Pilsen to extol Kapaun's heroism.

Kapaun was a chaplain of the 8th Cavalry Regiment of the First Army Division during the Korean War. Soldiers in that outfit saw him run through machine gun and artillery fire during a number of battles, dragging wounded soldiers to safety.

Four months after the war began, with the communist North Korean Army falling apart and the American army apparently victorious, the Chinese Army suddenly entered the war. Kapaun's 8th Cavalry regiment was surrounded and nearly annihilated by tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers in November 1950.

American soldiers who escaped the battle outside the North Korean village of Unsan said Kapaun refused to leave the wounded even after officers ordered and soldiers screamed at him to leave the battlefield.

In the following six months, on a horrific death march to prison camps and then in two prison camps just south of the Chinese border, Kapaun saved many lives. He escaped numerous times to steal food to bring back to starving prisoners, washed the filthy underwear of sick soldiers too feeble to do it themselves, and made pots and pans out of shredded roofing tin to boil the only clean water soldiers drank in the camps.

Soldiers said he used many skills he told them he'd learned as a farm boy growing up outside Pilsen.

They said he was a devout priest who violated camp rules every night by saying the rosary with fellow soldiers; but he sometimes spoke four-letter-words after confronting vicious guards mistreating prisoners.

When starving soldiers, freezing in subzero weather, began to hoard or steal food from one another, Kapaun would give his own food away and bless it in front of the soldiers as "food we cannot only eat but share."

"By offering pieces of his clothing and giving portions of his own meager rations to his injured comrades, Chaplain Kapaun unwittingly weakened his resistance which, in turn, hastened his untimely death," Tiahrt wrote Rumsfeld in 2001.

Helen Kapaun said she and the family were "shocked" when former POWs came home after the war and told hundreds of stories of her brother-in-law's heroics.

"All we knew of him was that he was a good priest and a good man," she said. "My husband had said that Father Emil was a man who was always religious and always meant what he said."
Reach Roy Wenzl at 316-268-6219 or [email protected].

© 2009 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com

Grace

10-15-2009, 01:39 PM

ITALY

15 October 2009

1st Cpl. Maj. Rosario Ponziano, 25, of the IV reggimento paracadutisti (4th Parachute Regiment).

Killed when his armored personnel carrier overturned while traveling between Shindad and Herat in western Afghanistan.

Daisy and Delilah

10-16-2009, 05:24 PM

Today, I had a gripping, spirited, discussion with some of my friends about this war. Just as I thought, many of them knew there were alot of deaths but very few knew how many. It eventually turned into a room full of people ready to break into tears. So so so sad.:( :( :(

Grace

10-17-2009, 07:44 PM

16 October 2009

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

Sgt. Christopher M. Rudzinski, 28, of Rantoul, Ill., died Oct. 16 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 293rd Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), Fort Stewart, Ga.

Grace

10-18-2009, 08:41 AM

16 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 16 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 143rd Infantry Detachment, Austin, Texas.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Chris N. Staats, 32, of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Spc. Anthony G. Green, 28, of Matthews, N.C.

Grace

10-19-2009, 05:05 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/flag-canada.gif

Sacrifice Medal to recognize all service-related deaths

NR–09.092 - October 19, 2009

OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced new criteria for the Sacrifice Medal. First announced in August 2008 by the Governor General as a formal recognition to those who are killed or wounded by hostile action, the eligibility criteria have been expanded to recognize all service-related deaths. This change will ensure that all service-related deaths after October 7, 2001, are recognized and treated equitably.

“The Government of Canada is committed to honouring and recognizing the valued contribution of our Canadian Forces members,” said Minister MacKay. “We hope this announcement will be warmly received by the families of those who sacrificed their lives while serving Canada.”

The criteria remain unchanged for those wounded as a direct result of hostile action requiring recorded treatment by a medical officer. Members of an allied force working as an integral part of the Canadian Forces (CF), such as exchange personnel, and civilian employees working under the authority of the CF will continue to receive the medal as per the previous criteria. This aspect of the Medal therefore remains linked with the old Wound Stripe which it replaced. The eligibility date and the design of the medal remain unchanged.

Her Majesty The Queen approved the creation of the Sacrifice Medal to provide formal recognition to those who are killed or wounded by hostile action. Following the original announcement in August 2008, the Minister of National Defence asked the Chief of the Defence Staff to conduct a review of the existing criteria and make recommendations to the appropriate government committee.

The inaugural presentation of the Sacrifice Medal is planned at Rideau Hall later this year.