Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II

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Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II, 22, of River Falls, Ala.

Sgt. Gordon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 16, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from a noncombat-related illness, after becoming ill Sept. 11 in southern Afghanistan.

Enlisted straight out of high school
The Associated Press

Robert Gordon couldn’t enlist until he was 18, so he until then, he played out his dream of being a soldier with his G.I. Joes.

“If I had all the money we spent on G.I. Joes, I’d be set,” said his mother, Diane Gordon. “But it carried through until the age he could sign up on his own.”

Gordon, 22, of River Falls, Ala., died Sept. 16 at a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, after contracting an illness Sept. 11 while serving in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash., and had enlisted after graduating from Red Level High School.

His father died at a young age, and Gordon was raised by his mother.

“We always knew he was going into the military. He put on a tough front for his friends, but deep down, he was such a sweet, sweet boy,” Diane Gordon said. “His daddy was an infantryman, so that made up his mind.”

Diane Gordon said she was proud of her son for doing what he always dreamed of.

“That’s the kind of person he was,” she said.

“He had a mischievous streak, and when he made up his mind, that was it.”

Gordon is also survived by a brother and sister.

Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II died of a non-combat related illness on 9/16/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle

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

SFC Bohle was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree, Ga., and Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas.

Was married, had three daughters
The Associated Press

As a child, Bradley S. Bohle could often be found woodworking with his grandfather. When the pair finished their work, “Pops” would shave the ice for a couple of refreshing milkshakes.

Those grandfather-grandson days are one of Ethel Bohle’s fondest memories of Bohle and her husband, Edward, who died three years ago.

Not too long ago, Brad Bohle’s father came to tell Ethel Bohle that her grandson had died.

“He said, ‘I guess Brad and Pop are having a milkshake,’ ” Ethel Bohle said.

Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., died Sept. 16 when the Humvee he was riding in hit a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., and had been in the military since graduating from North County High School in 1998.

His aunt Shirley Bohle recalled the last time she spoke to him, remembering Bradley Bohle as an “all-American kid” who loved playing with his children.

“We were eating crabs and talking about whether we liked them spicy or not and what beer goes well with them,” she said.

His sister, April Clark, said her brother was her hero.

“When I was upset he’d always hug me, and even if I wasn’t he would,” she said.

Bohle is also survived by his wife, three daughters and parents.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills

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

SSgt Mills was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., and Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree, Ga.

Had wide base of interests
The Associated Press

When Joshua M. Mills was young, he aspired to two careers.

“He wanted to be a paleontologist,” said his older brother, Quent. “He loved dinosaurs.”

But he also loved being a Green Beret. Mills graduated from the Silva Magnet High School in his hometown of El Paso, Texas, where he was a member of the Junior ROTC and was on the rifle team. He joined the Army in 2005 and was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.

Family was important to Mills, and despite training and deployment, he almost always made it home for Christmas, his brother said.

“He would always try to surprise you,” Quent Mills said. “He’d come into town, but he wouldn’t tell you. He would just show up on your doorstep.”

The 24-year-old died of wounds from a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 16, about two months after deploying to Afghanistan.

Quent Mills said his brother followed in the footsteps of their father, Tommy, who was an air defense soldier at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Joshua Mills is also survived by his wife, Magen; a son, Malaki; his mother, Celeste; and his brothers.

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey

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

SFC McCloskey was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., and Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas.

USASOC -- Sgt.1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Sept. 15, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror. He also served on to deployments to Colombia. He was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant.

McCloskey a native of Hudson, New York, grew up in Peachtree City, Ga., enlisted into the U.S. Army January 2002 as a Special Forces candidate. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course May 2004 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. He was assigned to Co. B, 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).

McCloskey’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, Combat Diver Course, Special Operations Diving Supervisor Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, non-commissioned officer professional development ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Supervisor Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

McCloskey is survived by his wife Jessica, daughter Katie and son Collin of Raeford, N.C. and parents Patrick and Kathryn McCloskey of Fayetteville, Ga.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void

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Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void, 20, of Orangeburg, S.C.

Spc. Void was assigned to the 57th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 15, 2009 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when a military vehicle struck him while conducting physical training.

Took part in family tradition of military service
The Associated Press

Demetrius Void was always focused on academics in high school: Teachers said he never shied away from asking for help and had a competitive nature.

“He kept at it until he figured out that calculus,” said math teacher Sharlene Foster.

But Void also always wanted to be different. He decided not to apply for college and instead chose to follow his family’s tradition of military service.

“He said he was tired of school,” said his uncle Keith Void. “He said he was tired of being smart.”

Void, 20, of Orangeburg, S.C., died Sept. 15 at Kandahar Air Field of injuries sustained when a military vehicle struck him while he was jogging. He was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. The military has said it is investigating the hit-and-run accident.

Void was disciplined before he joined the Army, being active in the JROTC at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

“He greeted students at the front desk and said, ‘You can’t go in there until you get your pants up. ... This is an order,’ ” recalled Angelia Fersner, the school’s guidance counselor, who called Void her “acting secretary.”

Void is survived by his mother and two brothers.

Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void was killed in a vehicle accident on 9/15/09.

Army Sgt. Mitchell Atchley

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Funeral services for Mitch Atchley, 23, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at First Baptist Church in Teague. Brother Carl Clark of Corinth Baptist Church in Dew will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Dew Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Bowers Funeral Home, 900 U.S. Highway 84, Teague.

Mr. Atchley lost his battle with cancer on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at his residence in Dew. He was born in Fairfield, raised in Dew, and attended Teague and Fairfield High Schools and was homeschooled before he joined the U.S. Army. He served in the Texas National Guard and earned the rank of sergeant. During his service to the military, Mitch completed a 13-month tour of duty in Iraq.

He was a proud member of the Dew Volunteer Fire Department and had also worked with the Jewett Volunteer Fire Department. His dream was to become a paramedic and firefighter and had worked hard in training to achieve those goals. Mitch was training as a rope rescue specialist before his health failed. He was proud to have been able to ride with the Dallas Fire Department Station 41 on calls.

Mitch was active in numerous church youth events including the paintball ministry at First Baptist Church in Teague and was an active member of Corinth Baptist Church in Dew.

He is survived by his mother, Theresa Underwood and husband Kenneth of Marquez; his father, Monte Atchley and wife Tammy of Dew; one brother, Jordan Atchley of Dew; three stepbrothers, Jordan Witcher, Hayden Hardwick, and Colt Hardwick, all of Dew; five stepsisters, Mindi Wooley of Dew, Shelby Ryan and husband David of Watertown, N.Y., Stacy Myrick of Conroe, April Underwood of Groesbeck, and Kristen Underwood of Tyler; grandparents, Joseph and Charlene Little of Dew; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Mr. Atchley was preceded in death by his sister, Maegen Atchley; maternal grandparents, Lynn and Wanda Herrin; paternal grandparents, Dwight and Norma D. Atchley; aunt, Janice Corrigan; and cousin, Danny Corrigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Corinth Baptist Church, 105 FM 489 West, Teague, TX 75860; or the Dew Volunteer Fire Department, 112 FCR 477, Teague, TX 75860.

Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II

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

1st Lt. Wright was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 14, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Andrew H. McConnell.

Soldier remembered at funeral
The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — An Army officer from Moore who was killed in Afghanistan was honored Sept. 22 as a leader and a hero.

About 400 mourners packed a Norman church for the funeral of 26-year-old 1st Lt. David Timothy Wright II, who was killed along with another soldier Sept. 14 when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle while on patrol.

Dozens of police officers lined the sidewalk outside the church as a hearse carrying Wright’s flag-draped coffin left the church.

Wright’s father is a lieutenant with the Moore police department. Letters from soldiers who served with Wright were read during the service.

Parents received letter expressing pride in service after retrieving his body
The Associated Press

David Wright II didn’t let his football and track talent go to waste after graduating from Moore High School in his hometown of Moore, Okla. He went to the University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2006.

He didn’t let that training go unused, either. Wright enlisted in the Army and was chosen almost immediately to serve as a platoon leader at Fort Benning, Ga.

“It was 9/11 that did it for David,” the Rev. Randy Nail said at his memorial. “He wanted to do something about it, and he did.”

The 26-year-old was killed Sept. 14 by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash.

After being deployed to Afghanistan in July, Wright wrote home about the honor he felt for his country and his fellow soldiers as they protected a village. He said he had no hard feelings toward the villagers, although some were angry with the soldiers.

“These people deserve a better existence,” he wrote, “and hopefully my efforts will help, in a small way, provide that to them.”

That letter was waiting for his parents, Tim and Michele, when they returned to Oklahoma after receiving his body

Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II was killed in action on 9/14/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen

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

SSgt Allen was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Sept. 12, 2009 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire. Also killed was Spc. Daniel L. Cox.

Relatives mourn soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — Mourners gathered Sept. 22 in a Rochester suburb for the funeral of a soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan after two tours in Iraq.

The parents, widow and three young children of Staff Sgt. Nekl Allen bid farewell to the soldier, who died Sept. 12 when his vehicle was hit by small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device in Wardak province.

Allen, 29, graduated in 1999 from Churchville-Chili High School, where he was a wrestler and played football. He joined the Army in 2002.

He was killed along with Spc. Daniel Cox, a 23-year-old from Parsons, Kan. Stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., they were deployed to Afghanistan in January.

Spent most of his free time with his children
The Associated Press

When Nekl Allen was home from the Army, he always found time to interact with his daughter and two sons.

Riding dirt bikes with 10-year-old Christopher. Roughhousing in the living room with 7-year-old Michael. Helping 5-year-old Grace learn to count.

“He was the most lovable person I know,” said his sister, Rana.

Allen, 29, of Rochester, N.Y., died Sept. 12 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when he and a fellow soldier were attacked with an explosive and small weapons. Both were assigned to Fort Drum, N.Y.

Allen, known also as Nick or Nicky, loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, bow-hunting and playing paintball. He was a 1999 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School, where he was a wrestler and played fullback and linebacker for the football team.

“He showed the signs of courage by taking on big tasks, even when he was young,” said his high school coach, Paul Dick.

Allen joined the Army in May 2002, prompted by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was deployed twice to Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan.

“He stepped up to serve his country because he knew it was the right thing to do,” said his father-in-law, Mike Meehan.

Allen also is survived by his wife, Amy Meehan-Allen.

Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Spc. Daniel L. Cox

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

Spc. Cox was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Sept. 12, 2009 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen.

State to honor soldiers by lowering flags
The Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for two days to honor two soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

The lowered flags will honor Cpl. Daniel Cox of Parson on Sept. 21 and Sgt. Tyler Juden of Winfield on Sept. 22. Both men were 23 when they died Sept. 12 in separate attacks.

Cox was killed in Wardak province when his unit came under attack from a roadside bomb and small arms fire.

Juden was killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire near Turan.

Parkinson says the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with the men’s families, friends and communities. He added that their “bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Stood out on football team with scout-team contributions
The Associated Press

Daniel L. Cox didn’t mind working hard to help others be better, whether he was with comrades at Fort Drum, N.Y., or playing the sport that stole his heart: football.

He started in the peewee league and worked his way up to the scout teams in practice at Parsons High School in Parsons, Kan.

“They would get knocked around a lot out there by the varsity pretty good,” assistant coach Mark Pound said. “Not a lot of freshmen wanted to get out there, but Daniel was always first to volunteer.”

The 23-year-old died Sept. 12 of injuries from an attack in Wardak province, Afghanistan, during his second tour of the country. He had joined the Army before graduating in 2005 and had special workouts to get in shape for boot camp.

Pound said Cox’s on-field attitude translated to his military work.

“He never worried about his own stats or glory for himself; it was always about the team,” Pound said, adding that Cox “wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself.”

In his downtime, Cox enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing, old trucks and cars and tinkering with things.

He is survived by his parents, Kim and Sharon, and two sisters, Jennifer and Shannon.

Army Spc. Daniel L. Cox was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W. Va.

SFC Thornsbury was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept.12, 2009 in Baghdad of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover.

‘A no-nonsense type of soldier’
The Associated Press

One of Duane “Tony” Thornsbury’s friends said it wasn’t often you meet a person who will make you stop and think, “there is just something about them.”

But “Tony was that guy!” Sgt. James Smith wrote in an online memorial.

Other friends recalled Thornsbury in a similar fashion.

“He was a go-getter, a no-nonsense type of soldier,” Tony Batts wrote in the same online message board, noting he served with Thornsbury in Iraq from 2003-04.

Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W.Va., died Sept. 12 in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo., and graduated from Grafton (W.Va.) High School, where he was on the wrestling team.

Holly Lane of Winchester, Va., recalled Thornsbury as “a part of our family” when he dated her older sister years ago.

“He was the one to teach me how to ride a horse and gave me riding lessons,” Lane wrote online.

He was on his third deployment to Iraq. Thornsbury had earned his Green Beret in 2006, becoming a weapons sergeant

Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury was killed in a vehicle rollover on 9/12/09.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky

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Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky, 25, of Melrose, Fla.

SSgt. Berky was assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.; died Sept. 12, 2009 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from enemy fire while supporting combat operations.

Was interested in punk rock
The Associated Press

Bryan D. Berky had the focus to disarm bombs in faraway places like Afghanistan, but friends say he was also a dedicated punk rocker.

Berky and his high school classmates would often jam at Berky’s house, said former Bradford High School classmate John Moore. Berky would play guitar — the precursor to his band, My Friend the Artery, Moore said.

At school, he did what he had to for his video class: Berky would often burst into a classroom during lessons, and simply tell the teacher he had to do it for another class.

“He was really a charismatic person who got away with quite a bit,” Moore said.

Berky, 25, of Melrose, Fla., died Sept. 12 when he and other soldiers were ambushed near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Berky enlisted in 2003, a year after graduating from high school.

A former teacher, Christie Torode, said Berky always kept busy and focused, so it didn’t surprise her that he became a detonation specialist.

“He was good at paying attention to detail, but he didn’t like to sit still for too long,” she said.

Berky is survived by his wife, Erin, and his infant son, Harrison.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek

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Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek, 20, of DeKalb, Ill.

Pfc. Martinek was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 11, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds sustained in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device followed by a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire.

‘One of those clowns’
The Associated Press

Friends and family say Matthew M. Martinek had a sparkle in his eyes, maybe the seed of the smile he drew out of others.

“If you were in a bad mood, he always did something to cheer you up y’know, one of those clowns,” said Ryne Jones, who worked with him at a car care center in Martinek’s hometown of DeKalb, Ill.

Martinek, 20, died Sept. 11 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered earlier in a roadside ambush in Paktika province.

“He tried not to talk too much about what he was doing, but he said he liked helping people,” said his brother, Travis Wright.

The Bartlett High School football player graduated in 2007 and joined the Army the next year, following a family tradition that included his grandfather, uncle and two older brothers.

His stepmother, Char DeGand, said he loved the outdoors snowboarding, camping, all-terrain vehicles and had an impressive tan for someone stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

She said he was an organ donor, helping to save other soldiers even after his death.

Martinek also is survived by his father, Michael; mother, Cheryl Brandes Ferguson; and brothers Frank and Michael Jr.

Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek died 9/11/09 from wounds received in combat on 9/4/09.

Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten

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Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten, 24, of Jonesboro, Ark.

1st Lt Parten was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 10, 2009 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.

Ark. soldier killed by insurgents in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Ark — The father of an Arkansas soldier who was killed in Afghanistan said Sept. 12 his son was a gifted leader who was dedicated to serving his country.

“He was one of the most incredible individuals a man could ever be,” Dave Parten told The Associated Press of his son, 24-year-old 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten.

The Defense Department said Tyler Parten was killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 10 after insurgents attacked his unit. The department said he died in Konar province after being wounded when insurgents attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

He had been stationed in Afghanistan since May and was a scout platoon leader on the mission in which he died. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Parten grew up in Marianna and graduated from Marianna Lee High School.

Dave Parten, 53, said his son was a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “The top 10 percent of his class or something like that,” he said.

A second son, Daniel, is in his fourth year at West Point, he said.

Tyler Parten studied Arabic and wanted to be involved in conflicts targeting terror groups overseas, his father said.

“That was his reason for wanting to serve, to face the challenge and to serve others, serve his country,” Dave Parten said. “He wanted to lead other men.”

Tyler Parten’s mother, Lona Parten, told television station KAIT of Jonesboro, Ark., that her son loved the military and his country.

“He’s not just a U.S. soldier, he’s a man that took care of his troops,” she said.

Dave Parten said his son worked to excel in everything he attempted.

“He wrote music,” the father said. “He could pick up and play anything he wanted. He was just incredibly gifted.”

Tyler Parten, who was not married, also had a strong religious foundation and was a “wonderful Christian man,” his father said.

“He had a wonderful relationship with God,” Dave Parten said. “He affected everyone who ever shook hands with him.”

Tyler Parten’s body is expected to be returned to the U.S. over the weekend.

Mourners remember dedicated soldier
The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Ark. — Mourners remembered an Arkansas soldier Sept. 17 who killed in Afghanistan as a brave, dedicated man who knew what he was getting into when he enlisted in the Army.

Family and friends gathered in Marianna to honor 1st Lt. Tyler Parten, who was killed Sept. 10 in Kunbar province after insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.

“My brother died a hero,” his brother, Daniel, told mourners attending Parten’s funeral in downtown Marianna. “Tyler earned his military honors and he knew what he was doing. He knew exactly what he was doing when he signed up for the job he signed up for.”

Parten had been stationed in Afghanistan since May and was a scout platoon leader on the mission in which he died. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

He grew up in Marianna and graduated from Marianna Lee High School. He was 2007 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and his brother, Daniel, is now in his fourth year there.

Parten’s family remembered their son as a bright man who traveled the world and spoke Arabic fluently.

Parten’s service awards included a National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge, according to his mother, Lona Parten of Jonesboro.

“Ty right now is having the greatest adventure of his life. ... I don’t grieve for Tyler, I grieve for us, because a nation has lost a great man,” she told mourners.

‘Tough days make the good days that much better,’ he wrote
The Associated Press

Tyler E. Parten entertained the “kiddos” in Afghanistan with his harmonica, built a chicken coop and wrote warmly of the look on a man’s face “when you show his child a little compassion.”

Those are some of the war zone experiences he documented through photos and messages on Facebook.

“Tough days make the good days that much better,” Parten said in a mid-August posting.

The 2007 graduate of West Point was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo., and studied Arabic because he wanted to help target terrorist groups overseas.

“That was his reason for wanting to serve, to face the challenge and to serve others, serve his country,” said his father, Dave Parten. “He wanted to lead other men.”

The 24-year-old from Marianna, Ark., was doing just that when he died during an ambush Sept. 10 in Konar province.

His father said Parten’s talents went beyond those of a good soldier.

“He wrote music,” Dave Parten said. “He could pick up and play anything he wanted. He was just incredibly gifted.”

The Marianna Lee High School graduate is also survived by his mother, Lona; and a brother, Daniel.

Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten was killed in action on 9/10/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes

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Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C.

LCpl Fowlkes was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Sept. 10, 2009 from wounds sustained Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Gaffney Marine dies from Afghanistan injuries
The Associated Press

COLUMBIA — A 20-year-old Marine from South Carolina has been killed while serving in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense said Friday that Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes died Thursday.

WYFF-TV reports that Fowlkes died at a military hospital in Germany, where he had been recuperating from injuries from an explosion earlier in the week. Family friend LeighAnn Turner told the station Fowlkes' parents had flown to Germany after their son was injured Sept. 3 in Helmand province.

Fowlkes was from Gaffney. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Turner said Fowlkes was a graduate of Gaffney High School.

Wanted to send friend off to boot camp
The Associated Press

Christopher Fowlkes had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, but it wasn’t too much to drive six hours so he could send off his buddy to Marine boot camp.

“His heart was just huge,” said friend Cameron Snuggs. “He was my brother.”

Snuggs said Fowlkes always wore his uniform with pride — whether it was a Little League jersey, his Gaffney Indians high school uniform, Marine dress blues or camouflage.

“No one wore that Gaffney High School uniform like Chris did,” Snuggs said.

Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C., died Sept. 10 at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. He had been seriously wounded a week earlier in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive detonated. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Rev. David Kite eulogized Fowlkes at his funeral.

“He gave laughter in situations that were really difficult to find humor,” Kite said.

“He gave friendship to those who needed a friend.”

Jessica LeMaster, who attended high school with Fowlkes, said it was clear in high school that he wanted to be a Marine. The two shared a love for University of Tennessee sports — and LeMaster said she had borrowed a pair of basketball shorts from him some time ago.

Now, she’ll keep them as something by which to remember him.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes died 9/10/09 of injuries received in the line of duty on 9/3/09.

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton

Remember Our Heroes

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe Ga.

1st Lt. Helton was assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; died Sept. 8, 2009 near Baghdad of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Airman killed in Iraq IED attack
Staff report

An Air Force security forces officer died Tuesday near Baghdad when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

The victim was 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe, Ga., the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

Helton was deployed from the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. He was stationed there in 2007 after graduating from the Air Force Academy, reports said.

“We’d like to express our deepest sympathy to family, friends and comrades of Lieutenant Joe Helton for their recent loss,” said Col. Lawrence Martin, commander of MacDill’s 6th Air Mobility Wing. “Joe was an amazing airman and defender who volunteered to lead our best in Iraq. We are deeply saddened by his loss and very proud of his service.”

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton was killed in action on 9/08/09.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton

Remember Our Heroes

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton, 22, of Riverbank, Calif.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Layton was assigned to an embedded training team with Combined Security Tranisiton Command in Afghanistan; died Sept. 8, 2009 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations.

Training team corpsman killed in Afghanistan
By Andrew Scutro
Staff writer

A corpsman was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan while serving with an embedded training team.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James Ray Layton, 22, of Riverbank, Calif., died in Kunar Province “while supporting combat operations,” according to a news release Thursday from the Defense Department.

At the time of his death Layton was assigned to Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan, which is responsible for training and equipping Afghan security forces.

Lt. Cmdr. John Daniels, a Navy spokesman at the Pentagon, said Layton deployed to Afghanistan with an element of the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Division.

Layton enlisted Dec. 20, 2007.

This spring, two Navy officers serving with the Combined Security Transition Command were killed by an Afghan national. Lt. Florence B. Choe and Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV died March 27.

Loved Japanese people, food, culture
The Associated Press

James Layton’s plan was to get an education in health care, see the world during eight years of military service, then become a radiology technician.

Before going to Afghanistan, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and told his family he loved the people and food while he was there.

“He was a very caring person, so it didn’t surprise me that he was looking at the healing profession,” his grandmother Kathy Anderson said.

Layton, a 22-year-old Navy corpsman from Riverbank, Calif., was killed Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while aiding a wounded U.S. Marine.

Layton enlisted in the Navy two years ago. One of his teachers at Vista High School in Escalon, Calif., recalled Layton saying several years ago that he was inspired by his grandfather’s naval service during the Korean War.

“I wouldn’t say he was a giant go-getter, but he recognized the need to do something with his life,” teacher Shane Bua said.

Layton earn his high school diploma in 2005.

He is survived by his grandmother; his mother, Nikki Freitas, and his father, Brent Layton; two younger brothers, Jonathan and Jesse; a stepsister, Andrea, and a stepbrother, Jason

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

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

GSgt Johnson was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick and 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson.

‘Gunny J’ loved life in the Corps
The Associated Press

Edwin W. Johnson Jr. wasn’t known to many people as Edwin. To loved ones and friends, he was Wayne. To fellow Marines, he was “Gunny J.”

To his younger sister, LaToya Lowe, he was Superman.

“He always tried to help people do better for themselves,” Lowe said. “He was like the role model of the century. Everybody I know who knew my brother, they looked up to him.”

Johnson, 31, of Columbus, Ga., died Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from Columbus High School in 1996, and served in Korea and Japan.

His wife, Tasha, is a fellow Marine.

Johnson loved his life of discipline, though he was quite mischievous as a child. His cousin, Theopolis Ramsey, recalled a time the two were trying to get rid of ants they found in the house with broom straw they would set on fire. They ended up setting a bed on fire.

“That was one of the worst whippings we got,” Ramsey said, laughing. “We would still laugh about it.”

Johnson is also survived by three children: Jaron, Jalissa and Toren.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr. was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson

Remember Our Heroes

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

1st Lt. Johnson was assigned to 7th Communications Battalion, 3rd Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick and Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr.

Enjoyed outdoor activities
The Associated Press

Michael E. Johnson and his wife once made a deal: He would teach her to surf if she taught him how to snowboard.

That love for nature is what brought Johnson to Oregon for college and kept him there.

“He was all about doing stuff outdoors, traveling around, hiking,” said his uncle Greg Chase. He grew up in Virginia Beach, Va., working at surf shops and swimming pools. But Johnson eventually was lured to Oregon State University while visiting friends and family in the state.

His wife, Durinda, also loved to be active, and the two married in an outdoor ceremony in 2007. They moved to Okinawa when he was stationed there, setting up a home and adopting a couple of pets. Then he was sent to Afghanistan.

Johnson, 25, was killed Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, during an insurgent attack.

He had graduated from OSU in 2006, where he was in the Marine ROTC. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant the same day he graduated.

“He was just a hard-working, dedicated kid,” Chase said.

Johnson is survived by his wife; parents; a twin brother, Dan, and brother Steve.

Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, 30, of Roswell, Ga.

GSgt Kenefick was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr. and 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson.

Volunteered at VA hospital on Thanksgiving
The Associated Press

A few years ago on Thanksgiving, Aaron M. Kenefick asked his mom what time dinner would be served. He wanted to make sure he’d have time to visit patients at the Veterans Administration hospital.

“That’s where the true heroes are,” Kenefick told his mother, Susan Price.

“I just smiled and said, ‘That’s why I love you so much,’ ” Price recalled telling her son.

Kenefick himself was the recipient of a Purple Heart after he was wounded by shrapnel in Afghanistan. A fellow Marine died next to him; a sandbag saved Kenefick’s life, said his sister, Jade Myszka.

Two days later on Sept. 8, the 30-year-old from Roswell, Ga., was killed in an ambush in Kunar province. He had been stationed in Okinawa. He enlisted in the Marines immediately after high school.

He was twice named Marine of the Year during his 12-year military career.

“... He was a big part of our young athletic program, and our coaches viewed him as a leader, so I’m not surprised he took that role of leadership as a Marine,” said Kevin Lester, the athletic director at Williamsville South High School in New York. Kenefick went to school there for two years.

Kenefick is survived by his mother and father; two sisters; his girlfriend; and his young daughter, Landon.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith

Remember Our Heroes

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

SSgt Smith was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons and Pfc. Zachary T. Myers.

Liked exploring the Alaskan wilderness
The Associated Press

Shannon Smith was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing, fishing and bowhunting for deer.

But those activities had to be squeezed in when he wasn’t defending his country.

Smith, 31, of Marion, Ohio, joined the Army in 1997 and had served tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia. He died in combat Sept. 8 after the vehicle he was in was bombed in Baji, Iraq. He was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Another Ohioan, Zachary T. Myers, also died in the attack. Myers thought highly of Smith, his mother, Tonya J. Latto, told the Columbus Dispatch.

“He talked about Shannon all the time and about what a great a guy he was,” Latto said. “He was a good friend who showed him the ropes.”

Smith was a 1997 graduate of Marion Harding High School, where he excelled in wrestling.

He and his wife, Cassie, liked to spend time sightseeing and photographing Alaska when they could find the time.

Smith also leaves behind a son, Steven.

Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc. Lyons was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Zachary T. Myers and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith.

Flags at half-staff on day of burial
The Associated Press

FERNLEY, Nev. — A northern Nevada soldier killed Sept. 8 in Iraq has been laid to rest in Fernley.

Funeral services for Army Pfc. Thomas Lyons, 20, took place Sept. 14, with burial at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Lyons died when an enemy explosion hit the truck he was riding in north of Baghdad.

His wife, Delvin, is also an active duty soldier, and both were stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The Lyons had their first child this spring.

Lyons’ family and a military honor guard received his body Sept. 13 at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Flags at the Nevada State Capitol Complex were flown at half-staff Sept. 14 in honor of Lyons.

From rebellious teen to responsible soldier
The Associated Press

In the last years of his life, Thomas F. Lyons grew from a rebellious teen who once made off with his family’s car and wrecked it to a “good man” who was happy to be a father, his best friend said.

“He chose to go to Iraq,” Michael Coughlin said. “He didn’t go for blood or glory. He went to protect his family and freedom.”

Lyons, 20, of Fernley, Nev., died Sept. 8 when the vehicle he was in was attacked with an explosive device in Baji, Iraq. Three others also were killed. All four were based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

John Flint said his stepson was kind and giving, and sometimes unaware of his talents.

“He loved life and people,” Flint said.

Lyons grew up in a large family and he liked sports. He wanted to become a police officer when he returned from Iraq.

Earlier this year in Alaska, Lyons married his wife, Delvin, a military police officer. The couple’s son, Erik, was born in May.

Lyons was deployed to Iraq in July. He was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist.

“His sacrifice will not be forgotten by both his country and his community,” Coughlin said.

Army Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Pfc. Zachary T. Myers

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc. Myers was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith.

Service gave Myers a sense of purpose

The Associated Press

As a kid growing up in central Ohio, Zach Myers got into a lot of mischief with his best friend, Jeffrey Naples.

“From playing in the mud behind our houses to shocking ourselves on a car battery to see if it has a charge and everything between,” Naples wrote in an online post.

After spending time in the Army, Myers changed — for the better, said Heather Betts, another friend.

“When he was in high school he didn’t care about life or anything, but he joined the service and his feelings changed,” Betts said. “He cared.”

Myers, 21, of Delaware, Ohio, died Sept. 8 after the vehicle he was in was bombed in Baji, Iraq. He was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Myers, a 2006 graduate of Delaware Hayes (Ohio) High School, was a husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Megan, and his 15-month-old daughter, Rowen.

Friends said they were proud of him for his growth and for serving their country.

“I’m going to miss you a lot!” Naples wrote. “You did your job and you did it well! Unfortunately you had to depart, but with honor.”

Army Pfc. Zachary T. Myers was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas

SSgt Murphrey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 6, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

News West 9 -- SNYDER- An update on the death of a West Texas Soldier NewsWest 9 told you about on Tuesday night.

25-year-old Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey from Snyder will be honored with a moment of silence at the next home football game in Snyder.

NewsWest 9 talked to Sergeant Murphrey's high school football coach.

He said he watched Murphrey grow up and become an outstanding, West Texas, All-American man.

Murphrey leaves behind a wife and two children

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey was killed in action on 9/06/09.

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney, 27, of Orlando, Fla.

Sgt. Haney was assigned to 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 6, 2009 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

Enjoyed working on his Honda Civic

The Associated Press

When Randy M. Haney got a care package filled with candy while serving in Afghanistan, he wasn’t the one who ate it. He gave it to Afghan children, his mother said.

“He was very proud of the fact that he helped people and that he was serving his country,” added his mother-in-law, Cindy Alexopoulos. “He cared a lot about the kids and trying to help people who were there.”

Haney, 27, of Orlando, Fla., was killed Sept. 6 when enemy forces attacked his unit. He joined the military in search of a stable job after he earned his GED and had trouble finding jobs. He was a military police officer assigned to Fort Carson, Colo.

Haney had served a tour in Afghanistan from 2005-06, and in Iraq from 2007-08. But he was ready to come back to civilian life with his wife and two young children. And he was especially excited to work on his speedy Honda Civic, which he was always taking apart and putting back together.

His family said he was also a jokester who decided he would be in charge of boosting morale in his military unit.

Haney is survived by his wife, Katie, and two children, 5-year-old Aubry and 18-month-old Austin.

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney was killed in action on 9/6/09.

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, Texas

Capt. Meadows was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Sept. 5, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

MarSOC officer killed in Afghanistan
Staff report

A California-based Marine was killed Saturday in Afghanistan’s Farah province, the Pentagon reported Wednesday.

Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, Texas, died from wounds sustained during a firefight, friends told the Elgin Courier, his hometown newspaper. A UH-1N Huey pilot, he was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces-Special Operations Command, out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He had joined MarSOC in May, Marine officials said in a statement.

Meadows enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996, and he served as a reservist while studying at Texas Tech University, the Courier reported. He and his wife were expecting the birth of their first child.

His military awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, officials said.

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows was killed in action on 9/05/09.

Army 2nd Lt. Darryn D. Andrews

Remember Our Heroes

Army 2nd Lt. Darryn D. Andrews, 34, of Dallas

2nd Lt Andrews was assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; was killed Sept. 4, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade.

‘If he knew you, it was always a bear hug’

The Associated Press

Darryn D. Andrews wasn’t one for shaking hands.

“If he knew you, it was always a bear hug. It didn’t make any difference,” said his mother, Sondra.

She said he loved life, especially with his wife, Julie, and their 2-year-old son. The couple was expecting their second child when Andrews died Sept. 4 of wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

The 34-year-old from Dallas was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

His mother said he was lighthearted, energetic and “could put a fun spin on any situation.” He enjoyed scuba and sky diving, fishing and hunting, and he immersed himself in athletics, theater productions and church youth group while growing up in the Texas panhandle.

He and his twin brother, Jarrett, attended Texas Tech University, and he earned a master’s degree from Texas State University in 2008. But his sense of duty led him to the military six years ago, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

“We grew up with an enormous amount of pride for our nation,” she said. “We passed it on to our children, never thinking we would pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

Andrews also is survived by his father

Army 2nd Lt. Darryn D. Andrews was killed in action on 9/4/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 25, of Burnsville, Minn.

SSgt Selge was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 3, 2009 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover. Also killed was Army Spc. Jordan M. Shay.

Burnsville native dies in Iraq

By Nomaan Merchant
The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Just about everyone at Burnsville High School knew what Todd Selge would do after graduation.

“You hear things about different seniors that are going to be graduating,” said associate principal Bruce Morrissette. “It was very apparent that Todd had a desire to serve his country and felt a duty to do so.”

The 25-year-old staff sergeant was killed Thursday along with another soldier, Spc. Jordan M. Shay, of Salisbury, Mass. The two were injured in a vehicle rollover, according to a release from Fort Lewis, Wash.

Selge’s wife told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he was killed less than a month into his second deployment.

“He was definitely gung-ho about the military,” said Dellona Selge, adding that her husband hoped to return to Minnesota after finishing his service in 2012. “He was going to get out. He wanted to finish up school and move back home and have a regular life.”

The couple has two sons, ages 6 and 2.

Selge enlisted in the Army in 2004, two years after he graduated from high school. He was deployed to Iraq once before and received a Purple Heart.

Before and during his service, Selge made it clear he joined the Army to help others achieve freedom.

“We’ve heard that a lot of insurgents have moved here from Baghdad,” he told the Associated Press in March 2007 while posted in Diyala province, northeast of the Iraqi capital. “The Iraqi army is supposed to be OK here, so we’re coming to help them stand up.”

The following month, he wrote an essay for an internal Army newsletter describing his experiences — carrying out attacks on insurgents, getting to know other soldiers, and handing out candy to children.

“What does the average soldier think on a daily basis?” he wrote. “He wants to accomplish the mission. He wants to see the smiles of the Iraqi people endure. He is grateful for everything he has back home, and he wishes the very same freedom he is fighting for, upon the country of Iraq.”

Though he also played football for three years, Selge stood out in high school due to his commitment to serving in the military one day, according to associate principal Bruce Morrissette.

“A lot of students come and go, but I do remember Todd,” Morrissette said.

The team will hold a moment of silence at its game next Friday for him.

Army Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge was killed in action on 9/03/09.

Army Spc. Jordan M. Shay

Remember Our Heroes

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

Spc Shay was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 3, 2009 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover. Also killed was Army Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge.

Boston Globe -- The body of Army Specialist Jordan Shay, an Amesbury native, arrived in the state yesterday, a week after he was killed in a vehicle accident in Iraq.

“It was a very emotional moment for the family, friends, military, and onlookers as well,’’ said Master Sergeant Pallas Wahl, a spokesman for the Massachusetts National Guard. It’s a “very sad day when a soldier returns home in that manner.’’

Shay was an active-duty soldier with Company A, Fifth Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment from Fort Lewis, Wash.

Shay’s body arrived at Hanscom Air Force Base at 9:30 a.m. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment received the body from the plane, Wahl said.

Shay, 22, was a graduate of Amesbury High School’s class of 2005. His family now lives in Newburyport.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Twomey Leblanc and Conte Funeral Home, located in Newburyport. A funeral Mass will be held tomorrow at Holy Family Parish in Amesbury.

Shay and another soldier were killed Sept. 3 in a vehicle rollover in Baqubah. Shay’s aunt said last week that the family would greatly miss him, but was also proud of his service

Army Spc. Jordan M. Shay was killed in action on 9/03/09.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione

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Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione, 21, of Howell, Mich.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Castiglione was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Sept. 3, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Also killed was Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr.

Corpsman with 2nd LAR killed in Afghanistan
Staff report

A Navy corpsman was killed Sept. 3 while supporting Marines in southern Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione, 21, of Howell, Mich., died after being struck by an improvised explosive in Helmand province, his family told local media. Units from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade have been operating in Helmand and neighboring provinces since the spring. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Lejeune.

Castiglione was the subject of a February feature story in the Daily Press & Argus, his hometown newspaper. At the time, his father described the corpsman as a “gung-ho, John Wayne type of guy.”

Just a few months before that article was published, Castiglione had received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for actions in Iraq. His commander, Col. R.E. Smith, singled out the sailor’s quick actions after one Marine in the unit had been stung by a scorpion and, again, in the wake of a car wreck involving Iraqi civilians near Combat Outpost Rio Lobo.

“The military life is not easy,” Castiglione told the newspaper last winter, “but I believe that I am a stronger person for it. The hardships I have dealt with were worth what I have learned and the bonds I have with the Marines in my platoon. When my platoon and I have downtime and talk and mess around with each other, it’s like one big hilarious, dysfunctional family — and it’s a blast. We take care of each other.”

Castiglione joined the Navy in 2006. He aspired to be a physician’s assistant.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione was killed in action on 9/03/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr., 19, of San Antonio

LCpl Baltazar was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Sept. 3, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Also killed was Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione.

San Antonio Express -- In high school, Christopher Baltazar favored getting dirty and sweaty in the field over the spit-and-polish look that Junior ROTC students push themselves to achieve.

So it wasn’t a surprise to any of his friends that he joined the Marines after graduating last year from Judson High School.

The Judson community now is reeling over the news from Afghanistan. His family learned late Thursday that he died after stepping on a pressure-activated explosive.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. James Grace, senior aerospace science instructor at Judson, remembered Baltazar, 19, as a quiet, respectful young man who seemed more comfortable in camouflage than a military dress uniform.

Using a compass and map, Baltazar and his JROTC orienteering team from Judson would compete against other schools in timed land-navigation drills at Camp Bullis. They would run virtually the whole time through a rugged course extending at least a mile or two, Grace said.

“He was more into the idea of getting out there and being a hardcore military guy,” he said.

Judson officials decided to honor Baltazar with a moment of silence at Friday night’s football game against Smithson Valley.

Baltazar is the third San Antonian killed in Afghanistan in less than a month. Marine Lance Cpl. Travis Babine, who died Aug. 6 in Farah province, and Army Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen, who died Aug. 18 in Paktika province, also were killed by improvised explosives.

Brendon Baltazar told his brother he loved him the last time the young Marine called on his satellite phone from Afghanistan, about two weeks ago. Having been raised by a mother who had deployed several times, including once to Iraq, the two had a habit of saying “I love you” each time they spoke.

“In a military family, you just don’t want to send anyone away without hearing that,” said Baltazar, 18.

Christopher Shawn Baltazar Jr. would’ve turned 20 on Sept. 23. He was strong-willed, like his mother, Army Staff Sgt. Beatriz Alberts, who works at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, his brother said.

But he also had a sense of humor that came naturally. He listed “Scrubs” as his favorite television show on his MySpace page. “Dogs, snakes and Marines” were his animals of choice.

“There’s never been anyone else on this planet who I could not be angry at,” his brother said. “If he poked me with a stick, I’d curse at him, and laugh at him at the same time.”

Baltazar also had a sister and two stepbrothers, his brother said.

Will Weber, 19, said Baltazar was one of his closest friends growing up. They shared boyhood adventures, riding bikes and playing football and baseball together in the Sunrise neighborhood on the Northeast Side.

Baltazar, a native of New York state, was new to San Antonio when they met in sixth grade. They later were in the youth group together at Cornerstone Church, Weber said.

“He was always a real funny, joyful, happy person,” he said. “He was so excited about being a Marine. He believed in honor and serving his country.”

Arrangements are pending for a local funeral and burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr. was killed in action on 9/03/09.

Army Spc. Tyler R. Walshe

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Tyler R. Walshe, 21, of Shasta, Calif.

Spc. Walshe was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 31, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Spc. Jonathan D. Welch and Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu.

Spc. Tyler R. Walshe leaves a wife and young daughter who will have her first birthday this Veteran's Day. He also leaves his parents and three younger brothers behind.

He was known to his friends at Tyler Vietti, or Tyler Walshe-Vietti, as he chose to identify with his stepfather's name. He was a 2006 graduate of Central Valley High School in Shasta, California, where he was a star athelete. He was an all-league pitcher, played defensive end, and was backup quarterback for the Central Valley Falcons’ team that went on to win the Northern Section’s Division II title.

Central Valley grad killed in Afghanistan

Note: This is an updated story from the one that appears in the Sept. 2 issue of the Bulletin.

By JIM DYAR and RON HARRINGTON

Tyler Vietti, 21, a 2006 Central Valley High School graduate, was killed in action while serving in the U.S. military in Afghanistan, his father Paul said in an email to the Bulletin Tuesday night.

Paul Vietti, who apologized and said it was just too hard for him to talk about what happened but that he was more than happy to answer questions via email, said his son was on a mission with his troops when he got out of the vehicle and was hit by an IED (bomb).

“He currently is being flown back to the states,” Vietti said in the email. “There will be a ceremony for him on his home base in Ft. Lewis, Wash., where his wife and daughter live.”

Vietti said his son joined the army at the age of 18 and had just gone to Afghanistan about a month ago. He met his wife Kirsten while he was based in Ft. Lewis. Their daughter turns one-year-old in October, Vietti said.

Paul and his wife Dawn now live in Cottonwood. Tyler has three younger brothers – Eric, Cameron and Danny. Vietti said a ceremony will be held locally, probably sometime next week.

Vietti said they have received “a ton of calls and text messages” since news of Tyler’s death spread throughout the Gateway School District schools, the city of Shasta Lake and on the Internet where many MySpace pages were listing “R.I.P. Tyler Vietti” following name titles.

“We would just like to say thank you and we love you to obviously a lot of people who Tyler touched their lives,” he said in the email. “We are very proud of him.” The last sentence was all in caps with several exclamation points.

Tyler Vietti was a star athlete at Central Valley who played defensive end on the undefeated Northern Section champion football team in 2005. He also was an all-league pitcher who was part of the Falcons’ varsity squad for three years and pitched in the Lions All Star Game. And he played on the basketball team as well making him a three-sport athlete at the school.

“Tyler was a happy, fun-loving young man,” said Central Valley Baseball Coach Bob Anderson. “He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He befriended everyone. He was a quality young man and so pleasant to people.”

In addition to playing defensive end, Vietti was also the Falcons’ backup quarterback on the 2005 team that went 12-0 and won the Northern Section’s Division II title.

“He was very honest and open, and just a great kid,” said Central Valley Football Coach Matt Hunsaker. “He was a throwing type of quarterback and we were a running team, but he said, ‘Coach, just put me where ever you want me to play.’ He was a big, tall lanky guy and fearless. He wasn’t afraid to do whatever we asked him to do.”

Army Spc. Tyler R. Walshe was killed in action on 8/31/09.

Army Spc. Jonathan D. Welch

Remember Our Heroes

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

Spc. Welch was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 31, 2009 in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu and Spc. Tyler R. Walshe.

OC Register -- Flags at the Capitol building in Sacramento will be flown at half-staff tomorrow in honor of Army Spc. Jonathan Welch from Yorba Linda.

Welch died on Monday after a roadside bomb struck his unit in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan. He was 19-years-old.

“Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Specialist Jonathan Welch. He fought courageously, putting himself in harm’s way as he served our country," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement released Wednesday evening. "We join all Californians in remembering his commitment and sacrifice.”

Welch joined the Army in March, 2007 and was stationed out of Fort Lewis, Wash. He was on his first deployment, and had been in Afghanistan since July.

The Associated Press is reporting that at least 49 U.S. troops died in Afghanistan last month, making August the deadliest months for troops since the American-led invasion in 2001.

Pfc. Jordan Brochu, a 20-year-old from Cumberland Maine, died with Welch in the attack.

Army Spc. Jonathan D. Welch was killed in action on 8/31/09.

Army Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc Brochu was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 31, 2009 in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Spc. Jonathan D. Welch and Spc. Tyler R. Walshe.

Flags lowered in memory of Brochu
The Associated Press

OAKLAND, Maine — Flags in Maine are flying at half-staff Sept. 10 in honor of a soldier from the state who was killed in combat in Afghanistan. Pfc. Jordan Brochu is also being honored with a memorial service in celebration of his life.

Brochu died Aug. 31 from wounds suffered in an improvised explosive device attack. Brochu moved to Maine while he was in high school, and his parents live in Oakland, outside of Waterville.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville. A service with military honors for family and close friends will follow at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

Gov. John Baldacci has ordered U.S. and Maine flags flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset.

Brochu was serving with an infantry battalion out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

Pfc. excelled putting shot, in the kitchen
The Associated Press

OAKLAND, Maine — A soldier from Maine who was killed in Afghanistan was remembered as an outgoing high school student who excelled as an athlete and who loved to cook.

Pfc. Jordan Brochu was killed Aug. 31 in Afghanistan, according to Gov. John Baldacci’s office.

Brochu’s family moved to Maine for his senior year in high school. His coaches at Lake Region High School, where he graduated in 2008, told the Morning Sentinel of Waterville that Brochu played football and qualified for the state track meet as a discus thrower. He also was involved in culinary arts with a fondness for baking cookies.

In one season, Brochu went from not knowing how to throw a discus to having the best form of anyone that Lake Region track coach Chip Morton had coached.

“He was very dedicated and determined to succeed,” Morton said. “It’s hard to look at so short of a life as a success, but he lived life with a passion and he was loved by those who knew him.”

Brochu had been through some tough times in his life, but he was involved in school and fit in well, principal Roger Lowell said.

“To have a kid who goes through that and gets back into school and back on track and has a good senior year isn’t all that common,” Lowell said.

Brochu, 20, was serving with Company C, 1-17th Infantry Battalion of Fort Lewis, Wash. Additional details about his death were not available.

His parents live in Oakland, but they weren’t at their rural farmhouse Tuesday afternoon.

Army Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu was killed in action on 8/31/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. David R. Hall

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, 31, of Elyria, Ohio

LCpl Hall was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 31, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations.

The Plain Dealer -- LORAIN -- Three somber Marines stood in Lulu Hall's living room Monday. She knew what they had to tell her. But they kept silent.

They said they must wait until her husband, Delmar, arrived.

The 58-year-old mother asked them to sit. Politely, they declined.

The next 45 minutes felt like an eternity.

Finally, her husband arrived from his job at the Avon Lake Ford plant, and the Marines told her what she had known since she saw them approach her front porch.

Her son, 31-year-old U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, was killed Monday while serving in Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

"One of his duties was to go ahead of his unit and use a detector to check for bombs," said his sister Lora Hall, 37, of Lorain.

Hall had been on a foot patrol in Helmand province, where U.S. forces have been battling the Taliban, when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

Hall and his three older sisters grew up in Lorain. He played football for Southview High School in Lorain where he graduated in 1996, his family said.

Former Southview football coach Brian Joyner, who coached Hall during his senior year -- the only season Hall played -- remembered him as a "mentally tough" kid who had a good heart. He said Hall threw a 60-yard pass during a tryout.

"He was a kid who never threw a football, and he became our quarterback," Joyner said. "I still don't know what to say. I'm shocked."

For six years, Hall worked on the line at the Lorain Ford plant.

"He hated every day of it," Lulu Hall said.

He loved children as much as his two older sisters who are teachers in the Lorain school district. He wanted to get married and start a family.

But first, he wanted to return to school to become a registered nurse. A friend convinced him to join the Marines, his mother said.

"I tried everything to talk him out of enlisting. But he said it's something he had to do," his sister Lora said.

She recalled one of the last times her brother called from Afghanistan.

"I said, 'I just want you to know you're our hero.' He said, 'Yeah, but heroes die.' "

Lora Hall understood what he said.

"They don't want to be heroes. They want to make a difference, serve their country and come home alive," she said. "More than anything else in the world he wanted to come back alive and get married and have a family."

He did a tour last year in Iraq. The 6-foot-4 man dropped from 232 to 188 pounds.

He last returned home in April. Delmar and Lora Hall went to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to see him off. His mother did not.

"I couldn't do it again. It was so hard to see him go to Iraq," his mother said.

The Marine tried to comfort her: "I'll be home at Christmas, mom," she recalled him saying. "You gotta buy me a Christmas present."

He was scheduled to return Dec. 17. His final year in the military was to have been spent out of combat.

At Camp Lejeune, he posed for pictures with his father, his sister and members of his unit.

"He said one of the hardest things to do was to every time he leaves make peace with the world because he may never set foot on American soil again," his sister said.

Asked whether she thought he had made peace before leaving, she did not hesitate.

"Yes," she said. "Yes, I'm sure he did."

Marine Lance Cpl. David R. Hall was killed in action on 8/31/09.

Army Pfc. Eric W. Hario

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc Hario was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; died Aug. 29, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was shot by enemy forces Aug. 28, 2009 while conducting combat operations.

Monroe Evening News -- Despite the dangers that awaited him, Army Pfc. Eric W. Hario of Monroe knew he wanted to be a Ranger because he was committed to excellence.

And when he achieved his goal, his confidence is his abilities only got stronger.

"He was on top of the world," his mother, Becky, said this morning. "He was always so sure of himself."

On Friday, Pfc. Hario, 19, a 2008 Monroe High School graduate, was shot in the neck during a mission in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan. A medic attended to him immediately, but he died in the helicopter during emergency evacuation to a hospital.

"He always strived to be the best," Mrs. Hario said. "He wanted to be a Ranger because they're the best. Rangers all the way. He was on top of the world. He was always so sure of himself."

The news came Saturday when two members of the military approached the family home where an American flag hangs near the front door. At first Mrs. Hario wasn't sure who the two dark figures were standing outside.

As soon as she saw the dress uniforms, she knew.

"They don't come to give you good news," she said. "It's not even real to us."

A Monroe High School football player and wrestler, Pfc. Hario always was going to be a soldier, his parents said. Ever since he was a youngster, it was evident that their youngest of three boys was going to dedicate himself to his country.

As he got older, he enjoyed playing video games with military themes. He had a large American flag hanging in his bedroom, his parents said.

He enlisted when he was 17 and began basic training on July 5, 2008, at Fort Benning, Ga. He then finished his training as a Ranger. He was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Though they knew their son would be placed in dangerous situations, his parents always supported his decisions.

"I told my sons to follow their dreams," his father, James, said. "He was very committed."

"I felt really proud and scared at the same time," Mrs. Hario added.

Their oldest son, Spc. Robert Hario, 25, also is in the Army and is stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. He and his family are expected home tonight. Their middle son, Mark, 22, is a student at Monroe County Community College.

Arrangements still are pending, but the Harios believe the funeral will not be held until next week. His flag-draped casket arrived today in the United States.

The Army released a statement stating that Pfc. Hario was mortally wounded during a combat operation on his first deployment "in support of the Global War on Terror." The battle lasted more than 20 hours.

Pfc. Hario's decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Parachutist Badge.

"As a Ranger, Pfc. Eric William Hario distinguished himself as a member of the Army's premier light-infantry unit, traveled to all corners of the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, and fought valiantly to uphold the prestige, honor, and high 'esprit de corps' of the Ranger Regiment," the statement said.

Pfc. Hario had been deployed to Afghanistan only about three weeks ago, something his parents knew would happen.

"If you're a Ranger, you're going to Afghanistan," Mr. Hario said. "It was just a matter of time."

His parents know little of the firefight that claimed their son's life. They only know that he was on a mission and was struck down almost immediately after stepping off a helicopter. A second soldier was killed and three others were wounded. However, Mrs. Hario said she heard that the insurgents were overtaken during the long fight.

"Apparently they got what they deserved," she said.

It was only a day or two before the deadly battle that Mrs. Hario spoke to her son, a young man she described as funny, committed and happy. It was during that conversation that she felt her son had a premonition. She said he always spoke openly to her and she had an instinct that he was concerned about this mission.

It was the last time she spoke to him.

"I think he knew," Mrs. Hario said. "He said, 'I love you all very much. You're always in my heart.' "

Army Pfc. Eric W. Hario was killed in action on 8/29/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke, 29, of Orlando, Fla.

SSgt Dahlke was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; died Aug. 29, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was shot by enemy forces Aug. 28, 2009 while conducting combat operations.

Orlando Sentinel -- You would never know by looking at Staff Sgt. Jason Dahlke that he was a U.S. Army Ranger, his father Roger Dahlke said.

The University of Central Florida graduate rarely talked about work. He was happy-go-lucky. Easy to talk to. Pleasant to be around. Still, Jason's passion was clear.

"'Dad,' he said. 'I love my job'," Roger Dahlke recalled his son saying during a recent visit with his parents at their Jacksonville home.

On Saturday, Jason, 29, died during a firefight in a rugged, mountainous area of Paktika province, Afghanistan, according to Army officials. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, which is based at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

It was Jason's third deployment to Afghanistan, and sixth overall.

"It was what he wanted to do," Roger said of Jason's career as an Army Ranger. "We all knew the dangers and the risks."

A second soldier in the same regiment, Pfc. Eric W. Hario, 19, of Monroe, Mich., died that day during the same firefight.

Jason was born Nov. 8, 1979 in Tampa and raised in Jacksonville with his brother and three sisters. Even as a child, he was easy to get along with. He struck up conversations with his parents' friends, and hung out with peers who were outgoing like him.

"Everybody liked him. People were just drawn to him," Roger said.

Jason met his future wife, then named Niki Norvell, in grade school, his mother-in-law Stephanie Norvell said.

In high school, they re-connected. Jason was fun and adventurous. Niki loved him because he made her laugh, her sister Amy Jensen said.

They went to prom together. And when Niki moved to Orlando for college, Jason followed. He couldn't do without her.

"It was one of those high school romances," Norvell said.

Jason thought about going into law-enforcement and majored in criminal justice at UCF. Around his third year of college, the young man began to talk to his father about joining the military, Roger said.

Jason graduated from UCF in early 2004, Jensen said. That May he enlisted.

In June 2005 Jason became a Ranger. Three months later, Jason and Niki got married.

"In her words, 'he was the best,'" Jensen recalled Niki saying.

Jason said little to his parents about his job. Doing so could end his career as a Ranger.

Jason won a Purple Heart and two Army Commendation Medals, according to Army officials, but never mentioned them to his parents.

"We didn't know anything until we searched on the Internet. There was his picture, getting a Purple Heart," Roger said.

They didn't know where he was serving, either.

On Saturday, Army officials knocked on Roger's door, bearing the news of Jason's death. They didn't need to speak.

"I opened the door and I saw them standing there. I knew," Roger said. "It's just a sad thing."

Army Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke was killed in action on 8/29/09.

Army Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III, 22, of Columbia, S.C.

Spc. Wheeler was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 28, 2009 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

WLTX -- Columbia (WLTX) - A Midlands family is mourning the loss of a hero tonight. Twenty-two-year-old Abraham Wheeler died in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan.

"He's a good boy. He was a good boy and I know that God knows what he's doing," says Wheeler's aunt, Catherine Thomas.

For Thomas and other family members, that idea has come to the ultimate test. Her nephew Abraham, known to them as Rod, was killed just two days ago. "I was sitting there and my brother called me and he told me he had bad news. When he told me, I was trying to hold myself together, but I couldn't, so I just fell apart," she says, "What was in my head was his being so young. His life is gone and he's just getting started."

The army was how Rod had planned to start his adulthood. "He had it together, what he he wanted to do. He wanted to go to school, but he said he was going in the service and then when he came out, he would be able to go, knowing that he father couldn't send him," says Thomas.

His father, along with his mother and younger brother Travis, are leaning on extended family like Thomas. "We're a loving family. We love each other very much," she says.

Of course, their memories help too, especially those from just a few weeks ago when he was home on leave. Thomas says of her nephew, "Everybody loves him. He laughs all the time, the biggest pretty smile."

"We was expecting him back in October and so we were all looking forward to that and we was praying that he would be able to make it back," says Thomas.

It's that activity that's been continuous through it all. "We can question Him, but He's in control, so we're just praying that we can hold it together," she says.

Army Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III was killed in action on 8/28/09.

Army Sgt. Earl D. Werner

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, of Mondovi, Wis.

Sgt. Werner was assigned to the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, Portland, Ore.; died Aug. 28, 2009 in Rashid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an explosively formed penetrator. Also killed was Army Spc. Taylor D. Marks.

2 Oregon guardsmen killed in Iraq

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon National Guard has identified two soldiers killed when a convoy they were guarding was attacked in Iraq.

Pfc. Taylor D. Marks, 19, and a decorated veteran, Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, died Aug. 28 when the convoy was struck by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, an armor-piercing explosive that turns into a projectile when detonated.

Werner was on his third deployment with the Oregon National Guard. He had been awarded the Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife Casey and son Charles of Amboy, Wash.

Marks, of Monmouth, was a graduate of Central High School. He is survived by his parents and stepfather, and his sister and brother.

Both were serving with the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Army Sgt. Earl D. Werner was killed in action on 8/28/09.

Army Spc. Taylor D. Marks

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, Ore.

Spc. Marks was assigned to the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, Portland, Ore.; died Aug. 28, 2009 in Rashid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an explosively formed penetrator. Also killed was Army Sgt. Earl D. Werner.

2 Oregon guardsmen killed in Iraq

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon National Guard has identified two soldiers killed when a convoy they were guarding was attacked in Iraq.

Pfc. Taylor D. Marks, 19, and a decorated veteran, Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, died Aug. 28 when the convoy was struck by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, an armor-piercing explosive that turns into a projectile when detonated.

Werner was on his third deployment with the Oregon National Guard. He had been awarded the Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife Casey and son Charles of Amboy, Wash.

Marks, of Monmouth, was a graduate of Central High School. He is survived by his parents and stepfather, and his sister and brother.

Both were serving with the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Marks wanted to study Japanese, finance
The Associated Press

MONMOUTH, Ore. — Relatives of an Oregon teenager killed in Iraq remember Taylor Marks as a young man who didn’t want to go into debt, so he went into the National Guard.

His stepfather says the 19-year-old from Monmouth planned to go to the University of Oregon to study finance and Japanese.

He decided to join the Guard to raise college money.

Marks was guarding a convoy Aug. 28 when an armor-piercing projectile struck. He and 38-year-old Sgt. Earl Werner of Amboy, Wash., died. They are the first fatalities in the deployment of about 2,400 Oregon-based soldiers this summer.

“He didn’t want to incur any debt, and he didn’t want us to incur any debt,” said Marks’ stepfather, Don Mack of Monmouth. “He came home and told us that he was going to join the Guard to help pay for his school.”

Marks was born in Salem and raised in Monmouth. On the night of his high school graduation, in late May 2008, Marks told the Statesman Journal that he planned to continue working at his job at a Chevron station, then enter the National Guard in August.

“I’m a little bit nervous, but I’ve got some big plans to look forward to,” Marks said then.

He ended up going to National Guard training with a friend.

The Oregon Military Department said he was contracted to go to the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio in California, but made the decision to defer his schooling to deploy with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The military department says he has been promoted posthumously from private first class to specialist.

Werner, 38, was on his third deployment with the Oregon Guard. He had won the Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Action Badge.

A third soldier, 24-year-old Specialist Reid Walch of Redmond, was seriously wounded by shrapnel. He was evacuated to a combat support hospital for treatment, Capt. Stephen Bomar said.

Army Spc. Taylor D. Marks was killed in action on 8/28/09.

Army Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La.

Pfc. Wildes was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 27, 2009 in Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Colorado Springs Gazette -- A Fort Carson soldier died when insurgents bombed a convoy in Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced today.

Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., was killed Thursday by the roadside bomb that struck a convoy from the 4th Brigade Combat Team. The brigade, part of Fort Carson’s 4th Infantry Division, went to Afghanistan in May to patrol a four-province area along the Pakistan border.

“He was a sweet kid,” his mother Mary Wildes said. “He didn’t like me saying that, but he was a kid. I treated him like a baby. But he was my baby.”

Mary Wildes last spoke with her son the day before his death. They chatted on Myspace instant messenger, and Wildes told him she loved him but she didn’t want to waste his allotted 30 minutes on the computer.

Matthew Wildes joined the Army in April 2008. It was a decision his parents tried to sway him from, but he was determined. He took his GED in order to enter the Army as soon as possible, his mother said.

Halfway through basic training, Matthew Wildes was sent home with stress fractures in his legs. He spent his month of recovery anxious to get back and disappointed he wouldn’t be graduating with the soldiers he started with.

He carried that loyalty to the battlefield, Mary Wildes said.

Fort Carson has lost 264 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 10 killed since June in a rash of Afghan attacks.

Wildes arrived at Fort Carson in October after basic training where he learned to be an infantryman, the Army said.

Army Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes was killed in action on 8/27/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Kurt R. Curtiss

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Kurt R. Curtiss, 27, of Murray, Utah

SSgt Curtiss was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Aug. 26, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack.

‘He felt we were in danger’
The Associated Press

SOUTH OGDEN, Utah — A candlelight vigil has been scheduled for Aug. 31 for a Utah soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Kurt Curtiss, 27, of Murray was fatally shot Aug. 25 in a firefight as his unit tried to clear a group of insurgents out of a hospital in Paktika province, Army spokesman Nathan Banks said.

Curtiss is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, a 9-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter.

Curtiss had two prior tours of duty in Iraq and told his mother that the situation he found in his most recent deployment in Afghanistan was “brutal.”

“He didn’t say much more than that,” his mother, Ruth Serrano of South Ogden, told the Salt Lake Tribune. “I don’t know if he wasn’t allowed to, or if he just didn’t want to worry people. I don’t know.”

Forty-seven U.S. service members died in August in Afghanistan, the most since the start of the eight-year war.

Curtiss, who enlisted in the Army the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

“He felt we were in danger and he wanted to do something to help,” said his sister, Lynn Burr of Arizona.

Vigil for Utah soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

SOUTH OGDEN, Utah — Friends and family of a Utah soldier killed in Afghanistan held a vigil to remember him on the lawn of his mother’s home.

Kurt Curtiss, 27, died Aug. 26 in Paktika Province in Afghanistan. He was shot while his unit was supporting Afghan security forces during an enemy attack.

Ruth Serrano on Sept. 1 recalled seeing her son at Christmas. She said he was handsome and well-mannered but that something was wrong and he wouldn’t talk about it.

Curtiss, of Murray, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He left behind had a wife and two young children.

Curtiss went to Afghanistan in December. He had already served two tours in Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Kurt R. Curtiss was killed in action on 8/26/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, 20, of San Clemente, Calif.;

LCpl Hogan was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 26, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

OC Register -- The remains of a San Clemente Marine killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware today and are expected in Southern California in the middle of next week.

Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, 20, was on a foot patrol Wednesday morning at the time of the blast that also injured several other Marines, said a spokesman for the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton.

Family members were planning to be on hand for the transfer at Dover today.

Associated Press photographs showed the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Civilian Human Resources Patricia Adams, along with other military officials, looking on as Donald's remains arrived at the base. Pictures also showed a team carrying the transfer case off of a transport airplane.

Donald joined the Marines soon after graduating in 2007 from Tesoro High School, where he ran cross country.

"He was like most kids, in that he just enjoyed his life without a lot of concern about the future," said Donald's father Jim Hogan in an e-mail. "He had planned on making a career out of the Marines. He had told me that his goal was to attain or surpass my father's rank of Gunnery Sergeant."

A career Marine, Donald's grandfather James Hogan Sr. retired as a gunnery sergeant and was a veteran of three wars – World War II, Korean and Vietnam.

Donald, who wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, talked with high school coaches and friends on the cross country team about joining the Marines.

"It's all he talked about the last couple of months in school," recalled Rachel Nama, 19, who ran junior varsity cross country at Tesoro with Donald and remembered him as always very encouraging.

"During our runs we'd do a lot of hill runs and he would always be the last one, right behind me and always pushing me," she said, with a laugh. "I really appreciate him for that. He was always one to push you and not one to leave you behind."

In an account posted online at marineparents.com, a Marine mom who said that her son was in the same foot patrol as Donald, said his actions on the day of his death were heroic.

The mother wrote: "Dear Hogan Family, my son was one of the Marines with your dear son that fateful day. My son was walking directly behind LCpl Hogan and watched him save the life of a fellow Marine that was directly in front of him and in the path of the IED (improvised explosive device). Your son was a hero to many Marines that day, including my own and there are no words to describe the emotions I am going through and I cannot begin to fathom the unmeasureable grief that you are struggling to deal with now.

Lance Corporal Donald J. Hogan was and will forever be a fallen hero and his memory will be held closely to the hearts of my son, us and all his Marines.

Semper Fidelis LCpl Hogan."

A 1st Marine Division spokesman at Camp Pendleton could not immediately provide details of the incident that took Donald's life.

This was Donald's first tour of duty and he deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in the past few months, division spokesman Cpl. Shawn Coolman said.

He was on foot patrol in the Nawa District of Helmand province when an improvised explosive device blew up nearby, Coolman said. Donald He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan was killed in action on 8/26/09.

Army Capt. Cory J. Jenkins

Remember Our Heroes

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

Capt. Jenkins was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 25, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. John L. Hallett III, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams.

Leaves behind 9-week-old daughter

By Jim Walsh
The Arizona Republic via Gannett News Service

Cory Jenkins didn’t have to join the Army and serve in Afghanistan.

Jenkins, 28, a graduate of Brigham Young University and A.T. Still University’s physician’s-assistant program, had offers for a much safer job in the private sector.

But his father, Stanley Jenkins, 60, of Mesa, said his son chose the Army to gain intense experience treating trauma injuries. It was a choice that cost Cory Jenkins his life on Tuesday.

Capt. Cory Jenkins, the father of a 9-week-old daughter, was killed along with three other men when their Stryker armored vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

“He wanted to be in trauma. He said, ‘You can’t get any better experience than in the military,’ ” Stanley Jenkins recalled Thursday afternoon in front of his home.

Jenkins said he is glad that his son at least got to know his daughter, Reagan, for a month. His wife, Brooke, gave birth a month before Jenkins deployed.

“They postponed the deployment. Fortunately, he was here when she was born” at Fort Lewis, Wash., Stanley Jenkins said.

As a physician’s assistant, his son would have normally worked at a MASH unit. The family doesn’t understand why Cory Jenkins was in the field instead, but they plan to ask an Army casualty assistance officer for an explanation.

“That’s why we were feeling safe,” Stanley Jenkins said. “He should have been out of harm’s way.”

He said his son always was interested in joining the military and thought he was doing the right thing by helping injured soldiers in Afghanistan.

But his son’s choice always worried him as a father.

“We didn’t encourage him,” Stanley Jenkins said.

On Thursday afternoon, Stanley Jenkins and his cousin, Chuck Jenkins, 62, stood on their quiet east Mesa street lined with American flags as neighbors demonstrated their support. A flag on the Jenkins’ front lawn bore a black sash, a traditional honor for a fallen soldier.

“He was the most comfortable person I knew with himself. He knew who he was,” Chuck Jenkins said. “He was comfortable being him.”

Before joining the military, Cory Jenkins had served as a Scoutmaster. He also was an Eagle Scout. His family said he had a great sense of humor, and kids especially loved to be around him.

“Cory was so much fun to be around,” Chuck Jenkins said. “He could take any situation and make fun.”

Because Chuck Jenkins served in Vietnam, Cory would often ask him what it was like to serve in the military.

“I didn’t encourage him, I didn’t discourage him,” Chuck Jenkins said. “I answered his questions.”

Cory Jenkins, a runner and volleyball player, “was the epitome of military,” standing straight in uniform, Chuck Jenkins said. “He was proud.”

Army Capt. Cory J. Jenkins was killed in action on 8/25/09.

Army Capt. John L. Hallett III

Remember Our Heroes

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

Capt. Hallett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 25, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams.

Contra Costa Times -- CONCORD — He grew up here, playing basketball at St. Agnes Elementary School and water polo at De La Salle High School. He was a delivery boy for this newspaper.

Capt. John Hallett III, 30, died Tuesday in Afghanistan when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb, the Army said Thursday.

He arrived there in July. His daughter Heidi was born earlier this month.

He never got to hold her.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., he married his wife Lisa in 2004, three weeks before he left for a 13-month stint in Iraq. The couple has two sons, Jackson, 4, and Bryce, 2. Lisa is also from Concord, though she now lives in DuPont, Wash., just outside Fort Lewis, where Hallett's Stryker brigade was based.

The Army released a statement from his wife Friday afternoon.

"Captain John Louis Hallett III was an amazing father, devoted and joyful husband, thoughtful son, loving brother, and inspiring friend. ... He was a patient teacher to our children.

"He had the warmest and most genuine smile. John would always make people laugh by his clever ways and kind humor ...

"Words fail to begin to describe John's true spirit. John's amazing example and memories will live in and guide his three young children."

At West Point, Hallett was captain of the water polo team in his senior year, said a family member who declined to be named. The Army encouraged the family not to speak with the media.

His parents still live in Concord, where Hallett's two younger brothers also grew up.

Hallett believed in what he was doing, the relative said.

Funeral arrangements are pending, the family member said.

Hallett and three other soldiers were killed in the blast, according to a news release from Fort Lewis. Since the war began in 2001, 806 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, according to icasualties.org.

Also killed were: 30-year-old Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, of Arizona; Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Mo.; and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, Wash.

They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Another American military death Friday in eastern Afghanistan made August the deadliest month for U.S. forces in the nearly eight-year war, The Associated Press reported.

Army Capt. John L. Hallett III was killed in action on 8/25/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer

Remember Our Heroes

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

SFC Sawyer was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 25, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. John L. Hallett III, Capt. Cory J. Jenkins and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams.

Kirksville Daily Express and Daily News -- AFGHANISTAN – A Laredo, Mo., soldier was killed in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Defense.

According to the release, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Mo., was one of four soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Laredo is located approximately 12 miles southeast of Trenton, Mo.

Sawyer was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., along with the three other soldiers killed: Cpt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California; Cpt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Arizona; and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, Wash.

According to unit records from the Fort Lewis Public Affairs Office, Sawyer enlisted Dec. 30, 1992 and reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for basic training March 8, 1993. He then reported to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for Advanced Individual Training as a health care specialist.

Sawyer served in many locations during his military career, including Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Hood, Texas; Kaiserslautum, Germany; Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion; Camp Kasey, Korea; and Fort Lewis, Wash. His overseas service time includes three years in Germany, a one-year tour in Korea, and deployments to Kosovo and Cuba.

Sawyer’s civilian and military education include a high school diploma, two years (60 or more semester hours) of college credit, the Health Care Specialist qualification course (1993), Warrior Leader Course (1996), Defense Language Institute “Gateway to Germany” course (1997), Hazardous Materials transport course (1997), Basic NCO course (1998), Unit Prevention Leader course (1999), Equal Opportunity Program Manager course (2000), Recruiting Management course (2002), Advanced NCO course (2003), Emergency Medical Technician- Ambulance course (2005), Tactical Combat Medical Care course (2007), and the FBCB2: Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below course (2007).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (six awards), Army Achievement Medal (eight awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (five awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Develop-ment Ribbon (three awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, US Army Recruiter Badge-Gold with two Sapphire Achievement Stars, Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Drivers and Mechanics Badge.

According to the Trenton Republican-Times, Sawyer was a graduate of Grundy R-5 High School.

His father, Ron, resides in Laredo, and his mother, Judy Thompson, is a resident of Commerce, Okla.

His grandfather, Dale Sawyer, lives in Trenton, and his grandmother, Grace Parsons, is of Chillicothe, Mo.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer was killed in action on 8/25/09.

Army Pfc. Dennis M. Williams

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc. Williams was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 25, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. John L. Hallett III, Capt. Cory J. Jenkins and Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer.

Wash. soldier among 4 killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

FORT LEWIS, Wash. — The Army says a 24-year-old soldier from Federal Way, Wash., was among four members of a Fort Lewis-based Stryker brigade who were killed in southern Afghanistan.

Killed Tuesday was Pfc. Dennis M. Williams. Fort Lewis says Williams enlisted in Seattle in October 2007. This was his first deployment.

Also killed were: 30-year-old Capt. John L. Hallett III of California; 30-year-old Capt. Cory J. Jenkins of Arizona; and 38-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Mo.

All died of wounds suffered when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

One family reels at the loss of Fort Lewis soldier, 24

Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, one month into his first deployment. Now his extended family is coping, grieving and reminiscing all at the same time. It is a scene that's played out all over the country — that's been played out over and over, for nearly eight years — as families reel from the wartime loss of loved ones.

By Maureen O'Hagan
Seattle Times staff reporter

Fed. Way soldier one of 4 from Ft. Lewis killed in Afghanistan
Kathy Anderson feeds her great-grandson formula from a bottle, shifting him from one arm to the other as relatives descend on her Federal Way home. In and out, all day long. The phone's ringing; the TV's on; the room gets hot.

Baby Grant eats, oblivious to the chaos. He is 2 months old, and he already lost his father.

Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, one month into his first deployment. The details are sketchy. He, along with three others from Fort Lewis' Stryker Brigade, was killed by an improvised explosive device.

"I feel robbed," said David Williams, Dennis' older brother.

"I'm so confused, I don't hardly know my own name," Kathy said.

It is a scene that's played out all over the country — that's been played out over and over, for nearly eight years — as families reel from the wartime loss of loved ones. Over the past 11 days, six soldiers from Fort Lewis have been killed in Afghanistan.

In living rooms like this one, families gather, share stories, and grieve.

Kathy's clan is particularly close-knit. The family is everywhere in this maze of cul-de-sacs not far from Interstate 5. Dennis lived here with his wife, Maria, and two kids, Grant and 18-month-old Alaina. David and his family live here, too. So does their dad, and an aunt. Dennis' mother, Cindy Teifke, lives in Buckley, Pierce County.

Friday afternoon, there were kids galore huddled on Kathy's living-room floor.

"That's all I have left of my little brother," David said. "Grant and Alaina."

Dennis graduated from Federal Way High School in 2003, got a job in the IT department of Poulsbo RV and then became a security guard at Fisher Plaza in Seattle.

"He was very proud of that job," David recalled. "He looked sharp in his uniform. That's when it started to grind on him." Denny, as his family called him, really wanted to enlist.

His father had been in the Army, and his grandfathers had been Marines. Denny had always pictured himself as a military man. He aimed to go into law enforcement after discharge.

"We had him about talked out of it 10 times," David recalled. "But he went. He wanted to provide for his wife and kids."

He enlisted in October 2007.

In Denny's official Army picture, he looks serious. But he was the family clown. Everybody talks about the eyebrow.

Denny would come in, straight-faced, then all he'd have to do was arch his eyebrow and he'd send everyone into stitches. His grandfather, Vern Anderson, said Denny loved to call them as a goof, putting on a fake voice and feeding them some kind of crazy story. They fell for it every time.

"He was mischief," Kathy said.

Grant starts to cry. "Your mama's going to be back tomorrow," Kathy tells him.

She and Denny's dad have flown East, to retrieve his body.

More relatives arrive. Baby Grant spits up. Someone changes his diaper.

David gets back after taking off down the street for a mini-emergency: His 5-year-old daughter was screaming bloody murder. She had got her thick legs stuck in a baby swing set.

David realizes that a care package had been on its way to Denny when the family got the news that he was gone. Other packages were ready to go. A Superman shirt, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters memorabilia, his favorite soups and popcorn and hot chocolate.

Denny loved the military, but doubts could creep in.

"Not because he was scared," David was quick to say. "He wanted to know, what and why? Why are we here and what are we doing?"

As he left for deployment a month ago, Kathy saw the doubts surfacing.

"As he backed out of the driveway, he said, 'Grandma, I might never see you again,' " she recalled. "I said, 'Denny don't be silly.' "

Kathy said she feels dizzy. She woke up Friday morning and felt she didn't have any tears left. "Since I've quit crying, I'm heavy," she said. "My head is full of webs. My body feels numb."

She thinks about the other times when her house is chaos: Christmas.

"Denny always put up my Christmas lights," she said, choking back tears.

"Don't worry, Grandma," David said. "I'll put 'em up for you."

Army Pfc. Dennis M. Williams was killed in action on 8/25/09.

Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher

Remember Our Heroes

Speicher Hailed as Hero, Laid to Rest in Hometown
Story Number: NNS090814-23
Release Date: 8/14/2009 6:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Gay, Naval Public Affairs Support Element East, Detachment Southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Thousands of people, both military and civilians, showed their respects as the remains of the first casualty of Desert Storm, Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, were brought to Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville after being found in Iraq after 18 years.

The remains arrived at the NAS Jacksonville flight line Aug. 13 and were then taken by motorcade to All Saints Chapel on base, where they remained overnight for people to give their final respects for the fallen Navy pilot.

"I think his return is symbolic of the Navy's desire to never forget a lost shipmate and to always continue to pursue and find those that are missing or lost," said Rear Adm. Townsend Alexander, commander, Navy Region Southeast.

The following day the flag-draped casket left the chapel in a police escorted procession en route to Speicher's interment ceremony. During the trip the motorcade made stops at Speicher's church, his high school, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall and Cecil Field, the military base where Speicher was last stationed before the war.

"It is a very significant day," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, the official escorting officer for Speicher's remains. "I was in a squadron with Scott Speicher, and we were flying together the night he was shot down, and this is a bittersweet day for us in that we are glad that we finally have a resolution of his status and that we are bringing him home to his family, but it's also a sad day in that now we know we lost a shipmate."

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton attended a ceremony that was held at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall in Speicher's honor.

"At a time in our nation's history when we need heroes more than ever, Captain Speicher reminds us we need not look any farther than those brave Americans who serve in our armed forces. He represents the best of the best," said Crist. "I am honored to speak for almost twenty million fellow Floridians when I say we thank Captain Speicher for his commitment and his dedication to our country and our people and our freedom. We are deeply grateful for his sacrifice."

Thomas Fuller, the pastor of Lakeshore Methodist Church where Speicher taught Sunday school, was outside the church where people lined the streets to honor Speicher as the procession passed.

"I think that [Speicher] has kind of become an instrument of change," said Fuller. "I have been blessed in all the commitment the military, in recent months and days, has made in regards to never leaving anyone behind, and that is very important."

Speicher was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Jacksonville Memorial Gardens Cemetery as his squadron, the Sunliners of VFA-81, flew overhead in a missing-man formation.

For more news from the fleet visit www.navy.mil.

Funeral Arrangement Finalized for Captain Speicher
By
Tiffany Griffith
@ August 7, 2009 6:20 PM Permalink | Comments (0)
Funeral arrangement have been finalized for Captain Scott Speicher, the local navy pilot who's body had been missing since the start of the first Iraq War, 18 years ago.

The public memorial for Captain Speicher will be held on Friday, August 14th, from 9am - 9:45am at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Wall on East Adams Street.
According to Jacksonville's Office of Military Affairs:

A memorial procession for Captain Scott Speicher will leave Naval Air Station Jacksonville at 9 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2009. It will proceed to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall before continuing to a number of other locations significant to Captain Speicher.

A musical prelude at the Veterans Memorial Wall will begin at 9 a.m. with a posting of the colors by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department at 9:15 a.m. It is anticipated that the procession will pass the location at between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will conduct a 21-gun salute and play taps to conclude the ceremony. The public is invited to attend. Free parking available.

Other locations planned by the family along the route include Forrest High School, Lake Shore United Methodist Church and Cecil Field. The procession will be recognized by groups at these locations respectively.

Specific details regarding the route will be release by the family early next week.

In addition, at the request of the family, MAVDSD is collecting the bracelets worn by those who supported the Speicher family over the years as they hoped for Captain Speicher's safe return. The collected bracelets will be buried with Captain Speicher. Bracelets must be returned to the MAVDSD by Wednesday, Aug. 12 for inclusion.

For additional information, contact Bob Buehn or Harrison Conyers in the Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Division at 904-630-3680.

Army Cpl. Darby T. Morin

Remember Our Heroes

Army Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada

Cpl. Morin was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 22, 2009 in Logar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover.

The Globe and Mail -- A fallen soldier from Saskatchewan's Big River First Nation will be remembered as a brave role model and loving father.

United States Army Sergeant Darby Morin, 25, died early Saturday morning when the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in lost control, causing a rollover near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Heavy fog blanketed the road at the time of the crash. Sgt. Morin was wearing his seatbelt, but was unconscious when military medics arrived on scene.

Sgt. Morin was the nephew of Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish.

Mr. Whitefish, reached on his cellphone in Delaware on Monday afternoon, was preparing for Sgt. Morin's body to arrive back in the United States at the Dover Air Force Base.

"You never think it would happen," Mr. Whitefish said. "Of course he was at risk every day, but a lot of young men and women come home. Unfortunately, others don't, and he was one that didn't."

Sgt. Morin and his wife, Veronica, had two sons, Christian, 3, and Blue Sky, 19 months.

"He was a great father and he loved his wife and his children," Mr. Whitefish said. "He was very compassionate."

Sgt. Morin's decision to enlist in the U.S. Army immediately after graduating from Big River First Nation High School came from an admiration for its advanced technology, according to his uncle.

Sgt. Morin spent four years stationed at Fort Eustis, Va., before being transferred to Fort Drum, N.Y., in April, 2008.

In December he was deployed to the Charkh District in Logar Province, Afghanistan.

"He wanted to be a role model; he wanted to show kids they could be much more than being in a gang or whatever," Mr. Whitefish said.

The nuclear, biological and chemical non-commissioned officer also served as the unofficial barber amongst the troops.

Mr. Whitefish remembered that when Sgt. Morin came home for a visit, the young men in the area would line up to get their hair cut just like his.

Army Cpl. Darby T. Morin was killed in action on 8/22/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, of Somerville, N.J.

SSgt. Lobosco was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 22, 2009 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit.

Andrew Lobosco, the son of a Forks Township woman, killed in Afghanistan combat
by Colin McEvoy

Army Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, the son of Forks Township resident Bonnie Lobosco, was killed Saturday during combat in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Lobosco, who was born in Somerville, N.J., died in the town of Yakhchal from wounds he suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit, according to a Department of Defense news release.

Lobosco was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. His body was transported today to Dover Air Force Base.

Bonnie Lobosco, who lives in the 500 block of Biltmore Avenue, was not available for comment. Nancy Kopin, a neighbor and friend of the family, said Bonnie spoke of her son often and described him as a "wonderful" and "happy-go-lucky guy."

"A mother has to have this possibility in the back of her mind when her son goes to war, but you never think it's going to happen so close to home," Kopin said this afternoon, fighting back tears. "This just never should have happened."
Kopin had not met Andrew Lobosco because he has been serving in the military since the family moved to Forks Township about three years ago, she said.

Andrew Lobosco was not in a relationship, Kopin said, but had previously said he wanted to get married and have children because he was the last man in his family to carry on the Lobosco name.

Lobosco's twin sister lives in Minnesota, Kopin said.

Army Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco was killed in action on 8/22/09.

Army Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Pearl, Miss.

Sgt. Ingram was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 21, 2009 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle and his unit came under small fire from enemy forces.

Slain Miss. soldier known as leader
By Jerry Mitchell
(Jackson, Miss.) Clarion Ledger

Army Sgt. Matthew Ingram, killed in an apparent ambush in Afghanistan, is being remembered as a leader who loved his country, a father who loved his family and a small-town Mississippian who wanted to see the world.

The 25-year-old Newton County native already had a Purple Heart for injuries he suffered in his second tour of duty in Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan in May.

His mother, Patricia, said Army officials called with the news of his death. “It’s the worst news that anybody had ever told me,” she said, “but this is what he wanted to do.”

No date has been set for funeral services in Newton County, where he grew up. He is survived by his wife, Holly, and their 10-month-old daughter, Chloe, who lived with him near Fort Carson, Colo, where he was stationed.

Ingram was killed Friday in Afghanistan, where fighting is so fierce that Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the situation as “serious and deteriorating.”

With 44 killed, July was the deadliest month for American forces in Afghanistan since the conflict began.

Ingram died from wounds he suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. According to the Department of Defense, his unit was under small arms fire from enemy forces when the blast occurred.

Ingram was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson.

His mother said the initial report military officials gave was enemy forces had ambushed her son and other soldiers who had been called out at 3 a.m.

“Matthew was the first one hit,” she said.

She said Army officials said they are going to continue to investigate what happened but that it wasn’t the first time soldiers had been ambushed there.

“They told me I should be very proud, that he went down as a hero,” she said.

Even as a child, Matthew was the one giving the orders, she said. “He’s always been a leader, not a follower.”

He would tell his brother, five years older, what to do, she said.

And he was bright. When he was in kindergarten, his classroom had a plastic replica of a human body. He was able to remove the organs and return them to the right locations, naming each one, she said. “The teacher told me Matthew might be a doctor one day.”

When he got older, he found he could miss a few days of school and still keep up, she said. “He was very smart.”

Eventually, those misses became more permanent, and he dropped out during his senior year at Newton County High School, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America.

Principal Ken Stringer said Matthew was never loud or a troublemaker. “The ones who made the racket I knew,” he said.

Although he dropped out of school, Ingram was filled with ambitions and dreams beyond the discount store where he worked, his mother said. “He didn’t want to be mediocre.”

He saw the Army as a way to pay for his college, she said.

He saw other advantages to military service, too, she said. “He wanted to see the world. He said, ‘When I get older, I want to go to a big town and live in a big town.’“

He may have been influenced, too, by his mother’s fiance, Harry Hastings, who retired as a full colonel in the Army medical service corps.

“He talked about how happy he was when he joined,” Hastings said.

Matthew joined the Army the summer of 2003 and did basic training at Fort Benning. His mother and Hastings visited him there on parents’ day, and at Matthew’s request, Hastings wore his uniform.

Ingram was reassigned to South Korea, where he spent 10 months before his entire brigade was deployed to Iraq, where he spent a year.

While visiting back home, Matthew enjoyed the hobbies of paintball and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, his mother said.

Stationed later in Colorado, he met his future wife, Holly, in Colorado Springs. They married in 2006.

He became a sergeant before returning for a second tour in Iraq. He didn’t get back home until early 2007.

Hastings remembers he and Matthew’s mother visiting the young couple after he returned, and Matthew pushing a medal out onto the table.

It was a Purple Heart, he said. “That was his most prized possession.”

Matthew never discussed what happened beyond an explosion inside a Humvee that injured his foot and ankle, he said. “Most likely it was a roadside bomb or a grenade.”

In May, Matthew had to leave for Afghanistan, and this time he didn’t want to go “because of his little baby,” his mother said. “He said, ‘You know, Mama, I might not come back this time.’ “

He worried about not seeing his daughter again.

Though grieved by his death, his mother said she’s comforted by a Native American saying that people “never die as long as you mention their name. Their spirit lives on forever.”

Services set for Ingram
The Associated Press

HICKORY, Miss. — Services are scheduled Aug. 29 for a 25-year-old soldier from Mississippi who was killed Aug. 21 during combat in Afghanistan.

Services for Army Sgt. Matthew Ingram are 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at Antioch Christian Church, three miles south of Hickory on Mississippi Highway 503.

The Department of Defense says Ingram died from wounds suffered Aug. 20 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. The blast occurred while his unit was under small-arms fire from enemy forces.

Ingram was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Ingram is survived by his wife, Holly, and their 10-month-old baby.

Army Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram was killed in action on 8/21/09.

Army Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton, 21, of Oak Park, Calif.

Pfc. Wolverton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 20, 2009 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.

Agoura Hills Acorn -- Pfc. Brian Wolverton, a 21-year-old Oak Park resident, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 20. The 2006 Oak Park High School graduate died from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit in Kumar province.

Wolverton attended Moorpark College and returned to Oak Park High in 2008 to help coach the hurdlers on the school’s track team. Wolverton ran track all four years in high school.

“He was a vocal, enthusiastic coach who motivated his runners to find personal success,” said Kevin Smith, the Oak Park track coach. “He developed a devoted following among his charges. They affectionately called him Wolvie or Coach Wolvie.”

Smith recalled the time Wolverton visited the team after completing boot camp. Wolverton wore his full uniform.

“Brian was enormously proud to serve his country,” Smith said. “He profoundly believed he had an obligation to make the world a better place.”

Lyle Greenberg, an assistant track coach, described Wolverton as a serious, mature young man who often stayed after practice picking up empty water bottles and other items left by fellow athletes.

“It is important to remember and reflect upon Brian’s contribution, his commitment and his sacrifice,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg recalled the quote Wolverton chose to go with his senior photo in the high school’s 2006 yearbook: “Courage is facing your fear; with no fear there is no courage,” Wolverton said.

“Once Brian decided that he wanted to do something, he usually worked very hard to achieve his goals or at least gave it his best efforts,” said his mother, Miriam Wolverton.

The Wolverton family still lives in Oak Park. Smith credited parents Chris and Miriam with being strong special education advocates and supporting the track teams and the fundraising effort to renovate the track several years ago.

Wolverton’s brother Michael, will be a senior at Oak Park High this fall.

“In our small community, with only one middle school and one high school, so many students, athletes, teachers, coaches and others impact each other, and it is only when we have a communitywide loss that we recognize how fragile we are and how dramatic our loss can be,” Greenberg said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement expressing sadness over Wolverton’s death. Flags were flown at half-staff in Sacramento.

A funeral service will be held at Pierce Brothers, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, at 10 a.m., Sat., Aug. 29.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Wolverton’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Army Pfc. Brian M. Wolverton was killed in action on 8/20/09.

Army Spc. Justin R. Pellerin

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of Boscawen, N.H.

Spc. Pellerin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 20, 2009 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Boston Herald -- CONCORD, N.H. — A 21-year-old Army soldier from Boscawen was killed in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle, the Pentagon said Saturday.

Pentagon officials say Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, died Thursday in Wardak Province from wounds suffered in the attack.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The Concord Monitor reports that Pellerin, a 2006 Concord High School graduate, left for his first tour in Afghanistan in January.

Josh Bisson, a childhood friend and the best man at Pellerin’s wedding, said Pellerin was scheduled to return to the United States on Dec. 15.

He said Pellerin married 21-year-old Chelsey Pellerin, his high school sweetheart and "the love of his life," in July 2008, adding that the two hoped to move to New York when Pellerin returned.

Bisson described his friend as a funny man who loved American muscle cars and had decided to join the military in hopes of "doing something good" for other people.

"He’d give the shirt off his back for anyone," Bisson said. "Everyone he met he was friends with. He had no rough edges, everybody loved him."

Louis Chouinard of Littleton, Pellerin’s grandfather, said the young soldier "had it in his mind that he wanted to make a difference, so that’s why he did what he did," Chouinard said. "He was just a great kid."

Army Spc. Justin R. Pellerin was killed in action on 8/20/09.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terrance W. Geer

Remember Our Heroes

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The Army on Friday identified four members of an elite special operations unit killed in a helicopter training accident in Colorado.

Those killed in Wednesday's crash were Chief Warrant Officers 4 Terrance Geer, 40, of Casper, Wyo.; and Robert Johnson, 41, of Seattle; and Staff Sgts. Paul Jackson, 33, of Lancaster, Md., and Chad Tucker, 28, of Titusville, Fla.

Geer's wife, Gina, said in a statement released by the Army that the family appreciates the outpouring of support from the community.

"While we sincerely appreciate the nation's interest in Terrance's life and his contributions to our great nation, we ask that the media respect our privacy and allow us time to grieve," she said.

The soldiers were members of the Fort Campbell-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, created more than 20 years ago after a failed mission to rescue hostages in Iran.

Army Special Operations Command officials said their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed while conducting mountain and environmental training near Colorado's second-highest summit, Mount Massive.

Each of the highly decorated soldiers had extensive combat experience and had completed the Army's most rigorous schools and training programs.

Their elite aviation unit is home to some of the Army's best helicopter pilots, who focus on getting Special Forces soldiers, Army Rangers and Navy SEALS into some of the most dangerous areas of the world for covert operations.

Using the cover of nightfall and keeping low to the ground to avoid radar detection, the pilots often navigate through enemy territory and bad weather to safely deliver and retrieve soldiers.

Army special forces leaders recognized the need for a highly trained aviation unit after an operation failed to rescue hostages in Iran in 1980 and resulted in two helicopter crashes and eight deaths.

The new team was first called Task Force 160, and it began training its pilots to operate in low-light situations, including using night-vision equipment and infrared devices, according to GlobalSecurity.org, a defense analysis Web site. The soldiers' special capabilities earned them the name Night Stalkers.

In 1993, during fighting in Somalia, two helicopters piloted by Night Stalkers were shot down in Mogadishu. The subsequent rescue was made famous by the book and movie "Black Hawk Down."

The unit has had a large role in Iraq and Afghanistan and has suffered several casualties.

In 2005, eight members of the unit were killed along with eight Navy SEALs after their MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade, making it the single deadliest attack on U.S. forces in the country at that time.

More recently, five Night Stalkers were among eight service members killed in February 2007 when a Chinook crashed in southern Afghanistan.

Currently the regiment has four battalions, two based at Fort Campbell, one at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and one at Fort Lewis, Wash. They use a variety of helicopters including Black Hawks, Chinooks and AH-6 Little Birds.

Tim Cash, president of the Night Stalkers Association, a nonprofit group that provides scholarships and other support for the unit's soldiers and their families, described its members as "quiet professionals" who wanted their privacy to mourn the fallen soldiers.

Maj. Brandon A. Bissell, a spokesman for the unit at Fort Campbell, said a memorial for the fallen soldiers is planned, but wouldn't discuss further details.

Geer was a native of Casper, Wyo., and entered the Navy in February 1989. After serving five years in the U.S. Navy, Geer was accepted into the Army Warrant Officer Program at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 1994. Upon graduation from the UH-1 Course in 1995, Geer was assigned to the 82nd Air Ambulance Medical Company at Fort Riley, Kan., as an Aero Medical Evacuation Pilot and Instructor Pilot. In 1998, after completing the Instrument Flight Examiner Course, Geer was assigned to the Combat Maneuver Training Center at Hohenfels, Germany, as a Standardization Instructor Pilot. After a successful assessment in 2002, Geer was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as an Instructor Pilot and Aviation Safety Officer.

He was a combat veteran with 12 deployments, 11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals for valor, seven Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, three Southwest Asia Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal-Campaign Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal-Campaign Star, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Government of Saudi Arabia), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), Navy Aircrew Insignia Badge, and Senior Aviator Badge.

Geer is survived by his wife, Gina Geer, and his son and daughter, Braden and Emma of Clarksville, Tenn.; and his mother, Barbara Geer, of Toledo, Ohio.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terrance Geer, 40, a native of Casper, Wyo., joined the Navy in 1989 and was accepted into the Army Warrant Officer program in 1994. The veteran pilot had 12 deployments, 11 in suport of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife, Gina Geer, and two children, Braden and Emma, and his mother, Barbara Geer, of Toledo, Ohio.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert M. Johnson

Remember Our Heroes

Robert Johnson, elite Army helicopter pilot

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert M. Johnson, 41, a graduate of Seattle's Ingraham High School, was killed Wednesday while flying an Army training exercise in Colorado.

By Seattle Times staff and news services

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Johnson was an Ingraham High graduate.
While America will remember him as a war hero, to Connie McGrath her son will always be "my Robby."

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Johnson, 41, a graduate of Seattle's Ingraham High School, died Wednesday while flying an Army training exercise in Colorado.

He was one of four members of an elite special-operations unit killed.

The soldiers were members of the Fort Campbell, Ky.-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Army Special Operations Command officials said their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed while conducting mountain and environmental training.

The elite unit, home to some of the Army's best helicopter pilots, focuses on getting Special Forces soldiers, Army Rangers and Navy SEALS into some of the most dangerous areas of the world for covert operations.

While an investigation of the accident is still under way, Chief Warrant Officer Johnson's mother said from her home in Enumclaw on Friday night that she believed her son had been piloting the helicopter.

"We are still in shock around here. ... He was such a good pilot. It is hard for us to believe it is because of anything he had done."

Chief Warrant Officer Johnson grew up in Seattle and joined the Army because of his love for flying, which he learned by taking lessons at Paine Field, McGrath said.

His mother said he was drawn to the most dangerous and elite work the Army had to offer. First it was flying Black Hawk helicopters in some of the world's most dangerous venues. But that wasn't enough. He applied for and won acceptance to an even more elite unit, nicknamed the Nightstalkers for their missions flown in low light in the most dangerous of situations.

Chief Warrant Officer Johnson's awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal for Valor, 13 Air Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals and many others.

He entered the Army in 1990 and was a combat veteran with 20 deployments, 18 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and one in support of operations in Somalia.

His mother said she would often think of her son so far away doing work that both frightened her and made her deeply proud. When he went to Iraq, she sent him care packages with treats specially selected from home: Tim's Cascade Potato Chips, regular flavor; Oberto's meat snacks; smoked salmon; and the Gouda cheese she found packaged in wax so it would stay fresh.

"When my packages arrived ... they always had a regular picnic," she said.

McGrath said she used to have nightmares about Army officials knocking on her door to say something had happened to her son.

"But I got over that. I got used to it. I forgot about it," she said.

On Thursday, however, the knock came. Told of the news, she mostly was struck with disbelief. But she knew he had died doing what made him proud.

"It made him feel very important, and I knew he was doing something he really loved to do, and I was never going to keep him from that," she said.

Chief Warrant Officer Johnson is survived by his wife, Sandra Johnson; his daughter and son, Morgan and Hatch, of Clarksville, Tenn.; and his mother and father, Connie and Wells McGrath, of Enumclaw.

Private services will be held in Tennessee.

Army Staff Sgt. Chad A. Tucker

Remember Our Heroes

Colo. crash kills elite local soldier
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS • August 23, 2009

A 28-year-old Titusville man is among four members of an elite special operations unit the Army has confirmed were killed in a helicopter training accident in Colorado.

Those killed in Wednesday's crash were Staff Sgt. Chad Tucker, a 2000 graduate of Astronaut High; Chief Warrant Officers 4 Terrance Geer, 40, of Casper, Wyo., and Robert Johnson, 41, of Seattle; and Staff Sgt. Paul Jackson, 33, of Lancaster, Md.

The soldiers were members of the Fort Campbell-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, created more than 20 years ago after a failed mission to rescue hostages in Iran.

Army Special Operations Command officials said the crew's MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed while conducting mountain and environmental training near Colorado's second-highest summit, Mount Massive.

Each of the highly decorated soldiers had extensive combat experience and had completed the Army's most rigorous schools and training programs.

The elite aviation unit is home to some of the Army's best helicopter pilots, who focus on getting Special Forces soldiers, Army Rangers and Navy SEALS into some of the most dangerous areas of the world for covert operations.

In June 2007, at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tucker was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the oldest U.S. military aviation decoration.

Tucker was a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief.

According to the Army, while on an aerial combat flight in Iraq, enemy forces opened fire on his helicopter.

Tucker not only helped guide the helicopter to a landing zone, but he also fired his weapon to provide cover so a wounded soldier could be brought aboard.

The DFC citation said Tucker's courage and leadership in aerial combat contributed directly to the successful execution of the mission.

Tucker's wife, Megan Tucker, and a son live at Fort Campbell.

His parents, Wendell and Wanda Tucker, live in Titusville. They could not be reached for comment Saturday, but in a previous interview with FLORIDA TODAY, Wanda Tucker said of her son, "It has always been his dream to be in the military since he was a little boy. I have pictures of him since he was 3 or 4 in camouflage pants."

Tucker followed his father and his grandfather, R.G. Tucker, in serving in the Army, his family has said.

"Chad lived to serve the Lord through the Army," Kyle Miller, Tucker's cousin, said Saturday. "He dedicated his life and everything that he had to serve his country."

Tim Cash, president of the Night Stalkers Association, a nonprofit group that provides scholarships and other support for the unit's soldiers and their families, described its members as "quiet professionals" who wanted their privacy to mourn the fallen soldiers.

Maj. Brandon A. Bissell, a spokesman for the unit at Fort Campbell, said a memorial for the fallen soldiers is planned, but he wouldn't discuss further details.

Biography of Staff Sgt. Chad A. Tucker

Staff Sgt. Chad A. Tucker, 28:

Tucker was a native of Titusville, Fla., and entered the Army in June 2000. Following basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Va., Tucker served with 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment at Coleman Barracks, Germany, as both a helicopter mechanic and crew chief. In 2003, he successfully assessed with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as a helicopter mechanic. Tucker arrived to 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR, at Fort Campbell, Ky., in January 2004.

He was a combat veteran with 14 deployments, all in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal for Valor, eight Air Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal-Campaign Star, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Megan Tucker, and his son, Jeremy, of Fort Campbell, Ky.; and his father and mother, Wendell and Wanda Tucker, of Titusville, Fla.; and his sister, Crystal Castaner, of Titusville, Fla.

Army Staff Sgt. Paul R. Jackson

Remember Our Heroes

SSgt. Paul Jackson, 33, helicopter crash victim
By Tom Infield

Inquirer Staff Writer

Staff Sgt. Paul Robeson Jackson, 33, who grew up in Philadelphia and became a member of an elite Army special forces unit, was killed Wednesday during a helicopter training exercise in the mountains of Colorado.

The military identified Sgt. Jackson as one of four soldiers who died when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed while operating in the thin air at 14,000 feet near Mount Massive, Colorado's second-highest peak. Sgt. Jackson's family said he was the crew chief.

A veteran of nine deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, Sgt. Jackson was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., which was created in the 1980s after a failed mission to rescue American hostages in Iran.

"He was very proud of his training and being in that unit," said his godfather, Rudolph Tolbert.

A 1994 graduate of Walter B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, he was known to his family as Robe.

He began studies at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, but soon discovered that outdoor adventure was more to his liking, Tolbert said. He joined a smoke jumpers team that put out forest fires in the northwestern United States.

In 1998, he joined the Army and made it into the special forces. After 9/11 and with the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, he found himself in what must have seemed like one combat operation after another. He also served with U.S. forces in South Korea.

Along with numerous other medals, he received three Air Medals for valor.

As much as he could, Tolbert said, Sgt. Jackson returned to Philadelphia to see his family. He was here in March after the death of his father, Melvin, and was home again in June to see his mother, Maisha Brenda Jackson.

Jackson's brother, Mpozi Tolbert, a photojournalist at the Indianapolis Star, died of a heart attack at his desk in 2006, Rudolph Tolbert said.

Besides his mother, Sgt. Jackson is survived by his daughter, Desiree, 8, who lives with her mother in New Jersey.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

Army Pfc. William Z. VanOsdol

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. William Z. VanOsdol, 23, of Pinson, Ala.

Pfc. VanOsdol was assigned to the 172nd Support Battalion, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Aug. 19, 2009 at Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy rocket fire struck his quarters.

NBC 13 -- A Pinson man has been killed in Iraq.

The Defense Department says Private William VanOsdol died Wednesday when an enemy rocket hit his barracks.

VanOsdol is from Pinson and attended Pinson Valley High School.

Teachers there remembered him as a quiet student with a good sense of humor.

They say VanOsdol came alive in English class when discussing British Literature.

“He just lit up on those stories and got very animated in the conversations that we had. He was a big fan of Beowulf and Lord of the Rings. That struck a chord with him,” Assistant Principal Karen Mardis said.

William VanOsdol was in the 172nd Support Battalion out of Germany.

Army Pfc. William Z. VanOsdol was killed in action on 8/19/09.

Army Spc. Paul E. Dumont, Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Paul E. Dumont, Jr., 23, of Williamsburg, Va.

Spc. Dumont was assigned to the 149th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, Va.; died Aug. 19, 2009 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.

The Virginian-Pilot -- A soldier from Williamsburg who died in Afghanistan on Wednesday was serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic with a unit from Fort Eustis, an Army official said Friday.

Spc. Paul E. Dumont Jr., died of injuries suffered in a noncombat-related incident at Kandahar Airfield. The Defense Department did not specify how he died but said the incident is under investigation.

Dumont, 23, was assigned to the 149th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion at Fort Eustis. The 149th left for a yearlong deployment in March.

Dumont joined the Army in August 2004. After training at Fort Knox, he was assigned to the 149th. He served in Iraq from October 2005 to October 2006.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

He is survived by his wife and parents.

Army Spc. Paul E. Dumont, Jr. was killed in a non-combat related incident on 8/19/09.

Army Pfc. Morris L. Walker

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc. Walker was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Aug. 18, 2009 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen.

WCHL 1360 -- Twenty-three year-old Morris Walker, a UNC graduate who had joined the army this past spring, has been killed in Afghanistan.

Barbara Lambert works as the director of admissions at Fayetteville Academy, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Walker attended grades 6 through 12.

Walker’s sister sent out an email notifying those who knew him that he had been killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) hit his convoy.

Walker graduated UNC in May 2008 and signed up for the army April of this year. Lambert says she believes Walker had plans to attend law school.

Before deploying to Afghanistan, Walker was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia and Alaska. Lambert says Walker’s mother had been in poor health when she got the news of her son’s death.

Lambert says Walker will be remembered for being genuinely well-liked and always having a smile on his face.

Funeral arrangements, as of Wednesday afternoon, had not been made yet.

Army Pfc. Morris L. Walker was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen

Remember Our Heroes

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

SSgt Bowen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Aug. 18, 2009 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Pfc. Morris L. Walker.

San Antonio Express -- Two U.S. soldiers, one of them from San Antonio, were killed Tuesday in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle, the U.S. military said Thursday night.

Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen of San Antonio died from wounds suffered in the explosion in Paktika province, Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Defense Department. The 29-year-old was attached to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, the release states.

Bowen made the decision to join the military after he graduated from Churchill High School in 1998, said his stepfather, Howard Doebbler.

“He was a great soldier and he took his job very seriously,” Doebbler said. “His mother and I were very, very proud of him.”

The other soldier killed with Bowen was Pfc. Morris L. Walker, 23, of Chapel Hill, N.C., according to the Defense Department.

Army Staff Sgt. Clayton P. Bowen was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Army Spc. Troy O. Tom

Remember Our Heroes

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

Spc. Tom was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 18, 2009 in Arghandab, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Also killed was Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney.

Beclabito soldier killed in Afghanistan— By Alysa Landry — The Daily Times

BECLABITO — Flags across the state and Navajo Nation are flying at half-staff to honor 21-year-old Army Spc. Troy Orion Tom, of Beclabito, who died Monday in Afghanistan.

Friends of Tom, a 2006 Aztec High School graduate, remember him as an honest man with a great sense of humor and undying patriotism.

"Students really thought highly of him," Aztec Superintendent Linda Paul said. "He had a great sense of humor, a great smile and he was trusted by his friends. He was a very intelligent guy, and he had passion."

Tom is the son of David and Carolyn Tom, of Beclabito. David Tom serves as a delegate to the Navajo Tribal Council.

"Right now he's just our hero," David Tom told The Associated Press on Friday. "His family is all proud of him that he was out there, serving his country."

David and Carolyn Tom flew to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for a ceremony Thursday when the Army moved the body of their son back to the United States. Tom was killed by an improvised explosive device when his unit was setting up camp in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan.

"I'm proud of him every day he was there and every day still," said Tom's brother, Seve Tom. "He was a good guy, a good leader. We miss him, but he knew what he was doing and he wanted to do it. He always wanted to serve his country."

Seve Tom called his brother his best friend. Tom is survived by two brothers, Seve, 24, and Leon Harvey, 13; and a sister, Carrizoe Tom, 19.

"He was strong and he was always laughing," Seve Tom said of his brother. "He cared about everybody and was willing to help anybody out. He had a big smile on his face every time we saw him."
Carrizoe Tom said she will miss her brother's smile, laughter and sense of humor.

"He was a good person. I really miss him and love him," she said. "I wish I could have said good-bye to him, but I know he's in a better place, and he's probably just smiling and laughing."

Tom is the ninth soldier from the Navajo Nation to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2004, a spokesman for Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. said.

"It was with great sadness that I heard of the loss of one of our brave Navajo soldiers," Shirley said in a prepared statement. "On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Army Specialist Troy Tom. We offer our sympathies and prayers to his entire family. We pray they find the strength to carry through this difficult time, knowing that their son's contribution to his country is deeply appreciated and will be remembered."

Tom attended Beclabito Day School and T'iis Nazbas Community School in Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., before moving into the Aztec Dormitory to attend high school.

Tom was a member of the National Honor Society in high school, and he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, Paul said. College scholarships poured in, but Tom wanted to be a soldier.

During his senior year, Tom often repeated a favorite quote from Daniel Webster: "I was born an American; I will live an American," said Paul, who distinctly remembers a conversation she had with Tom near the end of his high school career.

"I have lunch with the kids," she said. "I ask them about their goals. He was so memorable because he was so clear. He wanted to go to the Army. He was going to go into the Army. He wanted to be a soldier."

Tom, who also enjoyed fishing and skateboarding, reported for basic training just months after graduating.

His father said he joined the military to challenge himself physically and mentally. He was based in Fort Lewis, Wash.

"We're grateful for Troy's service to our country and we are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers," Paul said.

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Farmington Civic Center.

Army Spc. Troy O. Tom was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Army Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pfc. Yanney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Aug. 18, 2009 in Arghandab, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Also killed was Spc. Troy O. Tom.

Soldier with Minnesota ties killed in Afghanistan
KARE-TV (Minneapolis)

Jonathan Yanney once described himself as a “pretty active” person, “so I don’t like just sitting around doing nothing.”

Not long after he graduated from high school, Yanney joined an Army Stryker brigade deployed to southern Afghanistan. The 20-year-old was reportedly on his way to help another unit under fire last week when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle. The explosion killed him and another soldier, Spc. Troy O. Tom, 21, of Shiprock, N.M.

“Extremely driven,” was how his former high school principal, Marcella Swatosh, described Yanney on Monday.

“We knew that he wanted to go into something where he could help people,” said Swatosh, the principal of Norwood High School in southern Missouri, which Yanney attended for three years. “He was always very focused on wanting to help people, and it sounds like that’s what he was doing.

Yanney, of Litchfield, Minn., enlisted in the Army in March 2008 and reported to Fort Lewis, Wash., six months later.

He was sent to Kandahar province, one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan. Insurgents regularly plant roadside bombs to attack Afghan and foreign troops there to combat both the Taliban and a thriving opium trade.

Yanney’s self-description was on his MySpace page. A posting on Yanney’s MySpace from someone who identified himself as his father said Yanney was “en route to assist another unit under fire.”

Jonathan Yanney’s decision to join the military was a surprise to some who knew him.

“I never pictured that,” said Kevin Drake, his former baseball coach. “Very respectful, always, ‘Yes sir, Mr. Drake.’ ... As far as the being respectful part, you could see the military in him. But no, I wouldn’t have thought he’d be in the armed forces.”

Drake said he persuaded Yanney to join the team even though he hadn’t played baseball before. In time, Yanney became a good hitter on the junior-varsity level and played in a handful of varsity games by his second year.

Both Drake and Swatosh, his high school principal, remembered his sense of humor.

“It was very dry,” Swatosh said.

Yanney later moved to Tennessee for a short time. Samantha Lynn Fedele worked with him at a Wendy’s in Johnson City and stayed in touch after he moved to Minnesota and then deployed abroad.

She remembered him as outgoing and friendly.

“He just had this big, bright smile,” she said. “His smile would be the very first thing you noticed.”

Army Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Army 1st Sgt. Jose S.N. Crisostomo

Remember Our Heroes

Army 1st Sgt. Jose S.N. Crisostomo, 59, of Injaran, Guam

1st Sgt Crisostomo was assigned to International Security Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan; died Aug. 18, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

He was one hell of a guy’

By Brett Kelman
Pacific Daily News

While stationed in Germany through Liberation Day in 1985, Julian Leon Guerrero Mendiola shook hands with a Chamorro man he didn’t know. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo was stationed a few hours away, so the brothers-in-arms had never met.

“He was one hell of a guy,” Mendiola said yesterday, preparing a rosary for his fallen friend. “He was very family-oriented. And he went above and beyond himself to help other people.”

Army 1st Sgt. Jose Crisostomo, who was often called Joe instead of Jose, was killed by a roadside blast in Afghanistan on Aug. 18. He became the oldest of the 33 sons and daughters of Micronesia to have died in the Global War on Terror since 2003. He was 59.

Mendiola said yesterday he met Crisostomo again years after they both left Germany and relocated to Washington state, where they had decided to create lives far away from their beloved island, people and culture.

In 1999, both men were founding members of Grupun Minagof, a community group of Chamorro families who keep ties in the Pacific Northwest so they can retain the family ties they cherished in Guam.

“We describe it as a ‘group of happiness,’ or our happy group. And he was our first vice president,” Mendiola said.

Even later, Mendiola would realize that because Crisostomo was married to Patricia Duenas Leon Guerrero Crisostomo, they were probably related. There are a lot of Leon Guerreros on Guam, but they are all linked somehow, Mendiola said.

Jim Aguigui, the first president of Grupun Minagof, said the organization was started to keep Chamorros who had left Guam cured of homesickness and away from poverty.

For this cause, Crisostomo was aggressive and effective. If Chamorros needed help, he would get it to them, Aguigui said.

“If the time came when they needed help, so they would get on their feet, we would help out in weddings, times of passing, christenings. ... We were there when a Chamorro would need us here in the state of Washington,” Aguigui said.

Aguigui stepped down as head of Grupun Minagof after about six years and Crisostomo eventually took his seat as president.

Crisostomo was still president as of two years ago, when he decided to re-enlist in the military, said friend John Lizama.

Lizama was elected to fill Crisostomo’s spot and is still leading the group.

“Joe was an absolutely outstanding leader,” Lizama said. “He has the biggest heart of gold. He’s been extremely charitable to the organizations in Washington state.”

Lizama said Crisostomo was so patriotic, vibrant, motivated and physically fit, few of his friends were surprised when Crisostomo decided he would — or could — re-enlist.

“His enthusiasm is such that it is so contagious he can really motivate people. As old as he was, he is such a motivated and well-liked person that his charisma is actually spectacular,” Lizama said.

Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo and acting Gov. Mike Cruz issued statements yesterday that said they also were mourning Crisostomo’s death.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and loved ones. 1st Sergeant Crisostomo was a hero and his sacrifices made in the name of our freedom will not be forgotten by the people of Guam,” Bordallo’s statement said.

Crisostomo tribute set

By Bernice Santiago
Pacific Daily News

A tribute for Army 1st Sgt. Jose “Joe” S.N. Crisostomo, who died on Aug. 18 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, will be held in Talofofo this Saturday.

Crisostomo, 59, died in Kabul, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, according to an Aug. 21 release from the Department of Defense.

Crisostomo is a son of Inarajan, and left the island when he joined the Army for a career lasting decades, his wife, Patricia Duenas Leon Guerrero Crisostomo, said last week.

The tribute will begin at 4:45 p.m Saturday at the San Miguel Church in Talofofo, his sister-in-law, Catherine Leon Guerrero, said. Nightly Mass will continue at the parish until the Aug 29. service.

He was the 33rd soldier from Micronesia to become a casualty of the War on Terror since 2003. He was the third soldier from Micronesia to die this year in the Middle East.

As of Aug. 1 of this year, 759 members of the U.S. armed services have died while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Philippines, southwest Asia and other areas since 2001, according to the Department of Defense. As of Aug. 24 of this year, 1,331 members of coalition forces have died in Afghanistan since 2001, either in support of U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, according to CNN.

Crisostomo was assigned to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was one of more than 64,000 members of the ISAF, who are conducting security and stabilization operations throughout Afghanistan, according to NATO releases.

“On behalf of my sister (Patricia Crisostomo), she extends her gratitude for all the condolences and support that the island has given in honor of her husband,” Leon Guerrero said.

Army 1st Sgt. Jose S.N. Crisostomo was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin, 34, of Garfield Heights, Ohio

Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 18, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

WKSU -- Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin died yesterday in Afghanistan, where he was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion in the Helmand Province. Benjamin was 34.

He was a 1993 graduate of Garfield Heights High School, and joined the Marines right after high school.

He last signed onto MySpace in May, and wrote then: "Most people don't understand what we do. I love my job. Yes, I said I love my job. How many of you can say you are right where you want to be at this point in your life? I know I can."

Benjamin is the second man from Garfield Heights to die in combat this year. Army Spc. Brad Davis died in a roadside bombing in Iraq in April. He graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 2006.

Gunny, lance cpl. die in Afghanistan
Staff report

Two North Carolina-based Marines were killed this week supporting combat operations in Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department.

Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin, 34, of Garfield, Ohio, died Aug. 18 and Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas, 26, of Floral Park, N.Y., died Aug. 17. Both died in Helmand province. Both were assigned to units with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, but it’s not clear if the incidents were related.

Benjamin was assigned to Camp Lejeune’s 8th Engineer Support Battalion, according to a news release. No other information about him was immediately available.

Damas was a rifleman with the Lejeune’s 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. He joined the Corps in January 2006. In February, he returned from his second seven-month tour in Iraq since 2007, and then left for Afghanistan in May.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Adam F. Benjamin was killed in action on 8/18/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas

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Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas, 26, of Floral Park, N.Y.

LCpl. Damas was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 17, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

YourNabe.com -- A Queens Marine was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan as the fledgling democracy prepared to hold its annual elections, the U.S. Marine Corps. said.

Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas, 26, of Floral Park, died Monday during a combat operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, according to the Marines.

“It shocked me,” said Master Sgt. Darin Bell, who helped recruit Damas at the Marine’s recruiting station on Jamaica Avenue.

Damas, a Jamaica native, was on his first tour of duty in that country and served as a rifleman Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, according to the Marines. The Marine, who joined the corps in January 2006, had previously served two tours in Iraq, from March 2007 to September 2007 and July 2008 to February 2009, the Marines said.

He had been in Afghanistan since May, according to the Marines.

Violence from insurgent forces has been on the rise in the last few weeks in the run-up to Thursday’s national elections in Afghanistan.

Bell, who did not serve with Damas, said that he was very enthusiastic about his life as a member of the armed services and always wanted to be a Marine.

“He wanted to get out of New York and do something different,” Bell said.

The sergeant said that Damas would keep in contact with him via his Facebook and MySpace pages, which were filled with photos of his time overseas.

“He hit me up on Facebook and I saw the photos of him in uniform and I was like, ‘Man, he finally made it,’” Bell said.

Bell said that Damas lived with his mother in Jamaica until he enlisted.

Dan Andrews, a spokesman for Borough President Helen Marshall, said that Damas was an alumnus of Newtown High School in Elmhurst.

“On behalf of the people of Queens, I extend condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Leopold Damas, who was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan,” Marshall said in a statement.

Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold F. Damas was killed in action on 8/17/09.

Army Spc. Matthew D. Hastings

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Army Spc. Matthew D. Hastings, 23, of Claremore, Okla.

Spc. Hastings was assigned to the 582nd Medical Logistics Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas; died Aug. 17, 2009 in Baghdad of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.

Tulsa World -- Friends and family of Spc. Matthew D. Hastings say they are devastated by the death of the Claremore soldier, who was killed Monday in Baghdad, Iraq, in a noncombat-related incident.

But in describing the brief life he lived and the passion with which he lived it, they did so with an unmistakable sense of pride and gratitude.

“He was just an all-American kid,” his mother, Lawanda Lowry, said Thursday night. “He was so proud to be in the Army and he was so proud to serve our country.”

Hastings, 23, joined the military in August 2006 as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic. In 2007, he was assigned to the 582nd Medical Logistics Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas.

Lowry said joining the military was the best thing her son ever did.

“He called me when he was graduating from basic training and said, ‘Mom, I have accomplished far more and greater things than I ever thought possible,’” Lowry said.

But it wasn’t easy. Lowry said her son, who was first deployed to Iraq in December 2008, saw a lot of his friends die serving their country.

“That was really hard on Matt,” Lowry said.

The military is still investigating the circumstances of Hastings’ death. It did not release any details in a news release announcing his death on Thursday.

Lowry said she also was waiting to hear specifics from military officials.

Kristy Moore said her longtime friend loved to hunt and fish, but that it was the company of his friends and family that brought Hastings the most joy.

“He just loved to be surrounded by friends and family,” Moore said.

Hastings’ tour of duty in Iraq began in December 2008 and he returned home for about two weeks in April, Moore said. It was precious time spent with friends and family.

“When he walked into a room everybody liked him,” Moore said. “He was an amazing human being.”

Lowry said her son graduated from Broken Arrow Alternative Academy in 2005 and that like most kids, he had his share of bumps in the road.

But the military helped change that.

“He loved the structure of it,” Lowry said. “He loved the honor of it.”

Hastings received several awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

In addition to his mother, Hastings is survived by his stepfather, Roger Lowry, both of Coweta; his father, Clark Hastings Jr. of Arkansas; his sister, Michelle Brazil of Claremore; his maternal grandparents, Wanda and Vernon Cline of Pryor; and his paternal grandfather, Clark W. Hastings of Jacksonville, Ark. A brother, Clark Hastings III, preceded him in death.

Army Spc. Matthew D. Hastings was killed in a non-combat related incident on 8/17/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr.

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Army Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31, of Chesapeake, Va.

SFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Maryland National Guard, Glen Arm, Md.; died Aug. 16, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds sustained when he was shot Aug. 14, 2009 while on patrol in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Washington Post -- A Virginia soldier has died of wounds he suffered in Afghanistan last week.

Army Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31, of Chesapeake, died Aug. 16 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. He succumbed to gunshot wounds he suffered Aug. 14 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, according to a news release.

A family member remembered Woods as a soft-spoken, level-headed man who was devoted to his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Lilly, 6, and Elle May Sky, 8 months.

"He would always be beaming when he was around his kids," said Bob Woods, 58, an uncle who lives near Cincinnati. "And he and his wife . . . they really just made a nice couple. They really worked well together. They were happy and in love."

Woods said that he talked with William before he left for Afghanistan and that he was proud to serve his country in spite of the risks.

"He was a very, very good young man," Woods said. "He loved his country, he loved what he was doing, and he knew the ramifications of what he did."

Woods, who was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Glen Arm, Md., was shot in Afghanistan's Ghazni province. The enemy has not been identified.

"The overall mission of that task force is training and enabling the Afghan forces," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Baker, a Special Forces spokesman at Fort Bragg, N.C. "They work with Afghan commandos."

Woods said William was a medical sergeant who completed a treacherous three-year training program. "That's more than just a paramedic. . . . There's serious stuff you've got to do there."

Woods's family has a long military lineage. His father, William B. Woods Sr., served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War; his grandfather, John Woods, was in the Navy in World War II; and his uncles, Johnnie and Bob Woods, served in the Army in Vietnam.

Bob Woods is Ohio State captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, a national organization made up mostly of motorcycle riders that attends military funerals to show support for families. "My fellow patriots this one hit close to home," he wrote in a posting on the group's Web site.

"I understand war, and I understand people dying, and unfortunately it tapped my door this time," he said. "Our family believes that when it's your time to die, it's your time to die. We don't know the reason."

Bob Woods said his nephew grew up in Catawissa, Mo., about 40 miles southwest of St. Louis. He had an adventurous spirit and loved sports, the outdoors and skydiving. He served in the Marine Corps and the Army before joining the Special Forces.

"The family is coping with it the best we can," Bob Woods said. "And we'll get through it, and we would . . . like to ask the nation not only to pray for my nephew's wife and two children but also to continue to respect and pray for our military men and women around the world. They need our support in the worst way, and a lot of times people don't realize how much support they need until something hits home like this."

Army Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr. was killed in action on 8/16/09.

Army Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush

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Army Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush, 22, of Middleville, Mich.

Cpl. Roush was assigned to the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 16, 2009 in Herat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Father calls son’s death ‘devastating’
The Associated Press

MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. — The father of a Middleville soldier killed in Afghanistan says dealing with his son’s death has been “devastating.”

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 17 that 22-year-old Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush died Aug 16 in Herat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Roush was a Thornapple-Kellogg High School graduate.

Bob Roush tells The Grand Rapids Press his son “wanted to serve” and “do something significant,” he and believes he “has done that and more.”

He says the family is “counting on seeing Nick in heaven.”

Nicholas Roush was assigned to the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Middleville is about 125 miles west-northwest of Detroit.

Flags at half-staff for fallen soldier

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Jennifer Granholm has ordered that U.S. flags in Michigan be flown at half-staff to honor a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.

Flags should be lowered Aug. 25 for Army Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush of Middleville. The 22-year-old died Aug. 16 from injuries sustained in Herat when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Roush was assigned to the 1st Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Army Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush was killed in action on 8/16/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard

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Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine

LCpl. Bernard was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay; died Aug. 14, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

2/3 Marine dies in Afghanistan
Staff report

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Defense Department officials Aug. 17 identified a Marine killed Aug. 14 in Afghanistan as Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard.

Bernard, 21, a rifleman from New Portland, Maine, died while he was supporting operations in Helmand province, military officials said.

The combat deployment was the second for Bernard, who enlisted in November 2006 and joined Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in May 2007 and deployed with the battalion to Iraq in 2008, Marine Corps Base-Hawaii officials said in a news release. The battalion is operating as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Afghanistan.

Bernard had received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, officials said.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard was killed in action on 8/14/09.

Marine Sgt. William J. Cahir

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Marine Sgt. William J. Cahir, 40, of Washington D.C.

Sgt. Cahir was assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve, Washington D.C.; died Aug. 13, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Former journalist, Pa. congressional candidate dies in Afghanistan

By Dan Robrish
The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Sgt. Bill Cahir, a former news reporter and congressional candidate, has been killed in Afghanistan while serving with the Marines, a family friend said Aug 13. He was 40.

The friend, June Weaver, answered the telephone at a relative’s house and confirmed Cahir’s death to The Associated Press but said the family did not wish to comment.

Cahir was lauded at a newspaper where he used to work.

“This is an American hero as far as I’m concerned,” said Joe Owens, editor of The Express-Times, of Easton, Pa. “This guy’s the real thing.”

Cahir, a Bellefonte, Pa., native, was working in the newspaper’s Washington, D.C., bureau. Owens said Cahir enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2003 in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“He was in his mid-30s, only days away from being ineligible — too old — to sign up for the Marine Corps, and he essentially talked his way in because it was something he had to do,” Owens said.

Cahir did two tours of duty in Iraq before returning to Pennsylvania.

He ran in a three-way Democratic primary last year to replace longtime Republican Rep. John Peterson, who retired. Clearfield County Commissioner Mark McCracken won the primary and was in turn defeated by Republican Glenn Thompson in the overwhelmingly Republican district, which covers a large area of north-central Pennsylvania.

The Express-Times reported that after losing the primary, Cahir said, “My journalism career is over. I’ll talk to the Marine Corps and see what they want me to do and talk to my wife and see what she wants me to do.”

Owens called the former newspaperman “a great American.”

“He was committed to serving this country,” Owens said. “He was on a career path before this that could have led anywhere for him, and he chose this because it was what he needed to do.”

Marine Sgt. William J. Cahir was killed in action on 8/13/09.

Army Capt. John Tinsley

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Army Capt. John Tinsley, 28, of Tallahassee, Fla.

Capt. Tinsley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 12, 2009 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

La. soldier killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

HOUMA, La. — An Army Green Beret killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was from Houma.

Capt. John Tinsley, 28, died Aug. 12 in Oruzgan province in central Afghanistan, after a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle, according to an Army spokesman.

Tinsley, a graduate of Vandebilt High School and Florida State University, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, commonly called the Green Berets, based in Fort Bragg, N.C.

A former teacher and classmate recalled him as a quiet, considerate and confident student committed to others.

“He was one of my model students, that’s why I remember him so well,” said Margie Duplantis, who taught Tinsley religion his senior year and worked with him in the campus ministry. “One that had a heart of gold.”

Duplantis, who teaches 130 students a year, said Tinsley stood out.

“He always went against the flow,” said Duplantis, who has taught at Vandebilt for 20 years. “He didn’t follow his peers. He always did what he felt was morally right. If someone was doing something wrong and they wanted him to be a part of it, he wouldn’t be a part of it. Even if it meant him standing up alone.”

Duplantis said Tinsley took charge of his class Christmas project, raising money for needy families.

“If he could do anything to help anyone out, he did,” she said. “He challenged his friends to be better.”

Rodney Burns Jr., 28, a Houma building contractor, graduated from Vandebilt with Tinsley.

“He was a good kid, and from what I was told, he became a great man,” Burns said.

Burns said Tinsley left behind a wife and young daughter.

“I always thought there’d be a time when I’d get to talk to him again,” he said.

Army Capt. John Tinsley was killed in action on 8/12/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell, Jr.

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Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell, Jr., 21, of Perdido, Ala.

LCpl. Ferrell was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 10, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

North Escambia -- An area Marine on his first deployment has been killed in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Bruce “Bubba” Ferrell Jr., 21, of Perdido, Ala., was killed Sunday night by an improvised explosive device.

He joined the Marine Corps in November 2007, and was promoted to rank of lance corporal. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in May of this year as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ferrell was a gradate of Baldwin County High School where he was an honor student and a member of the JROTC program.

Ferrell was a member of Fox Company, a rifle unit of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment of the Marine Corps. His tour of duty was scheduled to be just seven months.

He was recently engaged to be married.

Funeral service will be announced after his body is returned to the United States.

Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell, Jr. was killed in action on 8/10/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel

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Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel, 21, of Winfield, Mo.

LCpl. Schimmel was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 9, 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Also killed were Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow and Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera.

St. Louis Today -- Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel, 21, was killed Sunday in the Afghanistan's Helmand province, according to the Defense Department.

Schimmel was one of three Marines from the same expeditionary force killed last weekend in combat in the province. All three were based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The others were Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera, 20, of Palmdale, Calif., and Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow, 23, of Naples, Fla.

The three had been assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Schimmel was a rifleman who joined the Marine Corps in 2006.

Schimmel was a 2006 graduate of Winfield High School, where he ran cross country. He had also been involved with the Boy Scouts.

Visitation for Schimmel will be 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Baue Funeral and Memorial Center in St. Charles. A funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Baue, with burial to follow at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel was killed in action on 8/9/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera

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Marine Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera, 20, of Palmdale, Calif.

LCpl. Olvera was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 8 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Also killed were Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow and Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel.

Contra Costa Times -- A 20-year-old U.S. marine from Palmdale whose last message to friends on his Myspace account read: "I went to Afghanistan, see you guys later," was killed over the weekend in that country's Helmand Province.

Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera died Saturday as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

It was unclear how Olvera died.

He lists Reseda High School on his Myspace page as one of the schools he attended.

Olvera's last login was June 13.

Messages left for him from friends read: "I'm going to miss you brother... but you will always be in my heart."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement that Olvera was a brave marine who selflessly gave his life in service to his.

"Along with all Californians, Maria and I will forever be grateful for Javier's incredible sacrifice and his courage will not be forgotten," the governor said. "We send our thoughts and prayers to Javier's family, friends and fellow marines during this difficult time."

Marine Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera was killed in action on 8/8/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith

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Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith, 33, of Nashville, N.C.

SSgt Smith was assigned to the 50th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 8, 2009 in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat-related incident that occurred Aug. 4, 2009 at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan.

Rocky Mount News -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Sgt. 1st Class Tara J. Smith of Nashville died from an unspecified noncombat medical condition.

Smith, 33, died Aug. 8 in Bagram, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Smith was assigned to the 50th Signal Battalion based at Fort Bragg. She deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009.

“Tara Smith, in addition to being an outstanding noncommissioned officer and leader in the unit, was a bright and charming young woman who will be missed by all.” her battalion commander, Lt. Col Brian Foley, said.

Smith had been selected for promotion prior to her death and was posthumously promoted to sergeant 1st class.

Smith was born in Spring Lake and enlisted in February 1997. Her past duty assignments include Arifjan, Kuwait; Camp Casey, South Korea; and Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Smith’s military schooling included the Warrior Leader, Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense, Combat Lifesavers, Basic NCO and Advanced NCO courses.

Her decorations include the Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Korea Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Global War on Terror Service medals.

Smith is survived by her husband, Deron Smith, and her children David, 8, and Jordan, 6. A memorial service for Smith was conducted in theater.

Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith died 8/08/09 from a non-combat related incident occuring on 8/04/09.

Army Spc. Matthew K.S. Swanson

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Army Spc. Matthew K.S. Swanson, 20, of Lake Forest, Calif.

Spc. Swanson was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 8, 2009 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover July 19 in Logar Province, Afghanistan.

OCRegister -- A Lake Forest soldier who was injured in Afghanistan in July died Saturday.

Specialist Matthew Swanson, 20, sustained injuries during a vehicle rollover accident on July 19 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. Swanson suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured spine, his father, Jeff Swanson, said today.

After the incident, Swanson was transferred to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he was taken off life support over the weekend at the request of his family.

Jeff Swanson said his son's body will be brought back to Orange County for a funeral after an autopsy has been completed.

In a statement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Specialist Swanson a "dedicated soldier who selflessly worked to defend the values that our country was built upon."

"Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of Matthew's sacrifice and we join all Californians in remember his courageous service," he said. "Our hearts go out to Matthew's family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this tremendous loss."

Matthew Swanson joined the Army after graduating from Trabuco Hills High School in 2007. He was deployed to Afghanistan in January as a member of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

The soldier returned home to visit his dad in June and left on the Fourth of July, Jeff Swanson said. He mourned the loss of his son, but said he was glad Matthew died doing what he wanted to do.

"He always wanted a job where he was making a difference. He's a hero in more ways than one," Jeff Swanson said, adding that his son died for his country and that his organs will be donated. "In his 20 years, he accomplished a lot."

Army Spc. Matthew K.S. Swanson died 8/08/09 as a result of a vehicle rollover on 7/19/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow, 23, of Naples, Fla.

LCpl. Burrow was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 7, 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Also killed were Lance Cpl. Javier Olvera and Lance Cpl. Patrick W. Schimmel.

CBS4 -- MIAMI (AP) ― A Marine from southwest Florida has been killed in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense says 23-year-old Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow of Naples died Friday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

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

Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Burrow was killed in action on 8/7/09.

Marine Capt. Matthew C. Freeman

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Capt. Matthew C. Freeman, 29, of Richmond Hill, Ga.

Capt. Freeman was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Aug. 7, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kapisa province, Afghanistan.

Bryan County News -- Fallen Marine Captain Matthew Freeman, 29, of Richmond Hill, is being remembered as a good man, a devoted family man and a true patriot.

He was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36 in Okinawa, Japan, but volunteered for a special liason assignment. Freeman was helping to train the Afghan military on the ground while supporting combat operations in the Kapisa Province. On Aug. 7, Freeman was on top of a roof directing close air support when he was hit by machine gun fire and killed. There were no other reported fatalities in the area at that time.

"We’re all very proud of him," said Gary Freeman, Matthew Freeman’s father. "He was a good man. He loved his country, he loved the Marine Corps, and he loved his wife and family."

Freeman’s casket is slated to arrive at the Savannah Airport today at 3 p.m. and a police escort will lead the casket from the airport along Hwy. 17 to the Richmond Hill Funeral Home.

Richmond Hill City Manager Mike Melton said much of Hwy. 17 will be lined with flags and encourages residents to line up along the highway as Capt. Freeman passes between 3:30-4 p.m.

Mill Run Road, the Strathy Hall street the Freemans live on, has been decorated by neighbors with more than a hundred flags and a large sign at the entrance to the street that is decorated with his picture and reads, "Capt. Matt Freeman USMC was raised on this island. Last week he gave his life in Aghanistan protecting our freedom. Freedom is not free. Matt is our hero."

"Everyone liked Matt," said Richmond Hill High School Principal Charles Spann.

Freeman graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1998. He was chosen as the Richmond Hill Exchange Club Student of the Year that same year.

Spann said Freeman was an outgoing student and that he excelled academically and was an outstanding tennis player.

"He was a young man who was committed to what he wanted to do," Spann said. "He always knew what he wanted. He wanted to be a pilot."

Spann said Freeman wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. Gary Freeman is a senior test pilot at Gulfstream and also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Matt graduated with honors and got his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy," Spann said.

Freeman graduated from the Naval Academy in 2002. His sister Ginny Freeman is currently attending the academy.

Spann said he and the teachers who knew Freeman were shocked and saddened by the news of his death.

"We all remember Matt with a great deal of fondness," he said. "I’ve known his mother for 12-14 years. She (Lisa Freeman) teaches at the (Richmond Hill) middle school. Many of our students know Matt’s two younger sisters. Our heart goes out to the family."

Some will remember Freeman for his achievements in high school tennis. He played on two final four tennis teams and played varsity tennis for four years.

"He was an A student with interests varying from scouts to church," said Pat Paruso, his RHHS tennis coach. "Always a leader and always good-natured, the kid was admired by both teachers and peers. He wasn’t a goody-goody. He could be rowdy and tough. My kind of kid. He challenged authority but tempered it with understanding. I won’t ever forget him."

"The Freemans have been neighbors of my family for over 17 years, and I will always remember Matt as an outstanding young man who loved his family and country," said Lynn Bennett, who lives on Mill Run Road. "Please remember him and his family in your prayers."

The City of Richmond Hill plans to honor Freeman by presenting the family with a certificate as part of a program entitled The Last Roll Call, which Mayor Richard Davis started up in 2005. Freeman will be the third recipient in the program which honors Richmond Hill men who have been killed in the line of duty. Prior recipients were Alan Gifford and Sid Brookshire.

"Of course, this is a huge loss to the family, but it is also a huge loss to this community," Davis said. "Matt grew up here and I knew him to be a very able and smart young man. This city will always remember the honor and the courage of Captain Matthew Freeman." Freeman leaves behind his wife Theresa. The two wed just three weeks ago. Both graduated from RHHS in 1998. Theresa Freeman, formerly Hess, is an Air Force flight surgeon.

He also leaves behind two siblings – Ginny Freeman and Mary Beth Macias. Mary Beth is married to Air Force Special Ops pilot Mike Macias, who is flying in from Dover, Maryland to help lead today’s precession.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday at the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church from 5-8 p.m., and the service will take place at the church Saturday at 11 a.m.

Marine Capt. Matthew C. Freeman was killed in action on 8/7/09.

Army Sgt. Jerry R. Evans Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Jerry R. Evans Jr., 23, of Eufala, Ala.

Sgt. Evans was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 7, 2009 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Dothan Eagle -- Sgt. Jerry Evans always wanted to be on the front line.

It’s why he was a volunteer with the White Oak Volunteer Fire Department before he could drive a car. If there was a fire, he wanted to be the one at the end of the hose to extinguish the blaze.

A few years later, Evans joined the U.S. Army. He was eventually sent to Afghanistan to fight in the war on terror. He was injured early in his deployment and earned the Army Commendation Medal for Valor and Purple Heart in 2006.

“I received shrapnel in my hand at first,” then Pfc. Evans, who at the time was a turret gunner for his platoon, said in a 2006 interview. “That’s why they wanted to give me the valorous award because I kept firing my weapon after I was hit.

“I was scared, no doubt, but my training kicked in quickly, and I realized that I had four other people in my Humvee I had a responsibility to protect. I just did what I was trained to do.”

Evans was hit in his hand and his face. In fact, he was wounded three times in his first tour of duty. But despite his injuries, Evans still wanted to serve.

“We’re doing good for the Afghan people,” he said in a Eufaula Tribune article from July 2006.

Evans gave his life late last week in service to the country he loved so much, according to his father, Jerry Evans Sr. As of Monday morning, the family still had little information on how he died, even though they were informed of his death Friday evening.

Evans, 23, was reportedly in a truck that was hit by an improvised explosive device.

“They got out (of the vehicle) and then shots were fired,” his father said.

Evans enjoyed serving his country, according to his father. He was home less than two months ago, but even then his thoughts were often with his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan. He would call to check on them.

Evans returned to Afghanistan the day after Father’s Day.

“He was ready to go back” to the Middle East, his father said.

Evans had looked forward to returning closer to home so he could be a drill sergeant at Fort Benning, Ga.

As of Monday afternoon there had not been an announcement as to when the funeral will occur, though it is expected to take place either Friday or Saturday from Eufaula Church of God. Burial is expected at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Kent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Army Sgt. Jerry R. Evans Jr. was killed in action on 8/07/09.

Marine Cpl. Christian A. Guzman Rivera

Remember Our Heroes

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

Cpl. Rivera was assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Aug. 6, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

Just News -- MIAMI -- When Velma Torres saw the Marines at her house Thursday afternoon, she already knew what the news would be.

"They said, 'we need to talk - we could go inside.' I said, 'you bring me bad news?' And they say 'yes,'" she told Local 10's Janine Stanwood.

It was news her 21-year-old son Christian Guzman Rivera had been killed in Afghanistan.

"My heart is broken - I'm not going to have him anymore," she said.

On Friday night, surrounded by family and friends, his mother wore his hefty ring from boot camp around her neck. Rivera was big. And strong.

"He was in great shape," said Cristobal Rivera, an uncle.

"He was always outgoing and fun and competing. Always competiting," added Felix Torres, Velma's husband.

Together, they had a blended family that included two boys and two girls. The siblings looked up to Rivera as a mentor.

Rivera was just promoted to Corporal last week. He was supporting combat operations in the Farah Province of Afghanistan when he was killed.

A 2006 graduate of Homestead Senior High, Rivera wanted to be a firefighter for the Marines.

"That's what he wanted to do. That's the uniform he wanted to wear," said his uncle.

After high school, and serving in the ROTC for four years, Rivera had graduated from the Miami-Dade Fire academy. But after being stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and then sent to Afghanistan in May, he never got to fight fires.

He still served his country.

"We're going to miss him. We're really going to miss him," said Felix.

His wife has grown tired of the war.

"We are wondering when this is gonna stop. It's 8 years already. And how many more - how many more heroes they need?" she asked.

Rivera's uncle made a plea:

"To everybody out there - everytime you see a service man - say thank you. Thank you for the service you've done."

Marine Cpl. Christian A. Guzman Rivera was killed in action on 8/6/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine

Remember Our Heroes

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

LCpl Argentine was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; died Aug. 6, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

Newsday -- A Marine from Farmingdale has been killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said Friday.

Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine, 22, was among three Hawaii-based Marines who were killed Thursday by a roadside bomb, The Associated Press reported. The military said the three riflemen were supporting combat operations in Farah province.

Argentine was a 2005 graduate of St. Anthony High School in South Huntington, a friend said Friday night.

The other victims were Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine, 20, of San Antonio, and Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins, 24, of Paris, Texas, the military said.

They 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.

Argentine joined the Marine Corps in October 2006 and reported to Hawaii in January 2007, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported on its Web site Friday. He was previously deployed from January to August 2008, the Star-Bulletin said.

"He was one of my best friends," said Omid Ghaffarian of Hicksville, who graduated with Argentine. "He was one of the most sincere, generous people I ever met."

Ghaffaraian said he last saw Argentine in April. "He was proud of being an American, and he had no problem protecting his country and doing his duty," he said.

Marine Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine was killed in action on 8/6/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine

Remember Our Heroes

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

LCpl Babine was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; died Aug. 6, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

Honolulu Advertiser -- About three weeks ago, Marine Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine's heavily armored vehicle rolled over a pressure-detonated roadside bomb in southwestern Afghanistan.

There were five Marines inside. The bomb blew off the rear wheel and axle with such force that it sent the parts flying 120 feet.

But Babine, 20, and the other Marines in the hulking Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle were unhurt.

On Thursday, Babine wasn't so lucky. He and two other Kane'ohe Bay Marines, along with a Marine out of Okinawa, Japan, were killed when their thinner-skinned Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Farah province, according to family. It was another of the deadly bombs by which U.S. service members are increasingly being killed in Afghanistan.

Alice Babine, Travis' mother, yesterday said in a shaky voice that her strong faith was helping carry her through the death of her son.

"That's how you get through these things," she said by phone from Texas. "I'm confident that Travis is with God now and I'm confident that I'll see him again. God doesn't owe me an explanation, and I don't demand one. But one day, I'll understand."

The Pentagon yesterday announced the deaths of the three Kane'ohe Bay Marines, a day after a Kane'ohe Bay sailor also died in a roadside bomb attack in the same region.

The Hawai'i Marines also killed Thursday in Farah province were: Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine, 22, of Farmingdale, N.Y.; and Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins, 24, of Paris, Texas. Babine was from San Antonio.

Marine Cpl. Christian A. Guzman Rivera, 21, of Homestead, Fla., who also was killed, was out of Okinawa, Japan.

The three riflemen from Kane'ohe Bay were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Travis Babine had called his father, Bill Badger, and told him roadside bombs "were a serious problem and it was one of the most difficult things to deal with."

Travis Babine joined the Marines immediately out of high school as part of the delayed entry program and reported to boot camp in January 2008, his mother said.

The deployment to Afghanistan was his first. His parents had served in the Army but Travis Babine had always wanted to be a Marine.

"He wanted to do something really difficult," his mother said. She tried to convince him to go to college first and get a commission. Her son decided college could wait a bit.

"He was convinced that he would make a better officer if he served a tour as an enlisted man," Alice Babine said.

The quiet Marine who was a voracious reader and spent a lot of time involved in gaming and painting miniature models in high school was based at Forward Operating Base Bakwa, one of the westernmost outposts maintained by the 2nd Battalion.

Marine Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine was killed in action on 8/06/09.

Marine Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins

Remember Our Heroes

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

Sgt. Hoskins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; died Aug. 6, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

Hometown to remember fallen Marine
The Associated Press

PARIS, Texas — Officials in an East Texas town plan to line the streets with American flags to honor a Marine who died in Afghanistan.

A hearse carrying the body of 24-year-old Marine Sgt. Jay Hoskins is expected to make the six-mile journey Aug. 13 from a local airstrip to a funeral home in Paris, about 90 miles northeast of Dallas.

Hoskins died Aug. 6 with two fellow Marines when a roadside bomb exploded in Farah province.

The city’s Kiwanis Club is distributing 500 large flags on 10-foot poles, and the football coach at the local high school told The Paris News that he expects hundreds of students to line the route.

The funeral procession is expected to include all local law enforcement agencies and Patriot Guard motorcycle riders.

NBC DFW -- Three Hawaii-based Marines were killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb while supporting combat operations in Farah province, the military said Friday.

The Department of Defense on Friday identified the three killed Thursday as Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins, 24, of Paris, Texas; Lance Cpl. James D. Argentine, 22, of Farmingdale, N.Y.; and Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine, 20, of San Antonio.

Sergeant Hoskins graduated from North Lamar High School in Paris in 2003. He joined the Marine Corps in August 2003 and reported to Hawaii in January.

The three riflemen 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.

Marine Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins was killed in action on 8/6/09.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Anthony C. Garcia

Remember Our Heroes

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Anthony C. Garcia, 21, of Panama City, Fla.

PO3 Garcia was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditonary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii; died Aug. 5, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

Honolulu Advertiser -- A Hawai'i-based sailor serving as a corpsman with Kane'ohe Bay Marines in southern Afghanistan died Wednesday in Farah Province, the Pentagon said.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony C. Garcia, 21, of Tyndall, Fla., died "while supporting combat operations," a Pentagon release said. Garcia was with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Navy corpsmen are assigned to Marine units and have jobs similar to those of an Army medic.

Garcia joined the Navy in July 2006 and reported to Hawai'i in February.

Garcia said on his MySpace page that he was married and was "most definitely the most happy person you have ever met and most positively the funniest."

He said he was born in Denver but grew up an Air Force "brat" and moved around a lot. He also said he joined the Navy right out of high school.

Garcia said his addictions were "working out ... being a beach bum and hittin' the waves up, always a sucker for beautiful women, family time is a must and on top of it all music is my life."

In a 2008 post, Garcia said he was attending the University of Maryland and after his three-year tour was up planned to go to medical school at the University of Miami.

His awards include the Purple Heart medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

About 1,000 Hawai'i Marines with the 2nd Battalion arrived in Helmand and Farah provinces in late May, part of a surge of 21,000 additional U.S. troops ordered by President Obama into an increasingly restive Afghanistan.

The Marines are expected to be in the country seven months.

The Marines have engaged in skirmishes with anti-American forces in the poppy fields, orchards and walled compounds of Helmand province, and fallen victim to the increasing use of roadside bombs.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Anthony C. Garcia was killed in action on 8/05/09.

Army Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm, 19, of Plymouth, Ohio

Pvt. Wilhelm was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Aug. 4, 2009 in Maysan province, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat-related incident.

Fort Bliss soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press

FORT BLISS, Texas — The Defense Department says a 19-year-old Fort Bliss soldier from Ohio has died in Maysan province, Iraq, and his death is under investigation.

The military said Wednesday that Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm, of Plymouth, Ohio, died Tuesday from a noncombat related incident which is being investigated. No other details were provided.

Wilhelm was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He was an Infantryman who entered the Army in December 2008. He was previously stationed at Fort Benning, Ga.

He is survived by his parents.

Wilhelm's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Army Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm was killed in a non-combat related incident on 8/04/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado

Remember Our Heroes

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

Sgt. 1st Class Granado was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Mississippi Army National Guard, Jackson, Miss.; died Aug. 2, 2009 in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. Ronald G. Luce and Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III.

News-Journal -- TATUM — Family members say Alejandro Granado III told them he didn't feel good about his latest trip to Afghanistan.

"He told me that he had a bad feeling about going away — that he probably won't come back," his brother, Rolando Granado remembered.

"And here we are."

The family learned Sunday evening that retired Army Staff Sgt. Alejandro "Alex" Granado III was among three people killed during an ambush in eastern Afghanistan earlier that day. Granado, 42, retired from the Army less than a year ago but was serving in a secret mission for the U.S. government, family members said Monday. As of late Monday, the Department of Defense had not officially released information about the incident.

"We're hearing that they got attacked, and after that, they went in and finished them off," his brother said while sitting with family outside their Tatum home. "We've never really kept up with him because he was always gone. He could never tell us where he was."

Granado signed up for military service before graduating from Tatum High School in 1986.

"Instead of working out here somewhere in the sun, he joined as soon as he was 18," he said. "He loved to travel."

Granado spent three weeks with family and friends in June. His older sister, Tatum High School Cafeteria Manager Dionicia Cruz, remembers the eerie feeling she got when he asked her to always take good care of herself and his three kids — ages 19, 21 and 23.

"I asked, 'Why is that so important?' and he said, 'It would make me very happy to know you are all OK,'" Cruz said. "He was such a good boy."

Services for Granado are pending with Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home in Carthage.

"The family has contacted us, but we have not heard back from the military," said funeral home spokesman Don Lipsey. "If he died in eastern Afghanistan, it may be a week before we hear anything."

Another brother, 35-year-old Jose Granado, is scheduled for active duty in either Afghanistan or Iraq in October, family members said.

"That was their goal — protect the country," said Rolando Granado. "He was a good kid, man. A good kid."

Army Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado was killed in action on 8/02/09.

Army Capt. Ronald G. Luce, Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

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

Capt. Luce was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Mississippi Army National Guard, Jackson, Miss.; died Aug. 2, 2009 in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado and Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III.

USASOC -- Captain Ronald G. Luce died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan August 2 while serving as the Special Forces Team Commander with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered in Jackson, Miss.

Luce, 27, was killed when a command wire improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Luce, born in Julian, California, enrolled in ROTC at Valley Forge Military Academy and became a commissioned officer in 2002. In 2005 attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating May 2008 as an 18A, team commander and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG(A) as a liaison officer. He was reassigned to Co. C, 2nd Bn., 20th SFG(A) as a detachment commander.

Luce’s military and civilian educations include a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He also attended the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Ranger School and Airborne School.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Luce also earned the Parachutist Badge, and Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.

Luce is survived by his wife Kendahl and daughter Carrie of Fayetteville, N.C.

Army Capt. Ronald G. Luce, Jr. was killed in action on 8/02/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III

Remember Our Heroes

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

SFC Summers was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Mississippi Army National Guard, Jackson, Miss.; died Aug. 2, 2009 in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Capt. Ronald G. Luce and Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado.

USASOC -- Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers, died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan August 2, while serving as a Special Forces Engineer with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered at Jackson, Miss.

Summers, 43, was killed by command wired improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Summers, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, enlisted in 1989 as an 11B, Infantryman. He later attended the SF Qualification Course, graduating in 2002. Summers then joined 2nd Battalion 20th SFG (A). After graduating US Army Ranger School successfully, he was assigned to ODA 2065, the SCUBA team. He then volunteered for the Special Operations Combat Diver Course in Key West, Fla.

Summer’s military and civilian education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, Ranger School, Special Operations Combat Diver Course, and Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course. He also received his Bachelors of Science from Louisiana State University.

His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Medal.

Summers also earned Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Military Free Fall Badge and the Ranger and Special Forces tabs.

Summer’s is survived by his wife Tammy Fraser and his daughters Jessica, Shelby & Sarah.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III was killed in action on 8/02/09.

Army Pfc. Richard K. Jones

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Richard K. Jones, 21, of Roxboro, N.C.

Pfc. Jones was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 1, 2009 in Mushan village, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his patrol with improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. Also killed were Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls and Army Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon.

Roxboro Courier Times -- Franceen Jones said that those who knew her son Richie knew him as a very caring and loving person. He cared about his family, his friends, his country. And, it was in proud service to his country that Pfc. Richard K. Jones, 21, of Roxboro, died Aug. 1 in Afghanistan after insurgents attacked his patrol.

In a news release Monday, the Department of Defense announced Jones’ death, along with the deaths of two other soldiers who were with him. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

“Joining the military was something Richie really wanted to do,” said Jones’ mother. “It was his way of doing his duty and serving his country.”

She added, “I’m proud my son was able to serve his country to keep the United States free.”

Jones joined the Army in the fall of 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan in May of this year.

Army Pfc. Richard K. Jones was killed in action on 8/1/09.

Army Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon

Remember Our Heroes

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

Pvt. Fitzgibbon was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 1, 2009 in Mushan village, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his patrol with improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. Also killed were Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls and Army Pfc. Richard K. Jones.

WVLT -- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- South Doyle High School is about to add another marker to its soldier memorial garden.

Private Patrick Fitzgibbon was a student just months ago. Now his school will remember the 19-year-old for his decision to serve his county and lay down his life.

Only about 1% of JROTC students enlist, and First Sergeant Calvin Hartwell says he never thought Patrick Fitzgibbon would be among them.

Hartwell was watching TV Sunday night when he found out his former student had died in combat.

"Immediately, when I saw his face, before his name came by, I was like 'no!' " Hartwell told Volunteer TV. "I'll remember him as a person that's willing to make a sacrifice," Hartwell continued.

But Hartwell says Patrick Fitzgibbon was not always a shining example of a cadet.

"Patrick was a very energetic young man, and kind of," Hartwell trailed off, "sometimes we'd say a little rebel," he finished.

In fact, during his senior year at South Doyle Fitzgibbon decided school wasn't for him. He dropped out and went for his GED.

His older brother tells us Patrick was pulling his life together and was excited about the infantry.

"He decided to join and serve his country and he was like, 'Hey, I'm going to do it. I ain't going to think about it. I'm just going to do it,' " John Fitzgibbon said.

"He was fortunate, really, to get in because most of the time you don't get in with a GED," Hartwell told WVLT.

First Sergeant Hartwell says Fitzgibbon came to visit him in March, just before his deployment. And Hartwell says that's the memory he'll keep: a clean cut, focused Patrick Fitzgibbon.

"Anytime you give your life for your country, we have to look at you as a hero," Hartwell said.
The JROTC instructor already knows where he wants Fitzgibbon's marker to go in the school's memorial garden.

He still can't believe he's planning a student body memorial for Patrick, a cadet who signed up in December and left in April.

His family went to meet the body Monday in Dover, Delaware.

Getting it back to Knoxville can take anywhere from two to nine days.

The Fitzgibbons plan to bury him at Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens on Alcoa Highway.

Those arrangements are not complete.

Army Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon was killed in action on 8/1/09.

Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls

Remember Our Heroes

Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls, 27, of West Lawn, Pa.

Cpl. Walls was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 1, 2009 in Mushan village, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his patrol with improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. Also killed were Army Pfc. Richard K. Jones and Army Pvt. Patrick S. Fitzgibbon.

Reading Eagle -- Despite the dangers, Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls loved his job.

And it was while carrying out his duty that the 27-year-old soldier formerly of West Lawn lost his life. He and two other soldiers were killed Saturday when their patrol was attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department.

According to Walls' father, Steven A. Walls, the Army wasn't always in sight for the 2001 Wilson High School graduate.

In fact, Jonathan struggled with plans for the future, unsure of what he wanted to do, his father said.

Steven Walls suggested he join the military.

"I was hoping he'd go into the Navy. We're a Navy family," he said. "But he was really into the shoot-em-up games when he was a kid."

So, Jonathan decided to join the Army, where he quickly found himself living out his video-game dreams.

"He loved it," Steven Walls said, explaining that Jonathan was initially assigned to drive the heavily armored Stryker vehicle. "He said, 'Dad, it's just like the video games.' "

But it wasn't just action that Jonathan was looking for. Steven, who lives in Blackwood, N.J., said his son had a good heart and always wanted to help others.

"If you asked him to do anything for you he would," he said. "He really wanted to make an impact."

Steven said his son already had made an impact by becoming a father. He had two daughters with his wife, Meghan, and adopted her son from a previous relationship, Steven said.

"His kids were his life," Steven said. "He lived for them."

The father, a retired Navy man, often worried about his son. Since Jonathan left for Afghanistan about three months ago, he hadn't been able to contact his family for fear of giving out his unit's position, Steven said.

"I worried about him every day," Steven said. "I'd watch the TV every day to see the reports, to see if I could see his face."

But the torture of not knowing doesn't compare to the pain of waiting, Steven said Monday night from Dover, Del., where he was awaiting a plane carrying his son's body.

"I'm freaking right now," he said. "I never expected to bury my own son, but now I'm going to have to do it. It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done."

Army Cpl. Jonathan M. Walls was killed in action on 8/1/09.

Army Spc. Alexander J. Miller

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Clermont, Fla.

Spc. Miller was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died July 31, 2009 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.

My Fox Orlando -- WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Defense announced on Monday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Alexander J. Miller, 21, of Clermont, 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.

Fort Drum officials say Miller joined the U.S. Army in January 2007. After completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Miller came to Fort Drum in June 2007.

Miller's awards and citations include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

“He was a great kid and we are going to miss him,” said BJ Gomez. Both Gomez and Alexander attended South Lake High in Clermont

“It does impact very close to home but he was out there doing what he loved doing best and I am proud of him for that,” said Gomez.

Miller enlisted in the armed forces right after high school at the age of 19. He was an Army Specialist and according to his friends, this was his dream to serve his country.

Miller’s mother was too emotionally distraught to talk to FOX 35, but Miller's brother said this is a difficult time and that the community has been very supportive.

Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed as of yet.

Army Spc. Alexander J. Miller was killed in action on 7/31/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud

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Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla.

LCpl. Stroud was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died July 30, 2009 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Also killed was Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tenn.

News On 6 -- OKLAHOMA CITY -- A 20-year-old Marine from Cashion was killed in line of duty in Afghanistan.

A family friend said Jonathan Stroud was killed Thursday morning during a fire fight.

Stroud's close friend, Sam Boyd, said he's proud of Jonathan's service and sacrifice.

"He already had a high view of the United States as it was. Becoming a Marine was just, Jonathan was so spontaneous there was no reason behind it other than he wanted to do it," Boyd said.

Stroud joined the Marine Corp in May 2008 and was stationed in Afghanistan since June 1.

Stroud leaves behind his wife Lacie who is pregnant with the couple's first child. The baby is due in December.

Stroud graduated from Cashion High School and faculty said he was exceptionally intelligent. His former counselor said God gifted him with superior skills in reading and writing, enough that she said she didn't mind when he occasionally snuck into the teacher's lounge to grab a pop.

Those who remember Stroud in high school said he was goofy and gangly, and that's the way they liked him.

"Probably one of the most honest, dorkiest, nicest guys you could possibly meet," Boyd said.

A family friend said Stroud's mother and sister will meet his wife in North Carolina. They'll bring his body back to Cashion for burial.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud was killed in action on 7/30/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey

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Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tenn.

LCpl Posey was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died July 30, 2009 of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Also killed was Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla.

WBIR -- The U.S. Military said a local Marine was killed in combat Friday.

According to a statement from the Department of Defense, Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville died while supporting "Operation Eduring Freedom."

He was fatally wounded during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Posey was stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was deployed on May 18 with the United States Marine Corps 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, according to the Herald-Chronicle in Winchester, Tenn.

Although the statement said Posey is from Knoxville, his parents Delma and Steven Posey live in Winchester, Tenn., and he graduated from Franklin High School in 2005.

Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory A. Posey was killed in action on 7/30/09.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Vose III

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Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Vose III, 38, of Concrete, Wash.

CWO2 Vose was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Stuttgart, Germany; died July 29, 2009 in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.

‘He was a soldier first’

The Associated Press

Doug Vose was described as a courageous Green Beret who was both confident on the battlefield and relaxed while enjoying a glass of fine red wine.

“That’s what made Doug so unique,” said Dave Takaki, a retired master sergeant who served with Vose.

Vose, 38, of Concrete, Wash., was based in Stuttgart, Germany. He spoke fluent German.

He was killed July 29 after insurgents attacked his unit in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Vose is survived by his wife, Nicole, two sons, two daughters and mother, Paulette.

His late father was a Marine who instilled a strong work ethic in him, said Vicki Frank, the mother of one of Vose’s best friends.

“He was the best citizen and had the sweetest temperament,” she said.

As a youth, Vose would split wood each day with his brother. Then, he would work a shift at Red Apple, a local market, Frank said.

After graduating from high school in 1988, Vose joined the Army. A decade later, he joined the Special Forces, and began rising through the ranks.

“The whole family is military, and that’s all Doug wanted to do,” Frank said. “He was a soldier first.”

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Vose III was killed in action on 7/29/09.

Army Sgt. Gerrick D. Smith

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Army Sgt. Gerrick D. Smith, 19, of Sullivan, Ill.

Sgt. Smith was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, Illinois Army National Guard, Marion, Ill.; died July 29, 2009 in Herat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.

Illinois soldier posthumously promoted
The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A 19-year-old central Illinois soldier who died of a non-combat-related injury in Afghanistan late last month has been posthumously promoted.

The Illinois Army National Guard says Spc. Gerrick Smith of Sullivan has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. He died July 29.

Smith enlisted in the Illinois National Guard in February 2007. This was his first deployment.

Smith was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry based in Marion. The unit had been in Afghanistan since December 2008.

Visitation is being held at 3 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday at Sullivan High School. Graveside services will be held following Saturday’s visitation at Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan.

Smith made the extra effort to keep friends laughing
The Associated Press

Gerrick D. Smith knew even before he graduated from high school in 2008 that he wanted to be in the military. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard in his junior year.

“If you needed someone to have your back, Gerrick was that guy,” longtime friend and fellow soldier Tyler Craven said. “He would stand up with you to the bitter end.”

Smith, 19, of Sullivan, Ill., died July 29 of a noncombat-related injury in Heart, Afghanistan. His death is under investigation.

He was based in Marion, Ill. It was the first deployment for the former football and soccer player and choir singer from Sullivan (Ill.) High School.

Friends described him as an energetic performer who tried to make people laugh by occasionally goofing off — even once putting on a dress — and occasionally drew tattoos on friends during study hall.

Sullivan police chief John Love said he saw a change when Smith returned to town with a deep pride about serving his country.

“He left here as a kid and came back as a soldier,” Love said.

Smith is survived by his parents, Marilyn Smith and David Jones, a sister and a half-brother.

Army Sgt. Gerrick D. Smith died from a non-combat related incident on 7/29/09.

Marine Pfc. Donald W. Vincent

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Marine Pfc. Donald W. Vincent, 26, of Gainesville, Fla.

Pfc. Vincent was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died July 25, 2009 of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Marine ‘touched a lot of hearts,’ dad says
The Associated Press

Donald W. Vincent — better known by his middle name, Wayne — had to work a few odd jobs before everything really fell into place.

“Wayne found he needed to get his life in focus,” said his father, Lee, a retired Navy captain. “The Marines was a means to an end. ... He discovered abilities he didn’t know he had.”

Vincent, 26, of Gainesville, Fla., died July 25 after being wounded in combat in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Family and friends recalled that Vincent’s experiences in the Marines gave him a different perspective on life, and that his skills in math and other areas developed with his training. He had worked as an electrician and at a couple of restaurants before deciding to join the military.

“The Marines helped him discover his confidence,” said friend Ian Walters.

Vincent, who loved to hunt, fish and scallop, was the oldest Marine in his unit, earning him the nickname “the old man,” said his mother, Betty Sue.

“He touched a lot of hearts,” Lee Vincent said. “People really loved him and they’re broken-hearted with us.”

Marine Pfc. Donald W. Vincent was killed in action on 7/25/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk

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Army Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk, 39, of Gulfport, Miss.

SSgt. Polk was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died July 25, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade on July 23, 2009 in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Sun Herald -- GULFPORT — The Patriot Guard Riders are preparing to honor Army Staff. Sgt. Johnny Roosevelt Polk as a hero when he is returned to Gulfport for burial.

The Department of Defense Monday said Polk, 39, who grew up in North Gulfport, died July 25 at a German hospital from wounds he 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, at Fort Hood, Texas, and died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. His family said Polk told them if anything happened to him while he was serving in the Army, he wanted to be buried at home on the Coast.

“Please stand by to render honors to Army Staff Sgt. Johnny Roosevelt Polk, of Gulfport, MS,” was posted on the Patriot Guard Web site Monday. The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse group of motorcycle riders across the country, who honor those who risk their lives and die for America’s freedom and security.

Ed Baker, Mississippi PGR state captain, said when they receive permission from the family, they will meet the airplane bringing Polk home and escort him to the church or funeral home. They will set up a flag line for funeral services and at the cemetery.

“We can expect anywhere from 30 to over 100 PGR members to attend,” Baker said.

A press release issued by Fort Hood Monday said Polk entered the Army in March 1992 as a cannon crewmember. He had been assigned to his team since December 2008 and had been deployed to Iraq since January.

Among his awards and decorations are: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Among Polk’s survivors are a daughter, Mary, and a son, Antoine, who family said also serves in the military.

Army Staff Sgt. Johnny R. Polk died 7/25/09 of combat injuries sustained 7/23/09.

Army Spc. Justin D. Coleman

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Army Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of Spring Hill, Fla.

Spc. Coleman was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died July 24, 2009 in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.


The Tampa Tribune -- SPRING HILL - She felt it when she first met him.

Nicole Coleman wanted to know about the shaggy-haired boy who was sitting on her friend's sofa. They started dating not long after their first encounter four years ago.

They had been married for two years and he still had that heart-melting effect on her.

"He was a devoted husband," she said with a soft, quivering voice. "I'd say if we had kids, he would've made a great father."

Her husband, U.S. Army Spc. Justin Coleman of Hernando Beach, was killed Friday fighting in Afghanistan. He was 21.

Nicole Coleman was told the news Friday — the day after her birthday. Her husband was expected to return home for leave during the next few weeks.

His birthday was Aug. 31. He and his wife had planned on a joint celebration.

The soldier's affection for his wife did not go unnoticed by her mother, Rosellen Jenkins. Jenkins described Coleman as a "smart kid."

"He was really respectful and has always been great," she said of her son-in-law.

Nicole Coleman had received several calls during the past few days and had several visitors offering condolences.

"It's appreciated," she said of the support she has received from friends and acquaintances. "It's something I will never get used to."

An Associated Press photograph shows Coleman's remains arriving at Dover Air Force base in Delaware and cites the Department of Defense to identify Coleman. The Department of Defense confirmed the death Tuesday.

On its Web site, the department stated Coleman "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 had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Nicole Coleman and her father-in-law went to Dover this weekend for the remains and returned home Monday evening.

Jenkins said the couple were longtime friends and very close. When Coleman deployed in January, his wife sent care packages to him, including camouflage Easter eggs.

Coleman enlisted right after graduating from Nature Coast Technical High School in 2007 and seemed intent on making a career of the military.

His wife said his Army recruiter was among the small list of guests at their wedding.

"I really didn't want to believe it," she said when she received a call from her mother Friday informing her there were men in uniform at the house.

Nicole Coleman was celebrating her birthday at her friend's house. She asked her mother to put one of the men, a sergeant, on the phone. He insisted on telling her the news in person and asked her to come to the house.

"I thought, 'There has to be some sort of confusion,'" she said. "I still don't want to believe it."

The two had made plans to raise a family together.

Services will be arranged through Downing Funeral Home. A viewing is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

A funeral with full military honors will take place at 10 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. A reception will follow at the VFW in Hernando Beach.

Coleman said her husband often seemed sure of himself while they were together, but they also had tender moments during which he would act shyly around her.

Their friends noticed the connection, even before they started dating.

"All of them said they knew something was going on with the way we'd flirt with each other," she said.

Coleman recalled a time when she found out he wrote a blog on his MySpace page that explained his feelings for her. He wrote it before they began dating. He was too shy to read it to her, she said.

She didn't discover it until a year after they were married.

"See that?" she playfully told him. "You really do like me."

Army Spc. Justin D. Coleman was killed in action on 7/24/09.

Army Spc. Herbeth A. Berrios-Campos

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Army Spc. Herbeth A. Berrios-Campos, 21, of Bealton, Va.

Spc. Berrios-Campos was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died July 24, 2009 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat-related incident.

Quiet, confident described Berrios-Campos
The Associated Press

Herberth Berrios-Campos was an energetic and determined soldier before he even formally joined the military.

“He told me that he was going to join the program and be my highest-ranked cadet, and he was a man of his word, because that next term, he joined up and he stayed,” said Warren Fountain, who was Berrios-Campos’ Junior ROTC instructor in high school.

“If you asked him a question, he said he could do it. He never doubted himself. That’s one thing about Campos.”

Berrios-Campos, 21, of Bealeton, Va., died July 24 in Salman Park, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a noncombat incident. He was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.

Fountain remembered Berrios-Campos as a quiet but confident young man who enjoyed playing soccer and running cross-country. He said as a teen, Berrios-Campos often wore his uniform on days it wasn’t necessary so he could represent the military.

Capt. Joel Graves, his company commander, remembered Berrios-Campos for his “energetic youthfulness and humorous personality.”

Berrios-Campos is survived by his mother, Armida Carballos, and his father, Jose Campos.

Army Spc. Herbeth A. Berrios-Campos was killed in a non-combat related incident on 7/24/09.