Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, 25, of Dunfermline, Ill.
Pfc. Bartkiewicz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 30, 2008 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small-arms fire.
Pfc. ‘wanted the best for his family’
The Associated Press
Pfc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz had grown up near military bases in North Carolina and was lured to service.
“Being a part of the Army was something he’d always wanted to do,” said his mother-in-law, Carol Hubbard. “He was just a hardworking kid who wanted the best for his family. He knew when he went in that chances were great he’d go to Iraq.”
Bartkiewicz, 25, of Dunfermline, Ill., was killed Sept. 30 in Baghdad by small-arms fire. He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.
“Bart was a great man and a loving father and husband. He was one of our brothers and will be missed,” Pfc. Eric Williams, a medic who treated Bartkiewicz’s injuries, wrote on his blog about his friend.
Bartkiewicz worked at a Morton factory and then at Coca-Cola in Bartonville before joining the Army about 1 1/2 years ago because he thought it would be a good way to support his family.
He also is survived by his wife, Emily, and two daughters, McKayla, 6, and Morgan, 2.
“He was a hero,” said Hubbard. “He gave his life for his country. What more can you ask for?”
Army Pfc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz was killed in action on 9/30/08.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Army Pvt Dustin Tucker
Remember Our Heroes
Fort Hood soldier, 22, dies in California
FORT HOOD – Post officials released on Wednesday the name of a 4th Infantry Division soldier who died Saturday in Santa Rosa, Calif., of unknown causes.
Pvt. Dustin Mark Tucker, 22, of Kenwood, Calif., on Aug. 28 was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after complaining about not feeling well. Tucker's kidneys failed on Aug. 29, and he died the next day.
Tucker joined the military in August 2007 as an indirect fire infantryman and was assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, since January 2008. Tucker deployed to Iraq last March.
Tucker's military awards and decorations include the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Fort Hood soldier, 22, dies in California
FORT HOOD – Post officials released on Wednesday the name of a 4th Infantry Division soldier who died Saturday in Santa Rosa, Calif., of unknown causes.
Pvt. Dustin Mark Tucker, 22, of Kenwood, Calif., on Aug. 28 was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after complaining about not feeling well. Tucker's kidneys failed on Aug. 29, and he died the next day.
Tucker joined the military in August 2007 as an indirect fire infantryman and was assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, since January 2008. Tucker deployed to Iraq last March.
Tucker's military awards and decorations include the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Army Spc. Christopher T. Fox
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Christopher T. Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn.
Spc. Fox was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he encountered small-arms fire while on patrol.
Spc. ‘loved the people he worked with’
The Associated Press
Spc. Christopher T. Fox was remembered as a laid-back guy who always wanted to be a soldier and fight for his country.
“He did what he loved and, for some reason, I feel like that’s what he wanted. If he had to leave he wanted to leave in combat,” said Fox’s brother Randal White.
Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn., was killed Sept. 29 by small-arms fire in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad. He was assigned to Fort Carson.
Fox, who enlisted in the military in March 2005, was on his second tour, due to be discharged from the Army in July. He was in the service for three years and worked as a mortarman.
Fox, who played football in high school, splashed his social networking Web page orange with University of Tennessee logos. He wanted to enroll at the Knoxville campus next fall and maybe play football, maybe study criminal justice and become a police officer, not letting his military training go to waste, said Amy Frost, a friend.
“He loved the people he worked with, comrades in arms. He died over there fighting for something,” Frost said. He also is survived by his stepfather, Randal Hancock.
Army Spc. Christopher T. Fox was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Army Spc. Christopher T. Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn.
Spc. Fox was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he encountered small-arms fire while on patrol.
Spc. ‘loved the people he worked with’
The Associated Press
Spc. Christopher T. Fox was remembered as a laid-back guy who always wanted to be a soldier and fight for his country.
“He did what he loved and, for some reason, I feel like that’s what he wanted. If he had to leave he wanted to leave in combat,” said Fox’s brother Randal White.
Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn., was killed Sept. 29 by small-arms fire in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad. He was assigned to Fort Carson.
Fox, who enlisted in the military in March 2005, was on his second tour, due to be discharged from the Army in July. He was in the service for three years and worked as a mortarman.
Fox, who played football in high school, splashed his social networking Web page orange with University of Tennessee logos. He wanted to enroll at the Knoxville campus next fall and maybe play football, maybe study criminal justice and become a police officer, not letting his military training go to waste, said Amy Frost, a friend.
“He loved the people he worked with, comrades in arms. He died over there fighting for something,” Frost said. He also is survived by his stepfather, Randal Hancock.
Army Spc. Christopher T. Fox was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill.
SFC Vasquez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Capt. Richard J. Cliff and Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez
The Associated Press
People would tell Gary J. Vasquez that they were sorry each time he was sent back into a war zone.
“He would say, ‘What do you mean. I can’t wait,’” said his brother, Barry DuHasek.
Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill., was killed Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal. He was assigned to Fort Bragg and was on his third tour in Afghanistan.
He received a bachelor’s degree in drama from Illinois State in 1996. Theater professor Sandra Zielinski recalled Vasquez as “a delightful student” and “a very positive young man.”
“His personality was larger than life,” said DuHasek. “He was probably one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He was my best friend and my brother.”
He enlisted about nine years and enjoyed reading and spending time with his dogs, Smash and Medea.
“He loved his job. He was happy to be doing what he was doing,” said DuHasek. “He basically indicated that he always wanted to be a soldier.”
He also is survived by his wife, Sarah, who with her husband would have celebrated their second anniversary on Oct. 14.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Larger Images
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill.
SFC Vasquez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Capt. Richard J. Cliff and Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez
The Associated Press
People would tell Gary J. Vasquez that they were sorry each time he was sent back into a war zone.
“He would say, ‘What do you mean. I can’t wait,’” said his brother, Barry DuHasek.
Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill., was killed Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal. He was assigned to Fort Bragg and was on his third tour in Afghanistan.
He received a bachelor’s degree in drama from Illinois State in 1996. Theater professor Sandra Zielinski recalled Vasquez as “a delightful student” and “a very positive young man.”
“His personality was larger than life,” said DuHasek. “He was probably one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He was my best friend and my brother.”
He enlisted about nine years and enjoyed reading and spending time with his dogs, Smash and Medea.
“He loved his job. He was happy to be doing what he was doing,” said DuHasek. “He basically indicated that he always wanted to be a soldier.”
He also is survived by his wife, Sarah, who with her husband would have celebrated their second anniversary on Oct. 14.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va.
SFC Nicholas was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Capt. Richard J. Cliff and Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez.
W.Va. lowers flags to honor fallen soldier
The Associated Press
CLAY, W.Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered all U.S. and West Virginia flags lowered to half-staff to honor a Clay County soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Nicholas and two other soldiers died Sept. 29 when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Yakhchal. Nicholas was a 33-year-old resident of Maysel.
The governor’s order coincides with Nicholas’ funeral, set for Wednesday at Clay County High School.
The Department of Defense identified the other soldiers as 29-year-old Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. from Mount Pleasant, S.C., and 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez from Round Lake, Ill.
The men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas remembered
The Associated Press
The signs in Jamie S. Nicholas’ hometown of Clay County, W.Va., said it all.
“In Our Prayers, the Nicholas Family, God Bless America,” said one at Maysel Missionary Baptist Church. “Jamie Nicholas, Our Fallen Hero,” read another at Go Mart.
Nicholas, 32, of Hope Mills, N.C., died Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal, Afghanistan. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.
Nicholas, a senior weapons sergeant, had been in Afghanistan since May. It was his second deployment to the country.
“Jamie died doing what he wanted to do. He wasn’t concerned about going over there this time, but I had asked him if he felt we should be there,” said his mother, Karen Nicholas.
“He was adamant,” she said. “He said if we are not there, they will be in America. That gives me comfort. We support America.”
Nicholas was the second of six children in his family. And he was not the only one to serve in the military. Another son served for 10 years, also stationed at Fort Bragg. His sister-in-law also serves.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his stepson, Brenton Troup, and his stepdaughter, Sharise Troup.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va.
SFC Nicholas was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Capt. Richard J. Cliff and Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez.
W.Va. lowers flags to honor fallen soldier
The Associated Press
CLAY, W.Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered all U.S. and West Virginia flags lowered to half-staff to honor a Clay County soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Nicholas and two other soldiers died Sept. 29 when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Yakhchal. Nicholas was a 33-year-old resident of Maysel.
The governor’s order coincides with Nicholas’ funeral, set for Wednesday at Clay County High School.
The Department of Defense identified the other soldiers as 29-year-old Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. from Mount Pleasant, S.C., and 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez from Round Lake, Ill.
The men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas remembered
The Associated Press
The signs in Jamie S. Nicholas’ hometown of Clay County, W.Va., said it all.
“In Our Prayers, the Nicholas Family, God Bless America,” said one at Maysel Missionary Baptist Church. “Jamie Nicholas, Our Fallen Hero,” read another at Go Mart.
Nicholas, 32, of Hope Mills, N.C., died Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal, Afghanistan. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.
Nicholas, a senior weapons sergeant, had been in Afghanistan since May. It was his second deployment to the country.
“Jamie died doing what he wanted to do. He wasn’t concerned about going over there this time, but I had asked him if he felt we should be there,” said his mother, Karen Nicholas.
“He was adamant,” she said. “He said if we are not there, they will be in America. That gives me comfort. We support America.”
Nicholas was the second of six children in his family. And he was not the only one to serve in the military. Another son served for 10 years, also stationed at Fort Bragg. His sister-in-law also serves.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his stepson, Brenton Troup, and his stepdaughter, Sharise Troup.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr.
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Capt. Cliff was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas and Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez.
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. remembered
The Associated Press
Richard G. Cliff Jr. spent as much time in the water as a dolphin, swimming and surfing with his brother. The two boys, born only 16 months apart, had a special bond.
“It was just him and me,” Eddie recalled. “He was my big brother, and I looked up to him.”
Cliff, 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., was killed Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal. He was a 2002 graduate of Appalachian State University and was assigned to Fort Bragg.
He wrestled in high school and college and did two tours in Iraq. Before his 2006 deployment ended, Cliff was called home and invited to take the Special Forces Qualification Course.
Cliff was so serious about his duty that he spent his time in Charleston at the family’s house on Folly, running up and down the beach with a 70-pound rucksack on to get ready for his training. He earned the Green Beret in July.
Cliff had come home for the Sept. 4 birth of his son and returned to Afghanistan a week later. “He was about as happy as I’d ever seen him,” said Eddie Cliff. “He was a very proud father.”
Cliff also is survived by his wife, Stacy, and son, Richard.
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Larger Images
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Capt. Cliff was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas and Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez.
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. remembered
The Associated Press
Richard G. Cliff Jr. spent as much time in the water as a dolphin, swimming and surfing with his brother. The two boys, born only 16 months apart, had a special bond.
“It was just him and me,” Eddie recalled. “He was my big brother, and I looked up to him.”
Cliff, 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., was killed Sept. 29 in an explosion in Yakhchal. He was a 2002 graduate of Appalachian State University and was assigned to Fort Bragg.
He wrestled in high school and college and did two tours in Iraq. Before his 2006 deployment ended, Cliff was called home and invited to take the Special Forces Qualification Course.
Cliff was so serious about his duty that he spent his time in Charleston at the family’s house on Folly, running up and down the beach with a 70-pound rucksack on to get ready for his training. He earned the Green Beret in July.
Cliff had come home for the Sept. 4 birth of his son and returned to Afghanistan a week later. “He was about as happy as I’d ever seen him,” said Eddie Cliff. “He was a very proud father.”
Cliff also is survived by his wife, Stacy, and son, Richard.
Army Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr. was killed in action on 9/29/08.
Larger Images
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Army Staff Sgt. William E. Hasenflu
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla.
SSgt Hasenflu was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Sept. 28, 2008 in the Jaji District, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his unit was ambushed by enemy forces using small arms fire.
101st soldier killed in Afghan ambush
By Brian Dunn
The (Clarksville) Leaf-Chronicle
A Fort Campbell soldier died Sunday from wounds suffered in an ambush in Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla., died in the Jaji District, Afghanistan, after enemy forces using small-arms fire ambushed his unit, according to the news release.
The unit was taking detainees into custody, according to a Fort Campbell news release.
Hasenflu was a cavalry scout assigned to the A Troop, 1st Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
The incident is under investigation, according to the DoD news release.
Hasenflu is survived by his wife, Judith Corbeau-Hasenflu, and daughters, Savannah, Ashley and Veronica, of Cadiz, Ky.; mother, Jane Mann, of Bradenton, Fla.; father, Earl Hasenflu, of Sarasota, Fla.
Hasenflu entered the Army in May 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in October 2005, according to a Fort Campbell news release. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps.
Hasenflu’s awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Valorous Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon; Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Combat Action Badge; Air Assault Badge and Weapons Qualification, 9 mm pistol, expert.
A memorial service will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell will hold an Eagle Remembrance Ceremony on Oct. 15.
Fourteen soldiers from Fort Campbell have died in Afghanistan since the 4th BCT, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, and the division headquarters deployed in March.
About 7,500 men and women from Fort Campbell are deployed to Afghanistan, with another 12,700 in Iraq.
Army Sgt. William E. Hasenflu remembered
The Associated Press
Michael Mendoza said William E. Hasenflu stood “side-by-side” with him as he was rehabilitated from a traumatic head injury he sustained in a military training exercise in 1993.
Mendoza spent years relearning common activities and finding another way to put food on the table, and Hasenflu was there throughout to help, he said.
“Bill helped tutor me during my community re-entry programs and years of life coaching,” Mendoza said. “He always helped people focus on what they could do and not what they couldn’t do.”
Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla., was killed Sept. 28 by small-arms fire in the Jaji district. He was assigned to Fort Campbell and his was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan.
Hasenflu enlisted in the Navy as soon as he graduated high school in Meadville, Pa., where he grew up, Mann said. He also served in the Navy Reserves and the National Guard before joining the Army in May 2005, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, Judith, and daughters Savannah, Ashley and Veronica. He and his wife home-schooled the girls, always vacationed as a family and loved singing old-time Christmas carols together.
Army Staff Sgt. William E. Hasenflu was killed in action on 9/28/08.
Larger Images
Army Staff Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla.
SSgt Hasenflu was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Sept. 28, 2008 in the Jaji District, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his unit was ambushed by enemy forces using small arms fire.
101st soldier killed in Afghan ambush
By Brian Dunn
The (Clarksville) Leaf-Chronicle
A Fort Campbell soldier died Sunday from wounds suffered in an ambush in Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense news release.
Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla., died in the Jaji District, Afghanistan, after enemy forces using small-arms fire ambushed his unit, according to the news release.
The unit was taking detainees into custody, according to a Fort Campbell news release.
Hasenflu was a cavalry scout assigned to the A Troop, 1st Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
The incident is under investigation, according to the DoD news release.
Hasenflu is survived by his wife, Judith Corbeau-Hasenflu, and daughters, Savannah, Ashley and Veronica, of Cadiz, Ky.; mother, Jane Mann, of Bradenton, Fla.; father, Earl Hasenflu, of Sarasota, Fla.
Hasenflu entered the Army in May 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in October 2005, according to a Fort Campbell news release. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps.
Hasenflu’s awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Valorous Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon; Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Combat Action Badge; Air Assault Badge and Weapons Qualification, 9 mm pistol, expert.
A memorial service will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell will hold an Eagle Remembrance Ceremony on Oct. 15.
Fourteen soldiers from Fort Campbell have died in Afghanistan since the 4th BCT, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, and the division headquarters deployed in March.
About 7,500 men and women from Fort Campbell are deployed to Afghanistan, with another 12,700 in Iraq.
Army Sgt. William E. Hasenflu remembered
The Associated Press
Michael Mendoza said William E. Hasenflu stood “side-by-side” with him as he was rehabilitated from a traumatic head injury he sustained in a military training exercise in 1993.
Mendoza spent years relearning common activities and finding another way to put food on the table, and Hasenflu was there throughout to help, he said.
“Bill helped tutor me during my community re-entry programs and years of life coaching,” Mendoza said. “He always helped people focus on what they could do and not what they couldn’t do.”
Hasenflu, 38, of Bradenton, Fla., was killed Sept. 28 by small-arms fire in the Jaji district. He was assigned to Fort Campbell and his was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan.
Hasenflu enlisted in the Navy as soon as he graduated high school in Meadville, Pa., where he grew up, Mann said. He also served in the Navy Reserves and the National Guard before joining the Army in May 2005, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, Judith, and daughters Savannah, Ashley and Veronica. He and his wife home-schooled the girls, always vacationed as a family and loved singing old-time Christmas carols together.
Army Staff Sgt. William E. Hasenflu was killed in action on 9/28/08.
Larger Images
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Army Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant, 22, of Belleville, Ill.
Pfc. Bryant was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 27, 2008 in Baghdad of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq.
Late Ill. soldier embraced music
The Associated Press
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A 22-year-old soldier from southern Illinois who died in a vehicle accident in Iraq is being remembered as a music-loving, McGyver-type who joined the Army two years ago to be a better man.
The Defense Department says Pfc. Jamel Bryant of Belleville died Saturday while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq.
Bryant was part of the 40th Engineer Battalion in the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder, Germany.
Bryant’s mother says her son taught himself to play the piano and joined the Army to change his life for the better. He recently promised to take her to “The Price is Right” and Paris if she lost 20 pounds, something she’s been trying to do.
‘He was better than gold’
The Associated Press
Once Army Pfc Jamel A. Bryant and his family were at an opera when Bryant saw a little boy making a fuss and decided to talk him out of it.
“He talked to the little boy and told him that he used to be like that,” Bryant’s grandmother, Barbara Eiland, said. “The little boy apologized and the mother turned around and thanked Jamel.”
Bryant, 22, of Belleville, Ill., died Sept. 27 of injuries from a vehicle accident in Wahida. He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.
He joined the Army in 2006 because he wanted to change his life.
“He wanted to be a better man,” Bryant’s mom, Cecilia Eiland, said. “And he already was. He was very respectful to everyone. He didn’t care who they were or where they were from. He was better than gold.”
Bryant loved music and he loved children, and often passed candy out to children in Iraq, said his brother, Antonio: “He was always trying to be a mentor to another child.”
Bryant taught himself how to play the piano and recently produced a rap song about the troubles he had growing up in order to help other children.
He also is survived by his father, Antonio Bryant Sr., and his fiancee, Rochelle Jumper.
Army Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant was killed in action on 9/27/08.
Army Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant, 22, of Belleville, Ill.
Pfc. Bryant was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 27, 2008 in Baghdad of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq.
Late Ill. soldier embraced music
The Associated Press
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A 22-year-old soldier from southern Illinois who died in a vehicle accident in Iraq is being remembered as a music-loving, McGyver-type who joined the Army two years ago to be a better man.
The Defense Department says Pfc. Jamel Bryant of Belleville died Saturday while on patrol in Wahida, Iraq.
Bryant was part of the 40th Engineer Battalion in the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder, Germany.
Bryant’s mother says her son taught himself to play the piano and joined the Army to change his life for the better. He recently promised to take her to “The Price is Right” and Paris if she lost 20 pounds, something she’s been trying to do.
‘He was better than gold’
The Associated Press
Once Army Pfc Jamel A. Bryant and his family were at an opera when Bryant saw a little boy making a fuss and decided to talk him out of it.
“He talked to the little boy and told him that he used to be like that,” Bryant’s grandmother, Barbara Eiland, said. “The little boy apologized and the mother turned around and thanked Jamel.”
Bryant, 22, of Belleville, Ill., died Sept. 27 of injuries from a vehicle accident in Wahida. He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.
He joined the Army in 2006 because he wanted to change his life.
“He wanted to be a better man,” Bryant’s mom, Cecilia Eiland, said. “And he already was. He was very respectful to everyone. He didn’t care who they were or where they were from. He was better than gold.”
Bryant loved music and he loved children, and often passed candy out to children in Iraq, said his brother, Antonio: “He was always trying to be a mentor to another child.”
Bryant taught himself how to play the piano and recently produced a rap song about the troubles he had growing up in order to help other children.
He also is survived by his father, Antonio Bryant Sr., and his fiancee, Rochelle Jumper.
Army Pfc. Jamel A. Bryant was killed in action on 9/27/08.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr.
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr., 33, of Conway, S.C.
SSgt. Phillips was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 25, 2008 in Bahbahani, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr. remembered
The Associated Press
Wanda Phillips said a moment with a South African pastor during her son’s high school days was his first nudge toward service.
“God said, ‘If you serve me, I’m going to take you places,’” she said, reading from the family’s written account of what Ronald Phillips Jr. was told that day. “You’re going to be able to run with young people and go with teams. You’re going to countries in the world.”
“All Ron heard out of that was he was going to lead teams,” said his father, Ronald Phillips Sr. “Well, he was a basketball player and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, I’m going overseas to play basketball.’ I said, ‘Boy, that ain’t what that means.’”
Phillips, 33, of Conway, S.C., died Sept. 25 in Bahbahani of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an explosive. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Stewart.
He was known for his love of R&B music and his ability to just draw people in, whether at football game as a child, or fishing with his three brothers as an adult.
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
“He’s my hero,” said Ronald Phillips Sr.
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr. was killed in action on 9/25/08.
Larger Images
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr., 33, of Conway, S.C.
SSgt. Phillips was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 25, 2008 in Bahbahani, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr. remembered
The Associated Press
Wanda Phillips said a moment with a South African pastor during her son’s high school days was his first nudge toward service.
“God said, ‘If you serve me, I’m going to take you places,’” she said, reading from the family’s written account of what Ronald Phillips Jr. was told that day. “You’re going to be able to run with young people and go with teams. You’re going to countries in the world.”
“All Ron heard out of that was he was going to lead teams,” said his father, Ronald Phillips Sr. “Well, he was a basketball player and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, I’m going overseas to play basketball.’ I said, ‘Boy, that ain’t what that means.’”
Phillips, 33, of Conway, S.C., died Sept. 25 in Bahbahani of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an explosive. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Stewart.
He was known for his love of R&B music and his ability to just draw people in, whether at football game as a child, or fishing with his three brothers as an adult.
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
“He’s my hero,” said Ronald Phillips Sr.
Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr. was killed in action on 9/25/08.
Larger Images
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders, 25, of Avon Lake, Ohio
Capt. Medders was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 24, 2008 in Jisr Naft, Iraq, of wounds sustained when a suicide bomber detonated a vest during operations.
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders remembered
The Associated Press
Michael J. Medders was a standout on his high school football squad. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive lineman was All-Ohio and first-team All-Southwestern Conference.
His football coach, Dave Dlugosz, said Medders was equally impressive off the field. “He was kind and caring to the younger players. They could go to him. And he had an outstanding sense of humor,” Dlugosz said.
Medders, 25, of Elyria, Ohio, died Sept. 24 in Jisr Naft of wounds sustained in a suicide bombing. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2005 and was assigned to Fort Hood.
In May, he was hit by a roadside bomb near Baghdad and suffered a concussion. He was treated at a field hospital and returned to work. In July, he was promoted to captain.
“He was an awesome, awesome young man,” said Mari Beth Becker, a former neighbor. “He was very respectful and had a great sense of humor. I never heard him say an unkind word — it’s very heartbreaking.”
He also is survived by his parents, Michael and Lynn Medders, and fiancee, Stacey Hrvatin.
“He was always involved in such positive things,” said guidance counselor Linda Broadhurst.
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders was killed in action on 9/24/08.
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders, 25, of Avon Lake, Ohio
Capt. Medders was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 24, 2008 in Jisr Naft, Iraq, of wounds sustained when a suicide bomber detonated a vest during operations.
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders remembered
The Associated Press
Michael J. Medders was a standout on his high school football squad. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive lineman was All-Ohio and first-team All-Southwestern Conference.
His football coach, Dave Dlugosz, said Medders was equally impressive off the field. “He was kind and caring to the younger players. They could go to him. And he had an outstanding sense of humor,” Dlugosz said.
Medders, 25, of Elyria, Ohio, died Sept. 24 in Jisr Naft of wounds sustained in a suicide bombing. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2005 and was assigned to Fort Hood.
In May, he was hit by a roadside bomb near Baghdad and suffered a concussion. He was treated at a field hospital and returned to work. In July, he was promoted to captain.
“He was an awesome, awesome young man,” said Mari Beth Becker, a former neighbor. “He was very respectful and had a great sense of humor. I never heard him say an unkind word — it’s very heartbreaking.”
He also is survived by his parents, Michael and Lynn Medders, and fiancee, Stacey Hrvatin.
“He was always involved in such positive things,” said guidance counselor Linda Broadhurst.
Army Capt. Michael J. Medders was killed in action on 9/24/08.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown, 26, of Burke, Va.
1st Lt. Brown was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 23, 2008 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his patrol came under small arms fire during dismounted operations.
Conn. native killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. — An Army lieutenant who grew up in Shelton died in Iraq after his patrol came under small-arms fire about 60 miles north of Baghdad, the Defense Department said.
Thomas J. Brown, 26, who lived Burke, Va., died Tuesday after the fighting in Salman Park, the military said. He was assigned to the Germany-based 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division.
He is the 41st member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since the wars started. Two civilians from the state have also died.
Brown was due to take a leave and come home in about three weeks to spend time with his family and girlfriend, relatives said.
“He just called me three days ago and said he couldn’t wait to get back,” his twin brother, Timothy Brown, said Thursday. “He wanted to make a difference. The Army was lucky to have him.”
After leaving Shelton, Thomas Brown graduated from George Mason University in 2004 with a degree in government and joined the Army in 2005. Timothy Brown said his brother went to Ranger school, Airborne school and officer’s candidate school.
“He took every opportunity that came his way,” Timothy Brown said.
Thomas Brown was a good moral person, his brother said. Everyone he met left with something from him, he said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi ordered that all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be flown at half-staff in honor of Brown.
“We must never lose sight of the sacrifices our military members make each and every day as they serve our great country,” Rell said in a statement. “We can best honor his selfless dedication to our freedoms by keeping Lieutenant Brown — and all our men and women overseas — in our thoughts and prayers.”
Lieutenant ‘led his life by example’
The Associated Press
While stationed at Fort Benning, 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown found an abandoned cat that someone had apparently tossed out a window.
He adopted it as a pet, giving it a loving home, and named it Batman.
“That was Tom,” said his mother, Carol Brown. He always looked out for others, both people or animals. “He always seemed to be picking up abandoned animals,” she said.
Brown, 26, of Burke, Va., died Sept. 23 in Salman Pak of wounds from small-arms fire. He graduated from George Mason University in 2004 with degrees in government and international politics, and was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.
“He tried working, but he found life behind a desk was not for him,” Carol Brown said. So Brown applied for and was accepted to Army Officer Candidate School. In addition to earning an officer’s commission, he earned Airborne wings and a Ranger tab.
Brown wouldn’t ask his troops to do anything that he himself wouldn’t do, his brother Tim said. “He led his life by example and was always in front of the pack,” he said. “He always wanted to be the one with boots on the ground and in the front of the line.”
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown was killed in action on 9/23/08.
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown, 26, of Burke, Va.
1st Lt. Brown was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 23, 2008 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his patrol came under small arms fire during dismounted operations.
Conn. native killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. — An Army lieutenant who grew up in Shelton died in Iraq after his patrol came under small-arms fire about 60 miles north of Baghdad, the Defense Department said.
Thomas J. Brown, 26, who lived Burke, Va., died Tuesday after the fighting in Salman Park, the military said. He was assigned to the Germany-based 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division.
He is the 41st member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since the wars started. Two civilians from the state have also died.
Brown was due to take a leave and come home in about three weeks to spend time with his family and girlfriend, relatives said.
“He just called me three days ago and said he couldn’t wait to get back,” his twin brother, Timothy Brown, said Thursday. “He wanted to make a difference. The Army was lucky to have him.”
After leaving Shelton, Thomas Brown graduated from George Mason University in 2004 with a degree in government and joined the Army in 2005. Timothy Brown said his brother went to Ranger school, Airborne school and officer’s candidate school.
“He took every opportunity that came his way,” Timothy Brown said.
Thomas Brown was a good moral person, his brother said. Everyone he met left with something from him, he said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi ordered that all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be flown at half-staff in honor of Brown.
“We must never lose sight of the sacrifices our military members make each and every day as they serve our great country,” Rell said in a statement. “We can best honor his selfless dedication to our freedoms by keeping Lieutenant Brown — and all our men and women overseas — in our thoughts and prayers.”
Lieutenant ‘led his life by example’
The Associated Press
While stationed at Fort Benning, 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown found an abandoned cat that someone had apparently tossed out a window.
He adopted it as a pet, giving it a loving home, and named it Batman.
“That was Tom,” said his mother, Carol Brown. He always looked out for others, both people or animals. “He always seemed to be picking up abandoned animals,” she said.
Brown, 26, of Burke, Va., died Sept. 23 in Salman Pak of wounds from small-arms fire. He graduated from George Mason University in 2004 with degrees in government and international politics, and was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.
“He tried working, but he found life behind a desk was not for him,” Carol Brown said. So Brown applied for and was accepted to Army Officer Candidate School. In addition to earning an officer’s commission, he earned Airborne wings and a Ranger tab.
Brown wouldn’t ask his troops to do anything that he himself wouldn’t do, his brother Tim said. “He led his life by example and was always in front of the pack,” he said. “He always wanted to be the one with boots on the ground and in the front of the line.”
Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown was killed in action on 9/23/08.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez
Remember Our Heroes
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, 34, of El Paso, Texas
Maj. Rodriguez was assigned to the 86th Construction & Training Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; died Sept. 20, 2008 in the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Major killed in Pakistan hotel blast remembered
By Bruce Rolfsen
Staff writer
The Air Force major killed by a terrorist bomb in Pakistan is remembered as an officer who led by example.
Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, 34, of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was among the more than 50 people killed Saturday in an attack on the Marriott hotel in Islamabad. Rodriguez, a civil engineering officer, was in Pakistan to train the Pakistani military. His home unit was Ramstein’s 86th Construction and Training Squadron.
The other American service member lost in the bombing was Navy Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga. He was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command at Fort Meade, Md.
No one would say why the servicemen were in or near the hotel, although it is known as a popular meeting place for foreigners in the Pakistani capital. The bombing occurred just days after the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, visited Pakistan and confirmed reports that American military units had crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan and targeted militants there.
At Ramstein, Maj. Andrew Sheehan met Rodriguez three years ago and the pair became friends.
“He was my sponsor when arrived at the base,” Sheehan recalled.
Together, the two civil engineers worked on several projects at Ramstein including airfield improvements, security upgrades and a gymnasium.
“He would handle the design and I’d do construction management,” Sheehan said.
Rodriguez was the son of immigrant parents and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He earned selection to the Air Force Academy and graduated from there in 1998.
Sheehan said Rodriguez was proud of going from a child who learned English as his second language to being commissioned an Air Force officer. The wide range of experiences meant Rodriguez could relate to airmen of any rank.
“He wasn’t afraid to get his boots dirty,” Sheehan said.
From the academy, Rodriguez went on to serve in civil engineer units, including a tour at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., before his assignment to Ramstein. He was promoted to major in December 2007, according to Air Force records.
The deployment to Pakistan was Rodriguez’s third lengthy Central Command assignment since 2001, including six months at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in 2006, Sheehan said.
A memorial service is being held this week at Ramstein.
The major’s survivors include his wife, Caryn; mother, Minerva Rivas; and two brothers.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez remembered
The Associated Press
Rodolfo I. Rodriguez was the son of immigrant parents and earned selection to the Air Force Academy. He was proud of going from a child who learned English as his second language to being commissioned an officer.
The wide range of experiences meant Rodriguez could relate to airmen of any rank. “He wasn’t afraid to get his boots dirty,” said Maj. Andrew Sheehan.
Rodriguez, 34, of El Paso, Texas, killed by a terrorist bomb in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sept. 20. A civil engineering officer, he was assigned to Ramstein Air Base.
After graduating from the academy in 1998, Rodriguez went on to serve in civil engineer units, including a tour at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The deployment to Pakistan was Rodriguez’s third lengthy assignment since 2001, including six months at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in 2006.
Repeatedly described as a quiet man, Rodriguez listened much more than he spoke. “For those of us who have a tendency to perhaps say a few too many words, we are quick to be quiet when Rod is speaking because there is wisdom in his words,” Sheehan said.
He is survived by his wife, Caryn.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez was killed 9/20/08 in the Pakistan Marriott bombing.
For larger images
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, 34, of El Paso, Texas
Maj. Rodriguez was assigned to the 86th Construction & Training Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; died Sept. 20, 2008 in the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Major killed in Pakistan hotel blast remembered
By Bruce Rolfsen
Staff writer
The Air Force major killed by a terrorist bomb in Pakistan is remembered as an officer who led by example.
Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, 34, of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was among the more than 50 people killed Saturday in an attack on the Marriott hotel in Islamabad. Rodriguez, a civil engineering officer, was in Pakistan to train the Pakistani military. His home unit was Ramstein’s 86th Construction and Training Squadron.
The other American service member lost in the bombing was Navy Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga. He was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command at Fort Meade, Md.
No one would say why the servicemen were in or near the hotel, although it is known as a popular meeting place for foreigners in the Pakistani capital. The bombing occurred just days after the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, visited Pakistan and confirmed reports that American military units had crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan and targeted militants there.
At Ramstein, Maj. Andrew Sheehan met Rodriguez three years ago and the pair became friends.
“He was my sponsor when arrived at the base,” Sheehan recalled.
Together, the two civil engineers worked on several projects at Ramstein including airfield improvements, security upgrades and a gymnasium.
“He would handle the design and I’d do construction management,” Sheehan said.
Rodriguez was the son of immigrant parents and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He earned selection to the Air Force Academy and graduated from there in 1998.
Sheehan said Rodriguez was proud of going from a child who learned English as his second language to being commissioned an Air Force officer. The wide range of experiences meant Rodriguez could relate to airmen of any rank.
“He wasn’t afraid to get his boots dirty,” Sheehan said.
From the academy, Rodriguez went on to serve in civil engineer units, including a tour at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., before his assignment to Ramstein. He was promoted to major in December 2007, according to Air Force records.
The deployment to Pakistan was Rodriguez’s third lengthy Central Command assignment since 2001, including six months at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in 2006, Sheehan said.
A memorial service is being held this week at Ramstein.
The major’s survivors include his wife, Caryn; mother, Minerva Rivas; and two brothers.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez remembered
The Associated Press
Rodolfo I. Rodriguez was the son of immigrant parents and earned selection to the Air Force Academy. He was proud of going from a child who learned English as his second language to being commissioned an officer.
The wide range of experiences meant Rodriguez could relate to airmen of any rank. “He wasn’t afraid to get his boots dirty,” said Maj. Andrew Sheehan.
Rodriguez, 34, of El Paso, Texas, killed by a terrorist bomb in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sept. 20. A civil engineering officer, he was assigned to Ramstein Air Base.
After graduating from the academy in 1998, Rodriguez went on to serve in civil engineer units, including a tour at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The deployment to Pakistan was Rodriguez’s third lengthy assignment since 2001, including six months at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in 2006.
Repeatedly described as a quiet man, Rodriguez listened much more than he spoke. “For those of us who have a tendency to perhaps say a few too many words, we are quick to be quiet when Rod is speaking because there is wisdom in his words,” Sheehan said.
He is survived by his wife, Caryn.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriguez was killed 9/20/08 in the Pakistan Marriott bombing.
For larger images
Army Capt. Bruno G. de Solenni
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Bruno G. de Solenni, 32, of Crescent City, Calif.
Capt. de Solenni was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team, Oregon Army National Guard; died Sept. 20, 2008 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army Capt. Bruno de Solenni
The Associated Press
Oregon National Guard Capt. Dominic Oto described Bruno de Solenni as smart, kind and with a steel core that made him the best officer on the team.
“He loved the Afghans, and in combat never was there a better operator or leader,” Oto said. “The man was absolutely fearless.”
De Solenni, 32, of Crescent City, Calif., was killed by a roadside bomb Sept. 20 in Kandahar. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters.
Before being stationed in Afghanistan for the past nine months, the Oregon National Guardsman had served in Egypt and Iraq, where he had a previous brush with death.
“He was on patrol when he had a mortar — it turned out to be a dud — drop right between his legs,” said his father, Mario. “We always thought Bruno was invincible.”
He had labored as a crab fishermen and a logger and was working toward his bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University in Ashland.
“He was always one to inspire people, no matter where he was, he was able to bring out the good qualities in people,” said his brother, Gino.
He also is survived by his mother, Cali Martin.
Army Capt. Bruno G. de Solenni was killed in action on 9/20/08.
Larger Images
Army Capt. Bruno G. de Solenni, 32, of Crescent City, Calif.
Capt. de Solenni was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team, Oregon Army National Guard; died Sept. 20, 2008 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Army Capt. Bruno de Solenni
The Associated Press
Oregon National Guard Capt. Dominic Oto described Bruno de Solenni as smart, kind and with a steel core that made him the best officer on the team.
“He loved the Afghans, and in combat never was there a better operator or leader,” Oto said. “The man was absolutely fearless.”
De Solenni, 32, of Crescent City, Calif., was killed by a roadside bomb Sept. 20 in Kandahar. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters.
Before being stationed in Afghanistan for the past nine months, the Oregon National Guardsman had served in Egypt and Iraq, where he had a previous brush with death.
“He was on patrol when he had a mortar — it turned out to be a dud — drop right between his legs,” said his father, Mario. “We always thought Bruno was invincible.”
He had labored as a crab fishermen and a logger and was working toward his bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University in Ashland.
“He was always one to inspire people, no matter where he was, he was able to bring out the good qualities in people,” said his brother, Gino.
He also is survived by his mother, Cali Martin.
Army Capt. Bruno G. de Solenni was killed in action on 9/20/08.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor, 25, of Charleston, S.C.
SSgt. Taylor was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.; died Sept. 20, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he received small arms fire during dismounted operations.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor remembered
The Associated Press
Capt. Ryan Woolf recalled Matthew J. Taylor as an always-smiling practical joker, but also an accomplished leader.
“At the age of 23, he was my youngest and best squad leader,” Woolf said. “He was my go-to guy.”
Taylor, 25, of Charleston, S.C., died Sept. 21 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from small-arms fire. He was assigned to Fort Polk.
Without showing any prior interest in the armed services, Taylor signed up to join the Army on Sept. 12, 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
“He had an extreme sense of duty,” said his father, Don Taylor.
According to his parents, he was a talented musician, who brought an acoustic guitar with him to Iraq. He was also interested in computer programming.
The last time Kimberly Taylor spoke to her son, it was the day before his was killed, the same day as his daughter Ryann’s fifth birthday party.
“Do me a favor and make sure Ryann has a good day today,” Kimberly Taylor recalled her son saying.
He also is survived by his wife, Randi, and daughters Raegan, 2, and Raina, who was born in June.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor was killed in action on 9/20/08.
For Matthew's Children:
For Matthew's Parents:
Larger Images
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor, 25, of Charleston, S.C.
SSgt. Taylor was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.; died Sept. 20, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he received small arms fire during dismounted operations.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor remembered
The Associated Press
Capt. Ryan Woolf recalled Matthew J. Taylor as an always-smiling practical joker, but also an accomplished leader.
“At the age of 23, he was my youngest and best squad leader,” Woolf said. “He was my go-to guy.”
Taylor, 25, of Charleston, S.C., died Sept. 21 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from small-arms fire. He was assigned to Fort Polk.
Without showing any prior interest in the armed services, Taylor signed up to join the Army on Sept. 12, 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
“He had an extreme sense of duty,” said his father, Don Taylor.
According to his parents, he was a talented musician, who brought an acoustic guitar with him to Iraq. He was also interested in computer programming.
The last time Kimberly Taylor spoke to her son, it was the day before his was killed, the same day as his daughter Ryann’s fifth birthday party.
“Do me a favor and make sure Ryann has a good day today,” Kimberly Taylor recalled her son saying.
He also is survived by his wife, Randi, and daughters Raegan, 2, and Raina, who was born in June.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor was killed in action on 9/20/08.
For Matthew's Children:
For Matthew's Parents:
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley
Remember Our Heroes
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley, 46, of North Bend, Ore.
Lt. Col Wiley was assigned to the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.; died Sept. 18, 2008 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley remembered
The Associated Press
About a year ago, James L. Wiley decided to don fatigues again and become a soldier for one final tour in Iraq.
“While he was there, he really became a humanitarian,” said his mother, Ruth Wiley. “He collected clothing for the children.
He told me, ‘Mom, we can fight as many wars as we want, but when we get the children believing in us, that’s when we will get the wars to stop.’”
Wiley, 46, of North Bend, Ore., died Sept. 18 at Bagram Airfield of injuries from a non-combat-related incident. He was a 1979 high school graduate and was assigned to Syracuse, N.Y.
He earned degrees in math and chemistry as well as marketing and management from the University of Oregon. He also was a member of the Oregon National Guard during college.
Wiley then earned a law degree from Willamette Law School and enlisted in the Army as a captain. His father, Jim Sr., pinned his bars on his son.
His law degree led to a posting with the government as a military attorney in Germany. When it was time to return home, the government asked him to stay as chief legal counsel.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa, and three daughters.
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley died in a non-combat related incident 9/18/08.
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley, 46, of North Bend, Ore.
Lt. Col Wiley was assigned to the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.; died Sept. 18, 2008 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley remembered
The Associated Press
About a year ago, James L. Wiley decided to don fatigues again and become a soldier for one final tour in Iraq.
“While he was there, he really became a humanitarian,” said his mother, Ruth Wiley. “He collected clothing for the children.
He told me, ‘Mom, we can fight as many wars as we want, but when we get the children believing in us, that’s when we will get the wars to stop.’”
Wiley, 46, of North Bend, Ore., died Sept. 18 at Bagram Airfield of injuries from a non-combat-related incident. He was a 1979 high school graduate and was assigned to Syracuse, N.Y.
He earned degrees in math and chemistry as well as marketing and management from the University of Oregon. He also was a member of the Oregon National Guard during college.
Wiley then earned a law degree from Willamette Law School and enlisted in the Army as a captain. His father, Jim Sr., pinned his bars on his son.
His law degree led to a posting with the government as a military attorney in Germany. When it was time to return home, the government asked him to stay as chief legal counsel.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa, and three daughters.
Army Lt. Col. James L. Wiley died in a non-combat related incident 9/18/08.
Army 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills, Texas
1st Lt. Vallejo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf and Cpl. Michael E. Thompson.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Army Capt. Robert Vallejo II remembered
The Associated Press
Robert Vallejo II was very disciplined. He would go jogging at 5 a.m. every morning, no matter the weather. But he melted when it came to family, visiting whenever he could.
“He was a happy person. I never saw him in a bad mood,” said his aunt, Sara Ramirez.
Vallejo, 28, of Richland Hills, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
Vallejo graduated from Texas Christian University in 2005 with a bachelor’s in speech and communication. He was involved with Army ROTC and took many classes in military science.
Soon after graduating from high school, he joined the National Guard and was able to get his college education through the military.
“He enjoyed jumping out of airplanes and parachutes,” said Ramirez.
He and his wife, Hillary, who he met when they were in junior high school, are expecting their first child. They learned a short time before he left for Iraq in August that she was pregnant. The day after Vallejo died, she learned they were having a boy.
She will name the baby Robert.
Army 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills, Texas
1st Lt. Vallejo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf and Cpl. Michael E. Thompson.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Army Capt. Robert Vallejo II remembered
The Associated Press
Robert Vallejo II was very disciplined. He would go jogging at 5 a.m. every morning, no matter the weather. But he melted when it came to family, visiting whenever he could.
“He was a happy person. I never saw him in a bad mood,” said his aunt, Sara Ramirez.
Vallejo, 28, of Richland Hills, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
Vallejo graduated from Texas Christian University in 2005 with a bachelor’s in speech and communication. He was involved with Army ROTC and took many classes in military science.
Soon after graduating from high school, he joined the National Guard and was able to get his college education through the military.
“He enjoyed jumping out of airplanes and parachutes,” said Ramirez.
He and his wife, Hillary, who he met when they were in junior high school, are expecting their first child. They learned a short time before he left for Iraq in August that she was pregnant. The day after Vallejo died, she learned they were having a boy.
She will name the baby Robert.
Army 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards
Remember Our Heroes
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale, Texas
CWO2 Edwards was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla. the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
CWO recalled as ‘every officer’s wish come true’
The Associated Press
Maj. Allen Richards will miss Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards’ humor and laughter.
“As a leader in the Army, you are every officer’s wish come true and I could not think of anyone better as my crew chief,” Richards wrote on an online bulletin board. “I will miss your friendship.”
Edwards, 38, of Kennedale, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was a 1988 high school graduate and was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
“Corry valued integrity and lead his life in such a way so as to impress on his sons to be honorable men. His loving charm captured the hearts of everyone,” his family wrote in tribute.
He earned his paramedic certification in 1994 and had been employed since 1997 at the Dallas Army Aviation Support Facility.
He served in Bosnia-Herzegovina from 2003-04. He is survived by his wife, Nannette, and his two sons, Killian, 9, and Logan, 7.
While his wife preferred to keep her remembrances of her husband private, she did want to thank her community. “I would like to thank each and every person who has poured out their hearts and resources to myself and our family,” she wrote.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale, Texas
CWO2 Edwards was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla. the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
CWO recalled as ‘every officer’s wish come true’
The Associated Press
Maj. Allen Richards will miss Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards’ humor and laughter.
“As a leader in the Army, you are every officer’s wish come true and I could not think of anyone better as my crew chief,” Richards wrote on an online bulletin board. “I will miss your friendship.”
Edwards, 38, of Kennedale, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was a 1988 high school graduate and was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
“Corry valued integrity and lead his life in such a way so as to impress on his sons to be honorable men. His loving charm captured the hearts of everyone,” his family wrote in tribute.
He earned his paramedic certification in 1994 and had been employed since 1997 at the Dallas Army Aviation Support Facility.
He served in Bosnia-Herzegovina from 2003-04. He is survived by his wife, Nannette, and his two sons, Killian, 9, and Logan, 7.
While his wife preferred to keep her remembrances of her husband private, she did want to thank her community. “I would like to thank each and every person who has poured out their hearts and resources to myself and our family,” she wrote.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio
1st Sgt. Ordonez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez remembered
The Associated Press
Julio C. Ordonez was known as someone who was quiet, respectful and down to earth, a first sergeant who always was last — by design.
Sgt. Tom Rios said most first sergeants go to Iraq first to get things arranged for their units, but Ordonez did the opposite. “He stayed back to make sure that everybody back there was taken care of before they moved forward. He came with the last group of guys.”
Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
“He was a very good guy, always friendly, very mellow, very personable,” said Texas Army National Guard Sgt. Jennifer Krausch.
Ordonez grew up in Honduras and attended St. Philip’s College and Hallmark Institute in San Antonio.
“People looked up to him. He was almost like a big brother,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Ramirez. “If you needed some advice, he was there for you. He would never steer you in the wrong direction.”
He leaves his wife, Leticia, and children Julio Jr., Joyce, Jacob and Judith.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio
1st Sgt. Ordonez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez remembered
The Associated Press
Julio C. Ordonez was known as someone who was quiet, respectful and down to earth, a first sergeant who always was last — by design.
Sgt. Tom Rios said most first sergeants go to Iraq first to get things arranged for their units, but Ordonez did the opposite. “He stayed back to make sure that everybody back there was taken care of before they moved forward. He came with the last group of guys.”
Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas.
“He was a very good guy, always friendly, very mellow, very personable,” said Texas Army National Guard Sgt. Jennifer Krausch.
Ordonez grew up in Honduras and attended St. Philip’s College and Hallmark Institute in San Antonio.
“People looked up to him. He was almost like a big brother,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Ramirez. “If you needed some advice, he was there for you. He would never steer you in the wrong direction.”
He leaves his wife, Leticia, and children Julio Jr., Joyce, Jacob and Judith.
Army 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, Okla.
Sgt. Eshbaugh was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Guardsman remembered as hard worker, quick learner
The Associated Press
Maj. Pete Barger, a Chinook pilot for the Oklahoma Guard, said he first met Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh during their first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Eshbaugh served as a flight engineer.
“He always wanted a little bit more. He expanded from just the engines to learning the aircraft. He got that knowledge, he got that step down, and from beyond that he wanted to become crew member. That was one of his goals,” Barger said. Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, Okla., was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. Eshbaugh was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Originally from Chicago, Eshbaugh first enlisted in the Air Force in 1982, where he served for 10 years. After a six-year break, he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1998, staying until 2000. Daniel re-enlisted in the Guard in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel, and children Ashley, Jessica, Bryan, and Jordan.
Last month, Rachel Eshbaugh posted the following message on her husband’s MySpace page, “Hey, I just wanted to say stay safe and strong. I am very proud of you for what you are doing. I will be waiting for you when you get home. Love you.”
Army Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, Okla.
Sgt. Eshbaugh was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Guardsman remembered as hard worker, quick learner
The Associated Press
Maj. Pete Barger, a Chinook pilot for the Oklahoma Guard, said he first met Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh during their first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Eshbaugh served as a flight engineer.
“He always wanted a little bit more. He expanded from just the engines to learning the aircraft. He got that knowledge, he got that step down, and from beyond that he wanted to become crew member. That was one of his goals,” Barger said. Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, Okla., was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. Eshbaugh was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Originally from Chicago, Eshbaugh first enlisted in the Air Force in 1982, where he served for 10 years. After a six-year break, he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1998, staying until 2000. Daniel re-enlisted in the Guard in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel, and children Ashley, Jessica, Bryan, and Jordan.
Last month, Rachel Eshbaugh posted the following message on her husband’s MySpace page, “Hey, I just wanted to say stay safe and strong. I am very proud of you for what you are doing. I will be waiting for you when you get home. Love you.”
Army Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf
Remember Our Heroes
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City
CWO3 Rudolf was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Brady J. Rudolf remembered
The Associated Press
Roger Northcutt, Brady J. Rudolf’s cousin, said people who met him were lucky. Rudolf took the time to care about people.
“If you look at his photograph, you’ll see a sparkle in his eyes,” Northcutt said. “It’s actually not a sparkle, but in reality, it’s the brightest, and hottest white light that man has created on this earth — it’s the light of freedom.”
Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Rudolf, a pharmacist who was voted class clown by his graduating class, served as a CH-47 Chinook pilot and had been in the National Guard for more than 20 years and deployed to Iraq in 2003.
“He was a jokester but he could be serious too when it mattered,” said his brother, Dustin. “He was a conscientious pilot who liked to take care of people. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone.”
He also is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his sons Braden, Ty and Nate.
“He had this captivating smile that drew me in the moment I met him, and a natural ability to take care of people,” his wife said.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City
CWO3 Rudolf was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Brady J. Rudolf remembered
The Associated Press
Roger Northcutt, Brady J. Rudolf’s cousin, said people who met him were lucky. Rudolf took the time to care about people.
“If you look at his photograph, you’ll see a sparkle in his eyes,” Northcutt said. “It’s actually not a sparkle, but in reality, it’s the brightest, and hottest white light that man has created on this earth — it’s the light of freedom.”
Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City, was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Rudolf, a pharmacist who was voted class clown by his graduating class, served as a CH-47 Chinook pilot and had been in the National Guard for more than 20 years and deployed to Iraq in 2003.
“He was a jokester but he could be serious too when it mattered,” said his brother, Dustin. “He was a conscientious pilot who liked to take care of people. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone.”
He also is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his sons Braden, Ty and Nate.
“He had this captivating smile that drew me in the moment I met him, and a natural ability to take care of people,” his wife said.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson, 23, of Harrah, Okla.
Cpl. Thompson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Slain soldier remembered at funeral
The Associated Press
KINGSTON, Okla. — An Oklahoma soldier who died in Iraq was remembered Saturday as an “all-American boy” who had already served a tour in Iraq and volunteered to go back to the war zone.
Services for Cpl. Michael Eyre Thompson, 23, were held in a crowded school gymnasium in Kingston in southern Oklahoma. A 2003 graduate of Kingston High School, Thompson died on Sept. 18 in a helicopter crash in Iraq that also killed two other Oklahoma National Guard soldiers as well as four soldiers from Texas.
Funeral services have been set for the other two soldiers from Oklahoma as well as a fourth soldier from the state who was killed in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Tracey Friend, one of several people who spoke at Thompson’s funeral, said Thompson believed in the cause he was fighting for and wore it on his shirt sleeve.
“He could make you smile in the worst of times. ... People were drawn to this young man,” Friend said. “He was an all-American boy, fun loving and easy going.”
Friend recalled they were on guard duty on top of a bunker at approximately 2:30 one morning when they began talking about home, hunting and music. Friend said that Thompson loved music.
“He began singing Waylon Jennings at the top of his voice,” Friend said. “Lights started coming on in the neighborhood below and the Iraqis were coming out and saying, ‘Mister, please (stop).’ He looked at me and said, ‘Sgt. Friend, I don’t think they know Waylon Jennings,’ and for the next four hours, they were entertained. He didn’t shut up.”
Friend choked up when talking about the honor of escorting Thompson’s body home.
“It is a horrible loss for all of us but the honor bestowed upon me to escort him home — it is the greatest honor I have ever had in my life,” Friend said.
In addition to Thompson, Sgt. Daniel Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, and Chief Warrant Officer Brady Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City, were also killed when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter they were in crashed in the desert about 60 miles west of Basra in southern Iraq.
All three were from 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34 out of Lexington, Okla.
A memorial service for Rudolf has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
Services for Eshbaugh will be held on Oct. 4 at CrossPointe Church in Norman. He will be buried at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.
Meanwhile, services were held Saturday for Staff Sgt. Brandon Farley of Haworth, who also died on Sept. 18 from injuries suffered a day before when his patrol came under fire in Afghanistan.
Farley “was always interested in the military and military history,” said Victor Balagbagan, a veteran social sciences teacher at Haworth High School. Balagbagan said members of Farleys 1997 graduating class at Haworth were among the estimated 300 people who attended Farley’s funeral service. “Brandon didn’t know what, exactly, he wanted as far as the military was concerned. But he wanted to know that he would measure up ... so that ‘I won’t let my buddies down,”’ he said.
The teacher said he assured Farley he was “as strong inside as outside, and he wouldn’t let anyone down.”
He measured up, said Balagbagan, “and he did what he did with pride and dignity.”
The word hero is tossed around so often that its meaning is often diluted, Balagbagan said. “Brandon has given all. People like Brandon is what being a hero is all about.”
More than 1,000 McCurtain County residents, many waving flags, turned out Friday to honor Farley, 30, as his body was carried in a processional, led from the Idabel Regional Airport into downtown Idabel by about 100 members of the Patriot Riders, a group of motorcyclists.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson remembered
The Associated Press
Friends of Michael E. Thompson recalled a time they were on guard duty very early one morning when they began talking about home, hunting and music.
“He began singing Waylon Jennings at the top of his voice,” Staff Sgt. Tracey Friend. “Lights started coming on in the neighborhood below, and the Iraqis were coming out and saying, ‘Mister, please!’ He looked at me and said, ‘Sgt. Friend, I don’t think they know Waylon Jennings,’ and for the next four hours, they were entertained. He didn’t shut up.”
Thompson, 23, of Harrah, Okla., was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Thompson enlisted in the Army in 2004 and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2007. He also served in Iraq. A hunter and fisherman, he volunteered to go to Iraq because the Army needed a qualified open-door machine gunner.
“He was an all-American boy — fun loving and easygoing,” Friend said. “He could make you smile in the worst of times.”
Thompson is survived by his father, Kory Thompson mother, Angie Perry and stepfather, Richard Perry.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson, 23, of Harrah, Okla.
Cpl. Thompson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Oklahoma National Guard, Lexington, Okla.; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Slain soldier remembered at funeral
The Associated Press
KINGSTON, Okla. — An Oklahoma soldier who died in Iraq was remembered Saturday as an “all-American boy” who had already served a tour in Iraq and volunteered to go back to the war zone.
Services for Cpl. Michael Eyre Thompson, 23, were held in a crowded school gymnasium in Kingston in southern Oklahoma. A 2003 graduate of Kingston High School, Thompson died on Sept. 18 in a helicopter crash in Iraq that also killed two other Oklahoma National Guard soldiers as well as four soldiers from Texas.
Funeral services have been set for the other two soldiers from Oklahoma as well as a fourth soldier from the state who was killed in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Tracey Friend, one of several people who spoke at Thompson’s funeral, said Thompson believed in the cause he was fighting for and wore it on his shirt sleeve.
“He could make you smile in the worst of times. ... People were drawn to this young man,” Friend said. “He was an all-American boy, fun loving and easy going.”
Friend recalled they were on guard duty on top of a bunker at approximately 2:30 one morning when they began talking about home, hunting and music. Friend said that Thompson loved music.
“He began singing Waylon Jennings at the top of his voice,” Friend said. “Lights started coming on in the neighborhood below and the Iraqis were coming out and saying, ‘Mister, please (stop).’ He looked at me and said, ‘Sgt. Friend, I don’t think they know Waylon Jennings,’ and for the next four hours, they were entertained. He didn’t shut up.”
Friend choked up when talking about the honor of escorting Thompson’s body home.
“It is a horrible loss for all of us but the honor bestowed upon me to escort him home — it is the greatest honor I have ever had in my life,” Friend said.
In addition to Thompson, Sgt. Daniel Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, and Chief Warrant Officer Brady Rudolf, 37, of Oklahoma City, were also killed when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter they were in crashed in the desert about 60 miles west of Basra in southern Iraq.
All three were from 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34 out of Lexington, Okla.
A memorial service for Rudolf has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
Services for Eshbaugh will be held on Oct. 4 at CrossPointe Church in Norman. He will be buried at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.
Meanwhile, services were held Saturday for Staff Sgt. Brandon Farley of Haworth, who also died on Sept. 18 from injuries suffered a day before when his patrol came under fire in Afghanistan.
Farley “was always interested in the military and military history,” said Victor Balagbagan, a veteran social sciences teacher at Haworth High School. Balagbagan said members of Farleys 1997 graduating class at Haworth were among the estimated 300 people who attended Farley’s funeral service. “Brandon didn’t know what, exactly, he wanted as far as the military was concerned. But he wanted to know that he would measure up ... so that ‘I won’t let my buddies down,”’ he said.
The teacher said he assured Farley he was “as strong inside as outside, and he wouldn’t let anyone down.”
He measured up, said Balagbagan, “and he did what he did with pride and dignity.”
The word hero is tossed around so often that its meaning is often diluted, Balagbagan said. “Brandon has given all. People like Brandon is what being a hero is all about.”
More than 1,000 McCurtain County residents, many waving flags, turned out Friday to honor Farley, 30, as his body was carried in a processional, led from the Idabel Regional Airport into downtown Idabel by about 100 members of the Patriot Riders, a group of motorcyclists.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson remembered
The Associated Press
Friends of Michael E. Thompson recalled a time they were on guard duty very early one morning when they began talking about home, hunting and music.
“He began singing Waylon Jennings at the top of his voice,” Staff Sgt. Tracey Friend. “Lights started coming on in the neighborhood below, and the Iraqis were coming out and saying, ‘Mister, please!’ He looked at me and said, ‘Sgt. Friend, I don’t think they know Waylon Jennings,’ and for the next four hours, they were entertained. He didn’t shut up.”
Thompson, 23, of Harrah, Okla., was killed Sept. 18 when his helicopter went down near Tallil. He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Lexington, Okla.
Thompson enlisted in the Army in 2004 and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2007. He also served in Iraq. A hunter and fisherman, he volunteered to go to Iraq because the Army needed a qualified open-door machine gunner.
“He was an all-American boy — fun loving and easygoing,” Friend said. “He could make you smile in the worst of times.”
Thompson is survived by his father, Kory Thompson mother, Angie Perry and stepfather, Richard Perry.
Army Cpl. Michael E. Thompson was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army SSgt. Anthony L. Mason
Remember Our Heroes
Army SSgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown, Texas
SSgt. Mason was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Staff sergeant remembered as a jokester
The Associated Press
Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Mason’s brother, Wesley, and his sister, Annette Cihak, remember their brother as a “good ol’ boy” who loved nothing more than to rile folks for a laugh.
“He made a career out of making my life miserable,” Cihak said. “There was a lot of fun at my expense.”
Mason, 37, of Springtown, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 in a helicopter crash near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas, and served two tours in Iraq.
Wesley said Luke was always interested in doing mechanical work and ended up working for his father-in-law, who had served in the Air Force. He later decided he could serve his country by applying his mechanical knowledge to helicopters.
Mason is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Always mechanically-minded, Luke seemed able to make anything run. Wesley recalled that when Luke worked at a bowling alley, his car got stolen at least three times. Each time, he’d find it, take it back and get it running again.
When he traded it in, the dealer asked for the keys. Mason handed him a screwdriver.
Army SSgt. Anthony L. Mason was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Army SSgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown, Texas
SSgt. Mason was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas; died Sept. 18, 2008 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in went down in the vicinity of Tallil, Iraq. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Corry A. Edwards, Sgt. Daniel M. Eshbaugh, 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brady J. Rudolf, Cpl. Michael E. Thompson and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II.
Pentagon IDs 4 Texans killed in chopper crash
The Associated Press
DALLAS — Seven National Guardsmen — including four from Texas — were on their way from Kuwait to Balad to join their unit last week when their helicopter crashed in Iraq, the Texas National Guard said Monday.
The four Texans killed in Thursday’s crash were: Chief Warrant Officer Corry A. Edwards, 38, of Kennedale; Sgt. Anthony L. Mason, 37, of Springtown; 1st Sgt. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio; and 1st Lt. Robert Vallejo II, 28, of Richland Hills.
Three soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard were also died.
“As we grieve with so many in our community over this extremely unfortunate news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these citizen-soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, adjutant general of the Texas National Guard.
The soldiers had been called to active duty on June 5. After completing two-and-a-half months of training at Fort Sill, Okla., the soldiers were deployed to Kuwait on Aug. 24, the Texas National Guard said in a news release.
The CH-47 Chinook was flying in a four-helicopter formation from Kuwait to the U.S. military base at Balad when it crashed about 60 miles west of Basra. Military officials say they suspect a mechanical malfunction.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34, Texas Army National Guard in Grand Prairie.
Vallejo, a pilot who was posthumously promoted to captain, is survived by his wife Hillary Ann. He joined the National Guard in April 1999.
Edwards, posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 2, is survived by his wife, Nanette, and sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel. Edwards joined the military in December 1992. From June 2003 to April 2004, he served in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mason, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Mason, who also served in Iraq from February 2003 to September 2003, joined the Texas Army National Guard last year. He attended basic training and advanced individual training to become a helicopter engineer.
Ordonez, posthumously promoted to sergeant major, is survived by his wife Leticia, sons Julio and Jacob, and daughters Joyce and Judith. Ordonez, born in Honduras, joined the military in April 1982. Before joining the Texas Army National Guard, he served with HHC, 6-112th in Arkansas as a helicopter engineer, the Texas National Guard said.
Staff sergeant remembered as a jokester
The Associated Press
Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Mason’s brother, Wesley, and his sister, Annette Cihak, remember their brother as a “good ol’ boy” who loved nothing more than to rile folks for a laugh.
“He made a career out of making my life miserable,” Cihak said. “There was a lot of fun at my expense.”
Mason, 37, of Springtown, Texas, was killed Sept. 18 in a helicopter crash near Tallil. He was assigned to Grand Prairie, Texas, and served two tours in Iraq.
Wesley said Luke was always interested in doing mechanical work and ended up working for his father-in-law, who had served in the Air Force. He later decided he could serve his country by applying his mechanical knowledge to helicopters.
Mason is survived by his wife, Melanie Laree, and daughters, Ashley Nicole, Jamie Rosalee and Megan Irene.
Always mechanically-minded, Luke seemed able to make anything run. Wesley recalled that when Luke worked at a bowling alley, his car got stolen at least three times. Each time, he’d find it, take it back and get it running again.
When he traded it in, the dealer asked for the keys. Mason handed him a screwdriver.
Army SSgt. Anthony L. Mason was killed in action on 9/18/08.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill.
Sgt. Harris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Robbins, Ill.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris remembered
The Associated Press
It was a lifelong dream of Joshua W. Harris’ to serve in the military and he enlisted with the National Guard while he was still in high school.
Don Gillingham, executive director of Walther Lutheran High School, remembered Harris as the kid who always wore a smile but felt a deep sense of purpose.
“He felt like he was doing something important,” Gillingham said of Harris’ military aspirations. “He had that. His life had purpose. His life had meaning.”
Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill., was killed Sept. 17 when his vehicle struck an explosive in Gerdia Seria. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Robbins, Ill.
Harris loved history and once visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on a trip to Springfield. He was enthralled by the Civil War exhibits.
He was a member of a Boy Scout drum and bugle corps, and continued in the military, often playing taps on the bugle at the funerals of fallen comrades.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Bill and Jean Harris, and his mother, Mille Harris-Hickey.
“He died in the line of duty doing what he chose to do,” said Harris’ father.
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill.
Sgt. Harris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Robbins, Ill.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris remembered
The Associated Press
It was a lifelong dream of Joshua W. Harris’ to serve in the military and he enlisted with the National Guard while he was still in high school.
Don Gillingham, executive director of Walther Lutheran High School, remembered Harris as the kid who always wore a smile but felt a deep sense of purpose.
“He felt like he was doing something important,” Gillingham said of Harris’ military aspirations. “He had that. His life had purpose. His life had meaning.”
Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill., was killed Sept. 17 when his vehicle struck an explosive in Gerdia Seria. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Robbins, Ill.
Harris loved history and once visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on a trip to Springfield. He was enthralled by the Civil War exhibits.
He was a member of a Boy Scout drum and bugle corps, and continued in the military, often playing taps on the bugle at the funerals of fallen comrades.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Bill and Jean Harris, and his mother, Mille Harris-Hickey.
“He died in the line of duty doing what he chose to do,” said Harris’ father.
Army Sgt. Joshua W. Harris was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Capt Hays was assigned to the Wyoming Joint Forces Headquarters, Wyoming Army National Guard, Cheyenne, Wyo.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Wyoming Guard officer killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne man serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard has been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the Army said Monday.
Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, a member of a military transition team from Fort Riley, Kan., and three other soldiers died Sept. 17 when their vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb.
Hays was a field artillery officer serving on a military transition team assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. To date, 156 Fort Riley servicemembers have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This is a tragedy that touched all of us in the Wyoming National Guard. Capt. Hays was a member of our own family,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Wright, Wyoming’s adjutant general, in a news release.
Col. Greg Porter, who supervised Hays when he worked in information technology at the Cheyenne base, called Hays an outstanding officer. “He was very smart on the IT systems,” Porter said.
Porter said Hays also knew field artillery thoroughly and took on many other challenging assignments in his more than 17 years of service.
Hays worked in the 148th Signal Corps in Laramie and commanded between 100 and 150 soldiers in the Wyoming Army National Guard’s C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery, in Worland.
Hays first enlisted in the Army in 1984, took a break, then joined the Wyoming Army National Guard in May 2000. He completed officer-candidate school and became a lieutenant in November 2000.
Hays is the first Wyoming National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was part of a training team mentoring Afghanistan forces in policing. Hays had arrived in Afghanistan in mid-August. Funeral services are pending.
The Department of Defense identified the three other soldiers who died in the attack as: Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill.; 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y.; and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez, 24, of Chicago, Ill.
Governor honors soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — Gov. Bill Richardson has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of a Army National Guard officer with ties to New Mexico who was killed in Afghanistan.
Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, was killed Sept. 17 when a vehicle he was in was hit by a roadside bomb. He was an active duty member of the Wyoming National Guard.
The California native graduated in 1984 from Capitan High School.
After joining the Army and serving in Desert Storm, Hays graduated from New Mexico State University in 1996.
He also worked at White Sands Missile Range.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Hays, and two daughters in Alamogordo.
Wyoming Guard soldier honored in Casper ceremony
The Associated Press
CASPER, Wyo. — The first Wyoming National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan was honored in a ceremony in Casper.
Forty-two-year-old Army National Guard Capt. Bruce Hays, of Cheyenne, was killed Sept. 17 in an attack on his vehicle by a roadside bomb.
Hays was remembered Thursday as dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife, Marie “Terri” Hays, and daughters Bethany and Eleanor, who live in New Mexico.
Col. Greg Porter, chief of staff for the Army and Air Guard, worked with Hays for five years. Porter says his emotions ranged from sadness to pride — pride that the country is capable of producing a soldier of Hays’ caliber.
“He was a great soldier and a great leader. We’ll miss him very much.”
A letter by Lt. Col. Raymond M. Kent was read at the service. Kent wrote that Hays was a family man who was admired by his fellow soldiers.
“Bruce would keep us up at night in the barracks as he talked and played chess with his 10-year-old daughter Bethany over the wireless Internet and webcam,” Kent wrote.
Hays also would talk to his younger daughter, Eleanor, and wife before signing off for the night. Kent wrote that Hays used the webcam at the same time every evening and usually spent an hour or more chatting with his family.
“No one complained, though,” Kent wrote. “Bruce was so genuine and real with his love for his family, we all just kept quiet so as not to disturb the magic that was going on.”
After joining the Army and serving in Desert Storm, he graduated from New Mexico State University in 1996. He also worked at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range.
Hays was a member of a Wyoming Army National Guard military transition team that was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. Team members prepare small teams of U.S. soldiers, airmen and sailors to advise, teach and mentor their Iraqi or Afghan counterparts.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays remembered
The Associated Press
Col. Greg Porter, chief of staff for the Army and Air Guard, said Bruce E. Hays was very quiet and soft spoken.
“A good person. A good man. A good soldier,” Porter said.
Hays, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyo., was killed Sept. 17 by a roadside bomb in Gerdia Seria. He graduated from high school in New Mexico in 1984 and was assigned to Cheyenne.
He joined the Army after graduating and served for eight years, including service in Desert Storm. Hays then went on to attend New Mexico State University, during which he worked at the Army Research Lab at White Sands Missile Range.
He graduated in 1996 and went on to work as a surveyor with the USDA Soil Service. Hays was an active duty member of the Army National Guard of Wyoming at the time of this death.
“He was very well-respected and known throughout the organization as highly technical and competent. And perhaps more importantly, a very decent person who exemplified the army values of honor, integrity and service,” said Brig. Gen. Olin Oedekoven.
Hays is survived by his wife, Marie, and his children, Bethany Hays, Eleanor Hays, John Vance III, Alfonso Vance and Genevieve Vance.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Capt Hays was assigned to the Wyoming Joint Forces Headquarters, Wyoming Army National Guard, Cheyenne, Wyo.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Wyoming Guard officer killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne man serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard has been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the Army said Monday.
Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, a member of a military transition team from Fort Riley, Kan., and three other soldiers died Sept. 17 when their vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb.
Hays was a field artillery officer serving on a military transition team assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. To date, 156 Fort Riley servicemembers have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This is a tragedy that touched all of us in the Wyoming National Guard. Capt. Hays was a member of our own family,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Wright, Wyoming’s adjutant general, in a news release.
Col. Greg Porter, who supervised Hays when he worked in information technology at the Cheyenne base, called Hays an outstanding officer. “He was very smart on the IT systems,” Porter said.
Porter said Hays also knew field artillery thoroughly and took on many other challenging assignments in his more than 17 years of service.
Hays worked in the 148th Signal Corps in Laramie and commanded between 100 and 150 soldiers in the Wyoming Army National Guard’s C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery, in Worland.
Hays first enlisted in the Army in 1984, took a break, then joined the Wyoming Army National Guard in May 2000. He completed officer-candidate school and became a lieutenant in November 2000.
Hays is the first Wyoming National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was part of a training team mentoring Afghanistan forces in policing. Hays had arrived in Afghanistan in mid-August. Funeral services are pending.
The Department of Defense identified the three other soldiers who died in the attack as: Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, 21, of Romeoville, Ill.; 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y.; and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez, 24, of Chicago, Ill.
Governor honors soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — Gov. Bill Richardson has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of a Army National Guard officer with ties to New Mexico who was killed in Afghanistan.
Capt. Bruce E. Hays, 42, was killed Sept. 17 when a vehicle he was in was hit by a roadside bomb. He was an active duty member of the Wyoming National Guard.
The California native graduated in 1984 from Capitan High School.
After joining the Army and serving in Desert Storm, Hays graduated from New Mexico State University in 1996.
He also worked at White Sands Missile Range.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Hays, and two daughters in Alamogordo.
Wyoming Guard soldier honored in Casper ceremony
The Associated Press
CASPER, Wyo. — The first Wyoming National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan was honored in a ceremony in Casper.
Forty-two-year-old Army National Guard Capt. Bruce Hays, of Cheyenne, was killed Sept. 17 in an attack on his vehicle by a roadside bomb.
Hays was remembered Thursday as dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife, Marie “Terri” Hays, and daughters Bethany and Eleanor, who live in New Mexico.
Col. Greg Porter, chief of staff for the Army and Air Guard, worked with Hays for five years. Porter says his emotions ranged from sadness to pride — pride that the country is capable of producing a soldier of Hays’ caliber.
“He was a great soldier and a great leader. We’ll miss him very much.”
A letter by Lt. Col. Raymond M. Kent was read at the service. Kent wrote that Hays was a family man who was admired by his fellow soldiers.
“Bruce would keep us up at night in the barracks as he talked and played chess with his 10-year-old daughter Bethany over the wireless Internet and webcam,” Kent wrote.
Hays also would talk to his younger daughter, Eleanor, and wife before signing off for the night. Kent wrote that Hays used the webcam at the same time every evening and usually spent an hour or more chatting with his family.
“No one complained, though,” Kent wrote. “Bruce was so genuine and real with his love for his family, we all just kept quiet so as not to disturb the magic that was going on.”
After joining the Army and serving in Desert Storm, he graduated from New Mexico State University in 1996. He also worked at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range.
Hays was a member of a Wyoming Army National Guard military transition team that was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. Team members prepare small teams of U.S. soldiers, airmen and sailors to advise, teach and mentor their Iraqi or Afghan counterparts.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays remembered
The Associated Press
Col. Greg Porter, chief of staff for the Army and Air Guard, said Bruce E. Hays was very quiet and soft spoken.
“A good person. A good man. A good soldier,” Porter said.
Hays, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyo., was killed Sept. 17 by a roadside bomb in Gerdia Seria. He graduated from high school in New Mexico in 1984 and was assigned to Cheyenne.
He joined the Army after graduating and served for eight years, including service in Desert Storm. Hays then went on to attend New Mexico State University, during which he worked at the Army Research Lab at White Sands Missile Range.
He graduated in 1996 and went on to work as a surveyor with the USDA Soil Service. Hays was an active duty member of the Army National Guard of Wyoming at the time of this death.
“He was very well-respected and known throughout the organization as highly technical and competent. And perhaps more importantly, a very decent person who exemplified the army values of honor, integrity and service,” said Brig. Gen. Olin Oedekoven.
Hays is survived by his wife, Marie, and his children, Bethany Hays, Eleanor Hays, John Vance III, Alfonso Vance and Genevieve Vance.
Army Capt. Bruce E. Hays was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y.
1st Lt. Naqvi was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, Fort Benning, Ga.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Family recalls soldier’s patriotism, loyalty
By Greg Marano
Poughkeepsie Journal
WAPPINGERS FALLS — Nazar Naqvi’s son was not a Muslim soldier. He was a soldier who was a Muslim.
“First he was American,” he said of his son, Mohsin. “Then he was Muslim.”
The regular Friday prayer service at the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association on All Angels Hill Road paid special tribute Friday to Mohsin Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army.
He was among a group of five soldiers killed while on patrol in Afghanistan Wednesday. He leaves behind a 20-year-old wife, Raazia.
After Friday’s regular service, mosque members comforted Mohsin’s brother and father, and an imam led an informal prayer service specifically for the soldier.
Mohsin Naqvi had served a tour in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan, and family members said his Muslim faith was a constant source of taunting.
“He was being picked on any time they wanted,” his father said. “He still wanted to be in the Army.”
But Nazar Naqvi said he never questioned the allegiance of his son, who emigrated from Pakistan with the family when he was 8 and became a U.S. citizen at 16.
“When he came to this country, he took an oath to be loyal to the United States,” Nazar Naqvi said.
Hassan Naqvi, Mohsin’s younger brother, knelt at the Friday afternoon prayer service, Mohsin’s dog tag hanging from a chain around his neck, and wiped away a tear.
He called his brother “the most patriotic person I know.”
Mohsin Naqvi joined the Army reserves days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Once in Afghanistan, he would converse with prisoners of war in his native language, Urdu, but his common ground with the captured Taliban fighters ended there. The version of Islam they were preaching didn’t resemble his own, he told his family.
“As far as he was concerned, he wasn’t fighting against Muslims,” Hassan Naqvi said.
“Before he left for Af-ghanistan, I asked him if he was scared,” Hassan Naqvi said. “He said he wasn’t, because that was where he was needed most.”
After the service, Mohsin Naqvi’s uncle, Anwar Naqvi, said his nephew died defending against acts of terror and a violent interpretation of Islam the vast majority of Muslims denounce.
“I am proud that my nephew, he basically ...” Anwar Naqvi said, pausing to regain his composure and fight his tears to speak, “he laid down his life in the line of his duty. He was doing what he was supposed to do.”
Funeral arrangements have not been made, as the family doesn’t know when Mohsin’s body will be returned, but the funeral service is expected to take place in the Albany area.
Fallen soldier memorialized in upstate New York
By Richard Richtmyer
The Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. — Muslim prayers joined American military honors in upstate New York as family, friends and fellow soldiers remembered Mohsin Naqvi, an Army officer killed in Afghanistan.
About 350 people gathered Monday for a Shia funeral service before his burial with full military honors in a nearby cemetery. Naqvi, who was born in Pakistan and came to the U.S. with his family as a child, was one of four soldiers killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol last week.
An Army honor guard from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division carried Naqvi’s flag-draped coffin into a prayer hall on the outskirts of Albany, where mourners remembered the 26-year-old, who had been married in the same mosque.
“He was married here a day before he was deployed,” said Shakil Virjee, a member of the mosque’s board of trustees and a friend of the family.
Naqvi was born in Pakistan and came to America when he was 8 years old. His family settled in the Hudson Valley city of Newburgh, where he grew up and went to school. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen when he was 16.
His wife, Raazia, and her family are from the Albany area, and the Naqvis frequently traveled from Newburgh to worship at the mosque, Virjee said.
Naqvi joined the Army Reserve a few days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and went on to serve in Iraq. He later re-enlisted for active duty and become a first lieutenant.
During part of his military service, Naqvi was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company at Fort Benning in Georgia, where he worked under the command of Capt. Carl Purgerson.
“Lt. Naqvi was my (executive officer) for about six months,” Purgerson said as he stood outside the mosque Monday. “He made it a joy to come to work, very dedicated and a true patriot to the core.”
New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Eric Hunt also knew Naqvi, though they never served together. They were next door neighbors in Newburgh for years.
“I’ve known him since he was a teenager,” Hunt said, fighting back tears as he spoke.
“Whenever he was home we’d get together and talk about Army stuff. We had that in common,” Hunt said. “He was always cracking jokes. We went to his brother Hassan’s high school graduation party last year, and he was the life of the party.”
Some who knew Naqvi said he hoped his Muslim faith and heritage could help bridge cultural divides, but often struggled against people who questioned his patriotism.
“We were really proud of him joining the forces,” said Aziz Ahsan, a Hudson Valley lawyer who survived the attack on the World Trade Center and is active in the area’s Muslim community.
“He’s the most patriotic person I’ve known, and he sacrificed his life for all Americans, not just Muslim Americans.”
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi remembered
The Associated Press
Those who knew Mohsin A. Naqvi said he hoped his Muslim faith and heritage could help bridge cultural divides, but he often struggled against people who questioned his patriotism.
“We were really proud of him joining the forces,” said Aziz Ahsan, who is active in the Muslim community. “He’s the most patriotic person I’ve known, and he sacrificed his life for all Americans, not just Muslim Americans.”
Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y., was killed Sept. 17 by a roadside bomb in Gerdia Seria. He was assigned to Fort Benning.
He fought in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and re-enlisted for a tour of Afghanistan. The 2006 graduate of the State University at Geneseo, deployed a day after his wedding.
“He was always cracking jokes,” said New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Eric Hunt.
Naqvi, who was born in Pakistan and came to the U.S. with his family as a child, became a naturalized U.S. citizen when he was 16.
“He made it a joy to come to work, very dedicated and a true patriot to the core,” said Capt. Carl Purgerson, his boss at Fort Benning.
He is survived by his wife, Raazia.
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y.
1st Lt. Naqvi was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, Fort Benning, Ga.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Joshua W. Harris, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.
Family recalls soldier’s patriotism, loyalty
By Greg Marano
Poughkeepsie Journal
WAPPINGERS FALLS — Nazar Naqvi’s son was not a Muslim soldier. He was a soldier who was a Muslim.
“First he was American,” he said of his son, Mohsin. “Then he was Muslim.”
The regular Friday prayer service at the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association on All Angels Hill Road paid special tribute Friday to Mohsin Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army.
He was among a group of five soldiers killed while on patrol in Afghanistan Wednesday. He leaves behind a 20-year-old wife, Raazia.
After Friday’s regular service, mosque members comforted Mohsin’s brother and father, and an imam led an informal prayer service specifically for the soldier.
Mohsin Naqvi had served a tour in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan, and family members said his Muslim faith was a constant source of taunting.
“He was being picked on any time they wanted,” his father said. “He still wanted to be in the Army.”
But Nazar Naqvi said he never questioned the allegiance of his son, who emigrated from Pakistan with the family when he was 8 and became a U.S. citizen at 16.
“When he came to this country, he took an oath to be loyal to the United States,” Nazar Naqvi said.
Hassan Naqvi, Mohsin’s younger brother, knelt at the Friday afternoon prayer service, Mohsin’s dog tag hanging from a chain around his neck, and wiped away a tear.
He called his brother “the most patriotic person I know.”
Mohsin Naqvi joined the Army reserves days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Once in Afghanistan, he would converse with prisoners of war in his native language, Urdu, but his common ground with the captured Taliban fighters ended there. The version of Islam they were preaching didn’t resemble his own, he told his family.
“As far as he was concerned, he wasn’t fighting against Muslims,” Hassan Naqvi said.
“Before he left for Af-ghanistan, I asked him if he was scared,” Hassan Naqvi said. “He said he wasn’t, because that was where he was needed most.”
After the service, Mohsin Naqvi’s uncle, Anwar Naqvi, said his nephew died defending against acts of terror and a violent interpretation of Islam the vast majority of Muslims denounce.
“I am proud that my nephew, he basically ...” Anwar Naqvi said, pausing to regain his composure and fight his tears to speak, “he laid down his life in the line of his duty. He was doing what he was supposed to do.”
Funeral arrangements have not been made, as the family doesn’t know when Mohsin’s body will be returned, but the funeral service is expected to take place in the Albany area.
Fallen soldier memorialized in upstate New York
By Richard Richtmyer
The Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. — Muslim prayers joined American military honors in upstate New York as family, friends and fellow soldiers remembered Mohsin Naqvi, an Army officer killed in Afghanistan.
About 350 people gathered Monday for a Shia funeral service before his burial with full military honors in a nearby cemetery. Naqvi, who was born in Pakistan and came to the U.S. with his family as a child, was one of four soldiers killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol last week.
An Army honor guard from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division carried Naqvi’s flag-draped coffin into a prayer hall on the outskirts of Albany, where mourners remembered the 26-year-old, who had been married in the same mosque.
“He was married here a day before he was deployed,” said Shakil Virjee, a member of the mosque’s board of trustees and a friend of the family.
Naqvi was born in Pakistan and came to America when he was 8 years old. His family settled in the Hudson Valley city of Newburgh, where he grew up and went to school. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen when he was 16.
His wife, Raazia, and her family are from the Albany area, and the Naqvis frequently traveled from Newburgh to worship at the mosque, Virjee said.
Naqvi joined the Army Reserve a few days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and went on to serve in Iraq. He later re-enlisted for active duty and become a first lieutenant.
During part of his military service, Naqvi was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company at Fort Benning in Georgia, where he worked under the command of Capt. Carl Purgerson.
“Lt. Naqvi was my (executive officer) for about six months,” Purgerson said as he stood outside the mosque Monday. “He made it a joy to come to work, very dedicated and a true patriot to the core.”
New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Eric Hunt also knew Naqvi, though they never served together. They were next door neighbors in Newburgh for years.
“I’ve known him since he was a teenager,” Hunt said, fighting back tears as he spoke.
“Whenever he was home we’d get together and talk about Army stuff. We had that in common,” Hunt said. “He was always cracking jokes. We went to his brother Hassan’s high school graduation party last year, and he was the life of the party.”
Some who knew Naqvi said he hoped his Muslim faith and heritage could help bridge cultural divides, but often struggled against people who questioned his patriotism.
“We were really proud of him joining the forces,” said Aziz Ahsan, a Hudson Valley lawyer who survived the attack on the World Trade Center and is active in the area’s Muslim community.
“He’s the most patriotic person I’ve known, and he sacrificed his life for all Americans, not just Muslim Americans.”
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi remembered
The Associated Press
Those who knew Mohsin A. Naqvi said he hoped his Muslim faith and heritage could help bridge cultural divides, but he often struggled against people who questioned his patriotism.
“We were really proud of him joining the forces,” said Aziz Ahsan, who is active in the Muslim community. “He’s the most patriotic person I’ve known, and he sacrificed his life for all Americans, not just Muslim Americans.”
Naqvi, 26, of Newburgh, N.Y., was killed Sept. 17 by a roadside bomb in Gerdia Seria. He was assigned to Fort Benning.
He fought in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and re-enlisted for a tour of Afghanistan. The 2006 graduate of the State University at Geneseo, deployed a day after his wedding.
“He was always cracking jokes,” said New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Eric Hunt.
Naqvi, who was born in Pakistan and came to the U.S. with his family as a child, became a naturalized U.S. citizen when he was 16.
“He made it a joy to come to work, very dedicated and a true patriot to the core,” said Capt. Carl Purgerson, his boss at Fort Benning.
He is survived by his wife, Raazia.
Army 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez, 24, of Chicago
SSgt Vazquez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Sycamore, Ill.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Sgt. Joshua W. Harris.
The Associated Press
Jason A. Vazquez’s fiancée said he was very involved with his family and was focused on his career.
“I watched him achieve everything he wanted in these past three years,” said Genevieve Gonzalez. “He made my life so much happier. He was more than just a partner, he was my best friend.”
Vazquez, 24, of Chicago, was killed Sept. 17 when his vehicle struck an explosive in Gerdia Seria. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Sycamore, Ill.
Vazquez was the type of son who would hang his grandmother’s curtains, plant flowers in her garden and visit his grandparents regularly, relatives said. Even in Afghanistan, he found a way to talk to them every day. He last asked for his Chicago Bears and Cubs hats to be sent.
He and Gonzalez, who planned to marry on Labor Day in 2009, met on a MySpace Web site about three years ago. Vazquez helped his fiancée raise her 8-year-old daughter. “He was her world. She keeps asking: “Where is my Jason?’” Gonzalez said of her daughter.
“I just sent out three care packages” to him in Afghanistan, Gonzalez said. “He asked for his Chicago Bears and Cubs hats. I know he probably never received them.”
Army Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez, 24, of Chicago
SSgt Vazquez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Sycamore, Ill.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Sgt. Joshua W. Harris.
The Associated Press
Jason A. Vazquez’s fiancée said he was very involved with his family and was focused on his career.
“I watched him achieve everything he wanted in these past three years,” said Genevieve Gonzalez. “He made my life so much happier. He was more than just a partner, he was my best friend.”
Vazquez, 24, of Chicago, was killed Sept. 17 when his vehicle struck an explosive in Gerdia Seria. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Sycamore, Ill.
Vazquez was the type of son who would hang his grandmother’s curtains, plant flowers in her garden and visit his grandparents regularly, relatives said. Even in Afghanistan, he found a way to talk to them every day. He last asked for his Chicago Bears and Cubs hats to be sent.
He and Gonzalez, who planned to marry on Labor Day in 2009, met on a MySpace Web site about three years ago. Vazquez helped his fiancée raise her 8-year-old daughter. “He was her world. She keeps asking: “Where is my Jason?’” Gonzalez said of her daughter.
“I just sent out three care packages” to him in Afghanistan, Gonzalez said. “He asked for his Chicago Bears and Cubs hats. I know he probably never received them.”
Army Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez was killed in action on 9/17/08.
Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill.
Pfc. Gulczynski was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Baghdad of injuries sustained when his vehicle was involved in an accident.
Family recalls private who died in Iraq
The Associated Press
Though Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski loved football, it was on the volleyball court where he truly shone, coaches and teammates said.
“He was a middle hitter, a good blocker with a build for the game,” said teammate Craig Damm. “He always played with heart.”
Gulczynski, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was a 2007 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Lewis.
His father, Mike, said he and his father had always been proud of their own Army background, and they couldn’t help feeling somehow responsible for Leonard’s enlistment. “But I showed my dad the pictures that he sent, and he had a smile on his face,” he said. “He liked being a soldier.”
The loss left family members in tears. “I just think about how my daughter, Jennifer, and Lenny used to watch ‘Sesame Street’ as kids,” said Lenny’s aunt, Judy Petrosky. “There were all those monster characters on ‘Sesame Street’ so I called him Lenny monster. Ever since then, he’s been Lenny monster.”
“My Lenny monster’s not here anymore,” Petrosky added.
He also is survived by his mother, Jackie.
Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski was killed in a vehicle accident on 9/17/08
Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill.
Pfc. Gulczynski was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Baghdad of injuries sustained when his vehicle was involved in an accident.
Family recalls private who died in Iraq
The Associated Press
Though Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski loved football, it was on the volleyball court where he truly shone, coaches and teammates said.
“He was a middle hitter, a good blocker with a build for the game,” said teammate Craig Damm. “He always played with heart.”
Gulczynski, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was a 2007 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Lewis.
His father, Mike, said he and his father had always been proud of their own Army background, and they couldn’t help feeling somehow responsible for Leonard’s enlistment. “But I showed my dad the pictures that he sent, and he had a smile on his face,” he said. “He liked being a soldier.”
The loss left family members in tears. “I just think about how my daughter, Jennifer, and Lenny used to watch ‘Sesame Street’ as kids,” said Lenny’s aunt, Judy Petrosky. “There were all those monster characters on ‘Sesame Street’ so I called him Lenny monster. Ever since then, he’s been Lenny monster.”
“My Lenny monster’s not here anymore,” Petrosky added.
He also is survived by his mother, Jackie.
Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski was killed in a vehicle accident on 9/17/08
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright, 37, of Nashville, Tenn.; assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade, Montgomery, Ala.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Baghdad of a non-combat related illness.
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright remembered
The Associated Press
Darrick D. Wright was known not only for his engineering and leadership skills, but also for his kindness, faith and 100-watt smile.
“He lit up a room,” said Lt. Jeremy Tallent. “He was a big old teddy bear with a big old smile.”
Wright, 37, of Nashville, Tenn., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad of a non-combat cardiac arrest. He was assigned to Montgomery, Ala.
“He was a great soldier,” Capt. Michael Beach. “He had the skills, the knowledge, the expertise, everything required for soldiering. But he was an all-around good guy, and that made a world of difference.”
In civilian life, Wright was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and in 1996 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Engineer Corps.
He is survived by his wife, Katina, and their expected son, Trevor, due in November.
During a funeral service, Brig. Gen. William Buckle recalled that Wright’s fellow officers “talked about how he was the heartbeat of the unit.”
“This man was not only a great American, but a great human being,” he said.
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright died of a non-combat illness on 9/17/08.
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright, 37, of Nashville, Tenn.; assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade, Montgomery, Ala.; died Sept. 17, 2008 in Baghdad of a non-combat related illness.
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright remembered
The Associated Press
Darrick D. Wright was known not only for his engineering and leadership skills, but also for his kindness, faith and 100-watt smile.
“He lit up a room,” said Lt. Jeremy Tallent. “He was a big old teddy bear with a big old smile.”
Wright, 37, of Nashville, Tenn., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad of a non-combat cardiac arrest. He was assigned to Montgomery, Ala.
“He was a great soldier,” Capt. Michael Beach. “He had the skills, the knowledge, the expertise, everything required for soldiering. But he was an all-around good guy, and that made a world of difference.”
In civilian life, Wright was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and in 1996 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Engineer Corps.
He is survived by his wife, Katina, and their expected son, Trevor, due in November.
During a funeral service, Brig. Gen. William Buckle recalled that Wright’s fellow officers “talked about how he was the heartbeat of the unit.”
“This man was not only a great American, but a great human being,” he said.
Army Capt. Darrick D. Wright died of a non-combat illness on 9/17/08.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Army Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino
Remember Our Heroes
Army Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino, 46, of Houston, Pa.
Lt. Col. Marino was assigned to U.S. Army Central Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; died Sept 14, 2008 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness.
Lt. Col. was veteran of Panama, first Gulf War and Afghanistan
The Associated Press
A well-behaved high school student, Ralph J. Marino didn’t call attention to himself, but he was crucial to the team’s success, said his former basketball said.
“If you had a son, that’s how you wanted him to grow up to be,” said Gary Popiolkowski. “He wasn’t a starter, but he was one of the guys you needed on your team.”
Marino, 46, of Houston, Pa., died Sept. 14 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, after a noncombat incident. He was assigned to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Marino graduated in 1984 from Washington & Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He received his commission in the Army the same year.
Jones said Marino served in two other combat tours before this tour in Kuwait. He served in Saudi Arabia in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and in 2003 in Afghanistan.
His military career also included tours in Panama, where he was instrumental in the capture of Manuel Noriega; Honduras; Puerto Rico; Baumholder, Germany; Fort Bragg; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Dallas,Fort Worth Airport and Japan.
He is survived by his parents, Ralph J. and Janice Marino.
Army Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino died of a non-combat related illness on 9/14/08.
Army Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino, 46, of Houston, Pa.
Lt. Col. Marino was assigned to U.S. Army Central Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; died Sept 14, 2008 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness.
Lt. Col. was veteran of Panama, first Gulf War and Afghanistan
The Associated Press
A well-behaved high school student, Ralph J. Marino didn’t call attention to himself, but he was crucial to the team’s success, said his former basketball said.
“If you had a son, that’s how you wanted him to grow up to be,” said Gary Popiolkowski. “He wasn’t a starter, but he was one of the guys you needed on your team.”
Marino, 46, of Houston, Pa., died Sept. 14 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, after a noncombat incident. He was assigned to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
Marino graduated in 1984 from Washington & Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He received his commission in the Army the same year.
Jones said Marino served in two other combat tours before this tour in Kuwait. He served in Saudi Arabia in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and in 2003 in Afghanistan.
His military career also included tours in Panama, where he was instrumental in the capture of Manuel Noriega; Honduras; Puerto Rico; Baumholder, Germany; Fort Bragg; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Dallas,Fort Worth Airport and Japan.
He is survived by his parents, Ralph J. and Janice Marino.
Army Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino died of a non-combat related illness on 9/14/08.
Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas
Sgt. Durbin was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 14, 2008 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds sustained in a non-hostile incident. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson.
Marine-turned-soldier ‘could make anyone smile’
The Associated Press
After serving in Iraq as a Marine, Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin was going to resume his college education, possibly as an English major. But something brought him back to the military.
“He decided he was a soldier all around, so he went back into the Army,” said his wife, Brandi Durbin. “He wanted to take his expertise and give it where it needed to be given.”
Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas, was one of two soldiers killed Sept. 14 in Tunnis when a fellow soldier opened fire on the men. He was assigned to Fort Stewart.
“Everybody loved Wes the minute they met him,” his wife said. “Anybody who met him — cashiers at the grocery stores, they loved him. He could make anybody smile.”
Fellow soldiers jokingly called him “Jarhead” — slang for a Marine — but Durbin would pay attention to the mood of soldiers around him and offer to help anyone who seemed troubled.
“He would say, ‘Sergeant, you’re looking kind of down today, do you want to talk?”’ said Staff Sgt. Michael Navarro. “That’s one thing I will always miss. I’m a private person. But just the thought of him coming by and saying ‘Do you want to talk?’ meant a lot to me.”
Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin was killed 9/14/08.
Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas
Sgt. Durbin was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 14, 2008 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds sustained in a non-hostile incident. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson.
Marine-turned-soldier ‘could make anyone smile’
The Associated Press
After serving in Iraq as a Marine, Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin was going to resume his college education, possibly as an English major. But something brought him back to the military.
“He decided he was a soldier all around, so he went back into the Army,” said his wife, Brandi Durbin. “He wanted to take his expertise and give it where it needed to be given.”
Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas, was one of two soldiers killed Sept. 14 in Tunnis when a fellow soldier opened fire on the men. He was assigned to Fort Stewart.
“Everybody loved Wes the minute they met him,” his wife said. “Anybody who met him — cashiers at the grocery stores, they loved him. He could make anybody smile.”
Fellow soldiers jokingly called him “Jarhead” — slang for a Marine — but Durbin would pay attention to the mood of soldiers around him and offer to help anyone who seemed troubled.
“He would say, ‘Sergeant, you’re looking kind of down today, do you want to talk?”’ said Staff Sgt. Michael Navarro. “That’s one thing I will always miss. I’m a private person. But just the thought of him coming by and saying ‘Do you want to talk?’ meant a lot to me.”
Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin was killed 9/14/08.
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla.
SSgt. Dawson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 14, 2008 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds sustained in a non-hostile incident. Also killed was Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin.
Soldier remembered as quick learner, true leader
The Associated Press
When he wasn’t leading his squad on patrol, Army Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson liked to challenge his men to pick-up basketball.
“Dawson liked joking around with the soldiers. He was a friendly guy. He would take them out on the basketball court and say stuff like, ‘When y’all get old enough to play me, come play me,”’ said Sgt. 1st Class Xaver Perdue.
Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla., was shot and killed by a fellow soldier Sept. 14 in Tunnis. He was a 2001 high school graduate, was on his third tour of duty in Iraq and was assigned to Fort Stewart.
Dawson, 24, had recently re-enlisted during his third combat tour in Iraq. Just two months ago, he was asked to take charge of an eight-man squad whose leader had been wounded.
“The thing about him that impressed me most was he picked things up like he had been in the company for the entire deployment,” said Capt. Eric Tisland.
Within his first week as a squad leader, Dawson had discovered two caches of enemy explosives and helped an Iraqi village set up a water purification system, said Perdue.
He is survived by his wife, Latasha, and four young children.
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson was killed 9/14/08.
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla.
SSgt. Dawson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Sept. 14, 2008 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds sustained in a non-hostile incident. Also killed was Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin.
Soldier remembered as quick learner, true leader
The Associated Press
When he wasn’t leading his squad on patrol, Army Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson liked to challenge his men to pick-up basketball.
“Dawson liked joking around with the soldiers. He was a friendly guy. He would take them out on the basketball court and say stuff like, ‘When y’all get old enough to play me, come play me,”’ said Sgt. 1st Class Xaver Perdue.
Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla., was shot and killed by a fellow soldier Sept. 14 in Tunnis. He was a 2001 high school graduate, was on his third tour of duty in Iraq and was assigned to Fort Stewart.
Dawson, 24, had recently re-enlisted during his third combat tour in Iraq. Just two months ago, he was asked to take charge of an eight-man squad whose leader had been wounded.
“The thing about him that impressed me most was he picked things up like he had been in the company for the entire deployment,” said Capt. Eric Tisland.
Within his first week as a squad leader, Dawson had discovered two caches of enemy explosives and helped an Iraqi village set up a water purification system, said Perdue.
He is survived by his wife, Latasha, and four young children.
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson was killed 9/14/08.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald
Remember Our Heroes
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Mich.
CPO Freiwald was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.; died Sept. 12, 2008 from injuries sustained Sept. 11 while conducting combat operations in Bagram, Afghanistan. Also killed was Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum.
2 SEALs killed in Afghanistan fighting
The Associated Press
Two Navy SEALs from southeastern Michigan have been killed in combat Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, and Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, both died Friday from injuries suffered during a battle with heavily armed militants, the Defense Department said Sunday in a statement.
Marcum and Freiwald were temporarily forward deployed from their assignments at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, Va.
Marcum was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School who enlisted in the Navy in 1991 and joined the SEALs after completing basic training, the Defense Department said. He transferred to the Special Warfare Development Group in 2000 and won numerous combat awards, including four Bronze Stars.
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison, of Virginia Beach; and his parents, Wayne and Luellen Marcum of Flushing.
Family members have declined to be interviewed, the Defense Department said.
Freiwald was born in Utica and graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and underwent SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. He served multiple combat deployments in Iraq before joining the Special Warfare Development Group in 2005. His combat awards included a Bronze Star.
Freiwald is survived by his wife Stacey, a daughter, Jasmine, and his parents, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
“The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States,” Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, said in a statement. “These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting.”
Marcum and Freiwald are at least the sixth and seventh members of the U.S. military with ties to Michigan to die in Afghanistan so far this year.
Flushing is in Genesee County, 75 miles north-northwest of Detroit, and Armada is in Macomb County, 45 miles north-northeast of Detroit.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason Richard Freiwald remembered
The Associated Press
SEAL Jason Richard Freiwald had one brother who also is a Navy SEAL, another training to become one and a third who is in college.
“Their whole family makes everyone in this area quite proud,” said Nancy Moegle, a physical education teacher at Armada High School.
Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Mich., died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations. He was temporarily deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Freiwald’s initial duties were with SEAL teams in California where he completed qualifications to prepare him for combat including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing.
Freiwald is one of four brothers all of whom have strong athletic backgrounds, especially in wrestling. Their father, Richard, is the former president of the Armada Athletic Boosters.
“They are a very close family, no doubt, just real good people,” said Ken Keding, a longtime area resident, who visited the Freiwald family to pay their respects along with his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Stacey, and a daughter, Jasmine.
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald was killed in action on 9/12/08.
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Mich.
CPO Freiwald was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.; died Sept. 12, 2008 from injuries sustained Sept. 11 while conducting combat operations in Bagram, Afghanistan. Also killed was Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum.
2 SEALs killed in Afghanistan fighting
The Associated Press
Two Navy SEALs from southeastern Michigan have been killed in combat Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, and Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, both died Friday from injuries suffered during a battle with heavily armed militants, the Defense Department said Sunday in a statement.
Marcum and Freiwald were temporarily forward deployed from their assignments at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, Va.
Marcum was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School who enlisted in the Navy in 1991 and joined the SEALs after completing basic training, the Defense Department said. He transferred to the Special Warfare Development Group in 2000 and won numerous combat awards, including four Bronze Stars.
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison, of Virginia Beach; and his parents, Wayne and Luellen Marcum of Flushing.
Family members have declined to be interviewed, the Defense Department said.
Freiwald was born in Utica and graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and underwent SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. He served multiple combat deployments in Iraq before joining the Special Warfare Development Group in 2005. His combat awards included a Bronze Star.
Freiwald is survived by his wife Stacey, a daughter, Jasmine, and his parents, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
“The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States,” Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, said in a statement. “These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting.”
Marcum and Freiwald are at least the sixth and seventh members of the U.S. military with ties to Michigan to die in Afghanistan so far this year.
Flushing is in Genesee County, 75 miles north-northwest of Detroit, and Armada is in Macomb County, 45 miles north-northeast of Detroit.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason Richard Freiwald remembered
The Associated Press
SEAL Jason Richard Freiwald had one brother who also is a Navy SEAL, another training to become one and a third who is in college.
“Their whole family makes everyone in this area quite proud,” said Nancy Moegle, a physical education teacher at Armada High School.
Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Mich., died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations. He was temporarily deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Freiwald’s initial duties were with SEAL teams in California where he completed qualifications to prepare him for combat including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing.
Freiwald is one of four brothers all of whom have strong athletic backgrounds, especially in wrestling. Their father, Richard, is the former president of the Armada Athletic Boosters.
“They are a very close family, no doubt, just real good people,” said Ken Keding, a longtime area resident, who visited the Freiwald family to pay their respects along with his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Stacey, and a daughter, Jasmine.
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald was killed in action on 9/12/08.
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum
Remember Our Heroes
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, Mich.
CPO Marcum was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.; died Sept. 12, 2008 from injuries sustained Sept. 11 while conducting combat operations in Bagram, Afghanistan. Also killed was Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald.
2 SEALs killed in Afghanistan fighting
The Associated Press
Two Navy SEALs from southeastern Michigan have been killed in combat Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, and Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, both died Friday from injuries suffered during a battle with heavily armed militants, the Defense Department said Sunday in a statement.
Marcum and Freiwald were temporarily forward deployed from their assignments at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, Va.
Marcum was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School who enlisted in the Navy in 1991 and joined the SEALs after completing basic training, the Defense Department said. He transferred to the Special Warfare Development Group in 2000 and won numerous combat awards, including four Bronze Stars.
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison, of Virginia Beach; and his parents, Wayne and Luellen Marcum of Flushing.
Family members have declined to be interviewed, the Defense Department said.
Freiwald was born in Utica and graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and underwent SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. He served multiple combat deployments in Iraq before joining the Special Warfare Development Group in 2005. His combat awards included a Bronze Star.
Freiwald is survived by his wife Stacey, a daughter, Jasmine, and his parents, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
“The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States,” Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, said in a statement. “These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting.”
Marcum and Freiwald are at least the sixth and seventh members of the U.S. military with ties to Michigan to die in Afghanistan so far this year.
Flushing is in Genesee County, 75 miles north-northwest of Detroit, and Armada is in Macomb County, 45 miles north-northeast of Detroit.
Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer John Wayne Marcum remembered
The Associated Press
John Wayne Marcum was destined to go into the military, according to one of his high school administrators. The two had many conversations about his chosen career path.
“He wanted to have some active role in some branch of the military,” said Archie Bailey. “I believe it offered something that met his needs. He was a patriot.”
Marcum, 34, of Flushing, Mich., died Sept. 12 after being shot in battle. He was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Marcum was “the kind of kid that could light up your day,” said Bailey, now Genesee County commissioner. “What a loss. He was a wonderful, wonderful kid.”
His military career included multiple combat deployments in support of joint U.S. Army and NATO operations, according to a statement from the military. His long list of awards includes four Bronze Stars with combat “V.”
Family friend Martha Wellisley said she knew Marcum all his life. “Everybody’s just heartbroken,” she said. “He had a real good personality.”
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison.
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum was killed in action on 9/12/08.
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, Mich.
CPO Marcum was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.; died Sept. 12, 2008 from injuries sustained Sept. 11 while conducting combat operations in Bagram, Afghanistan. Also killed was Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald.
2 SEALs killed in Afghanistan fighting
The Associated Press
Two Navy SEALs from southeastern Michigan have been killed in combat Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, and Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, both died Friday from injuries suffered during a battle with heavily armed militants, the Defense Department said Sunday in a statement.
Marcum and Freiwald were temporarily forward deployed from their assignments at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, Va.
Marcum was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School who enlisted in the Navy in 1991 and joined the SEALs after completing basic training, the Defense Department said. He transferred to the Special Warfare Development Group in 2000 and won numerous combat awards, including four Bronze Stars.
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison, of Virginia Beach; and his parents, Wayne and Luellen Marcum of Flushing.
Family members have declined to be interviewed, the Defense Department said.
Freiwald was born in Utica and graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and underwent SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. He served multiple combat deployments in Iraq before joining the Special Warfare Development Group in 2005. His combat awards included a Bronze Star.
Freiwald is survived by his wife Stacey, a daughter, Jasmine, and his parents, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
“The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States,” Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, said in a statement. “These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting.”
Marcum and Freiwald are at least the sixth and seventh members of the U.S. military with ties to Michigan to die in Afghanistan so far this year.
Flushing is in Genesee County, 75 miles north-northwest of Detroit, and Armada is in Macomb County, 45 miles north-northeast of Detroit.
Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer John Wayne Marcum remembered
The Associated Press
John Wayne Marcum was destined to go into the military, according to one of his high school administrators. The two had many conversations about his chosen career path.
“He wanted to have some active role in some branch of the military,” said Archie Bailey. “I believe it offered something that met his needs. He was a patriot.”
Marcum, 34, of Flushing, Mich., died Sept. 12 after being shot in battle. He was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Marcum was “the kind of kid that could light up your day,” said Bailey, now Genesee County commissioner. “What a loss. He was a wonderful, wonderful kid.”
His military career included multiple combat deployments in support of joint U.S. Army and NATO operations, according to a statement from the military. His long list of awards includes four Bronze Stars with combat “V.”
Family friend Martha Wellisley said she knew Marcum all his life. “Everybody’s just heartbroken,” she said. “He had a real good personality.”
Marcum’s survivors include his wife Cynthia and a daughter, Madison.
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum was killed in action on 9/12/08.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton, 53, of Wentzville, Mo.
SFC Sexton was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 10, 2008 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton remembered
The Associated Press
Daniel R. Sexton joined the Army in 1988, when he was 33. His wife said he had regretted not going into the military during the Vietnam War.
“He told me he felt guilty about missing Vietnam,” Tori Sexton said.
Sexton, 53, of Wentzville, Mo., died Sept. 10 at Joint Base Balad of injuries from a non-combat incident. He was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
After completing basic training at Fort McClellan, Sexton served at Army facilities in Korea and Germany as well as several in the U.S. He rode his bicycle most places and was in excellent physical condition.
Tori Sexton said she met her future husband in 1991 while he was on leave in New Hampshire. They married four months later.
After graduating from Wentzville High School, Sexton attended several colleges in Missouri while working in his family’s restaurant business. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.
He also is survived by two teenage sons, Shane and Corey. Father and sons enjoyed skiing and snowboarding together, the family said.
The three also enjoyed playing video games and watching cartoons.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton was killed in a non-combat related incident on 9/10/08.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton, 53, of Wentzville, Mo.
SFC Sexton was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 10, 2008 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton remembered
The Associated Press
Daniel R. Sexton joined the Army in 1988, when he was 33. His wife said he had regretted not going into the military during the Vietnam War.
“He told me he felt guilty about missing Vietnam,” Tori Sexton said.
Sexton, 53, of Wentzville, Mo., died Sept. 10 at Joint Base Balad of injuries from a non-combat incident. He was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
After completing basic training at Fort McClellan, Sexton served at Army facilities in Korea and Germany as well as several in the U.S. He rode his bicycle most places and was in excellent physical condition.
Tori Sexton said she met her future husband in 1991 while he was on leave in New Hampshire. They married four months later.
After graduating from Wentzville High School, Sexton attended several colleges in Missouri while working in his family’s restaurant business. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.
He also is survived by two teenage sons, Shane and Corey. Father and sons enjoyed skiing and snowboarding together, the family said.
The three also enjoyed playing video games and watching cartoons.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton was killed in a non-combat related incident on 9/10/08.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)