Remember Our Heroes
Marine Cpl. Donte J. Whitworth, 21, of Noblesville, Ind.
Cpl. Whitworth was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.; died Feb. 28, 2009 in Taqaddum, Iraq, in a non-hostile vehicle accident.
Family members remember fallen Marine
The timing of Cpl. Donte J. Whitworth’s death was particularly cruel: He was to come home soon and had sent ahead his duffel bag.
“I’ll go through it later, when I’m ready,” said his mother, Carla Plowden, who retired after 20 years with the Marines shortly before her son enlisted.
Whitworth, 21, of Noblesville, Ind., died Feb. 28 after a vehicle accident near Al Taquddum Air Base. He was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Yuma, Ariz.
Whitworth commanded supply convoys hauling a variety of goods between U.S. military bases in Iraq. He was long familiar with heavy equipment, having grown up on a farm outside Noblesville.
Whitworth lavished attention on his three pre-adolescent nephews, and they adored him for it. He could be the contrarian, too.
“If I was for the Colts, he’d be for the next team,” said Bob Williams, his grandfather. “If I’d be for the Democrat, he’d be for the Republican. He liked to argue. I’m sure he didn’t really feel that way, but he just liked to argue and make you take time to figure out what you were thinking and why.”
He also is survived by his father, Daniel Whitworth and stepfather, Kerry McGee.
Marine Cpl. Donte J. Whitworth was killed in a vehicle accident on 2/28/09.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly, 26, of Union Beach, N.J.
Cpl. Connelly was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Feb. 26, 2009 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.
Funeral services held for newlywed N.J. soldier
The Associated Press
KEYPORT, N.J. — Hundreds of people attend funeral services for a fallen soldier from New Jersey, who was killed in Iraq just five months after being married.
Spc. Brian M. Connelly of Union Beach died Feb. 26, after his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. The 26-year-old was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division based in Germany.
Connelly had married his wife, Kara, last September.
While speaking with her via webcam just four hours before he was killed, he told her his tour in Iraq had been shortened by three months and that he would be heading back to Germany in May.
At Saturday’s service, Connelly’s younger brother, Kevin, said “it’s up to all of us to finish what he’s left undone and to take his lessons with a humble heart.”
Soldier ‘was everything’ to those who loved him
The Associated Press
Once, when Brian M. Connelly was mad at his mother, he put itching power all over her clothes.
“He loved practical jokes, anything to keep people laughing and smiling,” said his wife, Kara. “He never tried anything with me. He knew better.”
Connelly, 26, of Union Beach, N.J., died Feb. 26 in Adhamiya of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.
He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany. His brother, Kevin Connelly, recalled him as rowdy, loyal and protective. He loved being on the water, raucous music, mosh pits and once saved his younger sibling from a rip tide.
After graduating from high school in 2000, Connelly enrolled in Brookdale Community College, where he studied computer technology for about 18 months. He joined an electricians’ union, then was laid off.
After finishing his Army stint, Connelly hoped to land a construction job to help pay for his wife’s college. They talked about moving south, to someplace warm and affordable, and starting a family.
“He was just awesome,” said his wife. “He was good hearted. He was funny. He was everything.”
Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly was killed in action on 2/26/09.
Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly, 26, of Union Beach, N.J.
Cpl. Connelly was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Feb. 26, 2009 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.
Funeral services held for newlywed N.J. soldier
The Associated Press
KEYPORT, N.J. — Hundreds of people attend funeral services for a fallen soldier from New Jersey, who was killed in Iraq just five months after being married.
Spc. Brian M. Connelly of Union Beach died Feb. 26, after his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. The 26-year-old was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division based in Germany.
Connelly had married his wife, Kara, last September.
While speaking with her via webcam just four hours before he was killed, he told her his tour in Iraq had been shortened by three months and that he would be heading back to Germany in May.
At Saturday’s service, Connelly’s younger brother, Kevin, said “it’s up to all of us to finish what he’s left undone and to take his lessons with a humble heart.”
Soldier ‘was everything’ to those who loved him
The Associated Press
Once, when Brian M. Connelly was mad at his mother, he put itching power all over her clothes.
“He loved practical jokes, anything to keep people laughing and smiling,” said his wife, Kara. “He never tried anything with me. He knew better.”
Connelly, 26, of Union Beach, N.J., died Feb. 26 in Adhamiya of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.
He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany. His brother, Kevin Connelly, recalled him as rowdy, loyal and protective. He loved being on the water, raucous music, mosh pits and once saved his younger sibling from a rip tide.
After graduating from high school in 2000, Connelly enrolled in Brookdale Community College, where he studied computer technology for about 18 months. He joined an electricians’ union, then was laid off.
After finishing his Army stint, Connelly hoped to land a construction job to help pay for his wife’s college. They talked about moving south, to someplace warm and affordable, and starting a family.
“He was just awesome,” said his wife. “He was good hearted. He was funny. He was everything.”
Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly was killed in action on 2/26/09.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting, 29, of Potomac, Md.
Capt. Bunting was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch, Sgt. Scott B. Stream and Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson.
Captain remembered for dedication, personality
Tim Simpson, director of admissions at Brian “Bubba” Bunting’s high school, described him as a man dedicated to three things — family, friends and country.
“You see pictures of him with a big, goofy smile on his face, and that was Bubba 99 percent of the time,” Simpson said. “Whoever came in contact with him felt that positive energy and what a unique and special individual he was.”
Bunting, 29, of Potomac, Md., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was a 1998 high school graduate and was assigned to Syracuse, N.Y.
Bunting graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a degree in civil engineering in 2002, and also played lacrosse and intramural football.
Bunting, who was on his first combat tour as a ready reservist, was stationed in Korea for two and a half years and was later stationed at Fort Knox, serving as a company executive officer and commander.
“He’s just a great guy,” said his sister-in-law, Sue Bunting. “He just made everyone feel welcome and at ease.”
He is survived by his wife, Nicki, and his son Connor, 1.
Md. lowers flags to honor soldier
The Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States and state flags be flown at half staff in memory of a Montgomery County soldier killed in Afghanistan.
O’Malley ordered the flags be lowered March 16 in memory of Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting, who grew up in Potomac.
Bunting, 29, died Feb. 24 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Department of Defense says Bunting was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Bunting was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Syracuse, N.Y.
Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting, 29, of Potomac, Md.
Capt. Bunting was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch, Sgt. Scott B. Stream and Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson.
Captain remembered for dedication, personality
Tim Simpson, director of admissions at Brian “Bubba” Bunting’s high school, described him as a man dedicated to three things — family, friends and country.
“You see pictures of him with a big, goofy smile on his face, and that was Bubba 99 percent of the time,” Simpson said. “Whoever came in contact with him felt that positive energy and what a unique and special individual he was.”
Bunting, 29, of Potomac, Md., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was a 1998 high school graduate and was assigned to Syracuse, N.Y.
Bunting graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a degree in civil engineering in 2002, and also played lacrosse and intramural football.
Bunting, who was on his first combat tour as a ready reservist, was stationed in Korea for two and a half years and was later stationed at Fort Knox, serving as a company executive officer and commander.
“He’s just a great guy,” said his sister-in-law, Sue Bunting. “He just made everyone feel welcome and at ease.”
He is survived by his wife, Nicki, and his son Connor, 1.
Md. lowers flags to honor soldier
The Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Martin O’Malley has ordered that the United States and state flags be flown at half staff in memory of a Montgomery County soldier killed in Afghanistan.
O’Malley ordered the flags be lowered March 16 in memory of Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting, who grew up in Potomac.
Bunting, 29, died Feb. 24 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Department of Defense says Bunting was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
Bunting was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Syracuse, N.Y.
Army Capt. Brian M. Bunting was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Scott B. Stream
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Scott B. Stream, 39, of Mattoon, Ill.
Sgt. Stream was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois National Guard, Effingham, Ill.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch and Sgt Daniel J. Thompson.
2 Illinois guardsmen killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — One of the two members of the Illinois Army National Guard killed this week in Afghanistan has been promoted posthumously, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Schuyler Patch, 25, was killed alongside Sgt. Scott Stream, 39, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.
Patch, of Galva in northwestern Illinois, has been promoted to sergeant, said Guard spokesman Maj. Brad Leighton. Patch was on his second deployment.
The two men were assisting Afghan National Security Forces on patrol when the bomb exploded. Two other military members and one Afghan civilian were killed, officials said.
Stream, of east central Mattoon, was on his third deployment. He enlisted with the Illinois Guard in 2000 and was assigned to the 130th Infantry, based in Effingham. He left behind a wife, Rasa Stream, and two children.
“Words cannot describe how our family is feeling after the loss of our hero,” Rasa Stream said in a statement issued by the Guard. “He was an amazing father, husband and son who made ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”
Patch graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee in 2002 and the same year served seven months in Iraq. He was deployed to Afghanistan in December as part of the Illinois National Guard’s largest troop deployment since World War II.
Stream and Patch are the state’s 22nd and 23rd casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Information on funeral arrangements was not immediately available.
Fallen sergeant was a thoughtful family man
The Associated Press
When Scott B. Stream wasn’t deployed, he worked as an electrician or buried himself in a book or his thoughts.
“He had a huge brain and a huge soul,” childhood friend Mary Wilt said. “When he had free time, he thought. He just thought about things, and then he wrote about them.”
Stream, 39, of Mattoon, Ill., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was assigned to Effingham, Ill.
His mother, Gayle Stream, proudly described him as “artsy-fartsy,” his military bravery tempered by a willingness to play with his girls and let them give him a makeover.
He deployed to Afghanistan in the fall on the day his youngest daughter started kindergarten, but he made sure he was able to drop her off that morning. He was on his third deployment in the past six years — the first had been to Germany the second to Iraq.
He graduated from Davis County High School in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1987 and then continued his education at Drake University in 1989. He also attended Lake Land College in 2008, where he was on the President’s List.
He is survived by his wife, wife, Rasa, and two daughters, ages 5 and 16.
Army Sgt. Scott B. Stream was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Scott B. Stream, 39, of Mattoon, Ill.
Sgt. Stream was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois National Guard, Effingham, Ill.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch and Sgt Daniel J. Thompson.
2 Illinois guardsmen killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — One of the two members of the Illinois Army National Guard killed this week in Afghanistan has been promoted posthumously, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Schuyler Patch, 25, was killed alongside Sgt. Scott Stream, 39, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.
Patch, of Galva in northwestern Illinois, has been promoted to sergeant, said Guard spokesman Maj. Brad Leighton. Patch was on his second deployment.
The two men were assisting Afghan National Security Forces on patrol when the bomb exploded. Two other military members and one Afghan civilian were killed, officials said.
Stream, of east central Mattoon, was on his third deployment. He enlisted with the Illinois Guard in 2000 and was assigned to the 130th Infantry, based in Effingham. He left behind a wife, Rasa Stream, and two children.
“Words cannot describe how our family is feeling after the loss of our hero,” Rasa Stream said in a statement issued by the Guard. “He was an amazing father, husband and son who made ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”
Patch graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee in 2002 and the same year served seven months in Iraq. He was deployed to Afghanistan in December as part of the Illinois National Guard’s largest troop deployment since World War II.
Stream and Patch are the state’s 22nd and 23rd casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Information on funeral arrangements was not immediately available.
Fallen sergeant was a thoughtful family man
The Associated Press
When Scott B. Stream wasn’t deployed, he worked as an electrician or buried himself in a book or his thoughts.
“He had a huge brain and a huge soul,” childhood friend Mary Wilt said. “When he had free time, he thought. He just thought about things, and then he wrote about them.”
Stream, 39, of Mattoon, Ill., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was assigned to Effingham, Ill.
His mother, Gayle Stream, proudly described him as “artsy-fartsy,” his military bravery tempered by a willingness to play with his girls and let them give him a makeover.
He deployed to Afghanistan in the fall on the day his youngest daughter started kindergarten, but he made sure he was able to drop her off that morning. He was on his third deployment in the past six years — the first had been to Germany the second to Iraq.
He graduated from Davis County High School in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1987 and then continued his education at Drake University in 1989. He also attended Lake Land College in 2008, where he was on the President’s List.
He is survived by his wife, wife, Rasa, and two daughters, ages 5 and 16.
Army Sgt. Scott B. Stream was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson, 24, of Madison, Wis.
Sgt. Thompson was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve and was assigned to the 715th Military Police Company, Florida National Guard, Melbourne, Fla.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch and Sgt. Scott B. Stream.
Soldier from Madison killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
PORTAGE, Wis. — A 24-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan loved cars, playing hockey and his motorcycle, his family said.
Army Sgt. Daniel James Thompson of Madison was the lead driver in a convoy when he was killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, said his mother, Lisa Thompson of Portage.
“I was proud of my baby. He never disappointed me. He always smiled. I’m very proud of him,” Lisa Thompson told the Portage Daily Register.
The Defense Department said Thursday three other soldiers, from Maryland, Oklahoma and Illinois, also died in the blast.
Thompson was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve assigned to the Florida National Guard’s 715th Military Police Company headquartered in Melbourne, the Pentagon said.
Thompson belonged to the Wisconsin National Guard until 2007, when he was placed on inactive status until he was called back for duty in Afghanistan with the Florida company, said Lt. Col. Ron Tittle, a Guard spokesman in Florida.
Thompson is the eighth soldier or Marine from Wisconsin to die in fighting in Afghanistan since a U.S.-led offensive ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001.
Flags ordered to half-staff to honor Wis. soldier
The Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — U.S. and Wisconsin flags at all state facilities will be flown at half-staff Wednesday in honor of a Portage soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Gov. Jim Doyle issued an executive order to that effect, noting that a memorial service is being held Wednesday for Army Sgt. Daniel Thompson.
The 24-year-old Thompson was killed Feb. 24 in a roadside bombing in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan.
He had served with the Wisconsin National Guard until 2007 and was in Afghanistan as a member of the Individual Ready Reserve assigned to the Florida National Guard’s 715th Military Police Company.
Sergeant remembered as outgoing, good-natured
The Associated Press
Daniel J. Thompson met his fiancee, Maria Steinke, in college.
“He sat in front of me in class, so he could turn around and talk to me,” Steinke said. “He gave me a note with his number on it. He was obviously good looking, very nice and would do anything for anybody. He was just a good person in and out.”
Thompson, 24, of Madison, Wis., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. Thompson was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Melbourne, Fla.
“He was just a really good guy, someone you’d want to be around all the time,” said Nick Konzel, a friend. “I feel empty inside.”
Thompson earned a degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Madison Area Technical College in 2006 and worked for security company in Madison. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard while still in high school.
He loved cars, playing hockey, his motorcycle, family and friends (and an occasional handful of Gummi Bears). “I was proud of my baby. He never disappointed me, he always smiled. I’m very proud of him,” said his mother, Lisa Thompson.
He also is survived by his father, Bob.
Army Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson, 24, of Madison, Wis.
Sgt. Thompson was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve and was assigned to the 715th Military Police Company, Florida National Guard, Melbourne, Fla.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch and Sgt. Scott B. Stream.
Soldier from Madison killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
PORTAGE, Wis. — A 24-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan loved cars, playing hockey and his motorcycle, his family said.
Army Sgt. Daniel James Thompson of Madison was the lead driver in a convoy when he was killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, said his mother, Lisa Thompson of Portage.
“I was proud of my baby. He never disappointed me. He always smiled. I’m very proud of him,” Lisa Thompson told the Portage Daily Register.
The Defense Department said Thursday three other soldiers, from Maryland, Oklahoma and Illinois, also died in the blast.
Thompson was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve assigned to the Florida National Guard’s 715th Military Police Company headquartered in Melbourne, the Pentagon said.
Thompson belonged to the Wisconsin National Guard until 2007, when he was placed on inactive status until he was called back for duty in Afghanistan with the Florida company, said Lt. Col. Ron Tittle, a Guard spokesman in Florida.
Thompson is the eighth soldier or Marine from Wisconsin to die in fighting in Afghanistan since a U.S.-led offensive ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001.
Flags ordered to half-staff to honor Wis. soldier
The Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — U.S. and Wisconsin flags at all state facilities will be flown at half-staff Wednesday in honor of a Portage soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Gov. Jim Doyle issued an executive order to that effect, noting that a memorial service is being held Wednesday for Army Sgt. Daniel Thompson.
The 24-year-old Thompson was killed Feb. 24 in a roadside bombing in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan.
He had served with the Wisconsin National Guard until 2007 and was in Afghanistan as a member of the Individual Ready Reserve assigned to the Florida National Guard’s 715th Military Police Company.
Sergeant remembered as outgoing, good-natured
The Associated Press
Daniel J. Thompson met his fiancee, Maria Steinke, in college.
“He sat in front of me in class, so he could turn around and talk to me,” Steinke said. “He gave me a note with his number on it. He was obviously good looking, very nice and would do anything for anybody. He was just a good person in and out.”
Thompson, 24, of Madison, Wis., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. Thompson was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Melbourne, Fla.
“He was just a really good guy, someone you’d want to be around all the time,” said Nick Konzel, a friend. “I feel empty inside.”
Thompson earned a degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Madison Area Technical College in 2006 and worked for security company in Madison. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard while still in high school.
He loved cars, playing hockey, his motorcycle, family and friends (and an occasional handful of Gummi Bears). “I was proud of my baby. He never disappointed me, he always smiled. I’m very proud of him,” said his mother, Lisa Thompson.
He also is survived by his father, Bob.
Army Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch, 25, of Owasso, Okla.
Sgt. Patch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois National Guard, Kewanee, Ill.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Scott B. Stream and Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson.
2 Illinois guardsmen killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — One of the two members of the Illinois Army National Guard killed this week in Afghanistan has been promoted posthumously, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Schuyler Patch, 25, was killed alongside Sgt. Scott Stream, 39, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.
Patch, of Galva in northwestern Illinois, has been promoted to sergeant, said Guard spokesman Maj. Brad Leighton. Patch was on his second deployment.
The two men were assisting Afghan National Security Forces on patrol when the bomb exploded. Two other military members and one Afghan civilian were killed, officials said.
Stream, of east central Mattoon, was on his third deployment. He enlisted with the Illinois Guard in 2000 and was assigned to the 130th Infantry, based in Effingham. He left behind a wife, Rasa Stream, and two children.
“Words cannot describe how our family is feeling after the loss of our hero,” Rasa Stream said in a statement issued by the Guard. “He was an amazing father, husband and son who made ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”
Patch graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee in 2002 and the same year served seven months in Iraq. He was deployed to Afghanistan in December as part of the Illinois National Guard’s largest troop deployment since World War II.
Stream and Patch are the state’s 22nd and 23rd casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Information on funeral arrangements was not immediately available.
Dedicated guardsman remembered for love of the outdoors
The Associated Press
Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch was known as very outgoing. “He would talk to anybody,” said Julie Morland, Patch’s aunt. “He was very lovable and affectionate. Every time I’d see him, he’d give a hug or a kiss on the cheek and ask how I was doing.”
Patch, 25, of Galva, Okla., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Kewanee, Ill.
Morland said Patch was “very outdoorsy.”
“He loved fishing and hunting and did a lot of that with his dad,” she said.
Patch enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in March 2005, then transferred to the Illinois Army National Guard in November 2007. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.
“We are all very proud of him for even going over the first time and then volunteering to go over,” Morland said. “It takes a special person to even join the Guard in the first place. To go there and fight as a volunteer, it takes a special person.”
Patch is survived by his parents, John and Amy.
“He heard freedom’s call. He paid freedom’s price, so that we all might enjoy the benefits of freedom,” said Capt. Jon Prain.
Army Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Army Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch, 25, of Owasso, Okla.
Sgt. Patch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois National Guard, Kewanee, Ill.; died Feb. 24, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Capt. Brian M. Bunting, Sgt. Scott B. Stream and Sgt. Daniel J. Thompson.
2 Illinois guardsmen killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — One of the two members of the Illinois Army National Guard killed this week in Afghanistan has been promoted posthumously, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Schuyler Patch, 25, was killed alongside Sgt. Scott Stream, 39, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.
Patch, of Galva in northwestern Illinois, has been promoted to sergeant, said Guard spokesman Maj. Brad Leighton. Patch was on his second deployment.
The two men were assisting Afghan National Security Forces on patrol when the bomb exploded. Two other military members and one Afghan civilian were killed, officials said.
Stream, of east central Mattoon, was on his third deployment. He enlisted with the Illinois Guard in 2000 and was assigned to the 130th Infantry, based in Effingham. He left behind a wife, Rasa Stream, and two children.
“Words cannot describe how our family is feeling after the loss of our hero,” Rasa Stream said in a statement issued by the Guard. “He was an amazing father, husband and son who made ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”
Patch graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee in 2002 and the same year served seven months in Iraq. He was deployed to Afghanistan in December as part of the Illinois National Guard’s largest troop deployment since World War II.
Stream and Patch are the state’s 22nd and 23rd casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Information on funeral arrangements was not immediately available.
Dedicated guardsman remembered for love of the outdoors
The Associated Press
Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch was known as very outgoing. “He would talk to anybody,” said Julie Morland, Patch’s aunt. “He was very lovable and affectionate. Every time I’d see him, he’d give a hug or a kiss on the cheek and ask how I was doing.”
Patch, 25, of Galva, Okla., was killed Feb. 24 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Kewanee, Ill.
Morland said Patch was “very outdoorsy.”
“He loved fishing and hunting and did a lot of that with his dad,” she said.
Patch enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in March 2005, then transferred to the Illinois Army National Guard in November 2007. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.
“We are all very proud of him for even going over the first time and then volunteering to go over,” Morland said. “It takes a special person to even join the Guard in the first place. To go there and fight as a volunteer, it takes a special person.”
Patch is survived by his parents, John and Amy.
“He heard freedom’s call. He paid freedom’s price, so that we all might enjoy the benefits of freedom,” said Capt. Jon Prain.
Army Sgt. Schuyler B. Patch was killed in action on 2/24/09.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Army Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman, 31, of Logan, Utah
Cpl. Alleman was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer.
Teacher-turned-soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
AMERICAN FORK, Utah — Micheal Alleman left his job as a popular fifth-grade teacher two years ago to join the Army.
On Monday, he became the first Utah soldier killed in combat in Iraq since 2007.
Alleman, 31, of Logan, was one of three soldiers killed Monday in Balad when insurgents attacked their unit using small-arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.
He joined the Army in January 2008 and was assigned to Alaska’s Fort Wainwright later that year.
Alleman was a corporal with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His unit arrived in Iraq in September for a yearlong tour.
His family remembered him Tuesday as a funny, strong man with a sense of purpose who believed in the military effort in Iraq.
“He was doing what he needed to be doing,” Alleman’s wife, Amy, told the Deseret News. “He went down taking down the bad guys, and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
Family friend Sadie Bratt said Alleman was close to his family and kept in touch with them regularly.
“Even though he was in Iraq he called and sent packages and checked his wife’s blog,” Bratt told The Daily Herald newspaper in Provo.
Alleman taught at Nibley Elementary School in Cache County from 2005 to 2007, according to school officials.
“He was the epitome of a soldier,” Bill Landauer, a former Nibley Elementary principal, told The Salt Lake Tribune. “That’s what he wanted to do, more than anything else. Teaching came second ... the only thing that didn’t come second was his family.”
Samantha Larkin, 11, was a student in Alleman’s class. She said he told his students he was joining the Army, noting that President George Washington had left his career as a farmer to take up arms.
“He said that George Washington was his hero,” she told The Tribune.
Alleman is survived by his wife and their two sons, Kai, 4, and Kennet, 6.
Pvt. Jordan P. Thibeault, 22, of South Jordan died in September in a noncombat related incident in Iraq.
In 2007, Sgt. Nathan Barnes, 23, of American Fork, was shot and killed in Iraq when his unit was attacked by insurgents.
Funeral held for Utah soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
HYRUM, Utah — The mother of a Utah man killed in Iraq last month remembered him as someone who worked hard to support his family and spent all his free time with them.
Susan Alleman said Wednesday at a memorial service for Cpl. Micheal Boyd Alleman that the 31-year-old’s “little family is his world.”
“He always worked at least two jobs,” she said. “When Micheal wasn’t working to support his family, he spent every waking moment doing things with them and being with them, really being with them.”
Alleman and two other soldiers died Feb. 23 in Balad, Iraq, after being attacked by insurgents with small arms fire.
Alleman was buried Wednesday at the Hyrum City Veterans Memorial Park.
He leaves behind a wife and two children. He taught fifth grade in Logan for more than a year before enlisting in the Army, and students from Nibley Elementary School lined the route between an LDS chapel and the cemetery on Wednesday.
Also killed were 21-year-old Cpl. Michael L. Mayne of Burlington Flats, N.Y., and 21-year-old Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer of Indianapolis. All three were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Wainwright in Alaska.
Alleman moved to Utah in 1998 and got a degree in education from Utah State University.
His mother said he planted 5,000 trees as part of his Eagle Scout service project in Georgia, where he went to high school and spent much of his youth.
He met his future wife, Amy, when they were working the graveyard shift at a grocery store. They married in 2002 and had two children, Kai, 6, and Kennet, 4.
“Micheal was not known for smiling a lot but when he and Amy met, he never stopped,” Susan Alleman said.
Amy Alleman said she and her husband never spoke harshly to each other.
“How can I speak unkindly of the one person who encourages me to develop talents I didn’t even know I had?” she said. “To the one person who worked three jobs so I could stay home to raise our sons and never once complained about it.”
An Army spokesman said Alleman and the two soldiers in his unit received a posthumous promotion to corporal following their deaths.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancee broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Larger Images
Army Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman, 31, of Logan, Utah
Cpl. Alleman was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer.
Teacher-turned-soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
AMERICAN FORK, Utah — Micheal Alleman left his job as a popular fifth-grade teacher two years ago to join the Army.
On Monday, he became the first Utah soldier killed in combat in Iraq since 2007.
Alleman, 31, of Logan, was one of three soldiers killed Monday in Balad when insurgents attacked their unit using small-arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.
He joined the Army in January 2008 and was assigned to Alaska’s Fort Wainwright later that year.
Alleman was a corporal with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His unit arrived in Iraq in September for a yearlong tour.
His family remembered him Tuesday as a funny, strong man with a sense of purpose who believed in the military effort in Iraq.
“He was doing what he needed to be doing,” Alleman’s wife, Amy, told the Deseret News. “He went down taking down the bad guys, and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
Family friend Sadie Bratt said Alleman was close to his family and kept in touch with them regularly.
“Even though he was in Iraq he called and sent packages and checked his wife’s blog,” Bratt told The Daily Herald newspaper in Provo.
Alleman taught at Nibley Elementary School in Cache County from 2005 to 2007, according to school officials.
“He was the epitome of a soldier,” Bill Landauer, a former Nibley Elementary principal, told The Salt Lake Tribune. “That’s what he wanted to do, more than anything else. Teaching came second ... the only thing that didn’t come second was his family.”
Samantha Larkin, 11, was a student in Alleman’s class. She said he told his students he was joining the Army, noting that President George Washington had left his career as a farmer to take up arms.
“He said that George Washington was his hero,” she told The Tribune.
Alleman is survived by his wife and their two sons, Kai, 4, and Kennet, 6.
Pvt. Jordan P. Thibeault, 22, of South Jordan died in September in a noncombat related incident in Iraq.
In 2007, Sgt. Nathan Barnes, 23, of American Fork, was shot and killed in Iraq when his unit was attacked by insurgents.
Funeral held for Utah soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
HYRUM, Utah — The mother of a Utah man killed in Iraq last month remembered him as someone who worked hard to support his family and spent all his free time with them.
Susan Alleman said Wednesday at a memorial service for Cpl. Micheal Boyd Alleman that the 31-year-old’s “little family is his world.”
“He always worked at least two jobs,” she said. “When Micheal wasn’t working to support his family, he spent every waking moment doing things with them and being with them, really being with them.”
Alleman and two other soldiers died Feb. 23 in Balad, Iraq, after being attacked by insurgents with small arms fire.
Alleman was buried Wednesday at the Hyrum City Veterans Memorial Park.
He leaves behind a wife and two children. He taught fifth grade in Logan for more than a year before enlisting in the Army, and students from Nibley Elementary School lined the route between an LDS chapel and the cemetery on Wednesday.
Also killed were 21-year-old Cpl. Michael L. Mayne of Burlington Flats, N.Y., and 21-year-old Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer of Indianapolis. All three were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Wainwright in Alaska.
Alleman moved to Utah in 1998 and got a degree in education from Utah State University.
His mother said he planted 5,000 trees as part of his Eagle Scout service project in Georgia, where he went to high school and spent much of his youth.
He met his future wife, Amy, when they were working the graveyard shift at a grocery store. They married in 2002 and had two children, Kai, 6, and Kennet, 4.
“Micheal was not known for smiling a lot but when he and Amy met, he never stopped,” Susan Alleman said.
Amy Alleman said she and her husband never spoke harshly to each other.
“How can I speak unkindly of the one person who encourages me to develop talents I didn’t even know I had?” she said. “To the one person who worked three jobs so I could stay home to raise our sons and never once complained about it.”
An Army spokesman said Alleman and the two soldiers in his unit received a posthumous promotion to corporal following their deaths.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancee broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, 21, of Indianapolis
Cpl. Nordmeyer was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman.
Soldier remembered for his leadership
By Will Higgins
Indianapolis Star
Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, who died Monday in a firefight with insurgents in Iraq, was remembered as a quiet person with the makings of a leader.
A graduate of Ben Davis High School, Nordmeyer, 21, was killed while patrolling on foot near the town of Balad, about 70 miles north of Baghdad. He and other soldiers came under attack from small-arms fire.
He was the second graduate of the Ben Davis High School JROTC program to be killed in combat in Iraq.
“He was a very goal-oriented young man,” recalled Ben Davis Principal Joel McKinney, “and wanted to be in the armed forces and wanted to develop his leadership skills.”
Two other soldiers were killed in Monday’s attack: Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, 21, Burlington Flats, N.Y., and Spc. Michael B. Alleman, 31, Logan, Utah. The Pentagon released no further details about the incident.
Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, a retired Marine who runs Ben Davis’ JROTC program, taught Nordmeyer for three years and recalled his student’s transformation from follower to leader.
“There’s quiet leadership, and he was pretty strong at that early,” Thompson said. “But by his senior year, he kind of came out of his shell. He wasn’t afraid to encourage younger students to develop as cadets and do their best.”
Jim Sheads, who coached Nordmeyer in baseball one summer, recalled a boy who craved action.
“He played second base for me,” Sheads said. “He was just suited for second base — not a real strong arm, and he loved the busyness of the infield.”
Nordmeyer joined the Army in July 2007, two months out of high school, and was sent to Iraq in September for a 12-month tour.
He is the 132nd soldier, sailor or Marine with Indiana ties to die in Iraq or Afghanistan and the 12th from Indianapolis. Overall, the fighting has claimed more than 4,800 U.S. troops.
The other Ben Davis grad, 19-year-old Army Pvt. Jesse Halling, died June 7, 2003, in an attack on a military police station in Tikrit.
About 150 students at Ben Davis are in the JROTC program; about 15 a year join the military upon graduation.
Thompson, who has taught JROTC at the high school since 1999, said the deaths of Nordmeyer and Halling bring the risks of service into focus.
“It doesn’t make me question our mission, but it definitely gives me a different perspective in talking to the kids about what they’re getting into. You don’t want them going into the military without understanding the ramifications.”
Nordmeyer’s death came a day before administration officials announced U.S. combat troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010.
Violence has fallen dramatically in Iraq, and this month Nordmeyer’s brigade commander reported that troops were encountering little combat.
“They came here expecting it to be more of a fight,” Col. Burt Thompson said in a conference call from Iraq on Feb. 9.
Nordmeyer was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Among its soldiers is Pfc. Track Palin, son of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancée broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer remembered
The Associated Press
Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, who runs an JROTC program, taught Zachary R. Nordmeyer for three years and recalled his student’s transformation from follower to leader.
“There’s quiet leadership, and he was pretty strong at that early,” Thompson said. “But by his senior year, he kind of came out of his shell. He wasn’t afraid to encourage younger students to develop as cadets and do their best.”
Nordmeyer, 21, of Indianapolis, was killed Feb. 23 in Balad when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire. He was assigned to Fort Wainwright.
“Zach was such a good person. Zach loved me more than anything, and he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it,” said Nordmeyer’s fiancée, Christina Purdy.
Nordmeyer joined the Army in July 2007, two months out of high school, and was sent to Iraq in September for a 12-month tour.
Jim Sheads, who coached Nordmeyer in baseball one summer, recalled a boy who craved action. “He played second base for me,” Sheads said. “He was just suited for second base — not a real strong arm, and he loved the busyness of the infield.”
He is survived by his father, Michael.
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Larger Images
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, 21, of Indianapolis
Cpl. Nordmeyer was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman.
Soldier remembered for his leadership
By Will Higgins
Indianapolis Star
Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, who died Monday in a firefight with insurgents in Iraq, was remembered as a quiet person with the makings of a leader.
A graduate of Ben Davis High School, Nordmeyer, 21, was killed while patrolling on foot near the town of Balad, about 70 miles north of Baghdad. He and other soldiers came under attack from small-arms fire.
He was the second graduate of the Ben Davis High School JROTC program to be killed in combat in Iraq.
“He was a very goal-oriented young man,” recalled Ben Davis Principal Joel McKinney, “and wanted to be in the armed forces and wanted to develop his leadership skills.”
Two other soldiers were killed in Monday’s attack: Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, 21, Burlington Flats, N.Y., and Spc. Michael B. Alleman, 31, Logan, Utah. The Pentagon released no further details about the incident.
Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, a retired Marine who runs Ben Davis’ JROTC program, taught Nordmeyer for three years and recalled his student’s transformation from follower to leader.
“There’s quiet leadership, and he was pretty strong at that early,” Thompson said. “But by his senior year, he kind of came out of his shell. He wasn’t afraid to encourage younger students to develop as cadets and do their best.”
Jim Sheads, who coached Nordmeyer in baseball one summer, recalled a boy who craved action.
“He played second base for me,” Sheads said. “He was just suited for second base — not a real strong arm, and he loved the busyness of the infield.”
Nordmeyer joined the Army in July 2007, two months out of high school, and was sent to Iraq in September for a 12-month tour.
He is the 132nd soldier, sailor or Marine with Indiana ties to die in Iraq or Afghanistan and the 12th from Indianapolis. Overall, the fighting has claimed more than 4,800 U.S. troops.
The other Ben Davis grad, 19-year-old Army Pvt. Jesse Halling, died June 7, 2003, in an attack on a military police station in Tikrit.
About 150 students at Ben Davis are in the JROTC program; about 15 a year join the military upon graduation.
Thompson, who has taught JROTC at the high school since 1999, said the deaths of Nordmeyer and Halling bring the risks of service into focus.
“It doesn’t make me question our mission, but it definitely gives me a different perspective in talking to the kids about what they’re getting into. You don’t want them going into the military without understanding the ramifications.”
Nordmeyer’s death came a day before administration officials announced U.S. combat troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010.
Violence has fallen dramatically in Iraq, and this month Nordmeyer’s brigade commander reported that troops were encountering little combat.
“They came here expecting it to be more of a fight,” Col. Burt Thompson said in a conference call from Iraq on Feb. 9.
Nordmeyer was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Among its soldiers is Pfc. Track Palin, son of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancée broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer remembered
The Associated Press
Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, who runs an JROTC program, taught Zachary R. Nordmeyer for three years and recalled his student’s transformation from follower to leader.
“There’s quiet leadership, and he was pretty strong at that early,” Thompson said. “But by his senior year, he kind of came out of his shell. He wasn’t afraid to encourage younger students to develop as cadets and do their best.”
Nordmeyer, 21, of Indianapolis, was killed Feb. 23 in Balad when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire. He was assigned to Fort Wainwright.
“Zach was such a good person. Zach loved me more than anything, and he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it,” said Nordmeyer’s fiancée, Christina Purdy.
Nordmeyer joined the Army in July 2007, two months out of high school, and was sent to Iraq in September for a 12-month tour.
Jim Sheads, who coached Nordmeyer in baseball one summer, recalled a boy who craved action. “He played second base for me,” Sheads said. “He was just suited for second base — not a real strong arm, and he loved the busyness of the infield.”
He is survived by his father, Michael.
Army Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats, N.Y.
Cpl. Mayne was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman and Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer.
1,500 attend funeral for upstate N.Y. soldier
The Associated Press
EDMESTON, N.Y. — Hundreds of mourners gathered in a tiny upstate New York hamlet Tuesday for the funeral of a hometown soldier killed in Iraq.
About 1,000 people packed into the Edmeston High School gymnasium for the service honoring Army Cpl. Michael Mayne. An additional 500 people watched the ceremony on a big screen in the school auditorium.
The service focused on Mayne’s passion for life and his sense of humor. Mourners were encouraged to be happy about the life he led.
Mayne, 21, was killed by insurgents while on patrol Feb. 23 in Balad, near Baghdad. Killed with him were two other American soldiers, Cpl. Michael Alleman, 31, of Logan, Utah, and Cpl. Zachary Nordemeyer, 21, of Indianapolis, as well as an interpreter.
Mayne’s body was escorted home Sunday by an honor guard from Fort Drum accompanied by New York state troopers and Otsego County deputies.
Hundreds of friends and admirers paid their respects to Mayne and his family at a service Monday at Burlington Flats Baptist Church, across the village green from where Mayne lived with his parents.
He enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in Burlington Flats, an Otsego County hamlet 75 miles southeast of Syracuse.
Mayne was stationed with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainright in Alaska before deploying to Iraq in August. He was due to return in May
Friends described Mayne as someone who was always willing to take their side in a fight and as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, motorcycles and big trucks.
The Rev. Jay Henderson said the Maynes were bearing up under their loss as well as they can.
“They want people to know they appreciate the respect and support they and Michael have received,” he said.
Joy Miller of Burlington said people are only expressing what’s in their hearts.
“When something like this happens in a small town, it hits home, and people want to come together,” she said.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancee broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne remembered
The Associated Press
The seven flags that Michael L. Mayne unveiled at his hometown park on Memorial Day in 2003 were part of his Eagle Scout project.
Brian Long, who was Mayne’s scoutmaster, recalled the determination and work that went into the project that featured Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marine flags arrayed around an American flag in Burlington Flats Memorial Park.
“He was serious about what he was going to do,” Long said.
“You know the Boy Scout oath: ‘On my honor, I will do my best: to do my duty, to God, and my country...’ Well, he believed in that.
He lived it.”
Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats, N.Y., was killed Feb. 23 by small-arms fire in Balad. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Wainwright.
“I think he just wanted to help his country,” said Tierney Johnson, a friend who first met Mayne in preschool. “He wanted to be able to come home and say, ‘I was there, and I put my time into it, and I did it for everyone I love.”‘ He is survived by his parents, Lee and Cathy.
“Heroes come and go. Mike is one of the legends in my book,” said classmate Tom Tophoven.
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats, N.Y.
Cpl. Mayne was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Feb. 23, 2009 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. Also killed were Cpl. Micheal B. Alleman and Cpl. Zachary R. Nordmeyer.
1,500 attend funeral for upstate N.Y. soldier
The Associated Press
EDMESTON, N.Y. — Hundreds of mourners gathered in a tiny upstate New York hamlet Tuesday for the funeral of a hometown soldier killed in Iraq.
About 1,000 people packed into the Edmeston High School gymnasium for the service honoring Army Cpl. Michael Mayne. An additional 500 people watched the ceremony on a big screen in the school auditorium.
The service focused on Mayne’s passion for life and his sense of humor. Mourners were encouraged to be happy about the life he led.
Mayne, 21, was killed by insurgents while on patrol Feb. 23 in Balad, near Baghdad. Killed with him were two other American soldiers, Cpl. Michael Alleman, 31, of Logan, Utah, and Cpl. Zachary Nordemeyer, 21, of Indianapolis, as well as an interpreter.
Mayne’s body was escorted home Sunday by an honor guard from Fort Drum accompanied by New York state troopers and Otsego County deputies.
Hundreds of friends and admirers paid their respects to Mayne and his family at a service Monday at Burlington Flats Baptist Church, across the village green from where Mayne lived with his parents.
He enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in Burlington Flats, an Otsego County hamlet 75 miles southeast of Syracuse.
Mayne was stationed with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainright in Alaska before deploying to Iraq in August. He was due to return in May
Friends described Mayne as someone who was always willing to take their side in a fight and as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, motorcycles and big trucks.
The Rev. Jay Henderson said the Maynes were bearing up under their loss as well as they can.
“They want people to know they appreciate the respect and support they and Michael have received,” he said.
Joy Miller of Burlington said people are only expressing what’s in their hearts.
“When something like this happens in a small town, it hits home, and people want to come together,” she said.
Memorial held at Wainwright for fallen soldiers
The Associated Press
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers from Indiana, New York and Utah who were killed in Iraq were remembered at a memorial service.
The memorial at Fort Wainwright Tuesday was for Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael L. Mayne and Spc. Micheal B. Alleman. The three were killed Feb. 23 by small arms fire during an attack in Balad.
The 21-year-old Nordmeyer was from Indianapolis. He was an infantryman, as was Alleman, a 31-year-old from Logan, Utah. The 21-year-old Mayne was a cavalry scout from Burlington Flats, N.Y.
The three were assigned to Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry.
Speakers at the memorial included Staff Sgt. Matthew Burns, the rear detachment commander of the 5-1 Cavalry Squadron. He knew the men well.
“They were truly heroes in every sense of the word,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including Lt. Hans Rohr, who was in the same gun fight that claimed the lives of his three friends. Rohr wore a cast on his left hand.
“No matter how bad we have it, there are family members who lost husbands, brothers and sons,” he said. “We’ll stick together. We’ll hold up.”
Chaplain David Neetz said Alleman, a former teacher, had a special connection with Iraqi children, often giving them candy and pens to learn to write English.
“He had a very unique ability to connect with kids not only in the classroom, but in combat,” Neetz said.
Nordmeyer was remembered for his intense devotion to those closest to him. The chaplain said that when Nordmeyer’s former fiancee broke up with him in high school, Nordmeyer showered her with poetry, flowers and cards until she came back to him.
Mayne was known for having a disarming sense of humor. Burns said Mayne would often sing random songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” or Britney Spears hits to bring humor to a mundane situation.
“That was Mike Mayne in a nutshell,” he said. “But at the same time as a total professional soldier.”
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne remembered
The Associated Press
The seven flags that Michael L. Mayne unveiled at his hometown park on Memorial Day in 2003 were part of his Eagle Scout project.
Brian Long, who was Mayne’s scoutmaster, recalled the determination and work that went into the project that featured Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marine flags arrayed around an American flag in Burlington Flats Memorial Park.
“He was serious about what he was going to do,” Long said.
“You know the Boy Scout oath: ‘On my honor, I will do my best: to do my duty, to God, and my country...’ Well, he believed in that.
He lived it.”
Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats, N.Y., was killed Feb. 23 by small-arms fire in Balad. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Wainwright.
“I think he just wanted to help his country,” said Tierney Johnson, a friend who first met Mayne in preschool. “He wanted to be able to come home and say, ‘I was there, and I put my time into it, and I did it for everyone I love.”‘ He is survived by his parents, Lee and Cathy.
“Heroes come and go. Mike is one of the legends in my book,” said classmate Tom Tophoven.
Army Cpl. Michael L. Mayne was killed in action on 2/23/09.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum, 32, of Telford, Pa.
SSgt. Baum was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard; died Feb. 21, 2009 in Baghdad of wounds sustained earlier that day when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire in Mushada, Iraq.
Pa. guardsman killed by small-arms fire in Iraq
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Military officials say a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard is dead after being severely wounded by small-arms fire in Iraq.
Guard officials say Staff Sgt. Mark Baum was killed Saturday after his quick-reaction unit responded to an improvised explosive device attack in Mushada.
He was airlifted to Baghdad and died five hours later.
The 32-year-old Baum was from Quakertown and was assigned to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He was a member of a unit based in Phoenixville.
Baum joined the Guard in 2005 and was a guard at the Bucks County prison. He is survived by a wife and three children.
Baum is the 33rd Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldier killed in action. The Stryker Brigade arrived in Iraq last month for a nine-month assignment.
Fallen staff sergeant joined Guard to serve again
The Associated Press
Spec. Brian Mandes, a groomsman at Mark C. Baum’s marriage, said Baum had missed the camaraderie of being with troops after he left the active Army.
That was why he joined the Guard in 2005, though he knew there was a chance he might be ordered again to Iraq.
“His wife didn’t want him to join up, but he missed doing something,” said Mandes.
Baum, 32, of Telford, Pa., died Feb. 21 in Baghdad of wounds from small-arms fire in Mushada. He was assigned to in Phoenixville, Pa.
“Mark was one of the most respected leaders of the platoon,” said Joe Oberholtzer, who served with Baum in the National Guard.
Baum, a corrections officer at Bucks County Prison, had done tours in Kosovo, Sinai and Iraq. “He was a hero,” his widow, Heather, said. “He was a good man.”
Baum’s survivors also include three young children — Alexis, 6, Kailey, 3, and 7-month-old Conrad.
Heather Baum said her husband was always eager to both play with his children and handle the more draining tasks of parenthood, such as changing diapers or comforting them when they woke up at night.
“He was a great father,” she said.
Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum was killed in action on 2/21/09.
Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum, 32, of Telford, Pa.
SSgt. Baum was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard; died Feb. 21, 2009 in Baghdad of wounds sustained earlier that day when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire in Mushada, Iraq.
Pa. guardsman killed by small-arms fire in Iraq
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Military officials say a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard is dead after being severely wounded by small-arms fire in Iraq.
Guard officials say Staff Sgt. Mark Baum was killed Saturday after his quick-reaction unit responded to an improvised explosive device attack in Mushada.
He was airlifted to Baghdad and died five hours later.
The 32-year-old Baum was from Quakertown and was assigned to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He was a member of a unit based in Phoenixville.
Baum joined the Guard in 2005 and was a guard at the Bucks County prison. He is survived by a wife and three children.
Baum is the 33rd Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldier killed in action. The Stryker Brigade arrived in Iraq last month for a nine-month assignment.
Fallen staff sergeant joined Guard to serve again
The Associated Press
Spec. Brian Mandes, a groomsman at Mark C. Baum’s marriage, said Baum had missed the camaraderie of being with troops after he left the active Army.
That was why he joined the Guard in 2005, though he knew there was a chance he might be ordered again to Iraq.
“His wife didn’t want him to join up, but he missed doing something,” said Mandes.
Baum, 32, of Telford, Pa., died Feb. 21 in Baghdad of wounds from small-arms fire in Mushada. He was assigned to in Phoenixville, Pa.
“Mark was one of the most respected leaders of the platoon,” said Joe Oberholtzer, who served with Baum in the National Guard.
Baum, a corrections officer at Bucks County Prison, had done tours in Kosovo, Sinai and Iraq. “He was a hero,” his widow, Heather, said. “He was a good man.”
Baum’s survivors also include three young children — Alexis, 6, Kailey, 3, and 7-month-old Conrad.
Heather Baum said her husband was always eager to both play with his children and handle the more draining tasks of parenthood, such as changing diapers or comforting them when they woke up at night.
“He was a great father,” she said.
Army Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum was killed in action on 2/21/09.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis
Remember Our Heroes
Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash.
SSgt. Davis was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 20, 2009 at Oruzgan, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Airman from Wash. dead in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
MONTESANO, Wash. — Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, who grew up in Montesano, has been killed in the Oruzgan province of Afghanistan as the result of injuries received from an improvised explosive device.
The Daily World reported Air Force personnel delivered the news of Davis’ death to his mother, Sally Sheldon, at her home in Aberdeen on Friday. Davis’ father, Mike Davis, lives in Ocean Shores. Davis grew up in Montesano.
Timothy Davis had just turned 28 and would have been married for five years next month. He met his wife, Meagan, while training at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane. The couple had a 1-year-old son, Timmy Jr.
Meagan Davis told The Daily World by telephone from Spokane on Friday, “My breath has just been taken away. I am still in shock.”
Timothy Davis was assigned to Florida’s Hurlburt Field. He was with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.
Flags at half-staff for Davis
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered that flags at state agencies fly at half-staff Friday in memory of Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis.
The 28-year-old who grew up in Montesano was killed Feb. 20 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday for Davis at Montesano High School. He leaves his wife Meagan and their 1-year-old son in Spokane, his mother Sally Sheldon of Aberdeen and father Mike Davis of Ocean Shores.
Airman remembered at memorial service
The Associated Press
MONTESANO, Wash. — At the Montesano High School gymnasium, where he once excelled as a wrestler, Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis of Montesano was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
The medals were presented Saturday to his wife, Meagan, of Spokane. The 28-year-old Davis was killed by a bomb Feb. 20 in Afghanistan.
Family, lifelong friends and military friends were among those who mourned his loss. Every bleacher and every chair in the gym was filled at the high school, where Davis graduated in 1999.
Davis was a member of the Air Force’s Special Tactics team, an elite group with only 300 members. At least 80 team members, in scarlet berets, came to pay their final respects.
In addition to his wife, Davis left a 1-year-old son, his mother, Sally Sheldon of Aberdeen and father Mike Davis of Ocean Shores.
Friends recall toughness, mental strength of fallen airman
The Associated Press
Matt Mensch said he and Timothy P. Davis were paired up in training in the Air Force. It was hard on him, Mensch said, because Davis was so good at everything. And while at first he thought Davis was something of a blowhard, he learned to respect his fellow airman.
“There’s a difference between being cocky and being competent,” Mensch said. “Whatever he did, he did it right.”
Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash., died Feb. 20 near Bagram when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was a 1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla.
“He was, mentally, the strongest person I have ever known,” said Jesse Huggins, Davis’ best friend since Little League. “There are things that in life are so difficult, no one else is willing to volunteer for. He would.”
One of those things was the 800 meter race in track, which is notorious for being tough and was Davis’ preferred event. Huggins recalled seeing Davis throw up after many races, because he had pushed himself so hard.
Davis, who had previously earned a Purple Heart, is survived by his wife, Meagan, and year-old son Timmy Jr.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash.
SSgt. Davis was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 20, 2009 at Oruzgan, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Airman from Wash. dead in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
MONTESANO, Wash. — Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, who grew up in Montesano, has been killed in the Oruzgan province of Afghanistan as the result of injuries received from an improvised explosive device.
The Daily World reported Air Force personnel delivered the news of Davis’ death to his mother, Sally Sheldon, at her home in Aberdeen on Friday. Davis’ father, Mike Davis, lives in Ocean Shores. Davis grew up in Montesano.
Timothy Davis had just turned 28 and would have been married for five years next month. He met his wife, Meagan, while training at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane. The couple had a 1-year-old son, Timmy Jr.
Meagan Davis told The Daily World by telephone from Spokane on Friday, “My breath has just been taken away. I am still in shock.”
Timothy Davis was assigned to Florida’s Hurlburt Field. He was with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.
Flags at half-staff for Davis
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered that flags at state agencies fly at half-staff Friday in memory of Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis.
The 28-year-old who grew up in Montesano was killed Feb. 20 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday for Davis at Montesano High School. He leaves his wife Meagan and their 1-year-old son in Spokane, his mother Sally Sheldon of Aberdeen and father Mike Davis of Ocean Shores.
Airman remembered at memorial service
The Associated Press
MONTESANO, Wash. — At the Montesano High School gymnasium, where he once excelled as a wrestler, Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis of Montesano was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
The medals were presented Saturday to his wife, Meagan, of Spokane. The 28-year-old Davis was killed by a bomb Feb. 20 in Afghanistan.
Family, lifelong friends and military friends were among those who mourned his loss. Every bleacher and every chair in the gym was filled at the high school, where Davis graduated in 1999.
Davis was a member of the Air Force’s Special Tactics team, an elite group with only 300 members. At least 80 team members, in scarlet berets, came to pay their final respects.
In addition to his wife, Davis left a 1-year-old son, his mother, Sally Sheldon of Aberdeen and father Mike Davis of Ocean Shores.
Friends recall toughness, mental strength of fallen airman
The Associated Press
Matt Mensch said he and Timothy P. Davis were paired up in training in the Air Force. It was hard on him, Mensch said, because Davis was so good at everything. And while at first he thought Davis was something of a blowhard, he learned to respect his fellow airman.
“There’s a difference between being cocky and being competent,” Mensch said. “Whatever he did, he did it right.”
Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash., died Feb. 20 near Bagram when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was a 1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla.
“He was, mentally, the strongest person I have ever known,” said Jesse Huggins, Davis’ best friend since Little League. “There are things that in life are so difficult, no one else is willing to volunteer for. He would.”
One of those things was the 800 meter race in track, which is notorious for being tough and was Davis’ preferred event. Huggins recalled seeing Davis throw up after many races, because he had pushed himself so hard.
Davis, who had previously earned a Purple Heart, is survived by his wife, Meagan, and year-old son Timmy Jr.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Army Master Sgt. David L. Hurt
Remember Our Heroes
Army Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, of Tucson, Ariz.
MSgt. Hurt was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 20, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from wounds received in Khordi, Afghanistan, when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device followed by small arms fire attack by enemy forces. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa.
Santa Rita grad dies in Afghanistan
Fernanda Echávarri and David L. Teibel
Tucson Citizen
A Santa Rita High school graduate, who “loved being a soldier” and “was proud of his country,” has been killed in Afghanistan.
The Department of Defense said Sunday that Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, and a soldier from Illinois died from injuries caused by an improvised explosive device. They were in a military vehicle Friday near Khordi in Oruzgan province when they were attacked.
Small arms fire followed during the attack by enemy forces.
Hurt’s mother, Bonnie Hurt, said she talked to her son Wednesday. Two days later he was dead.
A medic in her son’s unit had been killed the week before and Hurt and other soldiers in the unit were having a difficult time dealing with his death, Bonnie Hurt said.
“He was telling me they were taking the death of the medic hard and he was trying to keep his men occupied,” she said.
Her son always signed off telling his mother he loved her, and Wednesday was no exception.
“He said, ‘I’ve got to go, I love you,” she recalled.
Hurt and the other soldier killed with him, Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Bessa died at the scene while Hurt died from his wounds after being evacuated to Kandahar Airfield for treatment, according to the Army.
Hurt, a native of Oak Park, Ill., moved to Tucson with his family at age 3, said his mother, Bonnie Hurt, 65.
He enlisted in Tucson in November 1992, according to the U.S. Army.
Before that, his mother said, he had graduated from Santa Rita High School, where he played football on the school team.
“He went in (to the Army) on Veteran’s Day,” she said.
“He loved being a soldier, he was proud of his country,” Hurt said.
And, she added, he was proud to be in the Special Forces, an elite unit.
Master Sgt. Hurt loved Tucson, he “talked about it all the time, he loved it,” his mother said.
“He wanted to take his family there, but he never had the chance,” Hurt said.
After basic and advanced training he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and later to the 20th Engineer Brigade. He earned his Green Beret in May 2000 and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Hurt lived in Grays Creek, N.C., before he left for Afghanistan in January on his fifth deployment.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, the Valorous Unit Award and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, according to his Army biography.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, daughter, Avery, and son, Wyatt, who live in Grays Creek, N.C.; his mother, Bonnie Hurt and sister Deborah Hurt, both of Hope Mills, N.C.; and father, Joe Hurt of Memphis, Tenn.
Master sergeant remembered for love of Army
The Associated Press
David L. Hurt loved the Army. Even as boy he loved playing with toy soldiers. Years later, after he had joined the Army, his mother would walk into his home and see the small plastic soldiers spread across a table — this time being used to plan out real-life tactics.
“He always loved the Army. Oh God, he loved it,” said his mother, Bonnie Hurt.
Hurt, 36, of Tucson, Ariz., was killed Feb. 23 in Kandahar by a roadside bomb and enemy fire. He was assigned to Fort Bragg.
Hurt was born in Oak Park, Ill., but moved to Tucson when he was 3 years old. He joined the Army in 1992 after graduating high school and went on to join the Green Berets and won numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
He always signed off telling his mother he loved her. The last time they talked, “He said, ‘I’ve got to go, I love you,”’ she recalled.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, 11-year-old daughter, Avery, and 5-year-old son, Wyatt.
“He was a very loving, caring husband,” Bonnie Hurt said. “He loved doing things with his kids. He took his kids everywhere.”
Army Master Sgt. David L. Hurt was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Army Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, of Tucson, Ariz.
MSgt. Hurt was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 20, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from wounds received in Khordi, Afghanistan, when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device followed by small arms fire attack by enemy forces. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa.
Santa Rita grad dies in Afghanistan
Fernanda Echávarri and David L. Teibel
Tucson Citizen
A Santa Rita High school graduate, who “loved being a soldier” and “was proud of his country,” has been killed in Afghanistan.
The Department of Defense said Sunday that Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, and a soldier from Illinois died from injuries caused by an improvised explosive device. They were in a military vehicle Friday near Khordi in Oruzgan province when they were attacked.
Small arms fire followed during the attack by enemy forces.
Hurt’s mother, Bonnie Hurt, said she talked to her son Wednesday. Two days later he was dead.
A medic in her son’s unit had been killed the week before and Hurt and other soldiers in the unit were having a difficult time dealing with his death, Bonnie Hurt said.
“He was telling me they were taking the death of the medic hard and he was trying to keep his men occupied,” she said.
Her son always signed off telling his mother he loved her, and Wednesday was no exception.
“He said, ‘I’ve got to go, I love you,” she recalled.
Hurt and the other soldier killed with him, Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Bessa died at the scene while Hurt died from his wounds after being evacuated to Kandahar Airfield for treatment, according to the Army.
Hurt, a native of Oak Park, Ill., moved to Tucson with his family at age 3, said his mother, Bonnie Hurt, 65.
He enlisted in Tucson in November 1992, according to the U.S. Army.
Before that, his mother said, he had graduated from Santa Rita High School, where he played football on the school team.
“He went in (to the Army) on Veteran’s Day,” she said.
“He loved being a soldier, he was proud of his country,” Hurt said.
And, she added, he was proud to be in the Special Forces, an elite unit.
Master Sgt. Hurt loved Tucson, he “talked about it all the time, he loved it,” his mother said.
“He wanted to take his family there, but he never had the chance,” Hurt said.
After basic and advanced training he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and later to the 20th Engineer Brigade. He earned his Green Beret in May 2000 and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Hurt lived in Grays Creek, N.C., before he left for Afghanistan in January on his fifth deployment.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, the Valorous Unit Award and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, according to his Army biography.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, daughter, Avery, and son, Wyatt, who live in Grays Creek, N.C.; his mother, Bonnie Hurt and sister Deborah Hurt, both of Hope Mills, N.C.; and father, Joe Hurt of Memphis, Tenn.
Master sergeant remembered for love of Army
The Associated Press
David L. Hurt loved the Army. Even as boy he loved playing with toy soldiers. Years later, after he had joined the Army, his mother would walk into his home and see the small plastic soldiers spread across a table — this time being used to plan out real-life tactics.
“He always loved the Army. Oh God, he loved it,” said his mother, Bonnie Hurt.
Hurt, 36, of Tucson, Ariz., was killed Feb. 23 in Kandahar by a roadside bomb and enemy fire. He was assigned to Fort Bragg.
Hurt was born in Oak Park, Ill., but moved to Tucson when he was 3 years old. He joined the Army in 1992 after graduating high school and went on to join the Green Berets and won numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
He always signed off telling his mother he loved her. The last time they talked, “He said, ‘I’ve got to go, I love you,”’ she recalled.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, 11-year-old daughter, Avery, and 5-year-old son, Wyatt.
“He was a very loving, caring husband,” Bonnie Hurt said. “He loved doing things with his kids. He took his kids everywhere.”
Army Master Sgt. David L. Hurt was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, of Woodridge, Ill.
SSgt. Bessa was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 20, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device followed by small arms fire attack by enemy forces. Also killed was Master Sgt. David L. Hurt.
Green Beret inspired to enlist after 9/11
The Associated Press
Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa recently became a dad. He was home when his son, Carson, was born on Dec. 4.
“He was so touched with his child, his boy, and the prospect of being a father,” his father Ted said.
Bessa, 26, of Woodridge, Ill., died Feb. 23 in Khordi when his vehicle was struck by an explosive and small-arms fire. He was a 2000 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg.
Bessa was born at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.
He lived with his grandmother while he finished high school in the United States, said his father, a sergeant major in the Army who was stationed in Italy at the time. He also was able to graduate from the same high school that his mother had graduated from.
Bessa spent one semester at Southern Illinois University before being inspired to join the military after the 9/11 attacks.
Bessa was sent to Afghanistan in January for his second deployment. He joined the Army in April 2002 and became a Green Beret in 2007.
“He was a wonderful little child and grew into a very wonderful man,” his mother Julie said.
Bessa is also survived by his wife, Lindsey.
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, of Woodridge, Ill.
SSgt. Bessa was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 20, 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device followed by small arms fire attack by enemy forces. Also killed was Master Sgt. David L. Hurt.
Green Beret inspired to enlist after 9/11
The Associated Press
Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa recently became a dad. He was home when his son, Carson, was born on Dec. 4.
“He was so touched with his child, his boy, and the prospect of being a father,” his father Ted said.
Bessa, 26, of Woodridge, Ill., died Feb. 23 in Khordi when his vehicle was struck by an explosive and small-arms fire. He was a 2000 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg.
Bessa was born at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.
He lived with his grandmother while he finished high school in the United States, said his father, a sergeant major in the Army who was stationed in Italy at the time. He also was able to graduate from the same high school that his mother had graduated from.
Bessa spent one semester at Southern Illinois University before being inspired to join the military after the 9/11 attacks.
Bessa was sent to Afghanistan in January for his second deployment. He joined the Army in April 2002 and became a Green Beret in 2007.
“He was a wonderful little child and grew into a very wonderful man,” his mother Julie said.
Bessa is also survived by his wife, Lindsey.
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa was killed in action on 2/20/09.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Army Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter, 19, of Honolulu
Spc. Walter was assigned to the 29th Special Troops Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii National Guard; died Feb. 19, 2009 in Kuwait City, Kuwait, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.
Honolulu Guardsman killed in Kuwait accident; 3 others hurt
Honolulu Advertiser
A member of the Hawaii Army National Guard was killed Feb. 19 in Kuwait in a noncombat-related vehicular accident, the state’s Department of Defense said yesterday.
Three other Hawaii guardsmen were seriously injured in the accident.
The dead guard member was identified as Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter, 19, of Honolulu.
She was assigned to the HHC 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Lt. Col. Chuck Anthony, public affairs officer for the Hawaii National Guard, said it was the unit’s first fatality since deploying to the Middle East.
“The entire Hawaii National Guard grieves along with the Walter family during this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state adjutant general. He said a support team has been assigned to assist the family.
Anthony said the three guardsmen who were hurt have multiple injuries.
Walter’s family said they had no comment on the accident at this time and asked for privacy. They said they were proud of their daughter’s service to her country.
Walter was a 2007 graduate of Farrington High School.
Army Pfc. Cwislyn K. Walter remembered
The Associated Press
Lt. Col. Moses Kaoiwi said Cwislyn K. Walter had a positive impact and brought out the best in everyone.
“In my 26 years of service, Specialist Walter ranks among the best that I have had the honor to have known and worked with,” Kaoiwi said. “She was young and motivated. She had initiative and produced quality work.”
Walter, 19, of Honolulu, died Feb. 19 in Kuwait City of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. She was a 2007 high school graduate and was assigned to Honolulu.
On her MySpace page, Walter said she was born in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, raised on Guam, and has two sisters, three brothers and “two very luvin’ parents.”
Walter joined the Hawaii National Guard in April 2007 and completed her basic training at Fort Gordon. She was also trained at Fort Jackson as a human resources specialist.
Spc. Lindsey Lafitaga, a close friend, said, “We had this look we’d give to each other, a wink of an eye, then bam! We’d start dancing and going crazy.”
She was an outfielder on her high school varsity softball team.
“She was very full of life,” said former teammate Mara Vasai.
Army Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter was killed in a non-combat related incident on 2/19/09.
Army Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter, 19, of Honolulu
Spc. Walter was assigned to the 29th Special Troops Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii National Guard; died Feb. 19, 2009 in Kuwait City, Kuwait, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.
Honolulu Guardsman killed in Kuwait accident; 3 others hurt
Honolulu Advertiser
A member of the Hawaii Army National Guard was killed Feb. 19 in Kuwait in a noncombat-related vehicular accident, the state’s Department of Defense said yesterday.
Three other Hawaii guardsmen were seriously injured in the accident.
The dead guard member was identified as Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter, 19, of Honolulu.
She was assigned to the HHC 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Lt. Col. Chuck Anthony, public affairs officer for the Hawaii National Guard, said it was the unit’s first fatality since deploying to the Middle East.
“The entire Hawaii National Guard grieves along with the Walter family during this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state adjutant general. He said a support team has been assigned to assist the family.
Anthony said the three guardsmen who were hurt have multiple injuries.
Walter’s family said they had no comment on the accident at this time and asked for privacy. They said they were proud of their daughter’s service to her country.
Walter was a 2007 graduate of Farrington High School.
Army Pfc. Cwislyn K. Walter remembered
The Associated Press
Lt. Col. Moses Kaoiwi said Cwislyn K. Walter had a positive impact and brought out the best in everyone.
“In my 26 years of service, Specialist Walter ranks among the best that I have had the honor to have known and worked with,” Kaoiwi said. “She was young and motivated. She had initiative and produced quality work.”
Walter, 19, of Honolulu, died Feb. 19 in Kuwait City of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. She was a 2007 high school graduate and was assigned to Honolulu.
On her MySpace page, Walter said she was born in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, raised on Guam, and has two sisters, three brothers and “two very luvin’ parents.”
Walter joined the Hawaii National Guard in April 2007 and completed her basic training at Fort Gordon. She was also trained at Fort Jackson as a human resources specialist.
Spc. Lindsey Lafitaga, a close friend, said, “We had this look we’d give to each other, a wink of an eye, then bam! We’d start dancing and going crazy.”
She was an outfielder on her high school varsity softball team.
“She was very full of life,” said former teammate Mara Vasai.
Army Spc. Cwislyn K. Walter was killed in a non-combat related incident on 2/19/09.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Munden
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Munden, 35, of Mesquite, Texas
SFC Munden was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 16, 2009 at Forward Operating Base Tillman in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.
Longtime soldier was looking forward to final assignment, retirement
The Associated Press
Raymond J. Munden joined the Army in August 1991, only three months after graduating from high school. Growing up in a military family, he and his brother, Brad, both set their sights on serving their country at a young age.
Raymond joined the Army, and Brad joined the Navy.
“We both knew growing up that that’s what we wanted to do,” said Brad Munden. “He’s always had that passion.”
Munden, 35, of Mesquite, Texas, died Feb. 16 in Paktika province after insurgents attacked his unit. He was assigned to Fort Campbell.
His second tour in Afghanistan was his sixth overall, and he was hoping to work as an instructor at West Point until retirement after returning home. He also served in Somalia and Haiti.
“We were thinking he would never have to go back to war again,” said Dwaine Clark, the soldier’s stepfather.
Munden loved to play sports and participated on football and softball teams. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially with his family.
Munden is survived by his wife, Kelly their daughters, Sydney, 6, and Kailey, 2 and two sons from a previous marriage, Gaven, 13, and Garrett, 12.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Munden was killed in action on 2/16/09.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Munden, 35, of Mesquite, Texas
SFC Munden was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 16, 2009 at Forward Operating Base Tillman in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.
Longtime soldier was looking forward to final assignment, retirement
The Associated Press
Raymond J. Munden joined the Army in August 1991, only three months after graduating from high school. Growing up in a military family, he and his brother, Brad, both set their sights on serving their country at a young age.
Raymond joined the Army, and Brad joined the Navy.
“We both knew growing up that that’s what we wanted to do,” said Brad Munden. “He’s always had that passion.”
Munden, 35, of Mesquite, Texas, died Feb. 16 in Paktika province after insurgents attacked his unit. He was assigned to Fort Campbell.
His second tour in Afghanistan was his sixth overall, and he was hoping to work as an instructor at West Point until retirement after returning home. He also served in Somalia and Haiti.
“We were thinking he would never have to go back to war again,” said Dwaine Clark, the soldier’s stepfather.
Munden loved to play sports and participated on football and softball teams. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially with his family.
Munden is survived by his wife, Kelly their daughters, Sydney, 6, and Kailey, 2 and two sons from a previous marriage, Gaven, 13, and Garrett, 12.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Munden was killed in action on 2/16/09.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, of Collegeville, Pa.
SSgt. Small was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 12, 2009 at Faramuz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and small arms fire.
USASOC -- Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Small’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Small is survived by his mother mother and step father Mary and Peter MacFarland of Collegeville, Penn.; father and stepmother - Murray and Karen Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; his siblings Matt Small, Megan MacFarland, Heather Wellock, Jennifer MacFarland; and Travis and Tyler Baney
Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small was killed in action on 02/12/09.
Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, of Collegeville, Pa.
SSgt. Small was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 12, 2009 at Faramuz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and small arms fire.
USASOC -- Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Small’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Small is survived by his mother mother and step father Mary and Peter MacFarland of Collegeville, Penn.; father and stepmother - Murray and Karen Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; his siblings Matt Small, Megan MacFarland, Heather Wellock, Jennifer MacFarland; and Travis and Tyler Baney
Army Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small was killed in action on 02/12/09.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La.
Pfc. Watson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 10, 2009 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy.
IED kills two 101st soldiers
By Chris Smith
The Leaf-Chronicle
Two 101st Airborne Division soldiers died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device exploded near their vehicle in Salerno, Afghanistan.
Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas, and Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., died in Salerno from their injuries, according to a news release Thursday from the Department of Defense.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Campbell.
According to a Fort Campbell media release, Courcy was an infantryman who entered the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. His awards and decorations include: the Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Courcy is survived by his wife, Mara, of Colony, Texas; son, Anthony Luke, of Fisco, Texas; mother and step-father, Mary and Christopher Bush, of Frisco, Texas; and father, Jon Mitchell, whose whereabouts are unknown, according to the release.
According to the Fort Campbell release, Watson was an infantryman who entered the Army in September 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2008. His awards and decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Sharpshooter Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Watson is survived by his mother, Cynthia, of Walterboro, S.C.; father, Robert, of Converse, La.; and twin brother Charles, of Maney, La.
A memorial service for the soldiers will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month.
Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson was killed in action on 02/10/09.
Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La.
Pfc. Watson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 10, 2009 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy.
IED kills two 101st soldiers
By Chris Smith
The Leaf-Chronicle
Two 101st Airborne Division soldiers died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device exploded near their vehicle in Salerno, Afghanistan.
Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas, and Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., died in Salerno from their injuries, according to a news release Thursday from the Department of Defense.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Campbell.
According to a Fort Campbell media release, Courcy was an infantryman who entered the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. His awards and decorations include: the Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Courcy is survived by his wife, Mara, of Colony, Texas; son, Anthony Luke, of Fisco, Texas; mother and step-father, Mary and Christopher Bush, of Frisco, Texas; and father, Jon Mitchell, whose whereabouts are unknown, according to the release.
According to the Fort Campbell release, Watson was an infantryman who entered the Army in September 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2008. His awards and decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Sharpshooter Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Watson is survived by his mother, Cynthia, of Walterboro, S.C.; father, Robert, of Converse, La.; and twin brother Charles, of Maney, La.
A memorial service for the soldiers will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month.
Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson was killed in action on 02/10/09.
Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas
Spc. Courcy was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 10, 2009 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson.
IED kills two 101st soldiers
By Chris Smith
The Leaf-Chronicle
Two 101st Airborne Division soldiers died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device exploded near their vehicle in Salerno, Afghanistan.
Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas, and Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., died in Salerno from their injuries, according to a news release Thursday from the Department of Defense.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Campbell.
According to a Fort Campbell media release, Courcy was an infantryman who entered the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. His awards and decorations include: the Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Courcy is survived by his wife, Mara, of Colony, Texas; son, Anthony Luke, of Fisco, Texas; mother and step-father, Mary and Christopher Bush, of Frisco, Texas; and father, Jon Mitchell, whose whereabouts are unknown, according to the release.
According to the Fort Campbell release, Watson was an infantryman who entered the Army in September 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2008. His awards and decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Sharpshooter Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Watson is survived by his mother, Cynthia, of Walterboro, S.C.; father, Robert, of Converse, La.; and twin brother Charles, of Maney, La.
A memorial service for the soldiers will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month.
Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy was killed in action on 02/10/09.
Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas
Spc. Courcy was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 10, 2009 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson.
IED kills two 101st soldiers
By Chris Smith
The Leaf-Chronicle
Two 101st Airborne Division soldiers died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device exploded near their vehicle in Salerno, Afghanistan.
Spc. Peter J. Courcy, 22, of Frisco, Texas, and Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., died in Salerno from their injuries, according to a news release Thursday from the Department of Defense.
The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Campbell.
According to a Fort Campbell media release, Courcy was an infantryman who entered the Army in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. His awards and decorations include: the Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Courcy is survived by his wife, Mara, of Colony, Texas; son, Anthony Luke, of Fisco, Texas; mother and step-father, Mary and Christopher Bush, of Frisco, Texas; and father, Jon Mitchell, whose whereabouts are unknown, according to the release.
According to the Fort Campbell release, Watson was an infantryman who entered the Army in September 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2008. His awards and decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Sharpshooter Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Watson is survived by his mother, Cynthia, of Walterboro, S.C.; father, Robert, of Converse, La.; and twin brother Charles, of Maney, La.
A memorial service for the soldiers will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month.
Army Spc. Peter J. Courcy was killed in action on 02/10/09.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Army Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby
Remember Our Heroes
Army Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont.
Lt. Col. Derby was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, Pfc. Albert R. Jex and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Battalion commander killed in Iraq
By Michelle Tan
Staff writer
Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, commander of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, was killed Monday in a suicide car bomb attack in northern Iraq that also killed three of his soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter.
Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont., was the 19th Army lieutenant colonel killed in Iraq since the beginning of the war and is believed to be one of only three battalion commanders killed by hostile fire in that war. The other soldiers killed in the attack were Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky.; Pfc. Albert R. Jex, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge, 22, of Leominster, Mass.
The soldiers belonged to Derby’s personal security detachment. The interpreter, whose name was not released, had served with U.S. forces for three years before being assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry. He was scheduled to become a U.S. citizen in May.
The soldiers’ battalion belongs to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, of Fort Hood, Texas. The brigade deployed to Iraq in December and is on its third tour in Iraq.
The attack in Mosul was the deadliest single attack against American forces in Iraq in nine months, according to The Associated Press.
Derby, who went by the name Gary, and his soldiers were on their way to a combat operating outpost in a western Mosul neighborhood about 11 a.m. Monday when his Humvee was hit by the suicide car bomber, Army officials said.
The AP reported that the blast occurred as the American vehicles were passing near an Iraqi police checkpoint. A statement from the U.S. military said three soldiers died at the scene of the attack, while a fourth soldier and the interpreter died at a military hospital.
The last time a single attack claimed this many lives was May 2, when four Marines were killed in a roadside bombing in Anbar province, according to AP. Four soldiers were killed Jan. 26 when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopters crashed in Kirkuk, but officials have said the crash did not appear to have been caused by hostile fire, according to AP.
In the early morning hours Tuesday, more than 1,500 soldiers stood in formation on the landing strip of the airfield at Forward Operating Base Marez as the remains of the fallen soldiers were loaded onto a C-130 Hercules for the journey back to the United States. A memorial service for the men took place Friday at FOB Marez.
“We honor Lt. Col. Derby and the members of his PSD who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom for not only the people of Iraq but for the lives of our citizens in America as well,” Col. Gary Volesky, commander of 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry, said during the service, according to information from Multi-National Division-North. “Of all the soldiers I have known and lost during my time in the Army, I have never lost a closer friend than Gary Derby.”
Maj. John Cogbill, the executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, became the interim battalion commander, and a new commander has been identified and will take command soon, according to information provided by 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry.
Derby enlisted in 1985 as a cavalry scout in the Montana National Guard and was commissioned as an armor officer in 1989, according to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry’s Web site. He has served as a tank platoon leader, company executive officer and battalion maintenance officer with 3rd Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany; operations officer of the Sacramento Recruiting Battalion in California; company commander with 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart, Ga.; and as a staff trainer at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
After attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Derby was assigned to 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Hood, where he served as a battalion S-3 when the unit deployed to Baqubah, Iraq, from 2003 to 2004, and later as the brigade’s executive officer, from 2004 to 2005. From 2005 to 2006 he served as the 4th ID and Multi-National Division-Baghdad chief of operations in Baghdad, and his most recent assignment was as the deputy chief of staff of 4th ID.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leak clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals, and the Combat Action Badge. He also had the Order of Saint George and Order of Saint Maurice bronze medallions and the covenant Tarantula Belt Buckle #358.
Before the Feb. 9 attack, nine colonels and 25 lieutenant colonels had been killed supporting Operating Iraqi Freedom, according to data compiled by Army Times. Eight of the colonels were in the Army; 18 lieutenant colonels were soldiers. Of the 18 Army lieutenant colonels, 12 were killed by hostile action.
One Army colonel and eight lieutenant colonels, six of them Army, have been killed in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Services held for Mont. soldier
The Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. — Lt. Col. Gary Derby, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, was remembered Feb. 27 as a dedicated soldier, a devoted father and a loving husband.
Derby, 44, of Missoula, died Feb. 9 in Mosul in an attack that killed three other soldiers and an interpreter.
Brig. Gen. David Hogg, the military presiding general officer at the service, said Derby was a proud Montanan, a solid soldier and a true friend who died serving his country.
Capt. Robert Tindall, who served under Derby, said Derby cared about his soldiers and gave company officers the freedom to command.
The memorial service was held at Faith Chapel in Billings. Derby was to be buried Feb. 27 at Fort Harrison State Veterans Cemetery, west of Helena.
Derby was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.
Battalion commander remembered for leadership, family devotion
The Associated Press
Brig. Gen. David Hogg recalled his first meeting with Garnet R. Derby in Iraq in 2003. He recalled Derby as a “gruff, knuckle-dragging guy.”
“He was a superb, dirty-boots officer,” Hogg said. “He understood leaders lead from the front.”
Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont., was killed Feb. 9. when his vehicle was destroyed by a car bomb. He was assigned to Fort Hood and was on his third tour in Iraq.
Derby joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1985 as a cavalry scout. He was an ROTC member at the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in physical education.
Hogg said he used to tease Derby about his given name, Garnet. That was before Hogg knew about Montana’s Garnet Mountains. Derby took the ribbing, Hogg said, but responded with a “Sir, give me a break.”
About 90 days before the end of each of his tours, Derby would start a letter-writing campaign to his children, Todd said. The daily missives were a countdown, eventually to the number of seconds, until the family would be reunited.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and their children, Jennifer, Matthew and Benjamin.
Army Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby was killed in action on 2/9/09.
Army Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont.
Lt. Col. Derby was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, Pfc. Albert R. Jex and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Battalion commander killed in Iraq
By Michelle Tan
Staff writer
Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, commander of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, was killed Monday in a suicide car bomb attack in northern Iraq that also killed three of his soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter.
Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont., was the 19th Army lieutenant colonel killed in Iraq since the beginning of the war and is believed to be one of only three battalion commanders killed by hostile fire in that war. The other soldiers killed in the attack were Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky.; Pfc. Albert R. Jex, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge, 22, of Leominster, Mass.
The soldiers belonged to Derby’s personal security detachment. The interpreter, whose name was not released, had served with U.S. forces for three years before being assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry. He was scheduled to become a U.S. citizen in May.
The soldiers’ battalion belongs to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, of Fort Hood, Texas. The brigade deployed to Iraq in December and is on its third tour in Iraq.
The attack in Mosul was the deadliest single attack against American forces in Iraq in nine months, according to The Associated Press.
Derby, who went by the name Gary, and his soldiers were on their way to a combat operating outpost in a western Mosul neighborhood about 11 a.m. Monday when his Humvee was hit by the suicide car bomber, Army officials said.
The AP reported that the blast occurred as the American vehicles were passing near an Iraqi police checkpoint. A statement from the U.S. military said three soldiers died at the scene of the attack, while a fourth soldier and the interpreter died at a military hospital.
The last time a single attack claimed this many lives was May 2, when four Marines were killed in a roadside bombing in Anbar province, according to AP. Four soldiers were killed Jan. 26 when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopters crashed in Kirkuk, but officials have said the crash did not appear to have been caused by hostile fire, according to AP.
In the early morning hours Tuesday, more than 1,500 soldiers stood in formation on the landing strip of the airfield at Forward Operating Base Marez as the remains of the fallen soldiers were loaded onto a C-130 Hercules for the journey back to the United States. A memorial service for the men took place Friday at FOB Marez.
“We honor Lt. Col. Derby and the members of his PSD who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom for not only the people of Iraq but for the lives of our citizens in America as well,” Col. Gary Volesky, commander of 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry, said during the service, according to information from Multi-National Division-North. “Of all the soldiers I have known and lost during my time in the Army, I have never lost a closer friend than Gary Derby.”
Maj. John Cogbill, the executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, became the interim battalion commander, and a new commander has been identified and will take command soon, according to information provided by 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry.
Derby enlisted in 1985 as a cavalry scout in the Montana National Guard and was commissioned as an armor officer in 1989, according to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry’s Web site. He has served as a tank platoon leader, company executive officer and battalion maintenance officer with 3rd Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany; operations officer of the Sacramento Recruiting Battalion in California; company commander with 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart, Ga.; and as a staff trainer at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
After attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Derby was assigned to 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Hood, where he served as a battalion S-3 when the unit deployed to Baqubah, Iraq, from 2003 to 2004, and later as the brigade’s executive officer, from 2004 to 2005. From 2005 to 2006 he served as the 4th ID and Multi-National Division-Baghdad chief of operations in Baghdad, and his most recent assignment was as the deputy chief of staff of 4th ID.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leak clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals, and the Combat Action Badge. He also had the Order of Saint George and Order of Saint Maurice bronze medallions and the covenant Tarantula Belt Buckle #358.
Before the Feb. 9 attack, nine colonels and 25 lieutenant colonels had been killed supporting Operating Iraqi Freedom, according to data compiled by Army Times. Eight of the colonels were in the Army; 18 lieutenant colonels were soldiers. Of the 18 Army lieutenant colonels, 12 were killed by hostile action.
One Army colonel and eight lieutenant colonels, six of them Army, have been killed in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Services held for Mont. soldier
The Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. — Lt. Col. Gary Derby, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, was remembered Feb. 27 as a dedicated soldier, a devoted father and a loving husband.
Derby, 44, of Missoula, died Feb. 9 in Mosul in an attack that killed three other soldiers and an interpreter.
Brig. Gen. David Hogg, the military presiding general officer at the service, said Derby was a proud Montanan, a solid soldier and a true friend who died serving his country.
Capt. Robert Tindall, who served under Derby, said Derby cared about his soldiers and gave company officers the freedom to command.
The memorial service was held at Faith Chapel in Billings. Derby was to be buried Feb. 27 at Fort Harrison State Veterans Cemetery, west of Helena.
Derby was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.
Battalion commander remembered for leadership, family devotion
The Associated Press
Brig. Gen. David Hogg recalled his first meeting with Garnet R. Derby in Iraq in 2003. He recalled Derby as a “gruff, knuckle-dragging guy.”
“He was a superb, dirty-boots officer,” Hogg said. “He understood leaders lead from the front.”
Derby, 44, of Missoula, Mont., was killed Feb. 9. when his vehicle was destroyed by a car bomb. He was assigned to Fort Hood and was on his third tour in Iraq.
Derby joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1985 as a cavalry scout. He was an ROTC member at the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in physical education.
Hogg said he used to tease Derby about his given name, Garnet. That was before Hogg knew about Montana’s Garnet Mountains. Derby took the ribbing, Hogg said, but responded with a “Sir, give me a break.”
About 90 days before the end of each of his tours, Derby would start a letter-writing campaign to his children, Todd said. The daily missives were a countdown, eventually to the number of seconds, until the family would be reunited.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and their children, Jennifer, Matthew and Benjamin.
Army Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby was killed in action on 2/9/09.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky.
Sgt. Ward was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Pfc. Albert R. Jex and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward remembered
The Associated Press
Brian Grumbler remembered how friendly and accepting Joshua A.
Ward was to him as a new guy to the guard duty station when he first arrived at Fort Hood.
“Everyone knows when you first get to your duty station they treat you like you have leprosy for the first three to four months,” said Grumbler.
“But the first day I got there, I walked in as cocky as I could be and Josh looked at me and said, ‘Hey dude, we drive the same truck,’” he said.
Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky., was killed Feb. 9 in Mosul after bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was a 1997 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.
Friends and family said Ward was someone who had a never-give-up attitude. “Everything he did was a competition,” said his brother, Johnny. “Who had the bigger truck, who had the bigger tires. It was always a competition. But it made him stronger, it made me stronger.”
Ward received a football scholarship to Texas A&M-Blinn College, but a car accident that shattered his elbow prevented him from going.
He is survived by his sons, Joshua and Zane, and their mother, Misty his fiancée, Deonna and his unborn son, Alexander, due July 6.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky.
Sgt. Ward was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Pfc. Albert R. Jex and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward remembered
The Associated Press
Brian Grumbler remembered how friendly and accepting Joshua A.
Ward was to him as a new guy to the guard duty station when he first arrived at Fort Hood.
“Everyone knows when you first get to your duty station they treat you like you have leprosy for the first three to four months,” said Grumbler.
“But the first day I got there, I walked in as cocky as I could be and Josh looked at me and said, ‘Hey dude, we drive the same truck,’” he said.
Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Ky., was killed Feb. 9 in Mosul after bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was a 1997 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.
Friends and family said Ward was someone who had a never-give-up attitude. “Everything he did was a competition,” said his brother, Johnny. “Who had the bigger truck, who had the bigger tires. It was always a competition. But it made him stronger, it made me stronger.”
Ward received a football scholarship to Texas A&M-Blinn College, but a car accident that shattered his elbow prevented him from going.
He is survived by his sons, Joshua and Zane, and their mother, Misty his fiancée, Deonna and his unborn son, Alexander, due July 6.
Army Sgt. Joshua A. Ward was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Army Pfc. Albert R. Jex
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Albert R. Jex, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz.
Pfc. Jex was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Sgt. Joshua A. Ward and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Respected soldier ‘was there for everybody’
The Associated Press
Daniel Aureli, the brother of Albert R. Jex’s mother, Cathleen MacFarlane, recalled a man skillful with a hammer and wrench.
“When it seemed like things weren’t going to get fixed, Albert always said, ‘Putty and paint makes it what it ain’t,’” Aureli recalled.
Jex, 23, of Phoenix, was killed Feb. 9 when a suicide car bomber blew up his vehicle at a police checkpoint in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Hood
“Specialist Jex was a tremendous soldier. Only the best of the best serve on teams like the Personal Security Team, and that was Albert: all-American, the best of the best,” Brig. Gen. Thomas Cole said.
He was named after his great-uncle Albert Jex, who was killed while in the service of his country, and then was nicknamed “Albie” after a video game puppet.
Jex would make a joke in the most tense moments and make everyone around him feel more at ease. “He was a sweetheart,” said classmate Cassandra Trautwein. “He was there for everybody. He really was. It didn’t matter who you were, what your social, political goal was, he was there for you. He accepted everybody.”
He also is survived by his wife, Monica.
Army Pfc. Albert R. Jex was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Army Pfc. Albert R. Jex, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz.
Pfc. Jex was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Sgt. Joshua A. Ward and Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge.
Respected soldier ‘was there for everybody’
The Associated Press
Daniel Aureli, the brother of Albert R. Jex’s mother, Cathleen MacFarlane, recalled a man skillful with a hammer and wrench.
“When it seemed like things weren’t going to get fixed, Albert always said, ‘Putty and paint makes it what it ain’t,’” Aureli recalled.
Jex, 23, of Phoenix, was killed Feb. 9 when a suicide car bomber blew up his vehicle at a police checkpoint in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Hood
“Specialist Jex was a tremendous soldier. Only the best of the best serve on teams like the Personal Security Team, and that was Albert: all-American, the best of the best,” Brig. Gen. Thomas Cole said.
He was named after his great-uncle Albert Jex, who was killed while in the service of his country, and then was nicknamed “Albie” after a video game puppet.
Jex would make a joke in the most tense moments and make everyone around him feel more at ease. “He was a sweetheart,” said classmate Cassandra Trautwein. “He was there for everybody. He really was. It didn’t matter who you were, what your social, political goal was, he was there for you. He accepted everybody.”
He also is survived by his wife, Monica.
Army Pfc. Albert R. Jex was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge, 22, of Leominster, Mass.
Pfc. Roberge was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds s sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Sgt. Joshua A. Ward and Pfc. Albert R. Jex.
Hundreds pay homage to fallen Hood soldier
The Associated Press
LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Hundreds of mourners have paid homage to a soldier who was killed Feb. 9 in Iraq.
More than 1,200 people attended the funeral of Army Pfc. Jonathan Roberge on Feb. 19, including children home from school who waved American flags as the hearse carrying the casket drove past to St. Cecilia’s Church.
The 22-year-old was killed by a suicide car bomber near Mosul, Iraq, while on patrol in a Humvee. The family said he went to Iraq in December.
Monsignor James Moroney said Roberge wanted to make people safe and make a difference in the world.
Roberge was a 2005 graduate of Leominster High School’s Center for Technical Education. The soldier has two younger sisters and a younger brother.
Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge, 22, of Leominster, Mass.
Pfc. Roberge was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds s sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed was Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby, Sgt. Joshua A. Ward and Pfc. Albert R. Jex.
Hundreds pay homage to fallen Hood soldier
The Associated Press
LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Hundreds of mourners have paid homage to a soldier who was killed Feb. 9 in Iraq.
More than 1,200 people attended the funeral of Army Pfc. Jonathan Roberge on Feb. 19, including children home from school who waved American flags as the hearse carrying the casket drove past to St. Cecilia’s Church.
The 22-year-old was killed by a suicide car bomber near Mosul, Iraq, while on patrol in a Humvee. The family said he went to Iraq in December.
Monsignor James Moroney said Roberge wanted to make people safe and make a difference in the world.
Roberge was a 2005 graduate of Leominster High School’s Center for Technical Education. The soldier has two younger sisters and a younger brother.
Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge was killed in action on 02/09/09.
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach, 21, of Bridgewater, Mass.
LCpl. Preach was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 7, 2009 from wounds he received Jan. 24 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.
Boston Globe -- BRIDGEWATER - Kevin T. Preach was a familiar face in this town, where friends, coaches, and teachers long believed he was destined to become a Marine. But the news that he died last Saturday from injuries suffered during a combat mission in Afghanistan has nevertheless shocked almost everyone.
"It's a hard thing to realize that he's dead," said Phil Moreau, Preach's youth football coach, standing in the front of Town Hall. "He was a kid who always had a smile on his face and never refused to do anything that he was told to do. And he always talked about becoming a Marine."
Moreau and other residents said the main topic of conversation in town in recent days has been Preach, the first service member from Bridgewater to die in combat since the Vietnam War.
Preach, a lance corporal gunner, was riding in a Humvee on Jan. 24, when an improvised explosive device detonated. He lost both legs, a hand, and was badly burned. Another Marine who was in the Humvee died. Preach had been in a medically induced coma until his death last Saturday.
His mother, Laurie Hayes, was in Texas yesterday, where he had been hospitalized.
Since World War I, the town has lost 42 service members. A plaque hanging in the tidy office of Roderick Walsh, the town's director of Veteran Services, bears their names. Soon, Walsh will take it down and add Preach's.
Walsh said there has been a surge in the number of young adults from Bridgewater who have signed up for the military in recent years. "Many have returned from combat, but sadly, this young man didn't," he said.
Brianna Kelliher, Preach's girlfriend of two years, said in a telephone interview that she is receiving an outpouring of support, but that as the days go by, adjusting to life without him will be difficult.
"I think it's going to be much harder when he's not the center of attention like he is now," she said. "So many people have been helping me, but I know that in a couple of months, I will still be thinking about him each and every day."
Kelliher said she last talked with Preach about two weeks before he was injured. It was a two-hour conversation that was almost cut short. "His phone card ran out of minutes and I was upset because I still wanted to talk with him, to tell him things."
But Preach called back about 10 minutes later. "We said our I-love-yous but we never said 'goodbye.' It was always, 'See you later.' "
At a diner not far away from Town Hall, several locals sat over coffee or ham and eggs and chatted about Preach.
David Waugh, 47, said he often saw Preach at Emma's Pub, a popular hangout. Waugh said he never saw Preach with alcohol, only a soft drink, which he always ordered with a hamburger.
"It's just the saddest thing in the world, for someone so young to die like that," Waugh said. "Everybody knew he was in pretty bad shape, but when he died I think a lot of people were shocked."
Moreau said his son, who at 21 is the same age as Preach, will deploy to Afghanistan this spring.
Moreau's son and Preach bumped into each other at a restaurant in South Carolina two weeks before Preach went to Afghanistan last November.
"They instantly recognized each other from back home, and they became friends, just like that," Moreau said.
He admitted that as the days go by and his own son's deployment draws nearer, there might be some sleepless nights.
"You hope you don't get that call, that you don't look out your window and see someone in uniform with a sad face walking to your door."
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach died 02/07/09 from wounds received in battle on 01/24/09.
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach, 21, of Bridgewater, Mass.
LCpl. Preach was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 7, 2009 from wounds he received Jan. 24 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.
Boston Globe -- BRIDGEWATER - Kevin T. Preach was a familiar face in this town, where friends, coaches, and teachers long believed he was destined to become a Marine. But the news that he died last Saturday from injuries suffered during a combat mission in Afghanistan has nevertheless shocked almost everyone.
"It's a hard thing to realize that he's dead," said Phil Moreau, Preach's youth football coach, standing in the front of Town Hall. "He was a kid who always had a smile on his face and never refused to do anything that he was told to do. And he always talked about becoming a Marine."
Moreau and other residents said the main topic of conversation in town in recent days has been Preach, the first service member from Bridgewater to die in combat since the Vietnam War.
Preach, a lance corporal gunner, was riding in a Humvee on Jan. 24, when an improvised explosive device detonated. He lost both legs, a hand, and was badly burned. Another Marine who was in the Humvee died. Preach had been in a medically induced coma until his death last Saturday.
His mother, Laurie Hayes, was in Texas yesterday, where he had been hospitalized.
Since World War I, the town has lost 42 service members. A plaque hanging in the tidy office of Roderick Walsh, the town's director of Veteran Services, bears their names. Soon, Walsh will take it down and add Preach's.
Walsh said there has been a surge in the number of young adults from Bridgewater who have signed up for the military in recent years. "Many have returned from combat, but sadly, this young man didn't," he said.
Brianna Kelliher, Preach's girlfriend of two years, said in a telephone interview that she is receiving an outpouring of support, but that as the days go by, adjusting to life without him will be difficult.
"I think it's going to be much harder when he's not the center of attention like he is now," she said. "So many people have been helping me, but I know that in a couple of months, I will still be thinking about him each and every day."
Kelliher said she last talked with Preach about two weeks before he was injured. It was a two-hour conversation that was almost cut short. "His phone card ran out of minutes and I was upset because I still wanted to talk with him, to tell him things."
But Preach called back about 10 minutes later. "We said our I-love-yous but we never said 'goodbye.' It was always, 'See you later.' "
At a diner not far away from Town Hall, several locals sat over coffee or ham and eggs and chatted about Preach.
David Waugh, 47, said he often saw Preach at Emma's Pub, a popular hangout. Waugh said he never saw Preach with alcohol, only a soft drink, which he always ordered with a hamburger.
"It's just the saddest thing in the world, for someone so young to die like that," Waugh said. "Everybody knew he was in pretty bad shape, but when he died I think a lot of people were shocked."
Moreau said his son, who at 21 is the same age as Preach, will deploy to Afghanistan this spring.
Moreau's son and Preach bumped into each other at a restaurant in South Carolina two weeks before Preach went to Afghanistan last November.
"They instantly recognized each other from back home, and they became friends, just like that," Moreau said.
He admitted that as the days go by and his own son's deployment draws nearer, there might be some sleepless nights.
"You hope you don't get that call, that you don't look out your window and see someone in uniform with a sad face walking to your door."
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach died 02/07/09 from wounds received in battle on 01/24/09.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Army Spc. James M. Dorsey
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. James M. Dorsey, 23, of Beardstown, Ill.
Spc. Dorsey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 8, 2009 in Kamaliyah, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.
The Defense Department on Monday announced the death of 23-year-old Spc. James M. Dorsey of Beardstown, Ill. Dorsey died Sunday in Kamaliyah, Iraq.
DOD says the circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation. Further details were not immediately released.
A statement says Spc. James M. Dorsey, 23, of Beardstown, Ill., was found unresponsive by fellow troops in Baghdad on Feb. 8 and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Dorsey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at the Central Texas
Army Spc. James M. Dorsey was killed in a non-combat related incident on 02/08/09.
Army Spc. James M. Dorsey, 23, of Beardstown, Ill.
Spc. Dorsey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 8, 2009 in Kamaliyah, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.
The Defense Department on Monday announced the death of 23-year-old Spc. James M. Dorsey of Beardstown, Ill. Dorsey died Sunday in Kamaliyah, Iraq.
DOD says the circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation. Further details were not immediately released.
A statement says Spc. James M. Dorsey, 23, of Beardstown, Ill., was found unresponsive by fellow troops in Baghdad on Feb. 8 and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Dorsey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at the Central Texas
Army Spc. James M. Dorsey was killed in a non-combat related incident on 02/08/09.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet, 28, of Kahului, Hawaii
Spc. Sweet was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172d Separate Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany; died Feb. 6, 2009 in Kirkush, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet remembered
The Associated Press
While on leave, Christopher P. Sweet would return home and help take his ailing father to the doctor.
“He was a very nice boy. He was helpful to the family,” said Cindy Natividad, who managed the housing where his family lived.
Sweet, 28, who grew up in Kahului, Hawaii, and lately called Springfield, Ill., home, died Feb. 6 in Kirkush in a non-combat incident. He was a 1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Natividad recalled Sweet as a skinny kid who put on weight during high school, but came back from the Army in good physical shape.
Sweet was a heavy-vehicle operator and a training specialist. He joined in January 2006 and completed basic training at Fort Sill.
His advanced individual training was completed at Fort Bliss, and his first assignment was to South Korea as a motor transport operator.
“His presence will be missed by all the soldiers of the Task Force Black Knights. His dedication to his duty, to his family and to his faith were an inspiration to us all,” the military said in a statement.
Sweet is survived by his mother, Christina, and father, Peter.
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet was killed in a non-combat related incident on 02/06/09.
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet, 28, of Kahului, Hawaii
Spc. Sweet was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172d Separate Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany; died Feb. 6, 2009 in Kirkush, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet remembered
The Associated Press
While on leave, Christopher P. Sweet would return home and help take his ailing father to the doctor.
“He was a very nice boy. He was helpful to the family,” said Cindy Natividad, who managed the housing where his family lived.
Sweet, 28, who grew up in Kahului, Hawaii, and lately called Springfield, Ill., home, died Feb. 6 in Kirkush in a non-combat incident. He was a 1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Natividad recalled Sweet as a skinny kid who put on weight during high school, but came back from the Army in good physical shape.
Sweet was a heavy-vehicle operator and a training specialist. He joined in January 2006 and completed basic training at Fort Sill.
His advanced individual training was completed at Fort Bliss, and his first assignment was to South Korea as a motor transport operator.
“His presence will be missed by all the soldiers of the Task Force Black Knights. His dedication to his duty, to his family and to his faith were an inspiration to us all,” the military said in a statement.
Sweet is survived by his mother, Christina, and father, Peter.
Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet was killed in a non-combat related incident on 02/06/09.
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