Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Army Cpl. Brad A. Davis

Remember Our Heroes

Army Cpl. Brad A. Davis, 21, of Garfield Heights, Ohio

Cpl. Davis was assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 22, 2009 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Sister recalls soldier’s sense of humor
The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Family members say they’ve learned that an Ohio soldier was killed by a roadside bomb this week while on his second tour in Iraq.

Relatives of 21-year-old Spc. Brad Davis says officers came to the family’s home in the Cleveland suburb of Garfield Heights Wednesday night to say Davis had died earlier that day.

His sister, Jennifer Gardner, says Davis planned to leave the military when his current deployment ended in December.

Davis was a 2006 graduate of Garfield Heights High School. Gardner says he was the type who was always there for you but he also had a prankster side.

The military had not made an official announcement of the death as of Friday. An Army spokesman said the practice was to wait 24 hours after all next of kin had been contacted.

Davis was examining post-military careers
The Associated Press

Brad A. Davis had been scheduled to come home for a two-week leave in June. As he did on other leaves, Davis’ family expected he would be organizing cornhole and sports tournaments with a large group of high school and military friends.

“He was a kid everybody liked, just a great kid,” said his former football coach, Chuck Reisland. “The news really upset a lot of us. He was just the sort of young man you want to have on your team.”

Davis, 21, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, died April 22 of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle near Baghdad. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg.

One of his sisters, Jennifer Gardner, said her brother “had seen a lot” in his first deployment and was looking forward to leaving the military when his current one-year tour in Iraq ended in December. She said he planned to go back to school for a career in pharmacy or law enforcement.

“He was very friendly, like I would always see him in the hallways and he was always smiling, laughing and joking,” said Christie Irey, a former classmate.

He also is survived by his parents, Bob and Terri.

Army Cpl. Brad A. Davis was killed in action on 4/22/09.

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Sunday, April 12, 2009

Army Cpl. Michael J. Anaya

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Army Cpl. Michael J. Anaya, 23, of Crestview, Fla.

Cpl. Anaya was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died April 12, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Always envisioned serving in military
The Associated Press

Michael J. Anaya had dreams of being in the military since he was a little boy. His family said he’d don a uniform to pretend he was a soldier.

“He knew the risk, and he said that’s what he loved and that’s what his life was meant for,” said Katie Rowe, who is engaged to his older brother, Carmelo Jr. “He has, ever since he was 5 years old, known that’s what he wanted to do.”

Anaya, 23, of Crestview, Fla., died April 12 in Bayji when his truck drove over a roadside bomb. He was assigned to Schofield Barracks.

“It didn’t take long for someone to become best friends with Anaya,” said Pfc. Daniel Hicks. “He was always laughing and making everyone around have a great time.”

Lt. Col. Raul E. Gonzalez said, “His courage, compassion and character have left an indelible mark on the men of this battalion.”

Anaya loved fishing, cooking on the grill and fighting for his country.

“He had a switch where he could go from Anaya to Anayalator,” said Sgt. Daniel Demuth. “When he got in that uniform and he flipped that switch into soldier mode, he was a force to be reckoned with.”

He is survived by his parents, Carmelo Sr. and Cheryl.

Army Cpl. Michael J. Anaya was killed in action on 4/12/09.

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Friday, April 10, 2009

Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr.

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Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr., 24, of Lebanon Junction, Ky.

SSgt. Woods was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 10, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr., Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch and Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier.

100's attend Woods’ funeral
The Associated Press

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — More than 100 people gathered for a funeral for a Kentucky soldier killed in Iraq.

The funeral April 19 for Army Staff Sgt. Gary Lee Woods of Lebanon Junction was held at Bullitt Central High School, his alma mater.

WHAS11 reported the 24-year-old soldier’s body was escorted April 16 from Fort Knox to a funeral home in Shepherdsville.

The Pentagon said Woods and four other soldiers were killed April 10 when a suicide bomber detonated a ton of explosives near a police headquarters in the northern city of Mosul.

Soldier brought instruments everywhere, even Iraq
The Associated Press

Patrick Keller, who served with Gary L. Woods Jr. in Iraq, remembered him as a fine soldier who cracked jokes to break up the most tense situations and also for Woods’ love of music.

Woods’ musical instruments “always cluttered his area and his house, and seemed to follow him wherever he went,” Keller said.

“I remember on more than one occasion he’d be busting out his acoustic guitar in Iraq and entertaining the rest of us. We used to joke around and tell him that he should release an album entitled ‘Talifar Unplugged,’ ” referring to an Iraqi town.

Woods, 24, of Lebanon Junction, Ky., died April 10 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Carson.

Sister-in-law MaRanda Green said she and Woods would combine to give her sister Christy, Woods’ wife, a hard time, leading Christy to say, “Oh Lord, I’ve married my sister in guy form.”

Green told of when the family was snowed in one Christmas, and Woods volunteered to shovel out all the cars.

“That little turkey had shoveled all the snow behind my Jetta,” she said. “I was the only one who couldn’t get out. He laughed and he laughed and then he left me there.”

Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr. was killed in action on 4/10/09.

Army Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch

Remember Our Heroes

Army Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch, 20, of Davenport, Iowa

Cpl. Pautsch was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 10, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr., Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr. and Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier.

More than 500 attend Davenport soldier’s funeral
The Associated Press

DAVENPORT, Iowa — More than 500 people gathered to remember a Davenport soldier killed earlier this month in Iraq.

Cpl. Jason Pautsch, 20, was among five Americans killed in a suicide bomber attack near Mosul on April 10.

Pautsch graduated from Davenport North High School in 2007. He was a squadron leader in the Army's 4th Infantry Division.

His three brothers and sister each spoke during his funeral Tuesday in Davenport, describing him as fun-loving and a good listener.

His brother Jared, who is also in the military, told of how the two of them would sneak out of their barracks at Fort Benning, Ga., and rappel out the window after curfew so they could watch episodes of "Family Guy" on his laptop.

The governors of Iowa and Illinois also attended the funeral.

Soldier was defined by his faith, friend says
The Associated Press

Drew Virtue was close friends with Jason G. Pautsch since sixth grade and they played football together.

“There’s a lot of things I can say about Jason,” Virtue said. “One of the things that stands out about him is his faith. Jason had real strong faith. I’m sure he’s up in heaven looking down on us now.”

Pautsch, 20, of Davenport, Iowa, died April 10 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Carson.

Pautsch graduated from high school in 2006 a semester early, blowing off the senior prom and being able to graduate with his friends so he could enlist in the Army. He was a thrill-seeker who enjoyed hunting and BMX biking in his spare time.

On the football field, on the wrestling mat and in all he did, Jason “had a lot of hustle, more than anybody I ever knew,” Virtue said.

“There’s never a bad moment with Jason,” he added. “I could go on for days and days about him and still it wouldn’t do him justice.

He is survived by his parents, David Pautsch and Teri Johnson.

Of being in the military, his father said: “I remember he told me once, ‘You know, Dad, I’m really good at this.’ ”

Army Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch was killed in action on 4/10/09.

Senior Airman Jacob I. Ramsey

Remember Our Heroes

Senior Airman Jacob I. Ramsey, 20, of Hesperia, Calif.

SAr Ramsey was assigned to the 712th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Hood, Texas; died April 10, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident.

Work ethic made Ramsey stand out
The Associated Press

Jacob I. Ramsey’s above-average work ethic got noticed.

Often, his buddies would jokingly criticize him for his extra efforts because he out-shined them. Ramsey practically refused to take time away from work, showing up for extra duty even when on leave following his first deployment to Afghanistan.

“He showed up everybody,” Senior Airman Thomas Rentschler said.

Ramsey, 20, of Hesperia, Calif., died April 10 of wounds suffered from a noncombat-related incident in Kabul. He was a 2005 high school graduate — graduating early, of course — and was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. He was on his second tour.

“He had a great personality. Happy go lucky, easygoing,” said Luke Chappell, who taught Ramsey printing and graphics for two semesters in 2005. “He did some very extraordinary work in the classroom.”

“Jacob was a very diligent student, a simply nice guy, respectful and considerate,” said Hesperia High English teacher Connie Moore, who taught Ramsey during his junior year.

“It would take more than a few words to express the amount of love he shared with all of us,” Senior Airman Joseph Whitmarsh said.

Senior Airman Jacob I. Ramsey was killed in a non-combat related incident on 4/10/09.

Army Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr.

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr., 25, of St. Louis, Mo.

Sgt. Edward Forrest was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 10, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr., Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch and Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier.

Soldier showed dedication to his ‘brothers’
The Associated Press

Edward W. Forrest Jr.’s sister asked him not to re-enlist and go to war for the third time.

“I told him I didn’t want him to be a hero. I just wanted him to be my brother,” said Melissa Forrest-Pliner. “But he said he owed it to his brothers — that’s what he called the soldiers in his unit — to go back and help them finish up the job.”

Forrest, 25, of St. Louis died April 10 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Mosul. He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson.

In high school, Forrest, known as “Eddie,” was a long-distance runner and was also on the wrestling team.

“He was a very enthusiastic member of the track and field program,” said his former coach, Rolland Garrison. “He was a very good kid with a great smile.”

Forrest and his wife, Stephanie, were living in Colorado Springs with their 3-year-old son, Bradan, and a newborn son, Jameson.

“Edward was home last month to witness the birth of their youngest,” said his father-in-law, Ron Foster. “Edward returned to Iraq for his third tour of duty right after the birth.”

Army Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr. was killed in action on 4/10/09.

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Army Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier, 22, of Cypress, Calif.

Pfc. Gautier was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 10, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr., Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr. and Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch.

Gautier envisioned career as nurse
The Associated Press

Bryce E. Gautier decided to join the Army two years ago, writing on his MySpace page: “I am ready to finally grow up.”

“I need a change, I need some structure,” he wrote. “I want to have my family be proud of me for what and who I am.”

Gautier, 22, of Cypress, Calif., died April 10 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Carson.

He graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove in 2005. He was captain on the water polo team in his senior year and according to his yearbook was voted “most dependable” of the senior class.

Gautier posted to his MySpace page as he trained to become a combat medic. After leaving the service, he intended to become a nurse.

His brother Evan said Gautier had the ability to remain calm in emergencies and never flinched at the site of blood.

“He always really wanted to help people,” his brother said. “He was going to hopefully make a difference, saving lives.”

He also is survived by his mother, Heidi Frankel. Gautier’s father — whom he described as “my biggest hero ever” — died April 10, 2008, one year to the day of his death.

Army Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier was killed in action on 4/10/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, 32, of Elk Grove, Calif.

SFC Hall was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died April 10, 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by a suicide bomber. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr., Sgt. Edward W. Forrest Jr., Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch and Pfc. Bryce E. Gautier.

Family didn’t know about humble soldier’s honors
The Associated Press

Bryan E. Hall received three Army commendation medals, as well as good Army achievement, good conduct and war on terrorism medals.

His mother, Betty Hall, said she had learned of the honors bestowed on her son only after his death.

“He was such a humble man,” she said.

Hall, 32, of Elk Grove, Calif., died April 10 when his vehicle was struck by an explosive in Mosul. He was a 1994 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson.

“He was a special person, he never boasted about his accomplishments or was arrogant and pompous, he did his job,” his sister, Kristi, said. “When he was done with his job, he came home and he was a father, a husband, a son and a brother. He embodied what I think every soldier would want to be.”

Neighbor Clyde Colton remembers Hall as a man who loved camping, fishing and hunting. “He was quite the outdoorsman,” Colton said.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel, and 2-year-old daughter Addison.

“He loved his family and he just adored his wife and little baby girl,” said his mother. “He was very proud to be a military man — he felt he was doing what he needed to be doing.”

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall was killed in action on 4/10/09.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski, 22, of Holland Patent, N.Y.

LCpl. Oleski was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Now Zad, Afghanistan.

Served as supportive figure in friends’ lives
The Associated Press

From the mountains of Afghanistan, Blaise A. Oleski wondered what he would do when his enlistment period was up in a year. He talked of becoming a firefighter or perhaps a rock-climbing instructor. He wanted to hike the Adirondack Trail.

In one of his last calls, Blaise told his mom of all of his plans. “He said Mom, I’d need five lifetimes to do all the things I want to do,’ ” Theresa Oleski said.

Oleski, 22, of Holland Patent, N.Y., died April 8 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Those who knew Oleski described him as a kind and compassionate man who joined the military out of principle. A wristband he wore at the time of his death read “fighting for freedom.”

They also spoke of how easily he made friends and the emotional support he so often provided to those around him.

“You’re not allowed to have a breakdown,” he told friend Amanda Santamour once during his deployment. “I need you to be resilient. But if you really need me, I’m on my way. I just need to find a camel.”

He also is survived by his father, Paul.

Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski was killed in action on 4/8/09.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip A Myers

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Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip A Myers, 30, of Hopewell, Va.

TSgt. Myers was assigned to the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom; died April 4, 2009 near Helmand province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Family permitted media at Dover arrival
By Beth Miller
The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal / Gannett News Service

DOVER, Del. — The service of Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip A. Myers, 30, of Hopewell, Va., was not finished when he died Saturday in Afghanistan of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Late Sunday night, the arrival of Myers’ body at Dover Air Force Base in a flag-draped transfer case became a powerful reminder to his nation and the world of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and the high cost of war.

His return also marked an early watershed in the administration of President Barack Obama, a nod in favor of transparency and away from secrecy favored by prior administrations.

Thousands of fallen troops have returned to the United States through the military’s primary mortuary at Dover Air Force Base. Their flights are met by an honor guard, by military officers, by a chaplain and other dignitaries. Their remains are afforded the highest respect and precision as they are processed for return to their final destination.

But until Sunday night, no news coverage of the returns had been permitted since 1991, when President George H.W. Bush and then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney banned media coverage.

Privacy was cited as the primary reason.

That changed as Myers’ flag-draped transfer case was escorted by an eight-member carry team with crisp, solemn precision to a waiting van from the jet that had carried it from Ramstein, Germany. On Sunday, a few more than two dozen media members quietly snapped pictures, scribbled notes or trained video cameras at the procession shortly after the plane landed at 10:30 p.m.

The casket of an Army soldier was taken down first. That soldier’s family was not asked for permission for media viewing because of time constraints.

“My heart is broken for this family,” said Judy Campbell, chair of Gold Star Families of Delaware, which honors those who have lost a family member in military service. “Their life is changed forever. I hope that having this picture of their loved one returning, that in the years to come it will give them some peace ... some comfort.”

For almost 20 years, that hadn’t been possible. Glimpses of the returns were made available only when the Pentagon released hundreds of its own photos after a 2005 Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by University of Delaware professor and former CNN correspondent Ralph Begleiter.

The media ban was lifted last month after Obama ordered a review of the policy. After the review, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates decided coverage would be permitted — but only with the family’s consent.

Obama opened the door to reconsidering the policy in his first prime-time news conference as president in early February. He said he had not decided on the policy and wouldn’t until “I have evaluated that review and understand all the implications involved.”

Vice President Joe Biden in 2004 had urged a change to the policy, when the then-senator told CNN: “This is the last long ride home. These young men and women are heroes. And the idea that they’re essentially snuck back into the country under the cover of night so no one can see that their casket has arrived, I just think is wrong.”

Almost all of the 4,266 casualties in Iraq and the 668 casualties in Afghanistan through the end of March have come through Dover’s mortuary, military officials said earlier this year.

Dover and Pentagon officials could not provide the total number of transfers that have come through Dover, but Air Force spokesman Vince King said in February that 3,867 had come through Dover between May 2004 and May 2008.

Families and military members have been divided on whether the policy should have been changed.

Some agreed with Biden that acknowledging and honoring the fallen troops is an important part of the nation’s ability to better understand the cost of war and the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Others were concerned that such coverage would be used to advance a political anti-war agenda — as some did in the Vietnam War years — or turn a somber occasion into a “media circus.”

As the window was opened Sunday night to readmit the public to the returns, the procedures put in place by the military were tight and designed to allow the procession to be recorded without allowing media to interfere.

About 30 media members boarded a bus in the Blue Hen Corporate Center at 9 p.m. for transport to the nearby base, then briefed and taken to a restricted area from which they would observe and record.

Each representative signed a set of rules that included a prohibition on taking any images of family members who might be on hand.

No live filming was allowed, nor were “stand-ups,” in which a commentator speaks into a camera as the action unfolds in the backdrop.

The military rules advised media members that “there will be no unnecessary noise or movement during the transfer. Movement required to perform duties should be conducted in a slow and deliberate manner in an effort to not distract from the event.”

Maj. Paul Villagran assumed a new job as director of public affairs for the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center a week ago to prepare for the change in policy, which was to take effect Monday. By Sunday, more than 80 members of the media had registered to be notified of a permitted return.

Villagran said all was devised to protect the family’s privacy and preserve the honor and dignity of the return.

“There is no amount of effort we wouldn’t put forward to provide that care and support,” Villagran said Saturday.

Myers’ widow was the first to be asked about media coverage and granted permission. She was flown into Dover on Sunday night from the RAF base in Lakenheath, England, where Myers had been assigned to the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Myers died Saturday near Helmand province. He was awarded the Bronze Star at a March 19, 2008, ceremony at Lakenheath. He also had won the Air Force-level 2008 Major General Eugene A. Lupia Awards military technician category for significant achievements.

Other family members drove to Dover on Sunday from Virginia. The military paid for all family travel expenses to Dover.

At precisely 11 p.m., a dark blue shuttle bus carrying family members arrived, and an eight-member carry team, all wearing white gloves, marched to the aircraft. They slowly mounted the long stairs to the cargo bay and walked to the spot where a K-loader was positioned with Myers’ transfer case.

The senior officer on the team, Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force’s civil engineer, was joined by Col. Dave Horton and Maj. Klavens Noel, a chaplain, at the cargo bay door. The chaplain offered a brief prayer.

The team then raised the case and positioned it at the end of the K-loader, which descended slowly to the tarmac. The team then slowly bore the case to a white panel truck and loaded it inside.

The van then was driven off with an escort to the mortuary area. The ceremony was marked by silence, except for two orders from an officer.

Campbell, the chair of the Gold Star Families, said she believes that Sunday’s recognition of the significance of Myers’ sacrifice is important.

“I really do believe, when people know that other people care and remember, it does bring them some comfort,” she said. “Their loss will always be there, but it’s always comforting to know that others are not forgetting the sacrifice.”

Begleiter, who has said he launched his FOIA effort with the National Security Archive in 2004 to restore the return ceremonies at Dover to a rightful place of honor, had this to say Sunday: “This is an important victory for the American people to be able to honor their returning servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Myers was dedicated to his airmen, father says
The Associated Press

When Phillip A. Myers decided to join the Air Force, his father didn’t expect him to choose bomb technician as his specialty.

“That was the biggest thing that surprised me,” said his father, Eddie. The younger Myers half-jokingly told his father that he took on the job because it paid more, but he wound up loving the work.

“If there’s anything we can find comfort in, it’s knowing that he died doing what he loved to do,” his father said. “That is without a doubt. He was just so enthused about it.”

Myers, 30, of Hopewell, Va., died April 4 near Helmand province of wounds suffered from an explosive. He was assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

Eddie Myers said his son looked out for the people serving under him.

“If he thought a job was too dangerous, he would get out and check it out himself,” he said. “That might be why we don’t have Phillip here today. But to me, that’s admirable.”

He graduated from high school in 1996 and worked at the Riverside Regional Jail in Hopewell before joining the military.

Phillip also is survived by his wife, Aimee, and their two children, Dakotah, 6, and Kaiden, 3.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip A Myers was killed in action on 4/4/09.

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Friday, April 03, 2009

Army Sgt. Daniel J. Beard

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Daniel J. Beard, 24, of Buffalo, N.Y.

Sgt. Beard was assigned to the 147th Postal Company, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Wiesbaden, Germany; died April 3, 2009 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.

Commander says Beard was ‘excellent soldier’
The Associated Press

Daniel J. Beard was proud to be in the Army and his family was equally as proud of Beard’s service to the country — he was the family’s first to serve in the military.

“He put his life on the line for all of us,” his sister Deleris Austin said.

Beard, 24, of Buffalo, N.Y., died April 3 in Al Diwaniyah of injuries from a non-combat incident. He was assigned to Wiesbaden, Germany.

Beard had just finished running a few miles and was in line for a weigh-in when he collapsed, his family said. Officials tried to revive Beard, but they were unsuccessful.

“Beard was an excellent soldier,” said his commander, Capt. Ramon Torres. Torres further described Beard as “eager and motivated.”

Born in Buffalo, Sgt. Beard was a 2003 graduate of Seneca Vocational High School and briefly attended Erie Community College before enlisting in February 2005.

He also is survived by his wife, Yolanda.

Beard was expected home on leave in August and planned a vacation in Jamaica before returning for his next tour of duty.

“He always had a smile on his face,” said Austin.

Army Sgt. Daniel J. Beard was killed in a non-combat related incident on 4/3/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Stephen F. Dearmon

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Marine Lance Cpl. Stephen F. Dearmon, 21, of Crossville, Tenn.

LCpl. Dearmon was assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died April 3, 2009 in Taqaddum, Iraq, as a result of a non-hostile incident.

Photographer was promoted last year
The Associated Press

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — The military says a Marine from East Tennessee has died in a non-hostile incident in Iraq.

The Department of Defense said Wednesday that 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Stephen F. Dearmon of Crossville died April 3 in Anbar province. The military says the incident is under investigation.

He was assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and was trained as a combat photographer.

Dearmon joined the Marine Corps in August 2007 and joined his current unit in April 2008. He was promoted to lance corporal Oct. 1.

His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

Happiness was important to Dearmon
The Associated Press

Stephen F. Dearmon was known as a true gentleman wherever he was.

“He would open doors for people. If he was at the store he would help elderly people put groceries in their cars. For Stephen that’s how life was supposed to be. He loved people, he loved life, but he hated the evil in the world,” the Rev. David Hayes said.

Dearmon, 21, of Crossville, Tenn., died April 3 after a noncombat incident in Anbar province. He was a combat photographer and was assigned to Camp Lejeune.

Dearmon joined the Marines in August 2007 and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal Oct. 1.

“He was such a loving, caring, goodhearted boy who would give anyone the shirt off his back. You couldn’t ask for a better son. He hung out with his mom like we were best friends. He wasn’t ashamed to go shopping with me or be seen with me anywhere,” said his mother, Robin Hartke.

He also is survived by his stepfather, Steven Hartke, and his father, William Dearmon.

“Stephen didn’t like to see anyone sad. If you were sad, he would have you laughing by the end of the time you were talking with him. He wanted everyone to be happy,” Hayes said.

Marine Lance Cpl. Stephen F. Dearmon died in a non-combat related incident on 4/3/09.