Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kan.
SSgt. Adkinson was ssigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany; died Aug. 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz, Pfc. Matthew E. George and Pfc. James A. Page.
Grandmother: He wanted to go back to Afghanistan to bring peace to people
The Associated Press
DUNCAN, Okla. — An Oklahoma soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan was buried Sept. 13 after a funeral service in Duncan.
The Duncan Banner reported that the private service for Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, at Ray of Hope Church south of Duncan was only open to family and friends. Outside the church, supporters — including members of the Patriot Guard Riders on their motorcycles — roamed the grounds, and others lined nearby roads with red, white and blue signs.
Adkinson’s father, Vinson Adkinson Jr., and the soldier’s sister, Mary Kay, each rang a traveling replica of the Liberty Bell in the soldier’s honor.
Adkinson, an Army Ranger with the Bamburg, Germany-based 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, and three other soldiers died when an improvised explosive device blew up near their unit Aug. 31. The Army said he enlisted in 2003 and was assigned as a heavy vehicle operator.
He grew up in the tiny community of Empire City, Stephens County, but moved to Kansas, where he graduated from high school. The Army listed his hometown as Harper, Kan.
He was buried at Fort Sill National Cemetery.
Adkinson had served three tours of duty in Iraq and was in his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. On Sept. 11, his father said Adkinson was born to be in the military. Adkinson’s grandmother, Mary Adkinson, said she didn’t want him to serve another tour of duty in Afghanistan.
“I begged him not to go back,” she said after seeing her grandson earlier this year. She said he told her he needed to return to Afghanistan so that the people of that nation could have peace in their lives.
After the funeral, a military escort brought Adkinson’s flag-draped casket out of the church and placed it in a white hearse. As the hearse’s rear door closed, red, white and blue balloons were released.
Army Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz, 20, of Redlands, Calif.
Sgt. Alcaraz was assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany; died Aug. 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, Pfc. Matthew E. George and Pfc. James A. Page.
Ray was only 20 years old, but had a lot of combat experience as a medic for the 173rd Airborne. He enjoyed medicine and wanted to be a nurse or physician’s assistant when he left the military.
He was a 2006 graduate of Redlands Senior High School in CA. and enlisted in the Army the following summer.
Having been stationed in Germany then deployed to Afghanistan, Ray noted on his MySpace page that he misses his family the most. His heroes included God, Jesus, his brother and his Mom. It is also evident from this page that he was a young man of great faith. Below is a poem taken from his page:
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner
Raymond’s plans and his mission ended August 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Three other soldiers in the vehicle also were killed. All were with the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. Alcaraz was on his 50th mission as a medic.
First Sgt. Richard Carullo was unable to hold back his emotions Monday as he remembered four of his soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on Aug.31.
“Heaven just gained a highly skilled fire team to defend the Pearly Gates,” he said. “I will never be the same after this — they will be dearly missed.”
Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kan., Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif., Spc. Matthew E. George, 22, of Grantsboro, N.C.; and Spc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla., died in Logar province of injuries sustained after their vehicle was attacked by a roadside bomb.
The soldiers were assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team stationed in Bamberg.
Letters from the soldiers’ friends were read during the ceremony.
Sgt. Erick Detrick said in his letter that there were too many memories of his friend Alcaraz to fit into the time he had.
“Yeah, he was short and he always posted song lyrics on his Facebook,” Detrick wrote. “He stared at himself in the mirror at the gym and would flex and always make you look at him and tell him how big he was.”
The two had just recently started talking about what they’d do when they got out of the Army. “We made plans,” he said. “Now I have to make new ones. He had also just asked me to be the one to pin his rank on his chest when he got promoted. I was honored and proud when he asked me to do that,” Detrick said.
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz Jr. is being remembered as a man who usually had a smile on his face. "All he wanted was to make everyone happy around him," said his brother Lucas Gonzales.
His stepfather, Paul Murphy, of Redlands, said Alcaraz enlisted at 17 after graduating from Redlands High School. He wanted to serve four years and then train to be a firefighter. "Ever since a he was a boy he loved the military," said Murphy, a former Navy man. Alcaraz excelled during his three years as a soldier.
"He did army medic school and airborne (training) by the time he was 18," Murphy said, calling it an unusual feat. He entered the same unit his brother Gonzales was in. "Probably less than 1 percent of soldiers get to say they fought and served with their brother in the same unit," said Gonzales, 33, of Redlands. But because of their close bond, it seemed only appropriate.
"We were just so proud of each other," Gonzales said. It was that way even in their younger years. "There was never any type of rivalry or jealousy. He would surprise me every time with what he had accomplished. That's what I'm going to miss the most about him."
As a medic, Alcaraz took care of the sick and injured. But his concern went beyond those in uniform. Murphy said his stepson spent a lot of time helping Afghan children. "He would always come home and tell us that he'd helped another kid," he said. "He was probably saving more Afghan kids than he was anyone else." A photo Murphy has shows Alcaraz in full battle gear, smiling in the middle of a group of children.
"Raymond was very giving and loving," said his mother, Alma Murphy.
Murphy said he hopes those who knew his stepson will remember him for "his fun-loving attitude. He had a zest for life. He loved his family. He loved the Lord."
His mother said her son's faith gives her comfort. "To take your last breath here on earth is to take your first breath in heaven," she said. "That gives me peace."
Alcaraz's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and two Army Achievement Medals. National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Overseas Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) the Combat Medic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and NCO Professional Development Ribbon.
Alcaraz also is survived by his father, Raymond Alacaraz Sr. of Fontana.
Firefighters and more than 100 motorcycles escorted the body of Army Sgt. Raymond Alcaraz home on Saturday, September 11th. Firefighters lined freeway overpasses and Citrus and Brookside avenues, and rode behind a hearse carrying Alcaraz's remains.
Groups of people lined the route from the University Street exit from the 10 Freeway to Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel.
"You've got to be here. He's one of our own," said Redlander Patti Ransom, who watched the motorcade as it passed Redlands High School, Alcaraz's alma mater.
Engines from the Redlands Fire Department and other agencies as well as police cars parked on the route from the exit to the mortuary.
People stood in the shade on Citrus Avenue near the YMCA and the Redlands Mall parking lot, many holding American flags or flying them from their vehicles. Ken and Pat Cheuvront drove from Riverside to watch the motorcade. "I've always wanted to do this," said Pat, who stood with Ken at RHS. Ransom said it was especially emotional because it was Sept.11. "It probably made a few more people do something patriotic," said Craig Donor, Southern California state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz, 20, of Redlands, Calif.
Sgt. Alcaraz was assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany; died Aug. 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, Pfc. Matthew E. George and Pfc. James A. Page.
Ray was only 20 years old, but had a lot of combat experience as a medic for the 173rd Airborne. He enjoyed medicine and wanted to be a nurse or physician’s assistant when he left the military.
He was a 2006 graduate of Redlands Senior High School in CA. and enlisted in the Army the following summer.
Having been stationed in Germany then deployed to Afghanistan, Ray noted on his MySpace page that he misses his family the most. His heroes included God, Jesus, his brother and his Mom. It is also evident from this page that he was a young man of great faith. Below is a poem taken from his page:
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner
Raymond’s plans and his mission ended August 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Three other soldiers in the vehicle also were killed. All were with the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. Alcaraz was on his 50th mission as a medic.
First Sgt. Richard Carullo was unable to hold back his emotions Monday as he remembered four of his soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on Aug.31.
“Heaven just gained a highly skilled fire team to defend the Pearly Gates,” he said. “I will never be the same after this — they will be dearly missed.”
Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kan., Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif., Spc. Matthew E. George, 22, of Grantsboro, N.C.; and Spc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla., died in Logar province of injuries sustained after their vehicle was attacked by a roadside bomb.
The soldiers were assigned to 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team stationed in Bamberg.
Letters from the soldiers’ friends were read during the ceremony.
Sgt. Erick Detrick said in his letter that there were too many memories of his friend Alcaraz to fit into the time he had.
“Yeah, he was short and he always posted song lyrics on his Facebook,” Detrick wrote. “He stared at himself in the mirror at the gym and would flex and always make you look at him and tell him how big he was.”
The two had just recently started talking about what they’d do when they got out of the Army. “We made plans,” he said. “Now I have to make new ones. He had also just asked me to be the one to pin his rank on his chest when he got promoted. I was honored and proud when he asked me to do that,” Detrick said.
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz Jr. is being remembered as a man who usually had a smile on his face. "All he wanted was to make everyone happy around him," said his brother Lucas Gonzales.
His stepfather, Paul Murphy, of Redlands, said Alcaraz enlisted at 17 after graduating from Redlands High School. He wanted to serve four years and then train to be a firefighter. "Ever since a he was a boy he loved the military," said Murphy, a former Navy man. Alcaraz excelled during his three years as a soldier.
"He did army medic school and airborne (training) by the time he was 18," Murphy said, calling it an unusual feat. He entered the same unit his brother Gonzales was in. "Probably less than 1 percent of soldiers get to say they fought and served with their brother in the same unit," said Gonzales, 33, of Redlands. But because of their close bond, it seemed only appropriate.
"We were just so proud of each other," Gonzales said. It was that way even in their younger years. "There was never any type of rivalry or jealousy. He would surprise me every time with what he had accomplished. That's what I'm going to miss the most about him."
As a medic, Alcaraz took care of the sick and injured. But his concern went beyond those in uniform. Murphy said his stepson spent a lot of time helping Afghan children. "He would always come home and tell us that he'd helped another kid," he said. "He was probably saving more Afghan kids than he was anyone else." A photo Murphy has shows Alcaraz in full battle gear, smiling in the middle of a group of children.
"Raymond was very giving and loving," said his mother, Alma Murphy.
Murphy said he hopes those who knew his stepson will remember him for "his fun-loving attitude. He had a zest for life. He loved his family. He loved the Lord."
His mother said her son's faith gives her comfort. "To take your last breath here on earth is to take your first breath in heaven," she said. "That gives me peace."
Alcaraz's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and two Army Achievement Medals. National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Overseas Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) the Combat Medic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and NCO Professional Development Ribbon.
Alcaraz also is survived by his father, Raymond Alacaraz Sr. of Fontana.
Firefighters and more than 100 motorcycles escorted the body of Army Sgt. Raymond Alcaraz home on Saturday, September 11th. Firefighters lined freeway overpasses and Citrus and Brookside avenues, and rode behind a hearse carrying Alcaraz's remains.
Groups of people lined the route from the University Street exit from the 10 Freeway to Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel.
"You've got to be here. He's one of our own," said Redlander Patti Ransom, who watched the motorcade as it passed Redlands High School, Alcaraz's alma mater.
Engines from the Redlands Fire Department and other agencies as well as police cars parked on the route from the exit to the mortuary.
People stood in the shade on Citrus Avenue near the YMCA and the Redlands Mall parking lot, many holding American flags or flying them from their vehicles. Ken and Pat Cheuvront drove from Riverside to watch the motorcade. "I've always wanted to do this," said Pat, who stood with Ken at RHS. Ransom said it was especially emotional because it was Sept.11. "It probably made a few more people do something patriotic," said Craig Donor, Southern California state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Army Pfc. James A. Page
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla.
Pfc Page was assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. He died Aug. 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz and Pfc. Matthew E. George.
Army Pfc. James A. Page
The Associated Press
James Page couldn’t quite see himself in an Army uniform for his entire career. A skydiving jumpsuit was more his speed, his sister said.
Cristi Page said she and her brother were supposed to go skydiving when he was home on leave earlier this year, but bad weather fouled their plans. They had hoped to do it when he came home in December.
“He was a risk taker,” she said.
Even though it wasn’t his dream career, James Page joined the military for the sake of his little boy, 3-year-old Jarod. He didn’t know he had a son until two year’s ago, when an old girlfriend tracked him down and told him the news.
He joined the Army so he could support his son.
“His main goal had always been that when he had kids that he was going to be a good father,” Cristi Page said.
James Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla., was killed by a roadside bomb Aug. 31 in Logar province, Afghanistan. He was based out of Bamberg, Germany.
Pfc. Devon Groom, who served with Page, said he would miss the soldier and his solid work ethic.
“He always wanted to go on missions,” Groom said.
James Page, a 23-year-old Army private first class, who moved to Titusville from Bronson after graduating high school, had big plans when he was set to come home from Afghanistan this December. Those plans included spending time with his 3-year-old son, Jarod, and taking his sister, Cristi Page of Bronson, skydiving.
Those plans ended this past Tuesday, when Page and three other soldiers were killed by enemy forces who attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Page, whose specialty was as a driver, enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was promoted to the rank of specialist posthumously.
"He joined the Army because he wanted to make his son proud," said Deana Strickland, Page's mother.
According to the Defense Department, Page was awarded a number of decorations during his time in the Army, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a member of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Bamberg, Germany.
Cristi Page said her brother moved to Brevard County after graduating high school in Bronson, a small city west of Gainesville, to be with his mother. He worked at the Wal-Mart in Cocoa, an area Subway and also in the kitchen at one of the public schools.
About two years ago, an old girlfriend living in Tampa had tracked him down through the MySpace social networking site and told him about his son, Jarod. It was life-changing news.
Page enlisted in the Army late in 2008 to support him. "He really wasn't doing much with his life yet," Cristi Page said. "His main goal had always been that when he had kids that he was going to be a good father. He couldn't take care of his son financially at that time, so he went into the Army."
On his Facebook page, James Page wrote: "I love serving my country, but don't see myself making it a career just yet. All I want to do right now is get home safely and see my beautiful little boy Jarod."
Cristi said she and her brother were supposed to go skydiving earlier this year when he was home on leave, but the weather was bad so they had to reschedule. He was supposed to come home for a month in December and the brother and sister were planning to do it then. After the military, he wanted to be a skydiving instructor. "He was a risk taker," Cristi Page said.
"Spc. Page worked hard every day. He always wanted to go on missions. I'm going to miss him," said Pfc. Devon Groom, who served in Page's squad.
Page's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Page's funeral arrangements are pending. A memorial service for the slain soldiers will be Sept. 13 at the Army garrison in Bamberg and Sept. 17 at Camp Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.
Army Pfc. James A. Page was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Army Pfc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla.
Pfc Page was assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. He died Aug. 31, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, Army Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz and Pfc. Matthew E. George.
Army Pfc. James A. Page
The Associated Press
James Page couldn’t quite see himself in an Army uniform for his entire career. A skydiving jumpsuit was more his speed, his sister said.
Cristi Page said she and her brother were supposed to go skydiving when he was home on leave earlier this year, but bad weather fouled their plans. They had hoped to do it when he came home in December.
“He was a risk taker,” she said.
Even though it wasn’t his dream career, James Page joined the military for the sake of his little boy, 3-year-old Jarod. He didn’t know he had a son until two year’s ago, when an old girlfriend tracked him down and told him the news.
He joined the Army so he could support his son.
“His main goal had always been that when he had kids that he was going to be a good father,” Cristi Page said.
James Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla., was killed by a roadside bomb Aug. 31 in Logar province, Afghanistan. He was based out of Bamberg, Germany.
Pfc. Devon Groom, who served with Page, said he would miss the soldier and his solid work ethic.
“He always wanted to go on missions,” Groom said.
James Page, a 23-year-old Army private first class, who moved to Titusville from Bronson after graduating high school, had big plans when he was set to come home from Afghanistan this December. Those plans included spending time with his 3-year-old son, Jarod, and taking his sister, Cristi Page of Bronson, skydiving.
Those plans ended this past Tuesday, when Page and three other soldiers were killed by enemy forces who attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Page, whose specialty was as a driver, enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was promoted to the rank of specialist posthumously.
"He joined the Army because he wanted to make his son proud," said Deana Strickland, Page's mother.
According to the Defense Department, Page was awarded a number of decorations during his time in the Army, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a member of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Bamberg, Germany.
Cristi Page said her brother moved to Brevard County after graduating high school in Bronson, a small city west of Gainesville, to be with his mother. He worked at the Wal-Mart in Cocoa, an area Subway and also in the kitchen at one of the public schools.
About two years ago, an old girlfriend living in Tampa had tracked him down through the MySpace social networking site and told him about his son, Jarod. It was life-changing news.
Page enlisted in the Army late in 2008 to support him. "He really wasn't doing much with his life yet," Cristi Page said. "His main goal had always been that when he had kids that he was going to be a good father. He couldn't take care of his son financially at that time, so he went into the Army."
On his Facebook page, James Page wrote: "I love serving my country, but don't see myself making it a career just yet. All I want to do right now is get home safely and see my beautiful little boy Jarod."
Cristi said she and her brother were supposed to go skydiving earlier this year when he was home on leave, but the weather was bad so they had to reschedule. He was supposed to come home for a month in December and the brother and sister were planning to do it then. After the military, he wanted to be a skydiving instructor. "He was a risk taker," Cristi Page said.
"Spc. Page worked hard every day. He always wanted to go on missions. I'm going to miss him," said Pfc. Devon Groom, who served in Page's squad.
Page's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Page's funeral arrangements are pending. A memorial service for the slain soldiers will be Sept. 13 at the Army garrison in Bamberg and Sept. 17 at Camp Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.
Army Pfc. James A. Page was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts, 22, of Boise, Idaho
LCpl. Roberts was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 31, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Cody Roberts graduated from Centennial High School in 2006, according to Meridian School District records.
Roberts, 22, died as a result of a "hostile incident" while supporting combat operations in Helmand province of southwest Afghanistan. A press officer declined Thursday to elaborate on how Roberts died due to operational security.
"We don't want to give a battle damage assessment to the enemy," he said.
The New York Times reported earlier this week that attacks on U.S. Service members in Afghanistan have intensified. Five Americans were killed Tuesday, including four who suffered fatal injuries from roadside bombs in eastern Afghanistan.
The Times said 20 coalition service members -- 19 of them Americans -- had been killed in Afghanistan, mostly in the south, since Saturday.
Roberts was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.
For his service, Roberts received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
He is survived by his wife and a child.
22-year-old Marine from Boise killed Tuesday was a 2006 graduate of Centennial
Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts joined the U.S. Marines four years ago and was on his first deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed Tuesday, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Roberts graduated from Centennial High School in 2006, according to Meridian School District records.
Roberts, 22, died as a result of a "hostile incident" while supporting combat operations in Helmand province of southwest Afghanistan. A press officer declined Thursday to elaborate on how Roberts died due to operational security.
"We don't want to give a battle damage assessment to the enemy," he said.
Lance Cpl. Roberts' family has requested privacy at this time, and ask that reporters do not attempt to contact them. They are releasing the following statement through Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division (at Gowen Field) and the Idaho National Guard:
"Lance Corporal Cody A. Roberts died in combat August 31st defending the nation that he loved. Cody embodied the true spirit of the Marine Corps, believing entirely in his God, Family, and Country. The three values he lived for, he ultimately died for. As an amazing Marine, Husband, and Father he was a true hero. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the streets of a city in Afghanistan so his son would never have to be afraid for his life or ours. Cody's memory will forever light up our lives as we wait to be united in heaven with him. He will be forever loved. Afghanistan didn't know how lucky it was to have a man like that step foot on their soil." Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter today said: "The First Lady and I want to extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal Roberts, who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of the liberties we all enjoy. He was among those heroes who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep the nightmare of terrorism at arm's length from the rest of us. His sacrifice should be remembered and his loss mourned by every Idahoan."
The New York Times reported earlier this week that attacks on U.S. Service e members in Afghanistan have intensified. Five Americans were killed Tuesday, including four who suffered fatal injuries from roadside bombs in eastern Afghanistan.
The Times said 20 coalition service members -- 19 of them Americans -- had been killed in Afghanistan, mostly in the south, since Saturday.
Roberts was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.
For his service, Roberts received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Lance Cpl.Roberts is survived by his wife and a child (the family is not releasing any information on Lance Cpl. Roberts' family) and his parents Jeff and Christee Roberts.
"The Idaho National Guard leadership wants to express its sympathy to the family and Marine Corps on this difficult day," said Col. Tim Marsano, an Idaho National Guard spokesman. "We're in solidarity with the Marines and this Boise family.
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts, 22, of Boise, Idaho
LCpl. Roberts was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 31, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Cody Roberts graduated from Centennial High School in 2006, according to Meridian School District records.
Roberts, 22, died as a result of a "hostile incident" while supporting combat operations in Helmand province of southwest Afghanistan. A press officer declined Thursday to elaborate on how Roberts died due to operational security.
"We don't want to give a battle damage assessment to the enemy," he said.
The New York Times reported earlier this week that attacks on U.S. Service members in Afghanistan have intensified. Five Americans were killed Tuesday, including four who suffered fatal injuries from roadside bombs in eastern Afghanistan.
The Times said 20 coalition service members -- 19 of them Americans -- had been killed in Afghanistan, mostly in the south, since Saturday.
Roberts was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.
For his service, Roberts received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
He is survived by his wife and a child.
22-year-old Marine from Boise killed Tuesday was a 2006 graduate of Centennial
Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts joined the U.S. Marines four years ago and was on his first deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed Tuesday, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Roberts graduated from Centennial High School in 2006, according to Meridian School District records.
Roberts, 22, died as a result of a "hostile incident" while supporting combat operations in Helmand province of southwest Afghanistan. A press officer declined Thursday to elaborate on how Roberts died due to operational security.
"We don't want to give a battle damage assessment to the enemy," he said.
Lance Cpl. Roberts' family has requested privacy at this time, and ask that reporters do not attempt to contact them. They are releasing the following statement through Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division (at Gowen Field) and the Idaho National Guard:
"Lance Corporal Cody A. Roberts died in combat August 31st defending the nation that he loved. Cody embodied the true spirit of the Marine Corps, believing entirely in his God, Family, and Country. The three values he lived for, he ultimately died for. As an amazing Marine, Husband, and Father he was a true hero. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the streets of a city in Afghanistan so his son would never have to be afraid for his life or ours. Cody's memory will forever light up our lives as we wait to be united in heaven with him. He will be forever loved. Afghanistan didn't know how lucky it was to have a man like that step foot on their soil." Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter today said: "The First Lady and I want to extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal Roberts, who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of the liberties we all enjoy. He was among those heroes who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep the nightmare of terrorism at arm's length from the rest of us. His sacrifice should be remembered and his loss mourned by every Idahoan."
The New York Times reported earlier this week that attacks on U.S. Service e members in Afghanistan have intensified. Five Americans were killed Tuesday, including four who suffered fatal injuries from roadside bombs in eastern Afghanistan.
The Times said 20 coalition service members -- 19 of them Americans -- had been killed in Afghanistan, mostly in the south, since Saturday.
Roberts was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.
For his service, Roberts received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Lance Cpl.Roberts is survived by his wife and a child (the family is not releasing any information on Lance Cpl. Roberts' family) and his parents Jeff and Christee Roberts.
"The Idaho National Guard leadership wants to express its sympathy to the family and Marine Corps on this difficult day," said Col. Tim Marsano, an Idaho National Guard spokesman. "We're in solidarity with the Marines and this Boise family.
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La.
Sgt. Bovia was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Aug. 31, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — An Okinawa-based Marine was killed in a firefight Tuesday in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, the Department of Defense reported Wednesday.
He was identified as Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La., assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Joseph Bovia was one of six Americans killed in action Tuesday and among 56 U.S. troops who died in August, most of them in the past two weeks as the Taliban stepped up attacks in their southern and eastern strongholds, according to the DOD.
“Sergeant Bovia was an outstanding Marine, the epitome of what we expect from our noncommissioned officers, and a fine man,” Lt. Col. Kirk D. Mullins, commander of Combat Assault Battalion here said Thursday.
Marine Corps Base Japan public affairs had no information Thursday afternoon regarding a memorial service on Okinawa.
Joe Bovia’s parents told New Orleans television station WWL that their son also served two combat tours in Iraq.
His father, Herbert Bovia, a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department, said his son had been offered a stateside post as a demolitions instructor but volunteered instead for a third combat tour.
“He couldn’t wait to go,” his father told a WWL reporter. “He was bored being in the Far East, and it’s just what he wanted to do. It’s what he lived for.”
Sgt. Bovia, a combat engineer, began active duty in the Marine Corps in July 2004, according to Marine officials. He began his tour on Okinawa in June 2008 and was promoted to his current rank of sergeant July 1, 2008.
Bovia did two tours of Iraq before his latest mission in Afghanistan.
Kenner Marine killed Tuesday in Afghanistan --
Herbert Bovia knew immediately what had happened when he saw the sharply dressed men in uniforms standing on his front porch Tuesday evening.
"When you're in a military family, you know," Bovia said Thursday.
The men were there to deliver the worst of news: Bovia's son, Joseph, a 24-year-old Marine sergeant, had been shot and killed in Afghanistan during a skirmish with Taliban fighters.
"He was a great Marine and a great son," said Bovia, a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department.
At a time when President Barack Obama was announcing that the military's focus had officially shifted from battlefields in Iraq to the longer struggle against terrorism in the east, Joseph Bovia became one of 944 U.S. military members killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan. He had been there for five weeks into his latest tour, his father said.
Herbert Bovia tells WWL-TV in New Orleans that his son was his hero and that he spoke with him just a few days ago.
Bovia was the scion of a military tradition going back generations, including his grandfather, granduncle and uncle. As a 17-year-old starting his senior year at Alfred Bonnabel High School, he gave his parents, Theresa and Herbert, a choice: either they signed for him to join the Marines that fall or he would do it as soon as he turned 18 in January, Herbert Bovia said.
He began his military career in boot camp on Parris Island, S.C., before shipping out to Okinawa, Japan. His latest tour was with the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion of the 3rd Marine Division, according to the U.S. Defense Department.
Joseph gave up a state-side position to return to combat, his father said. He was part of an expeditionary force near Marjah that hunted for roadside bombs ahead of his comrades. Herbert Bovia described his son's job as "blowing stuff up."
"He loved being a Marine more than anything," said his brother, Matthew, whose wedding in January was when Joseph told his family he would be heading to Afghanistan.
"We had a feeling that this wasn't going to be an easy deployment," Herbert Bovia recalled. "We felt something could go wrong."
But it was what his son wanted to do, he said.
The service will be held next week at the First Baptist Church on Canal Boulevard in New Orleans. The date and time are still tentative, said funeral director Edward Muhleisen of L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Metairie.
Sgt. Bovia is survived by his parents, Herbert and Teresa Bovia, of Kenner, LA.
Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La.
Sgt. Bovia was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Aug. 31, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — An Okinawa-based Marine was killed in a firefight Tuesday in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, the Department of Defense reported Wednesday.
He was identified as Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La., assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Joseph Bovia was one of six Americans killed in action Tuesday and among 56 U.S. troops who died in August, most of them in the past two weeks as the Taliban stepped up attacks in their southern and eastern strongholds, according to the DOD.
“Sergeant Bovia was an outstanding Marine, the epitome of what we expect from our noncommissioned officers, and a fine man,” Lt. Col. Kirk D. Mullins, commander of Combat Assault Battalion here said Thursday.
Marine Corps Base Japan public affairs had no information Thursday afternoon regarding a memorial service on Okinawa.
Joe Bovia’s parents told New Orleans television station WWL that their son also served two combat tours in Iraq.
His father, Herbert Bovia, a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department, said his son had been offered a stateside post as a demolitions instructor but volunteered instead for a third combat tour.
“He couldn’t wait to go,” his father told a WWL reporter. “He was bored being in the Far East, and it’s just what he wanted to do. It’s what he lived for.”
Sgt. Bovia, a combat engineer, began active duty in the Marine Corps in July 2004, according to Marine officials. He began his tour on Okinawa in June 2008 and was promoted to his current rank of sergeant July 1, 2008.
Bovia did two tours of Iraq before his latest mission in Afghanistan.
Kenner Marine killed Tuesday in Afghanistan --
Herbert Bovia knew immediately what had happened when he saw the sharply dressed men in uniforms standing on his front porch Tuesday evening.
"When you're in a military family, you know," Bovia said Thursday.
The men were there to deliver the worst of news: Bovia's son, Joseph, a 24-year-old Marine sergeant, had been shot and killed in Afghanistan during a skirmish with Taliban fighters.
"He was a great Marine and a great son," said Bovia, a 30-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department.
At a time when President Barack Obama was announcing that the military's focus had officially shifted from battlefields in Iraq to the longer struggle against terrorism in the east, Joseph Bovia became one of 944 U.S. military members killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan. He had been there for five weeks into his latest tour, his father said.
Herbert Bovia tells WWL-TV in New Orleans that his son was his hero and that he spoke with him just a few days ago.
Bovia was the scion of a military tradition going back generations, including his grandfather, granduncle and uncle. As a 17-year-old starting his senior year at Alfred Bonnabel High School, he gave his parents, Theresa and Herbert, a choice: either they signed for him to join the Marines that fall or he would do it as soon as he turned 18 in January, Herbert Bovia said.
He began his military career in boot camp on Parris Island, S.C., before shipping out to Okinawa, Japan. His latest tour was with the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion of the 3rd Marine Division, according to the U.S. Defense Department.
Joseph gave up a state-side position to return to combat, his father said. He was part of an expeditionary force near Marjah that hunted for roadside bombs ahead of his comrades. Herbert Bovia described his son's job as "blowing stuff up."
"He loved being a Marine more than anything," said his brother, Matthew, whose wedding in January was when Joseph told his family he would be heading to Afghanistan.
"We had a feeling that this wasn't going to be an easy deployment," Herbert Bovia recalled. "We felt something could go wrong."
But it was what his son wanted to do, he said.
The service will be held next week at the First Baptist Church on Canal Boulevard in New Orleans. The date and time are still tentative, said funeral director Edward Muhleisen of L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Metairie.
Sgt. Bovia is survived by his parents, Herbert and Teresa Bovia, of Kenner, LA.
Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia was killed in action on 8/31/10.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Army Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak, 34, of Lompoc, Calif.
SSgt. Grochowiak was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in Malajat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
An Afghanistan war casualty — an Army Ranger who is listed by the military as being from Lompoc but apparently lacks any links to the city — is being remembered by San Diego area friends and family as a hero.
Staff Sgt. Casey Grochowiak, 34, was born and raised in San Diego, his brother Erik Grochowiak said Wednesday. A notice from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center identifies his hometown as Lompoc. Military officials are looking into the conflicting information.
As family members and friends grieve the loss, his body arrived Wednesday afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Family and friends knew Casey Grochowiak as a warmhearted father, active athlete and harmless prankster. He graduated from Horizon Christian Fellowship, in San Diego, where played football. He also enjoyed surfing, baseball and snowboarding. “There were definitely some pranks pulled over the years, but he was also very honorable,” said Joel Savell, a childhood friend. “When push came to shove, he would always do the right thing. He had a lot of love for a lot of people.”
After high school, Grochowiak did construction work and tried community college. “He didn’t always apply himself until he found the military,” his brother said.
Grochowiak was inspired to enlist by the large military presence in San Diego and by the fact that his father, Edward, was a retired Navy officer. Once enlisted, he was determined to become an Army Ranger. A knee injury derailed his first attempt at Ranger school, his brother said, but he came back 18 months later to try again. That time, he succeeded. “He was a great soldier. The Army was something that really turned my brother around,” said Erik Grochowiak of San Diego.
Casey was a beach kid who loved surfing, his brother said. He attended private schools and came from a privileged background. “He chose the Army because he wanted to make a difference,” his brother said.
"My family and I can only survive this by believing that he helped save others' lives," his brother said. "We are not a family that will sit and cry and say he is better off in heaven.
"We want to stand up and say what he stood for and how proud of him we are and celebrate his life. Him dying in Afghanistan, which is where the September 11 terror attacks started, and now burying him on that date would mean a lot to us."
After enlisting in the Army, Casey was assigned to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C. He became a Ranger and later was transferred to bases near Athens, Ga., and then Fort Walton Beach, Fla. There, he taught Special Forces members about poisonous snakes.
But the soldier who previously deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once wanted to return to combat, Erik Grochowiak said. Rather than have a needed surgery on his back, Casey Grochowiak wanted to deploy to look after younger soldiers, his brother added.
Grochowiak transferred to Fort Carson, Colo., a few months ago, and was embedded with an infantry division.
Longtime friend Dan Hernandez of Carlsbad said he has been best friends with Casey Grochowiak since they were 14 years old and is godfather to his daughter. “I want everyone to know Casey like I did — the fun, caring, protector, outgoing guy who would take the shirt off his own back for you,” Hernandez said. “He always motivated me when I was down and made me feel like the sky is the limit when I was around him.” The death of his friend is difficult to digest, Hernandez said.
“He loved doing what he did. He was made to be in the Army,” said Hernandez, who last saw his friend in June. “He was that guy who always protected the underdog when he was growing up. That’s just Casey. ... Knowing him was definitely an honor.”
Funeral services are pending, but are expected to take place in the San Diego area, his brother said.
“Casey touched the lives of so many people; he was not only a war hero but a hero to a lot of people all over San Diego County,” Hernandez added.
Army Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak, 34, of Lompoc, Calif.
SSgt. Grochowiak was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in Malajat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
An Afghanistan war casualty — an Army Ranger who is listed by the military as being from Lompoc but apparently lacks any links to the city — is being remembered by San Diego area friends and family as a hero.
Staff Sgt. Casey Grochowiak, 34, was born and raised in San Diego, his brother Erik Grochowiak said Wednesday. A notice from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center identifies his hometown as Lompoc. Military officials are looking into the conflicting information.
As family members and friends grieve the loss, his body arrived Wednesday afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Family and friends knew Casey Grochowiak as a warmhearted father, active athlete and harmless prankster. He graduated from Horizon Christian Fellowship, in San Diego, where played football. He also enjoyed surfing, baseball and snowboarding. “There were definitely some pranks pulled over the years, but he was also very honorable,” said Joel Savell, a childhood friend. “When push came to shove, he would always do the right thing. He had a lot of love for a lot of people.”
After high school, Grochowiak did construction work and tried community college. “He didn’t always apply himself until he found the military,” his brother said.
Grochowiak was inspired to enlist by the large military presence in San Diego and by the fact that his father, Edward, was a retired Navy officer. Once enlisted, he was determined to become an Army Ranger. A knee injury derailed his first attempt at Ranger school, his brother said, but he came back 18 months later to try again. That time, he succeeded. “He was a great soldier. The Army was something that really turned my brother around,” said Erik Grochowiak of San Diego.
Casey was a beach kid who loved surfing, his brother said. He attended private schools and came from a privileged background. “He chose the Army because he wanted to make a difference,” his brother said.
"My family and I can only survive this by believing that he helped save others' lives," his brother said. "We are not a family that will sit and cry and say he is better off in heaven.
"We want to stand up and say what he stood for and how proud of him we are and celebrate his life. Him dying in Afghanistan, which is where the September 11 terror attacks started, and now burying him on that date would mean a lot to us."
After enlisting in the Army, Casey was assigned to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C. He became a Ranger and later was transferred to bases near Athens, Ga., and then Fort Walton Beach, Fla. There, he taught Special Forces members about poisonous snakes.
But the soldier who previously deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once wanted to return to combat, Erik Grochowiak said. Rather than have a needed surgery on his back, Casey Grochowiak wanted to deploy to look after younger soldiers, his brother added.
Grochowiak transferred to Fort Carson, Colo., a few months ago, and was embedded with an infantry division.
Longtime friend Dan Hernandez of Carlsbad said he has been best friends with Casey Grochowiak since they were 14 years old and is godfather to his daughter. “I want everyone to know Casey like I did — the fun, caring, protector, outgoing guy who would take the shirt off his own back for you,” Hernandez said. “He always motivated me when I was down and made me feel like the sky is the limit when I was around him.” The death of his friend is difficult to digest, Hernandez said.
“He loved doing what he did. He was made to be in the Army,” said Hernandez, who last saw his friend in June. “He was that guy who always protected the underdog when he was growing up. That’s just Casey. ... Knowing him was definitely an honor.”
Funeral services are pending, but are expected to take place in the San Diego area, his brother said.
“Casey touched the lives of so many people; he was not only a war hero but a hero to a lot of people all over San Diego County,” Hernandez added.
Army Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army 2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska
Remember Our Heroes
Army 2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska, 24, of Papillon, Neb.
2nd Lt. Noziska was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in Malajat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
24-year-old Army Second Lieutenant Mark Noziska of Papillion died during an IED explosion. He'd only been in Afghanistan a month. Now, his friends still trying to piece together what happened. "I think we're all living in a dream right now, just hoping we can wake up from this," said Andy LeBlanc, Noziska's friend.
At least 20 of Noziska's closest friends from high school got together to remember their fallen friend for an interview. All of them, struggling with the news of his death. LeBlanc got the call from Mark's dad.
"He said Mark was killed in Afghanistan," said LeBlanc, struggling to keep his composure. "You just go through a shock of you don't know what to say."
His friends remember the good times they had with Mark. "We all remember him and he was always in his speedo," laughed LeBlanc.
"He loved the Huskers," said Coby Greiner, Mark's friend. "If you were ever down, he was there with that big brother mentality and he would do anything for you," said LeBlanc.
Friends since high school, they say Mark was destined for the Army, vowing to join after September 11. He was only a sophomore in high school then. "He always said that he always wanted to die for his country in case he were to perish," said LeBlanc. "He definitely got what he asked for and I know he's happy now.
His friends remember the last time they talked to him. "I talked to him on the phone 4 to 5 days ago," LeBlanc said. All of them wishing for one more conversation to pass along these messages: "We love you. We miss you. You're home safe. We'll look after your family, because he loved them so much," chimed many of his friends.
Noziska's friends say he had also served in the National Guard for four years, and was named 2005 Soldier of the Year. He even inspired two of his friends to join the armed forces; one in the Army, the other the Marines, serving a tour in Iraq.
Noziska graduated from Papillion High School in 2004, went to Creighton University and graduated from University of Nebraska, Omaha, with a degree in Criminal Justice. His plan was to stay in the Army and work his way up to "General."
“Everything he did, he did for the military," his brother Troy said.
The 9-year-old nephew of a Nebraska soldier killed in Afghanistan wanted to know why his mother was crying, and why his family was leaving for Dover, Del., Wednesday morning. The 24-year-old soldier, who grew up in Grand Island and went to high school in Papillion, was about a month into his first overseas deployment. He was an excellent uncle, said his sister, Tracy Noziska. On Aug. 14, she gave birth to a baby boy her brother never got to meet. Her older son, Calvin, is the one with all the questions about what happened to his uncle.
Mark Noziska, the youngest of three siblings . . . graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School in 2004 and completed a criminal justice degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2008.
Army 2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army 2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska, 24, of Papillon, Neb.
2nd Lt. Noziska was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in Malajat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
24-year-old Army Second Lieutenant Mark Noziska of Papillion died during an IED explosion. He'd only been in Afghanistan a month. Now, his friends still trying to piece together what happened. "I think we're all living in a dream right now, just hoping we can wake up from this," said Andy LeBlanc, Noziska's friend.
At least 20 of Noziska's closest friends from high school got together to remember their fallen friend for an interview. All of them, struggling with the news of his death. LeBlanc got the call from Mark's dad.
"He said Mark was killed in Afghanistan," said LeBlanc, struggling to keep his composure. "You just go through a shock of you don't know what to say."
His friends remember the good times they had with Mark. "We all remember him and he was always in his speedo," laughed LeBlanc.
"He loved the Huskers," said Coby Greiner, Mark's friend. "If you were ever down, he was there with that big brother mentality and he would do anything for you," said LeBlanc.
Friends since high school, they say Mark was destined for the Army, vowing to join after September 11. He was only a sophomore in high school then. "He always said that he always wanted to die for his country in case he were to perish," said LeBlanc. "He definitely got what he asked for and I know he's happy now.
His friends remember the last time they talked to him. "I talked to him on the phone 4 to 5 days ago," LeBlanc said. All of them wishing for one more conversation to pass along these messages: "We love you. We miss you. You're home safe. We'll look after your family, because he loved them so much," chimed many of his friends.
Noziska's friends say he had also served in the National Guard for four years, and was named 2005 Soldier of the Year. He even inspired two of his friends to join the armed forces; one in the Army, the other the Marines, serving a tour in Iraq.
Noziska graduated from Papillion High School in 2004, went to Creighton University and graduated from University of Nebraska, Omaha, with a degree in Criminal Justice. His plan was to stay in the Army and work his way up to "General."
“Everything he did, he did for the military," his brother Troy said.
The 9-year-old nephew of a Nebraska soldier killed in Afghanistan wanted to know why his mother was crying, and why his family was leaving for Dover, Del., Wednesday morning. The 24-year-old soldier, who grew up in Grand Island and went to high school in Papillion, was about a month into his first overseas deployment. He was an excellent uncle, said his sister, Tracy Noziska. On Aug. 14, she gave birth to a baby boy her brother never got to meet. Her older son, Calvin, is the one with all the questions about what happened to his uncle.
Mark Noziska, the youngest of three siblings . . . graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School in 2004 and completed a criminal justice degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2008.
Army 2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, of Canton, Ohio
SSgt. Kessler was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin James Kessler, 32, of Canton, died Monday in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He died with four other soldiers from the Fort Carson unit in the attack.
Kessler was a motor transport operator who entered the Army in June 2004. He served two tours in Iraq in addition to his deployment to Afghanistan earlier this summer.
He had been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal. Kessler was a member of the 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"He wanted to serve America," said his sister, Emily Lightner, the Canton Repository reported. His stepmother, Sue Kessler, added: "If [his troops] were there, he wanted to be there with them.
"He wanted to watch their backs, like they would watch his."
Kessler was a 1996 graduate of East Canton High School, serving as class vice president.
His family threw him a party before he left the country in early July. It was a celebration, of sorts, the Repository reported. His wife, Adrian, had found out she was pregnant, and they shared the news with the entire family.
His uncle Richard Kessler is reminded of a quote on life that Abraham Lincoln said: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
“Kevin had some good years in his life,” Kessler said of his nephew Thursday.
His alma mater, East Canton High School, added Kevin Kessler’s name to a Memory Garden at the new Osnaburg Local School District facility Thursday. Kessler graduated from the school in 1996.
School officials said several of Kessler’s relatives attended the ceremony, which included the dedication of the new school building. A moment of silence was observed during the ceremony.
Prior to the Army, Kessler drove truck for the now-closed Fleming Foods plant in Massillon, his uncle said. He joined the Army on June 2, 2004.
His death has the close-knit family stunned. “You want to believe it’s not true, but it is,” said Kessler’s uncle, Rich. “It’s definitely surreal.”
Kessler’s wife, Adrian, is pregnant with their first child. The couple had tried for several years to start a family, relatives said. Another uncle, Barney Kessler, said his nephew could not wait to return home and be a father. “He was pretty excited.”
Both uncles had fond memories of their nephew, someone they said transformed from a fun, but ornery boy to a family man. They were reminded of their nephew’s audacious actions as a youngster to get autographs of his favorite Denver Broncos players.
As a young boy in 1991, Kevin Kessler loved the Broncos. Later in life, he became a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. Both uncles said their nephew went with them to watch the Broncos play in the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Their nephew wanted autographs.
Following the game, Kevin Kessler snuck away from his family. His uncles looked high and low for him. Where did they find him? On the field. Kessler, with a football card, went right up to quarterback John Elway and got his autograph, the uncles said. He also got autographs from the Broncos’ famed “Three Amigos” wideout corps — Ricky Nattiel, Mark Jackson and Vance Johnson.
Kessler did get into hot water with his family for his action. Barney Kessler said his nephew should not have wandered away. But he also said of Kevin Kessler, “He wasn’t afraid.
“He’s going to be missed.” Rich Kessler added, “We won’t forget him.”
''We are very proud of him,'' said Chris Corbi, the former principal for East Canton High School and now the operations manager at the school district.
''He was just well respected by all the staff and his fellow students,'' Corbi said. ''He always had a smile.''
Superintendent Melissa Marconi also said Kessler ''is remembered for his warm smile.''
Friend Jason Mills, 33, of Canton Township, said Kessler had a smile that would ''light up the room.''
He loved the Cleveland Browns, Pink Floyd and traveling, Mills said.
''It is heartbreaking,'' he said. ''It makes me want to honor him by doing something bigger in my life.''
Kessler, he said, ''set the bar so high.''
Mills said he had a barbecue with Kessler the last time he was home and had no idea it would be the last time he would see him.
''You don't know you are saying goodbye to a person'' for the last time, he said.
Marconi said Kessler's name will be added to the students whose memory is honored in the district's Memory Garden on the school grounds.
''The Osnaburg Local School's family is quite saddened by the death of Kevin Kessler,'' she said by e-mail. ''He was a young man who was well liked by his teachers and classmates.''
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, of Canton, Ohio
SSgt. Kessler was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin James Kessler, 32, of Canton, died Monday in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He died with four other soldiers from the Fort Carson unit in the attack.
Kessler was a motor transport operator who entered the Army in June 2004. He served two tours in Iraq in addition to his deployment to Afghanistan earlier this summer.
He had been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal. Kessler was a member of the 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"He wanted to serve America," said his sister, Emily Lightner, the Canton Repository reported. His stepmother, Sue Kessler, added: "If [his troops] were there, he wanted to be there with them.
"He wanted to watch their backs, like they would watch his."
Kessler was a 1996 graduate of East Canton High School, serving as class vice president.
His family threw him a party before he left the country in early July. It was a celebration, of sorts, the Repository reported. His wife, Adrian, had found out she was pregnant, and they shared the news with the entire family.
His uncle Richard Kessler is reminded of a quote on life that Abraham Lincoln said: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
“Kevin had some good years in his life,” Kessler said of his nephew Thursday.
His alma mater, East Canton High School, added Kevin Kessler’s name to a Memory Garden at the new Osnaburg Local School District facility Thursday. Kessler graduated from the school in 1996.
School officials said several of Kessler’s relatives attended the ceremony, which included the dedication of the new school building. A moment of silence was observed during the ceremony.
Prior to the Army, Kessler drove truck for the now-closed Fleming Foods plant in Massillon, his uncle said. He joined the Army on June 2, 2004.
His death has the close-knit family stunned. “You want to believe it’s not true, but it is,” said Kessler’s uncle, Rich. “It’s definitely surreal.”
Kessler’s wife, Adrian, is pregnant with their first child. The couple had tried for several years to start a family, relatives said. Another uncle, Barney Kessler, said his nephew could not wait to return home and be a father. “He was pretty excited.”
Both uncles had fond memories of their nephew, someone they said transformed from a fun, but ornery boy to a family man. They were reminded of their nephew’s audacious actions as a youngster to get autographs of his favorite Denver Broncos players.
As a young boy in 1991, Kevin Kessler loved the Broncos. Later in life, he became a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. Both uncles said their nephew went with them to watch the Broncos play in the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Their nephew wanted autographs.
Following the game, Kevin Kessler snuck away from his family. His uncles looked high and low for him. Where did they find him? On the field. Kessler, with a football card, went right up to quarterback John Elway and got his autograph, the uncles said. He also got autographs from the Broncos’ famed “Three Amigos” wideout corps — Ricky Nattiel, Mark Jackson and Vance Johnson.
Kessler did get into hot water with his family for his action. Barney Kessler said his nephew should not have wandered away. But he also said of Kevin Kessler, “He wasn’t afraid.
“He’s going to be missed.” Rich Kessler added, “We won’t forget him.”
''We are very proud of him,'' said Chris Corbi, the former principal for East Canton High School and now the operations manager at the school district.
''He was just well respected by all the staff and his fellow students,'' Corbi said. ''He always had a smile.''
Superintendent Melissa Marconi also said Kessler ''is remembered for his warm smile.''
Friend Jason Mills, 33, of Canton Township, said Kessler had a smile that would ''light up the room.''
He loved the Cleveland Browns, Pink Floyd and traveling, Mills said.
''It is heartbreaking,'' he said. ''It makes me want to honor him by doing something bigger in my life.''
Kessler, he said, ''set the bar so high.''
Mills said he had a barbecue with Kessler the last time he was home and had no idea it would be the last time he would see him.
''You don't know you are saying goodbye to a person'' for the last time, he said.
Marconi said Kessler's name will be added to the students whose memory is honored in the district's Memory Garden on the school grounds.
''The Osnaburg Local School's family is quite saddened by the death of Kevin Kessler,'' she said by e-mail. ''He was a young man who was well liked by his teachers and classmates.''
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, of Cypress, Texas
SSgt. Infante was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
On Wednesday, an American flag decorated with black ribbon hung from the roof of a carport in front of the Infante family's north Houston home. In the living room, the soldier's father, Jesus Infante, watched with red-rimmed eyes as a TV cameraman set up a tripod and studio light near the front door.
The 50-year-old welder and painter braced himself for another interview. He hadn't slept much since Army officials showed up at 11:30 Monday night to announce his son's death. "He called me once from over there to let me know he was OK," Jesus Infante said. "He loved it."
"We were worried, but he said nothing was going to happen," Nancy Infante said. "He said he was going to be fine, but of course ... " She shrugged, her eyes brimming with tears.
The mother of Infante's unborn son, Angelica Gonzalez, lives in Colorado and could not be reached.
Jesse Infante was born and raised in Houston, the oldest of five siblings. He graduated in 1999 from Sam Houston High School, where he joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He enlisted in the Army in January 2000 and served a combat tour in Iraq from December 2005 to December 2006. Infante planned to spend his career in the Army. He hoped to become a drill sergeant someday, his relatives said.
"His dad wanted to convince him to get out already, but he wanted to stay in because he loved it," his stepmother said. "He wanted to convince his younger brother to go in," she added. "He's 20. He was thinking about it, but he got really upset when he heard the news" of his big brother's death.
Jesus Infante hopes that someday his son's children will understand their father's sacrifice.
"He was a great man, a great soldier," Nancy Infante said. "He was out there fighting for all of us and we're all going to miss him."
Infante graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1999. He enlisted in the Army in January 2000 and previously had served a combat tour in Iraq from December 2005 to December 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan on July 25. He was trained as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist.
"He wanted to make the military, the army, his career, he said he was gonna retire from there, we tried to convince him to get out, but he said no," said Nancy Infante.
His parents described him as an extremely kind person. "He was a great dad, a great son, he was great with his brothers, a real good brother and he was a great man," said Jesus Infante.
Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, of Cypress, Texas
SSgt. Infante was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
On Wednesday, an American flag decorated with black ribbon hung from the roof of a carport in front of the Infante family's north Houston home. In the living room, the soldier's father, Jesus Infante, watched with red-rimmed eyes as a TV cameraman set up a tripod and studio light near the front door.
The 50-year-old welder and painter braced himself for another interview. He hadn't slept much since Army officials showed up at 11:30 Monday night to announce his son's death. "He called me once from over there to let me know he was OK," Jesus Infante said. "He loved it."
"We were worried, but he said nothing was going to happen," Nancy Infante said. "He said he was going to be fine, but of course ... " She shrugged, her eyes brimming with tears.
The mother of Infante's unborn son, Angelica Gonzalez, lives in Colorado and could not be reached.
Jesse Infante was born and raised in Houston, the oldest of five siblings. He graduated in 1999 from Sam Houston High School, where he joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He enlisted in the Army in January 2000 and served a combat tour in Iraq from December 2005 to December 2006. Infante planned to spend his career in the Army. He hoped to become a drill sergeant someday, his relatives said.
"His dad wanted to convince him to get out already, but he wanted to stay in because he loved it," his stepmother said. "He wanted to convince his younger brother to go in," she added. "He's 20. He was thinking about it, but he got really upset when he heard the news" of his big brother's death.
Jesus Infante hopes that someday his son's children will understand their father's sacrifice.
"He was a great man, a great soldier," Nancy Infante said. "He was out there fighting for all of us and we're all going to miss him."
Infante graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1999. He enlisted in the Army in January 2000 and previously had served a combat tour in Iraq from December 2005 to December 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan on July 25. He was trained as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist.
"He wanted to make the military, the army, his career, he said he was gonna retire from there, we tried to convince him to get out, but he said no," said Nancy Infante.
His parents described him as an extremely kind person. "He was a great dad, a great son, he was great with his brothers, a real good brother and he was a great man," said Jesus Infante.
Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, of Huntington, Ind.
Pfc. Clements was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
1,000 mourners fill auditorium to honor slain soldier
The Associated Press
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — About 1,000 mourners filled a northern Indiana school auditorium for the funeral of a 26-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Firefighters used two snorkel trucks to hoist a garrison-sized flag over the entrance to Huntington North High School for Sunday's funeral for Army Spc. Chad Clements, who graduated from the school in 2002.
The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne reports that friends and religious leaders described Clements as a fun-loving and courageous adventure seeker who loved hockey, NASCAR and whitewater rafting.
Staff Sgt. Terry Smith was Clements' supervisor at Fort Carson in Colorado. He says Clements was an excellent soldier who was always there when he was needed.
The horrors of war hit home in Huntington County.
An Army soldier who started his first tour of duty in Afghanistan just three weeks ago, has lost his life.
Family says Clements enlisted in February 2009 and arrived in Afghanistan August 9th. Published reports say a bomb detonated near a Humvee on a main road on the outskirts of Kandahar, in the military's ongoing campaign to secure the city the Taliban used as a headquarters during their years in power. The report indicates attackers targeted the Humvee because it wasn't as heavily armored as other vehicles in the convoy.
Just before he left, he had signed up for membership in American Legion Post 85, where his sister, Danielle Clements, works as secretary. "He was a wonderful guy," says Post Commander John Decker. "A good member."
Clements had a military heritage, as his father, Daniel Clements - who died in 2001 - was a Navy veteran. In fact. Clements was born in the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. Clements, however, chose to serve in the Army.
When you first met him, Chad Clements could be very timid. But after he got to know you, he was your best friend.
That was one of the first things Clements’ sister recalled about him Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the 26-year-old Army soldier from Huntington was killed by a roadside bomb while on a mission in Afghanistan.
“Chad had a big heart,” Danielle Clements said in a Facebook message sent to The Journal Gazette. He was killed by an improvised explosive device Monday, his sister said in the message.
He is the first area soldier killed in combat in more than two years.
Clements joined the Army in 2009 to “serve and protect” his country, his sister said. He was a 2002 graduate of Huntington North High School and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. His job in the military involved transportation, his sister said.
Clements had been home in Huntington for two weeks before being deployed Aug. 5. “Chad loved his family and friends with all his heart,” Danielle Clements said.
She also recalled her brother’s love of the Fort Wayne Komets and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey teams and collecting memorabilia of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.
He also admired a certain NFL quarterback when he was younger and would delight his family when donning that quarterback’s jersey.
“Our fondest memory of Chad was when he was little he used to dress up like Joe Montana!” she said in the Facebook message.
Curt Hackney said Clements was a student in several of his mechanics classes.
Curt Hackney/Huntington North Teacher: " Just one of those kids you thought does things right. He just always seemed to be happy with what he was doing. He was a very nice young man, very polite young man.
Reporter: " And probably excited to eventually serve his country?
Hackney: " Yes, I'm sure of that."
Tom Smith/Huntington County Veteran: " Anybody that goes in the service and fights and even has to die for our country is a hero in my mind."
Clements body is set to be returned to the States Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. We're told close family is flying to Dover Delaware to arrange for the body to be transported home for funeral services. Clements' sister on Facebook said, "It's going to be a hard trip."
Clements is preceded in death by his father, Daniel R. Clements, and a brother, Zachary James, his sister said. In addition to his sister, he is survived by his mother, Anne Beady Tarter, and his stepfather, Ed Tarter, as well as grandparents, stepgrandparents, a stepbrother and stepsister and a host of other family members and friends.
Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements was killed in action 8/30/10.
Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, of Huntington, Ind.
Pfc. Clements was assigned to 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
1,000 mourners fill auditorium to honor slain soldier
The Associated Press
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — About 1,000 mourners filled a northern Indiana school auditorium for the funeral of a 26-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Firefighters used two snorkel trucks to hoist a garrison-sized flag over the entrance to Huntington North High School for Sunday's funeral for Army Spc. Chad Clements, who graduated from the school in 2002.
The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne reports that friends and religious leaders described Clements as a fun-loving and courageous adventure seeker who loved hockey, NASCAR and whitewater rafting.
Staff Sgt. Terry Smith was Clements' supervisor at Fort Carson in Colorado. He says Clements was an excellent soldier who was always there when he was needed.
The horrors of war hit home in Huntington County.
An Army soldier who started his first tour of duty in Afghanistan just three weeks ago, has lost his life.
Family says Clements enlisted in February 2009 and arrived in Afghanistan August 9th. Published reports say a bomb detonated near a Humvee on a main road on the outskirts of Kandahar, in the military's ongoing campaign to secure the city the Taliban used as a headquarters during their years in power. The report indicates attackers targeted the Humvee because it wasn't as heavily armored as other vehicles in the convoy.
Just before he left, he had signed up for membership in American Legion Post 85, where his sister, Danielle Clements, works as secretary. "He was a wonderful guy," says Post Commander John Decker. "A good member."
Clements had a military heritage, as his father, Daniel Clements - who died in 2001 - was a Navy veteran. In fact. Clements was born in the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. Clements, however, chose to serve in the Army.
When you first met him, Chad Clements could be very timid. But after he got to know you, he was your best friend.
That was one of the first things Clements’ sister recalled about him Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the 26-year-old Army soldier from Huntington was killed by a roadside bomb while on a mission in Afghanistan.
“Chad had a big heart,” Danielle Clements said in a Facebook message sent to The Journal Gazette. He was killed by an improvised explosive device Monday, his sister said in the message.
He is the first area soldier killed in combat in more than two years.
Clements joined the Army in 2009 to “serve and protect” his country, his sister said. He was a 2002 graduate of Huntington North High School and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. His job in the military involved transportation, his sister said.
Clements had been home in Huntington for two weeks before being deployed Aug. 5. “Chad loved his family and friends with all his heart,” Danielle Clements said.
She also recalled her brother’s love of the Fort Wayne Komets and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey teams and collecting memorabilia of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.
He also admired a certain NFL quarterback when he was younger and would delight his family when donning that quarterback’s jersey.
“Our fondest memory of Chad was when he was little he used to dress up like Joe Montana!” she said in the Facebook message.
Curt Hackney said Clements was a student in several of his mechanics classes.
Curt Hackney/Huntington North Teacher: " Just one of those kids you thought does things right. He just always seemed to be happy with what he was doing. He was a very nice young man, very polite young man.
Reporter: " And probably excited to eventually serve his country?
Hackney: " Yes, I'm sure of that."
Tom Smith/Huntington County Veteran: " Anybody that goes in the service and fights and even has to die for our country is a hero in my mind."
Clements body is set to be returned to the States Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. We're told close family is flying to Dover Delaware to arrange for the body to be transported home for funeral services. Clements' sister on Facebook said, "It's going to be a hard trip."
Clements is preceded in death by his father, Daniel R. Clements, and a brother, Zachary James, his sister said. In addition to his sister, he is survived by his mother, Anne Beady Tarter, and his stepfather, Ed Tarter, as well as grandparents, stepgrandparents, a stepbrother and stepsister and a host of other family members and friends.
Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements was killed in action 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, of Conover, Wis.
SSgt. West was assigned to 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante and Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler.
Matthew J. West was a 1992 graduate of Gaylord High School in northern Michigan and received a bachelor’s degree in 1997 from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
West was trained in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and was a bomb disposal expert assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, which was based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He left for Afghanistan in late July, after serving earlier tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The military lists West's home as Conover, Wisconsin, evidently because his family moved from Michigan recently. His wife, Carolyn, and three children live in Colorado Springs, since the base is located near the Colorado city.
Staff Sergeant Matthew J. West died August 30th in the Arghandab River Valley region of Afghanistan when his Humvee was damaged by an insurgent’s bomb blast. He was killed a little more than a month after beginning a third tour in a war zone. He was 36 years old.
Awards received by West are the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 2, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal – 2, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal – 2, Iraq Campaign Medal - w/Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 2, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.
Matthew West leaves behind his wife, Carolyn, and three children, 4-year-old Tyler, 3-year-old Joseph and 3 month old Annalise. The picture above and to the right is from last year, when West was coming home from a previous deployment to Iraq. Then, he was greeted by little Joseph wearing a shirt which read, "My Dad is My Hero." His parents appear to be John and Marsha of Odessa TX.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, of Conover, Wis.
SSgt. West was assigned to 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante and Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler.
Matthew J. West was a 1992 graduate of Gaylord High School in northern Michigan and received a bachelor’s degree in 1997 from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
West was trained in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and was a bomb disposal expert assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, which was based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He left for Afghanistan in late July, after serving earlier tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The military lists West's home as Conover, Wisconsin, evidently because his family moved from Michigan recently. His wife, Carolyn, and three children live in Colorado Springs, since the base is located near the Colorado city.
Staff Sergeant Matthew J. West died August 30th in the Arghandab River Valley region of Afghanistan when his Humvee was damaged by an insurgent’s bomb blast. He was killed a little more than a month after beginning a third tour in a war zone. He was 36 years old.
Awards received by West are the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 2, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal – 2, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal – 2, Iraq Campaign Medal - w/Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 2, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.
Matthew West leaves behind his wife, Carolyn, and three children, 4-year-old Tyler, 3-year-old Joseph and 3 month old Annalise. The picture above and to the right is from last year, when West was coming home from a previous deployment to Iraq. Then, he was greeted by little Joseph wearing a shirt which read, "My Dad is My Hero." His parents appear to be John and Marsha of Odessa TX.
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Capt. Dale A Goetz
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, 43, of White, S.D.
Capt. Goetz was assigned to 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
Captain Dale Goetz cared about the soldiers he served as an Army chaplain—both their physical and spiritual needs.
“He had a great burden for the soldiers,” said Jason Parker, pastor of High Country Baptist Church of Colorado Springs. “His specific prayer request was to see 300 soldiers come to Christ. He was also praying for God to call 10 of those soldiers into the ministry. That was one of his specific prayer requests.
“God was using him. He was very actively witnessing. He didn’t want to be just a social worker. He wanted to see soldiers hear the Gospel and trust Christ.”
Goetz, a 1995 Maranatha graduate, died Monday morning, Aug. 30, in Afghanistan while serving as an Army chaplain. Parker said Goetz was one of four men killed by a roadside bomb while traveling in a convoy near Kandahar Province in southern Afghanistan. His death was also confirmed in an Internet posting by Ralph Colas, Executive Secretary of the American Council of Christian Churches. Goetz was one of the group’s approved chaplains.
An Army spokesman at Fort Carson said he had no details. A phone call to one of the base chaplains was not immediately returned. Parker said funeral arrangements were pending, based on the Army’s timetable for the return of Goetz’s body.
Long-time Maranatha faculty and staff members said they could not recall any alumnus having been killed in action since the Vietnam War.
Parker said the Goetz family had been transferred to Colorado in January after three years in Okinawa, Japan. They were interviewed for membership at High Country Baptist Church on Aug. 1, the day he was deployed. Goetz had been in Afghanistan less than a month when he died. “We officially voted them into the membership Sunday,” Parker said.
Goetz had expressed a desire for less rigid enforcement of apparel guidelines and other lower-priority rules for soldiers in combat in this Washington Post article. He also articulated the differences between Muslim and Christian approaches to salvation in this editorial for The Independent of Elizabeth, Colo.
He officiated at the 2006 funeral of Gerard Rugers Jr. The World War II U.S. Army Air Corps radio operator died in 1944, but his remains were not discovered until the fall of 2005 in the Himalayas.
Dale Allen Goetz came to Maranatha from Colorado. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He played one year of football and two years of baseball for the Crusaders and was president of the missions prayer band as a senior. He was also named the Outstanding Greek Student as a senior.
“I do remember him as a very outgoing person, very friendly,” said Maranatha mathematics professor Phil Price, who played football and baseball with Goetz and also graduated in 1995. “I think he may have been older when he came, somewhere in his mid-20s. He and his wife were a very nice couple.
“Dale was a great guy. You could tell he was serious about wanting to serve God in whatever he was going to be called into.”
Goetz completed his Master of Divinity degree at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis in 2000. He was pastor of a church in White, S.D., until beginning his work toward chaplaincy. Goetz was commissioned in January of 2004.
Army Capt. Dale A Goetz was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Army Capt. Dale A Goetz, 43, of White, S.D.
Capt. Goetz was assigned to 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Aug. 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the attack were Army Pfc. Chad D. Clements, Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler and Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West.
Captain Dale Goetz cared about the soldiers he served as an Army chaplain—both their physical and spiritual needs.
“He had a great burden for the soldiers,” said Jason Parker, pastor of High Country Baptist Church of Colorado Springs. “His specific prayer request was to see 300 soldiers come to Christ. He was also praying for God to call 10 of those soldiers into the ministry. That was one of his specific prayer requests.
“God was using him. He was very actively witnessing. He didn’t want to be just a social worker. He wanted to see soldiers hear the Gospel and trust Christ.”
Goetz, a 1995 Maranatha graduate, died Monday morning, Aug. 30, in Afghanistan while serving as an Army chaplain. Parker said Goetz was one of four men killed by a roadside bomb while traveling in a convoy near Kandahar Province in southern Afghanistan. His death was also confirmed in an Internet posting by Ralph Colas, Executive Secretary of the American Council of Christian Churches. Goetz was one of the group’s approved chaplains.
An Army spokesman at Fort Carson said he had no details. A phone call to one of the base chaplains was not immediately returned. Parker said funeral arrangements were pending, based on the Army’s timetable for the return of Goetz’s body.
Long-time Maranatha faculty and staff members said they could not recall any alumnus having been killed in action since the Vietnam War.
Parker said the Goetz family had been transferred to Colorado in January after three years in Okinawa, Japan. They were interviewed for membership at High Country Baptist Church on Aug. 1, the day he was deployed. Goetz had been in Afghanistan less than a month when he died. “We officially voted them into the membership Sunday,” Parker said.
Goetz had expressed a desire for less rigid enforcement of apparel guidelines and other lower-priority rules for soldiers in combat in this Washington Post article. He also articulated the differences between Muslim and Christian approaches to salvation in this editorial for The Independent of Elizabeth, Colo.
He officiated at the 2006 funeral of Gerard Rugers Jr. The World War II U.S. Army Air Corps radio operator died in 1944, but his remains were not discovered until the fall of 2005 in the Himalayas.
Dale Allen Goetz came to Maranatha from Colorado. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He played one year of football and two years of baseball for the Crusaders and was president of the missions prayer band as a senior. He was also named the Outstanding Greek Student as a senior.
“I do remember him as a very outgoing person, very friendly,” said Maranatha mathematics professor Phil Price, who played football and baseball with Goetz and also graduated in 1995. “I think he may have been older when he came, somewhere in his mid-20s. He and his wife were a very nice couple.
“Dale was a great guy. You could tell he was serious about wanting to serve God in whatever he was going to be called into.”
Goetz completed his Master of Divinity degree at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis in 2000. He was pastor of a church in White, S.D., until beginning his work toward chaplaincy. Goetz was commissioned in January of 2004.
Army Capt. Dale A Goetz was killed in action on 8/30/10.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Army Pfc. Bryn T. Raver
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Harrison, Ark.
Pfc. Raver was assigned to 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when his military vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade on Aug. 28. Also killed was Capt. Ellery R. Wallace.
E-4 Specialist Bryn T. Raver will be buried Saturday afternoon, Sept. 11 (2010) beside his grandfather, Kenneth Raver, in Silver Hill Cemetery in Searcy County — U.S. combat veterans from different wars, different generations.
Bryn Raver was killed Saturday, Aug. 28, while leading a night-time patrol in Nangahar, Afghanistan.
The young soldier’s body is expected to arrive at the Boone County Regional Airport at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, and funeral and burial will be Saturday afternoon, Sept. 11 (2010).
Charles Raver learned of his son’s death early Sunday morning, Aug. 29. Charles’ oldest son, Justin, was notified shortly after midnight Saturday, Aug. 28, and he drove to Searcy County to tell his father. Soldiers with the Harrison National Guard unit arrived at daybreak Sunday to deliver the official notification.
The last photo of Bryn shows him looking back over his shoulder while walking into the Springfield, Mo., airport terminal Wednesday, Aug. 25, for his flight back to Afghanistan.
Three days later, he was killed by an armor-piercing, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
E-4 Specialist Bryn T. Raver was a military policeman (MP) with the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He was leading a convoy Saturday night, Aug. 28, when Taliban fighters fired an armor-piercing, rocket-propelled grenade into the passenger side of the armored truck he was driving.
Charles said the battalion leader riding in the third vehicle in the convoy said the grenade pierced the armor, then exploded inside the vehicle, killing Bryn and the passenger in the vehicle and injuring soldiers in the back of the truck.
Charles said the officer told him, Bryn “didn’t do anything wrong, didn’t know what hit him and didn’t feel a thing.”
Bryn deployed to Afghanistan in April 2010, then returned home in August for 15 days of R&R. The family celebrated at Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor Water parks in Texas, camped and grilled on the Buffalo River and spent a lot of time together at home. Bryn also bought a racing four-wheeler to ride on backroads.
Charles remembered Bryn as someone who “smiled, loved to have fun, rode four-wheelers, camped on the river and didn’t want to see anyone down and out … an all-round country boy.”
But four months in Afghanistan changed his middle son. “When Bryn first got here, he couldn’t stand still. He said it was boring. He was used to going, going, going. He wanted to be back there, where he was constantly going.
“It has really intensified over there,” Charles said of the warfare. “As they go further south toward Pakistan and Iran. It looks like they’re pushing the Taliban into the south.”
Asked about intuitive feelings about Bryn, Charles said, “I had a gut feeling, ever since he deployed, that he wouldn’t be coming back.
“He said it was getting rough over there and didn’t think he would make it back.”
Charles said enemy forces fired mortars at U.S. compounds at night, and his son had survived a small ambush while recovering a vehicle. Bryn also was in the third vehicle in a convoy when the first vehicle detonated an Improvised-explosive device (IED). He said the night-time episode had killed six soldiers in the lead vehicle and rolled the truck in which Bryn was riding.
Charles said Taliban fighters had warned U.S. soldiers: “You may rule the daytime, but we rule the night.”
Bryn Raver, who would have been 21 later this month, joined the U.S. Army almost three years ago. He passed the Arkansas GED and an advanced entrance test for the military that earned him an immediate rank of PV2. He was ordered to Fort Leonardwood, Mo., where his grandfather had been a drill sergeant.
Two years ago, Bryn was scheduled to be deployed to Iraq. Those plans ended after his wife, Maria, was killed in a four-wheeler wreck on Mt. Sherman, and his mother’s death three months later while he was stationed in Kentucky.
“Those deaths bothered him real bad,” Charles said of Bryn. “They would not let him deploy to Iraq.”
Charles said his father, Kenneth Raver, served in Korea from 1950 - 58 and had been a drill sergeant at Fort Leonardwood. He said Bryn had thought about making a career of the military and going back to Fort Leonardwood and becoming a drill sergeant. “He loved it up there.”
Saturday afternoon, E-4 Specialist Bryn Raver will receive a full-military burial with honors as he is laid to rest by his grandfather.
Army Pfc. Bryn T. Raver was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Army Pfc. Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Harrison, Ark.
Pfc. Raver was assigned to 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when his military vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade on Aug. 28. Also killed was Capt. Ellery R. Wallace.
E-4 Specialist Bryn T. Raver will be buried Saturday afternoon, Sept. 11 (2010) beside his grandfather, Kenneth Raver, in Silver Hill Cemetery in Searcy County — U.S. combat veterans from different wars, different generations.
Bryn Raver was killed Saturday, Aug. 28, while leading a night-time patrol in Nangahar, Afghanistan.
The young soldier’s body is expected to arrive at the Boone County Regional Airport at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, and funeral and burial will be Saturday afternoon, Sept. 11 (2010).
Charles Raver learned of his son’s death early Sunday morning, Aug. 29. Charles’ oldest son, Justin, was notified shortly after midnight Saturday, Aug. 28, and he drove to Searcy County to tell his father. Soldiers with the Harrison National Guard unit arrived at daybreak Sunday to deliver the official notification.
The last photo of Bryn shows him looking back over his shoulder while walking into the Springfield, Mo., airport terminal Wednesday, Aug. 25, for his flight back to Afghanistan.
Three days later, he was killed by an armor-piercing, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
E-4 Specialist Bryn T. Raver was a military policeman (MP) with the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He was leading a convoy Saturday night, Aug. 28, when Taliban fighters fired an armor-piercing, rocket-propelled grenade into the passenger side of the armored truck he was driving.
Charles said the battalion leader riding in the third vehicle in the convoy said the grenade pierced the armor, then exploded inside the vehicle, killing Bryn and the passenger in the vehicle and injuring soldiers in the back of the truck.
Charles said the officer told him, Bryn “didn’t do anything wrong, didn’t know what hit him and didn’t feel a thing.”
Bryn deployed to Afghanistan in April 2010, then returned home in August for 15 days of R&R. The family celebrated at Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor Water parks in Texas, camped and grilled on the Buffalo River and spent a lot of time together at home. Bryn also bought a racing four-wheeler to ride on backroads.
Charles remembered Bryn as someone who “smiled, loved to have fun, rode four-wheelers, camped on the river and didn’t want to see anyone down and out … an all-round country boy.”
But four months in Afghanistan changed his middle son. “When Bryn first got here, he couldn’t stand still. He said it was boring. He was used to going, going, going. He wanted to be back there, where he was constantly going.
“It has really intensified over there,” Charles said of the warfare. “As they go further south toward Pakistan and Iran. It looks like they’re pushing the Taliban into the south.”
Asked about intuitive feelings about Bryn, Charles said, “I had a gut feeling, ever since he deployed, that he wouldn’t be coming back.
“He said it was getting rough over there and didn’t think he would make it back.”
Charles said enemy forces fired mortars at U.S. compounds at night, and his son had survived a small ambush while recovering a vehicle. Bryn also was in the third vehicle in a convoy when the first vehicle detonated an Improvised-explosive device (IED). He said the night-time episode had killed six soldiers in the lead vehicle and rolled the truck in which Bryn was riding.
Charles said Taliban fighters had warned U.S. soldiers: “You may rule the daytime, but we rule the night.”
Bryn Raver, who would have been 21 later this month, joined the U.S. Army almost three years ago. He passed the Arkansas GED and an advanced entrance test for the military that earned him an immediate rank of PV2. He was ordered to Fort Leonardwood, Mo., where his grandfather had been a drill sergeant.
Two years ago, Bryn was scheduled to be deployed to Iraq. Those plans ended after his wife, Maria, was killed in a four-wheeler wreck on Mt. Sherman, and his mother’s death three months later while he was stationed in Kentucky.
“Those deaths bothered him real bad,” Charles said of Bryn. “They would not let him deploy to Iraq.”
Charles said his father, Kenneth Raver, served in Korea from 1950 - 58 and had been a drill sergeant at Fort Leonardwood. He said Bryn had thought about making a career of the military and going back to Fort Leonardwood and becoming a drill sergeant. “He loved it up there.”
Saturday afternoon, E-4 Specialist Bryn Raver will receive a full-military burial with honors as he is laid to rest by his grandfather.
Army Pfc. Bryn T. Raver was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Army Capt. Ellery R. Wallace
Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Ellery R. Wallace, 33, of Salt Lake City, Utah
Capt. Wallace was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when his military vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade on Aug. 28, 2010. Also killed was Pfc. Bryn T. Raver.
U.S. Army Capt. Ellery R. “Ray” Wallace, 33, of Salt Lake City and formerly of Big Spring, died of wounds received Aug. 28 in the Nangahar province of Afghanistan.
Capt. Wallace and Pfc. Bryn T. Raver of Harrison, Ark. were on patrol when their vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Babur, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced.
Wallace died of his wounds the following day. Raver also was killed in the attack.
Wallace joined the Army in 2003 and was assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky.
His awards and commendations include the Army Commendation Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge..
Wallace had obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminology and was working toward a master's degree in business.
Angels, it appears that Capt. Wallace (and by extension, probably his family) was Mormon.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Janelle, and four children — Liam, Adara, Kael and Ehlana — of Clarksville, Tenn., and his parents, Elton and Elaine Wallace of Elkhart. His father was a former teacher/coach with Big Spring Independent School District, while his mother supplemented the family income delivery newspapers for the Big Spring Herald.
Army Capt. Ellery R. Wallace was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Army Capt. Ellery R. Wallace, 33, of Salt Lake City, Utah
Capt. Wallace was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when his military vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade on Aug. 28, 2010. Also killed was Pfc. Bryn T. Raver.
U.S. Army Capt. Ellery R. “Ray” Wallace, 33, of Salt Lake City and formerly of Big Spring, died of wounds received Aug. 28 in the Nangahar province of Afghanistan.
Capt. Wallace and Pfc. Bryn T. Raver of Harrison, Ark. were on patrol when their vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Babur, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced.
Wallace died of his wounds the following day. Raver also was killed in the attack.
Wallace joined the Army in 2003 and was assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky.
His awards and commendations include the Army Commendation Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge..
Wallace had obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminology and was working toward a master's degree in business.
Angels, it appears that Capt. Wallace (and by extension, probably his family) was Mormon.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Janelle, and four children — Liam, Adara, Kael and Ehlana — of Clarksville, Tenn., and his parents, Elton and Elaine Wallace of Elkhart. His father was a former teacher/coach with Big Spring Independent School District, while his mother supplemented the family income delivery newspapers for the Big Spring Herald.
Army Capt. Ellery R. Wallace was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley, 36, of Casselberry, Fla.
GSgt. Holley was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 29, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A specialist in roadside explosives, Holley grew up in Casselberry and was planning to come home to the U.S. from Afghanistan for the birth of his first child — a daughter — in November.
On Sunday, however, Holley was killed during his third tour of duty in the Middle East, the Department of Defense announced this evening. Holley, 36, died in Helmand province when he was hit by a blast from an improvised explosive device, the military said.
Holley was a linebacker for the Lyman High School football team in the early 1990s and also wrestled, said his childhood friend Shawn Whitaker.
He was popular with the ladies, but he flipped when he met Chrissy Sheridan, his wife-to-be, in Hawaii, said Whitaker, 37, of Casselberry. The couple married last year. She already had a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Alyssa, and is expecting Holley's first child in November. "He was beyond being excited about being a father," Whitaker said. "He was all about family and love."
Perhaps because he was raised mostly by a single mother, Holley longed for family connections. He was the man of the house, looking out for his older sister and younger brother, his friend said. His mother died a few years ago.
Holley attended Central Methodist College in Missouri for a short time before joining the military. He was an explosives ordnance disposal technician and enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1997. He had previously served in Iraq in 2008 and 2003. In his spare time, he loved the beach, surfing and sports.
His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO medal.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley, 36, of Casselberry, Fla.
GSgt. Holley was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 29, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A specialist in roadside explosives, Holley grew up in Casselberry and was planning to come home to the U.S. from Afghanistan for the birth of his first child — a daughter — in November.
On Sunday, however, Holley was killed during his third tour of duty in the Middle East, the Department of Defense announced this evening. Holley, 36, died in Helmand province when he was hit by a blast from an improvised explosive device, the military said.
Holley was a linebacker for the Lyman High School football team in the early 1990s and also wrestled, said his childhood friend Shawn Whitaker.
He was popular with the ladies, but he flipped when he met Chrissy Sheridan, his wife-to-be, in Hawaii, said Whitaker, 37, of Casselberry. The couple married last year. She already had a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Alyssa, and is expecting Holley's first child in November. "He was beyond being excited about being a father," Whitaker said. "He was all about family and love."
Perhaps because he was raised mostly by a single mother, Holley longed for family connections. He was the man of the house, looking out for his older sister and younger brother, his friend said. His mother died a few years ago.
Holley attended Central Methodist College in Missouri for a short time before joining the military. He was an explosives ordnance disposal technician and enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1997. He had previously served in Iraq in 2008 and 2003. In his spare time, he loved the beach, surfing and sports.
His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO medal.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V, 32, of Festus, Mo.
SSgt. Ide was assigned to 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Sembach, Germany; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Hyderabad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
A soldier from Festus Missouri has been killed in Afghanistan. Family members say Army Staff Sgt. James Ide the fifth was shot in the head and killed Sunday while on a mission. Ide went into the Army after graduating from Desoto High School In Jefferson County in 1997. And 13-years later, still loved what he did, according to his family.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V wasn't afraid to talk about the prospect of his own death. "He always knew it was a distinct possibility," said his aunt, Carol Kline.
As the handler of a bomb-sniffing dog, Ide of Festus was often in a vulnerable spot, at the front of his Army unit when it was on maneuvers.
Ide, 32, who was serving in Afghanistan, told his wife, Mandy, exactly what to post on Facebook if he was killed. On Sunday, she posted that message: "I do not know what to say, but this is the way Jimmy asked me to tell his friends. Jimmy passed away this morning. He died in combat in Afghanistan. Jimmy loved his job and if he could choose a way to go this would be it."
Ide also leaves behind a daughter, Trinity, 7, and a 16-month-old son, Jas. His family was living in Germany.
Ide was a 1997 graduate of De Soto High, who joined the army after high school. Kline said he loved animals and became interested in service dogs through a cousin who trained them.
At the time of his death, Ide was working with a Belgian Malinois dog, who was always at his side, Kline said.
Ide met his wife while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He served one tour in Korea and two in Iraq. His tour in Afghanistan was scheduled to end in October, Kline said.
Kline said her nephew's Christian faith was a large part of his life and that he often made reference to the Bible in conversations. Ide also enjoyed writing poetry and riding motorcycles and was endlessly curious about the world, Kline said. "He really just liked playing with his kids and being with friends," Kline said.
Kline also said "it's very hard for everyone in our family. we're a very large family and we're clinging to each other trying to help each other"
He worked in the the canine unit, training bomb sniffing dogs. Ide's family members say he loved animals and helping others. Ide planned to make a career of the military retiring in seven years. At this point there's no word on when his body will be returned home. Ide, 32, died in Hyderabad, Afghanistan of wounds sustained during an insurgent attack with small arms fire. He served in Korea and two tours in Iraq before his current posting in Afghanistan. Ide was a canine handler working with Daphne, a bomb sniffing dog, often in the most dangerous situations.
His wife Mandy and two small children are currently in Germany. Loved ones describe Jimmy Ide as an outgoing person, dedicated to his family and his faith. Ide's family said he would have come home in October. They're now planning his funeral at Jefferson Barracks.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V, 32, of Festus, Mo.
SSgt. Ide was assigned to 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Sembach, Germany; died Aug. 29, 2010 in Hyderabad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
A soldier from Festus Missouri has been killed in Afghanistan. Family members say Army Staff Sgt. James Ide the fifth was shot in the head and killed Sunday while on a mission. Ide went into the Army after graduating from Desoto High School In Jefferson County in 1997. And 13-years later, still loved what he did, according to his family.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V wasn't afraid to talk about the prospect of his own death. "He always knew it was a distinct possibility," said his aunt, Carol Kline.
As the handler of a bomb-sniffing dog, Ide of Festus was often in a vulnerable spot, at the front of his Army unit when it was on maneuvers.
Ide, 32, who was serving in Afghanistan, told his wife, Mandy, exactly what to post on Facebook if he was killed. On Sunday, she posted that message: "I do not know what to say, but this is the way Jimmy asked me to tell his friends. Jimmy passed away this morning. He died in combat in Afghanistan. Jimmy loved his job and if he could choose a way to go this would be it."
Ide also leaves behind a daughter, Trinity, 7, and a 16-month-old son, Jas. His family was living in Germany.
Ide was a 1997 graduate of De Soto High, who joined the army after high school. Kline said he loved animals and became interested in service dogs through a cousin who trained them.
At the time of his death, Ide was working with a Belgian Malinois dog, who was always at his side, Kline said.
Ide met his wife while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He served one tour in Korea and two in Iraq. His tour in Afghanistan was scheduled to end in October, Kline said.
Kline said her nephew's Christian faith was a large part of his life and that he often made reference to the Bible in conversations. Ide also enjoyed writing poetry and riding motorcycles and was endlessly curious about the world, Kline said. "He really just liked playing with his kids and being with friends," Kline said.
Kline also said "it's very hard for everyone in our family. we're a very large family and we're clinging to each other trying to help each other"
He worked in the the canine unit, training bomb sniffing dogs. Ide's family members say he loved animals and helping others. Ide planned to make a career of the military retiring in seven years. At this point there's no word on when his body will be returned home. Ide, 32, died in Hyderabad, Afghanistan of wounds sustained during an insurgent attack with small arms fire. He served in Korea and two tours in Iraq before his current posting in Afghanistan. Ide was a canine handler working with Daphne, a bomb sniffing dog, often in the most dangerous situations.
His wife Mandy and two small children are currently in Germany. Loved ones describe Jimmy Ide as an outgoing person, dedicated to his family and his faith. Ide's family said he would have come home in October. They're now planning his funeral at Jefferson Barracks.
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide V was killed in action on 8/29/10.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Army Spc. James C. Robinson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, Ohio
Spc. Robinson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.
Local soldier killed in Afghanistan
By Carrie Whitaker
Cincinnati Enquirer
Spc. James C. Robinson, a graduate of Monroe High School in Butler County and a married father of two, was killed this weekend when insurgents attacked his base in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, the Department of Defense reported Monday.
Robinson, 27, was an infantryman supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed Saturday. His unit was struck by indirect fire by insurgents, according to DoD.
A 2001 graduate of Monroe High School, Robinson was a member of the Hornets soccer team and the school’s science club, Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said.
“The Monroe Local School District was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s death,” Lolli said Monday night.
Although it has been several years since Robinson walked the halls of Monroe High School, Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said he clearly remembers the young man.
“He was very fun-loving, a good man of character,” Millisor recalled. “I remember the group (Robinson’s class) in particular; they were a real close-knit group.”
Millisor, who has a child who recently joined the Marines, expressed his condolences to Robinson’s family, including two siblings who graduated from Monroe two and four years behind their big brother.
“I really respect his courage and dedication and willingness to serve,” Millisor said. “You can’t ask for more than that out of somebody.”
A moment of silence will be observed in Robinson’s honor before kickoff at Friday night’s home football game against Ross High School, Lolli said.
Robinson joined the Army in February 2005 and was assigned in November 2005 to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Ky.
He had earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other military honors and is survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson; daughter, Victoria A. Robinson; and stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, all of Fort Campbell; as well as his mother and father, James R. and Kimberly Robinson of Middletown.
Two of his fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, Pfc. Chad D. Coleman from Georgia and Pvt. Adam J. Novak of Wisconsin, were also killed over the weekend when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Friday.
Army Spc. James C. Robinson was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Army Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, Ohio
Spc. Robinson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.
Local soldier killed in Afghanistan
By Carrie Whitaker
Cincinnati Enquirer
Spc. James C. Robinson, a graduate of Monroe High School in Butler County and a married father of two, was killed this weekend when insurgents attacked his base in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, the Department of Defense reported Monday.
Robinson, 27, was an infantryman supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed Saturday. His unit was struck by indirect fire by insurgents, according to DoD.
A 2001 graduate of Monroe High School, Robinson was a member of the Hornets soccer team and the school’s science club, Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said.
“The Monroe Local School District was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s death,” Lolli said Monday night.
Although it has been several years since Robinson walked the halls of Monroe High School, Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said he clearly remembers the young man.
“He was very fun-loving, a good man of character,” Millisor recalled. “I remember the group (Robinson’s class) in particular; they were a real close-knit group.”
Millisor, who has a child who recently joined the Marines, expressed his condolences to Robinson’s family, including two siblings who graduated from Monroe two and four years behind their big brother.
“I really respect his courage and dedication and willingness to serve,” Millisor said. “You can’t ask for more than that out of somebody.”
A moment of silence will be observed in Robinson’s honor before kickoff at Friday night’s home football game against Ross High School, Lolli said.
Robinson joined the Army in February 2005 and was assigned in November 2005 to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Ky.
He had earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other military honors and is survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson; daughter, Victoria A. Robinson; and stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, all of Fort Campbell; as well as his mother and father, James R. and Kimberly Robinson of Middletown.
Two of his fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, Pfc. Chad D. Coleman from Georgia and Pvt. Adam J. Novak of Wisconsin, were also killed over the weekend when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Friday.
Army Spc. James C. Robinson was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Army Spc. Andrew J. Castro
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Andrew J. Castro, 20, of Westlake Village, Calif.
Spc. Castro was assigned to 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Babur, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Patrick K. Durham.
The Westlake High School football community is in mourning after news came out over the weekend that former linebacker A.J. Castro, the son of former booster club President Hector Castro, was killed Saturday in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan. He was 20.
Castro, a 2007 Westlake graduate, was a U.S. Army Specialist attached to the 101st Airborne Division, according to the Ventura County Star.
Two other brothers, Steven and Ryan, played for Westlake. Ryan is also in the military.
The team held its annual intrasquad scrimmage Saturday. Hector Castro, the team's director of football operations, and others were celebrating at a local restaurant in Westlake Village when Castro was informed by military representatives of his son's death. He spent the night at Coach Jim Benkert's house before leaving early Sunday for Pennsylvania, along with his ex-wife, Carmen Roman.
Benkert said he and his wife went home at 10:45 p.m. and he received a call from one of the coaches with Hector Castro. “He was frantic,” Benkert said. “He said a military chaplain and another soldier came into Chili’s. They were with Hector’s oldest son, Steven. My wife and I dropped everything to go over to Chili’s to be with him."
“There wasn’t a lot of sleeping happening last night,” Benkert said. “It was a very, very, very, very sad thing to be around.”
This is the second ex-Westlake football player killed in Afghanistan in the last year. Frankie Toner, 26, a former homecoming king who was a Navy lieutenant, died in Afghanistan last year.
“It brings the war real close to home,” Benkert said. “We’re thankful for their efforts but something like this is a travesty.”
Westlake has been sending ex-football players off to the military for years. Three of the last four team MVPs are enrolled at West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy, respectively.
U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Jordan “A.J.” Castro, 20, died Saturday morning along with others in a land mine explosion, said Castro’s father, Hector Castro. A.J. Castro had been in Afghanistan less than a month, his father said.
“I did everything I could to convince him not to join, but like his brother, he wanted to do it,” Hector Castro said in a phone interview from Philadelphia.
Hector Castro said the one thing that gave him solace was a Facebook message he received from his son about five days ago. “He said, ‘Dad, I love what I’m doing,’” Hector Castro said. “I can’t ask for anything more than that.”
A total of seven U.S. troops died in weekend attacks in Afghanistan’s embattled southern and eastern regions. The latest deaths bring to 42 the number of American forces who have died this month in Afghanistan after July’s high of 66.
Hector Castro, 49, of Winnetka, flew to Pennsylvania on Sunday morning along with his ex-wife, Carmen Roman, 49, of Westlake Village, and one of A.J.’s brothers, Sgt. Ryan Castro, 25. Ryan Castro is a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
A.J. Castro was the youngest of three brothers. The oldest, Steven Castro, 27, lives in Oak Park. Steven Castro stayed behind to take care of his mother’s dogs and the house. Steven said he’s holding it together as much as he can. “Every once in a while I’ll see a picture around the house and I’ll lose it,” he said Sunday.
A.J. Castro’s remains were scheduled to arrive by military transport at a Philadelphia airport at 2 a.m. today. His remains will then be flown to Pierce Brothers mortuary in Westlake Village. The family is planning a memorial service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Westlake Village, but the date has not yet been determined.
Ryan Castro, who just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq, said that he’s lost buddies as a soldier. “It’s completely different when it’s your brother,” he said. “When it happens, it’s unbelievable. It hurts.”
Carmen Roman is doing “as well as can be expected,” Hector Castro said, and Ryan Castro said he’s trying to be strong for his parents.
“It’s just a shock to everybody,” said Westlake High School head football coach Jim Benkert, who coached all three of the Castro boys in the football program.
Hector Castro has been a part of the Westlake High School football program for 17 years and is still athletic director for the youth football league, the Braves.
Benkert remembers A.J. Castro as someone who always did the right thing. He was the first to sign onto a voluntary drug program that left other students hesitant.
“We had a motto: ‘Stand up for what is right even if you’re standing alone,’” Benkert said. “He was the epitome of that motto.”
Hector Castro remembers him as the muscled, nearly 6-foot tall son who, at 20, still liked to sit on the bed with his dad on Saturday morning while the two ate cereal and watched cartoons. “He always called me ‘Daddy,’” Hector said. “Right up until the day he died, he called me ‘Daddy.’”
Spc. Andrew J. Castro, 20, of Westlake Village, CA, was a human intelligence collector assigned to Company B, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in June 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification: M249 machine gun (expert).
Army Spc. Andrew J. Castro was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Army Spc. Andrew J. Castro, 20, of Westlake Village, Calif.
Spc. Castro was assigned to 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Babur, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Patrick K. Durham.
The Westlake High School football community is in mourning after news came out over the weekend that former linebacker A.J. Castro, the son of former booster club President Hector Castro, was killed Saturday in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan. He was 20.
Castro, a 2007 Westlake graduate, was a U.S. Army Specialist attached to the 101st Airborne Division, according to the Ventura County Star.
Two other brothers, Steven and Ryan, played for Westlake. Ryan is also in the military.
The team held its annual intrasquad scrimmage Saturday. Hector Castro, the team's director of football operations, and others were celebrating at a local restaurant in Westlake Village when Castro was informed by military representatives of his son's death. He spent the night at Coach Jim Benkert's house before leaving early Sunday for Pennsylvania, along with his ex-wife, Carmen Roman.
Benkert said he and his wife went home at 10:45 p.m. and he received a call from one of the coaches with Hector Castro. “He was frantic,” Benkert said. “He said a military chaplain and another soldier came into Chili’s. They were with Hector’s oldest son, Steven. My wife and I dropped everything to go over to Chili’s to be with him."
“There wasn’t a lot of sleeping happening last night,” Benkert said. “It was a very, very, very, very sad thing to be around.”
This is the second ex-Westlake football player killed in Afghanistan in the last year. Frankie Toner, 26, a former homecoming king who was a Navy lieutenant, died in Afghanistan last year.
“It brings the war real close to home,” Benkert said. “We’re thankful for their efforts but something like this is a travesty.”
Westlake has been sending ex-football players off to the military for years. Three of the last four team MVPs are enrolled at West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy, respectively.
U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Jordan “A.J.” Castro, 20, died Saturday morning along with others in a land mine explosion, said Castro’s father, Hector Castro. A.J. Castro had been in Afghanistan less than a month, his father said.
“I did everything I could to convince him not to join, but like his brother, he wanted to do it,” Hector Castro said in a phone interview from Philadelphia.
Hector Castro said the one thing that gave him solace was a Facebook message he received from his son about five days ago. “He said, ‘Dad, I love what I’m doing,’” Hector Castro said. “I can’t ask for anything more than that.”
A total of seven U.S. troops died in weekend attacks in Afghanistan’s embattled southern and eastern regions. The latest deaths bring to 42 the number of American forces who have died this month in Afghanistan after July’s high of 66.
Hector Castro, 49, of Winnetka, flew to Pennsylvania on Sunday morning along with his ex-wife, Carmen Roman, 49, of Westlake Village, and one of A.J.’s brothers, Sgt. Ryan Castro, 25. Ryan Castro is a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
A.J. Castro was the youngest of three brothers. The oldest, Steven Castro, 27, lives in Oak Park. Steven Castro stayed behind to take care of his mother’s dogs and the house. Steven said he’s holding it together as much as he can. “Every once in a while I’ll see a picture around the house and I’ll lose it,” he said Sunday.
A.J. Castro’s remains were scheduled to arrive by military transport at a Philadelphia airport at 2 a.m. today. His remains will then be flown to Pierce Brothers mortuary in Westlake Village. The family is planning a memorial service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Westlake Village, but the date has not yet been determined.
Ryan Castro, who just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq, said that he’s lost buddies as a soldier. “It’s completely different when it’s your brother,” he said. “When it happens, it’s unbelievable. It hurts.”
Carmen Roman is doing “as well as can be expected,” Hector Castro said, and Ryan Castro said he’s trying to be strong for his parents.
“It’s just a shock to everybody,” said Westlake High School head football coach Jim Benkert, who coached all three of the Castro boys in the football program.
Hector Castro has been a part of the Westlake High School football program for 17 years and is still athletic director for the youth football league, the Braves.
Benkert remembers A.J. Castro as someone who always did the right thing. He was the first to sign onto a voluntary drug program that left other students hesitant.
“We had a motto: ‘Stand up for what is right even if you’re standing alone,’” Benkert said. “He was the epitome of that motto.”
Hector Castro remembers him as the muscled, nearly 6-foot tall son who, at 20, still liked to sit on the bed with his dad on Saturday morning while the two ate cereal and watched cartoons. “He always called me ‘Daddy,’” Hector said. “Right up until the day he died, he called me ‘Daddy.’”
Spc. Andrew J. Castro, 20, of Westlake Village, CA, was a human intelligence collector assigned to Company B, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in June 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification: M249 machine gun (expert).
Army Spc. Andrew J. Castro was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Army Sgt. Patrick K. Durham
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, 24, of Chattanooga, Tenn
Sgt. Durham was assigned to 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Babur, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Spc. Andrew J. Castro.
The close-knit Suck Creek community where Patrick Durham grew up is reeling from the news that the Army sergeant was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Saturday.
“Everyone is pretty torn up. It’s like a big family,” said family friend Eliot Richie, 28, who last weekend helped clean out a modest family graveyard a mile or so down the road in preparation for Durham’s burial. "My jaw dropped. I was stunned. I still don’t think it’s real,” Ritchie said as he worked in his yard Monday morning.
Almost everyone in their neighborhood knew the Durhams, part of a community stretched along River Canyon Road, overlooking the Tennessee River, friends say.
“He was about one of the best people you’d ever meet,” said Jeremy Massengale, 26, who said he spent countless summers swimming with Durham in the Tennessee River. “I don’t think there’s many times I haven’t seen him with a smile on his face. ... The last thing I said to him was, ‘I love you and be safe, and I’ll see you in a little bit.’”
Sunday those who knew him, paid honor to his memory. "He was just a real sweet person, kind, loving," says friend Brenda Simpson
The congregation at Grandview Church of God gathered together like they usually do on Sunday mornings, but with sad news and heavy hearts.
"I believe the last time he came here he was in on leave and I believe he came in uniform," says friend Delmer McNabb.
News of the death of Sergeant Patrick Durham rippled through the community late Saturday night.
"It really shocked me, you know?," says Jean Phillips, church pianist. Jean Phillips has played the piano for this congregation for 62 years. Durham and her grandson grew up together. "He come up and hugged me and hugged him. I said it's so good to see you," says Phillips.
Durham made a point to visit his church whenever he was on leave. The 25-year-old enlisted right after high school. He completed his first tour of duty in Iraq. In order to support his wife and three young children he recently re-enlisted for six more years.
"Of course his uncle comes to church here who actually, practically raised him," says Phillips.
Durham's family members say the young man had plenty of reasons to choose a different course in life. But just two days ago told a friend he was glad to be serving his country.
"Talked to him on Facebook recently. Patrick come back with 'I love what I'm doing'," says Phillips.
Church members stayed up late building a special tribute for the soldier. The words on their marquee say it all. "He's going to be missed in the community. We're going to miss him here at the church," says McNabb.
Durham, a father of three, attended Red Bank High School and was an avid guitar player. He had completed a tour of duty in Iraq before serving in Afghanistan, said longtime friend Amy Waite of Lookout Valley.
“He was like a little brother to me,” said Waite, who is 25. “He was a big goofball. He was always a class clown. ... Patrick was very loved. He had so many people who cared about him.”
Durham’s neighbor and third cousin Nadine Hunkapiller remembers him as a child with big brown eyes, his face alight with excitement at the prospect of setting off fireworks.
“I’ve known him since he was a baby,” Hunkapiller said on Monday morning, pausing from watering the garden at her home next door to the Grandview Church of God. The church marquee offers a tribute in memory of Durham, reading in part, “Thank you. We will miss you.”
“It was just absolutely a hard blow,” Hunkapiller said. She recalled that years ago, Durham would watch her father — a commercial fisherman — pulling in his catch on the river and Durham would call down, “How big is that one?”
“He was always smiling. I know he’ll be so missed,” Hunkapiller said.
Friends say Durham loved his work for the Army, but he was eager to get home to see his children and wife, Kristy. Saturday was the couple’s four-year wedding anniversary, Waite said.
“My heart goes out to his family. He’s going to be looking over everybody,” she said.
Family members confirm Sergeant Patrick Durham was killed by a road-side bomb sometime Saturday morning. Durham's family was notified Saturday afternoon. The 25 year-old was on his second tour of duty, and was scheduled to come home in December.
According to family members, Durham's brother is in the Air Force and stationed in Valdosta, Ga. His brother and uncle plan to fly to Delaware on Sunday to bring Durham's body home.
Crystl Jordan
Patrick, you were the best friend a girl could have, you were my rock when times got tough and you always helped me smile on through. You helped me in so many ways. I would have never meet and married my husband if not for you. I love you and your family. You will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, 24, of Chattanooga, TN, was a cannon crewmember assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He entered the Army in August 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell January 2007. His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Army Sgt. Patrick K. Durham was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Army Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, 24, of Chattanooga, Tenn
Sgt. Durham was assigned to 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 28, 2010 in Babur, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Spc. Andrew J. Castro.
The close-knit Suck Creek community where Patrick Durham grew up is reeling from the news that the Army sergeant was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Saturday.
“Everyone is pretty torn up. It’s like a big family,” said family friend Eliot Richie, 28, who last weekend helped clean out a modest family graveyard a mile or so down the road in preparation for Durham’s burial. "My jaw dropped. I was stunned. I still don’t think it’s real,” Ritchie said as he worked in his yard Monday morning.
Almost everyone in their neighborhood knew the Durhams, part of a community stretched along River Canyon Road, overlooking the Tennessee River, friends say.
“He was about one of the best people you’d ever meet,” said Jeremy Massengale, 26, who said he spent countless summers swimming with Durham in the Tennessee River. “I don’t think there’s many times I haven’t seen him with a smile on his face. ... The last thing I said to him was, ‘I love you and be safe, and I’ll see you in a little bit.’”
Sunday those who knew him, paid honor to his memory. "He was just a real sweet person, kind, loving," says friend Brenda Simpson
The congregation at Grandview Church of God gathered together like they usually do on Sunday mornings, but with sad news and heavy hearts.
"I believe the last time he came here he was in on leave and I believe he came in uniform," says friend Delmer McNabb.
News of the death of Sergeant Patrick Durham rippled through the community late Saturday night.
"It really shocked me, you know?," says Jean Phillips, church pianist. Jean Phillips has played the piano for this congregation for 62 years. Durham and her grandson grew up together. "He come up and hugged me and hugged him. I said it's so good to see you," says Phillips.
Durham made a point to visit his church whenever he was on leave. The 25-year-old enlisted right after high school. He completed his first tour of duty in Iraq. In order to support his wife and three young children he recently re-enlisted for six more years.
"Of course his uncle comes to church here who actually, practically raised him," says Phillips.
Durham's family members say the young man had plenty of reasons to choose a different course in life. But just two days ago told a friend he was glad to be serving his country.
"Talked to him on Facebook recently. Patrick come back with 'I love what I'm doing'," says Phillips.
Church members stayed up late building a special tribute for the soldier. The words on their marquee say it all. "He's going to be missed in the community. We're going to miss him here at the church," says McNabb.
Durham, a father of three, attended Red Bank High School and was an avid guitar player. He had completed a tour of duty in Iraq before serving in Afghanistan, said longtime friend Amy Waite of Lookout Valley.
“He was like a little brother to me,” said Waite, who is 25. “He was a big goofball. He was always a class clown. ... Patrick was very loved. He had so many people who cared about him.”
Durham’s neighbor and third cousin Nadine Hunkapiller remembers him as a child with big brown eyes, his face alight with excitement at the prospect of setting off fireworks.
“I’ve known him since he was a baby,” Hunkapiller said on Monday morning, pausing from watering the garden at her home next door to the Grandview Church of God. The church marquee offers a tribute in memory of Durham, reading in part, “Thank you. We will miss you.”
“It was just absolutely a hard blow,” Hunkapiller said. She recalled that years ago, Durham would watch her father — a commercial fisherman — pulling in his catch on the river and Durham would call down, “How big is that one?”
“He was always smiling. I know he’ll be so missed,” Hunkapiller said.
Friends say Durham loved his work for the Army, but he was eager to get home to see his children and wife, Kristy. Saturday was the couple’s four-year wedding anniversary, Waite said.
“My heart goes out to his family. He’s going to be looking over everybody,” she said.
Family members confirm Sergeant Patrick Durham was killed by a road-side bomb sometime Saturday morning. Durham's family was notified Saturday afternoon. The 25 year-old was on his second tour of duty, and was scheduled to come home in December.
According to family members, Durham's brother is in the Air Force and stationed in Valdosta, Ga. His brother and uncle plan to fly to Delaware on Sunday to bring Durham's body home.
Crystl Jordan
Patrick, you were the best friend a girl could have, you were my rock when times got tough and you always helped me smile on through. You helped me in so many ways. I would have never meet and married my husband if not for you. I love you and your family. You will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, 24, of Chattanooga, TN, was a cannon crewmember assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He entered the Army in August 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell January 2007. His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Army Sgt. Patrick K. Durham was killed in action on 8/28/10.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Army Pfc. Chad D. Coleman
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.
Pfc. Coleman was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 27, 2010 in Paktiya province of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Pvt. Adam J. Novak.
Private 1st Class Chad Derek Coleman from the 101st Airborne Division was killed Aug. 27, when a command-wired improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during convoy operations in the Paktiya province, Afghanistan.
The 20-year-old soldier from Moreland, GA was assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)
Coleman entered the Army in October 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2009. Coleman was a Cavalry Scout whose awards and decorations include: Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Family friend Sonja Dobek said Tuesday Coleman was “a great kid” who was also very determined in his military career.
“He was an only child and was loved very much,” said Dobek. “He had the best sense of humor. You never saw him where he didn’t have a smile on his face. This is just hard to believe.”
His parents, who were originally from Wisconsin, received the news of their son’s death on Friday. Coleman’s body was returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday. Funeral services will be announced later.
Chad Coleman attended Newnan High School from August 2005 to the spring of 2009.
On Tuesday, Newnan Principal Dr. Douglas Moore recalled his experiences with Coleman while he was a student.
Moore remembers Chad as a “fun kid” who also happened to be “challenging from time to time.”
Coleman loved to wear his baseball cap and had to be reminded on a number of occasions to remove it while at school. Moore said he’d always remove it with a “yes, sir.”
“He made his presence known,” said Moore. “He didn’t just fit into the fabric.”
Moore said he wasn’t surprised by Coleman’s career track.
“It doesn’t surprise me he went into the military and volunteered for scout duty — that’s just part of his personality,” said Moore. “He wasn’t part of the status quo. He stood up for what he wanted.”
Moore recalls that he socialized with a group of close friends that were “genuine, down-to-earth, good kids.”
“Chad warmed up to us,” said his former principal. “He didn’t like moving to Georgia from Wisconsin, but it did eventually become home to him, I think.”
Moore said he had conversations with Coleman about what was important to him. He fondly recalled that Coleman “always had strong opinions and defended them.”
“He had a strong personality, but he was just a good kid. I was sorry to hear the news.”
Leslie Merriman, the executive director for the Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, said Coleman’s class at the Central Educational Center volunteered during a couple of Habitat’s home builds. She spoke with him once regarding his decision to enlist in the military.
“I may not come back alive, but I’m not afraid of dying,” he told her.
Tom Barnett was Coleman’s construction teacher at CEC for at least two semesters.
“The one thing that stands out about him was his desire to serve his country,” said Barnett. “He talked about his plans on an ongoing basis with me both personally and with the class, and looked forward to finishing school and enlisting.
“Chad was quite a character,” Barnett continued. “He was fun-loving and enjoyed being with his classmates.”
Army Pfc. Chad D. Coleman was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Army Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.
Pfc. Coleman was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 27, 2010 in Paktiya province of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Pvt. Adam J. Novak.
Private 1st Class Chad Derek Coleman from the 101st Airborne Division was killed Aug. 27, when a command-wired improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during convoy operations in the Paktiya province, Afghanistan.
The 20-year-old soldier from Moreland, GA was assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)
Coleman entered the Army in October 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2009. Coleman was a Cavalry Scout whose awards and decorations include: Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Family friend Sonja Dobek said Tuesday Coleman was “a great kid” who was also very determined in his military career.
“He was an only child and was loved very much,” said Dobek. “He had the best sense of humor. You never saw him where he didn’t have a smile on his face. This is just hard to believe.”
His parents, who were originally from Wisconsin, received the news of their son’s death on Friday. Coleman’s body was returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday. Funeral services will be announced later.
Chad Coleman attended Newnan High School from August 2005 to the spring of 2009.
On Tuesday, Newnan Principal Dr. Douglas Moore recalled his experiences with Coleman while he was a student.
Moore remembers Chad as a “fun kid” who also happened to be “challenging from time to time.”
Coleman loved to wear his baseball cap and had to be reminded on a number of occasions to remove it while at school. Moore said he’d always remove it with a “yes, sir.”
“He made his presence known,” said Moore. “He didn’t just fit into the fabric.”
Moore said he wasn’t surprised by Coleman’s career track.
“It doesn’t surprise me he went into the military and volunteered for scout duty — that’s just part of his personality,” said Moore. “He wasn’t part of the status quo. He stood up for what he wanted.”
Moore recalls that he socialized with a group of close friends that were “genuine, down-to-earth, good kids.”
“Chad warmed up to us,” said his former principal. “He didn’t like moving to Georgia from Wisconsin, but it did eventually become home to him, I think.”
Moore said he had conversations with Coleman about what was important to him. He fondly recalled that Coleman “always had strong opinions and defended them.”
“He had a strong personality, but he was just a good kid. I was sorry to hear the news.”
Leslie Merriman, the executive director for the Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, said Coleman’s class at the Central Educational Center volunteered during a couple of Habitat’s home builds. She spoke with him once regarding his decision to enlist in the military.
“I may not come back alive, but I’m not afraid of dying,” he told her.
Tom Barnett was Coleman’s construction teacher at CEC for at least two semesters.
“The one thing that stands out about him was his desire to serve his country,” said Barnett. “He talked about his plans on an ongoing basis with me both personally and with the class, and looked forward to finishing school and enlisting.
“Chad was quite a character,” Barnett continued. “He was fun-loving and enjoyed being with his classmates.”
Army Pfc. Chad D. Coleman was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, Wis
Pvt. Novak was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 27, 2010 in Paktiya province of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Pfc. Chad D. Coleman.
Wis. soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SAUK CITY, Wis. — A Wisconsin soldier was killed while serving in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Monday.
Pvt. Adam Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, was killed Friday in the Dzardan district of Afghanistan, the Defense Department said. He had been serving in the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
The military said Novak was one of two soldiers killed when insurgents attacked their vehicle with a roadside bomb in Paktiya, Afghanistan. The other was Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.
"All we know is he was in a heavily armored vehicle and he hit a road bomb," said Novak's stepfather, Rick Block. "They think it was electronically detonated, and they said that's all they know until it's investigated."
Novak was a 2008 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School, according to family friend Sandy Richards of Fergus Falls, Minn. Novak and his family had lived in Fergus Falls for about 11 years before he and his family moved back to Wisconsin in 2008, Richards said.
Novak is survived by his wife, Celeste Stuessy Novak, of Prairie du Sac; his mother, Sue Block, of Prairie du Sac; two sisters; and two brothers
Novak came home one day and told his family he had joined the Army, Block said. While Novak didn't discuss his decision with his family beforehand, Block added that he didn't discourage his stepson from enlisting.
"We worried about him every day, but I think the military is good for some people, and I'm a believer in the cause. We gave him our blessing and kept our fingers crossed," Block said.
Richards said Novak's mother is devastated and noted his brother Logan Novak, 23, also is serving in Afghanistan.
Block said Logan had arrived in Afghanistan just a week ago, and was sent home after they got the news. Block said he didn't want to talk about the prospect of the older brother returning to Afghanistan after the funeral.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Richards said Adam, who worked on military trucks, had a lot of connections in Fergus Falls, in part because he was involved in Boy Scouts and played soccer in the northwestern Minnesota town.
"He was a very kind, loving boy," Richards said. "He always thought of others, always."
Richards was Novak's Sunday school teacher in Fergus Falls.
"He was a dream kid to teach, very intelligent, he caught on," she said.
Adam's father died in 2002. After his mother remarried the family moved back to Wisconsin, where Adam finished his senior year of high school, Richards said.
After taking a year off, Adam enlisted in the Army. He was "really pumped about it and proud to do it," Richards said. Logan joined shortly afterward.
Adam Novak met his future wife while completing his basic training. They got married in March, surprising his family, Richards said. They had planned to hold a formal wedding ceremony in November when Novak was scheduled to return to Wisconsin.
"He was very respectful," said Richards, who said she drove all night to visit Adam's mother in Wisconsin after the family was notified of his death. "He's the kind of person you want for a best friend."
Flags to fly at half-staff to honor Wis. soldier
The Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Jim Doyle has ordered U.S. and Wisconsin flags to fly at half-staff honor a Wisconsin soldier killed in Afghanistan last month.
All state and federal government buildings as well as Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities must comply on Saturday to honor 20-year-old Pvt. Adam Novak of Prairie du Sac.
Novak, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, was killed in the Paktiya province on Aug. 27 when an improvised explosive device blew up near his vehicle. Spc. Chad Coleman, who grew up in the Milwaukee area, was killed in the same incident.
The governor also has ordered flags be flown at half-staff Saturday in remembrance of Patriot Day, a national day to remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak
The Associated Press
Adam Novak had been full of surprises for his family during the past two years.
He joined the Army in 2009 without first discussing it with them, then came home one day and broke the news, his stepfather, Rick Block, said.
Novak met his future wife, Celeste, during basic training, and they surprised his family by marrying in March. They were planning a formal ceremony for autumn before Novak was killed.
The 20-year-old from Prairie du Sac, Wis., died Aug. 27 of wounds from an improvised explosive device in Paktiya, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Campbell.
The 2008 Sauk Prairie High School graduate grew up in Fergus Falls, Minn., where he was a Boy Scout and played soccer and frisbee.
He was respectful, witty and a good conversationalist — “the kind of person you want for a best friend,” his former Sunday school teacher, Sandy Richards, said.
Novak was the youngest of five children, including a brother who also served in Afghanistan.
“He always had a great attitude and wasn’t afraid to jump in and do hard things,” his sister Brooke Warren said.
Survivors include Novak’s mother, Sue, and his two brothers and two sisters.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, Wis
Pvt. Novak was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 27, 2010 in Paktiya province of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Pfc. Chad D. Coleman.
Wis. soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
SAUK CITY, Wis. — A Wisconsin soldier was killed while serving in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Monday.
Pvt. Adam Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, was killed Friday in the Dzardan district of Afghanistan, the Defense Department said. He had been serving in the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
The military said Novak was one of two soldiers killed when insurgents attacked their vehicle with a roadside bomb in Paktiya, Afghanistan. The other was Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.
"All we know is he was in a heavily armored vehicle and he hit a road bomb," said Novak's stepfather, Rick Block. "They think it was electronically detonated, and they said that's all they know until it's investigated."
Novak was a 2008 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School, according to family friend Sandy Richards of Fergus Falls, Minn. Novak and his family had lived in Fergus Falls for about 11 years before he and his family moved back to Wisconsin in 2008, Richards said.
Novak is survived by his wife, Celeste Stuessy Novak, of Prairie du Sac; his mother, Sue Block, of Prairie du Sac; two sisters; and two brothers
Novak came home one day and told his family he had joined the Army, Block said. While Novak didn't discuss his decision with his family beforehand, Block added that he didn't discourage his stepson from enlisting.
"We worried about him every day, but I think the military is good for some people, and I'm a believer in the cause. We gave him our blessing and kept our fingers crossed," Block said.
Richards said Novak's mother is devastated and noted his brother Logan Novak, 23, also is serving in Afghanistan.
Block said Logan had arrived in Afghanistan just a week ago, and was sent home after they got the news. Block said he didn't want to talk about the prospect of the older brother returning to Afghanistan after the funeral.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Richards said Adam, who worked on military trucks, had a lot of connections in Fergus Falls, in part because he was involved in Boy Scouts and played soccer in the northwestern Minnesota town.
"He was a very kind, loving boy," Richards said. "He always thought of others, always."
Richards was Novak's Sunday school teacher in Fergus Falls.
"He was a dream kid to teach, very intelligent, he caught on," she said.
Adam's father died in 2002. After his mother remarried the family moved back to Wisconsin, where Adam finished his senior year of high school, Richards said.
After taking a year off, Adam enlisted in the Army. He was "really pumped about it and proud to do it," Richards said. Logan joined shortly afterward.
Adam Novak met his future wife while completing his basic training. They got married in March, surprising his family, Richards said. They had planned to hold a formal wedding ceremony in November when Novak was scheduled to return to Wisconsin.
"He was very respectful," said Richards, who said she drove all night to visit Adam's mother in Wisconsin after the family was notified of his death. "He's the kind of person you want for a best friend."
Flags to fly at half-staff to honor Wis. soldier
The Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Jim Doyle has ordered U.S. and Wisconsin flags to fly at half-staff honor a Wisconsin soldier killed in Afghanistan last month.
All state and federal government buildings as well as Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities must comply on Saturday to honor 20-year-old Pvt. Adam Novak of Prairie du Sac.
Novak, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, was killed in the Paktiya province on Aug. 27 when an improvised explosive device blew up near his vehicle. Spc. Chad Coleman, who grew up in the Milwaukee area, was killed in the same incident.
The governor also has ordered flags be flown at half-staff Saturday in remembrance of Patriot Day, a national day to remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak
The Associated Press
Adam Novak had been full of surprises for his family during the past two years.
He joined the Army in 2009 without first discussing it with them, then came home one day and broke the news, his stepfather, Rick Block, said.
Novak met his future wife, Celeste, during basic training, and they surprised his family by marrying in March. They were planning a formal ceremony for autumn before Novak was killed.
The 20-year-old from Prairie du Sac, Wis., died Aug. 27 of wounds from an improvised explosive device in Paktiya, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Campbell.
The 2008 Sauk Prairie High School graduate grew up in Fergus Falls, Minn., where he was a Boy Scout and played soccer and frisbee.
He was respectful, witty and a good conversationalist — “the kind of person you want for a best friend,” his former Sunday school teacher, Sandy Richards, said.
Novak was the youngest of five children, including a brother who also served in Afghanistan.
“He always had a great attitude and wasn’t afraid to jump in and do hard things,” his sister Brooke Warren said.
Survivors include Novak’s mother, Sue, and his two brothers and two sisters.
Army Pvt. Adam J. Novak was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Marine Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, of Pine City, Minn.
MSgt. Fedder was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 27, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A Marine Corps staff noncommissioned officer was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on Friday, military officials announced Monday.
Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, died in the blast while he was conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 1st Marine Logistics Group officials said in a statement. Fedder, of Pine City, Minn., was an explosive ordnance disposal technician and was assigned to 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company at Camp Pendleton.
"It's such a punch in the gut," said Fedder's high school wrestling coach, Wayne Hansmann, after learning that Fedder had been killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province. "It's hard to fathom how much some of these people are willing to sacrifice to do for their country. To go over there three times and risk his life, well, then again, it doesn't surprise me."
Fedder was just that kind of person when he was in high school. "He just had this attitude that when he got into something, he went into it gung-ho. He jumped in with both feet," Hansmann said. "It looks like he did the same thing with his military career. He didn't sit around the edges."
"He was from a small town, and he wanted to see the world," said his aunt, Lori Fedder, of Pine City. Even more, she said, he wanted to serve his country. "He really believed that's where he should be."
Daniel Fedder's parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Lori Fedder said.
Her nephew never talked about the dangers of his job, "but his mom, dad and brother always worried about him."
Lori Fedder said that the hardest part of her nephew's job was being away from his two children, 6-year-old Storm and 10-year-old Danielle, who live with their mother in California. "He was so proud of his kids. ... And he was such a great dad. Danny was just a wonderful, wonderful kid. ... He was a wonderful man."
His grandmother, Florence Fedder, said Daniel graduated from Pine City High School and dedicated his life to the Marines. Pine City is about 65 miles north of Minneapolis. "He was a very nice kid, got good grades in school as far as I know, wanted to make the service his career," Florence Fedder said.
The principal at Pine City High School, George Johnson, said he remembers Fedder well, particularly his passion for wrestling.
"As soon as I heard his name I could see his picture in the yearbook, because he's a very good looking kid, military-style haircut, smile and everything," Johnson said. "Mostly I remember how intense he was as a wrestler, very hardworking kid."
Hansmann remembers when Fedder first came out for wrestling. "He was a bit raw," he said. "I don't think he won a match the whole year. But he stuck with it," he said. Eventually, Fedder earned a varsity spot and became the team's captain.
"I remember one time when he had cauliflower ear. He had just gotten it lanced and his whole head was bandaged up," Hansmann said. "A lot of kids would have said, 'This is too painful and I'm going to sit this one out tonight.' But Dan went out there and wrestled, and I think he won a match for us. ... Dan was the kid who got the most of what he had. He wasn't the most talented kid in the room but he improved the most from when he started to when he graduated. And when you're coaching, that's what it's all about. He got the most out of his potential."
Former teammate Billy Runyan said he lost contact with Fedder after high school, and was "floored" when he read the news about his death Monday. "Dan was such a great guy. It makes me wish we had stayed in touch."
The 16-year veteran had completed combat deployments to Iraq, in 2004 and in 2006, and did an overseas deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2007. He was on his first combat tour in Afghanistan.
His military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy-Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Marine Security Guard Ribbon and the NATO Medal.
His family has asked for privacy as they grieve. Master Sgt. Fedder has a lot of family in Pine City. All respected his mother's wishes by not speaking on camera, but they did say his legacy will be one of honor and integrity, and that he was proud to be a Marine and to serve his country.
Marine Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Marine Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, of Pine City, Minn.
MSgt. Fedder was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Aug. 27, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A Marine Corps staff noncommissioned officer was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on Friday, military officials announced Monday.
Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, died in the blast while he was conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 1st Marine Logistics Group officials said in a statement. Fedder, of Pine City, Minn., was an explosive ordnance disposal technician and was assigned to 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company at Camp Pendleton.
"It's such a punch in the gut," said Fedder's high school wrestling coach, Wayne Hansmann, after learning that Fedder had been killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province. "It's hard to fathom how much some of these people are willing to sacrifice to do for their country. To go over there three times and risk his life, well, then again, it doesn't surprise me."
Fedder was just that kind of person when he was in high school. "He just had this attitude that when he got into something, he went into it gung-ho. He jumped in with both feet," Hansmann said. "It looks like he did the same thing with his military career. He didn't sit around the edges."
"He was from a small town, and he wanted to see the world," said his aunt, Lori Fedder, of Pine City. Even more, she said, he wanted to serve his country. "He really believed that's where he should be."
Daniel Fedder's parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Lori Fedder said.
Her nephew never talked about the dangers of his job, "but his mom, dad and brother always worried about him."
Lori Fedder said that the hardest part of her nephew's job was being away from his two children, 6-year-old Storm and 10-year-old Danielle, who live with their mother in California. "He was so proud of his kids. ... And he was such a great dad. Danny was just a wonderful, wonderful kid. ... He was a wonderful man."
His grandmother, Florence Fedder, said Daniel graduated from Pine City High School and dedicated his life to the Marines. Pine City is about 65 miles north of Minneapolis. "He was a very nice kid, got good grades in school as far as I know, wanted to make the service his career," Florence Fedder said.
The principal at Pine City High School, George Johnson, said he remembers Fedder well, particularly his passion for wrestling.
"As soon as I heard his name I could see his picture in the yearbook, because he's a very good looking kid, military-style haircut, smile and everything," Johnson said. "Mostly I remember how intense he was as a wrestler, very hardworking kid."
Hansmann remembers when Fedder first came out for wrestling. "He was a bit raw," he said. "I don't think he won a match the whole year. But he stuck with it," he said. Eventually, Fedder earned a varsity spot and became the team's captain.
"I remember one time when he had cauliflower ear. He had just gotten it lanced and his whole head was bandaged up," Hansmann said. "A lot of kids would have said, 'This is too painful and I'm going to sit this one out tonight.' But Dan went out there and wrestled, and I think he won a match for us. ... Dan was the kid who got the most of what he had. He wasn't the most talented kid in the room but he improved the most from when he started to when he graduated. And when you're coaching, that's what it's all about. He got the most out of his potential."
Former teammate Billy Runyan said he lost contact with Fedder after high school, and was "floored" when he read the news about his death Monday. "Dan was such a great guy. It makes me wish we had stayed in touch."
The 16-year veteran had completed combat deployments to Iraq, in 2004 and in 2006, and did an overseas deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2007. He was on his first combat tour in Afghanistan.
His military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy-Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Marine Security Guard Ribbon and the NATO Medal.
His family has asked for privacy as they grieve. Master Sgt. Fedder has a lot of family in Pine City. All respected his mother's wishes by not speaking on camera, but they did say his legacy will be one of honor and integrity, and that he was proud to be a Marine and to serve his country.
Marine Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James M. Swink
Remember Our Heroes
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James M. Swink, 20, of Yucca Valley, Calif.
PO3 Swank was assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Forces, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 27, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Posted by his Mom on his Face Book page on August 22nd, 5 days before he was killed:
Be safe,strong,focused and motivated..We love you son ♥ Doc u r our hero♥ August 22 at 7:17am
These are from www.navyformoms.com:
When the news of "Doc"'s death was announced on Facebook, scores of NAVY mothers changed their profile pictures to honor his sacrifice. His star is now gold like his heart. May God comfort his family with the peace that passes understanding. — Karen A. August 29, 2010 at 11:22 a.m.
It came to me as a great shock of my friend who had passed serving his country and his marines. Petty Officer Swink was always a good leader and i found it out fast when him and I, along with others were appointed squad leaders while we were in FMTB together. Petty Officer Swink always had a positive outlook on everything, and came up with great ideas. Not only I will miss him dearly but so will everyone whose life he has touched or came in contact with. My prayers are with his family and will never be forgotten. — HM3 Delorey August 29, 2010 at 5:41 p.m.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James M. Swink was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James M. Swink, 20, of Yucca Valley, Calif.
PO3 Swank was assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Forces, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 27, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Posted by his Mom on his Face Book page on August 22nd, 5 days before he was killed:
Be safe,strong,focused and motivated..We love you son ♥ Doc u r our hero♥ August 22 at 7:17am
These are from www.navyformoms.com:
When the news of "Doc"'s death was announced on Facebook, scores of NAVY mothers changed their profile pictures to honor his sacrifice. His star is now gold like his heart. May God comfort his family with the peace that passes understanding. — Karen A. August 29, 2010 at 11:22 a.m.
It came to me as a great shock of my friend who had passed serving his country and his marines. Petty Officer Swink was always a good leader and i found it out fast when him and I, along with others were appointed squad leaders while we were in FMTB together. Petty Officer Swink always had a positive outlook on everything, and came up with great ideas. Not only I will miss him dearly but so will everyone whose life he has touched or came in contact with. My prayers are with his family and will never be forgotten. — HM3 Delorey August 29, 2010 at 5:41 p.m.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James M. Swink was killed in action on 8/27/10.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Army Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft, 28, of Elkhart, Ind.
Pfc. Shoecraft was assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Aug. 24, 2010 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device at Kakarak, Afghanistan.
Elkhart native Pfc. Justin Shoecraft, 28, died Tuesday in Afghanistan from a road-side bomb. Now, his family is trying to make sense of the tragedy.
"I'm very proud that he joined the army, and I'm proud that he wanted to serve his country. I'm just not proud that they took him," Donna Shoecraft, Justin Shoecraft's mother, said as she held back her tears. "I never thought I'd have to go through this."
Now, Justin Shoecraft's parents, Blue and Donna, are living a parents' worst nightmare. "You never want to bury your child first," Donna Shoecraft said.
It was about 5 p.m. Tuesday evening when the parents saw two men in uniform approach their house. "I saw them pull in the driveway, and I knew right off the bat, that wasn't good," Blue Shoecraft said.
Pfc. Shoecraft joined the Army about two years ago. He was stationed in Germany with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment. He was in Afghanistan for only five weeks.
His father remembers him not only as a soldier but also as his hard-working son. "If you said, 'Hey, I need help with something,' he was there to help you," Blue Shoecraft said. Together they worked on the two things they both loved — old cars and old bicycles.
As Blue and Donna Shoecraft look back at the good memories of their hero, veteran and son, they're reminded of the pain they're feeling right now. "I never wanted to go through this, and I hope another parent never has to go through this," Donna Shoecraft said.
Donna Shoecraft said she thinks troops aren't properly trained before going overseas. "I want them to start informing them better what they are getting themselves into," she said.
Army Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft was killed in action on 8/24/10.
Army Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft, 28, of Elkhart, Ind.
Pfc. Shoecraft was assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Aug. 24, 2010 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device at Kakarak, Afghanistan.
Elkhart native Pfc. Justin Shoecraft, 28, died Tuesday in Afghanistan from a road-side bomb. Now, his family is trying to make sense of the tragedy.
"I'm very proud that he joined the army, and I'm proud that he wanted to serve his country. I'm just not proud that they took him," Donna Shoecraft, Justin Shoecraft's mother, said as she held back her tears. "I never thought I'd have to go through this."
Now, Justin Shoecraft's parents, Blue and Donna, are living a parents' worst nightmare. "You never want to bury your child first," Donna Shoecraft said.
It was about 5 p.m. Tuesday evening when the parents saw two men in uniform approach their house. "I saw them pull in the driveway, and I knew right off the bat, that wasn't good," Blue Shoecraft said.
Pfc. Shoecraft joined the Army about two years ago. He was stationed in Germany with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment. He was in Afghanistan for only five weeks.
His father remembers him not only as a soldier but also as his hard-working son. "If you said, 'Hey, I need help with something,' he was there to help you," Blue Shoecraft said. Together they worked on the two things they both loved — old cars and old bicycles.
As Blue and Donna Shoecraft look back at the good memories of their hero, veteran and son, they're reminded of the pain they're feeling right now. "I never wanted to go through this, and I hope another parent never has to go through this," Donna Shoecraft said.
Donna Shoecraft said she thinks troops aren't properly trained before going overseas. "I want them to start informing them better what they are getting themselves into," she said.
Army Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft was killed in action on 8/24/10.
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