Remember Our Heroes
Family members are mourning the loss of a 24-year-old veteran of the Iraq war who came home two years ago a changed man suffering the after-effects of a traumatic war experience.
Daniel E. Duefield, who served two tours in Iraq before being honorably discharged following injuries he sustained in an explosion, was found dead at his home in Grafton on Wednesday, his mother, Ruth Duefield, said Friday.
"I really am heartbroken," she said.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death, said his uncle, Frederick Duefield. Ruth said Daniel suffered a seizure at about 3 a.m. Wednesday. She said he'd had several seizures in recent months from complications due to the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury suffered in the explosion.
Ruth and Frederick said the family has not ruled out suicide, as Daniel was suffering from the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and may have taken as many as 70 methadone pills in a two-day period.
"He died at his battlefield here at home, in his head," Frederick said. "He didn't die on the battlefield in Iraq. If it wasn't suicide, then it's going to come back that he died from a seizure from his injuries."
Daniel's death was the end of a "nightmare" six-day stretch that began Nov. 12, 2010 when Daniel became irate, got a hold of a gun and made threats to kill himself and others, prompting a response from state police, Ruth said. "The only thing that may have saved us was the fact that he didn't have any bullets," she said. "It was a nightmare in hell."
Frederick said he took Daniel to the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in White River Junction, Vt., that night, where he was admitted against his will. But he was released the next day and on Monday was able to get a prescription for methadone refilled, Ruth said, despite her reports to the VA that he was abusing the drug, which is often used to treat chronic pain. Meanwhile, no counselor tried to contact Daniel after last weekend's incident, she said.
"Why they ever gave him methadone I'll never know," she said. "I feel the VA is partially responsible for his death. I'm just saying the truth as I see it. I just feel that the VA should have followed up a lot more."
He was dead two days later. Of the 80 pills in the bottle on Monday, just 10 were found on Wednesday, Ruth said. She performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, even though she knew it was too late.
"Why was he released from the hospital?" Frederick asked. "He shouldn't have died. He shouldn't have been released from the hospital."
A message left with the VA hospital Friday evening wasn't returned. On its website, the VA says it offers many avenues for veterans with PTSD or depression to seek help, including a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline that connects veterans to a trained professional.
Frederick and Ruth said Daniel also didn't follow through with the counseling he was offered. Ruth said he went to only one counseling session in six months. "I'm not putting all the blame on the hospital," Frederick said. "I blame a portion of this on (Daniel) for not seeking help."
However, he said, "if the disease of PTSD is what it is, you put yourself in denial," he said. "He came back wounded."
According to the VA, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a traumatic event. Symptoms include confusion, anger and depression. The disorder can lead to many problems, including drug addictions and trouble maintaining relationships and employment.
Ruth said Daniel immediately showed signs of PTSD after his discharge from the Army. He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y. He was a gunner on a Humvee while stationed in Iraq, where he fought in the "Triangle of Death" area south of Baghdad, which saw heavy combat against insurgents.
"Before, he was happy-go-lucky. He was always laughing, always smiling," she said. "After the war, he was very much more reserved, very quiet. He started to keep to himself more."
His military vehicle was rocked by an explosion in 2008, resulting in Daniel's injuries and a different person than the one who enlisted in the Army with great enthusiasm, Frederick said.
"He was a great guy. He was loved by his family and friends," he said. "But the war changed him."
"He was a hero," Frederick said. "We were all so proud that he wanted to serve his country and that's how we want him to be remembered, as a hero."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Army 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley, 23, of Sudbury, Mass.
1st Lt Milley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.; died Nov. 30, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small-arms fire.
FORT DRUM, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2010 - A 10th Mountain Division Solider stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, was killed in Logar province, Afghanistan, Tuesday, November 30 from wounds sustained in a small arms weapons attack.
Milley joined the Army in August 2009. After training, he arrived at Fort Polk in August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.
1st Lt. Milley’s awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School.
Sudbury, MA -- Scott Milley, 23, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday during the first month of his deployment with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, according to his father Steven Milley.
Steven Milley said his son wanted to be in the Army since he was three years old. Milley said his son had an "incredible love of life - absolutely not a care in the world and absolutely filled with laughter - until he put his uniform on. And then he became my proudest moment in my life."
Milley was captain of the L-S varsity hockey team and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2009, majoring in psychology and was the executive officer in the school's ROTC program. His father said Milley planned to join the FBI or CIA after his military service.
"I'd like the world to know about Scott, that he wanted no praise for anything he did'' said his father. "We used to find commendations tucked away in drawers. He wanted no limelight and no praise."
But Milley did accomplish much in the Army. He graduated the grueling Ranger school and was featured on a Discovery Channel show. Of the 338 cadets who started Ranger school, only 90 finished. Milley was deployed with the 10th Mountain Division to Baracki Barak, Afghanistan.
After a month in the country, Scott Milley was killed while on foot patrol by small arms fire, his father said. The family does not know any other details about the death. A pair of military officers delivered the news to Scott Milley's mother, Janice, Tuesday evening.
The family, including Milley's older siblings Steven and Ashley are flying to Washington D.C. late today to meet his body and have been told President Obama will meet the body when it arrives in the U.S.
Lt. Colonel Paul Webber, professor of military science in the UNH ROTC program, recalled Milley as a committed student and dedicated officer.
“Scott was an exceptional young man,” Webber said. “He was in my first class when I came to the university and after he graduated we had the opportunity to work together for the summer. He was everything we could have asked for in a cadet and his death is such a loss. Scott was the best that our organization represents. His death is a devastating loss to his family, to the Army and to the nation. We are all mourning Scott’s death and our sympathies go out to his friends and family.”
Sudbury mourns soldier killed in Afghanistan -- Army Ranger shot in insurgent attack
First Lieutenant Scott Milley of Sudbury was captain of his high school ice hockey team and a cum laude graduate from college, but since the age of 3 his ultimate goal was to join the US Army.
Milley, 23, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan’s Logar Province when insurgents attacked his unit, according to the Department of Defense.
Milley, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, was the first person from Sudbury to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Sudbury’s director of veterans services, Brian Stearns. News of Milley’s death rocked the community.
“He was the most lovable kid I ever coached,’’ Peter Elenbaas, one of Milley’s hockey coaches, said in an e-mail to Lincoln-Sudbury staff. “He combined the toughness of a prize-fighter with the effervescent joy and energy of a teenage boy. Truly, a treasure of this high school.’’
Milley’s father, Steve, said yesterday that the family was devastated.
“From the time he was 3 years old, that was his absolute dream, to be an Army man,’’ Steve Milley said. “His dream has now become the family nightmare. The family’s heart has been broken. Our baby son has gone.’’
Scott Milley was caught in a firefight outside Baraki Barak, his father said. Milley was an Army Ranger in the 10th Mountain Division and had been in Afghanistan for only a month.
“He was the happiest, most joyful person without a care in the world,’’ his father said. “His first e-mail home was, ‘Boy, this country’s beautiful.’ ’’
His goal after serving in the military was to join the FBI or the CIA, his father said.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s superintendent, Scott Carpenter, said Milley was popular in school and a prominent student athlete. “The type of scholar he was here and the type of leader he was amongst his peers would have prepared him well for anything,’’ said Carpenter, who was Milley’s house master.
Visitors streamed in and out of the Milleys’ home to comfort the family yesterday, said Alison Corwin, who lives next door.
“It’s such a quiet little town; you don’t expect anything to happen,’’ she said. “It’s definitely a shock to the community.’’
Town officials released a statement yesterday afternoon extending condolences to the family and said they would wait to hear from the family before planning a memorial.
"He's the true American hero, he has always wanted to serve his country," said his uncle Fran Brown.
A flag flutters in the afternoon wind outside the Sudbury, Massachusetts home of First Lieutenant Scott Milley, just 23 years old, shot to death Tuesday in Afghanistan.
He was an elite army ranger in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division who had arrived overseas less than a month ago.
He's a pretty tough kid, It's just sad, it's really just sad," said Brian Stearns, Sudbury's Veterans Services director.
His aunt told me he was a gem, captain of the hockey team at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, a 2005 graduate who then went on to the University of New Hampshire.
There he was in the ROTC program and graduated with honors in 2009.
He has the sad distinction of being the first serviceman from Sudbury to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"And I hope we don't have any more, I tell ya. It's just not a good thing. He served his country well and we're very proud of him," Stearns said.
"He loved god, country, and family," Brown said.
Scott Milley was baptized on the day of his ranger graduation.
He leaves behind a close-knit family, his parents and an older brother and sister.
Back outside the family home, his uncle Fran Brown said his nephew always wanted to be a soldier.
"Everyone is very devastated, it's going to be a long time before anyone gets over it," Brown added.
In an email sent this morning to the Lincoln-Sudbury staff, his hockey coach, Peter Elenbaas wrote,
"I had the privilege of coaching Scott for four years in hockey. He was the most lovable kid I ever coached. He combined the toughness of a prize-fighter with the effervescent joy and energy of a teenage boy. Truly, a treasure of this high school."
Army 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley was killed in action on 11/30/10.
Army 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley, 23, of Sudbury, Mass.
1st Lt Milley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.; died Nov. 30, 2010 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small-arms fire.
FORT DRUM, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2010 - A 10th Mountain Division Solider stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, was killed in Logar province, Afghanistan, Tuesday, November 30 from wounds sustained in a small arms weapons attack.
Milley joined the Army in August 2009. After training, he arrived at Fort Polk in August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.
1st Lt. Milley’s awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School.
Sudbury, MA -- Scott Milley, 23, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday during the first month of his deployment with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, according to his father Steven Milley.
Steven Milley said his son wanted to be in the Army since he was three years old. Milley said his son had an "incredible love of life - absolutely not a care in the world and absolutely filled with laughter - until he put his uniform on. And then he became my proudest moment in my life."
Milley was captain of the L-S varsity hockey team and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2009, majoring in psychology and was the executive officer in the school's ROTC program. His father said Milley planned to join the FBI or CIA after his military service.
"I'd like the world to know about Scott, that he wanted no praise for anything he did'' said his father. "We used to find commendations tucked away in drawers. He wanted no limelight and no praise."
But Milley did accomplish much in the Army. He graduated the grueling Ranger school and was featured on a Discovery Channel show. Of the 338 cadets who started Ranger school, only 90 finished. Milley was deployed with the 10th Mountain Division to Baracki Barak, Afghanistan.
After a month in the country, Scott Milley was killed while on foot patrol by small arms fire, his father said. The family does not know any other details about the death. A pair of military officers delivered the news to Scott Milley's mother, Janice, Tuesday evening.
The family, including Milley's older siblings Steven and Ashley are flying to Washington D.C. late today to meet his body and have been told President Obama will meet the body when it arrives in the U.S.
Lt. Colonel Paul Webber, professor of military science in the UNH ROTC program, recalled Milley as a committed student and dedicated officer.
“Scott was an exceptional young man,” Webber said. “He was in my first class when I came to the university and after he graduated we had the opportunity to work together for the summer. He was everything we could have asked for in a cadet and his death is such a loss. Scott was the best that our organization represents. His death is a devastating loss to his family, to the Army and to the nation. We are all mourning Scott’s death and our sympathies go out to his friends and family.”
Sudbury mourns soldier killed in Afghanistan -- Army Ranger shot in insurgent attack
First Lieutenant Scott Milley of Sudbury was captain of his high school ice hockey team and a cum laude graduate from college, but since the age of 3 his ultimate goal was to join the US Army.
Milley, 23, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan’s Logar Province when insurgents attacked his unit, according to the Department of Defense.
Milley, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, was the first person from Sudbury to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Sudbury’s director of veterans services, Brian Stearns. News of Milley’s death rocked the community.
“He was the most lovable kid I ever coached,’’ Peter Elenbaas, one of Milley’s hockey coaches, said in an e-mail to Lincoln-Sudbury staff. “He combined the toughness of a prize-fighter with the effervescent joy and energy of a teenage boy. Truly, a treasure of this high school.’’
Milley’s father, Steve, said yesterday that the family was devastated.
“From the time he was 3 years old, that was his absolute dream, to be an Army man,’’ Steve Milley said. “His dream has now become the family nightmare. The family’s heart has been broken. Our baby son has gone.’’
Scott Milley was caught in a firefight outside Baraki Barak, his father said. Milley was an Army Ranger in the 10th Mountain Division and had been in Afghanistan for only a month.
“He was the happiest, most joyful person without a care in the world,’’ his father said. “His first e-mail home was, ‘Boy, this country’s beautiful.’ ’’
His goal after serving in the military was to join the FBI or the CIA, his father said.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s superintendent, Scott Carpenter, said Milley was popular in school and a prominent student athlete. “The type of scholar he was here and the type of leader he was amongst his peers would have prepared him well for anything,’’ said Carpenter, who was Milley’s house master.
Visitors streamed in and out of the Milleys’ home to comfort the family yesterday, said Alison Corwin, who lives next door.
“It’s such a quiet little town; you don’t expect anything to happen,’’ she said. “It’s definitely a shock to the community.’’
Town officials released a statement yesterday afternoon extending condolences to the family and said they would wait to hear from the family before planning a memorial.
"He's the true American hero, he has always wanted to serve his country," said his uncle Fran Brown.
A flag flutters in the afternoon wind outside the Sudbury, Massachusetts home of First Lieutenant Scott Milley, just 23 years old, shot to death Tuesday in Afghanistan.
He was an elite army ranger in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division who had arrived overseas less than a month ago.
He's a pretty tough kid, It's just sad, it's really just sad," said Brian Stearns, Sudbury's Veterans Services director.
His aunt told me he was a gem, captain of the hockey team at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, a 2005 graduate who then went on to the University of New Hampshire.
There he was in the ROTC program and graduated with honors in 2009.
He has the sad distinction of being the first serviceman from Sudbury to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"And I hope we don't have any more, I tell ya. It's just not a good thing. He served his country well and we're very proud of him," Stearns said.
"He loved god, country, and family," Brown said.
Scott Milley was baptized on the day of his ranger graduation.
He leaves behind a close-knit family, his parents and an older brother and sister.
Back outside the family home, his uncle Fran Brown said his nephew always wanted to be a soldier.
"Everyone is very devastated, it's going to be a long time before anyone gets over it," Brown added.
In an email sent this morning to the Lincoln-Sudbury staff, his hockey coach, Peter Elenbaas wrote,
"I had the privilege of coaching Scott for four years in hockey. He was the most lovable kid I ever coached. He combined the toughness of a prize-fighter with the effervescent joy and energy of a teenage boy. Truly, a treasure of this high school."
Army 1st Lt. Scott F. Milley was killed in action on 11/30/10.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Army Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, Calif.
Spc. Ramsey was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Specialist Matthew Wayne Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, CA, was an Infantryman who joined the Army in April 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2008.
His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Air Assault Badge.
Ramsey is survived by his wife, Mirella Ramsey; son, Zachary Ramsey of Lancaster, CA and parents, William and Melissa Cochran.
Army Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, Calif.
Spc. Ramsey was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Specialist Matthew Wayne Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, CA, was an Infantryman who joined the Army in April 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2008.
His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Air Assault Badge.
Ramsey is survived by his wife, Mirella Ramsey; son, Zachary Ramsey of Lancaster, CA and parents, William and Melissa Cochran.
Army Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio
SSgt Oakes was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Staff Sergeant Curtis Allen Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio, was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in March 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2004.
His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Driver and Mechanic Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Oakes is survived by his wife, Brandi Oakes; son, Bradley Oakes and step-son, Tyler Jones, all of Clarksville, Tennessee. Oakes is also survived by his daughter Mia Robus of White City, KS and his parents Terry and Valarie Oakes of Athens, Ohio.
Army Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio
SSgt Oakes was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Staff Sergeant Curtis Allen Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio, was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in March 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2004.
His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Driver and Mechanic Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Oakes is survived by his wife, Brandi Oakes; son, Bradley Oakes and step-son, Tyler Jones, all of Clarksville, Tennessee. Oakes is also survived by his daughter Mia Robus of White City, KS and his parents Terry and Valarie Oakes of Athens, Ohio.
Army Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pfc. Austin G. Staggs
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Austin G. Staggs, 19, of Senoia, Ga.
Pfc Staggs was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
A Weatherford soldier was killed Monday along with five other U.S servicemen while on a training exercise in Eastern Afghanistan.
Austin Staggs, 19, attended Weatherford High School until his junior year before transferring to North Hills Private School in Millsap for his senior year in 2008.
Staggs’ unit came under attack when a border policeman turned his weapon on American troops, killing all six soldiers before being killed in a gun battle, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force said.
The incident appears to be one of the worst in a string of attacks in which members of Afghan security forces have turned against the international troops with whom they’re supposed to be partnered.
The shooting took place in Nangarhar province, in the remote district of Pachir Agam, Afghan and U.S. officials said. The district, which borders Pakistan, is home to the Tora Bora mountains, where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden made a last stand against invading U.S.-led forces in late 2001 before escaping to Pakistan.
“He’s a good kid. He had a good heart. He loved people. He finished what he started. He accomplished his goal,” said Kaye Jordan, Staggs' mother.
Army Pvt. Austin G. Staggs, who was deployed in June, was killed, his family confirmed. “He was just a child,” said Staggs’ stepfather Judd Jordan, with emotion heavy in his voice.
Jordan and his wife, Kaye, Staggs’ mother, were unable to comment further because they headed out Tuesday to Dover, Del., to view Staggs’ body.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Department of Defense spokesman declined to give specifics about the incident, citing a 72-hour wait period for families to be informed of the incident. Information will likely be released today.
The Afghanistant News Net noted six soldiers were killed Monday by a man dressed as a police officer, who fired upon them. It is not yet known if that incident was the one in which Staggs died, and names of the soldiers who died in that incident were not released Tuesday.
Staggs lived with his mother and stepfather in Weatherford from 2000 to 2009, Jordan said. According to a release put out by the Army in February, Staggs graduated from the Fire Support Specialist Advanced Individual Training Course at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. Specialists in that field serve in intelligence activities, such as division artillery, cannon battalions and fire support.
According to a family member, Staggs has been married for about nine months and has a 2-year-old son. Staggs is the son of Kaye L. Jordan of Henry Lane, Weatherford, Texas, and Byram G. Staggs of Lone Oak Drive, Senoia, Ga.
Private 1st Class Austin Garrett Staggs, 19, of Senoia, GA, was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2010. His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
Staggs is survived by his wife, Sheena Staggs of Clarksville, Tennessee; son, Kallen O’Neal of Weatherford, Texas; parents, Byram Staggs of Senoia, GA and Kaye Jordan of Weatherford, Texas.
Army Pfc. Austin G. Staggs was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pfc. Austin G. Staggs, 19, of Senoia, Ga.
Pfc Staggs was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
A Weatherford soldier was killed Monday along with five other U.S servicemen while on a training exercise in Eastern Afghanistan.
Austin Staggs, 19, attended Weatherford High School until his junior year before transferring to North Hills Private School in Millsap for his senior year in 2008.
Staggs’ unit came under attack when a border policeman turned his weapon on American troops, killing all six soldiers before being killed in a gun battle, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force said.
The incident appears to be one of the worst in a string of attacks in which members of Afghan security forces have turned against the international troops with whom they’re supposed to be partnered.
The shooting took place in Nangarhar province, in the remote district of Pachir Agam, Afghan and U.S. officials said. The district, which borders Pakistan, is home to the Tora Bora mountains, where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden made a last stand against invading U.S.-led forces in late 2001 before escaping to Pakistan.
“He’s a good kid. He had a good heart. He loved people. He finished what he started. He accomplished his goal,” said Kaye Jordan, Staggs' mother.
Army Pvt. Austin G. Staggs, who was deployed in June, was killed, his family confirmed. “He was just a child,” said Staggs’ stepfather Judd Jordan, with emotion heavy in his voice.
Jordan and his wife, Kaye, Staggs’ mother, were unable to comment further because they headed out Tuesday to Dover, Del., to view Staggs’ body.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Department of Defense spokesman declined to give specifics about the incident, citing a 72-hour wait period for families to be informed of the incident. Information will likely be released today.
The Afghanistant News Net noted six soldiers were killed Monday by a man dressed as a police officer, who fired upon them. It is not yet known if that incident was the one in which Staggs died, and names of the soldiers who died in that incident were not released Tuesday.
Staggs lived with his mother and stepfather in Weatherford from 2000 to 2009, Jordan said. According to a release put out by the Army in February, Staggs graduated from the Fire Support Specialist Advanced Individual Training Course at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. Specialists in that field serve in intelligence activities, such as division artillery, cannon battalions and fire support.
According to a family member, Staggs has been married for about nine months and has a 2-year-old son. Staggs is the son of Kaye L. Jordan of Henry Lane, Weatherford, Texas, and Byram G. Staggs of Lone Oak Drive, Senoia, Ga.
Private 1st Class Austin Garrett Staggs, 19, of Senoia, GA, was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2010. His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
Staggs is survived by his wife, Sheena Staggs of Clarksville, Tennessee; son, Kallen O’Neal of Weatherford, Texas; parents, Byram Staggs of Senoia, GA and Kaye Jordan of Weatherford, Texas.
Army Pfc. Austin G. Staggs was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pvt. Buddy W. McLain
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pvt. Buddy W. McLain, 24, of Mexico, Maine
Pvt. McLain was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen and Pfc. Austin G. Staggs.
For the third time in a month, a Mainer has died while on duty in Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday.
Pvt. Buddy McLain "was one hell of a nice kid, immediately likable," said his friend Robert Acheson of Dixfield.
Army Pvt. Buddy McLain, 24, of Mexico was killed by enemy fire Monday, according to Gov. John Baldacci's office. McLain was a cavalry scout with the 101st Airborne Division.
The wife of a Maine soldier killed by an Afghan police officer says he had misgivings about training and arming Afghans.
Chelsea McLain of Peru says Pvt. Buddy McLain expressed his concern a week before his death. She said he told her he was going on a dangerous mission. She told the Sun Journal, "He didn't think it was right to train these people and give them guns."
One of three brothers, McLain graduated from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, school officials said. He was deployed on June 27 to Afghanistan for six months.
Jonathan True, 21, of Mexico said he was shocked when he learned Monday that his best friend had been killed.
True said that after McLain married Chelsea Freeman, he was stationed with the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Ky. After completing basic training, he returned home for 30 days this spring and met his baby son, Owen, for the first time.
True said McLain graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 2006 and joined the Army to provide for his family because he had no job or money, and was stuck in a small town that didn't offer good job opportunities.
"People told him that he wasn't going to make it in life and that he was a nobody, and he was like, 'Well, all right, I'm going to prove you all wrong,' and the one way he could do that was by joining the military," True said.
People told McLain he'd never make it through boot camp, True said. "But one day he came back in uniform and he proved everybody wrong."
Christmas lights, frosted pine cones and a red bow adorned a wreath placed on a Congress Street lamppost around a shield bearing the name of U.S. Army Pvt. Buddy McLain. It and others like it were made by former Selectman J. Arthur Boivin and placed this summer on lampposts lining the street to honor River Valley soldiers deployed to Afghanistan.
Boivin learned Tuesday that McLain, 24, of Peru was killed by enemy fire on Monday in Afghanistan, according to reports from Maine's top elected officials and Gov. John Baldacci.
Because the shield was modeled after Rumford firefighter and police shields, Boivin and area military officials will soon place a black band across the bottom half of the shield below McLain's name. That's what police and firefighters do when one of their own is killed on duty, he said.
McLain was one of six U.S. troops killed in an attack by an Afghan border policeman during a training mission in Nangarhar province near the Pakistan border. The attacker was killed in the shootout, and the Taliban claimed responsibility for the killings, according to published reports.
McLain leaves behind his wife, Chelsea McLain, 20, and 15-month-old son, Owen, according to a story on WMTW TV's website Tuesday. "He knew he was going to come home a hero; we just didn't want it to be this way," Chelsea McLain said.
McLain said her husband last spoke with them shortly before heading out on a mission he said was going to be dangerous. "He called my son a couple weeks ago — our son — and he said how proud he was of him, and how he couldn't wait to come home and go sledding and build snowmen," she said.
In the same story, McLain's high school Principal Matthew Gilbert said the 2006 graduate of Mountain Valley High School met the goal listed in his high school yearbook profile, that of making something of himself and making his parents proud.
"That one hits home pretty hard," Gilbert said. "I think that he met that ambition. It was his goal to go make something of his life and make a good life for his family."
Chelsea McLain said life wasn't going to be the same without her husband. "He was my high school sweetheart," she said. "It was hard being in the military and being apart so long, but I'm so thankful we have a son together. I can watch him grow up. It's so hard knowing that I'm going to grow old without him."
Rumford Town Manager Carlo Puiia said McLain's shield would likely be taken down at some point and presented to his parents or to his wife and young son.
“We're proud of our veterans and you'd like to think they will come home,” Puiia said. “It's a sad day for the family and the town. It's horrible.”
“Almost everyone in the country has a veteran from a former war or current," he said. "But when it hits home like this, it's shocking to your mind when you lose someone that young from your community.”
Townspeople and officials reacted with stunned disbelief and sorrow in mourning the loss of McLain, a cavalry scout with the Army's 2nd Squadron, 61st Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
“It's god-awful sad,” Robert Acheson of Dixfield said Tuesday of the young man he'd met several months prior through friends. “He was one hell of a nice kid, immediately likable.”
“I am devastated,” said state Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico. She met McLain a few times while working at the Mexico Town Office and through the young man's father, Larry McLain of Mexico.
“They're a good family,” Briggs said. “Larry has worked very hard and struggled to take care of and be there for his children.”
“It's an awful thing,” she said. Buddy “gave us the ultimate sacrifice and I'm just devastated. All we can do is be there for his family and support them in our prayers. It's just unbelievable.”
Briggs said the American Legion Auxiliary in Rumford and Mexico residents were taking news of Buddy's death “very hard.”
The auxiliary, she said, had just completed a shipment of Comforts From Home care packages for deployed servicemen and women; they had specifically mailed two to Buddy.
Peru Town Clerk Vera Parent said she was stunned by the news. Buddy and his wife, Chelsea, moved from Mexico to Peru, where his widow now lives with their young son, Owen.
Rumford's American Legion Post 24, of which McLain was a member, will provide full military honors during a legion ceremony at his funeral, Commander Bryan Lucas said.
And, sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, the legion will conduct a Gold Star ceremony for McLain's family. Gold Stars are presented to families of service members who lose their lives.
Army Pvt. Buddy W. McLain was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pvt. Buddy W. McLain, 24, of Mexico, Maine
Pvt. McLain was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen and Pfc. Austin G. Staggs.
For the third time in a month, a Mainer has died while on duty in Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday.
Pvt. Buddy McLain "was one hell of a nice kid, immediately likable," said his friend Robert Acheson of Dixfield.
Army Pvt. Buddy McLain, 24, of Mexico was killed by enemy fire Monday, according to Gov. John Baldacci's office. McLain was a cavalry scout with the 101st Airborne Division.
The wife of a Maine soldier killed by an Afghan police officer says he had misgivings about training and arming Afghans.
Chelsea McLain of Peru says Pvt. Buddy McLain expressed his concern a week before his death. She said he told her he was going on a dangerous mission. She told the Sun Journal, "He didn't think it was right to train these people and give them guns."
One of three brothers, McLain graduated from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, school officials said. He was deployed on June 27 to Afghanistan for six months.
Jonathan True, 21, of Mexico said he was shocked when he learned Monday that his best friend had been killed.
True said that after McLain married Chelsea Freeman, he was stationed with the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Ky. After completing basic training, he returned home for 30 days this spring and met his baby son, Owen, for the first time.
True said McLain graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 2006 and joined the Army to provide for his family because he had no job or money, and was stuck in a small town that didn't offer good job opportunities.
"People told him that he wasn't going to make it in life and that he was a nobody, and he was like, 'Well, all right, I'm going to prove you all wrong,' and the one way he could do that was by joining the military," True said.
People told McLain he'd never make it through boot camp, True said. "But one day he came back in uniform and he proved everybody wrong."
Christmas lights, frosted pine cones and a red bow adorned a wreath placed on a Congress Street lamppost around a shield bearing the name of U.S. Army Pvt. Buddy McLain. It and others like it were made by former Selectman J. Arthur Boivin and placed this summer on lampposts lining the street to honor River Valley soldiers deployed to Afghanistan.
Boivin learned Tuesday that McLain, 24, of Peru was killed by enemy fire on Monday in Afghanistan, according to reports from Maine's top elected officials and Gov. John Baldacci.
Because the shield was modeled after Rumford firefighter and police shields, Boivin and area military officials will soon place a black band across the bottom half of the shield below McLain's name. That's what police and firefighters do when one of their own is killed on duty, he said.
McLain was one of six U.S. troops killed in an attack by an Afghan border policeman during a training mission in Nangarhar province near the Pakistan border. The attacker was killed in the shootout, and the Taliban claimed responsibility for the killings, according to published reports.
McLain leaves behind his wife, Chelsea McLain, 20, and 15-month-old son, Owen, according to a story on WMTW TV's website Tuesday. "He knew he was going to come home a hero; we just didn't want it to be this way," Chelsea McLain said.
McLain said her husband last spoke with them shortly before heading out on a mission he said was going to be dangerous. "He called my son a couple weeks ago — our son — and he said how proud he was of him, and how he couldn't wait to come home and go sledding and build snowmen," she said.
In the same story, McLain's high school Principal Matthew Gilbert said the 2006 graduate of Mountain Valley High School met the goal listed in his high school yearbook profile, that of making something of himself and making his parents proud.
"That one hits home pretty hard," Gilbert said. "I think that he met that ambition. It was his goal to go make something of his life and make a good life for his family."
Chelsea McLain said life wasn't going to be the same without her husband. "He was my high school sweetheart," she said. "It was hard being in the military and being apart so long, but I'm so thankful we have a son together. I can watch him grow up. It's so hard knowing that I'm going to grow old without him."
Rumford Town Manager Carlo Puiia said McLain's shield would likely be taken down at some point and presented to his parents or to his wife and young son.
“We're proud of our veterans and you'd like to think they will come home,” Puiia said. “It's a sad day for the family and the town. It's horrible.”
“Almost everyone in the country has a veteran from a former war or current," he said. "But when it hits home like this, it's shocking to your mind when you lose someone that young from your community.”
Townspeople and officials reacted with stunned disbelief and sorrow in mourning the loss of McLain, a cavalry scout with the Army's 2nd Squadron, 61st Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
“It's god-awful sad,” Robert Acheson of Dixfield said Tuesday of the young man he'd met several months prior through friends. “He was one hell of a nice kid, immediately likable.”
“I am devastated,” said state Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico. She met McLain a few times while working at the Mexico Town Office and through the young man's father, Larry McLain of Mexico.
“They're a good family,” Briggs said. “Larry has worked very hard and struggled to take care of and be there for his children.”
“It's an awful thing,” she said. Buddy “gave us the ultimate sacrifice and I'm just devastated. All we can do is be there for his family and support them in our prayers. It's just unbelievable.”
Briggs said the American Legion Auxiliary in Rumford and Mexico residents were taking news of Buddy's death “very hard.”
The auxiliary, she said, had just completed a shipment of Comforts From Home care packages for deployed servicemen and women; they had specifically mailed two to Buddy.
Peru Town Clerk Vera Parent said she was stunned by the news. Buddy and his wife, Chelsea, moved from Mexico to Peru, where his widow now lives with their young son, Owen.
Rumford's American Legion Post 24, of which McLain was a member, will provide full military honors during a legion ceremony at his funeral, Commander Bryan Lucas said.
And, sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, the legion will conduct a Gold Star ceremony for McLain's family. Gold Stars are presented to families of service members who lose their lives.
Army Pvt. Buddy W. McLain was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, 21, of Beaver Dam, Wis.
Pfc Gassen was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Pfc. Jacob Gassen, a former UW Oshkosh student, was killed Monday while on duty as a medic in Afghanistan.
Back home, family and friends shared memories about Gassen's life.
Jeff Rauscher said Gassen had been his neighbor since he was 8 years old, and they had been best friends almost the whole time they knew each other.
"He was like my brother," Rauscher said. "We were really close up until he went to college, but then when he came home we were close again right up until he joined the Army. He kept in touch the whole time he was in Afghanistan, too. The last time I talked to him was the day before he died."
Rauscher said he would always remember Gassen by what made him such a great friend. "He was an easy-going, happy person," Rauscher said. "He got along with everybody. He never had any enemies."
Even more than being an enjoyable person to be around, Rauscher described Gassen as a huge role model in his life. "Every time he'd come home, he'd tell me if I was doing something stupid, and he would encourage me to change it," Rauscher said. "The last time I saw him, he saw how I had changed some things in my life and he told me he was proud of me."
Rauscher said Gassen was just as loyal to his country as he was to his friends.
"The day before he left for Afghanistan he cried on my shoulder, saying he didn't want to go, but he did," Rauscher said.
Rich Zeman, the orchestra teacher for Beaver Dam High School, where Gassen graduated from in 2008, said he will always remember Gassen for his loyalty.
"The viola is sort of in between the violin and the cello," Zeman said, "and it's that instrument that nobody ever really notices."
According to Zeman, Gassen was one of the few people that did take notice of the instrument and was very loyal to it. "He was never a great player, but he was a dependable young man and you knew it was going to be a big part of his life," Zeman said.
Zemen said the last time he saw Gassen was after he finished basic training in the spring of 2009, and Gassen surprised him with just how loyal to the instrument he was. "He said, ‘come here, I've got to show you something,' and there on his right side was an alto clef, a musical symbol unique to the viola," Zemen said. "You really don't know what it is unless you're a musician."
"The joke was that the guys in the Army asked him what it was since they didn't know, and he decided to tell them it was a Chinese symbol that meant ‘good luck,'" Zemen said.
Steve Vessey, the superintendent of Beaver Dam High School, said that he remembered Gassen as a hardworking young man. "You saw that in the school orchestra, and the Beaver Dam Area Orchestra, and in his work at the YMCA," Vessey said. "He was very popular there."
Vessey added how Gassen played a part in getting the boys' swim team at the YMCA started. "He worked both as a lifeguard and as a mentor for the young people there," Vessey said. "He was well-liked by everyone."
Greg Gassen says his son, Jacob, who turned 21 on Nov. 19, was serving as a medic in his first tour of duty when he was killed. U.S. Army officials broke the news to Gassen at his Beaver Dam home Monday afternoon. Gassen says he doesn't yet know the details surrounding his son's death.
Gassen says he last talked to his son Sunday. He says Jacob was looking forward to coming home for a visit. The family planned a combined birthday and Christmas celebration when Jacob was scheduled for leave in January.
On Tuesday night, the Gassen family flew to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of Jacob’s remains. A ceremony for the family is being held there today, and then the family will return to Beaver Dam.
Gassen’s body will follow in several days accompanied by a military escort that will include Beaver Dam native Mike Richardson. Richardson, a U.S. Marine stationed in Pensacola, Fla., was a friend of Jacob, according to Gassen’s father Greg Gassen.
“Mike is really honored that he can escort Jacob’s remains back here,” Gassen said.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.
Greg Gassen said the family has no further details about his son’s death. “Each day is a day we have to get through,” Gassen said. “He was my little boy. I’m going to miss him badly.”
Classmates have established a memorial fund in his name, according to 2008 class vice president Brittany Clifton, who said the funds may be used for a scholarship. “I felt it was something we should do as a class,” Clifton said.
Gassen also was being remembered Tuesday at St. Jerome School in Columbus where he attended first through fifth grade from 1996 to 2001.
“All of our thoughts and prayers from the entire community of St. Jerome School go out to the Gassen family at the loss of their son Jacob in Afghanistan,” said St. Jerome principal Jamie Cotter. “This week students are remembering Jacob in their daily prayer.”
Gail Tietz, the fifth grade teacher at St. Jerome said, “Jacob was a student that usually had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. He was creative and at times, mischievous. It came as no surprise to me that he was serving his country.”
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, 21, of Beaver Dam, Wis.
Pfc Gassen was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Pfc. Jacob Gassen, a former UW Oshkosh student, was killed Monday while on duty as a medic in Afghanistan.
Back home, family and friends shared memories about Gassen's life.
Jeff Rauscher said Gassen had been his neighbor since he was 8 years old, and they had been best friends almost the whole time they knew each other.
"He was like my brother," Rauscher said. "We were really close up until he went to college, but then when he came home we were close again right up until he joined the Army. He kept in touch the whole time he was in Afghanistan, too. The last time I talked to him was the day before he died."
Rauscher said he would always remember Gassen by what made him such a great friend. "He was an easy-going, happy person," Rauscher said. "He got along with everybody. He never had any enemies."
Even more than being an enjoyable person to be around, Rauscher described Gassen as a huge role model in his life. "Every time he'd come home, he'd tell me if I was doing something stupid, and he would encourage me to change it," Rauscher said. "The last time I saw him, he saw how I had changed some things in my life and he told me he was proud of me."
Rauscher said Gassen was just as loyal to his country as he was to his friends.
"The day before he left for Afghanistan he cried on my shoulder, saying he didn't want to go, but he did," Rauscher said.
Rich Zeman, the orchestra teacher for Beaver Dam High School, where Gassen graduated from in 2008, said he will always remember Gassen for his loyalty.
"The viola is sort of in between the violin and the cello," Zeman said, "and it's that instrument that nobody ever really notices."
According to Zeman, Gassen was one of the few people that did take notice of the instrument and was very loyal to it. "He was never a great player, but he was a dependable young man and you knew it was going to be a big part of his life," Zeman said.
Zemen said the last time he saw Gassen was after he finished basic training in the spring of 2009, and Gassen surprised him with just how loyal to the instrument he was. "He said, ‘come here, I've got to show you something,' and there on his right side was an alto clef, a musical symbol unique to the viola," Zemen said. "You really don't know what it is unless you're a musician."
"The joke was that the guys in the Army asked him what it was since they didn't know, and he decided to tell them it was a Chinese symbol that meant ‘good luck,'" Zemen said.
Steve Vessey, the superintendent of Beaver Dam High School, said that he remembered Gassen as a hardworking young man. "You saw that in the school orchestra, and the Beaver Dam Area Orchestra, and in his work at the YMCA," Vessey said. "He was very popular there."
Vessey added how Gassen played a part in getting the boys' swim team at the YMCA started. "He worked both as a lifeguard and as a mentor for the young people there," Vessey said. "He was well-liked by everyone."
Greg Gassen says his son, Jacob, who turned 21 on Nov. 19, was serving as a medic in his first tour of duty when he was killed. U.S. Army officials broke the news to Gassen at his Beaver Dam home Monday afternoon. Gassen says he doesn't yet know the details surrounding his son's death.
Gassen says he last talked to his son Sunday. He says Jacob was looking forward to coming home for a visit. The family planned a combined birthday and Christmas celebration when Jacob was scheduled for leave in January.
On Tuesday night, the Gassen family flew to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of Jacob’s remains. A ceremony for the family is being held there today, and then the family will return to Beaver Dam.
Gassen’s body will follow in several days accompanied by a military escort that will include Beaver Dam native Mike Richardson. Richardson, a U.S. Marine stationed in Pensacola, Fla., was a friend of Jacob, according to Gassen’s father Greg Gassen.
“Mike is really honored that he can escort Jacob’s remains back here,” Gassen said.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.
Greg Gassen said the family has no further details about his son’s death. “Each day is a day we have to get through,” Gassen said. “He was my little boy. I’m going to miss him badly.”
Classmates have established a memorial fund in his name, according to 2008 class vice president Brittany Clifton, who said the funds may be used for a scholarship. “I felt it was something we should do as a class,” Clifton said.
Gassen also was being remembered Tuesday at St. Jerome School in Columbus where he attended first through fifth grade from 1996 to 2001.
“All of our thoughts and prayers from the entire community of St. Jerome School go out to the Gassen family at the loss of their son Jacob in Afghanistan,” said St. Jerome principal Jamie Cotter. “This week students are remembering Jacob in their daily prayer.”
Gail Tietz, the fifth grade teacher at St. Jerome said, “Jacob was a student that usually had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. He was creative and at times, mischievous. It came as no surprise to me that he was serving his country.”
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, Ind.
SFC Jarvis was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Sgt. 1st Class Barry Jarvis, born Nov. 24, 1974, the son of Bill and Alma Jean Jarvis, was a “jack of all trades” and a “leader who took in newcomers and took care of them,” according to his brother and sister, Johnny Jarvis and Tressie James. Bill Jarvis now resides in Jacksonville, Fla.
Barry Jarvis graduated from Army basic training in May 1998 and “lived for the military and for Harley Davidson motorcycles,” his brother and sister said Wednesday. She added that her brother was “always the life of the party who could make a person laugh.”
He was primarily a cavalry scout, but had undergone training to become a drill sergeant “because he wanted to be home, close to his family,” James said. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., before deploying to Afghanistan Aug. 23. He has also served at Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Lewis, Wash., and in Korea.
His wife, Tina Jarvis, posted a message on his Facebook page Wednesday: "Today is the day that they are bringing Barry home. He will be brought in at Dover Delaware at the airfield. I miss you so much Barry."
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina, and four children ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. Funeral arrangements were being handled by Huber Funeral Home and were pending the return of his body through Dover Air Force Base, Del. He was to be buried at Deer Creek Cemetery.
Sergeant 1st Class Barry Edward Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, IN, was a Cavalry Scout who joined the Army in May 1999 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2009. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina L. Jarvis; daughters, Kitaira and Aleesha Jarvis and sons, Donovan and William, all of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his parents, William Jarvis of Atlantic Beach, FL and Alma Jarvis of Tell City, IN.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, Ind.
SFC Jarvis was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 29, 2010 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, Pfc. Austin G. Staggs and Pvt. Buddy W. McLain.
Sgt. 1st Class Barry Jarvis, born Nov. 24, 1974, the son of Bill and Alma Jean Jarvis, was a “jack of all trades” and a “leader who took in newcomers and took care of them,” according to his brother and sister, Johnny Jarvis and Tressie James. Bill Jarvis now resides in Jacksonville, Fla.
Barry Jarvis graduated from Army basic training in May 1998 and “lived for the military and for Harley Davidson motorcycles,” his brother and sister said Wednesday. She added that her brother was “always the life of the party who could make a person laugh.”
He was primarily a cavalry scout, but had undergone training to become a drill sergeant “because he wanted to be home, close to his family,” James said. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., before deploying to Afghanistan Aug. 23. He has also served at Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Lewis, Wash., and in Korea.
His wife, Tina Jarvis, posted a message on his Facebook page Wednesday: "Today is the day that they are bringing Barry home. He will be brought in at Dover Delaware at the airfield. I miss you so much Barry."
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina, and four children ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. Funeral arrangements were being handled by Huber Funeral Home and were pending the return of his body through Dover Air Force Base, Del. He was to be buried at Deer Creek Cemetery.
Sergeant 1st Class Barry Edward Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, IN, was a Cavalry Scout who joined the Army in May 1999 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2009. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina L. Jarvis; daughters, Kitaira and Aleesha Jarvis and sons, Donovan and William, all of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his parents, William Jarvis of Atlantic Beach, FL and Alma Jarvis of Tell City, IN.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis was killed in action on 11/29/10.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Airforce Senior Airman Tre Porfirio
Remember Our Heroes
An 88th Communication Squadron voice network systems technician wounded in action on November 21, 2009, one year ago in Afghanistan, died Nov. 28, 2010 Senior Airman Tre Porfirio passed away while visiting friends over the Thanksgiving holiday in Missouri. He was 22 years old.
Porfirio, who is from St. Marys, Ga., was assigned to a small base near the border with Pakistan when he was shot three times by an insurgent on Nov. 21, 2009. He underwent two surgeries in Afghanistan and one in Germany before he was brought to Washington.
Tuesday was a sad day at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, as air force men and women mourned the loss of a friend.
Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, who made national news after undergoing ground breaking surgery after an ambush in Afghanistan, died on Sunday. He was visiting family in Missouri over Thanksgiving weekend when he died suddenly.
In November, 2009 Porfirio was shot three times in the back. The attack took place in a very remote area of Afghanistan, where his unit was installing communications lines.
The bullets shattered Porfirio's stomach. In a ground breaking procedure considered a medical miracle, doctors removed his bullet ridden pancreas, and flew the organ to the University of Miami.
Doctors there harvested islet cells from the pancreas and transferred them to his liver. The procedure saved Porfirio from living life with a severe case of diabetes.
2 News interviewed Porfirio in March, 2010. He appeared to be recovering well from the surgery, but said he was still tired and in pain. He was looking forward to the birth of his son.
February 24, 2010 (Hollywood, FL) Three months ago, US Senior Airman Tre F. Porfirio was critically wounded after being struck from behind by three high velocity bullets while serving in Afghanistan. On February 13, Porfirio made an extraordinary trip from Washington, D.C., to Miami to appear before an awestruck crowd of 600 at the Love and Hope Ball benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) – the very organization that helped save him from a life with diabetes. The gala’s theme, “Honoring America,” was certainly most appropriate given the presence of a true war hero and the patriotic announcement of two of the DRI’s most notable supporters.
“I almost died – twice from loss of blood – and once from the problems with my pancreas,” said the 21-year-old Airman, whose entire abdominal cavity needed to be restructured. “I have a child on the way. That is all I could think about [when I was shot.] I thought I was done.”
Porfirio’s injuries occurred on November 21 in a remote area of Afghanistan. He was operated on twice in field hospitals and then air lifted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he came under the care of Dr. Craig D. Shriver, chief of general surgery. Porfirio’s pancreas was damaged beyond repair, but removal of the organ would cause the most severe form of diabetes.
Walter Reed doctors then contacted the Diabetes Research Institute’s scientific director, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who immediately agreed to help. The organ was removed and shipped from Washington, D.C., to Miami, where members of the DRI team spent six hours isolating the insulin-producing islet cells from the Airman’s pancreas.
Dr. Ricordi, a pioneer in the diabetes field, is world renowned for developing the method to isolate islets from the pancreas. The islets were flown back, and Dr. Ricordi assisted Walter Reed surgeons via the Internet in successfully infusing the isolated cells into Porfirio’s liver on Thanksgiving Day.
“It makes me feel good that while we are fighting to find a cure for a disease that affects 240 million worldwide, we can actually help one person at a time when the occasion presents itself,” said Dr. Ricordi.
“There’s no other patient in the world who has had their entire pancreas removed for trauma, survived, and had the pancreas islet cells put back in the liver and have them function 100 percent perfectly. Tre is not on any insulin. His sugars are normal. He really is a one-of-a-kind case,” stated Dr. Shriver.
At the Love and Hope Ball, Drs. Ricordi and Shriver were recognized for their efforts alongside Porfirio in front of an audience of DRI supporters, whose fundraising efforts over the past 36 years helped save this soldier from a life of diabetes.
Also apropos of this year’s theme, Love and Hope International Chairmen Linda and Barry Gibb announced their new American citizenship, something the music legend dreamed of when he was 17 years old.
“The Love and Hope Ball has had many different themes – all to raise money for the DRI. Tonight we give tribute to our country and our fighting men and women who allow us to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Barry Gibb said. “The Diabetes Research Institute has come so far and is close to the defining moment when a cure is found. We salute the DRI and we salute our country, the United States of America.”
“Tre is the hero of the evening,” Dr. Ricordi added. “He risked his life in the war against terrorism, and it’s a miracle he is alive.”
An 88th Communication Squadron voice network systems technician wounded in action on November 21, 2009, one year ago in Afghanistan, died Nov. 28, 2010 Senior Airman Tre Porfirio passed away while visiting friends over the Thanksgiving holiday in Missouri. He was 22 years old.
Porfirio, who is from St. Marys, Ga., was assigned to a small base near the border with Pakistan when he was shot three times by an insurgent on Nov. 21, 2009. He underwent two surgeries in Afghanistan and one in Germany before he was brought to Washington.
Tuesday was a sad day at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, as air force men and women mourned the loss of a friend.
Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, who made national news after undergoing ground breaking surgery after an ambush in Afghanistan, died on Sunday. He was visiting family in Missouri over Thanksgiving weekend when he died suddenly.
In November, 2009 Porfirio was shot three times in the back. The attack took place in a very remote area of Afghanistan, where his unit was installing communications lines.
The bullets shattered Porfirio's stomach. In a ground breaking procedure considered a medical miracle, doctors removed his bullet ridden pancreas, and flew the organ to the University of Miami.
Doctors there harvested islet cells from the pancreas and transferred them to his liver. The procedure saved Porfirio from living life with a severe case of diabetes.
2 News interviewed Porfirio in March, 2010. He appeared to be recovering well from the surgery, but said he was still tired and in pain. He was looking forward to the birth of his son.
February 24, 2010 (Hollywood, FL) Three months ago, US Senior Airman Tre F. Porfirio was critically wounded after being struck from behind by three high velocity bullets while serving in Afghanistan. On February 13, Porfirio made an extraordinary trip from Washington, D.C., to Miami to appear before an awestruck crowd of 600 at the Love and Hope Ball benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) – the very organization that helped save him from a life with diabetes. The gala’s theme, “Honoring America,” was certainly most appropriate given the presence of a true war hero and the patriotic announcement of two of the DRI’s most notable supporters.
“I almost died – twice from loss of blood – and once from the problems with my pancreas,” said the 21-year-old Airman, whose entire abdominal cavity needed to be restructured. “I have a child on the way. That is all I could think about [when I was shot.] I thought I was done.”
Porfirio’s injuries occurred on November 21 in a remote area of Afghanistan. He was operated on twice in field hospitals and then air lifted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he came under the care of Dr. Craig D. Shriver, chief of general surgery. Porfirio’s pancreas was damaged beyond repair, but removal of the organ would cause the most severe form of diabetes.
Walter Reed doctors then contacted the Diabetes Research Institute’s scientific director, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who immediately agreed to help. The organ was removed and shipped from Washington, D.C., to Miami, where members of the DRI team spent six hours isolating the insulin-producing islet cells from the Airman’s pancreas.
Dr. Ricordi, a pioneer in the diabetes field, is world renowned for developing the method to isolate islets from the pancreas. The islets were flown back, and Dr. Ricordi assisted Walter Reed surgeons via the Internet in successfully infusing the isolated cells into Porfirio’s liver on Thanksgiving Day.
“It makes me feel good that while we are fighting to find a cure for a disease that affects 240 million worldwide, we can actually help one person at a time when the occasion presents itself,” said Dr. Ricordi.
“There’s no other patient in the world who has had their entire pancreas removed for trauma, survived, and had the pancreas islet cells put back in the liver and have them function 100 percent perfectly. Tre is not on any insulin. His sugars are normal. He really is a one-of-a-kind case,” stated Dr. Shriver.
At the Love and Hope Ball, Drs. Ricordi and Shriver were recognized for their efforts alongside Porfirio in front of an audience of DRI supporters, whose fundraising efforts over the past 36 years helped save this soldier from a life of diabetes.
Also apropos of this year’s theme, Love and Hope International Chairmen Linda and Barry Gibb announced their new American citizenship, something the music legend dreamed of when he was 17 years old.
“The Love and Hope Ball has had many different themes – all to raise money for the DRI. Tonight we give tribute to our country and our fighting men and women who allow us to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Barry Gibb said. “The Diabetes Research Institute has come so far and is close to the defining moment when a cure is found. We salute the DRI and we salute our country, the United States of America.”
“Tre is the hero of the evening,” Dr. Ricordi added. “He risked his life in the war against terrorism, and it’s a miracle he is alive.”
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Army Pvt. Devon J. Harris
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pvt. Devon J. Harris, 24, of Mesquite, Texas
Pvt Harris was assigned to Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, at Ft. Polk, La.; died Nov. 27, 2010 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with a rocket-propelled grenade.
A half-decorated Christmas tree stands in the Harris home. The family's holiday celebration was interrupted this weekend by a knock at the door.
Sorainya Harris must now face Christmas this year without her youngest son, Devon Harris. The 24-year-old Army private had been in Afghanistan only a month when a rocket-propelled grenade killed him.
"He wanted to make something of himself," she said. "He wanted to be a history teacher and thought that was the best way for him to go."
"I think the job he did, he enjoyed it," said Christopher Harris, Devon's brother. "Like I said, that was what he always talked about."
He joined the military only last year. But, for years, Harris had served others by volunteering at his church and his school, Skyline High School in Dallas.
Family members said he was a deep, thoughtful man who played the violin for years.
"He was like my best friend, always watched out for me," said Ashley Harris, his twin sister. "I trusted him with anything."
Now, at a time when they should be celebrating, silence fills the Harris home. "Its going to be empty, for sure," his mother said.
Harris joined the Army in August 2009. After training, he arrived at Fort Polk in December 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.
Harris's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Army Pvt. Devon J. Harris was killed in action on 11/27/10.
Army Pvt. Devon J. Harris, 24, of Mesquite, Texas
Pvt Harris was assigned to Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, at Ft. Polk, La.; died Nov. 27, 2010 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with a rocket-propelled grenade.
A half-decorated Christmas tree stands in the Harris home. The family's holiday celebration was interrupted this weekend by a knock at the door.
Sorainya Harris must now face Christmas this year without her youngest son, Devon Harris. The 24-year-old Army private had been in Afghanistan only a month when a rocket-propelled grenade killed him.
"He wanted to make something of himself," she said. "He wanted to be a history teacher and thought that was the best way for him to go."
"I think the job he did, he enjoyed it," said Christopher Harris, Devon's brother. "Like I said, that was what he always talked about."
He joined the military only last year. But, for years, Harris had served others by volunteering at his church and his school, Skyline High School in Dallas.
Family members said he was a deep, thoughtful man who played the violin for years.
"He was like my best friend, always watched out for me," said Ashley Harris, his twin sister. "I trusted him with anything."
Now, at a time when they should be celebrating, silence fills the Harris home. "Its going to be empty, for sure," his mother said.
Harris joined the Army in August 2009. After training, he arrived at Fort Polk in December 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.
Harris's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Army Pvt. Devon J. Harris was killed in action on 11/27/10.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV
Remember Our Heroes
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Miss.
1st Lt. Donnelly was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 25, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
Friends and family said Marine Corps 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV always wanted to go into the military and fight for his country. He ended up giving his life in combat in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day for that ideal.
"He lived to serve his country, and he refused to just sit on the sidelines," said his sister, Melissa Donnelly Weed.
A release issued by the military base said Donnelly, a 27-year-old infantry officer from Picayune, was killed while conducting dismounted combat operations against enemy forces in the Helmand province Thursday. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.
This was Donnelly's first combat deployment, officials said.
Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said it's always hard to lose a hero and that his city extends its heartfelt condolences to Donnelly's family during their holiday tragedy.
"As a city we will do everything for the family that's within our power to ease this very trying time," he said. "There's never a good time for something like this, and it's even tougher during the holidays."
Donnelly accepted his commission into the Marine Corps June 16, 2008. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The Donnelly family went Saturday to meet the Marine's remains at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del.
Officials from Camp Pendleton also stressed in the release issued Friday that they have lost one of their own family.
"The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Donnelly," the release read. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
Weed said the loss was not just to the Marines, nor to Donnelly's immediate family, but to everyone he knew.
"Will was the best husband, son, brother, uncle and friend anyone had," said Weed. "He was totally committed to his wife Linsey, his family, his friends and his Marine Corps."
Pinero said Donnelly's sacrifice and that of all the men and women who fall in combat protecting our country's freedom should never be forgotten.
"We are proud of all of our soldiers and we're proud of him for the service he did for his country," Pinero said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice as a citizen of the United States of America."
Weed said her brother was proud to be a Marine and was known by all for his professionalism and caring spirit.
"He was respected by all who knew him and loved by everyone," she said. "He was always there for his family and friends, no matter what time or place. He will be missed by so many."
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV was killed in action on 11/25/10.
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Miss.
1st Lt. Donnelly was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 25, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
Friends and family said Marine Corps 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV always wanted to go into the military and fight for his country. He ended up giving his life in combat in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day for that ideal.
"He lived to serve his country, and he refused to just sit on the sidelines," said his sister, Melissa Donnelly Weed.
A release issued by the military base said Donnelly, a 27-year-old infantry officer from Picayune, was killed while conducting dismounted combat operations against enemy forces in the Helmand province Thursday. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.
This was Donnelly's first combat deployment, officials said.
Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said it's always hard to lose a hero and that his city extends its heartfelt condolences to Donnelly's family during their holiday tragedy.
"As a city we will do everything for the family that's within our power to ease this very trying time," he said. "There's never a good time for something like this, and it's even tougher during the holidays."
Donnelly accepted his commission into the Marine Corps June 16, 2008. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The Donnelly family went Saturday to meet the Marine's remains at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del.
Officials from Camp Pendleton also stressed in the release issued Friday that they have lost one of their own family.
"The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Donnelly," the release read. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
Weed said the loss was not just to the Marines, nor to Donnelly's immediate family, but to everyone he knew.
"Will was the best husband, son, brother, uncle and friend anyone had," said Weed. "He was totally committed to his wife Linsey, his family, his friends and his Marine Corps."
Pinero said Donnelly's sacrifice and that of all the men and women who fall in combat protecting our country's freedom should never be forgotten.
"We are proud of all of our soldiers and we're proud of him for the service he did for his country," Pinero said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice as a citizen of the United States of America."
Weed said her brother was proud to be a Marine and was known by all for his professionalism and caring spirit.
"He was respected by all who knew him and loved by everyone," she said. "He was always there for his family and friends, no matter what time or place. He will be missed by so many."
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV was killed in action on 11/25/10.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Marine Lance Cpl. Arden J. Buenagua
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Lance Cpl. Arden J. Buenagua, 19, of San Jose, Calif.
LCpl Buenagua was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 24, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
A 19-year-old Marine from San Jose was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, less than two months after arriving in the country for his first combat deployment, the Department of Defense said Thursday.
Lance Cpl. Ardenjoseph A. Buenagua, a decorated engineer, enlisted in July 2009 and was assigned to the First Marine Division's First Combat Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
The Marines did not provide details of his death. Buenagua's decorations included a Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon and other honors for combat service.
Family members could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
Buenagua used his iPhone to make his last post on his Facebook page on Sept. 30 "after a few days of traveling. we're finally gonna arrive in afghan today," he wrote.
His mother wrote in response, "Pray, pray, and pray always...and we're praying for ur SAFETY. GOD is always w/u all the time...luv u so much -- MOM :)"
On his Facebook profile page, Buenagua described himself as a gregarious young man who liked to make friends. He wrote, "Aj Buenagua better known as Arden. I like meeting people that are interested in things that I'm into and strange cats that are entertaining because that's just the way they are. I don't try to start anything with anyone ever and just don't like having 'beef'. But everything else I make friends pretty easily since I just start talking to people and if they like me they like me and if they don't then too bad right? But that's just the way it is."
He listed San Jose's Piedmont Hills High School and Independence High School as his Facebook networks.
One friend wrote on his Facebook wall: "Arden Joseph Buenagua, it's still unreal to me & everyone else.. :/ thankyou for everything you've done. thanks for the memories, love you. Rest In Paradise."
On the blogging site Tumblr, friends posted remembrances of the young soldier. "Rest in Paradise Arden Joseph Buenagua," one wrote. "You did your country, hometown, friends and family proud. You will never be forgotten." Another wrote: "R.I.P. Algebra 2 buddy." Morgan Cannon wrote: RIP Arden Joseph Buenagua. You were always upbeat and awesome to be around and you made even the longest days a little bit easier. You were a great friend and a great marine. God Bless you and your family. i will definitely miss you man..
From his guest book:
November 27, 2010: Arden, we your family is sooooo very proud of you! You risk your own life just to protect this country, you are now safe in the hands of our creator, may you also find peace in paradise!.. you will be missed but never forgotten. It's hard to accept that this had happened but who are we to question Him, don't worry about your mom we'll always be her to support her. We love u and Godbless... happy trip! ~ Geraldine, West Covina, California
November 27, 2010: I couldn't believe it, but now I have to face reality. You're really gone and there's nothing I can do to bring you back. Your friends, family and this country are very proud of you. This Thanksgiving and every other Thanksgiving, I will thank you for giving your life to protect us. I will never forget the memories we had when you were a poolee at RSS McKee. You will be missed, but never forgotten, my friend, my brother. <3 ~ Baby Ho, San Jose, California
November 26, 2010: My heart goes out to my coworker Veronica who lost her precious son Arden. A young man taken away to soon. We were just talking about you on Tuesday. Come to find out on Wednesday you passed away. Your mother was so happy talking about u Arden. She was so very proud of you. I know you will be watching over her and your two young brothers. Rest in Peace Arden... ~ Teresa, San Jose, California
Marine Lance Cpl. Arden J. Buenagua was killed in action on 11/24/10.
Marine Lance Cpl. Arden J. Buenagua, 19, of San Jose, Calif.
LCpl Buenagua was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 24, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
A 19-year-old Marine from San Jose was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, less than two months after arriving in the country for his first combat deployment, the Department of Defense said Thursday.
Lance Cpl. Ardenjoseph A. Buenagua, a decorated engineer, enlisted in July 2009 and was assigned to the First Marine Division's First Combat Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
The Marines did not provide details of his death. Buenagua's decorations included a Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon and other honors for combat service.
Family members could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
Buenagua used his iPhone to make his last post on his Facebook page on Sept. 30 "after a few days of traveling. we're finally gonna arrive in afghan today," he wrote.
His mother wrote in response, "Pray, pray, and pray always...and we're praying for ur SAFETY. GOD is always w/u all the time...luv u so much -- MOM :)"
On his Facebook profile page, Buenagua described himself as a gregarious young man who liked to make friends. He wrote, "Aj Buenagua better known as Arden. I like meeting people that are interested in things that I'm into and strange cats that are entertaining because that's just the way they are. I don't try to start anything with anyone ever and just don't like having 'beef'. But everything else I make friends pretty easily since I just start talking to people and if they like me they like me and if they don't then too bad right? But that's just the way it is."
He listed San Jose's Piedmont Hills High School and Independence High School as his Facebook networks.
One friend wrote on his Facebook wall: "Arden Joseph Buenagua, it's still unreal to me & everyone else.. :/ thankyou for everything you've done. thanks for the memories, love you. Rest In Paradise."
On the blogging site Tumblr, friends posted remembrances of the young soldier. "Rest in Paradise Arden Joseph Buenagua," one wrote. "You did your country, hometown, friends and family proud. You will never be forgotten." Another wrote: "R.I.P. Algebra 2 buddy." Morgan Cannon wrote: RIP Arden Joseph Buenagua. You were always upbeat and awesome to be around and you made even the longest days a little bit easier. You were a great friend and a great marine. God Bless you and your family. i will definitely miss you man..
From his guest book:
November 27, 2010: Arden, we your family is sooooo very proud of you! You risk your own life just to protect this country, you are now safe in the hands of our creator, may you also find peace in paradise!.. you will be missed but never forgotten. It's hard to accept that this had happened but who are we to question Him, don't worry about your mom we'll always be her to support her. We love u and Godbless... happy trip! ~ Geraldine, West Covina, California
November 27, 2010: I couldn't believe it, but now I have to face reality. You're really gone and there's nothing I can do to bring you back. Your friends, family and this country are very proud of you. This Thanksgiving and every other Thanksgiving, I will thank you for giving your life to protect us. I will never forget the memories we had when you were a poolee at RSS McKee. You will be missed, but never forgotten, my friend, my brother. <3 ~ Baby Ho, San Jose, California
November 26, 2010: My heart goes out to my coworker Veronica who lost her precious son Arden. A young man taken away to soon. We were just talking about you on Tuesday. Come to find out on Wednesday you passed away. Your mother was so happy talking about u Arden. She was so very proud of you. I know you will be watching over her and your two young brothers. Rest in Peace Arden... ~ Teresa, San Jose, California
Marine Lance Cpl. Arden J. Buenagua was killed in action on 11/24/10.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Army Spc. William K. Middleton
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. William K. Middleton
26, of Norfolk, Va.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 22, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery.
Virginia soldier Spec. William K. 'Kyle' Middleton killed in Afghanistan
It was something of a surprise to Kyle Middleton's family when the handsome young Virginia man who had once been a soccer star decided to join the Army nearly two years ago. But then, he had always loved being part of a team.
"That family of soldiers - he loved that," said his stepmother, Diane Middleton, 51, of Amelia County. "He loved family. He really thrived in that kind of a family environment."
Spec. William K. Middleton, 26, known to friends and family as Kyle, was killed Monday when Afghan insurgents attacked his foot patrol in Kandahar province with a makeshift bomb, according to relatives and the military. Another member of his unit, Sgt. Sean M. Flannery of Pennsylvania, also was killed.
Friends and military officials said Middleton was a decorated infantryman who had attended high school in Chesterfield, Va. He received a bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and studied film. He had a way of making those around him feel like they mattered.
"He was always genuinely interested in where you were at in life," said Bret Kelly, a fraternity brother. "He was one of those all-around good guys. There aren't many of those."
Middleton was also someone who followed several sports religiously and relished a good prank, according to friends and family. "He was very spontaneous. If he got an idea in his head, he would just do it," said his half brother, Zachary Middleton, 21.
A college roommate, Christian Parsons, 28, said visitors ventured at their risk to their ODU lair, knowing that if they fell asleep after a night of partying, they were liable to awake covered in goo from the kitchen or with a mustache or a unibrow drawn on their faces with marker. Middleton and his roommates could become so carried away with practical jokes that they were driven to sue one another for peace and draw up armistices agreements on notebook paper and tack them to their doors.
"If you didn't have that, you might be woken up with an electric guitar amp at full-up at 4 o'clock in the morning," said Parsons, who also was a member of Middleton's fraternity.
Until he joined the Army, the teams that Middleton loved most were those that played soccer. His family said Middleton played the sport from an early age and longed to play professionally until a knee injury slowed his play. One of the beneficiaries of his life insurance policy is the FC Richmond Soccer Club, for whose travel team "Magic" Middleton had played, his stepmother said.
When his father, Clarence "Hank" Middleton, suggested that he enlist in the National Guard to help pay for college, Kyle Middleton was opposed. After college, Middleton tended bar in Norfolk.
But Middleton's hunger for physical challenges, camaraderie and adventure led him to enlist in the Army in April 2009. Unable to find work in the movie industry, he was looking for something more disciplined and meaningful than tending bar.
"He never really pondered the 'what-if's.' I always knew that as a soldier, there was always a possibility he wouldn't come back, and he knew that," said Parsons, a Defense Department employee in Suffolk, Va.
When Middleton first arrived in Afghanistan, he sounded let down, telling friends and family he had been shipped to a place with nothing but sand and more waiting-around.
"He wanted to be one of the guys out there in the field. He wanted to be at the front," Parsons said.
Middleton had never sounded happier than when the family spoke to him the Saturday before his death. He was happy to be on patrols and in the middle of the action, his stepmother said.
"You could hear it in his voice: He was finally doing what he wanted to be doing over there," Diane Middleton said.
The military has not yet released details about his death but his mother, Marlene Blackburn, said he was on a foot patrol when a homemade bomb exploded nearby.
"He joined the Army because he liked being part of a team - he loved camaraderie," said Blackburn, speaking by phone Tuesday night from Richmond. "And he wanted colorful stories to tell his grandchildren."
Blackburn said her son was an accomplished soccer player. As a boy he traveled all over for tournaments, including to Holland when he was 12. During his junior year at ODU, he studied abroad and played soccer in England.
"After soccer, I think he missed being part of a team," Blackburn said. "He decided the Army was what he wanted, and he's the kind of person who always follows through. So he did it."
He wasn't married. He had one sibling, a half brother, his mother said.
She said she last spoke to her son Saturday. "He said he'd just gotten the package I sent," Blackburn said. "He sounded good - happy."
Middleton, along with Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery of Wyomissing, Pa., died Nov. 22 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device while they were patrolling the village of Ghotamudkha. Both men were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Middleton's body was brought to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday at Morrissett Funeral Home in Richmondd.
Kyle Middleton is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, although final arrangements have not been made.
Middleton, who used his middle name Kyle, joined the Army in April 2009 and is survived by his father, Clarence Middleton of Amelia, Va., his mother, Marlene Blackburn of Richmond, Va. and a half brother Zachary Middleton, 21, also of Virginia.
Army Spc. William K. Middleton was killed in action on 11/22/10.
Army Spc. William K. Middleton
26, of Norfolk, Va.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 22, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery.
Virginia soldier Spec. William K. 'Kyle' Middleton killed in Afghanistan
It was something of a surprise to Kyle Middleton's family when the handsome young Virginia man who had once been a soccer star decided to join the Army nearly two years ago. But then, he had always loved being part of a team.
"That family of soldiers - he loved that," said his stepmother, Diane Middleton, 51, of Amelia County. "He loved family. He really thrived in that kind of a family environment."
Spec. William K. Middleton, 26, known to friends and family as Kyle, was killed Monday when Afghan insurgents attacked his foot patrol in Kandahar province with a makeshift bomb, according to relatives and the military. Another member of his unit, Sgt. Sean M. Flannery of Pennsylvania, also was killed.
Friends and military officials said Middleton was a decorated infantryman who had attended high school in Chesterfield, Va. He received a bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and studied film. He had a way of making those around him feel like they mattered.
"He was always genuinely interested in where you were at in life," said Bret Kelly, a fraternity brother. "He was one of those all-around good guys. There aren't many of those."
Middleton was also someone who followed several sports religiously and relished a good prank, according to friends and family. "He was very spontaneous. If he got an idea in his head, he would just do it," said his half brother, Zachary Middleton, 21.
A college roommate, Christian Parsons, 28, said visitors ventured at their risk to their ODU lair, knowing that if they fell asleep after a night of partying, they were liable to awake covered in goo from the kitchen or with a mustache or a unibrow drawn on their faces with marker. Middleton and his roommates could become so carried away with practical jokes that they were driven to sue one another for peace and draw up armistices agreements on notebook paper and tack them to their doors.
"If you didn't have that, you might be woken up with an electric guitar amp at full-up at 4 o'clock in the morning," said Parsons, who also was a member of Middleton's fraternity.
Until he joined the Army, the teams that Middleton loved most were those that played soccer. His family said Middleton played the sport from an early age and longed to play professionally until a knee injury slowed his play. One of the beneficiaries of his life insurance policy is the FC Richmond Soccer Club, for whose travel team "Magic" Middleton had played, his stepmother said.
When his father, Clarence "Hank" Middleton, suggested that he enlist in the National Guard to help pay for college, Kyle Middleton was opposed. After college, Middleton tended bar in Norfolk.
But Middleton's hunger for physical challenges, camaraderie and adventure led him to enlist in the Army in April 2009. Unable to find work in the movie industry, he was looking for something more disciplined and meaningful than tending bar.
"He never really pondered the 'what-if's.' I always knew that as a soldier, there was always a possibility he wouldn't come back, and he knew that," said Parsons, a Defense Department employee in Suffolk, Va.
When Middleton first arrived in Afghanistan, he sounded let down, telling friends and family he had been shipped to a place with nothing but sand and more waiting-around.
"He wanted to be one of the guys out there in the field. He wanted to be at the front," Parsons said.
Middleton had never sounded happier than when the family spoke to him the Saturday before his death. He was happy to be on patrols and in the middle of the action, his stepmother said.
"You could hear it in his voice: He was finally doing what he wanted to be doing over there," Diane Middleton said.
The military has not yet released details about his death but his mother, Marlene Blackburn, said he was on a foot patrol when a homemade bomb exploded nearby.
"He joined the Army because he liked being part of a team - he loved camaraderie," said Blackburn, speaking by phone Tuesday night from Richmond. "And he wanted colorful stories to tell his grandchildren."
Blackburn said her son was an accomplished soccer player. As a boy he traveled all over for tournaments, including to Holland when he was 12. During his junior year at ODU, he studied abroad and played soccer in England.
"After soccer, I think he missed being part of a team," Blackburn said. "He decided the Army was what he wanted, and he's the kind of person who always follows through. So he did it."
He wasn't married. He had one sibling, a half brother, his mother said.
She said she last spoke to her son Saturday. "He said he'd just gotten the package I sent," Blackburn said. "He sounded good - happy."
Middleton, along with Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery of Wyomissing, Pa., died Nov. 22 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device while they were patrolling the village of Ghotamudkha. Both men were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Middleton's body was brought to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday at Morrissett Funeral Home in Richmondd.
Kyle Middleton is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, although final arrangements have not been made.
Middleton, who used his middle name Kyle, joined the Army in April 2009 and is survived by his father, Clarence Middleton of Amelia, Va., his mother, Marlene Blackburn of Richmond, Va. and a half brother Zachary Middleton, 21, also of Virginia.
Army Spc. William K. Middleton was killed in action on 11/22/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, 29, of Wyomissing, Pa.
SSgt Flannery was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 22, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Spc. William K. Middleton.
Bronze Star recipient, 29, had also served in Iraq
A soldier from Wyomissing was killed by a roadside bomb while he was on patrol with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, his family said Tuesday.
Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, a squad leader, was in a vehicle on patrol Monday in Kandahar province near the Zhari District Station, where he was based, when he was killed by an improvised explosive device, according to his mother, Charlene "Charlie" Flannery.
She was notified of her son's death by two soldiers who knocked on the door of her Wyomissing home Monday.
She said the soldiers told her that a number of other soldiers were injured in the blast but that no one else was killed.
It was the 29-year-old Flannery's fourth tour of duty, his mother said, following two stints in Iraq and another in Afghanistan with both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
Flannery, who earned the Bronze Star, had never been injured in combat. However, his mother said he had been worried in recent months as combat operations heated up in the volatile Taliban stronghold where he was stationed.
"It's been especially bad the past two months when he lost both his best friend and platoon sergeant," Charlene Flannery said. "I last talked to him on the telephone on Friday and he sounded concerned about the unit and every body's safety.
"I'm not sure if I should say this, but he told me he might not make it home."
Charlene Flannery said Sean joined the Army in 2004, a year after he graduated from Shippensburg University. He graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1999.
His father served in Vietnam.
"He was not sure what direction to take in life and thought long and hard about the Army," she said.
Her late husband and Sean's father, attorney Michael F. Flannery, was an Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne and had earned a Bronze Star in Vietnam.
"They had a little bit of a legacy here," Charlene Flannery said.
One of Sean's two younger brothers, Brian, is a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne based at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was in Afghanistan for a year and returned to the U.S. in September. On Tuesday, he was on his way home to Wyomissing.
"They both said this is a different kind of war (in Afghanistan) and was more fierce and intense; more evil," Charlene Flannery said. "The enemy has evolved in their tactics."
The mother feared for the safety of both her sons while they were in combat.
"It was a daily fear," she said. "I had angst you could not escape. I lived with it every day."
Then on Monday came the moment she had dreaded for years.
'I'm extremely proud of him'
"I kept saying to him, 'Please don't let me go to the front door and see two uniformed officers.' And that's what happened yesterday (Monday)," Charlene Flannery said.
She always ended their conversations with the warning: "Stay safe."
"He was getting fearful because the fighting was getting so fierce," she said. "But he was a very dedicated and intelligent soldier.
"I am extremely proud of him and his brother for what they've done."
Sean Flannery's body is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
"I hope people stop and think about the sacrifices our young men and women are making, and hopefully this war will end very soon," Charlene Flannery said. "It needs to end very soon."
She said Sean was "a wonderful young man, tall and handsome and dedicated to whatever task he took on."
He believed in the Army creed, she said, and used common sense to keep the soldiers serving under him safe.
"We don't expect to have to bury our children," Charlene Flannery said. "I expected to live to a very old age and be buried by them. I had to bury my husband seven years ago and didn't expect I'd have to do this for one of my sons."
She said support from her family, friends, neighbors, church and co-workers strengthen her. And, she said, she needs to remain strong for her two surviving sons.
Staff Sgt. Sean Michael Flannery was due home in less than a month. He was to marry Chrissy Martin of Raleigh, North Carolina over the Christmas holidays. Now, instead of a wedding, his heartbroken family is making funeral plans after Staff Sgt. Flannery and Spc. Middleton were killed by a bomb while on a foot patrol.
Staff Sgt. Sean Flannery is survived by his mother, Charlene Flannery, two brothers Sgt. Brian P. Flannery and Devin J. Flannery and fiance, Chrissy Martin of Raleigh, NC.
He was preceded in death by his father Michael F. Flannery.
Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery was killed in action on 11/22/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, 29, of Wyomissing, Pa.
SSgt Flannery was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 22, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Spc. William K. Middleton.
Bronze Star recipient, 29, had also served in Iraq
A soldier from Wyomissing was killed by a roadside bomb while he was on patrol with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, his family said Tuesday.
Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, a squad leader, was in a vehicle on patrol Monday in Kandahar province near the Zhari District Station, where he was based, when he was killed by an improvised explosive device, according to his mother, Charlene "Charlie" Flannery.
She was notified of her son's death by two soldiers who knocked on the door of her Wyomissing home Monday.
She said the soldiers told her that a number of other soldiers were injured in the blast but that no one else was killed.
It was the 29-year-old Flannery's fourth tour of duty, his mother said, following two stints in Iraq and another in Afghanistan with both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
Flannery, who earned the Bronze Star, had never been injured in combat. However, his mother said he had been worried in recent months as combat operations heated up in the volatile Taliban stronghold where he was stationed.
"It's been especially bad the past two months when he lost both his best friend and platoon sergeant," Charlene Flannery said. "I last talked to him on the telephone on Friday and he sounded concerned about the unit and every body's safety.
"I'm not sure if I should say this, but he told me he might not make it home."
Charlene Flannery said Sean joined the Army in 2004, a year after he graduated from Shippensburg University. He graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1999.
His father served in Vietnam.
"He was not sure what direction to take in life and thought long and hard about the Army," she said.
Her late husband and Sean's father, attorney Michael F. Flannery, was an Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne and had earned a Bronze Star in Vietnam.
"They had a little bit of a legacy here," Charlene Flannery said.
One of Sean's two younger brothers, Brian, is a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne based at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was in Afghanistan for a year and returned to the U.S. in September. On Tuesday, he was on his way home to Wyomissing.
"They both said this is a different kind of war (in Afghanistan) and was more fierce and intense; more evil," Charlene Flannery said. "The enemy has evolved in their tactics."
The mother feared for the safety of both her sons while they were in combat.
"It was a daily fear," she said. "I had angst you could not escape. I lived with it every day."
Then on Monday came the moment she had dreaded for years.
'I'm extremely proud of him'
"I kept saying to him, 'Please don't let me go to the front door and see two uniformed officers.' And that's what happened yesterday (Monday)," Charlene Flannery said.
She always ended their conversations with the warning: "Stay safe."
"He was getting fearful because the fighting was getting so fierce," she said. "But he was a very dedicated and intelligent soldier.
"I am extremely proud of him and his brother for what they've done."
Sean Flannery's body is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
"I hope people stop and think about the sacrifices our young men and women are making, and hopefully this war will end very soon," Charlene Flannery said. "It needs to end very soon."
She said Sean was "a wonderful young man, tall and handsome and dedicated to whatever task he took on."
He believed in the Army creed, she said, and used common sense to keep the soldiers serving under him safe.
"We don't expect to have to bury our children," Charlene Flannery said. "I expected to live to a very old age and be buried by them. I had to bury my husband seven years ago and didn't expect I'd have to do this for one of my sons."
She said support from her family, friends, neighbors, church and co-workers strengthen her. And, she said, she needs to remain strong for her two surviving sons.
Staff Sgt. Sean Michael Flannery was due home in less than a month. He was to marry Chrissy Martin of Raleigh, North Carolina over the Christmas holidays. Now, instead of a wedding, his heartbroken family is making funeral plans after Staff Sgt. Flannery and Spc. Middleton were killed by a bomb while on a foot patrol.
Staff Sgt. Sean Flannery is survived by his mother, Charlene Flannery, two brothers Sgt. Brian P. Flannery and Devin J. Flannery and fiance, Chrissy Martin of Raleigh, NC.
He was preceded in death by his father Michael F. Flannery.
Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery was killed in action on 11/22/10.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Army Sgt. David J. Luff Jr.
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. David J. Luff Jr., 29, of Hamilton, Ohio
Sgt. Luff was assigned to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died Nov. 21, 2010 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
Maj. Dave Eastburn, a spokesman for the 25th, said Luff was providing security as the military leaders met with local community leaders. He said Luff was part of the crew on a Stryker armored vehicle.
Luff had moved to Hawaii in 2009 after completing basic and individual training at Fort Knox, Ky., and a first assignment in Fort Lewis, Wash., Eastburn said. He is survived by a wife and 6-month-old child.
The 1999 Hamilton High School graduate was the son of Lucy and David Luff.
“He was a really good guy,” said his sister Stacy Garrison, as she fought back tears. Garrison, the eldest of the four Luff siblings, said her parents were on a plane Monday evening traveling to help make arrangements.
It was Luff’s second tour of duty in Iraq, Garrison said. He was home in May when his wife, Katie Halcomb Luff, gave birth to their first child, a son named Aidan. The couple married in 2008, she said.
“He was with him about a month before he was deployed,” Garrison said.
Her brother was a Cincinnati Bengals football fan and loved his family, Garrison said.
Hamilton has lost several hometown soldiers during the war. Last Friday, Purple Heart recipient Army Specialist Benjamin Mitchell of Hamilton was featured on ABC News, showing an Afghanistan battle via his helmet camera.
U.S. Forces-Iraq, the American military command in the country, said in a news release that a U.S. soldier died from enemy fire during "advisory operations," but provided no other details.
His sister, Stacy Garrison, said Luff had deployed once before to Iraq, the Middletown (Ohio) Journal newspaper reported.
Luff was home in May when his wife gave birth to their first child, a son named Aidan, the newspaper said.
About 3,700 Stryker Brigade soldiers are in northern Iraq on a yearlong deployment that began in June and July.
Four other Stryker Brigade soldiers have been killed — two by an Iraqi army soldier, one by a roadside bomb and one in a grenade attack on a vehicle.
Another 800 Schofield soldiers have started deploying to Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division headquarters. The bulk of the soldiers will leave after Thanksgiving.
Dear Dave and Lucy,
Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling for you this evening. My son, Randy, was notified last night by a friend that your Dave had paid the ultimate sacrifice. First, let me say, he is truly a Hero. I know how very proud you are of him. Please know that you are in our prayers. Mom is so sad for you also. We have shared together, laughed together and cried together throughout our lives. We want you to know we are here for you and whatever you may need. God bless you and your daughter-in-law and grand baby. Best regards, Connie Ratliff Jones ~ Connie Jones, Hamilton, Ohio
noonespecial - 11/22/2010 5:44 PM
He was married to Katie Halcomb Luff also of Hamilton, they have a 6 month old son together. Dave was an American Hero, great husband and father. We will always love you and our prayers are with katie and aiden
Army Sgt. David J. Luff Jr. was killed in action on 11/21/10.
Army Sgt. David J. Luff Jr., 29, of Hamilton, Ohio
Sgt. Luff was assigned to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died Nov. 21, 2010 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.
Maj. Dave Eastburn, a spokesman for the 25th, said Luff was providing security as the military leaders met with local community leaders. He said Luff was part of the crew on a Stryker armored vehicle.
Luff had moved to Hawaii in 2009 after completing basic and individual training at Fort Knox, Ky., and a first assignment in Fort Lewis, Wash., Eastburn said. He is survived by a wife and 6-month-old child.
The 1999 Hamilton High School graduate was the son of Lucy and David Luff.
“He was a really good guy,” said his sister Stacy Garrison, as she fought back tears. Garrison, the eldest of the four Luff siblings, said her parents were on a plane Monday evening traveling to help make arrangements.
It was Luff’s second tour of duty in Iraq, Garrison said. He was home in May when his wife, Katie Halcomb Luff, gave birth to their first child, a son named Aidan. The couple married in 2008, she said.
“He was with him about a month before he was deployed,” Garrison said.
Her brother was a Cincinnati Bengals football fan and loved his family, Garrison said.
Hamilton has lost several hometown soldiers during the war. Last Friday, Purple Heart recipient Army Specialist Benjamin Mitchell of Hamilton was featured on ABC News, showing an Afghanistan battle via his helmet camera.
U.S. Forces-Iraq, the American military command in the country, said in a news release that a U.S. soldier died from enemy fire during "advisory operations," but provided no other details.
His sister, Stacy Garrison, said Luff had deployed once before to Iraq, the Middletown (Ohio) Journal newspaper reported.
Luff was home in May when his wife gave birth to their first child, a son named Aidan, the newspaper said.
About 3,700 Stryker Brigade soldiers are in northern Iraq on a yearlong deployment that began in June and July.
Four other Stryker Brigade soldiers have been killed — two by an Iraqi army soldier, one by a roadside bomb and one in a grenade attack on a vehicle.
Another 800 Schofield soldiers have started deploying to Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division headquarters. The bulk of the soldiers will leave after Thanksgiving.
Dear Dave and Lucy,
Words cannot describe the pain I am feeling for you this evening. My son, Randy, was notified last night by a friend that your Dave had paid the ultimate sacrifice. First, let me say, he is truly a Hero. I know how very proud you are of him. Please know that you are in our prayers. Mom is so sad for you also. We have shared together, laughed together and cried together throughout our lives. We want you to know we are here for you and whatever you may need. God bless you and your daughter-in-law and grand baby. Best regards, Connie Ratliff Jones ~ Connie Jones, Hamilton, Ohio
noonespecial - 11/22/2010 5:44 PM
He was married to Katie Halcomb Luff also of Hamilton, they have a 6 month old son together. Dave was an American Hero, great husband and father. We will always love you and our prayers are with katie and aiden
Army Sgt. David J. Luff Jr. was killed in action on 11/21/10.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Army Sgt. David S. Robinson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith, Ark.
Sgt. Robinson was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Nov. 20, 2010 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat accident.
Spc. David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith died Nov. 20 in Qalat, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related accident, according to release from the Department of Defense.
Senator Mark Pryor said Tuesday that Spc. Robinson was posthumously promoted to sergeant.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Robinson’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Sen. Pryor said. "He is a true American hero, and we will never forget his courage, honor, and service to our country."
Sgt Robinson was honored in a dignified transfer Monday and his remains were brought back to Dover Air Force Base in on Monday.
Family members say the military is investigating Sgt. Robinson's death. His body will be flown back to Arkansas sometime over the weekend. No funeral arrangements have been set yet.
Robinson’s interests included paintball, pool
The Associated Press
David “Scotty” Robinson was an outgoing guy who, according to his sister, loved to play paintball and pool.
“He liked to run around with his friends,” Amber Griffin told The Times Record of Fort Smith, Ark., where Robinson was from. “He was just a real sociable person.”
He and his wife have three children, but he never got the chance to meet the youngest, family friend Kimberly Mullen told the newspaper.
The 25-year-old died Nov. 20 in Qalat, Afghanistan, after suffering non-combat injuries during his third tour of duty. Griffin said her brother was killed in a rollover accident.
Robinson attended Southside High School and enlisted in the Army in 2004 after earning his GED. He was based in Vilseck, Germany.
He became a gunner and rifleman, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a sharpshooter during World War I, Griffin said.
“[Robinson] would stand up for you and fight for you,” Mullen told the newspaper, calling him “a defender until the end.”
Survivors include his mother, father and stepmother, along with five brothers and three sisters.
Army Sgt. David S. Robinson was killed in a non-combat related accident on 11/20/10.
Army Sgt. David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith, Ark.
Sgt. Robinson was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Nov. 20, 2010 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat accident.
Spc. David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith died Nov. 20 in Qalat, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related accident, according to release from the Department of Defense.
Senator Mark Pryor said Tuesday that Spc. Robinson was posthumously promoted to sergeant.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Robinson’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Sen. Pryor said. "He is a true American hero, and we will never forget his courage, honor, and service to our country."
Sgt Robinson was honored in a dignified transfer Monday and his remains were brought back to Dover Air Force Base in on Monday.
Family members say the military is investigating Sgt. Robinson's death. His body will be flown back to Arkansas sometime over the weekend. No funeral arrangements have been set yet.
Robinson’s interests included paintball, pool
The Associated Press
David “Scotty” Robinson was an outgoing guy who, according to his sister, loved to play paintball and pool.
“He liked to run around with his friends,” Amber Griffin told The Times Record of Fort Smith, Ark., where Robinson was from. “He was just a real sociable person.”
He and his wife have three children, but he never got the chance to meet the youngest, family friend Kimberly Mullen told the newspaper.
The 25-year-old died Nov. 20 in Qalat, Afghanistan, after suffering non-combat injuries during his third tour of duty. Griffin said her brother was killed in a rollover accident.
Robinson attended Southside High School and enlisted in the Army in 2004 after earning his GED. He was based in Vilseck, Germany.
He became a gunner and rifleman, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a sharpshooter during World War I, Griffin said.
“[Robinson] would stand up for you and fight for you,” Mullen told the newspaper, calling him “a defender until the end.”
Survivors include his mother, father and stepmother, along with five brothers and three sisters.
Army Sgt. David S. Robinson was killed in a non-combat related accident on 11/20/10.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Army Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy, 36, of Pago Pago, American Samoa
SSgt. Gandy was assigned to 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Des Moines, Iowa; died Nov. 19, 2010 in Balad, Iraq, in a non-combat incident.
Gandy, 36, of American Samoa, died Nov. 19 in Balad, Iraq of a non-combat related incident. U.S. Army spokesperson Capt. Michael Meyer described the non-combat incident as a “medical” issue. Gandy was assigned to the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
“Out of respect for individual privacy, the Army cannot release any medical information without the consent of his next of kin,” said Meyer, who is with the Public Affairs Office of the 103rd command, via e-mail Wednesday from Des Moines.
Gandy entered the military in 1993 and served on active duty for 9 years 4 months. His most recent reenlistment was March 17, 2003 for 6 years in the Army Reserve. He was first deployed to Iraq with the Army’s 411th Engineer Battalion as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 5, 2004 and returned from duty July 3, 2005, according to information provided by Meyer.
A solider from American Samoa, who was a graduate of Marist High School, has died in Iraq but the cause of death is unclear after no details had been released by the U.S. Defense Department as of yesterday. Larry Gandy told Samoa News yesterday that the commander of the local Army Reserve unit visited the family on Friday to inform them about the death of his 35-year old son, Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy, whose wife and children live in Wisconsin.
Staff Sgt. Gandy’s remains arrived back on U.S. soil Saturday night on board a military aircraft that landed at Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Delaware, according to the U.S. Armed Forces Mortuary public affairs office, which told Samoa News yesterday that “Staff Sgt. Gandy’s remains are being positively identified here at Dover AFB and will be prepared for return home.”
The office also stated that it cannot release any information on when the remains will return home, adding that the family and the fallen soldier’s unit have been notified, and they can release that information to the media, if they prefer.
The Department of Defense announced the death of Gandy, who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq, according to The Associated Press in a brief photo caption when the fallen Toa o Samoa arrived at Dover AFB, but the Defense Department did not have any information posted on its website as of yesterday afternoon about Staff Sgt. Gandy.
At the tarmac at Dover, a brief prayer was given by Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas Arendsee, according to the AP photo caption.
“It is my son’s wishes to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Larry Gandy, a U.S. Air Force retiree. “He is a very good son and we’ll miss him a lot.”
He is hoping to get more information on the cause of death as funeral services are pending at this point.
Gandy said his son opted to join the military right after his graduation from Marist High School. “This was his second tour of Iraq,” he said in a telephone interview, noting that his son had been deployed to Iraq once before.
The November newsletter for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Tomah, Wis. indicates that Gandy is a member of the congregation, with a message on the newsletter for the church members to keep in their prayers Gandy and two other soldiers who are on deployment.
According to Samoa News story archives, it was in May 1994 that Larry and his wife Uti traveled to South Carolina to attend Loleni’s graduation from boot camp.
Staff Sgt. Gandy is survived by his wife and four children; his parents; and a brother and sister. The fallen soldier’s parents currently reside at Tafeta and also have a home in Lauli’i.
With the death of Staff Sgt. Gandy, the number of fallen Toa o Samoa since the start of the Iraq war in 2003 followed by the Afghanistan conflict has reached 18, according to Samoa News records based on information from family members and the Pentagon.
Samoa News extends our condolences to Staff Sgt. Gandy’s family at this time of sorrow and sadness.
His wife Faauta and four children - ages 12, 13, 19 and 20 - reside in Wisconsin.
Army Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy was killed in a non-combat related incident on 11/19/10.
Army Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy, 36, of Pago Pago, American Samoa
SSgt. Gandy was assigned to 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Des Moines, Iowa; died Nov. 19, 2010 in Balad, Iraq, in a non-combat incident.
Gandy, 36, of American Samoa, died Nov. 19 in Balad, Iraq of a non-combat related incident. U.S. Army spokesperson Capt. Michael Meyer described the non-combat incident as a “medical” issue. Gandy was assigned to the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
“Out of respect for individual privacy, the Army cannot release any medical information without the consent of his next of kin,” said Meyer, who is with the Public Affairs Office of the 103rd command, via e-mail Wednesday from Des Moines.
Gandy entered the military in 1993 and served on active duty for 9 years 4 months. His most recent reenlistment was March 17, 2003 for 6 years in the Army Reserve. He was first deployed to Iraq with the Army’s 411th Engineer Battalion as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 5, 2004 and returned from duty July 3, 2005, according to information provided by Meyer.
A solider from American Samoa, who was a graduate of Marist High School, has died in Iraq but the cause of death is unclear after no details had been released by the U.S. Defense Department as of yesterday. Larry Gandy told Samoa News yesterday that the commander of the local Army Reserve unit visited the family on Friday to inform them about the death of his 35-year old son, Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy, whose wife and children live in Wisconsin.
Staff Sgt. Gandy’s remains arrived back on U.S. soil Saturday night on board a military aircraft that landed at Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Delaware, according to the U.S. Armed Forces Mortuary public affairs office, which told Samoa News yesterday that “Staff Sgt. Gandy’s remains are being positively identified here at Dover AFB and will be prepared for return home.”
The office also stated that it cannot release any information on when the remains will return home, adding that the family and the fallen soldier’s unit have been notified, and they can release that information to the media, if they prefer.
The Department of Defense announced the death of Gandy, who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq, according to The Associated Press in a brief photo caption when the fallen Toa o Samoa arrived at Dover AFB, but the Defense Department did not have any information posted on its website as of yesterday afternoon about Staff Sgt. Gandy.
At the tarmac at Dover, a brief prayer was given by Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas Arendsee, according to the AP photo caption.
“It is my son’s wishes to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery,” said Larry Gandy, a U.S. Air Force retiree. “He is a very good son and we’ll miss him a lot.”
He is hoping to get more information on the cause of death as funeral services are pending at this point.
Gandy said his son opted to join the military right after his graduation from Marist High School. “This was his second tour of Iraq,” he said in a telephone interview, noting that his son had been deployed to Iraq once before.
The November newsletter for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Tomah, Wis. indicates that Gandy is a member of the congregation, with a message on the newsletter for the church members to keep in their prayers Gandy and two other soldiers who are on deployment.
According to Samoa News story archives, it was in May 1994 that Larry and his wife Uti traveled to South Carolina to attend Loleni’s graduation from boot camp.
Staff Sgt. Gandy is survived by his wife and four children; his parents; and a brother and sister. The fallen soldier’s parents currently reside at Tafeta and also have a home in Lauli’i.
With the death of Staff Sgt. Gandy, the number of fallen Toa o Samoa since the start of the Iraq war in 2003 followed by the Afghanistan conflict has reached 18, according to Samoa News records based on information from family members and the Pentagon.
Samoa News extends our condolences to Staff Sgt. Gandy’s family at this time of sorrow and sadness.
His wife Faauta and four children - ages 12, 13, 19 and 20 - reside in Wisconsin.
Army Staff Sgt. Loleni W. Gandy was killed in a non-combat related incident on 11/19/10.
Marine Sgt. Jason T. Smith
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Sgt. Jason T. Smith, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sgt. Smith was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Branch, Headquarters and Headquarters Sq, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Corps Bases Japan, Iwakuni, Japan; died Nov. 19, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
A Marine who graduated from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs died Friday while on patrol in Afghanistan, his family said Monday.
Sgt. Jason T. Smith, 28, was killed less than a month after starting his first tour in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated, said his mother, Loretta Smith. He had previously served two tours in Iraq.
A member of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Branch, he was based out of the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan, according to the Department of Defense. “He was excited that he had finally found his niche,” Loretta Smith said. “He was very proud of that.”
Born in Aberdeen, Wash., Smith moved between Kansas, Iowa and Utah before settling in 1993 with his family in Colorado Springs. He spent three years at Coronado High School before spending his senior year at Doherty High School, where he gradated in 2000. Soon after, he joined the Marines with his best friend.
The decision wasn’t hard, said Loretta Smith. Rather, she said, he chose the Marines because of one thing: boot camp. “It was the hardest and the longest boot camp,” Smith said. “And they wanted the hardest and the longest.” What followed, said fellow Marines, was a career marked by a unique talent to teach.
Before joining the Marines’ explosives unit, he served as a primary marksmanship instructor at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, training Marines how to use their pistols and rifles.
“The guy could have told me to do anything and I would have done it without hesitation,” said Sgt. Michael Brown, stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. “He was just one of those people you just follow no matter what.”
When not studying or scoring at the top of the class in shooting exercises, Smith would listen to rock music and play horseshoes and cards. Again, he was at the top of his class.
“He was good — cutthroat,” chuckled John Quinn, who was with Smith during training to become an arms instructor. But he was also a vivacious man, his family said, one who “never met a stranger — ever.”
When not disarming bombs, he would fish and play basketball. Growing up, he wanted little else than to play professional basketball for the Utah Jazz, said his cousin, Robyn Winge, 31, of Harrisburg, S.D.
The only problem in this plan: He found the Marines. “That’s all he’s ever known is the Marine Corps,” Winge said. “And he loved it. He absolutely loved the Marine Corps.”
His childhood friend Joshua Burgreen said Smith's body was flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware late Sunday night. Burgreen said the two grew up together and graduated from Doherty High School in 2000. Both talked about joining the Marines from an early age and they served together after graduating high school.
Smith served with the Marines for more than a decade. His friend said Smith's job was to track down and disable explosives. "He chose to be explosive ordinance disposal because their mission out there was critical for the success of everyone else out there, and even though he knew it was the most dangerous job you could possibly choose in the Marine Corps, he still did it," said Burgreen.
"They're very proud of their son, very proud," Burgreen said
His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Marine Sgt. Jason T. Smith was killed in action on 11/19/10.
Marine Sgt. Jason T. Smith, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sgt. Smith was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Branch, Headquarters and Headquarters Sq, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Corps Bases Japan, Iwakuni, Japan; died Nov. 19, 2010 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
A Marine who graduated from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs died Friday while on patrol in Afghanistan, his family said Monday.
Sgt. Jason T. Smith, 28, was killed less than a month after starting his first tour in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated, said his mother, Loretta Smith. He had previously served two tours in Iraq.
A member of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Branch, he was based out of the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan, according to the Department of Defense. “He was excited that he had finally found his niche,” Loretta Smith said. “He was very proud of that.”
Born in Aberdeen, Wash., Smith moved between Kansas, Iowa and Utah before settling in 1993 with his family in Colorado Springs. He spent three years at Coronado High School before spending his senior year at Doherty High School, where he gradated in 2000. Soon after, he joined the Marines with his best friend.
The decision wasn’t hard, said Loretta Smith. Rather, she said, he chose the Marines because of one thing: boot camp. “It was the hardest and the longest boot camp,” Smith said. “And they wanted the hardest and the longest.” What followed, said fellow Marines, was a career marked by a unique talent to teach.
Before joining the Marines’ explosives unit, he served as a primary marksmanship instructor at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, training Marines how to use their pistols and rifles.
“The guy could have told me to do anything and I would have done it without hesitation,” said Sgt. Michael Brown, stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. “He was just one of those people you just follow no matter what.”
When not studying or scoring at the top of the class in shooting exercises, Smith would listen to rock music and play horseshoes and cards. Again, he was at the top of his class.
“He was good — cutthroat,” chuckled John Quinn, who was with Smith during training to become an arms instructor. But he was also a vivacious man, his family said, one who “never met a stranger — ever.”
When not disarming bombs, he would fish and play basketball. Growing up, he wanted little else than to play professional basketball for the Utah Jazz, said his cousin, Robyn Winge, 31, of Harrisburg, S.D.
The only problem in this plan: He found the Marines. “That’s all he’s ever known is the Marine Corps,” Winge said. “And he loved it. He absolutely loved the Marine Corps.”
His childhood friend Joshua Burgreen said Smith's body was flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware late Sunday night. Burgreen said the two grew up together and graduated from Doherty High School in 2000. Both talked about joining the Marines from an early age and they served together after graduating high school.
Smith served with the Marines for more than a decade. His friend said Smith's job was to track down and disable explosives. "He chose to be explosive ordinance disposal because their mission out there was critical for the success of everyone else out there, and even though he knew it was the most dangerous job you could possibly choose in the Marine Corps, he still did it," said Burgreen.
"They're very proud of their son, very proud," Burgreen said
His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Marine Sgt. Jason T. Smith was killed in action on 11/19/10.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Spc. Culbreth was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 17, 2010 at Panjway district, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Justin E. Culbreth was born and raised in Wentzville, Missouri, where his parents still reside. He attended Warrenton High School, then was homeschooled and finished early before joining the Army in 2004.
His family says he liked playing paintball and video games, and enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with his friends.
Spc. Culbreth was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, for a couple of years and he met his wife there. They married and created a large family in Colorado Springs with their children and stepchildren. Spc. Culbreth and family moved to Fort Campbell in 2009, where they lived in Clarksville while he was being trained. He was deployed to Afghanistan in February with Delta Company.
During his career, Spc. Culbreth was deployed to Korea, and also served a tour of duty in Iraq. Culbreth received commendations for his earlier service in Korea and Iraq, and has since received numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart Medal, for his service in Afghanistan.
"He was a fine young man growing up," his father Walter Culbreth said in The Gazette. "He had his mind set. He wanted to serve his country. We miss him."
SPC Culbreth is survived by his wife, Kimberly Culbreth; son, Brandon S. Culbreth; step-daughters, Katelyn R. Carbaugh, Mariah J. Bailey and Hannah G. Carbaugh and step-son, Cole R. Carbaugh, all of Clarksville, Tenn. He is also survived by his parents Walter and Cheryl Culbreth of Wentzville, Mo.
Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth was killed in action on 11/17/10.
Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Spc. Culbreth was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 17, 2010 at Panjway district, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Justin E. Culbreth was born and raised in Wentzville, Missouri, where his parents still reside. He attended Warrenton High School, then was homeschooled and finished early before joining the Army in 2004.
His family says he liked playing paintball and video games, and enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with his friends.
Spc. Culbreth was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, for a couple of years and he met his wife there. They married and created a large family in Colorado Springs with their children and stepchildren. Spc. Culbreth and family moved to Fort Campbell in 2009, where they lived in Clarksville while he was being trained. He was deployed to Afghanistan in February with Delta Company.
During his career, Spc. Culbreth was deployed to Korea, and also served a tour of duty in Iraq. Culbreth received commendations for his earlier service in Korea and Iraq, and has since received numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart Medal, for his service in Afghanistan.
"He was a fine young man growing up," his father Walter Culbreth said in The Gazette. "He had his mind set. He wanted to serve his country. We miss him."
SPC Culbreth is survived by his wife, Kimberly Culbreth; son, Brandon S. Culbreth; step-daughters, Katelyn R. Carbaugh, Mariah J. Bailey and Hannah G. Carbaugh and step-son, Cole R. Carbaugh, all of Clarksville, Tenn. He is also survived by his parents Walter and Cheryl Culbreth of Wentzville, Mo.
Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth was killed in action on 11/17/10.
Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder, 18, of Conroe, Texas
Pfc Holder was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance and Surveillance), 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Nov. 17, 2010 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident.
An 18-year-old soldier from Conroe has died in Afghanistan, Department of Defense officials announced on Thursday. Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder died Wednesday at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident, officials said.
He is the 12th local service member to die in Afghanistan so far this year, and the youngest casualty from the Houston area since the Afghan war began nearly a decade ago, according to Houston Chronicle records.
Holder served in Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
"Our squadron mourns the loss of one of our young troopers, Pfc. Kyle Holder," his squadron's commander, Lt. Col. James Gaylord, said in a written statement. "Pfc. Holder volunteered to serve our nation and his presence will be missed. Our hearts go out to his entire family."
Holder's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal Posthumous, Army Good Conduct Medal Posthumous, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Posthumous, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal Posthumous.
Among those Pfc. Holder leaves behind are his sister Stefanie, and his mother Michelle and father Bryant in The Woodlands, Texas.
Funeral arrangements are pending. The cause of Holder's death is under investigation, Army officials said.
Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder was killed in a non-combat related incident on 11/17/10.
Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder, 18, of Conroe, Texas
Pfc Holder was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance and Surveillance), 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Nov. 17, 2010 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident.
An 18-year-old soldier from Conroe has died in Afghanistan, Department of Defense officials announced on Thursday. Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder died Wednesday at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident, officials said.
He is the 12th local service member to die in Afghanistan so far this year, and the youngest casualty from the Houston area since the Afghan war began nearly a decade ago, according to Houston Chronicle records.
Holder served in Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
"Our squadron mourns the loss of one of our young troopers, Pfc. Kyle Holder," his squadron's commander, Lt. Col. James Gaylord, said in a written statement. "Pfc. Holder volunteered to serve our nation and his presence will be missed. Our hearts go out to his entire family."
Holder's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal Posthumous, Army Good Conduct Medal Posthumous, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal Posthumous, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal Posthumous.
Among those Pfc. Holder leaves behind are his sister Stefanie, and his mother Michelle and father Bryant in The Woodlands, Texas.
Funeral arrangements are pending. The cause of Holder's death is under investigation, Army officials said.
Army Pfc. Kyle M. Holder was killed in a non-combat related incident on 11/17/10.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Marine Staff Sgt. Javier O. Ortiz-Rivera
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Staff Sgt. Javier O. Ortiz-Rivera, 26, of Rochester, N.Y.
SSgt. Ortiz-Rivera was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Nov. 16, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A 2002 Edison High School graduate, 26-year-old Staff Sgt. Javier Ortiz-Rivera, was killed Tuesday in an explosion in Afghanistan. Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera apparently was killed while on patrol in a remote region of the country.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera enlisted in the Marines right out of high school and planned to make the Marines his career. He was serving his second deployment to Afghanistan, and had also been to Iraq once. Born in Puerto Rico, Javier came to Rochester in 1991.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera leaves a wife and three small children in North Carolina where he was stationed in the U.S. His children are two boys, ages three and five, and a seven-year-old girl.
A cousin, Leslie Rivera, says "it's going to be really hard. They adored him and he adored them, so this is going to be a very hard time for them, for his wife, and for all of us here."
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera's older brother Orlando flew to North Carolina to comfort the family. Their sister, 22-year-old Glory Ortiz, a State University of New York of Binghamton student says Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera was like a big brother to everyone in the family, even his cousins. And about serving, "it's what he always wanted to do. Yes, he was worried about being there. But he knew he had to go. It was his job. He cared a lot about his guys there, making sure their families were OK, and making sure they were OK before they left for Afghanistan. He was very caring about his guys."
Javier Ortiz-Rivera was fighting in Helmand Province, which is at the center of the battleground against the Taliban. While the Marines won't confirm it, his family says he was killed by a bomb. He died doing the only job he ever wanted.
His family sat around their Northside house, stunned. The only things they have now are pictures and memories. "We're a very close family. We all heard. We all came together, and that's what we do," said Leslie Rivera, Javier's cousin.
If they haven't already, the children will learn that their father died living his dream. He enlisted in the Marines in 2002, as soon as he graduated from edison tech. Service is the only life he knew, and the only one he wanted.
"He loves his job, he loved being a Marine. He re-enlisted every chance he got. This was going to be his career," said Rivera.
The Marine Corps says Staff Sergeant Ortiz-Rivera served a tour in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 and went to Afghanistan in September. His cousin says he's coming home with a new title. "I want everybody to know that he was proud. He was proud of the Marine Corps. He was proud to be an American. A soldier of this country, that he fought, he did his civic duty, and he was a lovable and honorable hero to all of us," said Rivera.
Fighting back tears on the phone, Jose Rivera, Staff Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera's uncle, said the family received calls and visitors Thursday from the Marine's high school friends along with members of their community church, Our Lady of the Americas on East Main Street.
Forty-eight hours after hearing the crushing news, Rivera said he still can't believe it. He said he struggles when people offer him condolences.
"A lot of people have been calling but there is not much you can say," said Rivera. "There are no words that can make it better."
Rivera said he has been in the area for three decades and many Rochester-area people know him and his family. He said many were touched when they read stories about the sudden death.
Ortiz-Rivera graduated from Edison Tech in 2002. He was on his third tour of duty.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera is survived by his wife, Veronica, a seven year old daughter, a five year old son and a three year old son. He also leaves behind his mother, Gloria Rivera, father, Orlando, brother Orlando and sister Glory.
Marine Staff Sgt. Javier O. Ortiz-Rivera was killed in action on 11/16/10.
Marine Staff Sgt. Javier O. Ortiz-Rivera, 26, of Rochester, N.Y.
SSgt. Ortiz-Rivera was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Nov. 16, 2010 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
A 2002 Edison High School graduate, 26-year-old Staff Sgt. Javier Ortiz-Rivera, was killed Tuesday in an explosion in Afghanistan. Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera apparently was killed while on patrol in a remote region of the country.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera enlisted in the Marines right out of high school and planned to make the Marines his career. He was serving his second deployment to Afghanistan, and had also been to Iraq once. Born in Puerto Rico, Javier came to Rochester in 1991.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera leaves a wife and three small children in North Carolina where he was stationed in the U.S. His children are two boys, ages three and five, and a seven-year-old girl.
A cousin, Leslie Rivera, says "it's going to be really hard. They adored him and he adored them, so this is going to be a very hard time for them, for his wife, and for all of us here."
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera's older brother Orlando flew to North Carolina to comfort the family. Their sister, 22-year-old Glory Ortiz, a State University of New York of Binghamton student says Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera was like a big brother to everyone in the family, even his cousins. And about serving, "it's what he always wanted to do. Yes, he was worried about being there. But he knew he had to go. It was his job. He cared a lot about his guys there, making sure their families were OK, and making sure they were OK before they left for Afghanistan. He was very caring about his guys."
Javier Ortiz-Rivera was fighting in Helmand Province, which is at the center of the battleground against the Taliban. While the Marines won't confirm it, his family says he was killed by a bomb. He died doing the only job he ever wanted.
His family sat around their Northside house, stunned. The only things they have now are pictures and memories. "We're a very close family. We all heard. We all came together, and that's what we do," said Leslie Rivera, Javier's cousin.
If they haven't already, the children will learn that their father died living his dream. He enlisted in the Marines in 2002, as soon as he graduated from edison tech. Service is the only life he knew, and the only one he wanted.
"He loves his job, he loved being a Marine. He re-enlisted every chance he got. This was going to be his career," said Rivera.
The Marine Corps says Staff Sergeant Ortiz-Rivera served a tour in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 and went to Afghanistan in September. His cousin says he's coming home with a new title. "I want everybody to know that he was proud. He was proud of the Marine Corps. He was proud to be an American. A soldier of this country, that he fought, he did his civic duty, and he was a lovable and honorable hero to all of us," said Rivera.
Fighting back tears on the phone, Jose Rivera, Staff Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera's uncle, said the family received calls and visitors Thursday from the Marine's high school friends along with members of their community church, Our Lady of the Americas on East Main Street.
Forty-eight hours after hearing the crushing news, Rivera said he still can't believe it. He said he struggles when people offer him condolences.
"A lot of people have been calling but there is not much you can say," said Rivera. "There are no words that can make it better."
Rivera said he has been in the area for three decades and many Rochester-area people know him and his family. He said many were touched when they read stories about the sudden death.
Ortiz-Rivera graduated from Edison Tech in 2002. He was on his third tour of duty.
Sgt. Ortiz-Rivera is survived by his wife, Veronica, a seven year old daughter, a five year old son and a three year old son. He also leaves behind his mother, Gloria Rivera, father, Orlando, brother Orlando and sister Glory.
Marine Staff Sgt. Javier O. Ortiz-Rivera was killed in action on 11/16/10.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape
Remember Our Heroes
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Ind.
SSgt. Pape was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; died Nov. 16, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.
An Army Ranger stationed at Hunter Army Airfield was killed in Afghanistan Tuesday.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died in Konar province of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.
Pape was a squad leader assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
According to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs office, 75th Ranger Regiment Commander Col. Michael E. Kurilla said Pape was leading troops in a firefight "against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain of Afghanistan."
The Ranger, who enlisted in February 2005, was on his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He had also served three tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kurilla said Pape's family and the Rangers he led were the most important aspects of his life.
The Ranger was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.
Tracy Bailey, 75th Ranger Regiment spokesman, said funeral arrangements are pending.
The following information was obtained from the United States Army Special Operations Command News Service:
“Staff Sgt. Kevin Pape had two priorities in his life – his family and the Rangers he led,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment. “Keving was literally the lead Ranger in a heavy firefight against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain in Afghanistan. By the manner in which he lived his life, Staff Sgt. Pape defined sacrifice, dedicated, and selfless service.”
Pape previously served on three deployments in Iraq, and this was his third deployment to Afghanistan.
Lt. Col. Mike Foster, commander of 1st Ranger Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment said, “He is a hero to his family, the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Nation.”
The United State Army Special Operations Command News Service also released the following biography for Staff Sgt. Kevin Pape:
Pape was born February 5, 1980 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2005 from his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, as an infantryman.
Pape graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was then assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment in April 2006, where he served as a machine gunner, team leader and squad leader.
His awards and decorations include the Ranger tab, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Iraq Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Staff Sgt. Pape is survived by his wife, Amelia Rose Pape; his daughter, Anneka Sue, both of Savannah; and his parents Marc and Cheryl Pape, of Fort Wayne.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape was killed in action on 11/16/10.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Ind.
SSgt. Pape was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; died Nov. 16, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.
An Army Ranger stationed at Hunter Army Airfield was killed in Afghanistan Tuesday.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died in Konar province of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.
Pape was a squad leader assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
According to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs office, 75th Ranger Regiment Commander Col. Michael E. Kurilla said Pape was leading troops in a firefight "against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain of Afghanistan."
The Ranger, who enlisted in February 2005, was on his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He had also served three tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kurilla said Pape's family and the Rangers he led were the most important aspects of his life.
The Ranger was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.
Tracy Bailey, 75th Ranger Regiment spokesman, said funeral arrangements are pending.
The following information was obtained from the United States Army Special Operations Command News Service:
“Staff Sgt. Kevin Pape had two priorities in his life – his family and the Rangers he led,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment. “Keving was literally the lead Ranger in a heavy firefight against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain in Afghanistan. By the manner in which he lived his life, Staff Sgt. Pape defined sacrifice, dedicated, and selfless service.”
Pape previously served on three deployments in Iraq, and this was his third deployment to Afghanistan.
Lt. Col. Mike Foster, commander of 1st Ranger Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment said, “He is a hero to his family, the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Nation.”
The United State Army Special Operations Command News Service also released the following biography for Staff Sgt. Kevin Pape:
Pape was born February 5, 1980 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2005 from his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, as an infantryman.
Pape graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was then assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment in April 2006, where he served as a machine gunner, team leader and squad leader.
His awards and decorations include the Ranger tab, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Iraq Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Staff Sgt. Pape is survived by his wife, Amelia Rose Pape; his daughter, Anneka Sue, both of Savannah; and his parents Marc and Cheryl Pape, of Fort Wayne.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape was killed in action on 11/16/10.
Air Force Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht
Remember Our Heroes
Air Force Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Lt Col. Locht was assigned to 96th Inpatient Operations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; died Nov. 16, 2010 in Houston, Texas, after having been medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, on May 22 for treatment of a non-combat illness.
Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A Locht, passed away Nov. 16, 2010. Gwen was born on June 5, 1964 at Eglin AFB to Amon O. Andrews and Nellie C. Andrews. Gwen was preceded in death by her father, Amon Andrews, and brothers, Neil Andrews and James Andrews.
She was a 1982 graduate of Choctawhatchee High School and a member of the Indianettes. Gwen received her Bachelor's of Nursing from the University of South Alabama and was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority.
After 5 years of courtship, Gwen married David Locht on Oct. 8, 1988. Gwen worked at the local hospital in Fort Walton Beach before joining the United States Air Force family as a Second Lieutenant. Her first assignment was at Eglin AFB and she was deployed to Operation Desert Storm.
Her next assignment took her to Maxwell AFB, Ala. Gwen took a two-year break from active duty service and become a USAF Reservist in Florida where she had her wonderful son, David Locht Jr. After returning to Active Duty, Gwen was assigned to Patrick AFB, Fla. Her next assignment then sent the family to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska where her beautiful daughter, Danielle, was born. Then it was back to Florida to Hurlburt Field and to Eglin AFB where she was deployed to Afghanistan.
Gwen spent the last few months battling Leukemia which was diagnosed during her deployment in Afghanistan. Her husband of 22 years would like to thank all of the family and friends who helped us battle this disease by taking time to donate blood and all of the loving prayers.
Gwen always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in her face and the gentle roar of the waves all combined to create a sense of peace and calm.
Air Force Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht died of a non-combat related illness 11/16/10.
Air Force Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Lt Col. Locht was assigned to 96th Inpatient Operations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; died Nov. 16, 2010 in Houston, Texas, after having been medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, on May 22 for treatment of a non-combat illness.
Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A Locht, passed away Nov. 16, 2010. Gwen was born on June 5, 1964 at Eglin AFB to Amon O. Andrews and Nellie C. Andrews. Gwen was preceded in death by her father, Amon Andrews, and brothers, Neil Andrews and James Andrews.
She was a 1982 graduate of Choctawhatchee High School and a member of the Indianettes. Gwen received her Bachelor's of Nursing from the University of South Alabama and was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority.
After 5 years of courtship, Gwen married David Locht on Oct. 8, 1988. Gwen worked at the local hospital in Fort Walton Beach before joining the United States Air Force family as a Second Lieutenant. Her first assignment was at Eglin AFB and she was deployed to Operation Desert Storm.
Her next assignment took her to Maxwell AFB, Ala. Gwen took a two-year break from active duty service and become a USAF Reservist in Florida where she had her wonderful son, David Locht Jr. After returning to Active Duty, Gwen was assigned to Patrick AFB, Fla. Her next assignment then sent the family to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska where her beautiful daughter, Danielle, was born. Then it was back to Florida to Hurlburt Field and to Eglin AFB where she was deployed to Afghanistan.
Gwen spent the last few months battling Leukemia which was diagnosed during her deployment in Afghanistan. Her husband of 22 years would like to thank all of the family and friends who helped us battle this disease by taking time to donate blood and all of the loving prayers.
Gwen always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in her face and the gentle roar of the waves all combined to create a sense of peace and calm.
Air Force Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht died of a non-combat related illness 11/16/10.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Army Staff Sgt. David P. Senft
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. David P. Senft, 27, of Grass Valley, Calif.
SSgt Senft was assigned to 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 15, 2010 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
‘Adrenaline junkie’ wanted to work on Black Hawk crew
The Associated Press
David P. Senft’s adventures began when he was a boy and by the time he was in his 20s, he was what his father called a “thrill seeker.”
“I’d call him an adrenaline junkie,” the elder Senft told The Union newspaper in California.
Senft, a door gunner for a Black Hawk helicopter crew, died Nov. 15 in a non-combat related incident at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the military said. The 27-year-old was assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky.
In his youth, Senft went rock climbing and on other expeditions with his father, David H. Senft.
After he saw the 1990s film “Black Hawk Down” he knew he wanted to work on a helicopter crew, and he enlisted in the Army with the hope of doing just that, his stepfather said.
Senft lived in Tracy, Calif., until his early adolesence.
In 2001, he graduated from Sierra Mountain High School in Grass Valley, Calif., which he listed as his hometown. He joined the Army in March 2002.
In addition to his father, Senft’s survivors include his wife, Alyssa S. Senft; a 5-year-old son, Landon N. Ryan; and his mother, Lee A. Snyder.
“He always put others first, and himself last,” his father said.
Army Staff Sgt. David P. Senft was killed in a non-combat incident on 11/15/10.
Army Staff Sgt. David P. Senft, 27, of Grass Valley, Calif.
SSgt Senft was assigned to 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 15, 2010 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.
‘Adrenaline junkie’ wanted to work on Black Hawk crew
The Associated Press
David P. Senft’s adventures began when he was a boy and by the time he was in his 20s, he was what his father called a “thrill seeker.”
“I’d call him an adrenaline junkie,” the elder Senft told The Union newspaper in California.
Senft, a door gunner for a Black Hawk helicopter crew, died Nov. 15 in a non-combat related incident at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the military said. The 27-year-old was assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky.
In his youth, Senft went rock climbing and on other expeditions with his father, David H. Senft.
After he saw the 1990s film “Black Hawk Down” he knew he wanted to work on a helicopter crew, and he enlisted in the Army with the hope of doing just that, his stepfather said.
Senft lived in Tracy, Calif., until his early adolesence.
In 2001, he graduated from Sierra Mountain High School in Grass Valley, Calif., which he listed as his hometown. He joined the Army in March 2002.
In addition to his father, Senft’s survivors include his wife, Alyssa S. Senft; a 5-year-old son, Landon N. Ryan; and his mother, Lee A. Snyder.
“He always put others first, and himself last,” his father said.
Army Staff Sgt. David P. Senft was killed in a non-combat incident on 11/15/10.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Army Spc. Scott T. Nagorski
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27, of Greenfield, Wis.
Spc Nagorski was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 14, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
The family of Army Specialist Scott Nagorski is talking for the first time since hearing of their son's death in Afghanistan. Nagorski turned 27 years old on November 13th. 24 hours later, enemy fighters shot and killed him and four other soldiers.
Scott Kurath says a visitor to his Franklin home Sunday at 11:10 a.m. could only mean one thing. "I knew before I opened the door. When you have a son in Afghanistan and you have the military standing outside your door in class-A uniforms it's not going to be good," said Kurath.
Nicole Jasinki says through Nagorski's good nature, he was an older brother who kept her safe long before he became a soldier. "We were very close growing up. Even as a kid he was my hero. Yep it's hard I do miss him. When he was over there it's going to be hard," said Jasinski.
Ironically, as the Kurath family spoke Friday, it was the first birthday of Nagorski's only child, Melody. Nagorski's wife Nadine is still in Clarksville, TN for the short term. She has plans to relocate in southeast Wisconsin.
Franklin High School is remembering a student who grew up, and became a soldier. He was known as a giving man, and in Afghanistan he gave his all.
Enemy fighters opened fire on a US Army unit in Afghanistan Sunday. The small arms attack killed five, Army Specialist Scott Nagorski was among the five killed in this attack.
Nagorski's High School Counselor Keith Decker says the 2002 graduate had an interest in horticulture and cooking, but became an army infantry man in July 2006. Decker says, "I would certainly hold him up as an example to our students and say hey this is a person that you would be honored to be like him."
Long time Franklin teacher Andrew Misorski remembers how Nagorski reached out and related to everyone. Misorski said, "Kids who were struggling and having a hard time, Scott just had a way of working with these students and settling them down, and making them feel comfortable, and Scott had a real gift for that."
From Franklin to Afghanistan, Nagorski's war time death is shocking, but not his enduring work ethic and drive. Misorski says, "There's a lot of value in what Scott represented as a young man. He made a choice to serve and protect us there's a lot of valor i that choice alone."
Nagorksi is survived by his family in Wisconsin, as well as his wife Nadine and one year old daughter Melody in Clarksville, TN.
Army Spc. Scott T. Nagorski was killed in action on 11/14/10.
Army Spc. Scott T. Nagorski, 27, of Greenfield, Wis.
Spc Nagorski was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 14, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
The family of Army Specialist Scott Nagorski is talking for the first time since hearing of their son's death in Afghanistan. Nagorski turned 27 years old on November 13th. 24 hours later, enemy fighters shot and killed him and four other soldiers.
Scott Kurath says a visitor to his Franklin home Sunday at 11:10 a.m. could only mean one thing. "I knew before I opened the door. When you have a son in Afghanistan and you have the military standing outside your door in class-A uniforms it's not going to be good," said Kurath.
Nicole Jasinki says through Nagorski's good nature, he was an older brother who kept her safe long before he became a soldier. "We were very close growing up. Even as a kid he was my hero. Yep it's hard I do miss him. When he was over there it's going to be hard," said Jasinski.
Ironically, as the Kurath family spoke Friday, it was the first birthday of Nagorski's only child, Melody. Nagorski's wife Nadine is still in Clarksville, TN for the short term. She has plans to relocate in southeast Wisconsin.
Franklin High School is remembering a student who grew up, and became a soldier. He was known as a giving man, and in Afghanistan he gave his all.
Enemy fighters opened fire on a US Army unit in Afghanistan Sunday. The small arms attack killed five, Army Specialist Scott Nagorski was among the five killed in this attack.
Nagorski's High School Counselor Keith Decker says the 2002 graduate had an interest in horticulture and cooking, but became an army infantry man in July 2006. Decker says, "I would certainly hold him up as an example to our students and say hey this is a person that you would be honored to be like him."
Long time Franklin teacher Andrew Misorski remembers how Nagorski reached out and related to everyone. Misorski said, "Kids who were struggling and having a hard time, Scott just had a way of working with these students and settling them down, and making them feel comfortable, and Scott had a real gift for that."
From Franklin to Afghanistan, Nagorski's war time death is shocking, but not his enduring work ethic and drive. Misorski says, "There's a lot of value in what Scott represented as a young man. He made a choice to serve and protect us there's a lot of valor i that choice alone."
Nagorksi is survived by his family in Wisconsin, as well as his wife Nadine and one year old daughter Melody in Clarksville, TN.
Army Spc. Scott T. Nagorski was killed in action on 11/14/10.
Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard
Remember Our Heroes
Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, 26, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Spc. Lillard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 14, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
Friends said Nathan Lillard put his life on hold for a second turn at military service. "He'd been in once before, and he always talked about going back," said Derrick Rubush, a former Knox County co-worker. "He never actually went overseas the first time, and he was pretty adamant about wanting to go. He stayed single, because he said he didn't feel right getting married before he went over there."
Lillard gave his life in that service this week. The 26-year-old Army specialist and East Tennessee native died Sunday in a shootout with rebel forces in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, according to the Department of Defense.
Lillard grew up in Southeast Tennessee's McMinn County but spent his junior and senior years at Lenoir City High School, where he graduated in 2003, Principal Steve Millsaps said. His death made him the school's first graduate killed in the Afghan conflict, the principal said.
Lenoir City High School Principal Steve Millsaps said records confirm that Lillard graduated LCHS May 17, 2003, having transferred from McMinn County.
From all reports, Lillard was not here long before he found close friends. “He moved here from Athens my sophomore year, and his junior year,” said Jamie Petter, of Lenoir City. “We met in school and hit it off and were good buddies. He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet — always cutting up and everything.”
Lillard lived with Petter’s family for a couple of years. “When he was out of high school, he stayed at our house all the time anyway and he just kind of come over and we never let him leave. We shared a room a long time,” Petter recalled. “The last time we talked, he had come in on leave before he deployed. It was around Christmas, almost a year ago. I went to see him when he left for Afghanistan. He had to go back to Fort Campbell where he was stationed to be deployed.”
Petter and Lillard communicated on Facebook while he was in Afghanistan. “On his birthday, Aug. 17, I told him to hurry up and get home so we could hang out. I didn’t want him to come home this way. I am going to miss him. It has been hard.”
Friends said Lillard had talked of a military career even a teenager. His former teachers remember him as a big, burly boy, quick with a smile, who loved to work with his hands.
"Whenever somebody mentions Nathan, I think of a huge guy like a teddy bear," said David Widby, who taught Lillard in graphic design. "He was an excellent kid, very respectful and soft-spoken. He was a mechanically inclined, hands-on student, really more interested in building and working with machines than in computers. He joined the military while he was still in school. He didn't say a lot, but he did say he wanted to serve his country, even in high school."
Lillard later lived in Knoxville and worked in the warehouse at Modern Supply on Lovell Road. He left to rejoin the Army and finish what he'd begun, friends said.
"If you met him once, you wouldn't forget him," said Rubush, who met Lillard on the job five years ago. "He made it so much easier to come to work, because he always made everybody else smile."
Lillard re-enlisted in November 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky., in August 2009. He stayed in touch with friends and family through Facebook and came home on leave this spring. "It was like he'd never left," Rubush said. "He was like he'd always been. He didn't really talk much about what was going on over there, but he was never negative."
Word of Lillard's death began spreading Monday night. A plane returned his body Tuesday to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Lillard's mother, Helen Hyatt of Athens, Tenn., had gone to claim the body Wednesday. Funeral arrangements remained incomplete.
Helen Hyatt had presents under her Christmas tree for her son and was waiting for him to come back home.
"I sent a letter to him saying, 'I have your Kasey Kahne stocking hanging up,'" Hyatt said. "'I have your gifts under the tree, and I'm so ready for Christmas.'
One of them was a conversation the two had in her living room when Lillard was on leave for fifteen days in July.
"If something should happen, I'm going to a better place," Hyatt remembered her son said. "Please understand that. He said, 'I'm ready to fight for our freedom. We need to fight to keep our country free.' He said after 9-11 we need to fight harder."
A few days after that conversation, she said goodbye to her son at McGhee Tyson Airport.
Last week, as she prepared to fly to Dover, Delaware for the arrival of her son's body, Hyatt passed by the spot where she last hugged him. "Nathan had turned and waved," she said. "It was my last sight of him."
Hyatt said what she'll miss most about Lillard is a man who loved everyone and would not only give the shirt off his back to his friends but to the whole country.
"He was one of those people that just did not want anybody else to hurt or feel sorrow or pain, and he would literally lay his life down for anybody," Hyatt said.
She still thinks her son will be watching over her. "He always said, 'Mom, I will be watching out that window and watching what's going on,'" she said.
"Today is one of the hardest and happiest days of my life because we didn't know we were going to be able to say goodbye in this way. We are blessed to be able to look at his uniform and his medals and him laying there," said Lillard's mother, Helen Hyatt.
Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard was killed in action on 11/14/10.
Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard, 26, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Spc. Lillard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 14, 2010 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
Friends said Nathan Lillard put his life on hold for a second turn at military service. "He'd been in once before, and he always talked about going back," said Derrick Rubush, a former Knox County co-worker. "He never actually went overseas the first time, and he was pretty adamant about wanting to go. He stayed single, because he said he didn't feel right getting married before he went over there."
Lillard gave his life in that service this week. The 26-year-old Army specialist and East Tennessee native died Sunday in a shootout with rebel forces in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, according to the Department of Defense.
Lillard grew up in Southeast Tennessee's McMinn County but spent his junior and senior years at Lenoir City High School, where he graduated in 2003, Principal Steve Millsaps said. His death made him the school's first graduate killed in the Afghan conflict, the principal said.
Lenoir City High School Principal Steve Millsaps said records confirm that Lillard graduated LCHS May 17, 2003, having transferred from McMinn County.
From all reports, Lillard was not here long before he found close friends. “He moved here from Athens my sophomore year, and his junior year,” said Jamie Petter, of Lenoir City. “We met in school and hit it off and were good buddies. He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet — always cutting up and everything.”
Lillard lived with Petter’s family for a couple of years. “When he was out of high school, he stayed at our house all the time anyway and he just kind of come over and we never let him leave. We shared a room a long time,” Petter recalled. “The last time we talked, he had come in on leave before he deployed. It was around Christmas, almost a year ago. I went to see him when he left for Afghanistan. He had to go back to Fort Campbell where he was stationed to be deployed.”
Petter and Lillard communicated on Facebook while he was in Afghanistan. “On his birthday, Aug. 17, I told him to hurry up and get home so we could hang out. I didn’t want him to come home this way. I am going to miss him. It has been hard.”
Friends said Lillard had talked of a military career even a teenager. His former teachers remember him as a big, burly boy, quick with a smile, who loved to work with his hands.
"Whenever somebody mentions Nathan, I think of a huge guy like a teddy bear," said David Widby, who taught Lillard in graphic design. "He was an excellent kid, very respectful and soft-spoken. He was a mechanically inclined, hands-on student, really more interested in building and working with machines than in computers. He joined the military while he was still in school. He didn't say a lot, but he did say he wanted to serve his country, even in high school."
Lillard later lived in Knoxville and worked in the warehouse at Modern Supply on Lovell Road. He left to rejoin the Army and finish what he'd begun, friends said.
"If you met him once, you wouldn't forget him," said Rubush, who met Lillard on the job five years ago. "He made it so much easier to come to work, because he always made everybody else smile."
Lillard re-enlisted in November 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky., in August 2009. He stayed in touch with friends and family through Facebook and came home on leave this spring. "It was like he'd never left," Rubush said. "He was like he'd always been. He didn't really talk much about what was going on over there, but he was never negative."
Word of Lillard's death began spreading Monday night. A plane returned his body Tuesday to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Lillard's mother, Helen Hyatt of Athens, Tenn., had gone to claim the body Wednesday. Funeral arrangements remained incomplete.
Helen Hyatt had presents under her Christmas tree for her son and was waiting for him to come back home.
"I sent a letter to him saying, 'I have your Kasey Kahne stocking hanging up,'" Hyatt said. "'I have your gifts under the tree, and I'm so ready for Christmas.'
One of them was a conversation the two had in her living room when Lillard was on leave for fifteen days in July.
"If something should happen, I'm going to a better place," Hyatt remembered her son said. "Please understand that. He said, 'I'm ready to fight for our freedom. We need to fight to keep our country free.' He said after 9-11 we need to fight harder."
A few days after that conversation, she said goodbye to her son at McGhee Tyson Airport.
Last week, as she prepared to fly to Dover, Delaware for the arrival of her son's body, Hyatt passed by the spot where she last hugged him. "Nathan had turned and waved," she said. "It was my last sight of him."
Hyatt said what she'll miss most about Lillard is a man who loved everyone and would not only give the shirt off his back to his friends but to the whole country.
"He was one of those people that just did not want anybody else to hurt or feel sorrow or pain, and he would literally lay his life down for anybody," Hyatt said.
She still thinks her son will be watching over her. "He always said, 'Mom, I will be watching out that window and watching what's going on,'" she said.
"Today is one of the hardest and happiest days of my life because we didn't know we were going to be able to say goodbye in this way. We are blessed to be able to look at his uniform and his medals and him laying there," said Lillard's mother, Helen Hyatt.
Army Spc. Nathan E. Lillard was killed in action on 11/14/10.
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