Marine Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell

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Marine Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell, 28, of Detroit

SSgt Bell was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Nov. 30, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

SSgt Bell graduated from Crockett Technical High School. He joined Marines in 2001. He served as an artilleryman. This was his second deployment, having previously deployed to Iraq.

Family last saw him when he came home on leave during the first week of October.

Sister, London, described her brother as a Marine warrior with the spirit of a little boy, someone who would order ice cream with sprinkles and someone who loved animals. His best friend was a sweet-natured pit bull named Nala, and he used to sing to her as a puppy.

“We’re all so hurt, and we just felt like this wasn’t supposed to happen,” said London. “It’s been very painful for all of us, we’re just feeling a little lost right now."

"He had a light in him that he drew people to him,” his sister said. “I feel like I’ve lost one of my soul mates.”

SSgt Bell's awards and decorations include:

Purple Heart
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star device
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal with two gold star devices
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze star devices

SSgt Bell is survived by his mother, Pamela; father, James; sisters, London and Andrea.

Marine Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell was killed in action on 11/30/11.

Marine Cpl. Adam J. Buyes

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Marine Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, 21, of Salem, Ore.

Cpl. Buyes was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Nov. 26, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Cpl Buyes, a field radio operator, was killed while on foot patrol. He was the 31st from Oregon to die in Afghanistan.

Cpl Buyes graduated from McKay High School in 2008, where he participated football and track and field, and also was a member of the bowling club.

Cpl Buyes joined the Marines in January 2009. He deplyed in May. This was his first deployment. He was due to return to Okinawa the following week and, according to his father, had purchased an airline ticket to fly home Dec. 22.

Brother, Joshua, who is also in the Marines, returned from deployment to Afghanistan three weeks prior.

Father, Mike Buyes, last spoke to his son was on Thanksgiving. "He really wanted to be with us," his dad said.

Teacher, Cathy Sparks, had Buyes in her French class as a freshman. “I remember he tried super hard and had fun, but French really wasn’t his thing."

Sparks also had Buyes for three years in her advisory class. She said he stood out in that class, which a lot of students find a way to skip, because “he always came.”

“He was kind of quiet, but outgoing with people he knew,” Sparks said. “He was probably different on the football team.”

McKay High School football coach, Jay Minyard, last saw Adam this past spring when Adam spent a day at his alma mater while on military leave, having lunch with his former coach and hanging out in the weight room, where his name is etched on the record boards. Buyes is among the all-time leaders in the 300-pound bench press and the 275-pound incline.

“He was in here working out with some of the kids, showing them some things he’s learned in the Marine Corps,” Minyard said. “He was definitely in really good shape. It was kind of one of those deals where he really missed us and kind of felt compelled to give back a little bit.”

“He was proud to be a Marine and to serve his country,” Minyard said. “And we were all really proud of him. He was one of McKay’s finest.”

"Cpl. Adam Buyes was a truly dedicated professional who cared for his Marines as if they were brothers from the beginning," said battalion 1st Sgt. Daniel J. Wilson.

"He was often emulated and adored by many of the Marines he came in contact with. Cpl. Buyes was just one of those Marines that made being in Okinawa, Japan, or deployed to Afghanistan better and more enjoyable for everyone."

Cpl Buyes' awards and decorations include:

Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal

Cpl Buyes is survived by his parents, Carla and Michael; siblings, Rachel, Anthony, Joshua and Tyler; grandparents Murry and Carol Newton.

Marine Cpl. Adam J. Buyes was killed in action on 11/26/11.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Dennis R. Murray

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Dennis R. Murray, 38, of Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.

SFC Murray was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died Nov. 21, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

SFC Murray graduated from Hermitage Springs School in 1991. He joined the Army in September 1991. He reported to Fort Riley in February this year and deployed in April. He served as an armored crew member.

Mother, Wanda, said, "He was always good to people and he was a very loving, caring father to his children. He was a good son, and I am very proud of him. He will be missed by all of us… I miss him all of the time."

SFC Murray's awards and decorations include:

Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Korea Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
NATO Medal
Combat Action Badge

Services were held on December 5. Patriot Guard Riders escorted.

SFC Murray is survived by mother, Wanda; wife, Shelee; son, Sebastion; daughter, Savannah; stepson, Christopher Cooley; stepdaughter, Samantha Barnes

Army Sgt. 1st Class Dennis R. Murray was killed in action on 11/21/11.

Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff

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Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa

Cpl Reiff was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died Nov. 21, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered Nov. 18, 2011 while conducting combat operations.

Cpl Reiff was wounded while on foot patrol when he stepped on an IED. He died three days later in Germany with his parents at his bedside.

Cpl Reiff graduated from Preston High School in 2007, where he wrestled, ran track and played drums in the band.

Cpl Reiff enlisted in the Marines in December 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He was injured by an IED on his first deployment, recovering from his injuries with rehabilitation. He volunteered for this deployment. He deployed in September.

On November 17, he was given “NCO of the Quarter” and placed on Meritorious Service Board for Seargent.

Preston High School principal, Dave Miller, said, “He was a well-built young man who kept himself in good condition. He was a good person who did his own thing and never caused anybody trouble.”

Friend, Tara recalled a pair of Preston track sweat pants Reiff loaned her and how she would never be able to return them.

“I wish there was a way you could see how loved you are, but apart of me knows you already know. It’s times like these that make me remember to always leave someone you love and care about with loving words. You never know when it will be your last good bye.”

Cpl Reiff's awards and decorations include:

Purple Heart (2)
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star device

Cpl Reiff is survived by his parents, Marcia and Matt; brother, Kolby and sister, Emily; maternal grandmother, Lucille.

Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff was killed in action on 11/21/11.

Army Pfc. Jackie L. Diener II

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Army Pfc. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City, Mich.

Pfc. Diener assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Nov. 21, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire.

*Was posthumously promoted from private to private first class.

Pfc Diener graduated from Boyne City High School in 2009, where he participated in football, baseball and wrestling. In his junior year, he was an exchange student in Denmark.

Pfc Diener joined the Army in March 2011, arriving at Fort Drum in July. He deployed to Afghanistan in September. He served as a cavalry scout.

"He was a sweetheart. Very quiet and a good kid," said grandmother, Donna Diener. She said her grandson was eager to join the military. "This is something he chose. He wanted to do it. He wanted to serve his country."

Principal, Karen Jarema, said, " Jack was a very independent student and had strong desires. He was able to be successful at anything he wished to be."

Wrestling coach Don Nohel said he was proud of Diener's growth both as an athlete and a student.

"He was not afraid to work for something he set his mind to," Nohel said. "As a wrestler, I saw him overcome many difficult moments and bounce back and put himself out there again."

"Jack was a unique individual, not really caught up in what other people did, but more interested in making his own way and mark in the world. It is sad that Jack's adventure ended so soon. We will miss him," Nohel said.

Pfc Diener's awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Army Combat Action Badge

Pfc Diener is survived by his parents, Val and Jack; sister, Marcie and grandmother, Donna.

Army Pfc. Jackie L. Diener II was killed in actin on 11/21/11.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral

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Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral, 19, of Danville, Calif.

LCpl Corral was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died Nov. 18, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Lcpl Corral, aka "Chachi", the second oldest of four boys, graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 2010, where he played football his freshman year. His nickname came about due to his baby brother who had trouble pronouncing his older brother's first name.

Lcpl Corral joined the Marines in July 2010. He graduated first in his Marine Corps class and served as his squad's sweeper, he would go in front of the squad to sweep the area for improvised explosive devices. This was his first deployment.

Lcpl Corral had been active in the Danville Little League from Tee Ball through Big League. His father, Arnie, had been an active member of the league for many years and is currently serving on the Board of Directors.

Friend, Brock Marcotte, said, "It's not how big he lived his life, but how rich and meaninful his life actually was. He always saw the bigger picture that tomorrow is not today. He was always leading and never follwoing because he chose his own path."

"He loved being in the Marines. Being in the Marines fit him perfectly. He loved working hard. He was super tough. There are Marines and then there are Marines you want to be like. And he was definitely one of those Marines. He set the bar to excel," said Brock.

"Just a great kid. Friends with everyone. He had anyone's back," said family friend, Christine Mahoney. "When he joined after graduating, 10 of his friends joined the Marines too. That's who he was. He just wanted to serve his country. He wanted to make a difference."

Lcpl Corral's awardsand decorations include:

Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Cpl Corral is survived by his mother, Denise; father, Arnie; brothers, Zach, Jordan and Christian.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral was killed in action on 11/18/11.

Army Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner

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Army Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner, 21, of Moline, Ill.

Pfc. Dobereiner was assigned to 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.; died Nov. 18, 2011 at Kandahar province, Afghanistan of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.

Pfc Dobereiner was killed three days before his 22nd birthday. He was on a vital mission to free two villages from Taliban control when the vehicle he was driving in encountered an IED. Two other soldiers were injured by the blast.

Pfc Dobereiner graduated from Moline High School in 2008, where he wrestled and played on the football team. He joined the Army in January 2011, reported to Fort Hood in May and deployed to Afghanistan in June. He served as a combat engineer. His brother, Christopher, also served in Army and sister, Ann Marie, who is serving as well.

He was engaged to Jenna Schmidt and was to be married on January 3, 2012

“He was a great kid,” Moline wrestling coach James Ealy. “I coached him my first two years there, his junior and senior year. He was an extremely hard worker, and what he lacked in athletic ability, he made up for in guts, hard work and determination. His senior year, he missed a good part of the season with a concussion. He never backed up. He just kept moving forward, always fighting to the bitter end.“

"They say everybody dies, but not everybody lives. At 21 years Adam Dobereiner got a lot of life in. I'm going to do my part to make sure people remember him and what he did," said Ealy.

“You always hear that question about the guy you’d want in a foxhole,” Ealy said. “It would be Adam Dobereiner.“

Pfc Dobereiner's awards and decorations include:
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon

Pfc Dobereiner was laid to rest in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL.

Pfc Dobereiner is survived by his parents, Lee Ann and Christopher; siblings, Christopher, Helen, Ann Marie; fiancee, Jenna.

Army Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner was killed in action on 11/18/11.

Army Spc. Sean M. Walsh

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Army Spc. Sean M. Walsh, 21, of San Jose, Calif.

Spc. Walsh was assigned to 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, California National Guard, Pittsburg, Calif.; died Nov. 16, 2011 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by indirect fire.

Spc Walsh deployed to Afghanistan in December 2010. He had just a week left on his year-long tour. He was due home the following Friday.

Spc Walsh was an avid skater and surfer and was involved with the Santa Clara Police Department Explorer Program while attending Prospect High.

Spc Walsh joined the California National Guard in 2008. He served as a Military Police Officer.

Mother, Cheryl, recalled the day her only child told her he wanted to join the California National Guard. He was 17 and dreamed of becoming a police officer some day. Serving as a military police officer first, she said, would be his stepping stone to the profession.

"I was terrified and I was trying to talk him out of that," she said. Going back three generations, she said, several family members had served in the armed forces and fought in combat, including an uncle who died in Korea. "I knew, and I was worried," she said.

A photo taken just 13 days before he was killed showed him holding a sign that read, "I Love Mom."

Friends and family say he was a loving son, a dedicated soldier and a goofball friend.

"I'll be fine grandma, I'll be fine. That's what he'd always say. I'll be fine grandma, I'll be fine," Sean's grandma Shirley Quigley.

Grandmother Shirley said her grandson always had a way of making people laugh when they were down, lifting them back up.

"He'd leave silly messages…I've saved every one of them. Not because...It was just until he came home. I wasn't going to erase any of them," Shirley continued.

Uncle Tim Morgan said he remembered his nephew as a person who could make anyone smile and was filled with compassion and a sense of duty. "He became an MP because he wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to protect and serve.

This has been one of the worst nightmares to hit us, we just didn't expect it to happen." "He was just a few days away from coming home," he said. "He was actually supposed to come up here next month and we were all going to go to the city for New Year's."

"I didn't know Specialist Walsh, but spending time with his mother, Cheryl, you realize the sacrifices involved. That he's a human being and not just a number," said First Lieutenant Will Martin, a spokesman for the CA National Guard. "It brings it home."

Army Spc. Sean M. Walsh was killed in action on 11/16/11.

Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin

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Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin, 22, of Navarre, Fla.

Pfc Colin was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Nov. 16, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Spc. James R. Burnett Jr.

Pfc Colin graduated from 2007 Navarre High School in 2007. He joined the Army in February 2010, following in the footsteps of his father who served in the Army from 1978-85.

This was Pfc Colin's first deplyment. He was scheduled to come home in January for a two-week break from his year-long deployment.

Pfc Colin is described as soft spoken, a great athlete, a class act.

"This is a very difficult situation," said Diane Borgsteede, friend and neighbor of the family. "It has knocked the breath out of many of us, obviously his parents the most."

Father, Kenneth, wrote on his Facebook page that 19 members of his son's unit have been killed in action since April.

Dottie Thomas, branch director of the Pullum Family YMCA, where Kenneth works, said Kenneth's greatest fear was something tragic happening to his son in Afghanistan.

"They are right on the front lines," Thomas said. "They are ground forces in the worst part of Afghanistan."

Matthew worked as a fitness specialist at the YMCA one summer.

"Matt was kind of quiet but extremely friendly," she said. "He was a great help to people here at the Y. He was well-liked. You would call him a refreshing young man."

Amanda Bishop, Mattew's former teacher at Navarre High said, "He was just a very genuine, sincere, kind of guy. He was very honorable. His parents raised him right. He had a strong sense of values and morals."

"I imagine that being the genuine and honorable kid he was in school, I can only imagine the honorable, courageous young man that he has become serving his country."

Family friend, Mike McHenry, said "This is a tragic loss." He described Colin as an exceptional athlete in high school who likely was going to make a career of his military service.

“He loved every minute of it,” he said. “He thought he was making a difference.”

Pfc Colin's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
NATO Medal

Pfc Colin is survived by his parents, Kathy and Kenneth; brother, Michael.

Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin was killed in action on 11/16/11.

Army Spc. James R. Burnett Jr.

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Army Spc. James R. Burnett Jr., 21, of Wichita, Kan.

Spc. Burnett was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Nov. 16, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin.

Spc Burnett graduated from Clearwater High School in 2009. He joined the Army Reserves between his junior and senior year of high school and went to full active duty shortly after graduation. He deployed to Afghanistan in April.

Family said Spc Burnett loved to hunt, play video games, play pranks and spend time with his large family. He loved his three dogs, Sundae, Angel and Cocoa and taking them on rabbit runs in the neighborhood.

Spc Burnett came home on his two-week leave in July, spending one week in Brownwood with his father and stepmother, and the other in Wichita with his mother and stepfather. He got engaged during that week in Kansas. He celebrated his 21st birthday in September.

He always went out of his way for everybody," his mother, Rebecca Metcalf. "When anyone needed anything he was there for them."

"Everybody that he met loved him," said father, James Burnett Sr. "We have heard from friends from everywhere. He will be missed."

"He was proud to serve in the army. We are all so proud of him," his father said.

"He loved it," said his stepmother, Cheri Burnett. "You could almost hear tears in his voice when he first went in, he loved it so much."

Family said the deployment was going well until couple months ago when he said “I’m in a bad place. Pray for me.”
James Sr. said the last time he spoke to his son was about a week before he was killed, "He said he was scared the fighting was getting bad. He said they were losing a lot of good men out there."

Cheri said Burnett was the oldest of seven sisters and a brother. It was a younger sibling who told her father, "Daddy, there are two men in suits here."

Cherie said when her husband heard those words, "He knew. He knew."

"They are going to miss him. The two littlest ones won't even know him. We'll just have to tell them stories and show them pictures and keep his memory alive."

Spc Burnett's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service RibbonOverseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Combat and Special Skill Badge
Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge

Army Spc. James R. Burnett Jr. was killed in action on 11/15/11.

Army Spc. David E. Hickman

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Army Spc. David E. Hickman, 23, of Greensboro, N.C.

Spc. Hickman was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Nov. 14, 2011 in Baghdad of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device.

Spc Hickman became the last American soldier to die in Iraq. The war officially ended on December 15, 2011.

Spc Hickman graduated from Northeast Guilford High School in 2006 where he participated in football and track. He was an all conference outside linebacker for the football team and served as team captain.

Spc Hickman was an accomplished black belt in the art of Taekwondo, training for several years at the Greensboro Black Belt Academy.

Spc Hickman joined Army in November 2009. He deployed to Iraq end of May this year. This was his first deployment. He was due home this month.

His father, David, had hoped his son would follow in his foot steps and join the Air Force, but his son enlisted in the Army and went Airborne instead.

Mike King, owner of Greensboro Black Belt Academy, said, "You hear a lot of times people were genuine but I mean truly, just, if he asked you how you were doing, he want to know how you were doing," said King. "There are certain people we teach and we train that over time you somewhat let them slip out of your mind but David is just one of those people that you always have a good thought about."

Friend, Olivia Pegram said, “Of all the people that served, we just thought there was no way he wouldn’t come back." She called him Superman, but he was just as much like Clark Kent. She said Hickman got in a fight once, but that he ended up becoming friends with the guy.

“He was the most genuine and loyal person you’d ever meet,” Pegram said. “He had the most infectious laugh that I’d give the world to hear again.”

“That was his personality,” she said. 'He says one thing funny and you want to hang around with him.”

Lt Col David Doyl, his battalion commander, said he was a physical specimen who excelled at being a soldier. Despite Hichman's young age, he had earned the coveted Expert Infantrymand's Badge. Only about 30% of soldiers who try for that award earn it.

"He stood out," Doyle said, "He proved himself."

Spc Hickman's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Iraqi Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Good Conduct Medal
Expert Infantry Badge
Parachutist Badge

Spc Hickman is survived by parents, Veronica and David; wife, Cali; brother, Devon; maternal grandparents, Veronica W. and Reginald M.

Army Spc. David E. Hickman was killed in action on 11/14/11.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan B. McCain

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan B. McCain, 38, of Apache Junction, Ariz.

SFC McCain was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Nov. 13, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device.

SFC McCain graduated from Chandler High School. He was an avid bow hunter and a talented artist. He and wife, LeAnne, had just celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary.

SFC McCain enlisted in the Army in 1992. He served in Kaiserlautern, Germany, Fort Hood, TX and Fort Brag, NC before arriving in Alaska in 2000. He had previously been deployed to Iraq twice, where in one deployment, he had been injured in a mortar attack. He served as a platoon sergeant.

SFC McCain was eligible for full military retirement in 18 months. He was planning on teaching college level military classes and already had an offer from Idaho State University.

Father, Bob McCain said his son was a talented artist. His work was featured in a 2009 military publication with a photo showing him autographing a print he drew for fellow soldiers in Iraq. He also took widely recognized photos of mosques in the towns of Baqubah and Khan Bani Sa’ed as well as military vehicles and helicopters.

"It just killed me he had to deploy a third time. He was totally 100% in love with the military and his country. He felt what he was doing was needed."

To My Dearest Son
I will miss you so much. Your strong personality, true convictions and your incredible patriotism but your smile and your infectious laugh will stay with me forever. You have been such a wonderful blessing and inspiration to me in your short time here. Thank you so much for being our son, an incredible soldier and an awesome husband and father. You will be sorely missed but we will join you someday in our Godly heavens! Thank you son for being my hero!!~ Sharon Gainey, Florence, South Carolina

Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan B. McCain was killed in action on 11/12/11.

Army Spc. Calvin M. Pereda

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Army Spc. Calvin M. Pereda, 21, of Fayetteville, N.C.

Spc Pereda was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Nov. 12, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device.

‘He was a wonderful son’
By Arvin Temkar
(Hagatna, Guam) Pacific Daily News

TIYAN, Guam — Rosario “Rose” Pereda’s anguished cry broke the silence as soldiers carried in the casket holding the body of her son.

“Oh my God, my boy’s gone!” she wailed.

Hundreds gathered at an air cargo building in Tiyan on Nov. 26 to pay respects to Army Spc. Calvin Matthew Pereda, who died in Afghanistan on Nov. 12.

Rose Pereda, who had waited quietly in the air cargo building, couldn’t contain her emotions when the men appeared with the casket, which was draped with an American flag.

“Oh, my boy,” the grief-stricken mother moaned, her sobs muffled by her sons and family huddled around her.

“It’s OK to cry,” said Gov. Eddie Calvo, in a short speech following the recital of a prayer.

He offered his condolences on behalf of the entire island.

“This island cares for you, and is praying for you,” Calvo said.

Earlier that afternoon, Rose Pereda, dressed in black, sat in the living room of her mother’s house. Although there were several people in the room, it was silent, except for when she spoke. There was no Thanksgiving at the Pereda household this year. In place of the traditional feast, there was a rosary.

She told the story of her son — a quiet, caring man, dedicated to his job and his country.

Calvin Pereda, 21, enlisted in the Army in March 2010, determined to be an infantryman. He was sent to Afghanistan earlier this year, and was injured in September after an explosion sent shrapnel into his knee and shoulder.

Calvin Pereda bounced back, and soon after was promoted. He received a Purple Heart, was chosen as soldier of the month and signed up for Ranger school. Two weeks after sharing his good news with his mother, he was dead, killed by an improvised explosive device.

After his injury, “he wanted to hurry up and heal and go back out,” Rose Pereda said.

Before what would be his final mission, Calvin Pereda called home, as he often did. The mother and son made plans for Thanksgiving, and Rose Pereda promised him a barbecue. He was to return to Texas, where his family lives, on Nov. 18.

“He came home, but not the way we want him to,” Rose Pereda said.

The day after the conversation, Rose Pereda’s son Clifford Pereda yelled for her — “my sons never holler at me” — and came to her room, crying. She went to the living room and saw two officers, dressed in their uniforms, waiting to deliver a message.

“I didn’t want to believe it was my son,” she said. “I said, ‘No, it’s not him, because I just spoke to him yesterday.’ ”

In December, Rose Pereda will return to Texas, and her two youngest boys will go back to school. Her other two sons are in the Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. But now they want to leave the military, she said.

“They don’t want to put their brothers and myself through what we went through,” she said.

Then begins the process of coping, healing. She has a strong support group, she said, including family at home on Guam.

“I’m just going to miss him,” she said. “It’s not going to be the same Christmas or the same New Year’s.”

She dabbed her face with tissues.

“He was a wonderful son,” she said.

Army Spc. Calvin M. Pereda was killed in action on 11/12/11.

Army Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing

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Army Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing, 25, of Longwood, Fla.

Pfc. Rushign was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment; 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, N.Y., died Nov. 11, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.


Pfc Rushing was killed in action on Veterans Day, after heavy fighting in Afghanistan. He was on foot patrol when his unit encountered an IED.

Pfc Rushing joined Army in March 2011. He went through basic training at Ft Benning, GA, trained at the Cavalry Scout School at Fort Knox, Ky and arrived Ft Drum in July 2011. He deployed August. He served as a Forward Scout.

After graduating high school, he received his associate's degree at Seminole State College.

Pfc Rushing preferred to be outdoors, he loved to ride his BMX bike or surf the waves at Cocoa Beach.

Growing up in Orlando, Theodore "Teddy" Rushing was always something of a daredevil, said his father, Rick Rushing. "He was one of those kids who'd be bungee-jumping, skateboarding or jumping off the roof."

Pfc Rushing was going to follow his father, Rick's footsteps, who is a police officer with the Orlando Police Department, but once he joined the army, he told his dad that he'd found a new career.

"He told me, 'Dad, this is it.' This is what he wanted to do. He loved being a scout, being the first one out in front of everybody else to make sure it's safe. He liked the fact that he was able to give back to his country that had given so much back to him. He liked the fact that he was a Calvary scout, out front paving the way for everybody else," said Rushing's father.

"The last time I talked with him, he wouldn't share much about what was going on, but he said it was very dangerous, heavy fighting," his dad said. "He was the only casualty that day, which tells me that he was out front doing his job and he didn't let anyone get close enough to get hurt. We're so very proud."

Johnette Barton, assistant director of the school, said that during a senior trip to the mountains, Teddy attempted to ride down a mountain slope on his skateboard, Barton said. Despite being injured, he was still eager to go whitewater rafting and bungee jumping.

"Teddy was enthusiastic about life. He never knew a stranger. Everybody loved him. He was the life of the party," said Barton.

Pfc Rushing's awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Army Combat Action Badge
Combat and special skill badge, weapons expert and overseas service bar

Pfc Rushing was laid to rest on November 28 at Arlington National Cemetery.

He is survived by his parents, Ann and Rick; sister, Stacy; maternal grandmother, Marcheta; maternal grandfather, William.

Army Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing was killed in action on 11/11/11.

Army Pfc. Cody R. Norris

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Cody R. Norris, 20, of Houston, Texas

Pfc Norris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.,died Nov. 9, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire.


Pfc Norris graduated from La Porte High School in 2010, where he was in ROTC and was a member of the Color Guard, Rifle Team and was a member of the Military Museum.

Following in his brother's footsteps, Pfc Norris joined the Army in 2010. He won the expert marksman badge during basic training. This was his first deployment.

Family and friends described him as someone who made everyone smile and just being silly. He was bubbly, happy, energetic, light hearted.

"He loved what he was doing," said Pastor Jim Bob Benton, who gave the eulogy at Norris' funeral. "It was like he was made to do what he was doing, and he loved his family, and those two things came together to bring him where he was."

He quoted Norris' own words on his Facebook page: "I love what I do as my job and my dream in life and no one can take that way from me. I am trained by the best, and I will be the best as I can. Wanna do all I can for the ones I love and my country. To keep all of us free!!! Even if it means death."

Pfc Norris enjoyed paintball, deer hunting, playing video games, Hibachi food, and working on his 1952 M37 Army Truck that he had convinced his stepfather to let him buy. He drove it to and from classes.

"It wasn't a fast ride," Benton said. "It took an hour, hour and a half, every day, back and forth," but the slow commute didn't bother Norris.

Pfc Norris briefly returned home from Afghanistan on leave last month to celebrate his 20th birthday with family and friends, but was eager to get back.

Benton said, "He knew he needed to go back. He had buddies he wanted to protect and one of the things he told everybody was, 'Look, I'm not afraid to die.'"

To have known Norris was a gift from God, the pastor said. "That's not something that can be taken away. He's with us. He'll be with us always, forever young."

Pfc Norris' awards and decorations include:
Army Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars
NATO Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Pfc Norris was laid to rest on November 21 at Grand View Memorial Park, Pasadena, TX. The Patriot Guard escorted.

Pfc Norris is survived by his mother, Terri, and stepfather, Kenneth; father, Reese Norris; brother, Michael Norris,a cadet at West Point; grandparents, Robert and Patricia Vegil, and Geneva Pynes.

Army Pfc. Cody R. Norris was killed in action on 11/09/11.

Marine Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels, 25, of Elmwood Park, Ill.

LCpl Daniels was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died Nov. 5, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.


Lcpl Daniels graduated from Saint Patrick High School in 2004, where he played football, and later coached football for his alma mater.

Lcpl Daniels joined the Marines in January 2010. He reported on September 3 and left for his first tour of duty in Afghanistan 16 days later. He had only been in Afghanistan for six weeks when he was killed. He served as a combat engineer.

Oldest of four children, Lcpl Daniels aspired to become a police officer. Family and friends described Nick as a very happy, fun loving young man, who was very driven, dedicated, and goal oriented. He planned to marry his fiancee, Katie, when he returned home.

"Everybody always thinks it's not going to happen to their family but it's real and it happens," said family friend Joe Pullia.

His sister, Kati, said that L-Cpl Daniels had joined the Marine Corps less than two years ago and was trained in bomb disposal.

"I just didn't believe it because he was only there for a month and a half and he just got an award for digging up a bomb, and then this happened. And I didn't want to believe it when (the Marines) came to our house," she said.

"We're going to be here in the back for the procession and then when he walks out, we're all going to take a knee to remember Nick and how he was our coach," said Ryan Tentler, co-captain of the football team.

"It hit us pretty hard just because he was a shamrock. Most of us knew him because we all played football. He was a great coach," said Zeck Jankeiwicz, football team co-captain.

Lonny Daniels says his big brother was always up for a challenge and loved competition. Lonny says he will always remember Nick as cool guy who watched out for his younger siblings.

"I always aspired to be like him. He was always fast, athletic, the girls loved him," Lonny said. "He's really funny, probably one of the funniest guys. He had a really good attitude with everybody. Everybody loved him."

Master Sergeant Rick Hernandez, who led the honor guard, said, "We're going to do for Nick what I know Nick would do for me. That's what I'm going to do for Nick today."

"For me personally, it's very difficult to wrap my mind around. But it's so much more about him and what a special person he was," said Timothy Woods, friend and co-worker.

Lcpl Daniels' awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Metal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Lcpl Daniels was laid to rest on November 13 at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove.

Nick Daniels is survived by his mother and stepdad, Eva and Roger; father and stepmom, Gregory and Debi; siblings Kati, Lonny, Olivi; stepbrothers, Billy and Jacob; grandparents Susie Daniels and Lottie Kamien; fiancee, Katie.

Marine Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels was killed in action on 11/05/11.

Army 1st Lt. Dustin D. Vincent

Remember Our Heroes

Army 1st Lt. Dustin D. Vincent, 25, of Mesquite, Texas

1st Lt. Vincent was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died Nov. 3, 2011 in Kirkuk province, Iraq, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire.


Lt Vincent graduated from Mesquite High School and attended University of Texas in Arlington, where he studied engineering.

He joined the Army in 2009 and served as an artillery officer.This was his first deployment.

Lt Vincent married wife two days before deployed and had adopted her daughter.

Step-sister, Chandra Usry, described Lt Vincent as loving, selfless and kind, stating that he took her right in when they were brought together by marriage a few years ago.

Lt Vincent's awards and decorations include:

Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star
Global War on Terror Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon

I didn't know him but attended his memorial here in Iraq today. His soldiers loved him and his commanders thought very highly of him. Funny thing, they teased him about always looking forward to "taco day" in the dining facility. He said he loved tacos because he was from Texas and it reminded him of home.~Kevin M.

Army 1st Lt. Dustin D. Vincent was killed in action on 11/03/11.

Army Pfc. Sarina N. Butcher

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Sarina N. Butcher, 19, of Checotah, Okla.

Pfc. Butcher was assigned to 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, Tulsa, Okla.; died Nov. 1, 2011 in Paktya province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Spc. Christopher D. Gailey.


“Spc. Sarina Butcher left her friends, family and a young child to help defend our nation,” Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general for Oklahoma, said in a statement. “She was a brave young woman who selflessly gave all she had for her country and the other soldiers that served alongside her.”

Following in her grandfather's and brother's footsteps, Spc Butcher joined the National Guard to help finance and pursue her career dreams of becoming a nurse while also helping to support her daughter, Zoey.

Spc Butcher joined the Guard in April 2010 and served as an automated logistical specialist. She deployed in June.

Her grandmother, Martha Wills, described her as a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and mother.

She was really outgoing and there was no one that wasn't her friend," said mother Dana Bailey.

“She was barely 5 foot 2, and her heart was bigger than she was,” grandfather, James Clayton Mills said.

"I tried to instill in her, good traditions and things about the military. She always looked up to me as her hero, but today, she's my hero," her grandfather said.

Mills says Sarina's spirit lives on through her daughter. "Sarina used to sit and talk, throw her hand on her hip. Zoey does the same thing at two and half years old. So she's going to up and be another Sarina."

Spc Butcher's awards and decorations include:

Bronze Star
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal

Spc Butcher is survived by her mother, Dana and step-father, Howard.; father, James and step-mother, Cheryl; daughter, Zoey; brother, Anthony; and grandparents, Clayton and Martha Mills and Betty Terrell.

Army Pfc. Sarina N. Butcher was killed in action on 11/01/11.

Army Sgt. Christopher D. Gailey

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Christopher D. Gailey, 26, of Ochelata, Okla.

Sgt Gailey was assigned to 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, Tulsa, Okla.; died Nov. 1, 2011 in Paktya province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Pfc. Sarina N. Butcher.


Sgt Gailey graduated from Caney Valley High School in 2005. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2004. He served as a motor vehicle operator.

This was Sgt Gailey's second deployment, having previously deployed to Iraq in 2007. He deployed to Afghanistan in June.

He loved to be outside riding four-wheelers and mudding with his friends.

Family friend, Heather Fugate, said, "He was one of the best guys around. He would do anything for you. That's the kind of guy he was.

"He was a fantastic father. He loved his little girl," she said.

Christopher's twin sister, Tina, spoke of emails her brother had sent her. She said that the death of a comrade had stirred him and that in the event that something should happen to him, he told her, "I want people to think I helped where I could when I could." He said, “I don’t want anyone to cry for me."

Chaplain David Jordan first met Gailey in the gym, said, "What I was so overwhelmed by was his tender heart," Jordan said. "He made such a difference in so many lives."

Chaplain Jordan said he and Gailey developed a strong relationship during their time in service together.

"The thing we shared at the time is we were both woefully out of shape," Jordan said. So they worked together to get ready for their upcoming deployment.

"Every day there would be a friendly smile and a welcome," Jordan said. "He was always glad to see me."

Jordan said it has been a difficult time for those in Oklahoma and the soldiers in the 45th IBCT, but Gailey had a particularly difficult time when one of his friends was killed there.

Father, Shan Gailey, said the last time he saw his son was when he came home for leave on his birthday in September.

Sgt Gailey's awards and decorations include:

Purple Heart
Bronze Star
National defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Armed orces Reserve Medal with "M" Device
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
Oklahoma Long Service Ribbon

Sgt Gailey is survived by his parents, Tammy and Shan; daughter, Allison; siblings, Beau, Angelina and Kristina; paternal grandmother, Lela Belle Gailey; maternal grandparents, Carl and Carol.

Army Sgt. Christopher D. Gailey was killed in action on 11/01/11.