Remember Our Heroes
Army Capt. Brian S. Freeman, 31, of Temecula, Calif.
Capt. Freeman was assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, Whitehall, Ohio; died Jan. 20 of wounds sustained when his meeting area came under attack by mortar and smalls-arms fire in Karbala, Iraq.
Press-Enterprise -- TEMECULA - A 31-year-old U.S. Army Reserve captain from Temecula was killed Saturday in Iraq, family and Department of Defense officials said.
Brian S. Freeman, a civil affairs officer, died from wounds suffered when his team came under fire in Karbala.
Freeman moved to Temecula in 2004, where he lived with his wife, Charlotte, and two children, Gunnar, 2, and Ingrid, 1, and worked as a project manager for KB Home, said his mother, Kathleen Snyder.
At Freeman's house in the Harveston area Tuesday, Snyder said her son felt that serving in Iraq was part of the obligation he signed up for. She said Freeman told his family: "If I have to go there, I'm going to go and try to make a difference."
His family said Freeman was helping the people in the province of Karbala to become independent and that he was pleased to be doing work to improve conditions for civilians, rather than serving in a traditional combat role.
Freeman's family said he did a lot of work in Iraq that went beyond his official duties. His grandmother, Irene Pound, of Solana Beach, recalled a photograph her grandson sent the family of an Iraqi girl posing with food from a care package they sent. He would regularly share those packages with Iraqi civilians, Pound said. He also helped make arrangements for the young son of a Karbala police officer to travel to the United States for heart surgery, Snyder said.
"He makes such an impression on your life," said his mother-in-law, Ginny Mills. "You just don't forget him."
Freeman expected to return from Iraq in April and was collecting letters of recommendation for his applications to graduate school programs, his family said. In one of those letters, the governor of Karbala described how Freeman worked as a liaison between the local government and coalition forces, helping the Iraqi security forces obtain more equipment and training and additional funding for reconstruction projects in the province.
"Freeman has assisted in forming a warmer relationship with the Army ... I think Capt. Freeman genuinely cares about what happens to Karbala and its people," the governor wrote, adding that the captain helped secure death benefits for one of his interpreters killed in action, as well as condolence payments for civilians previously turned down by the Army.
"His experience was as a solider and a statesman," the governor wrote.
Freeman was born in Bakersfield and moved to the San Diego area in 1981, his mother said. He was a 1993 graduate of Torrey Pines High School, and he attended Washington State University for two years, where he was a member of the ROTC. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999, Snyder said.
Freeman served on active duty five years, assigned first as an armored scout platoon leader at Fort Knox, Ky. He later transferred to Fort Carson, Colo. In 2002, he was accepted into the Army's World Class Athlete Program and assigned to Lake Placid, N.Y., where he trained with Olympic hopefuls from the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, a Department of Defense news release said.
"He had never done anything like that before," his mother said. But after he saw the bobsledders at the Salt Lake City Olympics, "he said, 'I've got to do that!' " Snyder said.
Freeman started on the America's Cup Bobsledding Team and the next year began competing in skeleton -- a one-person, headfirst luge. He won third place in the America's Cup for Bobsledding at Lake Placid.
He had been a member of the Reserve since spring 2004.
Among the numerous awards he received during his military career are two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Freeman began mobilizing for Iraq in September 2005 and was assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion from Whitehall, Ohio, a unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, the release said.
He was home for two weeks over Christmas and had just returned to Iraq this month.
Charlotte Freeman said her husband had always been interested in community service and had planned to pursue a seat on the local school board before he was called up. She was eight months pregnant when her husband learned that he was being sent to Iraq, but he was granted a three-month deferral to spend a couple of months with his baby daughter. He left for training in January 2006 and went to Iraq in April.
"He's the most genuine man that I've ever met," Charlotte Freeman said. "He was just an amazing guy, and he genuinely cared about others."
Army Capt. Brian S. Freeman was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala.
Pvt. Millican was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
"You don't have to love the war," Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican wrote on his MySpace page, "but you have to love the warrior."
He was one of four soldiers killed after militants abducted them Jan. 20 from the governor's office in Karbala, Iraq, in a sophisticated sneak attack, the military confirmed Friday.
Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala., had been talking with his wife, Shannon, by Web cam the day he was abducted, said Linda Hill of Locust Fork, whom Millican lived with for 2 1/2 years before graduating high school.
"She heard somebody holler for them to run, and John took off. She said it was later that his computer was logged off," Hill said. Hill said Shannon Millican told her that night her husband had been killed.
Millican, a former high school football player and a member of an airborne artillery brigade, had been in Iraq about three months.
The Mercury News -- BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A 20-year-old Army private from Alabama was among five U.S. troops killed in a reported ambush in Iraq, according to his family.
Jonathan Millican, a 2005 graduate of Locust Fork High School, died in the attack along with three other soldiers and a Marine, the soldier's father, Mitchell Millican, told Birmingham television station WBRC.
"Our hearts go out to their families," the father said.
Millican, a member of an airborne artillery brigade, had been in Iraq about three months. The former high school football player was based at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where his wife lives.
On his personal page on the MySpace.com social networking site, Millican left the message: "You don't have to love the war but you have to love the warrior."
Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala.
Pvt. Millican was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
"You don't have to love the war," Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican wrote on his MySpace page, "but you have to love the warrior."
He was one of four soldiers killed after militants abducted them Jan. 20 from the governor's office in Karbala, Iraq, in a sophisticated sneak attack, the military confirmed Friday.
Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala., had been talking with his wife, Shannon, by Web cam the day he was abducted, said Linda Hill of Locust Fork, whom Millican lived with for 2 1/2 years before graduating high school.
"She heard somebody holler for them to run, and John took off. She said it was later that his computer was logged off," Hill said. Hill said Shannon Millican told her that night her husband had been killed.
Millican, a former high school football player and a member of an airborne artillery brigade, had been in Iraq about three months.
The Mercury News -- BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A 20-year-old Army private from Alabama was among five U.S. troops killed in a reported ambush in Iraq, according to his family.
Jonathan Millican, a 2005 graduate of Locust Fork High School, died in the attack along with three other soldiers and a Marine, the soldier's father, Mitchell Millican, told Birmingham television station WBRC.
"Our hearts go out to their families," the father said.
Millican, a member of an airborne artillery brigade, had been in Iraq about three months. The former high school football player was based at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where his wife lives.
On his personal page on the MySpace.com social networking site, Millican left the message: "You don't have to love the war but you have to love the warrior."
Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y.
Pfc. Falter was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Homer, N.Y., followed three of his older brothers into the Army — all are still on active duty but none currently in Iraq.
One of 13 brothers and sisters, Falter was remembered in his hometown as hardworking but easygoing.
"He knew how to lighten a moment just when you needed it," Homer High School Principal Fred Farah said last week.
On Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Raymond Swift, a military casualty assistance officer, released a statement.
"We are extremely proud of Shawn's service and sacrifice to our country," his family said.
News10 -- Shawn Patrick Falter, a son, a brother, a high school athlete, and, now, a fallen soldier -- Cortland County's first in the Iraq War.
"He was just one of the nicest nicest kids you'll ever want to meet in your life," said Village of Homer Mayor Mike McDermott.
The member of Homer High's Class of '99, Private Falter, 25, was ambushed in the
City of Karbala on Saturday and killed, along with four of his American comrades.
Everyone seemed to love Falter.
"He was the type of kid that you'd hope your daughter would bring home, he was such a nice kid," said McDermott.
Determination defined Falter's life. In high school, he wowed people by stepping onto the basketball court, even with severe ankle problems.
"He did everything he could to overcompensate for any difficulties he was dealt. He would not accept the fact that something was, oh, you can't do that," Larry King, Falter's JHS Principal.
It was his dream to serve and follow his brothers, also service members, into battle. As Homer makes plans to honor Falter, its pride was on display on its marquee for everyone to see.
"The community, and us, we will all miss him," King said.
Shawn Patrick Falter, a nice kid from Homer, now an American Hero taken in the City of Karbala.
Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y.
Pfc. Falter was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Homer, N.Y., followed three of his older brothers into the Army — all are still on active duty but none currently in Iraq.
One of 13 brothers and sisters, Falter was remembered in his hometown as hardworking but easygoing.
"He knew how to lighten a moment just when you needed it," Homer High School Principal Fred Farah said last week.
On Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Raymond Swift, a military casualty assistance officer, released a statement.
"We are extremely proud of Shawn's service and sacrifice to our country," his family said.
News10 -- Shawn Patrick Falter, a son, a brother, a high school athlete, and, now, a fallen soldier -- Cortland County's first in the Iraq War.
"He was just one of the nicest nicest kids you'll ever want to meet in your life," said Village of Homer Mayor Mike McDermott.
The member of Homer High's Class of '99, Private Falter, 25, was ambushed in the
City of Karbala on Saturday and killed, along with four of his American comrades.
Everyone seemed to love Falter.
"He was the type of kid that you'd hope your daughter would bring home, he was such a nice kid," said McDermott.
Determination defined Falter's life. In high school, he wowed people by stepping onto the basketball court, even with severe ankle problems.
"He did everything he could to overcompensate for any difficulties he was dealt. He would not accept the fact that something was, oh, you can't do that," Larry King, Falter's JHS Principal.
It was his dream to serve and follow his brothers, also service members, into battle. As Homer makes plans to honor Falter, its pride was on display on its marquee for everyone to see.
"The community, and us, we will all miss him," King said.
Shawn Patrick Falter, a nice kid from Homer, now an American Hero taken in the City of Karbala.
Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz
Remember Our Heroes
Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb.
1st. Lt. Fritz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Nebraska soldier killed in Iraq
By CINDY LANGE-KUBICK / Lincoln Journal Star
The e-mail arrived Friday.
It came to the Falls City newspaper from a local boy, Army 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz.
"To Friends and Family, I deployed to Iraq back in October 2006 … It has been quite the experience so far." By Sunday, the word was out: Jacob was dead, killed Saturday in an ambush in Karbala, Iraq.
He was 25.
He was a small town son made good, family spokesperson Karen Mezger said Monday.
“From a little boy on he knew what he wanted and he worked to get there.”
He wanted to be a leader. And he wanted a career in the military.
In 2000, he graduated from Dawson-Verdon High School, active in everything. Speech. Drama. Basketball. Football. Track. Singing. Band.
He organized drug-free parties and dances, even taking a leadership role at the state level.
“He was the kind of kid other kids wanted to follow.”
In 2005, he graduated from the West Point military academy, on his way.
"I was trained to be a Field Artillery officer, but I have found myself acting as a liaison officer between the Iraqi police in Karbala to the U.S. forces on my Forward Operating Base…"
On Saturday, 25 U.S. troops were killed — the third deadliest day since the war began in 2003.
Fritz is one of 38 U.S. service members with Nebraska connections who have died in military operations in Afghanistan or Iraq since Sept. 11, 2001.
"My guys have gotten to know a lot of the Iraqi police that we work side-by-side with here in Karbala. We have made some really good friends, and are getting to know more and more about each other everyday."
His parents were so proud of him, Mezger said.
“They would definitely want everyone to know that he loved the military and that was his passion. That was his dream.”
His mom sent the e-mail to the Falls City Journal at her son’s request.
He wanted to share his experiences — and thank the community, said the paper’s publisher Scott Schock.
Regardless of when we come home, my soldiers and I want you all to know that we couldn’t have made it this far through the deployment without your support back home.
He ended the e-mail this way:
We all thank you very much and wish that you all have a safe rest of the year.
Fritz is survived by his parents, Lyle and Noala Fritz of rural Verdon, and two younger brothers, Daniel, a third-year cadet at West Point, and Ethan, an eighth-grader.
Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb.
1st. Lt. Fritz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Nebraska soldier killed in Iraq
By CINDY LANGE-KUBICK / Lincoln Journal Star
The e-mail arrived Friday.
It came to the Falls City newspaper from a local boy, Army 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz.
"To Friends and Family, I deployed to Iraq back in October 2006 … It has been quite the experience so far." By Sunday, the word was out: Jacob was dead, killed Saturday in an ambush in Karbala, Iraq.
He was 25.
He was a small town son made good, family spokesperson Karen Mezger said Monday.
“From a little boy on he knew what he wanted and he worked to get there.”
He wanted to be a leader. And he wanted a career in the military.
In 2000, he graduated from Dawson-Verdon High School, active in everything. Speech. Drama. Basketball. Football. Track. Singing. Band.
He organized drug-free parties and dances, even taking a leadership role at the state level.
“He was the kind of kid other kids wanted to follow.”
In 2005, he graduated from the West Point military academy, on his way.
"I was trained to be a Field Artillery officer, but I have found myself acting as a liaison officer between the Iraqi police in Karbala to the U.S. forces on my Forward Operating Base…"
On Saturday, 25 U.S. troops were killed — the third deadliest day since the war began in 2003.
Fritz is one of 38 U.S. service members with Nebraska connections who have died in military operations in Afghanistan or Iraq since Sept. 11, 2001.
"My guys have gotten to know a lot of the Iraqi police that we work side-by-side with here in Karbala. We have made some really good friends, and are getting to know more and more about each other everyday."
His parents were so proud of him, Mezger said.
“They would definitely want everyone to know that he loved the military and that was his passion. That was his dream.”
His mom sent the e-mail to the Falls City Journal at her son’s request.
He wanted to share his experiences — and thank the community, said the paper’s publisher Scott Schock.
Regardless of when we come home, my soldiers and I want you all to know that we couldn’t have made it this far through the deployment without your support back home.
He ended the e-mail this way:
We all thank you very much and wish that you all have a safe rest of the year.
Fritz is survived by his parents, Lyle and Noala Fritz of rural Verdon, and two younger brothers, Daniel, a third-year cadet at West Point, and Ethan, an eighth-grader.
Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Johnathan B. Chism
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La.
Spc. Chism was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Spc. Johnathan Bryan Chism, 22, of Prairieville, La., was a Boy Scout who enjoyed skydiving and rock climbing and became an artillery specialist in the Army.
He "liked anybody and everybody," his mother, Elizabeth Chism, said Sunday. He had been due to come home next month for two weeks of rest and relaxation, she said.
"Right now we have not had any official word form the military" Chism's sister, Julie Andexler, said when asked in a brief telephone interview about Friday's report. She said the family would have no other comment until they have been briefed by the military.
Spc. Johnathan Bryan Chism, 22, of Prairieville, La.: He was an artillery specialist on his first tour of duty in Iraq. His family, including his sister, who is also stationed in Iraq, was gathering in Prairieville Monday night, according to local news reports. He joined the Army in March 2005 and had been in Alaska since August of that year.
On his myspace.com page , decorated with Louisiana State University football photos, he says he likes motorcycles, country and metal music and jumping out of airplanes ("I get paid for that one.") His mother's MySpace page says, "My Heart is in Iraq."
Chism wrote her Jan. 5: "Love you and miss you mom. Can't wait till Feb."
That's when he was due to come home on leave.
Army Specialist Johnathan B. Chism was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La.
Spc. Chism was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.
Spc. Johnathan Bryan Chism, 22, of Prairieville, La., was a Boy Scout who enjoyed skydiving and rock climbing and became an artillery specialist in the Army.
He "liked anybody and everybody," his mother, Elizabeth Chism, said Sunday. He had been due to come home next month for two weeks of rest and relaxation, she said.
"Right now we have not had any official word form the military" Chism's sister, Julie Andexler, said when asked in a brief telephone interview about Friday's report. She said the family would have no other comment until they have been briefed by the military.
Spc. Johnathan Bryan Chism, 22, of Prairieville, La.: He was an artillery specialist on his first tour of duty in Iraq. His family, including his sister, who is also stationed in Iraq, was gathering in Prairieville Monday night, according to local news reports. He joined the Army in March 2005 and had been in Alaska since August of that year.
On his myspace.com page , decorated with Louisiana State University football photos, he says he likes motorcycles, country and metal music and jumping out of airplanes ("I get paid for that one.") His mother's MySpace page says, "My Heart is in Iraq."
Chism wrote her Jan. 5: "Love you and miss you mom. Can't wait till Feb."
That's when he was due to come home on leave.
Army Specialist Johnathan B. Chism was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill, 20, of Keizer, Ore.
Pfc. Hill was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Jan. 20 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
The Oregonian -- A 20-year-old soldier from Keizer died Saturday in Iraq, one of two Oregonians to perish in a spate of violence that broke out over the weekend in the war-torn nation.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad.
Hill, who attended McNary High School, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Schweinfurt, Germany, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement Tuesday.
His mother, Shawna L. Hill, was too broken up to speak about her son's death, according to a family friend who gave his name only as "Scooter." He provided no other details about Ryan Hill.
Hill was on his first tour in Iraq when he was killed. He is the 78th military member with strong ties to Oregon or Southwest Washington to be killed in Iraq.
Sgt. Sean Patrick Fennerty, 25, of Portland also was killed Saturday; his death was announced Monday. Fennerty, a 1999 graduate of Jesuit High School and a 2004 graduate of Oregon State University, was in a Humvee that was struck by a roadside bomb in Anbar province.
A Mass of Christian burial for Fennerty will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in the Knight Center at Jesuit High School.
On Hill's account at MySpace, an online social networking Web site used mostly by young people, the soldier wrote almost exclusively about his family life and friends.
According to his page, he grew up with his mother and sister and attended McNary High. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life, so he joined the Army.
About being in Iraq, he wrote: "It is walking on that thin line between sanity and insanity. That feeling of total abandonment by a government and a country you used to love because politics are fighting the war . . . and it's a losing battle . . . and we're the ones ultimately paying the price."
He spoke of his love for his fellow soldiers and his family and of the several kinds of music he liked.
Hill and Fennerty were among the victims of a wave of sectarian violence that's been rising in recent days. More than 30 U.S. military members have died in Iraq since Saturday.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill, 20, of Keizer, Ore.
Pfc. Hill was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Jan. 20 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
The Oregonian -- A 20-year-old soldier from Keizer died Saturday in Iraq, one of two Oregonians to perish in a spate of violence that broke out over the weekend in the war-torn nation.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad.
Hill, who attended McNary High School, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Schweinfurt, Germany, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement Tuesday.
His mother, Shawna L. Hill, was too broken up to speak about her son's death, according to a family friend who gave his name only as "Scooter." He provided no other details about Ryan Hill.
Hill was on his first tour in Iraq when he was killed. He is the 78th military member with strong ties to Oregon or Southwest Washington to be killed in Iraq.
Sgt. Sean Patrick Fennerty, 25, of Portland also was killed Saturday; his death was announced Monday. Fennerty, a 1999 graduate of Jesuit High School and a 2004 graduate of Oregon State University, was in a Humvee that was struck by a roadside bomb in Anbar province.
A Mass of Christian burial for Fennerty will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in the Knight Center at Jesuit High School.
On Hill's account at MySpace, an online social networking Web site used mostly by young people, the soldier wrote almost exclusively about his family life and friends.
According to his page, he grew up with his mother and sister and attended McNary High. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life, so he joined the Army.
About being in Iraq, he wrote: "It is walking on that thin line between sanity and insanity. That feeling of total abandonment by a government and a country you used to love because politics are fighting the war . . . and it's a losing battle . . . and we're the ones ultimately paying the price."
He spoke of his love for his fellow soldiers and his family and of the several kinds of music he liked.
Hill and Fennerty were among the victims of a wave of sectarian violence that's been rising in recent days. More than 30 U.S. military members have died in Iraq since Saturday.
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.
Sgt. McNeill was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Sgt. Phillip McNeill, 22, a combat medic paratrooper from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Sunrise, Fla. was killed Saturday by roadside bomb near Karmah outside Baghdad.
McNeill, a member of a military family, went to Iraq in September. It was his second tour of duty. His mother said that when the family sent care packages, he insisted they send enough cookies or clean bedsheets for everyone in his unit.
His stepfather, Jeff Fiely, is a deputy sheriff and an Army Reserve warrant officer whose deployments overseas included Afghanistan and Iraq, according to the Cincinnati Post.
McNeill was with the Army's 4th Brigade Airborne Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, which deployed to Iraq from Alaska last fall.
The family of an Ohio native says the soldier was killed Saturday in Iraq when an explosive struck his Humvee in Al Anbar province.
US Army Sergeant Phillip McNeill was deployed to Iraq in September for a second tour of duty after about three years in the military.
The 22-year-old had most recently been stationed in Wainwright, Alaska.
The US Department of Defense had not yet confirmed the death.
McNeill's mother and stepfather live in Clermont County in southwest Ohio.
His father lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
His mother says McNeill insisted that she include enough cookies or other goodies in care packages for everyone in his unit.
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A Cincinnati native was killed in Iraq on the deadliest day for the military there in two years.
Army Sergeant Phillip McNeill was from Kenwood and still has family in the Tri-state.
9News spoke with Clermont County Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg who said that Phillip, his older brother Chris and their step-father Jeff Fieley, all considered it an honor to serve their county.
Sgt. McNeill was just 22 years old when he died Saturday after a roadside bomb exploded outside his humvee.
His stepfather went to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office to tell Sheriff Rodenberg about the sad news in person.
Sheriff Rodenberg said, "It's really overwhelming to me at times. I get very upset about it."
Rodenberg's own son, Nick, was in Iraq at the time Phillip McNeill was.
The parents talked about concerns for their sons and Rodenberg said Nick is wrestling with the news of Sgt. McNeill's death.
"He has issues with that, we've talked several times about why he came back and others haven't. It's perplexing, our boy is spared and other men and women aren't spared."
Sgt. McNeill died the same day 24 other members of the military lost their lives in Iraq.
Sheriff Rodenberg said the total number of lives touched is incredible.
"I just think of our son, anybody's son who dies. How many people would that death affect? Add brothers sisters aunts uncles classmates, neighbors, we're talking for every life lost hundreds are touched."
Sgt. McNeill's stepfather, Jeff Fiely, in addition to being a sheriff's deputy, is still in the military.
He returned from a mission in South America just today, and then got the news about his stepson
Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill was killed on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.
Sgt. McNeill was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Sgt. Phillip McNeill, 22, a combat medic paratrooper from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Sunrise, Fla. was killed Saturday by roadside bomb near Karmah outside Baghdad.
McNeill, a member of a military family, went to Iraq in September. It was his second tour of duty. His mother said that when the family sent care packages, he insisted they send enough cookies or clean bedsheets for everyone in his unit.
His stepfather, Jeff Fiely, is a deputy sheriff and an Army Reserve warrant officer whose deployments overseas included Afghanistan and Iraq, according to the Cincinnati Post.
McNeill was with the Army's 4th Brigade Airborne Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, which deployed to Iraq from Alaska last fall.
The family of an Ohio native says the soldier was killed Saturday in Iraq when an explosive struck his Humvee in Al Anbar province.
US Army Sergeant Phillip McNeill was deployed to Iraq in September for a second tour of duty after about three years in the military.
The 22-year-old had most recently been stationed in Wainwright, Alaska.
The US Department of Defense had not yet confirmed the death.
McNeill's mother and stepfather live in Clermont County in southwest Ohio.
His father lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
His mother says McNeill insisted that she include enough cookies or other goodies in care packages for everyone in his unit.
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A Cincinnati native was killed in Iraq on the deadliest day for the military there in two years.
Army Sergeant Phillip McNeill was from Kenwood and still has family in the Tri-state.
9News spoke with Clermont County Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg who said that Phillip, his older brother Chris and their step-father Jeff Fieley, all considered it an honor to serve their county.
Sgt. McNeill was just 22 years old when he died Saturday after a roadside bomb exploded outside his humvee.
His stepfather went to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office to tell Sheriff Rodenberg about the sad news in person.
Sheriff Rodenberg said, "It's really overwhelming to me at times. I get very upset about it."
Rodenberg's own son, Nick, was in Iraq at the time Phillip McNeill was.
The parents talked about concerns for their sons and Rodenberg said Nick is wrestling with the news of Sgt. McNeill's death.
"He has issues with that, we've talked several times about why he came back and others haven't. It's perplexing, our boy is spared and other men and women aren't spared."
Sgt. McNeill died the same day 24 other members of the military lost their lives in Iraq.
Sheriff Rodenberg said the total number of lives touched is incredible.
"I just think of our son, anybody's son who dies. How many people would that death affect? Add brothers sisters aunts uncles classmates, neighbors, we're talking for every life lost hundreds are touched."
Sgt. McNeill's stepfather, Jeff Fiely, in addition to being a sheriff's deputy, is still in the military.
He returned from a mission in South America just today, and then got the news about his stepson
Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill was killed on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Toby R. Olsen
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H.
Spc. Olsen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Army Spc. Toby Olsen nurtured dream of being an artist
By Mary Adamski
A former Mililani resident died Saturday in Iraq, one of four soldiers killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Army Humvee in Karma.
Army Spc. Toby Olsen, 28, a 1997 graduate of Mililani High School, is the 128th person with Hawaii ties to be killed in Iraq since the war began in March 2003. He was based in Fort Richardson, Alaska, and deployed to Iraq in October with the 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne) Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
Olsen's death came 13 days after he returned to the war zone from a two-week holiday visit with his family in Germany, said his uncle, Robert Olsen of Mililani. Toby Olsen's father, Army Col. James "Mike" Olsen, is an ophthalmologist at the U.S. Army Hospital in Heidelberg. It was the first time Toby, his father, mother Lis and sister Tanya were together since he joined the Army in late 2005, said Robert Olsen.
In a message to his family before he returned to war from his Christmas leave, Toby Olsen wrote that he planned to pursue his dream of being an artist, saying, "I now conform to ideas instead of imagine, and destroy instead of create."
He had "a newfound level of respect for the freedoms I once had," he wrote. "Hope I live long enough to enjoy them again."
Robert Olsen said: "Toby was here for junior high and high school, then he went off to school at the Savannah College of Art (and Design) in Georgia. He definitely intended to return to Hawaii to teach art.
"He was reserved, but when he knew you, a friendly, witty guy. He was more of an artist, poet, philosopher," said Robert Olsen. "We couldn't understand him taking the path (the Army). He was trying to make ends meet; it was something to give him a further education."
Robert Olsen said his nephew's best friend, a member of the same Alaska-based unit, was killed while Toby was on holiday leave, the 3,000th American victim of the Iraq war. He was Spc. Dustin Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas.
Toby Olsen is the grandson of John C. and Hiroko Olsen of Wahiawa. His survivors include uncles Robert of Hawaii and John of Texas, and aunt Sharla Beil of San Francisco.
The Army announcement of the Jan. 20 deaths listed Olsen as a resident of Manchester, N.H. Also killed in the explosion were Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.; Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.; and Spc. Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.
Soldier was driven by creative expression
Army Spc. Toby Olsen wrote about his desire to return to a creative life as an artist. In a message to relatives when he returned to the Iraq battle zone, he wrote:
"Happiness, in the broadest scope of the word, encompasses the feelings which personally give us as individuals fulfillment and joy to that which just takes the pain away for a little while. I believe in life, you need contrast too. I think you can't be truly happy until you have been truly unhappy.
"I am an artist, I strive to create and enjoy almost nothing more than to sit having all the time and freedom in the world and create. I hit a point in life where though my art wasn't fulfilling anymore, it felt empty. I suddenly had too much freedom and too much time, so took the most opposite direction I legally could with my life: I joined the Army.
"Now my time is run by the minute; there is almost no room for creativity. I now conform to ideas instead of imagine, and destroy instead of create. The contrast thus far has led to a strong resurgence of my former drives and desire to create, as well as a newfound level of respect for the freedoms I once had.
"Hope I live long enough to enjoy them again."
Army Specialist Toby R. Olsen was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H.
Spc. Olsen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Army Spc. Toby Olsen nurtured dream of being an artist
By Mary Adamski
A former Mililani resident died Saturday in Iraq, one of four soldiers killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Army Humvee in Karma.
Army Spc. Toby Olsen, 28, a 1997 graduate of Mililani High School, is the 128th person with Hawaii ties to be killed in Iraq since the war began in March 2003. He was based in Fort Richardson, Alaska, and deployed to Iraq in October with the 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne) Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
Olsen's death came 13 days after he returned to the war zone from a two-week holiday visit with his family in Germany, said his uncle, Robert Olsen of Mililani. Toby Olsen's father, Army Col. James "Mike" Olsen, is an ophthalmologist at the U.S. Army Hospital in Heidelberg. It was the first time Toby, his father, mother Lis and sister Tanya were together since he joined the Army in late 2005, said Robert Olsen.
In a message to his family before he returned to war from his Christmas leave, Toby Olsen wrote that he planned to pursue his dream of being an artist, saying, "I now conform to ideas instead of imagine, and destroy instead of create."
He had "a newfound level of respect for the freedoms I once had," he wrote. "Hope I live long enough to enjoy them again."
Robert Olsen said: "Toby was here for junior high and high school, then he went off to school at the Savannah College of Art (and Design) in Georgia. He definitely intended to return to Hawaii to teach art.
"He was reserved, but when he knew you, a friendly, witty guy. He was more of an artist, poet, philosopher," said Robert Olsen. "We couldn't understand him taking the path (the Army). He was trying to make ends meet; it was something to give him a further education."
Robert Olsen said his nephew's best friend, a member of the same Alaska-based unit, was killed while Toby was on holiday leave, the 3,000th American victim of the Iraq war. He was Spc. Dustin Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas.
Toby Olsen is the grandson of John C. and Hiroko Olsen of Wahiawa. His survivors include uncles Robert of Hawaii and John of Texas, and aunt Sharla Beil of San Francisco.
The Army announcement of the Jan. 20 deaths listed Olsen as a resident of Manchester, N.H. Also killed in the explosion were Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.; Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.; and Spc. Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.
Soldier was driven by creative expression
Army Spc. Toby Olsen wrote about his desire to return to a creative life as an artist. In a message to relatives when he returned to the Iraq battle zone, he wrote:
"Happiness, in the broadest scope of the word, encompasses the feelings which personally give us as individuals fulfillment and joy to that which just takes the pain away for a little while. I believe in life, you need contrast too. I think you can't be truly happy until you have been truly unhappy.
"I am an artist, I strive to create and enjoy almost nothing more than to sit having all the time and freedom in the world and create. I hit a point in life where though my art wasn't fulfilling anymore, it felt empty. I suddenly had too much freedom and too much time, so took the most opposite direction I legally could with my life: I joined the Army.
"Now my time is run by the minute; there is almost no room for creativity. I now conform to ideas instead of imagine, and destroy instead of create. The contrast thus far has led to a strong resurgence of my former drives and desire to create, as well as a newfound level of respect for the freedoms I once had.
"Hope I live long enough to enjoy them again."
Army Specialist Toby R. Olsen was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.
Sgt. Fennerty was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
SALEM - U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Fennerty of Portland has been killed in combat in Iraq, the Oregon Military Department said Monday.
Fennerty, 26, died Saturday in Al Anbar Province when the vehicle he was in was struck by a roadside bomb or IED (improvised explosive device), officials said.
Fennerty was an airborne soldier stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska with the 25th Infantry Division.
Fennerty grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and Portland. He graduated from Jesuit High School in Portland in 1999 and Oregon State University in 2004 as a history major.
According to a list kept by Gov. Ted Kulongoski's office, Fennerty is the 78th soldier from Oregon or with close Oregon ties to die in the Iraq war.
"Fennerty loved to ski, fish and spend time with his friends and always wanted to be in the military and serve his country as he felt this was part of honor and service," the Military Department statement said.
Sean is survived by his mother Mo, father Brian, two sisters, Kelly of Seattle and Colleen of Chicago, IL, and brother Conor of Washington D.C.
The following statement mourning the loss of Sgt. Sean Fennerty, who was killed in Iraq, was released by Jesuit High School.
It is with deep sadness that Jesuit High School has learned of the death of Sgt. Sean Fennerty of the Class of 1999.
Sean is remembered as a faith-filled person who participated in all areas of the school. He took it upon himself to strengthen the school community with his generous and giving spirit. These qualities enabled him to be a friend too many faculty and students while he attended Jesuit.
His classmates will miss his sense of humor and deep sense of loyalty to them. His awareness of duty to make our world a better place is what led him into the military service of our country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's parents, sisters, brother, and the extended Fennerty family during this difficult time.
Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.
Sgt. Fennerty was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
SALEM - U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Fennerty of Portland has been killed in combat in Iraq, the Oregon Military Department said Monday.
Fennerty, 26, died Saturday in Al Anbar Province when the vehicle he was in was struck by a roadside bomb or IED (improvised explosive device), officials said.
Fennerty was an airborne soldier stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska with the 25th Infantry Division.
Fennerty grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and Portland. He graduated from Jesuit High School in Portland in 1999 and Oregon State University in 2004 as a history major.
According to a list kept by Gov. Ted Kulongoski's office, Fennerty is the 78th soldier from Oregon or with close Oregon ties to die in the Iraq war.
"Fennerty loved to ski, fish and spend time with his friends and always wanted to be in the military and serve his country as he felt this was part of honor and service," the Military Department statement said.
Sean is survived by his mother Mo, father Brian, two sisters, Kelly of Seattle and Colleen of Chicago, IL, and brother Conor of Washington D.C.
The following statement mourning the loss of Sgt. Sean Fennerty, who was killed in Iraq, was released by Jesuit High School.
It is with deep sadness that Jesuit High School has learned of the death of Sgt. Sean Fennerty of the Class of 1999.
Sean is remembered as a faith-filled person who participated in all areas of the school. He took it upon himself to strengthen the school community with his generous and giving spirit. These qualities enabled him to be a friend too many faculty and students while he attended Jesuit.
His classmates will miss his sense of humor and deep sense of loyalty to them. His awareness of duty to make our world a better place is what led him into the military service of our country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's parents, sisters, brother, and the extended Fennerty family during this difficult time.
Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.
Spc. Bisson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Soldier on patrol in Iraq killed by bomb
By Steve Liewer
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
January 25, 2007
An odd sensation settled over Rebecca Bisson last Saturday as she sat awake and alone in her military apartment.
She'd been married for only six months to Army Spc. Jeffrey Bisson of Vista before he left their base in Alaska for a yearlong tour in Iraq. His unit – the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division – had suffered since arriving in the Fallujah area, losing more than 20 soldiers.
In an instant, Rebecca sensed that everything had changed.
“I felt a hug and a kiss on my cheek,” she said. “Right then, I knew my husband was gone.”
Later that day, two Army officers knocked on her door to tell her the news she already knew: Jeffrey Bisson, 22, died Saturday from injuries caused by a roadside bomb that exploded near his Humvee.
His death left her a 19-year-old widow.
Yesterday, Rebecca arrived at the Vista home of Jeffrey's parents, Rick and Laurie Bisson, to plan her husband's funeral. On a coffee table, the parents had spread photos of their smiling, round-faced son in happier times: Jeff as a Boy Scout, Jeff in his Army dress uniform, Jeff mugging, cheek-to-cheek, with his wife.
The Bisson family lived in Carlsbad when Jeff was born and moved to Vista eight years ago. Rick Bisson said his son bowled and played baseball, football and soccer, but that Boy Scouting became his passion. Jeff had earned the rank of Eagle Scout by the time he graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High School in 2003 with a 3.8 grade point average.
Scouting led Jeff to edgy outdoor pursuits such as rock-climbing and, eventually, the sport that captured his fancy: skydiving. He loved nothing more than falling out of the sky.
Rick Bisson still remembers his son's first jump.
“(Jeff) had the biggest grin on his face. He was just floating,” he said.
Before Jeff died, he had completed about 300 jumps – 200 of them for sport. He acknowledged his recklessness in the self-profile he posted on MySpace.com in 2004.
“Some people say I am a little on the crazy side when it comes to the stuff I do for fun,” he wrote. “But hey, I like to live my life on the edge a little. So you can say I am a very big thrill seeker.”
Jeff's yen for travel and his love of skydiving drew him toward the Army, the service in which both his grandfathers had served. His parents tried to steer him in a different direction, but he was determined. He shed 100 pounds from his 275-pound frame so the Army would take him.
“I really didn't want him to go. I said, 'Stay here!' ” Laurie Bisson said. “This is what he wanted to do, so I honored his wishes.”
Jeff qualified as an airborne paratrooper, and the Army sent him to Fort Richardson in Alaska. Rebecca, an Anchorage native, discovered his MySpace profile and finally mustered the courage to meet him in August 2005. They hit it off instantly.
“He seemed like a fun-loving guy I could talk to and care about,” Rebecca said. “We've been pretty much inseparable ever since.”
Ignoring the advice of their families, Jeff and Rebecca married last April on a snow-swept mountaintop overlooking Anchorage. In September, they visited Vista so Jeff could say goodbye to his friends and family before he left for Iraq.
At first, his unit camped in a relatively calm zone south of Baghdad. By December, Jeff had moved to an insurgent-infested area near Fallujah. He suffered several close calls. One day, for example, a bomb killed a soldier who had taken his place on a mission.
“He was very, very scared,” Rebecca said, “but he believed in the cause. He said, 'I may not come home, but I believe in what I'm doing.' ”
Jeff died when a bomb went off while he was riding on a patrol. Three other soldiers died with him: Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore., a San Diego native; Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.; and Spc. Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H. A fifth man was injured, Rebecca said.
Jeff's parents said his body is now in Dover, Del., and will be shipped to Vista later this week. They haven't decided on funeral plans.
Besides his parents and his wife, Jeff is survived by an 18-year-old brother, Christopher, and a 4-year-old son, Andrew, of Oceanside, from a previous relationship.
His grandmother, Janice Tice of Vista, cried at the idea of burying a grandson.
“You try to protect them when they're little. They go to school, you worry about them. They learn to drive, you worry about them,” she said. “But we couldn't protect him from the war.”
Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.
Spc. Bisson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Jan. 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Soldier on patrol in Iraq killed by bomb
By Steve Liewer
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
January 25, 2007
An odd sensation settled over Rebecca Bisson last Saturday as she sat awake and alone in her military apartment.
She'd been married for only six months to Army Spc. Jeffrey Bisson of Vista before he left their base in Alaska for a yearlong tour in Iraq. His unit – the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division – had suffered since arriving in the Fallujah area, losing more than 20 soldiers.
In an instant, Rebecca sensed that everything had changed.
“I felt a hug and a kiss on my cheek,” she said. “Right then, I knew my husband was gone.”
Later that day, two Army officers knocked on her door to tell her the news she already knew: Jeffrey Bisson, 22, died Saturday from injuries caused by a roadside bomb that exploded near his Humvee.
His death left her a 19-year-old widow.
Yesterday, Rebecca arrived at the Vista home of Jeffrey's parents, Rick and Laurie Bisson, to plan her husband's funeral. On a coffee table, the parents had spread photos of their smiling, round-faced son in happier times: Jeff as a Boy Scout, Jeff in his Army dress uniform, Jeff mugging, cheek-to-cheek, with his wife.
The Bisson family lived in Carlsbad when Jeff was born and moved to Vista eight years ago. Rick Bisson said his son bowled and played baseball, football and soccer, but that Boy Scouting became his passion. Jeff had earned the rank of Eagle Scout by the time he graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High School in 2003 with a 3.8 grade point average.
Scouting led Jeff to edgy outdoor pursuits such as rock-climbing and, eventually, the sport that captured his fancy: skydiving. He loved nothing more than falling out of the sky.
Rick Bisson still remembers his son's first jump.
“(Jeff) had the biggest grin on his face. He was just floating,” he said.
Before Jeff died, he had completed about 300 jumps – 200 of them for sport. He acknowledged his recklessness in the self-profile he posted on MySpace.com in 2004.
“Some people say I am a little on the crazy side when it comes to the stuff I do for fun,” he wrote. “But hey, I like to live my life on the edge a little. So you can say I am a very big thrill seeker.”
Jeff's yen for travel and his love of skydiving drew him toward the Army, the service in which both his grandfathers had served. His parents tried to steer him in a different direction, but he was determined. He shed 100 pounds from his 275-pound frame so the Army would take him.
“I really didn't want him to go. I said, 'Stay here!' ” Laurie Bisson said. “This is what he wanted to do, so I honored his wishes.”
Jeff qualified as an airborne paratrooper, and the Army sent him to Fort Richardson in Alaska. Rebecca, an Anchorage native, discovered his MySpace profile and finally mustered the courage to meet him in August 2005. They hit it off instantly.
“He seemed like a fun-loving guy I could talk to and care about,” Rebecca said. “We've been pretty much inseparable ever since.”
Ignoring the advice of their families, Jeff and Rebecca married last April on a snow-swept mountaintop overlooking Anchorage. In September, they visited Vista so Jeff could say goodbye to his friends and family before he left for Iraq.
At first, his unit camped in a relatively calm zone south of Baghdad. By December, Jeff had moved to an insurgent-infested area near Fallujah. He suffered several close calls. One day, for example, a bomb killed a soldier who had taken his place on a mission.
“He was very, very scared,” Rebecca said, “but he believed in the cause. He said, 'I may not come home, but I believe in what I'm doing.' ”
Jeff died when a bomb went off while he was riding on a patrol. Three other soldiers died with him: Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore., a San Diego native; Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.; and Spc. Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H. A fifth man was injured, Rebecca said.
Jeff's parents said his body is now in Dover, Del., and will be shipped to Vista later this week. They haven't decided on funeral plans.
Besides his parents and his wife, Jeff is survived by an 18-year-old brother, Christopher, and a 4-year-old son, Andrew, of Oceanside, from a previous relationship.
His grandmother, Janice Tice of Vista, cried at the idea of burying a grandson.
“You try to protect them when they're little. They go to school, you worry about them. They learn to drive, you worry about them,” she said. “But we couldn't protect him from the war.”
Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown, 43, of Little Rock, Ark.
SFC Brown was assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (Air Assault), 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, Ark.; died in Baghdad on Jan. 20, 2007 when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed. Also killed were Col. Brian D. Allgood, Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Booker, Lt. Col. David C. Canegata, Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard, Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Haller, Col. Paul M. Kelly, Staff Sgt. Floyd E. Lake, Cpl. Victor M. Langarica, Capt. Sean E. Lyerly, Maj. Michael V. Taylor and 1st Sgt. William T. Warren.
Gold star flag, plaques presented to guard in honor of fallen
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe says dealing with grief-stricken military families is one of the toughest jobs in his role as the state’s leader.
So when the family of Sgt. 1st Class John Gary Brown of Little Rock asked the state Department of Veterans Affairs for help in obtaining a custom-made red-and-white flag with a gold star, state officials and a Veterans of Foreign Wars post hustled to comply.
“The most difficult job you have as governor is making phone calls to family members, particularly to widows, of fallen soldiers,” Beebe said. “And so it’s appropriate when we honor those fallen soldiers, we try to honor the requests of those families.”
On Tuesday, Beebe, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9095, and Fred Steube of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs presented the flag and three plaques to Maj. Gen. Bill Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard.
Wofford will then pass on the honorary items to the fallen soldiers’ families, Beebe said.
The three plaques are in honor of Brown, Maj. Michael V. Taylor and Sgt. William Tom Warren, who were among 12 soldiers killed when their Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.
All three were members of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment of the 77th Aviation Brigade. The deaths were the first casualties for the 77th, military officials said.
The crash also killed nine soldiers from Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, military officials said.
The flag was designed by Arkansas Flag and Banner Company. The plaques, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars national headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., honor the three soldiers for their bravery and valor.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown, 43, of Little Rock, Ark.
SFC Brown was assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (Air Assault), 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, Ark.; died in Baghdad on Jan. 20, 2007 when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed. Also killed were Col. Brian D. Allgood, Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Booker, Lt. Col. David C. Canegata, Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard, Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Haller, Col. Paul M. Kelly, Staff Sgt. Floyd E. Lake, Cpl. Victor M. Langarica, Capt. Sean E. Lyerly, Maj. Michael V. Taylor and 1st Sgt. William T. Warren.
Gold star flag, plaques presented to guard in honor of fallen
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe says dealing with grief-stricken military families is one of the toughest jobs in his role as the state’s leader.
So when the family of Sgt. 1st Class John Gary Brown of Little Rock asked the state Department of Veterans Affairs for help in obtaining a custom-made red-and-white flag with a gold star, state officials and a Veterans of Foreign Wars post hustled to comply.
“The most difficult job you have as governor is making phone calls to family members, particularly to widows, of fallen soldiers,” Beebe said. “And so it’s appropriate when we honor those fallen soldiers, we try to honor the requests of those families.”
On Tuesday, Beebe, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9095, and Fred Steube of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs presented the flag and three plaques to Maj. Gen. Bill Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard.
Wofford will then pass on the honorary items to the fallen soldiers’ families, Beebe said.
The three plaques are in honor of Brown, Maj. Michael V. Taylor and Sgt. William Tom Warren, who were among 12 soldiers killed when their Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.
All three were members of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment of the 77th Aviation Brigade. The deaths were the first casualties for the 77th, military officials said.
The crash also killed nine soldiers from Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, military officials said.
The flag was designed by Arkansas Flag and Banner Company. The plaques, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars national headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., honor the three soldiers for their bravery and valor.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown was killed in action on 1/20/07.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal, 23, of San Marcos, Texas
Cpl. Neal was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Grand Rapids, Mich.; died Jan. 19, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
A 23-year-old Marine who has family in East Texas died this past Friday while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Capt. Tyson Dunkelberger from the U.S. Department of Defense identified the soldier as Cpl. Jacob H. Neal of San Marcos.
Family members who live in Kennard said they were awaiting the arrival of Neal's body sometime this weekend so that funeral arrangements could be made.
"I don't blame anyone," said Eunice Zalesky, Neal's grandmother, in a telephone interview Wednesday. "He volunteered for his country ... he was fighting to save his country,"
Neal was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich. He had been the recipient of a National Defense Service Medal.
Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal was killed in action on 1/19/07.
Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal, 23, of San Marcos, Texas
Cpl. Neal was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Grand Rapids, Mich.; died Jan. 19, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
A 23-year-old Marine who has family in East Texas died this past Friday while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
Capt. Tyson Dunkelberger from the U.S. Department of Defense identified the soldier as Cpl. Jacob H. Neal of San Marcos.
Family members who live in Kennard said they were awaiting the arrival of Neal's body sometime this weekend so that funeral arrangements could be made.
"I don't blame anyone," said Eunice Zalesky, Neal's grandmother, in a telephone interview Wednesday. "He volunteered for his country ... he was fighting to save his country,"
Neal was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich. He had been the recipient of a National Defense Service Medal.
Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal was killed in action on 1/19/07.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar
Remember Our Heroes
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, 22, of Brooklyn, New York
Petty Officer Alomar was assigned to the Navy Provisional Detention Battalion at Camp Bucca, Iraq. He died in a non-combat related incident January 17, 2007.
amNew York -- A 22-year-old Brooklyn man who died in a noncombat situation in Iraq on Jan. 17 was remembered Saturday by his family as the engaging, athletic oldest brother of a large family.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, who was based at Camp Bucca, a Naval detention center and had served for two-and-half years, died in a "hostile fire zone," a defense department release said. His death is under investigation, it said.
On Thursday afternoon, two officers disclosed the news of Alomar's passing to his stepmother, Aileen Encarnacion, 39, who raised him since the age of 4 and still lives at his childhood home in Cypress Hills. The family's living room is adorned with trophies from his days playing high school baseball and basketball.
Also at the home were three of Alomar's seven siblings and three step-siblings. Alomar's wife, Jennifer, who could not be reached, and 5-year-old daughter Jalleeha live in Virginia Beach, Va.
Sabrina Figueroa, 15, last heard from her brother, who she called "Little Joey," on Jan. 14 in an e-mail. She said he wrote to his younger sister, affectionately calling her "Brina," about how proud he was to have "such a pretty sister."
"He was a good brother and now a good hero," Figueroa said. "With Little Joey, there's nobody that didn't like him."
Alomar enjoyed being in the service and had wanted to join the military since he was a boy, his family said. "He loved it ... He was very fascinated with it, with everything, the Marines, the Navy, Army, everything," said Figueroa.
But Alomar, who attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn, said little about his assignment in Iraq. "He did say he was on a ship at one time. Then they put him on land after. Then they put him on security ... He was very tight about what he did. He wanted to come home," said Encarnacion.
The last time Alomar was in Brooklyn was nine months ago, before shipping out for his tour of duty, during one of three one-week breaks. He took his siblings ice skating in Central Park. Encarnacion made his favorite dinner of beans and fried chicken.
The family said they want to know more about Alomar's death. "They said that there was going to be an investigation. There really were no details other than there was a bullet to his head," she said.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar died on 01/17/07.
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Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, 22, of Brooklyn, New York
Petty Officer Alomar was assigned to the Navy Provisional Detention Battalion at Camp Bucca, Iraq. He died in a non-combat related incident January 17, 2007.
amNew York -- A 22-year-old Brooklyn man who died in a noncombat situation in Iraq on Jan. 17 was remembered Saturday by his family as the engaging, athletic oldest brother of a large family.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, who was based at Camp Bucca, a Naval detention center and had served for two-and-half years, died in a "hostile fire zone," a defense department release said. His death is under investigation, it said.
On Thursday afternoon, two officers disclosed the news of Alomar's passing to his stepmother, Aileen Encarnacion, 39, who raised him since the age of 4 and still lives at his childhood home in Cypress Hills. The family's living room is adorned with trophies from his days playing high school baseball and basketball.
Also at the home were three of Alomar's seven siblings and three step-siblings. Alomar's wife, Jennifer, who could not be reached, and 5-year-old daughter Jalleeha live in Virginia Beach, Va.
Sabrina Figueroa, 15, last heard from her brother, who she called "Little Joey," on Jan. 14 in an e-mail. She said he wrote to his younger sister, affectionately calling her "Brina," about how proud he was to have "such a pretty sister."
"He was a good brother and now a good hero," Figueroa said. "With Little Joey, there's nobody that didn't like him."
Alomar enjoyed being in the service and had wanted to join the military since he was a boy, his family said. "He loved it ... He was very fascinated with it, with everything, the Marines, the Navy, Army, everything," said Figueroa.
But Alomar, who attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn, said little about his assignment in Iraq. "He did say he was on a ship at one time. Then they put him on land after. Then they put him on security ... He was very tight about what he did. He wanted to come home," said Encarnacion.
The last time Alomar was in Brooklyn was nine months ago, before shipping out for his tour of duty, during one of three one-week breaks. He took his siblings ice skating in Central Park. Encarnacion made his favorite dinner of beans and fried chicken.
The family said they want to know more about Alomar's death. "They said that there was going to be an investigation. There really were no details other than there was a bullet to his head," she said.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar died on 01/17/07.
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Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Marine Cpl. Jonathan J. Schulze
Remember Our Heroes
Marine Cpl. Jonathan J. Shulze, 25, New Prague, Minn
Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson, who testified yesterday before the House Appropriations Committee, has been met with tough questioning this week on Capitol Hill about the VA’s proposed budget and, in particular, about the case of a decorated Iraq war veteran who took his own life after being put on a waiting list for in patient mental health.
Members of House and Senate committees on veterans affairs say the story of Marine Private Jonathan Schulze, 25, of Stewart, Minn. , stands as a tragic example of how the federal government is under funding the VA, which they believe is straining to provide for wounded veterans.
Schulze, who was the recipient of two Purple Hearts for his service during a tour of duty near Fallujah in 2004, packed his bag on Jan. 11 and tried to check himself into a psychiatric unit in St. Cloud, Minn. , telling the in take counselor he was suicidal.
He was turned away, his family said, and placed 26th on a waiting list for a 12-bed specialized psychiatric unit for post-traumatic stress disorder, a sometimes debilitating mental illness triggered by memories of war. It is plaguing an estimated 1 in 5 veterans returning from Iraq.
Schulze’s father, James, and stepmother, Marianne, who were with him when he tried to be admitted, insist he told in take officials twice that he was suicidal — in person Jan. 11, and the next day over the phone.
Four days later, Schulze hanged himself with a household extension cord in the basement of a New Prague, Minn., apartment where he was living temporarily with a war buddy, Major Eric Satersmoen.
Satersmoen , 25, said he tried unsuccessfully to help Schulze navigate the bureaucracy of the VA on many occasions and was with him when he made a phone call on Jan. 2 informing his primary care physician at the VA that he was suicidal. Satersmoen remembers that he was told he would not get a bed in a unit until March due to overcrowding.
Marine Cpl. Jonathan J. Schulze died 01/16/07.
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Marine Cpl. Jonathan J. Shulze, 25, New Prague, Minn
Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson, who testified yesterday before the House Appropriations Committee, has been met with tough questioning this week on Capitol Hill about the VA’s proposed budget and, in particular, about the case of a decorated Iraq war veteran who took his own life after being put on a waiting list for in patient mental health.
Members of House and Senate committees on veterans affairs say the story of Marine Private Jonathan Schulze, 25, of Stewart, Minn. , stands as a tragic example of how the federal government is under funding the VA, which they believe is straining to provide for wounded veterans.
Schulze, who was the recipient of two Purple Hearts for his service during a tour of duty near Fallujah in 2004, packed his bag on Jan. 11 and tried to check himself into a psychiatric unit in St. Cloud, Minn. , telling the in take counselor he was suicidal.
He was turned away, his family said, and placed 26th on a waiting list for a 12-bed specialized psychiatric unit for post-traumatic stress disorder, a sometimes debilitating mental illness triggered by memories of war. It is plaguing an estimated 1 in 5 veterans returning from Iraq.
Schulze’s father, James, and stepmother, Marianne, who were with him when he tried to be admitted, insist he told in take officials twice that he was suicidal — in person Jan. 11, and the next day over the phone.
Four days later, Schulze hanged himself with a household extension cord in the basement of a New Prague, Minn., apartment where he was living temporarily with a war buddy, Major Eric Satersmoen.
Satersmoen , 25, said he tried unsuccessfully to help Schulze navigate the bureaucracy of the VA on many occasions and was with him when he made a phone call on Jan. 2 informing his primary care physician at the VA that he was suicidal. Satersmoen remembers that he was told he would not get a bed in a unit until March due to overcrowding.
Marine Cpl. Jonathan J. Schulze died 01/16/07.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Army Specialist Matthew T. Grimm
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Matthew T. Grimm, 21, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Spc. Grimm was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.
When Matthew Tyler Grimm joined his cousin's racing team in the summer of 2004, it was his first experience working with the high-performance stock cars that were the backbone of the American Speed Association.
Army Spc. Matthew Tyler Grimm, 21, of Wisconsin Rapids is the 68th Wisconsin service member killed in Iraq and the first of 2007.
That fall, he joined another team, the U.S. Army, where he learned about tanks and artillery.
"He was always ready to take on a new challenge," 1995 ASA champion Bryan Reffner said Tuesday after learning that his cousin had died in Iraq the day before.
The 21-year-old Army specialist, who was a member of C Company, 2/7 Cavalry in Fort Bliss, Texas, was killed when the vehicle in which he was riding was struck by a roadside bomb, his mother, Jean Grimm, said Tuesday.
She did not know where her son was killed, but said he had been in Iraq since late October and until a week ago had been stationed in Mosul.
"He laughed and smiled a lot," Jean Grimm said. "He was friends with everyone, and he really enjoyed life."
According to his mother, Matthew Grimm entered the Army the fall after graduating from Lincoln High School, where he played football, wrestled, dabbled in weightlifting and met an Army recruiter.
"I guess (the Army) just looked interesting to him," said Jean Grimm, whose other son, Andrew, 23, is serving in Iraq as a specialist with the Wisconsin National Guard.
"He didn't really know what he wanted to do yet."
Shane Benitz, an assistant wrestling coach at Lincoln who worked with Grimm in his sophomore year, described him as a "powerhouse" wrestler with a muscular frame.
"He was just a great kid, a good athlete, hard-working, everything you want in a member of a high school sports team," Benitz said. "Our program is really saddened to hear the news."
Immediately after high school, Grimm began working for Reffner Motor Sports in Stevens Point, unloading cars from the previous race and getting them ready for the next, Reffner said.
"Matt worked in the shop, and in racing, that's 90 percent of the work," Reffner said.
Much of Grimm's work for the team involved maintaining the cars, his cousin said.
"He'd be looking for anything that might be falling off and tightening up nuts and bolts," Reffner said, adding that his cousin was more like a muscle-bound younger brother who lived life the way he worked out in the gym.
"He just wanted to do things right and then do them better," he said. "He was always looking to achieve a goal and then exceed it."
Grimm, who is also survived by his father, Eldon, is the 68th Wisconsin service member killed in Iraq and the first of 2007. He is also the second from Wood County killed in the war in the last six weeks.
Army Specialist Matthew T. Grimm was killed in action on 01/15/07.
Army Specialist Matthew T. Grimm, 21, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Spc. Grimm was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.
When Matthew Tyler Grimm joined his cousin's racing team in the summer of 2004, it was his first experience working with the high-performance stock cars that were the backbone of the American Speed Association.
Army Spc. Matthew Tyler Grimm, 21, of Wisconsin Rapids is the 68th Wisconsin service member killed in Iraq and the first of 2007.
That fall, he joined another team, the U.S. Army, where he learned about tanks and artillery.
"He was always ready to take on a new challenge," 1995 ASA champion Bryan Reffner said Tuesday after learning that his cousin had died in Iraq the day before.
The 21-year-old Army specialist, who was a member of C Company, 2/7 Cavalry in Fort Bliss, Texas, was killed when the vehicle in which he was riding was struck by a roadside bomb, his mother, Jean Grimm, said Tuesday.
She did not know where her son was killed, but said he had been in Iraq since late October and until a week ago had been stationed in Mosul.
"He laughed and smiled a lot," Jean Grimm said. "He was friends with everyone, and he really enjoyed life."
According to his mother, Matthew Grimm entered the Army the fall after graduating from Lincoln High School, where he played football, wrestled, dabbled in weightlifting and met an Army recruiter.
"I guess (the Army) just looked interesting to him," said Jean Grimm, whose other son, Andrew, 23, is serving in Iraq as a specialist with the Wisconsin National Guard.
"He didn't really know what he wanted to do yet."
Shane Benitz, an assistant wrestling coach at Lincoln who worked with Grimm in his sophomore year, described him as a "powerhouse" wrestler with a muscular frame.
"He was just a great kid, a good athlete, hard-working, everything you want in a member of a high school sports team," Benitz said. "Our program is really saddened to hear the news."
Immediately after high school, Grimm began working for Reffner Motor Sports in Stevens Point, unloading cars from the previous race and getting them ready for the next, Reffner said.
"Matt worked in the shop, and in racing, that's 90 percent of the work," Reffner said.
Much of Grimm's work for the team involved maintaining the cars, his cousin said.
"He'd be looking for anything that might be falling off and tightening up nuts and bolts," Reffner said, adding that his cousin was more like a muscle-bound younger brother who lived life the way he worked out in the gym.
"He just wanted to do things right and then do them better," he said. "He was always looking to achieve a goal and then exceed it."
Grimm, who is also survived by his father, Eldon, is the 68th Wisconsin service member killed in Iraq and the first of 2007. He is also the second from Wood County killed in the war in the last six weeks.
Army Specialist Matthew T. Grimm was killed in action on 01/15/07.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Army Sgt. James M. Wosika, Jr.
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. James M. Wosika, Jr., 24, of St. Paul, Minn.
Sgt. Woskia was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, Crookston, Minn. Died Jan. 9 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol.
By Herón Márquez Estrada and Curt Brown, Star Tribune
Last update: January 11, 2007 – 12:02 AM
Sgt. James Wosika Jr.'s weakness was chocolate ice cream. His long-term goal was to become a fireman. His short-term goal was to come home safely from the war in Iraq.
On Tuesday, Wosika, 24, was killed by a homemade bomb while he was on foot patrol for the Minnesota National Guard near the town of Fallujah, becoming the 49th person with strong ties to Minnesota to die in the conflict.
Wosika, a state champion wrestler and a football player at Highland Park Senior High in St. Paul, also became the third member of Company B, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, to die in the past five weeks in Iraq.
Two friends, Specialists Bryan T. McDonough, 22, of Maplewood, and Corey J. Rystad, 20, of Red Lake Falls, died in early December in the same area when a bomb destroyed their Humvee. Sgt. John Kriesel lost his legs in the bombing.
"This has been a tough month for Company B," Lt. Col. Kevin Gutknecht of the National Guard said through tears Wednesday. "I feel deeply, deeply sad for the families that have had to endure these losses."
Wosika's death was announced on the same day that President Bush delivered a nationally televised address urging an escalation in the number of soldiers deployed to Iraq.
Therese Goddard, a neighbor of the Wosika family, said that after she learned of the death she called U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, urging them to bring home the troops.
"I'm heartbroken for the family," Goddard said. "But on the other hand, I'm angry that any more American troops should be killed in Iraq."
But Gutknecht made it clear Wednesday that Wosika's death should not be politicized.
"I think that any day a soldier dies is a sad day," he said, "and other things that are going on in the world, I think, have no bearing."
A chilling effect
Wednesday's mood was somber at the Wosika home, where American flags and a U.S. Army flag were in a window and on the front porch of the home in the West End neighborhood of St. Paul.
James Wosika Sr., in a KSTP-TV interview, said his son came from a long line of military people and that he joined the service to honor them.
"He was doing what he wanted to do for his country," the elder Wosika told the station. "Our minds are a blank. We don't know whether to laugh or cry or what."
Ann Taylor, 81, who lives around the corner from the family and spent Tuesday with them, said the death hit the West 7th neighborhood hard.
"I prayed for him every single day and had a yellow ribbon on my tree," said Taylor, who has carried a picture of Wosika in the display window of her purse since he was deployed last March. "I raised the flag every morning for Jimmy since he's been in Iraq. He was just a wonderful kid."
Jim Paddock, an assistant principal at Como Park High School and Wosika's former wrestling coach at Highland, said he had known Wosika since the soldier was in the seventh grade.
"He had two loves, wrestling and to serve his country," Paddock said. "He was a good kid, the kind that showed up everyday and you could depend on him. It's going to be a big hole in everybody's heart."
That much was evident on Wosika's MySpace.com website, which was filled with remembrances from Wosika's friends in Minnesota and his fellow soldiers in Iraq.
"I never thought this would happen," wrote a 21-year-old Oakdale soldier stationed with Wosika in Fallujah. "It sucks so much, but I know you're in a better place now with Bryan and Corey. ... It was an honor getting to know you and serving with you. I'll always miss you buddy. Rest in peace."
Other friends called Wosika, who joined the National Guard in 2000 after high school, a hero for his military service.
"You were a great person and a hero to many," a 24-year-old St. Paul woman wrote. "We love you and you will be greatly missed. RIP my friend."
The MySpace pages are also filled with insight into Wosika's personality (such as his weakness for chocolate ice cream) and his character, including his motto that "Your life is there so grab it!!!"
Wosika, who accessed his MySpace page the night before he died, wrote that he believed heroes were "any man or [woman] that has died for this country."
His biggest fear?
"Not coming home."
Army Sgt. James M. Wosika, Jr. was killed in action on 01/09/07.
Army Sgt. James M. Wosika, Jr., 24, of St. Paul, Minn.
Sgt. Woskia was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, Crookston, Minn. Died Jan. 9 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol.
By Herón Márquez Estrada and Curt Brown, Star Tribune
Last update: January 11, 2007 – 12:02 AM
Sgt. James Wosika Jr.'s weakness was chocolate ice cream. His long-term goal was to become a fireman. His short-term goal was to come home safely from the war in Iraq.
On Tuesday, Wosika, 24, was killed by a homemade bomb while he was on foot patrol for the Minnesota National Guard near the town of Fallujah, becoming the 49th person with strong ties to Minnesota to die in the conflict.
Wosika, a state champion wrestler and a football player at Highland Park Senior High in St. Paul, also became the third member of Company B, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, to die in the past five weeks in Iraq.
Two friends, Specialists Bryan T. McDonough, 22, of Maplewood, and Corey J. Rystad, 20, of Red Lake Falls, died in early December in the same area when a bomb destroyed their Humvee. Sgt. John Kriesel lost his legs in the bombing.
"This has been a tough month for Company B," Lt. Col. Kevin Gutknecht of the National Guard said through tears Wednesday. "I feel deeply, deeply sad for the families that have had to endure these losses."
Wosika's death was announced on the same day that President Bush delivered a nationally televised address urging an escalation in the number of soldiers deployed to Iraq.
Therese Goddard, a neighbor of the Wosika family, said that after she learned of the death she called U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, urging them to bring home the troops.
"I'm heartbroken for the family," Goddard said. "But on the other hand, I'm angry that any more American troops should be killed in Iraq."
But Gutknecht made it clear Wednesday that Wosika's death should not be politicized.
"I think that any day a soldier dies is a sad day," he said, "and other things that are going on in the world, I think, have no bearing."
A chilling effect
Wednesday's mood was somber at the Wosika home, where American flags and a U.S. Army flag were in a window and on the front porch of the home in the West End neighborhood of St. Paul.
James Wosika Sr., in a KSTP-TV interview, said his son came from a long line of military people and that he joined the service to honor them.
"He was doing what he wanted to do for his country," the elder Wosika told the station. "Our minds are a blank. We don't know whether to laugh or cry or what."
Ann Taylor, 81, who lives around the corner from the family and spent Tuesday with them, said the death hit the West 7th neighborhood hard.
"I prayed for him every single day and had a yellow ribbon on my tree," said Taylor, who has carried a picture of Wosika in the display window of her purse since he was deployed last March. "I raised the flag every morning for Jimmy since he's been in Iraq. He was just a wonderful kid."
Jim Paddock, an assistant principal at Como Park High School and Wosika's former wrestling coach at Highland, said he had known Wosika since the soldier was in the seventh grade.
"He had two loves, wrestling and to serve his country," Paddock said. "He was a good kid, the kind that showed up everyday and you could depend on him. It's going to be a big hole in everybody's heart."
That much was evident on Wosika's MySpace.com website, which was filled with remembrances from Wosika's friends in Minnesota and his fellow soldiers in Iraq.
"I never thought this would happen," wrote a 21-year-old Oakdale soldier stationed with Wosika in Fallujah. "It sucks so much, but I know you're in a better place now with Bryan and Corey. ... It was an honor getting to know you and serving with you. I'll always miss you buddy. Rest in peace."
Other friends called Wosika, who joined the National Guard in 2000 after high school, a hero for his military service.
"You were a great person and a hero to many," a 24-year-old St. Paul woman wrote. "We love you and you will be greatly missed. RIP my friend."
The MySpace pages are also filled with insight into Wosika's personality (such as his weakness for chocolate ice cream) and his character, including his motto that "Your life is there so grab it!!!"
Wosika, who accessed his MySpace page the night before he died, wrote that he believed heroes were "any man or [woman] that has died for this country."
His biggest fear?
"Not coming home."
Army Sgt. James M. Wosika, Jr. was killed in action on 01/09/07.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Army Specialist Eric T. Caldwell
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Eric T. Caldwell, 22, of Salisbury, Md.,
Spc. Caldwell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died Jan 7 in Iraq of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.
A soldier who was raised in Salisbury has died of injuries suffered in Iraq, the Pentagon said yesterday.
Spc. Eric T. Caldwell, 22, died Sunday in Iraq after his patrol encountered enemy small-arms fire north of Baghdad, said his uncle, Melvin "M.J." Caldwell Jr. of Salisbury.
Specialist Caldwell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas, the Defense Department said in announcing his death.
Relatives told the Daily Press in Newport News, Va., that the soldier was scheduled to visit home for a two-week vacation this weekend.
"Eric was raised by his grandparents in the Salisbury area," said Brad Bellacicco, a friend of the family who is executive director of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. "At 15, he moved to Virginia with his mother, then at 18 moved in with his aunt and uncle."
Specialist Caldwell joined the Maryland National Guard in June 2003 and was assigned to the 121st Combat Engineer Battalion in Prince Frederick.
He lived with Melvin and Pamela Caldwell in Salisbury until enlisting in the Army in early 2005, his uncle said.
Specialist Caldwell worked hard to overcome learning disabilities to realize his ambition, said his uncle.
"His life was the United States Army," he said. "He wanted to become a soldier like his grandfather, who served in World War II. He loved the structure of the Army, and the guys he served with became like extended family. He was a very focused young man, once he realized the direction he wanted to go."
Specialist Caldwell had attended Gloucester High School near the Tidewater area of Virginia and schools in Marco Island, Fla., after attending Pinehurst Elementary School in Salisbury.
As a youngster, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 185 at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Salisbury. Survivors also include his mother, Vanessa Caldwell of Gloucester, Va.; his father, Brian Caldwell of Philadelphia; two sisters, his twin Andrea Caldwell of New Orleans and Katie Caldwell of Philadelphia; and his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Naomi Caldwell of Salisbury.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church in Gloucester, the Daily Press reported. Another service was being planned for Monday at St. Francis DeSales Church in Salisbury.
He will be buried Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Specialist Eric T. Caldwell was killed in action on 01/07/07.
Army Specialist Eric T. Caldwell, 22, of Salisbury, Md.,
Spc. Caldwell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died Jan 7 in Iraq of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.
A soldier who was raised in Salisbury has died of injuries suffered in Iraq, the Pentagon said yesterday.
Spc. Eric T. Caldwell, 22, died Sunday in Iraq after his patrol encountered enemy small-arms fire north of Baghdad, said his uncle, Melvin "M.J." Caldwell Jr. of Salisbury.
Specialist Caldwell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas, the Defense Department said in announcing his death.
Relatives told the Daily Press in Newport News, Va., that the soldier was scheduled to visit home for a two-week vacation this weekend.
"Eric was raised by his grandparents in the Salisbury area," said Brad Bellacicco, a friend of the family who is executive director of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. "At 15, he moved to Virginia with his mother, then at 18 moved in with his aunt and uncle."
Specialist Caldwell joined the Maryland National Guard in June 2003 and was assigned to the 121st Combat Engineer Battalion in Prince Frederick.
He lived with Melvin and Pamela Caldwell in Salisbury until enlisting in the Army in early 2005, his uncle said.
Specialist Caldwell worked hard to overcome learning disabilities to realize his ambition, said his uncle.
"His life was the United States Army," he said. "He wanted to become a soldier like his grandfather, who served in World War II. He loved the structure of the Army, and the guys he served with became like extended family. He was a very focused young man, once he realized the direction he wanted to go."
Specialist Caldwell had attended Gloucester High School near the Tidewater area of Virginia and schools in Marco Island, Fla., after attending Pinehurst Elementary School in Salisbury.
As a youngster, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 185 at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Salisbury. Survivors also include his mother, Vanessa Caldwell of Gloucester, Va.; his father, Brian Caldwell of Philadelphia; two sisters, his twin Andrea Caldwell of New Orleans and Katie Caldwell of Philadelphia; and his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Naomi Caldwell of Salisbury.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church in Gloucester, the Daily Press reported. Another service was being planned for Monday at St. Francis DeSales Church in Salisbury.
He will be buried Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Specialist Eric T. Caldwell was killed in action on 01/07/07.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson, 23, of Vancouver, Wash
Cpl. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
died Jan. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over Dec. 26 in Baghdad.
Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson, who dreamed of Army and baseball, dies at age 23
By Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporter
Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson was a natural athlete who dreamed of playing baseball.
Perhaps the ground gave way beneath the weight of her son's Humvee, but Elizabeth Johnson doesn't know for sure.
She was taking down Christmas decorations in her Vancouver, Wash., home when she got a call from the U.S. Army on Dec. 26, saying her 23-year-old son, Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson, had been critically injured in a rollover accident while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.
Elizabeth Johnson, her husband, David, and Cpl. Johnson's wife, Gale, flew to Washington, D.C., the next day, got their passports issued to them in an hour and were on a flight to Germany, arriving at an Army hospital in time to spend almost a week at Cpl. Johnson's bedside before he died Friday.
Elizabeth Johnson brought along family photos and bought magazines and sweets for her son, not realizing how grave his condition was. The reality set in only after two neurosurgeons briefed the family, telling them that Cpl. Johnson had suffered severe hypothermia and brain damage after his Humvee tipped over on a road along a canal, pinning him underwater for 10 minutes.
"I said, 'You mean that I will never hear Jeremiah talk to me again?' and they said, 'That's correct. You'll never know Jeremiah the way you have known Jeremiah,' " Elizabeth Johnson said Tuesday from Vancouver.
"I have never cried that deep inner [cry], you know? Jeremiah was the most awesome son you could ever hope for. He was the boy next door, the kind of boy you'd want your daughter to marry," she said.
Cpl. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Richardson, Alaska, according to the Army. Also killed were two soldiers in Cpl. Johnson's unit: Spc. Douglas Tinsley, 21, of Chester, S.C. died at the scene of the Humvee accident and Spc. Joseph Strong, 21, of Lebanon, Ind., died en route to the hospital in Germany.
Elizabeth Johnson said Strong was Cpl. Johnson's best friend in the military.
Cpl. Johnson, the eldest of five children, was a natural athlete who became a star center-fielder for the Prairie High School baseball team and dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues, said David Johnson, who coached his son in Little League baseball.
Though his baseball dreams were eventually replaced with new dreams of an Army career, both he and his father looked forward to the day Cpl. Johnson's son, Isaiah, was big enough to pick up a baseball bat.
"We had both dreamed of coaching his son together," David Johnson said of Isaiah, who will turn 5 this month.
Baseball wasn't the only constant in Cpl. Johnson's life. As a first-grader, he met Gale, the girl he'd eventually marry, at Sunday school. She often attended Cpl. Johnson's baseball games, even traveling with his family to out-of-state tournaments, David Johnson said. The two married soon after graduating from Prairie High School in 2001, he said.
The couple also have a 2-year-old daughter, Rya.
"He wanted to do his part for his country," his father said. Cpl. Johnson enlisted 3 ½ years ago and deployed for Iraq in October.
In addition to his parents, wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Naphtali, 21, and Lauralee, 20; and his brothers, Zachary, 17, and Timothy, 15, all of Vancouver.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., with a graveside service on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, also in Vancouver.
A trust fund for Cpl. Johnson's wife and children has been set up at Washington Mutual.
Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson was killed in the line of duty on 01/06/07.
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Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson, 23, of Vancouver, Wash
Cpl. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
died Jan. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over Dec. 26 in Baghdad.
Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson, who dreamed of Army and baseball, dies at age 23
By Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporter
Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson was a natural athlete who dreamed of playing baseball.
Perhaps the ground gave way beneath the weight of her son's Humvee, but Elizabeth Johnson doesn't know for sure.
She was taking down Christmas decorations in her Vancouver, Wash., home when she got a call from the U.S. Army on Dec. 26, saying her 23-year-old son, Cpl. Jeremiah Johnson, had been critically injured in a rollover accident while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.
Elizabeth Johnson, her husband, David, and Cpl. Johnson's wife, Gale, flew to Washington, D.C., the next day, got their passports issued to them in an hour and were on a flight to Germany, arriving at an Army hospital in time to spend almost a week at Cpl. Johnson's bedside before he died Friday.
Elizabeth Johnson brought along family photos and bought magazines and sweets for her son, not realizing how grave his condition was. The reality set in only after two neurosurgeons briefed the family, telling them that Cpl. Johnson had suffered severe hypothermia and brain damage after his Humvee tipped over on a road along a canal, pinning him underwater for 10 minutes.
"I said, 'You mean that I will never hear Jeremiah talk to me again?' and they said, 'That's correct. You'll never know Jeremiah the way you have known Jeremiah,' " Elizabeth Johnson said Tuesday from Vancouver.
"I have never cried that deep inner [cry], you know? Jeremiah was the most awesome son you could ever hope for. He was the boy next door, the kind of boy you'd want your daughter to marry," she said.
Cpl. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Richardson, Alaska, according to the Army. Also killed were two soldiers in Cpl. Johnson's unit: Spc. Douglas Tinsley, 21, of Chester, S.C. died at the scene of the Humvee accident and Spc. Joseph Strong, 21, of Lebanon, Ind., died en route to the hospital in Germany.
Elizabeth Johnson said Strong was Cpl. Johnson's best friend in the military.
Cpl. Johnson, the eldest of five children, was a natural athlete who became a star center-fielder for the Prairie High School baseball team and dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues, said David Johnson, who coached his son in Little League baseball.
Though his baseball dreams were eventually replaced with new dreams of an Army career, both he and his father looked forward to the day Cpl. Johnson's son, Isaiah, was big enough to pick up a baseball bat.
"We had both dreamed of coaching his son together," David Johnson said of Isaiah, who will turn 5 this month.
Baseball wasn't the only constant in Cpl. Johnson's life. As a first-grader, he met Gale, the girl he'd eventually marry, at Sunday school. She often attended Cpl. Johnson's baseball games, even traveling with his family to out-of-state tournaments, David Johnson said. The two married soon after graduating from Prairie High School in 2001, he said.
The couple also have a 2-year-old daughter, Rya.
"He wanted to do his part for his country," his father said. Cpl. Johnson enlisted 3 ½ years ago and deployed for Iraq in October.
In addition to his parents, wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Naphtali, 21, and Lauralee, 20; and his brothers, Zachary, 17, and Timothy, 15, all of Vancouver.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., with a graveside service on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, also in Vancouver.
A trust fund for Cpl. Johnson's wife and children has been set up at Washington Mutual.
Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson was killed in the line of duty on 01/06/07.
Army Specialist Raymond N. Mitchell, III
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Raymond N. Mitchell, III, 21, of West Memphis, Ark.
Spc. Mitchell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Jan 6 in Baghdad of wounds sustained during route security operations.
SPC Raymond N. 'Neal' Mitchell III
SPC Raymond N. "Neal" Mitchell III was born Dec. 30, 1985, in Smyrna. SPC Mitchell died Jan. 6, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds sustained during routine security operations. A short eulogy will be delivered at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Graveside services with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mapleview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 3 to 6 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. until time of services on Monday.
SPC Mitchell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Fort Drum, NY. He was a proud member of the Golden Dragons, Charlie Company which was deployed in Aug. 2006. SPC Mitchell's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, which were awarded posthumously, a National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
He is survived by his father, Raymond N. Mitchell Jr. and his sister Caroline Mitchell of Fairview, Tn.; mother Mrs. Carolyn Mitchell of Bellevue, Tn.; grandparents Raymond N. Mitchell Sr. and Mrs. Joyce Blair Mitchell of Winchester, Tn.; aunts Mrs. Angela Freeman, Mrs. Karen Coker, Mrs. Serena Lindley, Mrs. Judy Duncan and Mrs. Marilyn Newberry; uncle Dave Lindley; numerous cousins; and best friend and cousin, Jared Lindley. SPC Mitchell was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Jo Cargile Mitchell of Smyrna and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Washington Parsley of Nashville.
Neal was a 2004 graduate of West Memphis Christian School and attended Arkansas State University before joining the Army. He left on Dec. 6, 2006, to return to Baghdad after a Thanksgiving leave
A soldier from Smyrna who was killed in Iraq will be laid to rest on Monday. Army Specialist, Raymond Mitchell, 21, died last Saturday in Baghdad. His body arrived Saturday morning at Smyrna Municipal Airport.
Mitchell was born in Smyrna and has many relatives in the area.
Mitchell was killed near Baghdad on January 6 when his patrol came under small arms fire. He deployed to Iraq last August as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.
Mitchell’s father said he was very proud of what his son was doing. He said, "He was very athletic he was looking forward when he was out of the service to returning to college playing baseball. He was a very gifted athlete. He was a constant companion of mine."
Mitchell enlisted in the Army in June 2005, after a year in college. He was home on leave during Thanksgiving and reassured his family he was doing what he wanted to do.
His family watched as soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard Honor Guard Program made sure Mitchell was treated with all the respect he deserves.
Smyrna soldier laid to rest
By ALICIA PICKETT
apickett@dnj.com
— Alicia Pickett, 278-5109
SMYRNA — Friends and family members of the late Raymond Neal Mitchell III remembered the 21-year-old Smyrna native and soldier as friendly, fearless and a competitor.
Spc. Mitchell, who was killed Jan. 6 by ambush fire while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, was buried Monday at Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna with full military honors.
Mitchell was a specialist in the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army. He was killed a week after celebrating his 21st birthday.
"Neal gave great hugs," said Joyce Mitchell, his grandmother.
Born in Smyrna, Mitchell spent most of his childhood in Aurora, Colo., and in 2002 went to live with grandparents in West Memphis, Ark., during his junior year of high school. His grandparents, Raymond and Joyce Mitchell, are originally from Smyrna.
"Neal brought pride to my name because he did a job for the benefit of every person in this country and he laid down his life," said Raymond Mitchell Sr. about his grandson.
Childhood friend Chris House of Colorado said Mitchell's tenacity in military life started in the playground as they played laser tag.
"Neal was a little guy, but he was a giant. He was fearless because he was just a competitor, just strong and that's what makes him a giant on the inside," said House.
Sgt. Matthew Brennan attended Tuesday's funeral and said Mitchell was a rifleman and worked in the dismounted patrol, where he and others would walk the streets of Iraq and talk with local citizens.
"He (Mitchell) was very friendly toward the locals and he knew a lot about his equipment," Brennan recalled.
Two of Mitchell's teachers from West Memphis Christian School who attended Tuesday's funeral said he had a rocky academic start at the Arkansas school, but he turned around.
"Neal was having some academic difficulties, but never gave up," said Lynnette Bankstone, who tutored Mitchell in Algebra II when he first moved to Arkansas.
Matt Daigle, who was one of his classmates at West Memphis Christian, said Mitchell kept to himself when he first arrived in Arkansas but later broke out of his shell.
"Neal was not selfish with his life," said Daigle.
Jon Jackson, another West Memphis Christian classmate, said Mitchell had a great sound system in his old Cadillac.
"We had a lot in common (because) we both liked to drive fast," said Jackson.
Raymond Mitchell Jr., the soldier's father, said his son lived fearlessly.
"He was planning on coming back (and going) back to college to play baseball," said Raymond Mitchell Jr.
Raymond Mitchell Jr. said the last time he saw his son was when he drove him to the airport on Dec. 6 after a two-week furlough for Thanksgiving and assured his father that he would be OK.
"Neal was not afraid because in battle you are full of adrenaline and you have to know what to do," he said.
Members of Rolling Thunder, a group of motorcyclists who support veterans, troops and POWs, also paid their respects at Mitchell's funeral.
"We are riding in honor of the fallen," said Gary Covington, who served in the 82nd Airborne, and a member of the organization.
According to Rolling Thunder president Bob Ousley, the organization has five chapters in Tennessee, including one based in Smyrna.
"It is cold and wet and our bikes are dirty, but we would do this every day of the week," said Ousley, who along with about a dozen riders followed the funeral procession to the graveside to salute Mitchell.
Army Specialist Raymond N. Mitchell, III was killed in action on 01/06/07.
Army Specialist Raymond N. Mitchell, III, 21, of West Memphis, Ark.
Spc. Mitchell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Jan 6 in Baghdad of wounds sustained during route security operations.
SPC Raymond N. 'Neal' Mitchell III
SPC Raymond N. "Neal" Mitchell III was born Dec. 30, 1985, in Smyrna. SPC Mitchell died Jan. 6, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds sustained during routine security operations. A short eulogy will be delivered at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Graveside services with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mapleview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 3 to 6 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. until time of services on Monday.
SPC Mitchell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Fort Drum, NY. He was a proud member of the Golden Dragons, Charlie Company which was deployed in Aug. 2006. SPC Mitchell's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, which were awarded posthumously, a National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
He is survived by his father, Raymond N. Mitchell Jr. and his sister Caroline Mitchell of Fairview, Tn.; mother Mrs. Carolyn Mitchell of Bellevue, Tn.; grandparents Raymond N. Mitchell Sr. and Mrs. Joyce Blair Mitchell of Winchester, Tn.; aunts Mrs. Angela Freeman, Mrs. Karen Coker, Mrs. Serena Lindley, Mrs. Judy Duncan and Mrs. Marilyn Newberry; uncle Dave Lindley; numerous cousins; and best friend and cousin, Jared Lindley. SPC Mitchell was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Jo Cargile Mitchell of Smyrna and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Washington Parsley of Nashville.
Neal was a 2004 graduate of West Memphis Christian School and attended Arkansas State University before joining the Army. He left on Dec. 6, 2006, to return to Baghdad after a Thanksgiving leave
A soldier from Smyrna who was killed in Iraq will be laid to rest on Monday. Army Specialist, Raymond Mitchell, 21, died last Saturday in Baghdad. His body arrived Saturday morning at Smyrna Municipal Airport.
Mitchell was born in Smyrna and has many relatives in the area.
Mitchell was killed near Baghdad on January 6 when his patrol came under small arms fire. He deployed to Iraq last August as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.
Mitchell’s father said he was very proud of what his son was doing. He said, "He was very athletic he was looking forward when he was out of the service to returning to college playing baseball. He was a very gifted athlete. He was a constant companion of mine."
Mitchell enlisted in the Army in June 2005, after a year in college. He was home on leave during Thanksgiving and reassured his family he was doing what he wanted to do.
His family watched as soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard Honor Guard Program made sure Mitchell was treated with all the respect he deserves.
Smyrna soldier laid to rest
By ALICIA PICKETT
apickett@dnj.com
— Alicia Pickett, 278-5109
SMYRNA — Friends and family members of the late Raymond Neal Mitchell III remembered the 21-year-old Smyrna native and soldier as friendly, fearless and a competitor.
Spc. Mitchell, who was killed Jan. 6 by ambush fire while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, was buried Monday at Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna with full military honors.
Mitchell was a specialist in the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army. He was killed a week after celebrating his 21st birthday.
"Neal gave great hugs," said Joyce Mitchell, his grandmother.
Born in Smyrna, Mitchell spent most of his childhood in Aurora, Colo., and in 2002 went to live with grandparents in West Memphis, Ark., during his junior year of high school. His grandparents, Raymond and Joyce Mitchell, are originally from Smyrna.
"Neal brought pride to my name because he did a job for the benefit of every person in this country and he laid down his life," said Raymond Mitchell Sr. about his grandson.
Childhood friend Chris House of Colorado said Mitchell's tenacity in military life started in the playground as they played laser tag.
"Neal was a little guy, but he was a giant. He was fearless because he was just a competitor, just strong and that's what makes him a giant on the inside," said House.
Sgt. Matthew Brennan attended Tuesday's funeral and said Mitchell was a rifleman and worked in the dismounted patrol, where he and others would walk the streets of Iraq and talk with local citizens.
"He (Mitchell) was very friendly toward the locals and he knew a lot about his equipment," Brennan recalled.
Two of Mitchell's teachers from West Memphis Christian School who attended Tuesday's funeral said he had a rocky academic start at the Arkansas school, but he turned around.
"Neal was having some academic difficulties, but never gave up," said Lynnette Bankstone, who tutored Mitchell in Algebra II when he first moved to Arkansas.
Matt Daigle, who was one of his classmates at West Memphis Christian, said Mitchell kept to himself when he first arrived in Arkansas but later broke out of his shell.
"Neal was not selfish with his life," said Daigle.
Jon Jackson, another West Memphis Christian classmate, said Mitchell had a great sound system in his old Cadillac.
"We had a lot in common (because) we both liked to drive fast," said Jackson.
Raymond Mitchell Jr., the soldier's father, said his son lived fearlessly.
"He was planning on coming back (and going) back to college to play baseball," said Raymond Mitchell Jr.
Raymond Mitchell Jr. said the last time he saw his son was when he drove him to the airport on Dec. 6 after a two-week furlough for Thanksgiving and assured his father that he would be OK.
"Neal was not afraid because in battle you are full of adrenaline and you have to know what to do," he said.
Members of Rolling Thunder, a group of motorcyclists who support veterans, troops and POWs, also paid their respects at Mitchell's funeral.
"We are riding in honor of the fallen," said Gary Covington, who served in the 82nd Airborne, and a member of the organization.
According to Rolling Thunder president Bob Ousley, the organization has five chapters in Tennessee, including one based in Smyrna.
"It is cold and wet and our bikes are dirty, but we would do this every day of the week," said Ousley, who along with about a dozen riders followed the funeral procession to the graveside to salute Mitchell.
Army Specialist Raymond N. Mitchell, III was killed in action on 01/06/07.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Army Maj. Michael L. Mundell
Remember Our Heroes
Army Maj. Michael L. Mundell, 47, of Brandenburg, Ky.
Maj. Mundell was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 108th Division (Institutional Training), Spartanburg, S.C. died Jan. 5 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.
(KDKA) PITTSBURGH A roadside bomb in Fallujah, Iraq, detonated and claimed the life of a soldier with local ties.
Army Major Michael Mundell, 47, grew up in Canonsburg, Washington County.
He graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and attended Washington and Jefferson College.
Friends and family say becoming a soldier was a lifelong dream for Mundell.
According to his family, Mundell spent about 12 years in active duty the first time around. He started this tour of duty last year on Father's Day and planned to be home by Father's Day this year.
"That is the hardest thing for my wife to accept at this point. Not just that he has died, but him leaving behind four children, the oldest of which is about to graduate from high school and theoretically he would have been here for her graduation," said Ken Sofranko, Mundell's brother-in-law.
Mundell had just returned to active duty after he was hit by a sniper's bullet.
"He was a good man. He was like my hero," said Taylor Sofranko, Mundell's niece.
Army Maj. Michael L. Mundell was killed in action on 01/05/07.
For Ryan
For Erica
For Dale
For Zachary
View Larger Images
Army Maj. Michael L. Mundell, 47, of Brandenburg, Ky.
Maj. Mundell was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 108th Division (Institutional Training), Spartanburg, S.C. died Jan. 5 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.
(KDKA) PITTSBURGH A roadside bomb in Fallujah, Iraq, detonated and claimed the life of a soldier with local ties.
Army Major Michael Mundell, 47, grew up in Canonsburg, Washington County.
He graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and attended Washington and Jefferson College.
Friends and family say becoming a soldier was a lifelong dream for Mundell.
According to his family, Mundell spent about 12 years in active duty the first time around. He started this tour of duty last year on Father's Day and planned to be home by Father's Day this year.
"That is the hardest thing for my wife to accept at this point. Not just that he has died, but him leaving behind four children, the oldest of which is about to graduate from high school and theoretically he would have been here for her graduation," said Ken Sofranko, Mundell's brother-in-law.
Mundell had just returned to active duty after he was hit by a sniper's bullet.
"He was a good man. He was like my hero," said Taylor Sofranko, Mundell's niece.
Army Maj. Michael L. Mundell was killed in action on 01/05/07.
For Ryan
For Erica
For Dale
For Zachary
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen
Remember Our Heroes
Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen, 28, of Wasilla, Alaska
SSgt Allen was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Jan. 4, 2007 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.
Alaskan medic killed in Iraq was on second tour
Family says medic loved being in Army, taking care of 'his' troops.
By Rindi White
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
WASILLA, Alaska — Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen died doing precisely what he loved most, his family said.
"Since I have known him, we've both been prepared for this because we both knew this is what he wants to do," said Kerensa Allen, Charles Allen's wife and best friend.
"He used to say 'sacrifice the good of the few for the good of the many.' He was all about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He was an extraordinary soldier, an extraordinary man," she said.
Charles Allen, 28, of Wasilla died in Iraq after being shot in the neck by small-arms fire Thursday. He was promoted posthumously to staff sergeant, according to Fort Lewis public information officer Leslie Kaye.
According to information from the Department of Defense, Allen was killed when his unit came in contact with enemy forces in Baghdad during combat operations. He was a combat medic, assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Kerensa said Charles often volunteered for duty and was traveling with another unit, the 23rd Infantry Brigade on Jan. 4. She said she had no other details.
Kerensa said her husband of 10 years was lucky to have led the career of his dreams, one of adventure, activity and challenge. He embarked on that career in Colony High School when he joined the junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Kerensa joined too, and spent four years in the Army Reserves. ROTC and the Army gave them the active lifestyle both of them wanted.
"I got to rappel, run through the woods. Our senior prom, we were almost late for our dinner because we were in an ROTC competition," Kerensa said.
Charles and Kerensa were among the first students in Colony High's junior ROTC program. Retired Lt. Col. Ed Strabel said he remembered Charles as a very fit, outgoing student. Charles earned several awards and became one of three company commanders, a role that challenged Allen to lead while planning his company's next steps.
Charles' father, Dave Allen, of Chester, Mont., said his son had a natural knack for leadership and seemed born to his role in the Army. He wasn't surprised that his son was an excellent soldier.
"He was so enthused with his job, that's where it came from," Dave Allen said. "He was a really good medic and he wanted to be out there giving the guys the best care they could get."
On his time off, Charles Allen played video games and watched cartoons with his 7-year-old son, Orion. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and fishing with a bow and arrow. Bow fishing was a technique he learned from his father and a pastime he was crazy for, Kerensa said.
"We almost crashed a car because he thought he saw a carp jump out of a lake," Kerensa said.
The Allens moved from base to base while Charles trained. They were stationed in Georgia, Louisiana and North and South Carolina before Kerensa asked to move to a base closer to her family. After a stint at Fort Wainwright, they were transferred to Fort Lewis.
Charles Allen was midway through his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. He preferred his work as a combat medic to his job during his first tour of duty, tending to Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison, Dave Allen said.
His son deployed in 2004 to Iraq at roughly the same time the Abu Ghraib prison scandal broke. A major overseeing the prison hospital was relieved of her duties, and Charles was temporarily assigned to run the wound care center.
Although he got recognition for having an infection rate lower than stateside hospitals, Dave Allen said his son wanted to help soldiers in the field instead.
"He always said it exactly -- 'My guys need me,' " Dave Allen said.
The military occupied much of Charles Allen's life, even beyond training and active duty. Kerensa said she and her husband hosted single soldiers at Thanksgiving and Christmas each year to make holidays easier on them. Everywhere they were stationed, Charles took a subordinate under his wing and taught him to excel in the military, she said.
"He didn't want to be promoted because he wanted to be able to work with his soldiers," Kerensa said.
His mother, Kathy Allen of Wasilla, said she beli eved her son enjoyed the structure and support the military provided.
"The guys banded together. They took care of each other," she said.
Kathy Allen said that when she and her son celebrated their birthdays in April 2006 she sought assurance he would be home to celebrate future birthdays.
"He guaranteed me he would come home and do it," she said. "He did his best."
The family has planned a memorial service at Fort Lewis at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. A funeral is planned for Saturday but exact details were still being arranged, Kerensa said. She said she hasn't yet considered holding an Alaska service.
Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen was killed in action on 01/04/07.
Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen, 28, of Wasilla, Alaska
SSgt Allen was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Jan. 4, 2007 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.
Alaskan medic killed in Iraq was on second tour
Family says medic loved being in Army, taking care of 'his' troops.
By Rindi White
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
WASILLA, Alaska — Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen died doing precisely what he loved most, his family said.
"Since I have known him, we've both been prepared for this because we both knew this is what he wants to do," said Kerensa Allen, Charles Allen's wife and best friend.
"He used to say 'sacrifice the good of the few for the good of the many.' He was all about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He was an extraordinary soldier, an extraordinary man," she said.
Charles Allen, 28, of Wasilla died in Iraq after being shot in the neck by small-arms fire Thursday. He was promoted posthumously to staff sergeant, according to Fort Lewis public information officer Leslie Kaye.
According to information from the Department of Defense, Allen was killed when his unit came in contact with enemy forces in Baghdad during combat operations. He was a combat medic, assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Kerensa said Charles often volunteered for duty and was traveling with another unit, the 23rd Infantry Brigade on Jan. 4. She said she had no other details.
Kerensa said her husband of 10 years was lucky to have led the career of his dreams, one of adventure, activity and challenge. He embarked on that career in Colony High School when he joined the junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Kerensa joined too, and spent four years in the Army Reserves. ROTC and the Army gave them the active lifestyle both of them wanted.
"I got to rappel, run through the woods. Our senior prom, we were almost late for our dinner because we were in an ROTC competition," Kerensa said.
Charles and Kerensa were among the first students in Colony High's junior ROTC program. Retired Lt. Col. Ed Strabel said he remembered Charles as a very fit, outgoing student. Charles earned several awards and became one of three company commanders, a role that challenged Allen to lead while planning his company's next steps.
Charles' father, Dave Allen, of Chester, Mont., said his son had a natural knack for leadership and seemed born to his role in the Army. He wasn't surprised that his son was an excellent soldier.
"He was so enthused with his job, that's where it came from," Dave Allen said. "He was a really good medic and he wanted to be out there giving the guys the best care they could get."
On his time off, Charles Allen played video games and watched cartoons with his 7-year-old son, Orion. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and fishing with a bow and arrow. Bow fishing was a technique he learned from his father and a pastime he was crazy for, Kerensa said.
"We almost crashed a car because he thought he saw a carp jump out of a lake," Kerensa said.
The Allens moved from base to base while Charles trained. They were stationed in Georgia, Louisiana and North and South Carolina before Kerensa asked to move to a base closer to her family. After a stint at Fort Wainwright, they were transferred to Fort Lewis.
Charles Allen was midway through his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. He preferred his work as a combat medic to his job during his first tour of duty, tending to Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison, Dave Allen said.
His son deployed in 2004 to Iraq at roughly the same time the Abu Ghraib prison scandal broke. A major overseeing the prison hospital was relieved of her duties, and Charles was temporarily assigned to run the wound care center.
Although he got recognition for having an infection rate lower than stateside hospitals, Dave Allen said his son wanted to help soldiers in the field instead.
"He always said it exactly -- 'My guys need me,' " Dave Allen said.
The military occupied much of Charles Allen's life, even beyond training and active duty. Kerensa said she and her husband hosted single soldiers at Thanksgiving and Christmas each year to make holidays easier on them. Everywhere they were stationed, Charles took a subordinate under his wing and taught him to excel in the military, she said.
"He didn't want to be promoted because he wanted to be able to work with his soldiers," Kerensa said.
His mother, Kathy Allen of Wasilla, said she beli eved her son enjoyed the structure and support the military provided.
"The guys banded together. They took care of each other," she said.
Kathy Allen said that when she and her son celebrated their birthdays in April 2006 she sought assurance he would be home to celebrate future birthdays.
"He guaranteed me he would come home and do it," she said. "He did his best."
The family has planned a memorial service at Fort Lewis at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. A funeral is planned for Saturday but exact details were still being arranged, Kerensa said. She said she hasn't yet considered holding an Alaska service.
Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen was killed in action on 01/04/07.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Army Specialist Richard A. Smith
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Richard A. Smith, 20, of Grand Prairie, Texas
Spc. Smith was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a combat patrol. Also killed was Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller.
Dallas Morning News --During the short time he served in the Army, Spc. Richard Anthony Smith gained recognition as the 1st Cavalry Division's soldier of the year.
Spc. Smith, 20, who believed he was called by God to serve in the Army, was killed by a roadside bomb on New Year's Day while driving a Humvee with his unit northeast of Baghdad. Another soldier also died in the attack, which injured two other soldiers.
Spc. Smith had started his tour of duty in Iraq in October and was a driver for a commander. He had been trained as a dietitian and cook, but that work is done by civilians in Iraq.
He and his wife, Amber Smith of Arlington, were expecting their first child in three months. Spc. Smith married his high school sweetheart in July 2005 after completing boot camp.
"He loved her so much," said his mother, Barbara Speer of Grand Prairie. "He told me that the worst thing he could think of was if he died there ... because he wouldn't want to hurt her."
She said her son had transformed his life since marrying Ms. Smith.
"He became very passionate about the Army and about doing what God was trying to tell him to do," his mother said. "I cried because I didn't want him to go into the service at first. Then he told me, 'Mom, I'm going because God called me, and you can't cry.' "
Spc. Smith was born in Arlington, where he grew up, with the exception of time his family spent in Whitehouse in East Texas.
Spc. Smith was taking college courses and intended to get a degree after his military service was complete, his mother-in-law said.
In 2004, Spc. Smith graduated from Summit High School in Mansfield, where he met his wife-to-be when they were both juniors.
"They'd known each other for five years," said his mother-in-law, Diane Hipple.
In addition to his wife and mother, Spc. Smith is survived by his father and stepmother, James and Tammy Smith of Frisco; a brother, Andy Preston of Grand Prairie; and two sisters, Denise Thompson of Arlington and Jessica Preston of Grand Prairie.
Army Specialist Richard A. Smith was killed in action on 12/31/06.
Army Specialist Richard A. Smith, 20, of Grand Prairie, Texas
Spc. Smith was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a combat patrol. Also killed was Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller.
Dallas Morning News --During the short time he served in the Army, Spc. Richard Anthony Smith gained recognition as the 1st Cavalry Division's soldier of the year.
Spc. Smith, 20, who believed he was called by God to serve in the Army, was killed by a roadside bomb on New Year's Day while driving a Humvee with his unit northeast of Baghdad. Another soldier also died in the attack, which injured two other soldiers.
Spc. Smith had started his tour of duty in Iraq in October and was a driver for a commander. He had been trained as a dietitian and cook, but that work is done by civilians in Iraq.
He and his wife, Amber Smith of Arlington, were expecting their first child in three months. Spc. Smith married his high school sweetheart in July 2005 after completing boot camp.
"He loved her so much," said his mother, Barbara Speer of Grand Prairie. "He told me that the worst thing he could think of was if he died there ... because he wouldn't want to hurt her."
She said her son had transformed his life since marrying Ms. Smith.
"He became very passionate about the Army and about doing what God was trying to tell him to do," his mother said. "I cried because I didn't want him to go into the service at first. Then he told me, 'Mom, I'm going because God called me, and you can't cry.' "
Spc. Smith was born in Arlington, where he grew up, with the exception of time his family spent in Whitehouse in East Texas.
Spc. Smith was taking college courses and intended to get a degree after his military service was complete, his mother-in-law said.
In 2004, Spc. Smith graduated from Summit High School in Mansfield, where he met his wife-to-be when they were both juniors.
"They'd known each other for five years," said his mother-in-law, Diane Hipple.
In addition to his wife and mother, Spc. Smith is survived by his father and stepmother, James and Tammy Smith of Frisco; a brother, Andy Preston of Grand Prairie; and two sisters, Denise Thompson of Arlington and Jessica Preston of Grand Prairie.
Army Specialist Richard A. Smith was killed in action on 12/31/06.
Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller
Remember Our Heroes
Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, of Ottumwa, Iowa
Cpl. Schiller was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a combat patrol. Also killed was Spc. Richard A. Smith.
OTTUMWA, Iowa -- An Ottumwa soldier was laid to rest on Monday.
Cpl. Jonathan Schiller, 20, died on New Year's Eve when a bomb exploded near his Humvee.
Mourners gathered at Ottumwa High School to say goodbye to Schiller. Patriot Guard Riders stood at attention outside Ottumwa High School holding American flags in Schiller's honor.
"We came out to show our respect for the fallen and the families and the communities in which they live," said Ken Dieken of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Several hundred people gathered inside the packed auditorium at 10 a.m.
Schiller was a 2004 graduate of Ottumwa High School. He joined the Army in March 2005.
"Jon was full of life, full of spirit, full of love and full of laughter," said the Rev. Paul Smith.
Schiller was remembered as someone who liked to laugh and loved to serve his country.
Friends said that in high school, Schiller was involved in video production and that he enjoyed playing basketball.
Sgt. Stanley Struthers read notes from Schiller's fellow soldiers.
"This is one from Spc. Bargus: Truth be told, Schiller wondered why were here. … We all asked it at one time. We would debate for hours. My reasons were different from his. We were here to watch each others' backs. We have plans after Army life. No matter how bad the situation became, he always made me laugh," Struthers said.
Second Lt. John Paluska fought in Iraq and was injured. He also attended the services.
"He loved what he did and he loved to make people smile and Jon had that natural charismatic charm about him," he said.
The funeral procession traveled to Monroe where Schiller was buried. More attendees turned out to show their respect.
"The young man was fighting for my country; for my family's freedom," said Laura Frana, who attended the service.
His family said Schiller died doing what he loved: serving his country and fighting for freedom.
"I liked what his Dad said, 'The army made my son into a man,'" Smith said.
Schiller was awarded several awards including the bronze star and Purple Heart.
After the funeral, Schiller was buried in Monroe with full military honors.
Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller was killed in action on 12/31/06.
Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, of Ottumwa, Iowa
Cpl. Schiller was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a combat patrol. Also killed was Spc. Richard A. Smith.
OTTUMWA, Iowa -- An Ottumwa soldier was laid to rest on Monday.
Cpl. Jonathan Schiller, 20, died on New Year's Eve when a bomb exploded near his Humvee.
Mourners gathered at Ottumwa High School to say goodbye to Schiller. Patriot Guard Riders stood at attention outside Ottumwa High School holding American flags in Schiller's honor.
"We came out to show our respect for the fallen and the families and the communities in which they live," said Ken Dieken of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Several hundred people gathered inside the packed auditorium at 10 a.m.
Schiller was a 2004 graduate of Ottumwa High School. He joined the Army in March 2005.
"Jon was full of life, full of spirit, full of love and full of laughter," said the Rev. Paul Smith.
Schiller was remembered as someone who liked to laugh and loved to serve his country.
Friends said that in high school, Schiller was involved in video production and that he enjoyed playing basketball.
Sgt. Stanley Struthers read notes from Schiller's fellow soldiers.
"This is one from Spc. Bargus: Truth be told, Schiller wondered why were here. … We all asked it at one time. We would debate for hours. My reasons were different from his. We were here to watch each others' backs. We have plans after Army life. No matter how bad the situation became, he always made me laugh," Struthers said.
Second Lt. John Paluska fought in Iraq and was injured. He also attended the services.
"He loved what he did and he loved to make people smile and Jon had that natural charismatic charm about him," he said.
The funeral procession traveled to Monroe where Schiller was buried. More attendees turned out to show their respect.
"The young man was fighting for my country; for my family's freedom," said Laura Frana, who attended the service.
His family said Schiller died doing what he loved: serving his country and fighting for freedom.
"I liked what his Dad said, 'The army made my son into a man,'" Smith said.
Schiller was awarded several awards including the bronze star and Purple Heart.
After the funeral, Schiller was buried in Monroe with full military honors.
Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller was killed in action on 12/31/06.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28, of Petersburg, Fla.
Sgt. Messer was assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Dec. 27 in Baghdad of wounds received from an improvised explosive device that detonated near him while on dismounted patrol. Also killed was Pfc. Nathaniel A. Given.
Standing near the casket draped in the American flag, family and friends said their final goodbyes to Army Sgt. Christopher Messer Monday.
Burial services were held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Summerfield Township and included a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing "Taps." About 200 family and friends gathered around the family, who sat under a canopy on the cold, breezy winter afternoon.
Sgt. Messer, 28, was killed in action Dec. 27 while serving in Iraq. He died from injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on combat patrol. He was an infantryman assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment based in Fort Drum, N.Y.
Raised in Dundee Township, he is survived by his wife, Amie, and 2-year-old daughter, Skyle. The family had recently moved to Raisinville Township from Monroe.
Funeral services were held Monday at Bacarella Funeral Home, where the Rev. Harold Raymond, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ida, officiated. Some family members briefly spoke about Sgt. Messer, including the games they would play while growing up.
"He would laugh without effort ... we all had a lot of fun times together," a cousin said at the funeral home. "Our family was poor in (the sense of) money, but rich in laughter. We have the best memories."
Nearly 400 family, friends and members of local police and sheriff's departments attended the service. The swell of the crowd spilled into the hallway, and many people filled a second room where a speaker system was set up.
Immediate family members, sitting in the front row, wept as "Proud to be an American" and "American Soldier" played during the service.
The Rev. Raymond spoke to the crowd about Sgt. Messer's life rather than his tragic death.
"This doesn't have to be the end. He's full of glory and focused on Jesus Christ," he said. "He now has an eternal relationship with the Lord. Trust that he's with the Lord. Don't leave here without hope. I know you ask why, why this had to happen. I cannot answer that. Only God knows why."
The Rev. Raymond held up a laminated prayer card, containing the words to the "Prayer of Salvation," that Sgt. Messer always kept with him. The pastor read some of the prayer, which proclaims faith in God.
"He read it so many times, it's blurred," the pastor said after reading a portion. "Chris had faith and hope. He did not perish. He now has eternal life with his Savior."
Following the sermon, Army Gen. Thomas Cole spoke about the fallen soldier.
"He was a fun-loving soldier and a natural leader," he said. "He is an American hero who sacrificed everything he loved so we can live in a free country."
Gen. Cole then presented the Messer family with Sgt. Messer's medals: the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Joining the Army in 2003, Sgt. Messer was serving his second tour of duty when he was killed. He had served from February, 2004, to March, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq.
After he completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment at Ledward Barracks in Germany. In 2005, he was reassigned to Fort Drum, N.Y.
He attended Ida Public Schools and graduated from Dundee Alternative High School in 1997.
He is the eighth soldier with Monroe County ties to die in the war.
After serving for his country, Sgt. Messer is now serving the Lord, the Rev. Raymond said.
"He has been ushered by angels to the presence of the Lord," he said at the funeral service. "His spirit is alive forever."
Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer was killed in action on 12/27/06.
Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28, of Petersburg, Fla.
Sgt. Messer was assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Dec. 27 in Baghdad of wounds received from an improvised explosive device that detonated near him while on dismounted patrol. Also killed was Pfc. Nathaniel A. Given.
Standing near the casket draped in the American flag, family and friends said their final goodbyes to Army Sgt. Christopher Messer Monday.
Burial services were held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Summerfield Township and included a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing "Taps." About 200 family and friends gathered around the family, who sat under a canopy on the cold, breezy winter afternoon.
Sgt. Messer, 28, was killed in action Dec. 27 while serving in Iraq. He died from injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on combat patrol. He was an infantryman assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment based in Fort Drum, N.Y.
Raised in Dundee Township, he is survived by his wife, Amie, and 2-year-old daughter, Skyle. The family had recently moved to Raisinville Township from Monroe.
Funeral services were held Monday at Bacarella Funeral Home, where the Rev. Harold Raymond, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ida, officiated. Some family members briefly spoke about Sgt. Messer, including the games they would play while growing up.
"He would laugh without effort ... we all had a lot of fun times together," a cousin said at the funeral home. "Our family was poor in (the sense of) money, but rich in laughter. We have the best memories."
Nearly 400 family, friends and members of local police and sheriff's departments attended the service. The swell of the crowd spilled into the hallway, and many people filled a second room where a speaker system was set up.
Immediate family members, sitting in the front row, wept as "Proud to be an American" and "American Soldier" played during the service.
The Rev. Raymond spoke to the crowd about Sgt. Messer's life rather than his tragic death.
"This doesn't have to be the end. He's full of glory and focused on Jesus Christ," he said. "He now has an eternal relationship with the Lord. Trust that he's with the Lord. Don't leave here without hope. I know you ask why, why this had to happen. I cannot answer that. Only God knows why."
The Rev. Raymond held up a laminated prayer card, containing the words to the "Prayer of Salvation," that Sgt. Messer always kept with him. The pastor read some of the prayer, which proclaims faith in God.
"He read it so many times, it's blurred," the pastor said after reading a portion. "Chris had faith and hope. He did not perish. He now has eternal life with his Savior."
Following the sermon, Army Gen. Thomas Cole spoke about the fallen soldier.
"He was a fun-loving soldier and a natural leader," he said. "He is an American hero who sacrificed everything he loved so we can live in a free country."
Gen. Cole then presented the Messer family with Sgt. Messer's medals: the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Joining the Army in 2003, Sgt. Messer was serving his second tour of duty when he was killed. He had served from February, 2004, to March, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq.
After he completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment at Ledward Barracks in Germany. In 2005, he was reassigned to Fort Drum, N.Y.
He attended Ida Public Schools and graduated from Dundee Alternative High School in 1997.
He is the eighth soldier with Monroe County ties to die in the war.
After serving for his country, Sgt. Messer is now serving the Lord, the Rev. Raymond said.
"He has been ushered by angels to the presence of the Lord," he said at the funeral service. "His spirit is alive forever."
Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer was killed in action on 12/27/06.
Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Pvt. McCormick was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Dec. 27 of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations in Baghdad.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville man is coping with the death of his brother, a local soldier who was killed in Iraq earlier this week.
The day after Christmas, 20-year-old Tyler McCormick died when a roadside bomb exploded during his patrol in Iraq.
Tyler McCormick's older brother Daniel McCormick said the two were best friends growing up and that it's still difficult for him to talk about the moment he found out his brother was dead.
Daniel was driving to work on Wednesday when he got a call from his mother.
"I didn't believe her until I talked to the guy and he told me," Daniel McCormick said.
"That guy" was an Army chaplain who had to break the difficult news to Daniel McCormick and his family.
Tyler McCormick had been in Iraq since October. Daniel McCormick said his younger brother was a little scared when he first arrived in Iraq, but since then, he concentrated on the mission and helped his unit.
"He never changed his mind. He was ready to go over there and fight," Daniel McCormick said. "He always wanted to be in the military. He loved it."
Growing up and living most of his life in Jacksonville, Tyler McCormick went to school at Crystal Springs Elementary and then to Joseph Stillwell Middle School. Even back then, his brother said he had one dream -- to be in the military.
"He was a kid, 8 or 9 years old. We both wanted to go," Daniel McCormick said.
A bad knee kept Daniel McCormick from joining, but Tyler McCormick joined in August 2005.
In Colorado for training and also in Iraq, Tyler McCormick kept in touch with his brother and his friends via the Internet.
Word of the tragedy spread to Tyler McCormick's MySpace.com page on Wednesday, and entries talking about his death and how much his friends miss him and other written statements have been left to honor the solder.
"He loved doing it. He was proud of it," Daniel McCormick said.
Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick was killed in action on 12/27/06.
Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Pvt. McCormick was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Dec. 27 of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations in Baghdad.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville man is coping with the death of his brother, a local soldier who was killed in Iraq earlier this week.
The day after Christmas, 20-year-old Tyler McCormick died when a roadside bomb exploded during his patrol in Iraq.
Tyler McCormick's older brother Daniel McCormick said the two were best friends growing up and that it's still difficult for him to talk about the moment he found out his brother was dead.
Daniel was driving to work on Wednesday when he got a call from his mother.
"I didn't believe her until I talked to the guy and he told me," Daniel McCormick said.
"That guy" was an Army chaplain who had to break the difficult news to Daniel McCormick and his family.
Tyler McCormick had been in Iraq since October. Daniel McCormick said his younger brother was a little scared when he first arrived in Iraq, but since then, he concentrated on the mission and helped his unit.
"He never changed his mind. He was ready to go over there and fight," Daniel McCormick said. "He always wanted to be in the military. He loved it."
Growing up and living most of his life in Jacksonville, Tyler McCormick went to school at Crystal Springs Elementary and then to Joseph Stillwell Middle School. Even back then, his brother said he had one dream -- to be in the military.
"He was a kid, 8 or 9 years old. We both wanted to go," Daniel McCormick said.
A bad knee kept Daniel McCormick from joining, but Tyler McCormick joined in August 2005.
In Colorado for training and also in Iraq, Tyler McCormick kept in touch with his brother and his friends via the Internet.
Word of the tragedy spread to Tyler McCormick's MySpace.com page on Wednesday, and entries talking about his death and how much his friends miss him and other written statements have been left to honor the solder.
"He loved doing it. He was proud of it," Daniel McCormick said.
Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick was killed in action on 12/27/06.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa.
Sgt. Bubeck was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Spc. Aaron L. Preston and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson.
Soldier called home for Christmas, then died Judith L. Bubeck of Collegeville spoke with her son before his fatal injury.
By Kera Ritter
Inquirer Staff Writer
Between missions in Baghdad, Sgt. John T. Bubeck found time Monday to make a brief phone call to his mother in Collegeville to wish her a Merry Christmas.
"He was talking about sheep running loose in the street, and then he said, 'I gotta go because we're going out,' " Judith L. Bubeck, his mother, recalled last night.
The 25-year-old soldier rarely wrote home, but he called on holidays, and his mother transcribed the conversations to share with his brother, Jim, and sister, Kathryn.
He ended the call with: "I'll go hassle the neighbors now, and preserve freedom, and save the world."
Shortly after that phone call, Bubeck and two other soldiers were fatally wounded after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Baghdad, according to the Department of Defense. Bubeck died the next day.
Military representatives delivered the news to Judith Bubeck around noon on Tuesday, Dec. 26 - her birthday.
Bubeck and the other soldiers were assigned to the Ninth Engineer Battalion, Second Brigade Combat Team, of the Army's First Infantry Division out of Schweinfurt, Germany. He had been in Iraq less than three months.
Bubeck enlisted in the Army in August 2002 after a string of jobs cooking in mom-and-pop restaurants. Always the joker, Bubeck had trouble convincing his mother that he was trading in his electric guitar and nights with friends listening to the Grateful Dead for basic training.
He preferred dirty work to paperwork, and became a combat engineer. Although he was proud of being a soldier, he was less than pleased with his military photograph.
"He said he looked like a Chihuahua," Judith Bubeck said.
After stops in South Korea, Texas and Germany, Bubeck's battalion was sent to Kuwait at the end of August, and then to Iraq in October.
"I was very proud of him, more proud than scared," his mother said. "I knew he'd done basic training and he was prepared.
"He was looking forward to it. He kept saying, 'I'm tired of sitting on the bench in the game. I want to get in.' "
His mother recalled a recent conversation in which he talked excitedly about a ride he had taken in a Black Hawk helicopter.
"He was my risk-taker. He liked the adventure, and he liked to be where the action was," she said.
"I could just picture him in his Superman cape," she continued.
On Bubeck's MySpace Web page, he wrote about life in the military and posted snapshots of himself and other soldiers in his unit.
"For the last few years, I've been off the local scene doing the do for Uncle Sam," Bubeck's personal entry reads.
"My talent as a bulls- artist paid off when they awarded me Sergeant stripes. Suckers! I'm currently on a long-term 'business trip' to the Middle East until next summer."
Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck was killed in action on 12/26/06.
Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa.
Sgt. Bubeck was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Spc. Aaron L. Preston and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson.
Soldier called home for Christmas, then died Judith L. Bubeck of Collegeville spoke with her son before his fatal injury.
By Kera Ritter
Inquirer Staff Writer
Between missions in Baghdad, Sgt. John T. Bubeck found time Monday to make a brief phone call to his mother in Collegeville to wish her a Merry Christmas.
"He was talking about sheep running loose in the street, and then he said, 'I gotta go because we're going out,' " Judith L. Bubeck, his mother, recalled last night.
The 25-year-old soldier rarely wrote home, but he called on holidays, and his mother transcribed the conversations to share with his brother, Jim, and sister, Kathryn.
He ended the call with: "I'll go hassle the neighbors now, and preserve freedom, and save the world."
Shortly after that phone call, Bubeck and two other soldiers were fatally wounded after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Baghdad, according to the Department of Defense. Bubeck died the next day.
Military representatives delivered the news to Judith Bubeck around noon on Tuesday, Dec. 26 - her birthday.
Bubeck and the other soldiers were assigned to the Ninth Engineer Battalion, Second Brigade Combat Team, of the Army's First Infantry Division out of Schweinfurt, Germany. He had been in Iraq less than three months.
Bubeck enlisted in the Army in August 2002 after a string of jobs cooking in mom-and-pop restaurants. Always the joker, Bubeck had trouble convincing his mother that he was trading in his electric guitar and nights with friends listening to the Grateful Dead for basic training.
He preferred dirty work to paperwork, and became a combat engineer. Although he was proud of being a soldier, he was less than pleased with his military photograph.
"He said he looked like a Chihuahua," Judith Bubeck said.
After stops in South Korea, Texas and Germany, Bubeck's battalion was sent to Kuwait at the end of August, and then to Iraq in October.
"I was very proud of him, more proud than scared," his mother said. "I knew he'd done basic training and he was prepared.
"He was looking forward to it. He kept saying, 'I'm tired of sitting on the bench in the game. I want to get in.' "
His mother recalled a recent conversation in which he talked excitedly about a ride he had taken in a Black Hawk helicopter.
"He was my risk-taker. He liked the adventure, and he liked to be where the action was," she said.
"I could just picture him in his Superman cape," she continued.
On Bubeck's MySpace Web page, he wrote about life in the military and posted snapshots of himself and other soldiers in his unit.
"For the last few years, I've been off the local scene doing the do for Uncle Sam," Bubeck's personal entry reads.
"My talent as a bulls- artist paid off when they awarded me Sergeant stripes. Suckers! I'm currently on a long-term 'business trip' to the Middle East until next summer."
Army Sgt. John T. Bubeck was killed in action on 12/26/06.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Army Specialist Aaron L. Preston
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Aaron L. Preston, 29, of Dallas, TX
Spc. Preston was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Sgt. John T. Bubeck and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson.
Aaron L. Preston: For soldier, service was a family tradition
09:21 AM CST on Saturday, December 30, 2006
By JON NIELSEN / The Dallas Morning News
Aaron L. Preston sustained a family tradition that saw his relatives on battlefields on Iwo Jima and in Europe, Vietnam and Korea.
Three years ago, at age 26, it was his turn to serve. He enlisted in the Army.
"Aaron felt an inherent sense of pride," said his younger brother, Richard Preston. "Deep down he wanted to do his duty to the country, and at the same time he felt a sense of obligation."
Before enlisting, Mr. Preston, a 1995 graduate of W.T. White High School in Dallas, attended Texas State University part time and found activities around San Marcos that connected him to the outdoors. He worked part time on ranches and spent days fishing in the Hill Country's waterways.
Mr. Preston was deployed to Iraq this year, following a path to combat blazed by his uncle and grandfather. The soldier achieved the rank of specialist and hoped to earn enough experience to start a career in the oilfields or mines as a demolitions expert.
"He wanted to help out and get ahead, and the only place he could learn about demolitions was in the military," said his brother-in-law Noel Coward. "He was really waiting to come home and start doing these things."
He was to be released from duty in eight months, his family said. But on Christmas Day, Spc. Preston died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He died just before midnight.
"They must've caught him by surprise because that boy was smart," Mr. Coward said.
Spc. Preston, a combat engineer, was precise when it came to the minutiae of his job. He knew his life depended on it, as did those of his military brothers, most of them five to 10 years younger than he was.
Stationed in Germany for much of his military career, Spc. Preston missed the burnt-orange sunsets that settle over the Texas horizon. He remained in touch with his family via telephone or e-mail. But in Germany, he found a new family.
They called Spc. Preston "Pops" or "Gramps," terms they used frequently as a joke but also as a sign of respect for the 29-year-old serviceman. He often said that he had to help his colleagues because they were so young and didn't always follow protocol. But Spc. Preston, a details guy, did.
"He watched over those young men," said Mr. Coward, "and he enjoyed that, and they enjoyed that. They depended on him."
Two other members of Spc. Preston's company were also killed in Monday's blast: Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa., and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of St. Johns, Mich. They were assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Specialist Aaron L. Preston was killed in action on 12/25/06.
Army Specialist Aaron L. Preston, 29, of Dallas, TX
Spc. Preston was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Sgt. John T. Bubeck and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson.
Aaron L. Preston: For soldier, service was a family tradition
09:21 AM CST on Saturday, December 30, 2006
By JON NIELSEN / The Dallas Morning News
Aaron L. Preston sustained a family tradition that saw his relatives on battlefields on Iwo Jima and in Europe, Vietnam and Korea.
Three years ago, at age 26, it was his turn to serve. He enlisted in the Army.
"Aaron felt an inherent sense of pride," said his younger brother, Richard Preston. "Deep down he wanted to do his duty to the country, and at the same time he felt a sense of obligation."
Before enlisting, Mr. Preston, a 1995 graduate of W.T. White High School in Dallas, attended Texas State University part time and found activities around San Marcos that connected him to the outdoors. He worked part time on ranches and spent days fishing in the Hill Country's waterways.
Mr. Preston was deployed to Iraq this year, following a path to combat blazed by his uncle and grandfather. The soldier achieved the rank of specialist and hoped to earn enough experience to start a career in the oilfields or mines as a demolitions expert.
"He wanted to help out and get ahead, and the only place he could learn about demolitions was in the military," said his brother-in-law Noel Coward. "He was really waiting to come home and start doing these things."
He was to be released from duty in eight months, his family said. But on Christmas Day, Spc. Preston died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He died just before midnight.
"They must've caught him by surprise because that boy was smart," Mr. Coward said.
Spc. Preston, a combat engineer, was precise when it came to the minutiae of his job. He knew his life depended on it, as did those of his military brothers, most of them five to 10 years younger than he was.
Stationed in Germany for much of his military career, Spc. Preston missed the burnt-orange sunsets that settle over the Texas horizon. He remained in touch with his family via telephone or e-mail. But in Germany, he found a new family.
They called Spc. Preston "Pops" or "Gramps," terms they used frequently as a joke but also as a sign of respect for the 29-year-old serviceman. He often said that he had to help his colleagues because they were so young and didn't always follow protocol. But Spc. Preston, a details guy, did.
"He watched over those young men," said Mr. Coward, "and he enjoyed that, and they enjoyed that. They depended on him."
Two other members of Spc. Preston's company were also killed in Monday's blast: Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa., and Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of St. Johns, Mich. They were assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Specialist Aaron L. Preston was killed in action on 12/25/06.
Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson
Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of Saint Johns, Mich.
Pfc. Nelson was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Sgt. John T. Bubeck and Spc. Aaron L. Preston.
Community Honors Local Fallen Soldier
An outpouring of support in Clinton County as a community bands together honoring one of its own. Visitation was held for 19-year-old Andrew Nelson of St. Johns, an Army Private First Class killed in Iraq.
His sacrifice is being felt all across the tight-knit community. It is a moment of tribute for private Andrew Nelson, the first Saint John's soldier killed in combat since Vietnam.
Martha Leavitt, family friend of PFC Andrew Nelson: "Knowing that he sacrificed himself for our freedom is such a statement, he's such a hero."
All across Saint Johns there are signs of tribute, a makeshift memorial downtown, a black ribbon as the city pays its respects, honoring the life of Andrew Nelson, forever marking his name in their history.
Erick Richards, St. Johns VFW Commander: "He wanted to go so that others could come home. He knew the responsibilities. He knew the dangers and he did his job."
To those who knew him best, the 19 year old was a man of unlimited potential, , but in pictures, you can see Private Nelson found his calling very early in life.
Cody Stinnett, best friend of PFC Andrew Nelson: "Ever since the day I knew him, since the day anyone knew him, all he ever wanted to do was go into the Army, and that's what he did."
Friends and family began visitation at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home saying goodbye to a young man who made his community proud, a Saint Johns soldier finally home. Nelson's survived by his parents, two sisters and his high-school sweetheart who he married last year. Visitation continues from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A funeral service and a full-military burial are planned for Saturday morning.
Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson was killed in action on 12/25/06.
Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of Saint Johns, Mich.
Pfc. Nelson was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Dec. 26 of wounds sustained Dec. 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed were: Sgt. John T. Bubeck and Spc. Aaron L. Preston.
Community Honors Local Fallen Soldier
An outpouring of support in Clinton County as a community bands together honoring one of its own. Visitation was held for 19-year-old Andrew Nelson of St. Johns, an Army Private First Class killed in Iraq.
His sacrifice is being felt all across the tight-knit community. It is a moment of tribute for private Andrew Nelson, the first Saint John's soldier killed in combat since Vietnam.
Martha Leavitt, family friend of PFC Andrew Nelson: "Knowing that he sacrificed himself for our freedom is such a statement, he's such a hero."
All across Saint Johns there are signs of tribute, a makeshift memorial downtown, a black ribbon as the city pays its respects, honoring the life of Andrew Nelson, forever marking his name in their history.
Erick Richards, St. Johns VFW Commander: "He wanted to go so that others could come home. He knew the responsibilities. He knew the dangers and he did his job."
To those who knew him best, the 19 year old was a man of unlimited potential, , but in pictures, you can see Private Nelson found his calling very early in life.
Cody Stinnett, best friend of PFC Andrew Nelson: "Ever since the day I knew him, since the day anyone knew him, all he ever wanted to do was go into the Army, and that's what he did."
Friends and family began visitation at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home saying goodbye to a young man who made his community proud, a Saint Johns soldier finally home. Nelson's survived by his parents, two sisters and his high-school sweetheart who he married last year. Visitation continues from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A funeral service and a full-military burial are planned for Saturday morning.
Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson was killed in action on 12/25/06.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Army Specialist Michael J. Crutchfield
Remember Our Heroes
Army Specialist Michael J. Crutchfield, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
Spc. Crutchfield was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Dec. 23 of a non-combat related injury in Balad, Iraq. Crutchfield's death is under investigation.
A wrenching farewell
As Stockton soldier laid to rest, mother has doubts about suicide
By Daniel Thigpen
Record Staff Writer
TRACY - Standing just a few feet from her son's open casket, Anna Alford was not ready to concede that he had put himself there.
Not the soldier, the chess master, the video-game whiz; the young man friends said constantly pushed people to better themselves.
"His life was bright. And his life was brighter than many people may think," she told a small crowd of family, friends and even a few strangers at a Saturday morning memorial service for her son, Army Spc. Michael J. Crutchfield.
In July, the 21-year-old Crutchfield left with his Fort Bragg, N.C., unit for Iraq. He died Dec. 23 in Balad, north of Baghdad.
Days later, the Department of Defense reported his death was noncombat-related and under investigation. An Army spokesman at Fort Bragg said Crutchfield killed himself.
But during a somber gathering at a Tracy chapel Saturday, Crutchfield's mother said she still has her doubts.
"I'm not certain if it is suicide," Alford said. "I haven't seen a piece of paper in front of me that says it is."
Mostly, however, those close to him chose to focus not on the way he died but instead on the way he lived.
Nicholas Pedercini, 19, who said Crutchfield moved in with him and his family for more than a year, recalled an enthusiastic friend who would wake the house up to join him in whatever he had chosen to pursue that day, whether it was jogging or spending hours at a mall arcade.
"He was always trying to lift everybody else up, but apparently none of us were around to help him," he said.
Crutchfield grew up in his mother's house in French Camp but left home when he was 16 and entered the foster care system, said his sister, Amber Crutchfield. She said she was not sure why he left; he did not confide in her or other family members the reasons.
"It just happened," she said outside the chapel. "He wanted to do that."
Michael Crutchfield enlisted in the Army when he was 19, said his father, Steve Crutchfield, who lives in Nevada.
The last time he saw his son was during a visit in April, just a few months before Michael was deployed to Iraq. He said his son seemed to be in good spirits and excited about serving overseas.
"He was great. He was ready to go," Steve Crutchfield said after the funeral.
Friends said Michael Crutchfield did not talk about his problems or his childhood.
Instead, he appeared to be the one they often depended on. His comrades in the Army nicknamed him "Crutch," because they leaned on him for information in his unit, said Brig. Gen. John McMahon.
Outside the memorial service Saturday, more than a dozen members of a motorcycle club for Vietnam War veterans stood in the parking lot, each clutching an American flag.
Another dozen uniformed service members assembled in the back of the chapel. Sobs from a female friend grew louder with each rifle shot during the three-volley salute.
Before the service was over, Crutchfield's mother appealed to the people before her to seek help for whatever trials they may endure but to remember to reach out as well.
"Let's help people out there who do need an extra hand," she said. "It's not such a lonely world."
Army Specialist Michael J. Crutchfield died on 12/23/06.
Army Specialist Michael J. Crutchfield, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
Spc. Crutchfield was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Dec. 23 of a non-combat related injury in Balad, Iraq. Crutchfield's death is under investigation.
A wrenching farewell
As Stockton soldier laid to rest, mother has doubts about suicide
By Daniel Thigpen
Record Staff Writer
TRACY - Standing just a few feet from her son's open casket, Anna Alford was not ready to concede that he had put himself there.
Not the soldier, the chess master, the video-game whiz; the young man friends said constantly pushed people to better themselves.
"His life was bright. And his life was brighter than many people may think," she told a small crowd of family, friends and even a few strangers at a Saturday morning memorial service for her son, Army Spc. Michael J. Crutchfield.
In July, the 21-year-old Crutchfield left with his Fort Bragg, N.C., unit for Iraq. He died Dec. 23 in Balad, north of Baghdad.
Days later, the Department of Defense reported his death was noncombat-related and under investigation. An Army spokesman at Fort Bragg said Crutchfield killed himself.
But during a somber gathering at a Tracy chapel Saturday, Crutchfield's mother said she still has her doubts.
"I'm not certain if it is suicide," Alford said. "I haven't seen a piece of paper in front of me that says it is."
Mostly, however, those close to him chose to focus not on the way he died but instead on the way he lived.
Nicholas Pedercini, 19, who said Crutchfield moved in with him and his family for more than a year, recalled an enthusiastic friend who would wake the house up to join him in whatever he had chosen to pursue that day, whether it was jogging or spending hours at a mall arcade.
"He was always trying to lift everybody else up, but apparently none of us were around to help him," he said.
Crutchfield grew up in his mother's house in French Camp but left home when he was 16 and entered the foster care system, said his sister, Amber Crutchfield. She said she was not sure why he left; he did not confide in her or other family members the reasons.
"It just happened," she said outside the chapel. "He wanted to do that."
Michael Crutchfield enlisted in the Army when he was 19, said his father, Steve Crutchfield, who lives in Nevada.
The last time he saw his son was during a visit in April, just a few months before Michael was deployed to Iraq. He said his son seemed to be in good spirits and excited about serving overseas.
"He was great. He was ready to go," Steve Crutchfield said after the funeral.
Friends said Michael Crutchfield did not talk about his problems or his childhood.
Instead, he appeared to be the one they often depended on. His comrades in the Army nicknamed him "Crutch," because they leaned on him for information in his unit, said Brig. Gen. John McMahon.
Outside the memorial service Saturday, more than a dozen members of a motorcycle club for Vietnam War veterans stood in the parking lot, each clutching an American flag.
Another dozen uniformed service members assembled in the back of the chapel. Sobs from a female friend grew louder with each rifle shot during the three-volley salute.
Before the service was over, Crutchfield's mother appealed to the people before her to seek help for whatever trials they may endure but to remember to reach out as well.
"Let's help people out there who do need an extra hand," she said. "It's not such a lonely world."
Army Specialist Michael J. Crutchfield died on 12/23/06.
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