George Lutz

2020 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these heroes who lost their lives this year and Remember them specifically by name. Please pray for their families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

January 2020 Heroes

We remember these heroes who gave their life for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Spc. Henry J. Mayfield Jr., 23, from Evergreen Park, IL, was killed Jan. 5, 2020, during an attack in Manda Bay, Kenya.  He was supporting Operation Octave Shield.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group, Fort Rucker, AL.

Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin, 29, of Newport News, VA, was killed Jan. 11, 2020 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was conducting operations as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. He was assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Pfc. Miguel A. Villalon, 21, of Joliet, IL, was killed Jan. 11, 2020 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. He was conducting operations as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. He was assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Spc. Antonio I. Moore, 22, from Wilmington, NC., died January 24, 2020 in Deir ez Zor Province, Syria, during a rollover accident while conducting route clearing operations. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.

He was assigned to 363rd Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade, Knightdale, NC.

Lt. Col. Paul K. Voss, 46, of Yigo, Guam.  He died January 27, 2020 in the crash of a Bombardier E-11A aircraft in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.  He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He was assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA.

Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf, 30, of Hudson, NH. He died January 27, 2020 in the crash of a Bombardier E-11A aircraft in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.  He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.  He was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD.

February 2020 Heroes

Sgt. 1st Class Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, TX was killed Feb 8, 2020, during an ambush attack in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.  He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, NM was killed Feb 8, 2020, during an insider ambush attack in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.  He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Spc. Branden Tyme Kimball, 21, from Central Point, OR, died Feb. 12, 2020, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Drum, NY.

Pfc. Walter Lewark, 26, from Mountainair, NM died Feb. 13, 2020, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa.  He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, 93d Troop Command, New Mexico Army National Guard, Rio Rancho, NM.

March 2020 Heroes

Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo, 34, of Simi Valley, CA died March 8, 2020 while supporting Iraqi Security Forces in north central Iraq.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC.

Capt. Moises A. Navas, 34, of Germantown, MD died March 8, 2020 while supporting Iraqi Security Forces in north central Iraq.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC.

Army Spc. Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27, of Hanford, CA died March 11, 2020, when their units were engaged by enemy indirect fire at Camp Taji, Iraq.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso, OK died March 11, 2020, when their units were engaged by enemy indirect fire at Camp Taji, Iraq.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, 44, from Bowie, MD, died March 30, 2020 in Erbil, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

We would like to Honor the memory of this hero who lost his life and Remember him specifically by name. Please pray for his family as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.
May 2020 Heroes
Sgt. Christopher Wesley Curry, 23, from Terre Haute, IN, died May 4, 2020 in Erbil, Iraq, from a non-combat-related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

June 2020 Heroes

Spc. Nick Bravo-Regules, 20, from Largo, FL, died June 23, 2020, in Jordan while supporting operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, from a non-combat-related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th ADA Brigade, Fort Bliss, TX.

July 2020 Heroes

Spc. Vincent Sebastian Ibarria, 21, from San Antonio, TX, died as the result of a vehicle rollover accident, July 3, 2020, in Farah, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.

Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, 20, from Willamina, Oregon, died as the result of a non-combat related incident, July 4, 2020, at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The incident is under investigation. He who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, Springfield, Oregon.

1st Lt. Joseph Trent Allbaugh, 24, from Folsom, CA, died as the result of a non-combat-related incident, July 12, 2020, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th ADA Brigade, Fort Campbell, KY.

Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount, 25, from St. George, UT, died as the result of a vehicle rollover accident while conducting reconnaissance operations, July 21, 2020, in Eastern Syria. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

September 2020 Heroes

Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Ouellette, 23, of Merrimack, NH, died September 14 in a single all-terrain-vehicle non-combat related accident on the flightline at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, MA.

Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan, 26, of Anaheim, CA, died September 12 in a single-vehicle non-combat related accident while conducting a routine patrol outside the perimeter of Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA.

 

2019 Casualties

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We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and honor the families they left behind.

January 2019 Heroes

These heroes died Jan. 16, 2019, in Manbij, Syria, as a result of wounds sustained from a suicide improvised explosive device. They were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida. Farmer was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon M. Kent, 35, of upstate New York. Kent was assigned to Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66, based at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
DOD civilian Scott A. Wirtz of St. Louis, Missouri. Wirtz was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as an operations support specialist. He was a former US Navy SEAL, and was an intelligence expert in Syria with the troops hoping to collect information about security and adversaries in the area.

Sgt. Cameron A. Meddock, 26, of Spearman, TX, died Jan. 17, 2019, in Landstuhl, Germany, as a result of injuries sustained from small arms fire during combat operations on Jan. 13, 2019, in Jawand District, Badghis Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.  

April 2019 Heroes

Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, NY died April 8 while conducting combat operations in Parwan province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Resolute Support. He was assigned to 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.

Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, of York, PA died April 8 while conducting combat operations in Parwan province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Resolute Support. He was assigned to 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.

Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, of Newark, DE died April 8 while conducting combat operations in Parwan province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Resolute Support. He was assigned to 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.

Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller, 24, of Richmond, NH, died April 19 at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in a non-combat-related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, DE.

Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, 22, from Richmond, KY, died April 20, 2019 in Ninawa Province, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

Spc. Michael T. Osorio, 20, from Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, died April 23, 2019, in Taji, Iraq, in a non combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

Pfc. Michael A. Thomason, 28, from Lincoln Park, MI, died April 29, 2019, in Kobani, Syria, of wounds sustained from a non-combat incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

June 2019 Heroes

Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, of Heilbronn, Germany, died June 25, 2019, in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, of Trumansburg, NY, died June 25, 2019, in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 71st Ordnance Group, Fort Hood, TX.

Sgt. 1st Class. Elliott J. Robbins, 31, from Ogden, UT, died June 30, 2019, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  Hes was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

July 2019 Heroes

Sgt. Maj. James G. Sartor, 40, of Teague, TX, died July 13, 2019, in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, as a result of injuries sustained from enemy small arms fire during combat operations. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Slayton Saldana, 24, had been listed Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) following a July 17 non-combat, man overboard incident while underway onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Sea. He was was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, part of Carrier Air Wing 7, assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

Sgt. William Edward Friese, 30, from Rockport, WV, died July 18, 2019 in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 821st Engineer Company, 1092nd, Engineer Battalion, 111th Engineer Brigade, Summersville, WV.

Pfc. Brandon Jay Kreischer, 20, of Stryker, OH died July 29, 2019, in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained in a combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Spc. Michael Isaiah Nance, 24, of Chicago, IL, died July 29, 2019, in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained in a combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

August 2019 Heroes

Gunnery Sergeant Scott A. Koppenhafer, 35, of Mancos, CO, died August 10, 2019, after being engaged by enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC.

Specialist Clayton James Horne, 23, of Atlanta, LA died August 17, 2019 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a result of wounds sustained by a noncombat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to the 351st Military Police Company, 160th Military Police Battalion, Ocala, FL.

Master Sgt Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa, 31, of Chicopee, MA, died August 21, 2019 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Master Sgt Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, of La Puente, CA, died August 21, 2019 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Sgt. 1st Class Dustin B. Ard, 31, from Hyde Park, UT, died Aug. 29, 2019, as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

September 2019 Heroes

Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, 34, from Morovis, Puerto Rico, was killed in action Sept. 5, 2019, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy W. Griffin, 40, from Greenbrier, TN, was killed in action Sept. 16, 2019, by small arms fire when his unit was engaged in combat operations in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

December 2019 Hero

Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble, 33, of Washington Township, NJ, died Dec. 23, 2019, as a result of injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations on Dec. 22, 2019, in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan. He was was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

2018 Casualties

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We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and honor the families they left behind.

January 2018 Heroes

Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, NJ, died Jan. 1 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy small arms fire while on a dismounted patrol. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO. The incident is under investigation.

Spc. Javion Shavonte Sullivan, 24, of Fort Mill, SC, died Jan. 8 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 16th Signal Company, 11th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, Fort Hood, TX. The incident is under investigation.

March 2018 Heroes

They were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, died March 15 when an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in western Iraq. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Killed were:

Captain Mark K. Weber, 29, of Colorado Springs, CO. He was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, GA.

Captain Andreas B. O’Keeffe, 37, of Center Moriches, NY.

Captain Christopher T. Zanetis, 37, of Long Island City, NY.

Master Sergeant Christopher J. Raguso, 39, of Commack, NY.

Staff Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs, 30, of Port Jefferson Station, NY.

All four were assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing at the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, NY.

Also killed were:

Master Sergeant William R. Posch, 36, of Indialantic, FL.

Staff Sergeant Carl P. Enis, 31, of Tallahassee, FL.

Both were assigned to the 308th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, at Patrick Air Force Base, FL.

Master Sgt. Jonathan J. Dunbar, 36, of Austin, TX, died March 30 in Manbij, Syria as a result of injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his patrol. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Ft Bragg, NC.

April 2018 Hero

Spc. Gabriel D. Conde, 22, of Loveland, CO, was killed in action April 30 as a result of enemy small arms fire in Tagab District, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. 

He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

July 2018 Heroes

Cpl. Joseph Maciel of South Gate, CA, died July 7, 2018, in Tarin Kowt District, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan from wounds sustained during an apparent insider attack. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA. Task Force 1-28 Infantry is currently deployed in support of the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Andrew Celiz, 32, from Summerville, SC, died, July 12, in Afghanistan, of wounds sustained as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting operations in support of a medical evacuation landing zone in Zurmat district, Paktiya province. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, GA.

Staff Sgt. James T. Grotjan, 26, of Waterford, CT, died July 12 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident July 8 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC.

August 2018 Heroes

Staff Sgt. Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion, 36, from Waikoloa, Hawaii, died Aug. 12, 2018, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near him while he was conducting combat patrol operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Taylor J. Galvin, 34, from Spokane, WA, died Aug. 20, 2018, in Baghdad, Iraq, as a result of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed in Sinjar, Ninevah Province, Iraq. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Fort Campbell, KY.

 October 2018 Hero

Spc. James A. Slape, 23, from Morehead City, NC, died Oct. 4, 2018, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was supporting Operations Resolute Support and Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 60th Troop Command, North Carolina Army National Guard, Washington, North Carolina.

November 2018 Heroes

Maj. Brent R. Taylor, 39, from Ogden, Utah, died Nov. 3, 2018, in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to Utah Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters, Draper, Utah.

Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso, 25, from Leavenworth, WA, died Nov. 24, 2018, in Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained while engaging enemy forces in Khash Rod District, Nimruz Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

Army Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, of Lexington, VA, died Nov. 27, 2018, from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Andar, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.   He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, 39, of Brush Prairie, WA, died Nov. 27, 2018, from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Andar, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.   He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, 25, of Hookstown, PA, died Nov. 27, 2018, from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Andar, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.   He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, NM.

December 2018 Heroes

Sgt. Jason Mitchell McClary, 24, from Export, PA, died Dec. 2, 2018, in Landstuhl, Germany, as a result of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device on Nov. 27, 2018, in Andar District, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, 19, from Johnstown, PA, died Dec. 13, 2018, at Bagram Airfield, Bagram District, Parwan Province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.

2017 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men and women who lost their lives this year, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

January 2017

Spc. Isiah L. Booker, of Cibolo, TX, died Jan. 7, in Jordan, in a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, KY.

Spc. John P. Rodriguez, of Hemet, CA, died Jan.12, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in a non-combat related incident. He was supporting U.S. Army Central. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX.

Chief Special Warfare Operator William “Ryan” Owens, 36, of Peoria, IL, died Jan. 28 in the Arabian Peninsula of Yemen, of wounds sustained in a raid against al-Qaida. He was supporting U.S. Central Command Operations. He was assigned to an East Coast based Special Warfare unit.

February 2017

Pfc. Brian. P. Odiorne, 21, of Ware, MA died Feb. 20, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood,TX.

March 2017

Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Boniface, 34, of San Luis Obispo, CA, died March 19, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, of Umatilla, OR, died March 28 in northern Syria in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in support of combat operations. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, CO.

April 2017

Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar, 37, of Edgewood, MD, died April 8 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, 22, of Bloomington, IL, died April 27 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of small arms fire while engaged in dismounted operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA.

Sgt. Cameron H. Thomas, 23, of Kettering, OH, died April 27 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of small arms fire while engaged in dismounted operations.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA.

1st Lt. Weston C. Lee, 25, of Bluffton, GA, died April 29, in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries while conducting security as part of advice and assist support to partnered forces. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

May 2017

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken, 38, of Falmouth, ME, was killed during an operation against al-Shabaab on May 5 in a remote area approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.  He was supporting a Somali National Army-led operation with U.S. Africa Command.   He was assigned to an East Coast based special warfare unit.

Spc. Etienne J. Murphy, 22, of Loganville, GA, died May 26, in Al-Hasakah, Syria, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover related incident.   He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, GA.

June 2017

Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, MD,
Sgt. William M. Bays, 29 of Barstow, CA,
Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22 of Youngsville, NC,
Gunner’s Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, VA
Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, CA
Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, CT
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, TX
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, CA
Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, MD
Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, OH

July 2017

Pfc. Hansen B. Kirkpatrick, 19, of Wasilla, Alaska, died July 3, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from wounds received during an indirect fire attack. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Freedom Sentinel. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
15 Marines and a Navy sailor killed in a military plane crash on July 10th in Mississippi. Six of the Marines and the sailor were from an elite Marine Raider battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Nine were based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, home of a Marine Aerial Refueling and Transport Squadron.
Maj. Caine M. Goyette Capt. Sean E. Elliott Gunnery Sgt. Mark A. Hopkins Gunnery Sgt. Brendan Johnson Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Snowden Sgt. Julian M. Kevianne Sgt. Owen J. Lennon Cpl. Daniel I. Baldassare Cpl. Collin J. Schaaff Staff Sgt. Robert H. Cox Staff Sgt. William J. Kundrat Sgt. Chad E. Jenson Sgt. Talon R. Leach Sgt. Joseph J. Murray Sgt. Dietrich A. Schmieman Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan M. Lohrey
August 2017

Tech. Sgt. David Board, 49, of Barboursville, WV, died August 2 in Kuwait in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in support of combat operations. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 130th Airlift Wing at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, WV.

Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, of Columbus, IN, died August 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan as a result of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, NC, died August 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan as a result of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Sgt. Roshain Euvince Brooks, 30, of Brooklyn, NY, died Aug. 13 of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations in Iraq. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Spc. Allen Levi Stigler Jr., 22, of Arlington, TX, died Aug. 13 of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations in Iraq. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Staff Sgt. Aaron R. Butler, 27, of Monticello, UT, died Aug. 16 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Camp Williams, UT.

October 2017

Spc. Alexander W. Missildine, 20, of Tyler, TX, died Oct. 1 in Ninawa Province, Iraq, as a result of injuries sustained when an improved explosive device detonated near his convoy.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to the 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, LA.

Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black, 35, of Puyallup, WA, died Oct. 4 in southwest Niger, as a result of hostile fire while on a reconnaissance patrol.  He was part of a joint U.S. and Nigerien train, advise and assist mission.  He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. The incident is under investigation.

Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, of Springboro, OH, died Oct. 4 in southwest Niger, as a result of hostile fire while on a reconnaissance patrol.  He was part of a joint U.S. and Nigerien train, advise and assist mission.  He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. The incident is under investigation.

Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, GA, died Oct. 4 in southwest Niger, as a result of hostile fire while on a reconnaissance patrol.  He was part of a joint U.S. and Nigerien train, advise and assist mission.  He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. The incident is under investigation.

Sgt. La David T. Johnson, 25, of Miami Gardens, FL, died Oct. 4 in southwest Niger as a result of enemy fire. He was part of a joint U.S. and Nigerien train, advise and assist mission.  He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. The incident is under investigation.

Chief Warrant Officer Jacob M. Sims, 36, of Juneau, Alaska, died Oct. 27 in Logar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained when he was involved in a helicopter crash. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

November 2017

Sgt. 1st Class, Stephen B. Cribben, 33, of Simi Valley, CA, he died Nov. 4 in Logar Province, Afghanistan as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee M. Smith, 35, of Arlington, TX, died Nov. ‎11 at Camp Taji, Iraq, due to injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY.

Sgt. 1st Class Hughton O. Brown, 43, of Brooklyn, NY died Nov. 14 in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, as a result of a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the 306th Engineer Company, 411th Engineer Brigade, Farmingdale, NY.

Cpl. Todd L. McGurn, of Riverside, CA, died Nov. 25, 2017, in Baghdad, Iraq as a result of a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX.

December 2017

Staff Sgt. David Thomas Brabander, 24, of Anchorage, Alaska, died Dec. 11 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Spc. Avadon A. Chaves, 20, of Turlock, CA, died Dec. 20 at Al Asad, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. He who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, TX.

November 2016 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men who lost their lives last month, and Remember them each specifically by name.   Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Capt. Andrew D. Byers, 30, of Rolesville, NC, died Nov. 3 in Kunduz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while engaging enemy forces. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, 34, of Greenville, PA, died Nov. 3 in Kunduz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while engaging enemy forces. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Lewellen, 27, of Lawrence, KS, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe, 30, of Tucson, AZ, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, KY.

Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty, 27, of Kerrville, TX, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, KY.

Spc. Ronald L. Murray Jr., of Bowie, MD, died Nov. 10, in Kuwait in a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX.

Sgt. John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, CA, died Nov. 12 of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa, IL, died Nov. 12 of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. Dayton, 42, of Woodbridge, VA, died Nov. 24 in northern Syria, of wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device blast. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two, which is based in Virginia Beach, VA.

September 2016 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men who lost their lives last month, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

September 2016 Heroes

We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Cooper, 25, of Mill Creek, Washington, died Sept. 10 in Kuwait, from a non-combat-related injury. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell, KY.

Warrant Officer Travis R. Tamayo, 32, of Brownsville, Texas, died Sept. 16 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in a non-combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Devon M. Faulkner, 24, of North Carolina, died Sept. 20 of a non-combat-related injury while underway. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Odyssey Lightning. He was assigned to USS Wasp (LHD 1), forward deployed in the central Mediterranean Sea.

2016 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men and women who lost their lives this year, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

December 2016 Hero

Sgt. First Class Allan E. Brown, 46, of Takoma Park, MD, died Dec. 6 at Walter Reed National Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan, that occurred on Nov. 12.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.   He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

November 2016 Heroes

Capt. Andrew D. Byers, 30, of Rolesville, NC, died Nov. 3 in Kunduz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while engaging enemy forces. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, 34, of Greenville, PA, died Nov. 3 in Kunduz, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while engaging enemy forces. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Lewellen, 27, of Lawrence, KS, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe, 30, of Tucson, AZ, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, KY.

Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty, 27, of Kerrville, TX, died Nov. 4 in Jafr, Jordan, of wounds sustained when their convoy came under fire entering a Jordanian military base. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, KY.

Spc. Ronald L. Murray Jr., of Bowie, MD, died Nov. 10, in Kuwait in a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX.

Sgt. John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, CA, died Nov. 12 of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa, IL, died Nov. 12 of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. Dayton, 42, of Woodbridge, VA, died Nov. 24 in northern Syria, of wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device blast. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two, which is based in Virginia Beach, VA.

October 2016 Heroes

Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas, 31, of Tacoma Park, MD, died Oct. 4 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, from injuries caused by an improvised explosive device that exploded during dismounted operations. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO.

Sgt. Douglas J. Riney, 26, of Fairview, IL, died Oct. 19 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds received from encountering hostile enemy forces. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan, 34, of Anaheim, CA, died Oct. 20 in northern Iraq, of wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device blast. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three.

September 2016 Heroes

1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Cooper, 25, of Mill Creek, Washington, died Sept. 10 in Kuwait, from a non-combat-related injury. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell, KY.

Warrant Officer Travis R. Tamayo, 32, of Brownsville, Texas, died Sept. 16 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in a non-combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was assigned to the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Devon M. Faulkner, 24, of North Carolina, died Sept. 20 of a non-combat-related injury while underway. The incident is under investigation. He was supporting Operation Odyssey Lightning. He was assigned to USS Wasp (LHD 1), forward deployed in the central Mediterranean Sea.

August 2016 Heroes

Lt. Col. Flando E. Jackson, 45, of Lansing, Michigan, died Aug. 4 in Southwest Asia from a non-combat-related injury. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.   He was assigned to the 194th Wing, Camp Murray, Washington National Guard, Washington.

Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Wilbur, 36, of Granite City, Illinois, died Aug. 12 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from a non-combat-related injury. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson, 28, of Irvine, California, died Aug. 23 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his patrol while conducting dismounted operations.  He who was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

July 2016 Hero

1st Lt. Anais A. Tobar, 25, of Miami, Florida, died July 18 in Southwest Asia from a non-combat-related injury.  She was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.   She was assigned to the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

June 2016 Hero

Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew J. Clement, 38, of Peabody, Massachusetts, died June 21 of a non-combat related injury while deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

May 2016 Heroes

Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Charles H. Keating IV, 31, of San Diego, California,
1st Lt. David A. Bauders, of Seattle, Wash,
Gunner’s Mate Seaman Connor Alan McQuagge, 19, of Utah.

April 2016 Heroes

Airman First Class Nathaniel H. McDavitt, 22, of Glen Burnie, Maryland

March 2016 Heroes

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, of Temecula, California
There were no DoD reported casualties in February

January 2016 Heroes

Staff Sgt. Matthew Q. McClintock, of Albuquerque, NM,
Maj. John D. Gerrie, 42, of Nickerson, KS,
Maj. Shawn M. Campbell, 41, from College Station, Texas,
Capt. Brian T. Kennedy, 31, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Capt. Kevin T. Roche, 30, from St. Louis, Missouri,
Capt. Steven R. Torbert, 29, from Florence, Alabama,
Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, 25, from Gardners, Pennsylvania,
Sgt. Dillon J. Semolina, 24, from Chaska, Minnesota,
Sgt. Jeffrey A. Sempler, 22, from Woodruff, South Carolina,
Sgt. William J. Turner, 25, from Florala, Alabama,
Cpl. Matthew R. Drown, 23, from Spring, Texas,
Cpl. Thomas J. Jardas, 22, from Ft. Myers, Florida,
Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando, 23, from Hingham, Massachusetts,
Lance Cpl. Ty L. Hart, 21, from Aumsville, Oregon.

2015 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men and women who lost their lives this year, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

December 2015 Heroes

Cpl. Andrew A. Aimesbury, of Strafford, NH
Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cinco, 28, of Mercedes, TX
Staff Sgt. Peter W. Taub, 30, of Philadelphia, PA
Staff Sgt. Chester J. McBride, 30, of Statesboro, GA
Technical Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, 45, of Bronx, NY
Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, 31, of Coram, NY
Maj. Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen, 36, of Plymouth, MN.

November 2015 Heroes

Pvt. Christopher J. Castaneda, of Fripp Island, South Carolina,
Sgt. 1st Class Toby A. Childers, 40, from Hays, KS
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen B. Cooley, 40, from Cantonment, FL
Sgt.1st Class Jason M. Smith, 35, from Destrehan, LA
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael F. Tharp, 40, from Katy, TX
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin M. Weiss, 32, of McHenry, IL and
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alex Caraballoleon, 35, of Patillas, Puerto Rico.

October 2015 Heroes

Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, California,
Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, Texas,
Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, West Virginia,
Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, Florida,
Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, Georgia,
Maj. Phyllis J. Pelky, 45, of Rio Rancho, NM,
Master Sgt. Gregory T. Kuhse, 38, of Kalamazoo, MI,
Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, OK.

September 2015 Heroes

Staff Sergeant Jonathan Lewis, 31, of Warrenton, VA,
SPC Kyle E. Gilbert, 24, of Buford, GA,
Seaman Philip Frazier Manes, 21, of Fairfax, VA

August 2015 Heroes

Master Sgt. Peter A. McKenna Jr., 35, of Bristol, RI,
Capt. Matthew D. Roland, 27, of Lexington, KY,
Staff Sgt. Forrest B. Sibley, 31, of Pensacola, FL.

July 2015 Heroes

Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist,25 of Grantsburg, Wis.,
Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, 26 of Paulding, Ohio.
Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, 40 of Springfield, Mass.,
Lance Cpl. Squire K. Wells, 21 of Chattanooga, Tenn.,
Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, 35 of Russellville, Ark.

June 2015 Heroes

Pfc. Monterrious T. Daniel, 19, of Griffin, GA,
Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason P. May, 38, of Chesterfield, Michigan.

May 2015 Heroes

PO3 Devon J. Doyle, 21, of Alamosa, CO,
PO3 Ryan D. Burris, 24, of Lisle, IL,
Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, FL,
Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, 27, Camp Lejeune, N.C.,
Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, 26, of Warren, Mich.,
Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif,  26, of Holland, Mich.,
Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock, 29,
Capt. Stanford H. Shaw III, 31,
Master Sgt. Thomas A. Saunders, 33,
Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, 33, of Queens, New York,
CWO4 David Strother, 44 of Pineville, La.

April 2015 Heroes

Spc. John M. Dawson, 22, of Whitinsville, MA,
Tech. Sgt. Anthony E. Salazar, 40, of Hermosa Beach, CA.

2014 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men and women who lost their lives this year, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

December 2014 Heroes

Capt. William H. Dubois, 30, of New Castle, CO,
Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, IN,
Sgt. 1st Class Ramon S. Morris, 37, of New York, NY,
Spc. Wyatt J. Martin, 22, of Mesa, AZ, died Dec. 12.

November 2014 Heroes

Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart, 31, of Bay City, MI,
Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner, 48, of Nanticoke, MD,
Spc. Joseph W. Riley, 27, of Grove City, OH.

October 2014 Heroes

Maj. Jonathan D. Walker, 44, of Merriam, KS,
Cpl. Jordan L. Spears, 21, of Memphis, IN,
Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, CA,
Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, 49, of Oceanside, CA.

September 2014 Heroes

Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, 28, of Northborough, MA,
Sgt. Charles C. Strong, 28, of Suffolk, VA,
Maj. Michael J. Donahue, 41, of Columbus, OH,
Stephen Byus, 39, of Reynoldsburg, OH,
Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Weathers, 30, of DeRidder, LA.

August 2014 Heroes

Staff Sgt. Girard D. Gass Jr., of Lumber Bridge, NC,
Maj. Gen. Harold J. Greene, 55, of Schenectady, NY,
Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston, 35, of Houston, TX,
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Leggett, 39, of Ruskin, FL,
Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, CA.

January 2016 Casualties

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We would like to Honor the memory of these men who lost their lives last month, and Remember them each specifically by name. Please pray for these families as they begin their journey of healing through this unimaginable devastation.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Q. McClintock, of Albuquerque, NM, died Jan. 5, 2016, in Marjah District, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when the enemy attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Buckley, Washington.

Maj. John D. Gerrie, 42, of Nickerson, KS, died Jan. 16, in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, from a non-combat related incident.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was assigned to 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX.

Following are the names of the 12 Marines that were killed during training exercise in Hawaii:

Maj. Shawn M. Campbell served as a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Campbell, 41, from College Station, Texas, joined the Marine Corps Sept. 30, 1999.  His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  Campbell’s decorations include the Air Medal with strike/flight device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Unit Commendation with two bronze stars in lieu of third award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars in lieu of third award.

Capt. Brian T. Kennedy served as a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Kennedy, 31, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joined the Marine Corps July 1, 2003.  His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star in lieu of second award.

Capt. Kevin T. Roche served as a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Roche, 30, from St. Louis, Missouri, joined the Marine Corps Dec. 19, 2005. His deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom.  Roche‘s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star in lieu of second award.

Capt. Steven R. Torbert served as a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Torbert, 29, from Florence, Alabama, joined the Marine Corps Oct.14, 2004. Torbert‘s decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller served as a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Schoeller, 25, from Gardners, Pennsylvania, joined the Marine Corps March 23, 2008. His deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom. Schoeller‘s decorations include the Air Medal with one individual action device and five strike/flight devices, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star in lieu of second award, and the NATO Medal.

Sgt. Dillon J. Semolina served as a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief with Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Semolina, 24, from Chaska, Minnesota joined the Marine Corps Sept. 1, 2011.  Sergeant Semolina‘s decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Sgt. Jeffrey A. Sempler served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Sempler, 22, from Woodruff, South Carolina joined the Marine Corps Aug. 12, 2010.  Sempler’s decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Sgt. William J. Turner served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Turner, 25, from Florala, Alabama, joined the Marine Corps Aug. 8, 2008. His deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom.
Turner’s decorations include the Air Medal with four strike/flight devices, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the NATO Medal.

Cpl. Matthew R. Drown served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Drown, 23, from Spring, Texas, joined the Marine Corps on March 2, 2011.  Drown’s decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Cpl. Thomas J. Jardas served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Jardas, 22, from Ft. Myers, Florida, joined the Marine Corps on May 6, 2011.  Jardas’ decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Orlando, 23, from Hingham, Massachusetts, joined the Marine Corps on Aug. 9, 2012.  Corporal Orlando’s decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Lance Cpl. Ty L. Hart served as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Hart, 21, from Aumsville, Oregon, joined the Marine Corps Aug, 8 2012. Lance Corporal Hart’s decorations include the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

December 2015 Casualties

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We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Cpl. Andrew A. Aimesbury, of Strafford, NH was killed in a live fire exercise on Dec. 9.  He was assigned to the Hunter Army Airfield-based 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Ft. Stewart, GA.

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cinco, 28, of Mercedes, TX. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He died of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 11th Field Investigations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX.

Staff Sgt. Peter W. Taub, 30, of Philadelphia, PA. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He died of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 816, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD.

Staff Sgt. Chester J. McBride, 30, of Statesboro, GA. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He died of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 405, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.

Technical Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, 45, of Bronx, NY. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He died of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, NY.

Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, 31, of Coram, NY. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He died of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, NY.

Maj. Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen, 36, of Plymouth, MN. died Dec. 21 while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  She died of wounds suffered when her patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.  She was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 9th Field Investigations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

November 2015 Casualties

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We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Pvt. Christopher J. Castaneda, of Fripp Island, South Carolina, died Nov. 19, on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.  Castaneda was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.

Four Army aviators were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk crashed on Nov. 23.

Sgt. 1st Class Toby A. Childers, 40, from Hays, KS

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen B. Cooley, 40, from Cantonment, FL

Sgt.1st Class Jason M. Smith, 35, from Destrehan, LA

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael F. Tharp, 40, from Katy, TX

The helicopter crashed in the northeast portion of the Fort Hood Range. All four crew members were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, First Army Division West. The aircraft, assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, was on a routine training.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin M. Weiss, 32, of McHenry, IL and

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alex Caraballoleon, 35, of Patillas, Puerto Rico

were killed on Nov. 23 when their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in South Korea.  The accident happened about 50 miles east of Camp Humphreys.  They were assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade’s 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment and were on a routine training mission; the helicopter crashed in a mountainous area.

October 2015 casualties

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Remembering these nine fallen heroes and the families they left behind.

Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, California.
Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, Texas.
Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, West Virginia.
Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, Florida.
Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, Georgia.
Maj. Phyllis J. Pelky, 45, of Rio Rancho, NM,
Master Sgt. Gregory T. Kuhse, 38, of Kalamazoo, MI,
Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, OK,