heroes

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.

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,

September 2015 Casualties

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September 2015 Heroes

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

Staff Sergeant Jonathan Lewis, 31, of Warrenton, VA, died 2 September, 2015 of injuries resulting from a ‘hard landing’ when the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter belonging to HMH-464, MAG-29, 2nd MAW, landed ‘harder and faster than normal’. The U.S. Marine was part of a Virginia-based anti-terror and security team training on the use of ropes to access difficult terrain, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Lewis was assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company B, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment of Yorktown, VA.

SPC Kyle E. Gilbert, 24, of Buford, GA, died Sept. 21, in Bagram, Afghanistan, in a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.

Seaman Philip Frazier Manes, 21, of Fairfax, Virginia, died Sept. 27, in Manama, Bahrain, of a non-combat related incident. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned to USS Gladiator (MCM 11), forward deployed to Bahrain.

April 2014 Casualties

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We remember these 4 heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Capt. James E. Chaffin III, 27, of West Columbia, SC, died April 1, in
Kandahar, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.   He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC

Spc. Kerry M. G. Danyluk, 27, of Cuero, Texas, died April 15 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of injuries sustained April 12 when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire in Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY

Pfc. Christian J. Chandler, 20, of Trenton, TX, died April 28 in Baraki Barak District, Logar province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, NY

Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, NY, died April 28, in Nejrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

January 2014 Casualties

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January 2014 Heroes

We remember these 7 heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Sgt. Jacob M. Hess, 22, of Spokane, Wash.,
Sgt. First Class William K. Lacey, 38, of Laurel, Fla.,
Chief Warrant Officer Andrew L. McAdams, 27, of Cheyenne, WY,
Sgt. Drew M. Scobie, 25, of Kailua, Hawaii,
Sgt. Daniel T. Lee, 28, of Crossville, Tenn.,
Spc. Andrew H. Sipple, 22, of Cary, NC,
Chief Warrant Officer Edward Balli, 42, of Monterey, Calif.

December 2013 Casualties

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December 2013 Heroes

We remember these 10 heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, 19, of Fairhaven, MA,
Petty Officer 1st Class James L. Smith, 38, of Huffman, Texas,
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, 34, of Heavener, OK,
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua B. Silverman, 35, of Scottsdale, AZ
Sgt. Peter C. Bohler, 29, of Willow Spring, NC
Sgt. 1st Class Omar W. Forde, 28, of Marietta, GA
Spc. Terry K. D. Gordon, 22, of Shubuta, MS
Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 30, of Elkhart, IN,
Sgt. Daniel M. Vasselian, 27, of Abington, Mass.,
Capt. David I. Lyon, 28, of Sandpoint, Idaho.

October 2013 Casualties

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

Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of Richwood, La.
Sgt. Lyle D. Turnbull, 31, of Norfolk, Va.
Staff Sgt. Patrick H. Quinn, 26, of Quarryville, Pa
Spc. Angel L. Lopez, 27, of Parma, Ohio
1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, 25, of San Diego, Calif.
Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, 25, of Carlisle, Pa.
Sgt. Joseph M. Peters, 24, of Springfield, Mo.
Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24, of Philomath, Ore
Lance Cpl. Jeremiah M. Collins, Jr., 19, of Milwaukee, Wis

American Heroes, Our National Treasure

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In light of the many upcoming Veteran’s Day tributes, I share with you a brief reflection. Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a Gold Star mother about our sons and the different ways that we as a nation remember our heroes. It was a casual conversation, like many I’ve had with families across the country. But something she said struck a very deep cord. She said the lives of our children are a national treasure. I pondered that for a very long time. A national treasure. What did that mean exactly and how did it apply to our values as Americans?  What do you think of when you hear the words “national treasure”?

This notion began to resonate within me. A treasure is something to be sought after, something to be coveted. Its worth is immeasurable… Can that be said about lives past? Absolutely!  If you do an Internet search regarding those two words you will find many definitions, ranging from “living icons” to “founding documents.” Most anything or anyone can become a national treasure for a variety of reasons. However, think about all of the freedoms and privileges that we have in this country and then ask yourself who maintains and protects them. Freedom of speech, religion and assembly. The right to bear arms and to participate in free elections. The men and women of our armed forces are the people who put their lives on the line in order to guarantee that we don’t lose those cherished freedoms and rights. And what of the ones who don’t make it home to enjoy them?

From our nation’s inception brave men and women have willingly given their lives selflessly for freedom’s cause, preserving a way of life that we are lucky to have been born into. I think that it is entirely appropriate for all of us who benefit from that sacrifice to treasure those lives. These men and women are probably our country’s greatest treasure, for without them, freedom would not exist. Some may consider buildings, monuments or national parks to be great treasures. However, as Americans we would be unable to explore and enjoy those things without the foundation of freedom paid for with all of the lives lost to protect it. So, I must agree that the lives given for our freedom are truly a national treasure, a treasure we must outwardly acknowledge and indeed preserve, a treasure we must recognize is part of our nation’s existence, a treasure that includes the families that raised and loved these heroes, a treasure that should be placed on the highest pedestal of tribute.

This national treasure of lives given for freedom’s sake may seem like nothing more than a list of names. But each of those names belongs to a face. Some of us may personally know a hero. That person may be our own loved one or a friend or comrade. Many even have memories of a friend or relative from generations past, perhaps as far back as World War I. Those names may trigger a poignant memory. But what about those heroes from long ago who paid the same price for America? Are they any less a part of that treasure? No, this national treasure is an accumulation of thousands of individuals who were born to loving families, married the love of their life and all shared one distinct characteristic– they loved their country and would do anything to preserve it. Should we not collectively recognize and preserve their devotion?

If the lives of our fallen heroes have not already been officially designated as a national treasure it is our obligation to ensure that happens. More importantly we should each find our own way of regularly expressing honor and educating others of the value of these lives to us all.

In the more than 200 years of American history, there has never been a  symbol dedicated specifically to the recognition of all military lives lost and to the families they left behind, until now. The Honor and Remember Flag is that public symbol of appreciation, a visible and tangible display of thanks that gives all citizens a way to make a silent statement of perpetual remembrance. I believe that one significant act we can make towards preserving our national treasure is to fly the Honor and Remember Flag.  Through the establishment of this symbol, we are able to leave a visual legacy, create a point of discussion for educating everyone and make a national statement of thanks.

Each family in their own way diligently works to preserve their loved one’s memory. When the last person who remembers that loved one’s name passes away, he or she is truly forgotten.

I believe we must instill in our nation this idea of declaring the lives of our military fallen a national treasure.  Whether in spirit or through legislation, these heroes represent the highest values of the American spirit. If we proclaim their lives to be precious and continue to call attention to their sacrifice, their contribution to our liberty will never lose its value.

Our mission is much more than encouraging the display of a simple piece of cloth. Rather, the Honor and Remember Flag is a means by which to pay daily tribute to generations of American heroes throughout history, and an important expression of preserving the legacy of our national treasure.

“Let us not mourn that such men died, but rejoice that such men lived”
~George S. Patton~

Blessings,
George

First written and published October 2013.

August 2013 Casualties

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We remember these eleven heroes who gave their lives and the families they left behind.

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, 24, of Staten Island, N.Y.
Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo D. Young, 34, of Rosston, Ark.
1st Lt. Jason Togi, 24, of Pago Pago, American Samoa
Spc. Kenneth Clifford Alvarez, 23, of Santa Maria, Calif
Pvt. Jonathon Michael Dean Hostetter, 20, of Humphreys, Mo.
Master Sgt. George A. Bannar Jr., 37, of Orange, Va
1st Lt. Timothy G. Santos Jr., 29, of Helena, Ala
Staff Sgt. Octavio Herrera, 26, of Caldwell, Idaho,
Sgt. Jamar A. Hicks, 22, of Little Rock, Ark.
Spc. Keith E. Grace Jr., 26, of Baytown, Texas
Spc. Nickolas S. Welch, 26, of Mill City, Ore

May 2012 Casualties

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Forty One lives given for our country this month

Capt. Bruce K. Clark, 43, Spencerport, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Zachary H. Hargrove, 32, of Wichita, Kan
Master Sgt. Gregory L. Childs, 38, Warren, Ark
Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, Ohio
Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, Calif
2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, 23, of Stow, Ohio
Spc. Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34, of Charlotte, N.C.
Sgt. Jacob M. Schwallie, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn.
Spc. Chase S. Marta, 24, of Chico, Calif.
Pfc. Dustin D. Gross, 19, of Jeffersonville, Ky.
Petty Officer Second Class Jorge Luis Velasquez, 35, of Houston
1st Lt. Alejo R. Thompson, 30, of Yuma, Ariz
Sgt. Wade D. Wilson, 22, of Normangee, Texas
SSpc.Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21, of Salinas, Calif.
Spc. Alex Hernandez III, 21, of Round Rock, Texas
Sgt. Brian L. Walker, 25, of Lucerne Valley, Calif.
Pfc. Richard L. McNulty III, 22, Rolla, Mo.
Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuanes, 38, of Las Cruces, N.M.
Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, Kan.
Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat, 28, of, Prince George, Va.
2nd Lt. Tobias C. Alexander, 30, of Lawton, Okla.
Spc. Arronn D. Fields, 27, of Terre Haute, Ind
2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado, 25, of San Jose, Calif.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan J. Wilson, 26, of Shasta, Calif
Pfc. Cale C. Miller, 23, of Overland Park, Kan
Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey, 22, of Boring, Ore
Hospitalman Eric D. Warren, of Shawnee, Okla.
Spc. Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21, of Salinas, Calif.
Spc. Tofiga J. Tautolo, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.
Capt. John R. Brainard, 26, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Chief Warrant Officer Five John C. Pratt, 51, of Springfield, Va.
Sgt. Julian C. Chase, 22, of Edgewater, Md.
Lance Cpl. Steven G. Sutton, 24, of Leesburg, Ga
Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio
Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, N.C
Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza, 28, of El Paso, Texas
Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis, 47, of Dawsonville, Ga
Spc. Kedith L. Jacobs, 21, of Denver, Colo
Pfc. Leroy Deronde III, 22, Jersey City, New Jersey
Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Witsman, 23, of Covington, Ind.

August Casualties 2011

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Staff Sgt. Leon H. Lucas Jr., 32, of Wilson, N.C.
Staff Sgt. Kirk A. Owen, 37, of Sapulpa, Okla
Spc. Barun Rai, 24, of Silver Spring, Md.
Pfc. Cody G. Baker, 19, of Holton, Kan.
Pfc. Gil I. Morales Del Valle, 21, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Capt. Waid C. Ramsey, 41, of Red Bay, Ala
Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson, 24, of Chelsea, Okla.
Sgt. Daniel D. Gurr, 21, of Vernal, Utah
Spc. Jinsu Lee, 34, of Chatsworth, Calif.
Spc. Mark J. Downer, 23, of Warner Robins, Ga
Sgt. Daniel J. Patron, 26, of Canton, Ohio
Sgt. Adan Gonzales Jr., 28, of Bakersfield, Calif.
Sgt. Joshua J. Robinson, 29, of Omaha, Neb.
Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino, 28, of Pitman, N.J.

The following sailors assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit were killed:
Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La.
Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, Calif.
Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff, 34, of Green Forest, Ark.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer
(Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Kraig M. Vickers 36, of Kokomo, Hawaii
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brian R. Bill, 31, of Stamford, Conn.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W. Faas, 31, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston, 35, of West Hyannisport, Mass.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, 37, of Kansas City, Mo.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer
(Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist/Diver) Nicholas H. Null, 30, of Washington, W.Va.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La.
Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson, 34, of Detroit, Mich.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, Calif.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Parachutist) Christopher G. Campbell, 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.
Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day, 28, of Taylorsville, Utah
Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) John Douangdara, 26, of South Sioux City, Neb.
Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Jon T. Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, Iowa
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn, 30, of Stuart, Fla.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jason R. Workman, 32, of Blanding, Utah

The following sailors assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit were killed:
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, Calif.
Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar, 24, of Saint Paul, Minn.

The airmen killed were:
Tech. Sgt. John W. Brown, 33, of Tallahassee, Fla.
Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif.
Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe, 28, of York, Pa.

The soldiers killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, 47, of Centennial, Colo
Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, 31, of Hays, Kan.
Staff Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger, 30, of Lincoln, Neb.
Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett, 24, of Tacoma, Wash.
Spc. Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, Kan.
Cpl. Nicholas S. Ott, 23, of Manchester, N.J.
Hospitalman Riley Gallinger-Long, 19, of Cornelius, Ore
Sgt. Edward J. Frank II, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y. S
Sgt. Jameel T. Freeman, 26, of Baltimore, Md.
Spc. Patrick L. Lay II, 21, of Fletcher, N.C.
Spc. Jordan M. Morris, 23, of Stillwater, Okla.
Pfc. Rueben J. Lopez, 27, of Williams, Calif.
2nd Lt. Joe L. Cunningham, 27, of Kingston, Okla.
Master Sgt. Charles L. Price III, 40, of Milam, Texas
Sgt. Matthew A. Harmon, 29, of Bagley, Minn
Cpl. Joseph A. VanDreumel, 32, of Grand Rapids, Mich
1st Lt. Damon T. Leehan, 30, of Edmond, Okla
Spc. Dennis G. Jensen, 21, of Vermillion, S.D.
Spc. Joshua M. Seals, 21, of Porter, Okla
Lance Cpl. Travis M. Nelson, 19, of Pace, Fla.
Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo, 20, of Kingston, N.Y.
1st Lt. Timothy J. Steele, 25, of Duxbury, Mass
Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, 24, of Jacksonville, Ill
Pfc. Brandon S. Mullins, 21, of Owensboro, Ky
Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich, 20, of Venus, Texas
Spc. Michael C. Roberts, 23, of Watauga, Texas
Spc. Douglas J. Green, 23, of Sterling, Va
Pfc. Alberto L. Obod Jr., 26, of Orlando, FL
Sgt. Devin J. Daniels, 22, of Kuna, Idaho
Sgt. Colby L. Richmond, 28, of Providence, N.C.
Spc. Dennis James Jr., 21 of Deltona, Fla
Spc. Kevin R. Shumaker, 24, of Livermore, Calif