Friday

September 3, 2010

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IED kills two soldiers (posted September 3, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 2, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died Aug. 30 in Malajat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

2nd Lt. Mark A. Noziska, 24, of Papillon, Neb.

Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak, 34, of Lompoc, Calif.

Georgia Marine killed (posted September 3, 2010)

 The Department of Defense announced Sept. 2, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Christopher B. Rodgers, 20, of Griffin, Ga., died Sept. 1 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Two soldiers killed in attack (posted September 3, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 2, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device Aug. 27 in Paktiya, Afghanistan. 

Killed were:

Spc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.

Pvt. Adam J. Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, Wis.

They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. 

Idaho Marine killed (posted September 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 1, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts, 22, of Boise, Idaho, died Aug. 31 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Louisiana Marine killed (posted September 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 1, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La., died Aug. 31 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Attack kills five Fort Carson soldiers (posted September 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Sept. 1, the deaths of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  All were based at Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Capt. Dale A Goetz, 43, of White, S.D.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, of Cypress, Texas.  He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, of Canton, Ohio.  He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, of Conover, Wis.  He was assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group.

Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, of Huntington, Ind.  He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

U.S. Soldier MIA from Korean War Identified (posted September 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Sept. 1, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. 

United States Army Sgt. Charles P. Whitler will be buried Sept. 2 in his hometown of Cloverport, Ky. 

In early November 1950, Whitler was assigned to 3^rd Battalion, 8^th Cavalry Regiment, occupying a defensive position near the town of Unsan by the Kuryong River known as the "Camel's Head."  Two enemy elements attacked the U.S. forces, collapsing their perimeter and forcing a withdrawal.  Whitler's unit was involved in fighting which devolved into hand-to-hand combat around the 3^rd Battalion's command post.  Almost 400 men were reported missing or killed in action following the battle. 

In late November 1950, a U.S. soldier captured during the battle of Unsan reported during his debriefing that he and nine American soldiers were moved to a house near the battlefield.  The POWs were taken to an adjacent field and shot. Three of the 10 Americans survived, though one later died.  The surviving solider provided detailed information on the incident location. 

Analysts from DPMO developed case leads with information spanning more than 58 years.  Through interviews with eyewitnesses, experts evaluated circumstances surrounding Whitler's captivity and death and researched wartime documentation of his loss.  

In May 2004, a joint U.S.-North Korean team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, excavated a mass grave near the "Camel's Head."  An elderly North Korean man reported he had witnessed the death of seven or eight U.S. soldiers near that location and provided the team with a general description of the burial site. 

The excavation team recovered human remains and other personal artifacts, ultimately leading to the identification of seven soldiers from that site, one of whom was Whitler. 

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA - which matched that of Whitler's sister and niece - in the identification.   

More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War.  With this accounting, 8,022 service members still remain missing from the conflict. 

IED kills two soldiers (posted September 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 31, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died Aug. 28 in Babur, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, 24, of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Spc. Andrew J. Castro, 20, of Westlake Village, Calif.

Durham was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Castro was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. 

Florida Marine killed (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley, 36, of Casselberry, Fla., died Aug. 29 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

RPG kills two soldiers (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Aug. 29 at Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when their military vehicle was struck by rocket propelled grenade on Aug. 28 at Nangahar, Afghanistan. 

Killed were:

Capt. Ellery R. Wallace, 33, of Utah. 

Pfc. Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Harrison, Ark.

Wallace was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

IED kills two soldiers (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device Aug. 27 in Paktiya, Afghanistan. 

Killed were:

Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga.

Pvt. Adam J. Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, Wis.

They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Attack kills Ohio soldier (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, Ohio, died Aug. 28 at Paktika, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Missouri soldier killed in attack (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. James R. Ide, 32, of Festus, Mo., died Aug. 29 at Hyderabad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Sembach, Germany.

Minnesota Marine killed (posted August 31, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 30, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

 Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, of Pine City, Minn., died Aug. 27 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

California sailor killed (posted August 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 29, the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer 3rd Class James M. Swink, 20, of Yucca Valley, Calif., died Aug. 27 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  Swink was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

Additional U.S. Helicopters to Deploy to Pakistan Flood-Relief (posted August 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug 27, the deployment of 18 additional helicopters to Pakistan as part of the expanding U.S. contribution to flood-relief efforts. 

The aircraft, which include 10 CH-47 Chinook and eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and associated personnel are assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 52^nd Aviation Regiment, 16^th Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.  The unit will operate in partnership with the Pakistani military throughout flood-impacted areas. 

These helicopters are expected to begin flood-relief efforts in Pakistan in mid-September. 

This is the latest in a series of deployments in response to Pakistan's urgent request for flood-relief assistance.  Approximately 15 U.S. military helicopters and three C-130 aircraft already supporting flood-relief efforts in Pakistan have transported more than 2 million pounds of humanitarian assistance supplies and rescued more than 7,000 people, delivering much-needed aid and providing transport to people who urgently need emergency assistance. 

Since the floods began July 29, the U.S. has provided $150 million to support immediate relief efforts and has allocated an additional $50 million to assist with re-establishment of communities impacted by the floods.  

Attack kills Indiana soldier (posted August 26, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug 25, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft, 28, of Elkhart, Ind., died Aug. 24 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device at Kakarak, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. 

Illinois Marine killed (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Robert J. Newton, 21, of Creve Coeur, Ill., died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Virginia Marine killed (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez, 26, of Falls Church, Va., died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Kentucky Marine killed (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Jason D. Calo, 23, of Lexington, Ky., died Aug. 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Attack kills New Jersey soldier (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Pedro A. Millet Meletiche, 20, of Elizabeth, N.J., died Aug. 22 at Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Attack kills Missouri soldier (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Brandon E. Maggart, 24, of Kirksville, Mo., died Aug. 22 at Basrah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Two soldiers killed in attack (posted August 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 24, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Aug. 22 at Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire.

Killed were:

Sgt. Steven J. Deluzio, 25, of South Glastonbury, Conn.

Spc. Tristan H. Southworth, 21, of West Danville, Vt.

They were assigned to the 172nd Infantry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Jericho, Vt. 

Florida Marine killed (posted August 24, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 23, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J. A. Schultz, 19, of Safety Harbor, Fla., died Aug. 21 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Texas soldier killed (posted August 24, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug 23, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Alexis V. Maldonado, 20, of Wichita Falls, Texas, died Aug. 21 at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in Zhari province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Attack kills Kentucky soldier (posted August 24, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug 23, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Christopher S. Wright, 23, of Tollesboro, Ky., died Aug. 19 in Pech, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Air Field, Ga. 

Virginia Marine killed (posted August 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 20, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Cody S. Childers, 19, of Chesapeake, Va., died Aug. 20 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, IIMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

Illinois Marine killed (posted August 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 20, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Cpl. Christopher J. Boyd, 22, of Palatine, Ill., died Aug. 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, IMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Arizona Soldier killed in attack  (posted August 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 20, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Martin A. Lugo, 24, of Tucson, Ariz., died Aug. 19 in Puli Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Air Field, Ga.

Kentucky SEAL killed in Afghanistan  (posted August 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 20, the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Collin Thomas, 33, of Morehead, Ky., died Aug. 18 during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan.  Thomas was assigned to an east coast-based SEAL team.

DOD Releases Final Fort Hood Review  (posted August 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense (DoD) released Aug. 20, the final review of the recommendations from the independent report "Protecting the Force: Lessons Learned from Fort Hood."

The DoD will place a high priority on implementing recommendations that will strengthen policies, programs and procedures in the following areas: 

• Educating commanders about the symptoms of potential workplace violence and the tools available to them to address it;

• Ensuring commander and supervisor access to appropriate information in personnel records throughout a service member's career;

• Improving law enforcement and force protection information sharing with partner agencies and among installations to ensure that all relevant personnel are aware of and able to analyze and respond to potential threats;

• Expanding installations' emergency response capabilities, to include enabling enhanced 911 to notify dispatchers of a caller's location, mass notification and warning systems to guide installation personnel and emergency responders to an emergency, and a common operating picture to ensure that emergency responders have access to real-time information in a crisis;

• Integrating force protection policy through the creation of a consultative and policy-making body which will bring together the various entities across the department with force protection responsibilities; and

• Ensuring that we provide top quality health care to our service-members and our healthcare providers though the hiring of additional healthcare providers - particularly in the mental health field - and ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate post-deployment respite and dwell time.

The tragic shooting of military personnel at Fort Hood in November 2009 underscored the need for the DoD to review its approach to force protection and to broaden its force protection policies, programs, and procedures to go beyond their traditional focus on hostile external threats.  The follow-on review final report recommends concrete actions across a range of issues that all contribute to the safety and health of our military forces.

The DoD will track implementation of the various recommendations contained in its final report, focusing particularly on force protection issues.

The final recommendations of the Fort Hood follow-on review can be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100820FortHoodFollowon.pdf  . 

Illinois Marine killed  (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 19, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Kevin E. Oratowski, 23, of Wheaton, Ill., died Aug. 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Attack kills Georgia soldier (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 19, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Edgar N. Roberts, 39, of Hinesville, Ga., died Aug. 17 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds sustained June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 810th Engineer Company (SAPPER), Swainsboro, Ga.  

IED kills New York soldier (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 18, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Derek J. Farley, 24, of Nassau, N.Y., died Aug. 17 at Bala Boluk, Farah, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated as he attempted to disarm it.  He was assigned to the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Grafenwoehr, Germany. 

Airman Missing In Action From WWII Identified  (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Aug. 17, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. 

U.S. Army Air Forces 1^st Lt. Ray F. Fletcher, of Westborough, Mass., will be buried Aug. 20 in Burlington, Vt.

On May 10, 1944, he and four others aboard a B-25C Mitchell bomber took off from Ajaccio, Corsica, on a routine courier mission to Ghisonaccia, Corsica. They failed to reach the destination and were officially reported missing on May 13, 1944.  Two days later, French police reported finding aircraft wreckage on the island's Mount Cagna.

The U.S. Army's Graves Registration Command visited the crash site in 1944 and reported remains were not recoverable.  It was not until May 1989 that Corsican authorities notified U.S. Army Memorial Affairs Activity-Europe that they had found wreckage of an American WWII-era aircraft and turned over human remains collected at the mountainous location.  They sent a survey team to the site and determined the terrain was too rugged to support a recovery effort.  In 2003 and 2004, two French nationals provided U.S. authorities with crew-related equipment recovered from the crash site.

 A Joint Prisoners of War, Missing in Action Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the location in September 2005 and recovered additional human remains as well as more crew-related equipment.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Fletcher's remains.

This month marks the 65^th anniversary of the end of World War II.  More than 400,000 of the 16 million Americans who served during the war died.  At the end of the conflict, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 as known persons. Today, more than 72,000 World War II Americans remain unaccounted-for. 

Attack kills New Jersey soldier  (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 17, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jamal M. Rhett, 24, of Palmyra, N.J., died Aug. 15 in Ba Qubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with grenades.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Florida soldier killed  (posted August 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug 16, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bock, 26, of Leesburg, Fla., died Aug. 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Call for photos: help Holloman find N.M. Heroes (posted August 13, 2010)

By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Enshrined on the National Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington , D.C. , are the names of 58,261 Americans who gave their lives for their country in the Vietnam War.

Four hundred of those names are people who called New Mexico home. Of those 400 New Mexican veterans, two of them listed their home of record as Holloman Air Force Base.

Behind these two names, and all the names on The Wall, lie stories of lives that were cut short in defense of our nation. Their reasons for joining the military are not known -- perhaps they volunteered to perhaps they were drafted. It is a mystery what they saw and felt more than 40 years ago in a distant country before their lives were taken. It is also not known whether or not their families still reside in the area, but while much is not known, what is known is this:
Arthur Harry Johnson

Army Specialist Five Arthur Harry Johnson was born Jan. 10, 1949. In the Army, he was an Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice assigned to the 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company, 11th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.

Specialist Johnson began his Vietnam tour April 5, 1968, and was killed Aug. 22, 1969, at Binh Long Province , South Vietnam . His personal profile on www.virtualwall.org suggests he was part of a helicopter crew that lost air or crashed over land. He was 20 years old.

His home of record: Hildago Loop , N.M. (Note: Hildago Loop is located in base housing at Holloman)
Peter Kalani Miranda

Army Specialist Five Peter Kalani Miranda was born July 6, 1948. He was a UH-1 Helicopter Repairer with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.

Twelve days after turning 21, Specialist Miranda began his Vietnam tour. He was killed almost three months later on Dec. 6, 1969, at Kontum Province , South Vietnam . His personal profile on www.virtualwall.org reports Specialist Miranda died outright on helicopter that lost air or crashed over land.

His home of record: Holloman AFB, N.M.
Help Holloman find these heroes

Not long ago, the 49th Wing Public Affairs Office received a call from Art Canales, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Santa Fe Chapter 996, who asked for help finding photos of these two heroes -- and Holloman-natives -- to preserve more than just their names on The Wall.

The request was part of a nationwide "Call for Photos" by the National Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund, which is building an Education Center at The Wall to display a photograph of every single American who gave their life in the Vietnam War.

"Basically our concept on this is that we're putting faces to the names and by doing that it makes it more real and also shows that they're not just names on The Wall. They're actual young men. Most of them were at the age of 19 and they went to serve their country," said Mr. Canales. "We want to make sure that people can go to The Wall and the museum to see these young men who gave everything they had for their country and what they believe in."

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services is heading the effort locally, and about half of the 400 pictures of the fallen New Mexico Vietnam Veterans have been collected since the call was launched last October.

"There is a group of us working on this nationwide and we're all Vietnam Veterans. The Wall, to us, is more than names. These were young men just like us at an impressionable time in our life and I feel as if we're bringing these young men home and that they're not forgotten -- they are honored," said Mr. Canales. "There is a list of 400 names and these have been two of the most difficult ones to locate."

According to the Education Center at The Wall Web site, some 40 percent of the four million people who visit The Wall today are too young to remember -- the list of names is just a list of names with no context.

Mr. Canales, however, said that while he may not have known everyone on it, he has been to some of the very places where fellow Soldiers were killed in action. That, alone, connects him to the names.

"These are comrades in arms and I want them to be honored and respect shown to them. So if I can contact their families and somehow reach out to them, I want to let them know their son or daughter has not been forgotten," he said.

He added that another motivating factor to find these photos comes from Henry Urioste, president of Chapter 996, who says each photo they find is like "putting a piece of the puzzle back together in our own lives" more than 40 years later.

"It has given us a sense of life and a sense of purpose and it's not just for us, it's for the family and friends of these heroes," said Mr. Canales.

By displaying the photos and stories behind every name on The Wall, the Education Center hopes to "help future generations understand the courage, sacrifice and devotion of those who fell, those who returned and those who waited." For more information on the Education Center at The Wall, visit www.buildthecenter.org.

If anyone has information regarding Arthur Harry Johnson or Peter Kalani Miranda, or where a photograph of them might be found, please contact Mr. Art Canales at 505-827-6635, 505-986-8384 or email him at artcan@newmexico.com.

Visit the New Mexico Department of Veteran's Services Web site at www.dvs.state.nm.us for a complete list of names of those fallen Soldiers whose photographs are still needed.

For additional information, please visit the Holloman Web site at www.holloman.af.mil. 

Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified (posted August 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Aug/ 13, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Cpl. Roy Stewart, U.S. Army, of Jackson, Miss.  His funeral will be held Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington , D.C.   Representatives from the Army's mortuary office met with the next-of-kin of Stewart to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.

Stewart was assigned to Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, deployed to North Korea near Kujang-dong.  In late November 1950, he was captured by enemy forces and reportedly died March 14, 1951, while in captivity near Pyoktong , North Korea . 

During Operation Glory in the fall of 1954, North Korea turned over 4,167 caskets including remains they claimed to be those of Stewart.  This was part of an agreement in which each side would return remains of enemy soldiers.  The United States returned caskets containing the remains of more than 12,000 communist soldiers.  At the time the Army was unable to identify Stewart and the remains were buried as "unknown" along with 415 other service members.

In 2008, an analyst from DPMO and an independent researcher concluded they had evidence that supported identification of several unknown soldiers buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu .  The remains were exhumed in September 2008.  Scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command identified Stewart's remains through dental comparisons and circumstantial evidence related to the 1954 turnovers.

More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War.  With the accounting of Stewart, 8,023 service members still remain missing from that conflict.

Tennessee Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted August 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Kristopher D. Greer, 25, of Ashland City , Tenn. , died Aug. 8 of wounds received Aug. 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan .  He was assigned to 4th Combat Engineering Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Knoxville , Tenn.

Indiana soldier killed in attack (posted August 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 12, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Christopher N. Karch, 23, of Indianapolis, Ind., died Aug. 11 in Arghandab Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Texas Marine killed (posted August 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 12, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Jose L. Saenz III, 30, of Pleasanton, Texas, died Aug. 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Attack kills Texas soldier  (posted August 12, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 11, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. John E. Andrade, 19, of San Antonio, Texas, died Aug. 7 at DE Khak Chupan Turah, Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

Soldiers Missing in Action from Vietnam War Identified  (posted August 12, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Aug. 11, that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Paul G. Magers of Sidney, Neb., will be buried on Aug. 27 in Laurel, Mont., and Army Chief Warrant Officer Donald L. Wann of Shawnee, Okla., will be buried on Aug. 21 in Fort Gibson, Okla. 
                On June 1, 1971, both men were flying aboard an AH-1 Cobra gunship in support of an emergency extraction of an Army ranger team in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.  After the rangers were extracted, helicopters were ordered to destroy claymore mines which had been left behind in the landing zone.  During this mission their helicopter was hit by ground fire, crashed and exploded.  Pilots who witnessed the explosions concluded that no one could have survived the crash and explosions.  Enemy activity in the area precluded a ground search.

In 1990, analysts from DPMO, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and their predecessor organizations interviewed both American and Vietnamese witnesses and produced leads for field investigations. In 1993 and 1998, two U.S.-Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by JPAC, surveyed the suspected crash site and found artifacts and debris consistent with a Cobra gunship.  In mid-1999, another joint team excavated the site, but it stopped for safety reasons when the weather deteriorated.  No remains were recovered, but the team did find wreckage associated with the specific crash they were investigating.

The Vietnamese government subsequently declared the region within Quang Tri Province where the aircraft crashed as off-limits to U.S. personnel, citing national security concerns. As part of an agreement with JPAC, a Vietnamese team unilaterally excavated the site and recovered human remains and other artifacts in 2008.  The Vietnamese returned to the site in 2009, expanded the excavation area and discovered more remains and additional evidence.

 Forensic analysis, circumstantial evidence and the mitochondrial DNA match to the Magers and Wann families by the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory confirmed the identification of the remains.

IED kills two soldiers (posted August 11, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 10, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Aug. 8 at Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol, 23, of Kensington, N.H.,

Pfc. Bradley D. Rappuhn, 24, of Grand Ledge, Mich.

They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. 

Florida soldier killed in attack (posted August 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 9, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Paul O. Cuzzupe, 23, of Plant City, Fla., died Aug. 8 in Akhtar-Mohammad-Khan, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

Two Marines killed (posted August 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 9, the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

The following Marines died Aug. 7 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan:

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius, 20, of Ashtabula, Ohio.

Pfc. Vincent E. Gammone III, 19, of Christiana, Tenn.

Cornelius and Gammone were assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

IED kills two soldiers (posted August 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 9, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Aug. 8 at Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol, 23, of Eaton, Mich.,

Pfc. Bradley D. Rappuhn, 24, of Grand Ledge, Mich.

They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Colorado soldier killed in attack (posted August 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 9, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Faith R. Hinkley, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Aug. 7 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked her unit in Iskandariya, Iraq.  She was assigned to the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. 

Colorado Marine killed (posted August 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 9, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Max W. Donahue, 23, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., died Aug. 7 of wounds received Aug. 4 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Airman Missing in Action from WWII Identified (posted August 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Aug. 6, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. 

He is Sgt. John P. Bonnassiolle, U.S. Army, of Oakland, Calif.  He will be buried Tuesday in San Francisco.

On April 29, 1944, he was aboard a B-24J Liberator with nine other crewmen. They failed to return following a bombing mission over Berlin.  German documents captured after the war established the aircraft had crashed near the town of East Meitze, Germany, north of Hannover.  German forces removed the remains of three crewmen from the site and buried them in a cemetery in Hannover.

In 1946, The U.S. Army's Graves Registration Command located the remains of the men buried in Hannover and reburied them at the U.S. Military Cemetery at Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium, after confirming the identities of two of the three.

In 2003, a German citizen began excavating the East Meitze crash site and turned over human remains to U.S. officials.  A Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team traveled to excavate the crash site in 2005 and 2007, recovering additional remains and crew-related equipment -- including identification tags for Bonnassiolle and three other crew members.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of Bonnassiolle's sister -- in the identification of his remains.  

More than 400,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II died.  At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 as known persons. Today, more than 72,000 Americans remain unaccounted-for from the conflict.

New Hampshire soldier dies (posted August 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 6 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Master Sgt. Jared N. Van Aalst, 34, of Laconia, N.H., died Aug. 4 in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered while his unit was conducting combat operations.  He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Washing the Wall (posted August 3, 2010)

Click here for a video about the Vietnam Wall.

Texas soldier killed in attack (posted August 3, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 2, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Kyle B. Stout, 25, of Texarkana, Texas, died July 30 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. 

IED attack kills Tennessee soldier (posted August 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced Aug. 1, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Michael L. Stansbery, 21, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., died July 30 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.  

IED attack kills two soldiers (posted August 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 31, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

They died July 29 at Tsagay, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  

Killed were: 

Capt. Jason E. Holbrook, 28, of Burnet, Texas, and 

Staff Sgt. Kyle R. Warren, 28, of Manchester, N.H. 

They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Texas Marine killed (posted August 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 30, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Lance Cpl. Shane R. Martin, 23, of Spring, Texas, died July 29 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.  

Missing sailor’s body found (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 29, the death of a sailor who was previously listed as duty status whereabouts unknown while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, Wash., died from wounds sustained from an incident in Logar province, Afghanistan, on July 23.  Coalition forces recovered his body July 28 after an extensive search.  He was assigned to commander, Navy Reserve Force Command.  The July 23 incident remains under investigation. 

Pennsylvania Marine killed (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 29,the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Abram L. Howard, 21, of Williamsport, Pa., died July 27 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of North Versailles, Pa. 

IED attack kills four soldiers (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 28, the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora, 24, of San Diego, Calif.

Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23, of Cypress, Calif.           

Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Spc. Andrew L. Hand, 25, of Enterprise, Ala.

They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

One sailor dead, one missing (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 27, the death of a sailor and the identity of another sailor listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN).  The announcement resulted from a July 23 incident in Logar province, Afghanistan, while the sailors were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, Colo., died from wounds sustained from the July 23 incident.  Coalition Forces recovered his body July 25 after an extensive search.  He was assigned to Assault Craft Unit One (ACU-1), San Diego. 

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, Wash., is listed as DUSTWUN from the July 23 incident.  Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation. 

Illinois Marine killed (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 26, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Lance Cpl. Frederik E. Vazquez, 20, of Melrose Park, Ill., died July 24 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, IIMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

Two Marine officers killed in Afghanistan (posted July 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 26, the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

The following Marines died July 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, Ohio.

Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River, N.J.

Carazo and Weis were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

El Paso soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted July 25, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced July 24, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. James J. Oquin, 20, of El Paso, Texas, died July 23 in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident when he was swept away by the current when a levee broke near his military vehicle in Paktika, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

IED kills Ohio soldier in Iraq (posted July 25, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced July 23, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan, 24, of Newark, Ohio, died July 21 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his convoy vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.  He was assigned to the 52nd Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

California Marine killed (posted July 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 21, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Julio Vargas, 23, of Sylmar, Calif., died July 20 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Louisiana Marine killed (posted July 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 21, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23, of Jonesboro, La., died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. 

Michigan Marine killed (posted July 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 21, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Paul J. Miller, 22, of Traverse City, Mich., died July 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

California soldier killed in attack (posted July 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 21, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Brian F. Piercy, 27, of Clovis, Calif., died July 19 in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Alaska Marine killed (posted July 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 21, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28, of Moose Pass, Alaska, died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

Illinois soldier dies of wounds (posted July 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 20, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Jesse R. Tilton, 23, of Decatur, Ill., died July 16 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained July 13 when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, with rifle, rocket propelled grenade, and small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Illinois soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted July 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 20, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Anibal Santiago, 37, of Belvidere, Ill., died July 18 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained July 17 in a non-combat related incident in Kwowst, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Washington soldier killed in attack (posted July 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 20, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Robert N. Bennedsen, 25, of Vashon, Wash., died July 18 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

Arkansas Marine killed (posted July 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 20, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28, of Moose Pass, Ark., died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Ohio soldier dies of wounds (posted July 21, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 20, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Justin B. Allen, 23, of Coal Grove, Ohio, died July 18 in Zhari, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot by insurgents while conducting combat operations.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Illinois Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted July 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 19, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Justus S. Bartelt, 27, of Polo, Ill., died July 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 6^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marianas Islands Marine killed (posted July 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 19, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Dave M. Santos, 21, of Rota, Marianas Islands of the Pacific, died July 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 6^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

This incident is under investigation.

IED kills two soldiers (posted July 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 19, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died July 15 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 502^nd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

·        Sgt. 1^st Class John H. Jarrell, 32, of Brunson, S.C.

·        Sgt. Leston M. Winters, 30, of Sour Lake, Texas

Attack kills three soldiers (posted July 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 19, the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit with rifle, rocket propelled grenade, and small arms fire. 

Killed were:

·        1^st Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23, of Apple Valley, Minn.

·        Staff Sgt. Christopher T. Stout, 34, of Worthville, Ky.

·        Staff Sgt. Sheldon L. Tate, 27, of Hinesville, Ga. 

1^st Lt. Goeke and Staff Sgt. Stout were assigned to 1^st Battalion, 508^th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Tate was assigned to the 782^nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

IED attack kills Illinois soldier (posted July 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 19, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Matthew W. Weikert, 29, of Jacksonville, Ill., died July 17 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Insurgent attack kills four (posted July 17, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 16, the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Killed were:

Spc. Chase Stanley, 21, of Napa, Calif.

Spc. Jesse D. Reed, 26, of Orefield, Penn.

Spc. Matthew J. Johnson, 21, of Maplewood, Minn.

Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher, 24, of Ballwin, Mo.

They died July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat Airborne), 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Insurgent attack kills three (posted July 17, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 16, the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

They died July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit with rifle, rocket propelled grenade, and small arms fire. 

Killed were: 

1^st Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23, of Minn. 

Staff Sgt. Christopher T. Stout, 34, of Worthville, Ky. 

Staff Sgt. Sheldon L. Tate, 27, of Hinesville, Ga.  

1^st Lt. Goeke and Staff Sgt. Stout were assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Florida soldier killed in attack (posted July 17, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 16, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pvt. Brandon M. King, 23, of Tallahassee, Fla., died July 14 at Combat Outpost Nolen, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Kentucky soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted July 17, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 16, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20, of Radcliff, Ky., died July 12 at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan (Kandahar, Afghanistan), of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Attack kills Texas soldier (posted July 17, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 16, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Shaun M. Mittler, 32, of Austin, Texas, died July 10 in Konar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fires.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Arizona soldier dies of wounds (posted July 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Christopher J. Moon, 20, of Tucson, Ariz., died July 13 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device on July 6 in Arghandab, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

IED kills Missouri soldier (posted July 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 14, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Robert W. Crow, 42, of Kansas City, Mo., died July 10 in Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 203rd Engineer Battalion, Joplin, Mo.

Attack kills Texas soldier (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Shaun M. Mittler, 32, of Austin, Texas, died July 10 in Konar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fires.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Kentucky soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20, of Radcliff, Ky., died July 12 at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan (Kandahar, Afghanistan), of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Insurgent attack kills two (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died July 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:

Spc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, Neb.

Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Florida soldier killed in attack (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Carlos J. Negron, 40, of Fort Meyers, Fla., died July 10 at Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered at Konar, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with rifle and small arms fire.  He was assigned to 426th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Detainee Transfer Announced  (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the transfer of one detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Yemen.

On May 26, 2010, a U.S. District Court ordered the release of Mohammed Odaini from custody at Guantanamo Bay.  As a result, the Department of Defense has transferred him to his native country.  In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer Odaini at least 15 days before his transfer.

The suspension of Yemeni repatriations from Guantanamo remains in effect due to the security situation that exists there.  However, the Administration respects the decisions of U.S. federal courts, which ordered the release of Odaini.  As with all transfers, the U.S. Government will work with the Yemeni Government to the fullest extent possible to implement appropriate security measures.

Since 2002, more than 595 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, France, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

Today, 180 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay.

California Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Roads, 20, of Burney, Calif., died July 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

This incident is under investigation.

Tennessee Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Daniel G. Raney, 21, of Pleasant View, Tenn., died July 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Illinois Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted July 14, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 13, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Antonik, 29, of Crystal Lake, Ill., died July 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DOD Announces Remaining Eight National Guard HRFs  (posted July 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the states, has selected Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Utah, and California to host the remaining eight homeland response forces (HRFs), which will be established in fiscal 2012.  On June 3, 2010, DoD announced Ohio and Washington as the hosts for the first two HRFs, which will be established in fiscal 2011.

The creation of the HRFs is a part of DoD's larger reorganization of its domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive (CBRNE) consequence management enterprise, initiated during the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.  This reorganization will ensure DoD has a robust ability to respond rapidly to domestic CBRNE incidents while recognizing the primary role that the governors play in controlling the response to incidents that occur in their states.

The homeland response forces (HRF) will be distributed across the nation, with one HRF hosted in each of the ten Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regions.  Each HRF will provide a regional response capability of approximately 570 personnel composed of CBRNE specialists, command and control and security forces.  HRFs will self-deploy by ground within six to 12 hours of an event, bringing life-saving medical, search and extraction, decontamination, security, and command and control capabilities -- this represents a dramatic improvement in response time and life-saving capability to the previous construct. 

Coincident with the creation of the eight HRFs in fiscal 2012, the department has selected Puerto Rico, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, and Maine to replace existing CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP) that will evolve into HRFs.  These formations composed of existing National Guard units will be trained to respond to a weapons of mass destruction incident, including:  locating and extracting victims from a contaminated environment, performing mass patient/casualty decontamination, and providing medical treatment as necessary to stabilize patients for evacuation.

Attack kills Missouri soldier (posted July 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 12, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Robert W. Crow, 42, of Kansas City, Mo., died July 10 in Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 203rd Engineer Battalion, Joplin, Mo.

IED attack kills North Carolina soldier (posted July 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 12, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, 33, of Murphy, N.C., died July 10 near Char Dara, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. 

Texas soldier killed in attack (posted July 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 12, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jesse W. Ainsworth, 24, of Dayton, Texas, died July 10 near Walakan, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Illinois soldier killed in explosion (posted July 13, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 12, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21, of Wildwood, Ill, died July 10 in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident when an explosion occurred in an ammunition holding facility during an inventory.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

IED kills three soldiers (posted July 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 9, the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

They died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany. 

Killed were: 

Staff Sgt. Marc A. Arizmendez, 30, of Anaheim, Calif. 

Spc. Roger Lee, 26, of Monterey, Calif. 

Pfc. Michael S. Pridham, 19, of Louisville, Ky. 

IED kills two soldiers (posted July 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 8, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  

They died July 5 in Yakuta, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device.  The soldiers were assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Killed were: 

Spc. Keenan A. Cooper, 19, of Wahpeton, N.D. 

Spc. Jerod H. Osborne, 20, of Royse City, Texas. 

Accident kills Georgia soldier (posted July 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 8, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Jacob A. Dennis, 22, of Powder Springs, Ga., died July 3 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained June 30 in a weapons system accident at Forward Operating Base Lane, Afghanistan (Zabul province).

He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Delaware soldier killed (posted July 10, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 8, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Andrew J. Creighton, 23, of Laurel, Del., died July 4 in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained on July 1 while conducting combat operations in Oruzgan province.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Soldier Missing In Action from World War I Identified (posted July 8, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War I, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Pvt. Thomas D. Costello of New York, N.Y., will be buried on July 12 at Arlington National Cemetery. 

On Sept. 16, 1918, as part of the 60^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Brigade, 5^th Infantry Division, Costello encountered heavy enemy artillery barrage and machine gun fire near Jaulny, France, in a wooded area known as Bois de Bonvaux.  He was killed during the battle and his remains were buried with two other soldiers in a wooded area between Bois de Bonvaux and Bois de Grand Fontaine.

Attempts to locate Costello's remains by Army Graves Registration personnel following the war were unsuccessful.  In September 2006, French nationals hunting for metal in the area found human remains and World War I artifacts.  A Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team, operating near the location, was notified of the discovery and recovered human remains upon excavating the site.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC laboratory also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

Attack kills Oklahoma soldier (posted July 8, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Ryan J. Grady, 25, of Bristow, Okla., died July 1 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised-explosive device.  He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Bradford, Vt.

IED kills two soldiers in Afghanistan (posted July 8, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died July 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to 1st Squadron, 71st Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

 Killed were:

Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, Neb.

Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Military Commission Guilty Plea  (posted July 8, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced that Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud al Qosi, 50, pleaded guilty today in a military commission to providing material support to al Qaeda and conspiring to commit terrorism and material support to terrorism.  His sentence will be determined at a hearing in August.

Responding to questions from the Military Judge, al Qosi admitted that he engaged in hostilities against the United States in violation of the laws of war.  Al Qosi said under oath that he intentionally supported al Qaeda in hostilities against the United States since at least 1996, when Usama bin Laden issued an order urging his followers to commit acts of terrorism against the United States.  In 1996, al Qosi followed bin Laden to Afghanistan.  For the next six years he provided logistical support to Usama bin Laden and al Qaeda at al Qaeda compounds in Afghanistan. 

During questioning under oath, al Qosi admitted that while he provided logistical support, he knew al Qaeda engaged in acts of terrorism.  He admitted that he knew that al Qaeda was and is recognized around the world as an international terrorist organization. 

Al Qosi was questioned by the Military Judge, Air Force Lt. Col. Nancy Paul, during a hearing at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Three of his six attorneys - representing him at no cost to him - assisted him.  In all cases tried by military commission, the Military Judge has a duty to inquire into the voluntariness of the plea before accepting a guilty plea.  In this case, the Military Judge questioned al Qosi at length and then indicated she was satisfied that the accused understood his rights, that the plea was voluntary, and that there was a factual basis for the plea.  This requirement safeguards the rights of the accused. 

In all military commissions, a panel of military officers known as "members" determines the sentence, regardless of whether the plea was guilty or not guilty.  While the military judge determines whether the accused understands the charges to which he pleads guilty and that his plea is voluntary, the members decide the appropriate sentence.  At a hearing scheduled for August, the defense and prosecution will each have an opportunity to present evidence and argument to the members to aid them in determining a sentence.

A link to al Qosi's list of charges can be viewed on the Military Commissions web site at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20080305alqosicharges.pdf. 

Louisiana soldier dies in Iraq  (posted July 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 5, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle , 22,  of West Monroe, La., died July 2 at Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident.  He was a member of the 156th Army Band in Bossier City, La., and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Orleans, La. 

Attack kills Pennsylvania soldier (posted July 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 5, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Louis R. Fastuca, 24, of West Chester, Pa., died July 5 at Abdulhamid Kalay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy.

Attack kills Philadelphia soldier (posted July 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 5, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. David Jefferson, 23, of Philadelphia, died July 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Attack kills Arkansas soldier (posted July 7, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 5, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison, Ark., died July 4 at Arghandab, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenade fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Helicopter crash kills Iowa airman (posted July 4, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 3, the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt David A. Wisniewski, 31, of Moville, Iowa, died July 2 of wounds sustained June 9 in a helicopter crash near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Accident kills Georgia soldier (posted July 4, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 3, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Johnny W. Lumpkin, 38, of Columbus, Ga., died July 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained July 1 in a non-combat related equipment incident in Taji, Iraq.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Attack kills Oklahoma soldier (posted July 4, 2010)

 The Department of Defense announced July 3,  the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Ryan J. Grady, 25, of Bristow, Okla., died July 1 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised-explosive device.  He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Bradford, Vt.

Virginia soldier dies in Iraq (posted July 4, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 3, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Morganne M. McBeth, 19, of Fredricksburg, Va., died July 2 in Al Asad, Iraq, of wounds sustained July 1 in a non-combat related incident in Khan Al Baghdadi, Iraq.  She was assigned to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Kentucky soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted July 4, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 3, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher D. Chapleau, 33, of LaGrange, Ky., died June 30 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Seven missing WWII Airmen identified (posted July 4, 2010)

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced July 3, that the remains of seven servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. 

Army Capt. Joseph M. Olbinski, Chicago; 1st Lt. Joseph J. Auld, Floral Park, N.Y.; 1st Lt. Robert M. Anderson, Millen, Ga.; Tech. Sgt. Clarence E. Frantz, Tyrone, Penn.; Pfc. Richard M. Dawson, Haynesville, Va.; Pvt. Robert L. Crane, Sacramento, Calif.; and Pvt. Fred G. Fagan, Piedmont, Ala., were identified and all are to be interred July 15 in Arlington National Cemetery. 

On May 23, 1944, the men were aboard a C-47A Skytrain that departed Dinjan, India, on an airdrop mission to resupply Allied forces near Myitkyina, Burma.  When the crew failed to return, air and ground searches found no evidence of the aircraft along the intended flight path. 

In late 2002, a missionary provided U.S. officials a data plate from a C-47 crash site approximately 31 miles northwest of Myitkyina.  In 2003, a Burmese citizen turned over human remains and identification tags for three of the crew members.

A Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team excavated the crash site in 2003 and 2004, recovering additional remains and crew-related equipment—including an identification tag for Dawson.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of some of the crewmembers' families – as well as dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

Colorado Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted July 4, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 2, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Larry D. Harris Jr., 24, of Thornton, Colo., died July 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Attack kills Nevada soldier  (posted July 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 1, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Matthew R. Hennigan, 20, of Las Vegas, Nev., died June 30 at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered earlier in Tangi Valley, Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked his unit with machine gun fire.  He was assigned to 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.

Insurgents kill Georgia soldier  (posted July 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 1, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. David A. Holmes, 34, of Tennille, Ga., died June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 810th Engineer Company, Swainsboro, Ga.

Rocket attack kills Kentucky soldier  (posted July 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced July 1, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Russell E. Madden, 29, of Dayton, Ky., died June 23 at Charkh district, Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with rocket fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Conn Barracks, Germany.

Helicopter accident kills soldier (posted July 2, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 30, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Brandon M. Silk, 25, of Orono, Maine, died June 21 of injuries sustained when the helicopter in which he was traveling made a hard landing.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Attack kills two  (posted June 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 29, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died June 27 in Konar, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Eric B. Shaw, 31, of Exeter, Maine; and

 Spc. David W. Thomas, 40, of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Georgia soldier killed  (posted June 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 29, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. David A. Holmes, 34, of Tennille, Ga., died June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 810th Engineer Company, Swainsboro, Ga.  

Accident kills soldier in Iraq  (posted June 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 29, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes, 21, of Epps, La., died June 26 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.  He was assigned to the 199th Support Battalion, Louisiana Army National Guard, Alexandria, La.

Arizona soldier killed in Afghanistan  (posted June 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 29, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. John M. Rogers, 26, of Scottsdale, Ariz., died June 27 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Sailor Missing From Korean War Identified  (posted June 30, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 29, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Navy Ensign Robert W. Langwell, of Columbus, Ind., will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on July 12.  On Oct. 1, 1950, Langwell was serving on the minesweeper USS Magpie when it sank after striking an enemy mine off the coast of Chuksan-ri, South Korea.  Twelve crewmen were rescued, but Langwell was one of 20 men lost at sea.

In June 2008, personnel from the Republic of South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) canvassed towns in South Korea in an effort to gather information regarding South Korean soldiers unaccounted-for from the Korean War.  An elderly fisherman, interviewed in the village of Chuksan-ri, reported that he and other villagers had buried an American serviceman in 1950 when his body was caught in the man's fishing net.

The MAKRI located the burial site on April 28, 2009, where they excavated human remains and military artifacts.  The burial site was approximately three miles west of where the USS Magpie sank in 1950.  The team turned the remains and artifacts over to U.S. Forces Korea, which sent them to Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command for analysis.

 Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, JPAC scientists used dental comparisons in the identification of Langwell's remains.

With Langwell's accounting, 8,025 service members still remain missing from the Korean War.

Tennessee soldier dies in Afghanistan (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Robert K. L. Repkie, 20, of Knoxville, Tenn., died June 24 at Forward Operating Base Farah, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.

Georgia Marine dies in Afghanistan  (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. William T. Richards, 20, of Trenton, Ga., died June 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Michigan Marine dies in Afghanistan (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Daane A. Deboer, 24, of Ludington, Mich., died June 25 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Attack kills two soldiers (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died June 25 at Konar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.  They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

 Spc. Blair D. Thompson, 19, of Rome, N.Y.

Spc. Jared C. Plunk, 27, of Stillwater, Okla.

Pennsylvania Marine killed in Afghanistan  (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Joseph D. Caskey, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died June 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Attack kills Texas soldier (posted June 29, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 28, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

 Staff Sgt. Edwardo Loredo, 34, of Houston, Texas, died June 24 at Jelewar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Mississippi soldier killed in IED attack  (posted June 27, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced today, June 26, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Sgt. Robert N. Barton, 35, of Roxie, Miss., died June 7 in Konar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Army announces conversion of Fort Bliss unit  (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of the Army announced today, June 25, the conversion of 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas, from a modular heavy brigade combat team to a Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT).

1-1AD will convert to the modular SBCT structure of approximately 4,160 Soldiers effective January 2011. This force structure action represents an increase of approximately 420 military authorizations.

This conversion will take approximately 24 months for the unit to conduct new equipment training, fielding and collective training. The unit will enter the available force pool by second quarter fiscal year 2013. 

Rocket attack kills Kentucky soldier (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 24, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Russell E. Madden, 29, of Dayton, Ky., died June 23 at Charkh district, Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with rocket fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Conn Barracks, Germany. 

IED attack killsOregon soldier  (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 24, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Anthony T. Justesen, 22, of Wilsonville, Ore., died June 23 at Ganjkin village, Pusht Rod district, Farah province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to Troop B, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

Washington Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Joshua R. Dumaw, 23, of Spokane Valley, Wash., died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Nimruz province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. 

California Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Claudio Patino IV, 22, of Yorba Linda, Calif., died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. 

California Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted June 25, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 24, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Kevin A. Cueto, 23, of San Jose, Calif., died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Suicide bomber kills two soldiers (posted June 24, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 23, the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died June 21 at Lar Sholtan Village, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when a suicide bomber attacked their unit.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Pfc. David T. Miller, 19, of Wilton, N.Y.

Spc. Andrew R. Looney, 22, of Owasso, Okla.

Virginia soldier killed in Afghanistan  (posted June 24, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 23, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Sgt. Eddie Turner, 41, of Fort Belvoir, Va., died June 22 at Camp Clark, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Army Releases Findings of Wanat Review  (posted June 24, 2010)

Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced June 23, that the Army has completed action on the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) independent investigation of the July 13, 2008, battle fought by soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Wanat, Afghanistan.  This engagement claimed the lives of nine U.S. soldiers and resulted in 27 casualties.

On Jan. 27, McHugh appointed Gen. Charles Campbell, former commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, to review the CENTCOM investigation and take appropriate actions with regard to officers identified therein.  Campbell's examination involved a detailed analysis of the CENTCOM investigation, as well as a review of the original investigation conducted by the 101st Airborne Division.

On March 5, based upon his initial review of the CENTCOM investigation, Campbell initiated adverse administrative actions against former officers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team's chain of command.  As part of administrative due process, each officer was given full access to both the CENTCOM and 101st Airborne Division investigations.  Additionally, Campbell afforded each officer the opportunity to submit matters for his consideration.  They provided extensive additional written information to Campbell, which was not previously provided to the CENTCOM or the 101st Airborne Division investigators.  Campbell also met with each of the officers.

After careful consideration of the additional information, Campbell concluded that the officers were neither negligent nor derelict in the performance of their duties and that their actions were reasonable under the circumstances.  Therefore, he withdrew the adverse administrative actions.

"In every review and study conducted to date, the courage, valor, and discipline of the soldiers who fought at Wanat have been universally praised.  These soldiers were well-trained, well-led, and fought bravely to defeat a determined and intense enemy action to overrun their base in Wanat.  They persevered in a fashion that deserves broad recognition of their bravery and tenacity," said Gen. George Casey, the Army chief of staff.  "Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers."

"We can never alleviate the suffering felt by the families and friends of the incredibly brave soldiers who were killed and injured during this battle, or adequately express our sympathy for their loss," said McHugh.  "We remain grateful for and humbled by their extraordinary courage and valor."

In keeping with the Army's pledge to the families of the fallen soldiers, Campbell and Marine Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski, the investigating officer for the CENTCOM investigation, briefed the families earlier today at Fort McPherson, Ga.  As stated in his report, Campbell told the family members that the U.S. officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers and Marines at Wanat met the test of battle.  "By their valor and their skill, they successfully defended their positions and defeated a determined, skillful, and adaptable enemy who masses and attacks at times, ways and places of his choosing," Campbell said.

The redacted report of Campbell's review is available on-line at http://www.army.mil/wanat .  A redacted copy of the CENTCOM investigation is available at http://www2.centcom.mil/_layouts/AccessAgreement.aspx .  

Marine MIA from World War I Identified (posted June 23, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 22, that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War I, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Marine First Sergeant George H. Humphrey of Utica, N.Y., will be buried on Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.

On Sept. 15, 1918, Humphrey participated in the first U.S.-led offensive of the war under the command of Gen. John J. Pershing. The battle with the Germans became known as the St. Mihiel Offensive. There were 7,000 Allied losses during this offensive and it was the first use of the American use of the term "D-Day" and the first use of tanks by American units.

Humphrey, a member of the U.S. 6th Marine Regiment, attached to the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, was killed in action during the battle and his remains were buried by fellow Marines the next day. In October 1919, a Marine who witnessed the death wrote a letter to Humphrey's brother recounting the attack near the village of Rembercourt. He included a map of his recollection of the burial site.

Attempts to locate Humphrey's remains by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel following the war were unsuccessful. In September 2009, French nationals hunting for war relics found artifacts near Rembercourt-sur-Mad they believed to be those of a World War I American soldier. A month later, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command excavated the area, recovering human remains and military-related items including a marksman's badge with Humphrey's name engraved on the back.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC laboratory also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

Ohio soldier dies in Iraq (posted June 23, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 22, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend, 20, of Milford, Ohio, died June 21 at Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

New York Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted June 23, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Timothy G. Serwinowski, 21, of North Tonawanda, N.Y., died June 21 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Massachusetts soldier killed in Afghanistan (posted June 23, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Scott A. Andrews, 21, of Fall River, Mass., died June 21 at Forward Operating Base Lagman, Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 618th Engineer Support Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineers Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Ohio soldier killed in attack (posted June 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 2,1 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter, 25, of South Amherst, Ohio, died June 18 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

California soldier dies of wounds (posted June 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 2,1 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Nathan W. Cox, 27, of Fremont, Calif., died June 16 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained June 14 when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire at Near Forward Operating Base, Khogyani, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Virginia soldier killed in attack (posted June 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 21, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

 Pfc. Benjamin J. Park, 25, of Fairfax Station, Va., died June 18 at Zhari district, Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Two soldiers killed in attack (posted June 22, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 21, the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died June 16 at North Kunduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 161st Engineer Support Company, 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), 20th Engineer Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Spc. Joseph D. Johnson, 24, of Flint, Mich., and

Pfc. Gunnar R. Hotchkin, 31, of Naperville, Ill.

South Carolina soldier killed in Iraq (posted June 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Michael P. Cassidy, 41, of Simpsonville, S.C., died June 17 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

IED kills Florida sailor  (posted June 20, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Seaman William Ortega, 23, of Miami, Fla., died June 18 in Helmand  Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device blast while conducting combat operations against enemy forces.  Ortega was assigned as a hospital corpsman to Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

New York soldier killed in attack  (posted June 19, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Benjamin D. Osborn, 27, of Queensbury, N.Y., died June 15 in Shigalwashheltan district, Konar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Michigan Marine killed in Afghanistan  (posted June 18, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 17, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest, 23, of St. Clair, Mich., died June 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Missouri Marine killed in Afghanistan (posted June 18, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced June 17, the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Michael C. Bailey, 29, of Park Hills, Mo., died June 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

IED kills four Soldiers in Afghanistan (posted June 17, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced June 15, the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device June 7 in Konar, Afghanistan.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joshua A. Lukeala, 23, of Yigo, Guam;

Spc. Matthew R. Catlett, 23, of Houston, Texas;

Spc. Charles S. Jirtle, 29, of Lawton, Okla.; and

Spc. Blaine E. Redding, 22, of Plattsmouth, Neb.

Iowa Soldier dies in Iraq (posted June 16, 2010)  

The Department of Defense announced June 15, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Christopher W. Opat, 29, of Spencer, Iowa, died June 15 in Baquah, Iraq of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Omaha Beach, June 6, 2010  (posted June 16, 2010)  

Terry Fitzwater spent June 6, 2010 on Omaha Beach in France.

“Wow. That's all I can say,” Fitzwater said. “What a moving day. I'm still completely overwhelmed by what I saw today. I'm still choked up. Those brave men...it was almost impossible to imagine how they got up the beach, over those cliffs and into the hedgerow country. Another day I'll never forget.”
Pictured:  The war memorial on Dog Sector Green on Omaha Beach. Point Du Hoc is in the distance. This is at high tide, at 1 p.m. in the afternoon. That's why the assault divisions had to be off the beach before noon, or they all would've drowned because the 75 foot high cliffs are just on the other side of this sea wall. Omaha Beach--German view looking down where the Big Red One, the 1st Division, came ashore. Another view from the cliffs looking down on the landing beaches at high tide.

The same as three. This cross says it all.  Looking down Omaha Beach from the American cemetery at high tide. The Germans had numerous machine guns and mortar emplacements here. A perfect killing zone and field of fire. 

The Greatest Generation. We are their children. The ceiling of the memorial chapel in the American cemetery. The remainder of the Mulberry Harbor on the British or Gold Beach--66 years later. Photos by Terry Fitzwater.

Texas Soldier killed in Afghanistan (posted June 16, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 14, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, 24, of Smithville, Texas, died June 11 in Powrak, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.  He was assigned to the 264th Clearance Company, 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C. 

IED attack kills Virginia Soldier (posted June 16, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 14, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Brian M. Anderson, 24, of Harrisonburg, Va., died June 12 in Za Khel, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his vehicle using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Two soldiers killed in Iraq (posted June 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 14, the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

They died June 11 in Jalula, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Killed were:

Sgt. Israel P. Obryan, 24, of Newbern, Tenn., and

Spc. William C. Yauch, 23, of Batesville, Ark.

Arizona soldier killed in Afghanistan (posted June 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced June 14, the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Christian M. Adams, 26, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., died June 11 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Air Force MIAS from Vietnam War are Identified  (posted June 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced June 14, that the remains of four U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are Capt. Peter H. Chapman, II, Centerburg, Ohio; Tech. Sgt.  Allen J. Avery, Auburn, Mass.; Tech. Sgt. Roy D. Prater, Tiffin, Ohio; and Sgt. James H. Alley, Plantation, Fla., all U.S. Air Force.

Prater is to be buried in Columbia City, Ind., on June 19.  Other burials are being scheduled individually by the families of the airmen.

On April 6, 1972, six airmen were flying a combat search and rescue mission in their HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter over Quang Tri Province in South Vietnam when they were hit by enemy ground fire and crashed.  Joint U.S. – Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) field investigations from 1989 to 1992, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), yielded evidence leading to an excavation at the crash site in 1994 as well as two reported burial sites.  Team members recovered human remains and personal effects as well as aircraft debris.  As a result of these recoveries, all six men on the aircraft were accounted-for in 1997 and buried as a group at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.   Three were individually identified at that time.  Recent technical advances enabled JPAC to identify additional remains to be those of Prater.

Previously, in 1988, the S.R.V. turned over remains they attributed to an American serviceman, however, the name did not match anyone lost or missing from the Vietnam War.  The remains were held by JPAC pending improved technology which might have facilitated an identification later.

In the mid-2000s, JPAC's laboratory gained increased scientific capability to associate the 1988 remains to the correct loss.  The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)  tested these remains against all those servicemembers who were MIA from the Vietnam War with negative results.  In 2009, AFDIL expanded its search to make comparisons with previously- resolved individuals.  As a result of AFDIL's mitochondrial DNA testing, JPAC scientists determined that these remains were associated with four of the six airmen from the 1972 crash.

Two Pennsylvania soldiers killed in Afghanistan (posted June 15, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died June 11 at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, Connellsville, Pa.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Fike, 38, of Conneautville, Pa.

Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Hoover, 29, of West Elizabeth, Pa.

WWII Pearl Harbor Sailor Identified  (posted June 12, 2010)

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman missing in action from World War II has been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. 

He is U.S. Navy Fireman Third Class Gerald G. Lehman, of Hancock, Mich.  He will be buried Saturday in Hancock.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, the battleship USS Oklahoma suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized.  As a result, 429 sailors and Marines died.  Following the attack, 36 of these servicemen were identified and the remaining 393 were buried as unknowns in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

In 2003, an independent researcher contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) with information he believed indicated that one of the USS Oklahoma casualties who was buried as an unknown could be positively identified.  After reviewing the case, JPAC exhumed the casket and discovered that it contained Lehman's remains. 

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of his sister and nieces -- in the identification of Lehman's remains.  

More than 400,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II died.  At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 as known persons. They include those buried with honor as unknowns, those lost at sea, and those missing in action. That number also includes the 1,100 sailors entombed in the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Today, more than 72,000 Americans remain unaccounted-for from WW II.

California Marine dies in Afghanistan (posted June 12, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Gavin R. Brummund, 22, of Arnold, Calif., died June 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

New York Marine dies in Afghanistan (posted June 11, 2010)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Michael G. Plank, 25, of Cameron Mills, N.Y., died June 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.