R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson, 30, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 1 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit on April 27, with an improvised explosive device in Arian, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) public affairs office at 910-689-6187.

---

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson, 30, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 1 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit on April 27, with an improvised explosive device in Arian, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. In the service for 10 years, SSG Simpson had been stationed in Afghanistan only about two weeks when he was wounded by a bomb while riding an ATV.
Simpson enlisted in the Army in April, 2003, as an Infantryman. Upon completion of basic training and Advanced Individual Training, Simpson was assigned to Company D, 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, as a Rifleman. In 2006, Simpson was assigned to Company C, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and deployed in 2007 as a fire team leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Simpson volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course and completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in July 2011.
He was assigned to Company C, 4th BN, 1st SFG (A) as a weapons sergeant. He participated in the multilateral exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand in 2012 and recently deployed in support of OEF-A. His military education includes the Special Forces Qualification Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course, Hazmat Driver Instructor’s Course, Joint Armorers Training Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.
His awards and decorations include, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “2″ device, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

---
The elder Simpson was a career U.S. Ranger and Special Operations officer during his 24 years of active duty, with a “long tour in Iraq with conventional forces” in 2007, followed by “two short tours in Afghanistan with special operations forces.”
His oldest son also deployed to Iraq with Special Forces, and his youngest son, Michael H. Simpson, “deployed during the height of the 'surge' to Iraq for 15 months as an infantryman and is now Special Forces, like his dad and older brother,” the father wrote in the 2011 piece.
The “middle son” was on a second tour of Iraq as an infantryman, Simpson noted at the time.

---

Michael W. Simpson said the family was not caught unprepared by the news — he has two older sons also in the military.
“We're warriors,” Simpson said in a previous interview. “We know that these things happen.”

Related articles

• RIP SSG Michael H Simpson (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson, 30 (goodsoldiersorg.wordpress.com)
• AMERICAN HEROES: Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson, Spc. Trinidad Santiago Jr.,Pfc. Charles P. McClur (gloucestercitynews.net)
• DoD confirms details in GI's death (mysanantonio.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. 1st Class James F. Grissom

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Sgt. 1st Class James F. Grissom, 31, of Hayward, Calif., died March 21 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered from small arms fire March 18 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact the Special Forces Command (Airborne) public affairs office at 910-689-6187.

---

Grissom graduated from Mt. Eden High School in 1999 and attended college at the Art Institute of San Francisco, earning his Associate's Degree in Computer Animation.

He enlisted in the Army in June, 2003, under the 18X Special Forces Enlistment Program.After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in October, 2005, Grissom was assigned to 2ndBattalion., 1st SFG (A) JBLM. During his time with 2nd Battalion, Grissom deployed on several JCETs (Joint Combined Exchange Training), and deployed to Iraq in 2009. Grissom wasre-assigned to 4thBattalion in Nov. 2010 as an engineersergeant and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan in 2012.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze star Medal.

Related articles

• RIP SFC James F Grissom (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Remembering Sgt. 1st Class James F. Grissom (joanmoseley.wordpress.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. David J. Chambers

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

            Sgt. David J. Chambers, 25, of Hampton, Va., died Jan. 16, in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact the 7th Infantry Division public affairs office at 253-477-0173 or 253-477-0174/5602.  After 5 p.m. PST, call 253-477-5543, and ask for the 7th Infantry Division public affairs officer on call.

---

from puyallup.patch.com:

By Brent Champaco
January 17, 2013

The 25-year-old from Hampton, VA was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. He died Wednesday in the Panjwai district, Kandahar province. According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. David J. Chambers, 25, of Hampton, VA, died Jan. 16, in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

He encountered an enemy improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol.

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. His unit is assigned to Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division when at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Sgt. Chambers entered the Army in May 2009 and reported to Fort Benning, GA for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training MOS 11B (Infantryman). Upon graduation from AIT, he was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany and was deployed to Afghanistan with that unit from June 2010 to May 2011. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Oct. 2011 and was assigned to 1-38 Inf. He deployed to Afghanistan in November 2012.

Sgt. Chambers’ civilian and military education includes completion of 2 years of college credit (2008), Military Occupational Specialty: 11B – Infantryman (2009), and the Warrior Leader Course (2012).

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal with 3rd oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Driver’s Badge.

On behalf of the 7th Infantry Division and the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Chambers.

-7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Related articles

• RIP SGT David J Chambers (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Markie T. Sims

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Fla., died Dec. 29 in Panjwal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact I Corps Public Affairs, Joint Base Lewis-McChord at 253-208-0576.

---

from KING5 News:

Posted on December 31, 2012 at 6:07 AM

A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Florida, died Dec. 29. He was assigned to the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Pfc. Sims entered the Army in November 2011 and upon completing Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, in MOS 12B (Combat Engineer) he was assigned to JBLM.

This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards and decoration include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Related articles

• Fallen But Not Forgotten - Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Fla., died Dec. 29 in Panjwal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. (thecommunicatorwv.wordpress.com)
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier killed in Afghanistan (blogs.seattletimes.com)
• JBLM soldier killed in Afghanistan (krem.com)
• JBLM soldier killed in Afghanistan (king5.com)
• JBLM soldier killed in Afghanistan (q13fox.com)
• Soldier From Florida Killed In Afghanistan (tampa.cbslocal.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid, 26, of Rochester, N.Y., died Dec. 13 in Landstuhl, Germany from wounds suffered on Dec. 9, in Sperwan Village, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company (EOD), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information please contact I Corps public affairs office at 253-208-0576.

---

from democratandchronicle.com:

A 2004 Brockport High School graduate has died from injuries suffered Dec. 9 in southern Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid, 26, died Thursday from the injuries he suffered in Sperwan Village, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device, the Department of Defense said.

Staff Sgt. Reid died in a Landstuhl, Germany, hospital.

Officials said he was assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company (EOD), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

A neighbor confirmed that Reid is the son of Kenneth and Dorothy Reid of Fairview Drive in Brockport, but no one was home Friday afternoon, and the neighbor said the Reids had requested that neighbors not talk to the media.

Along Main Street in the village, word was just trickling out Friday about Reid’s death. Tristan Brown, 27, said his death is another loss for a community still shaken by the Sept. 29 beating death of a freshman in her dorm room at The College at Brockport.

Brown said he was an acquaintance of Reid’s in high shool. “He seemed like a real cool kid,” he said. “Nothing struck you about him that he was bad in any way, he was quiet and real cool.”

According to a Brockport High School yearbook, Reid was a member of the district’s Devil’s Den, a group of avid fans who support the Brockport Blue Devils at sporting events.

In a written statement, Brockport Central School District Superintendent Lesli Myers said the district’s thoughts and prayers are with the family.

“The loss of one of our own is deeply felt across our community,” she said. “We are so proud and humbled that Nicholas was a part of our community and all he meant to Brockport. We are especially grateful for the sacrifice he ultimately made for our country.”

Related articles

• RIP SSG Nicholas J Reid (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid, 26 (goodsoldiersorg.wordpress.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams

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

            Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the 7th Infantry Division public affairs office by calling 253-477-5602 or 253-477-0173/0174.  After 5 p.m. PST, call 253-477-5543, and ask for the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer on call.

---

from universityplace.patch.com:
By Brent Champaco
December 11, 2012

Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, the 25-year-old died Monday in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to unit records, Staff Sgt. Williams entered the Army in July 2005 and reported to Fort Benning, Ga., for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman). He completed Airborne School in 2005, and received the Special Qualification Identifier of Parachutist. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR), Vilseck, Germany, in March of 2006. He deployed with 2nd SCR as a Radio Telephone Operator from August 2007 until October 2008. In February 2009, Williams was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He deployed to Iraq as a Rifleman from September 2009 to August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan as a Squad Leader in November.

Staff Sgt. Williams’ civilian and military education includes a High School diploma (2005), Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2005), Airborne School (2005), and the Warrior Leaders Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral “3”), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Williams.

-Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Related articles

• RIP SSG Wesley R Williams (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• American Hero: Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio (gloucestercitynews.net)
• JBLM soldier killed by Afghanistan bomb (thenewstribune.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr.

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

            Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25, of Rocky Mount, N.C., died Nov. 13, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information related to this release, media may contact the 7th Infantry Division public affairs office at 253-477-5602 or 253-477-0173/0174.  After 5 p.m. PST, call 253-477-5543 and ask for the 7th Infantry Division public affairs officer on call.

---

from puyallup.patch.com:

By Brent Champaco, November 16, 2012
The 25-year-old from Rocky Mount, NC, died Tuesday in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

According to the Department of Defense, Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25, of Rocky Mount, NC, died Nov. 13, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, which is attached to Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Staff Sgt. Battle entered the Army in June 2005 and reported to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training MOS 12B (Combat Engineer). Upon graduation from AIT, he arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Nov. 2005. He was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group Support Battalion, as a gunner. He deployed with the unit to Iraq from May 2008 to February 2009. In September 2009, he was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company as a team leader. He deployed to Iraq from February 2010 to September 2010. In November 2012, he deployed to Afghanistan, this time as a squad leader.

Staff Sgt. Battle’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2005), Military Occupational Specialty 12B: Combat Engineer (2005), Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Medical Care Courses (2006), Airborne School (2007), Combatives Level I (2007), Bus Drivers Course (2007), Warrior Leaders Course (2011), Information Assurance Certification Program (2011), Short Range Marksmanship Course (2011), Combatives Level 2 (2011), and the Advanced Leaders Course (2012).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 3 campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral “2”, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “2”, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver’s Badge.

On behalf of the 7th Infantry Division and the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Battle.

Related articles

• American Hero: Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25, of Rocky Mount, N.C. | cnbnews (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25 (goodsoldiersorg.wordpress.com)
• 25-year-old NC soldier dies in Afghanistan (wtkr.com)
• Rocky Mount Soldier Killed In Afghanistan (witn.com)
• NC-born Army soldier killed in Afghanistan (myfox8.com)
• NC-born Army soldier killed in Afghanistan (seattletimes.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Bennett

Staff Sgt. Kennetth Wade Bennett

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Kenneth W. Bennett, 26, of Glendora, Calif., died Nov. 10, in Sperwan Gar, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when he encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations.

            He was assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company (EOD), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information related to this release, the media may contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-208-0576.

---

from thenewstribune:

Adam Ashton; Staff writer
Published: Nov. 11, 2012 at 10:56 p.m. PST — Updated: Nov. 11, 2012 at 11:21 p.m. PST

A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier trained to disable the enemy’s lethal, handmade bombs in Afghanistan was killed by an explosive on Saturday, the Defense Department announced Sunday night.

Kenneth Wade Bennett, 26, of Glendora, Calif., was killed in the Sperwan Gar area of Kandahar province. He was assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company of Lewis-McChord’s 3rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion.

EOD companies belonging to the 3rd battalion are serving throughout southern Afghanistan in small teams this year, attaching themselves to infantry units patrolling through dangerous terrain in the Taliban’s birthplace.

Bennett was on his third deployment to Afghanistan. He served there from August 2007 to November 2008 and from March 2010 to March 2011.

He deployed for his last mission there in September.

Bennett joined the Army in 2004 and trained to become an explosive ordnance technician in 2006. He has been assigned to Lewis-McChord since 2009.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze loops, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, as well as other awards and ribbons.

He is the 32nd Lewis-McChord soldier to die in Afghanistan this year, and the first from Lewis-McChord units in his EOD battalion since the spring of 2010.

Related articles

• RIP Kenneth W Bennett (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Enemy bomb kills JBLM soldier in Afghanistan on 3rd deployment (thenewstribune.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Brandon L. Buttry

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Brandon L. Buttry, 19, of Shenandoah, Iowa, died Nov. 5, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. 

            Buttry was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the 7th Infantry Division public affairs office at 253-477-5746 or 253-477-0174.  If after duty hours, media may call 253-477-5543 and ask for the 7th Infantry Division public affairs officer.

---

from wfcourier:

SHENANDOAH, Iowa  --- A U.S. Army soldier from Iowa was killed in Afghanistan, his family said Monday.

 Pfc. Brandon Buttry, 19, of Shenandoah, was killed while manning a watch tower, his uncle, Steve Buttry, of Hendon, Va., said. He said it's unclear when his nephew was killed and he did not have more details. His parents, Don and Pam Buttry, of Shenandoah, were notified early Monday, Steve Buttry said.

He said they were told there were "multiple casualties" but had no other information.

The Department of Defense had not confirmed Brandon Buttry's death.

Buttry was one of 14 children, his uncle said. Don and Pam Buttry, had three biological children (former Wartburg track star Missy Buttry Rock is his older sister), then 11 adopted. Brandon is second-oldest of the adopted kids, one of three 19-year-olds in the family, Steve Buttry said.

Steve Buttry is the former editor of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

"He enlisted before he turned 19, but he couldn't actually join until his 19th birthday. I remember him counting down the days on Facebook," Steve Buttry said.

Brandon Buttry completed basic training in May at Fort Benning, Ga., and was transferred to Fort Lewis in Washington state with the 123rd Infantry Regiment, Steve Buttry said. He was deployed to Afghanistan in August.

"He wasn't allowed to tell his parents where he was stationed in Afghanistan. I presume we'll find that out shortly."

Steve Buttry said his nephew was outgoing and they chatted at family gatherings and on Facebook when he was in Afghanistan.

"I'd get a little `what's up' message on my Facebook and we'd chat. It would be a sentence or two back and forth and I'd tell him to stay safe. Obviously in Afghanistan, you can't do that."

Related articles

• RIP PFC Brandon L Buttry (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Shenandoah native killed in Afghanistan (omaha.com)
• Iowa soldier killed in Afghanistan, uncle says (thegazette.com)
• Iowa Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, Uncle Says (kcrg.com)
• FALLEN SOLDIER: Iowan Killed In Afghanistan (whotv.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Robert J. Billings

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

            Sgt. Robert J. Billings, 30, of Clarksville, Va., died Oct. 13, in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office by calling 253-477-5746 or 253-477-0174.  After duty hours, call 253-477-5543, and ask for the 7th Infantry Division public affairs officer on call.

---

from The Suburban Times:

According to unit records, Sgt. Billings entered the Army in January 2006 and reported to Fort Benning, Ga. for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training MOS 11B (Infantryman). Upon graduation from AIT he was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in June 2009 and was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. He deployed with 4th Stryker Brigade to Iraq from September 2009 – August 2010. Sgt. Billings was assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in January 2011. He deployed to Afghanistan with 3rd Stryker Brigade in December 2011. This was his second deployment.

Sgt. Billings’ civilian and military education includes High School Diploma (2001), Associates in Arts, Criminal Justice (2012), Field Sanitation Team Certification (2011), Unit Prevention Leader (2011), Airload Planner (2011), Warrior Leader Course (2010), Combatives Level 1 (2010), Combat Life Savers Course (2009), Force XXI Battle Command Brigade (2007), Military Occupational Specialty: 11B- Infantryman (2006).

His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (two awards), NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, Combat Infantry Badge.

Related articles

• RIP SGT Robert J Billings (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Virginia soldier killed in Afghanistan (timesdispatch.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Spc. Brittany B. Gordon

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Brittany B. Gordon, 24, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Oct. 13, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked her unit with an improvised explosive device.  She was assigned to the 572 Military Intelligence Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office by calling 253-477-5746 or 253-477-0174.  After duty hours, call 253-477-5543, and ask for the 7th Infantry Division public affairs officer on call.

---

from Tampa Bay Times:
By Kameel Stanley, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Tuesday, October 16, 2012

...

Gordon is the daughter of St. Petersburg assistant police chief Cedric Gordon and his former wife, Brenda Gordon. The 24-year-old grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 2006.

She is the first female soldier from the Tampa Bay area killed in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Her family was notified of her death Saturday. Her remains arrived early Monday morning at Dover Air Force Base.

Family members said Brittany Gordon's parents met the body in Delaware. Services have not been announced yet.

"I know that Chief Gordon was extremely proud of Brittany and all that she accomplished in her life," police Chief Chuck Harmon said in a statement. "Her life of service and especially service to her country stand as a testament to the type of person she was."

Family friend Cynthia Jolliff-Johnson said Brittany Gordon was vivacious.

"She was kind. She was compassionate. She really had a joie de vivre," Jolliff-Johnson said.

Gordon joined the military in 2010. This was her first deployment. She was assigned to the 572 Military Intelligence Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, the military said.

Gordon worked in military communications, relatives said. She was scheduled to return home in December.

Some 20,000 of the 205,000 service members serving in Afghanistan are women, according to the Department of Defense. Pentagon statistics show that, as of Monday, 152 military women have been killed and 947 wounded in combat and noncombat incidents in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Defense Department says there have been more than 2,000 total military deaths in Afghanistan.

Gordon is the 12th female soldier from Florida to die in the wars.
...
Read the full article here: http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/war/suicide-attack-killed-female-soldier-from-st-pete-says-cw-bill-young/1256498

Related articles

• RIP SPC Brittany B Gordon (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord killed in Afghanistan (blogs.seattletimes.com)
• 2 Lewis-McChord soldiers killed in Afghanistan bombings (komonews.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Thomas R. Macpherson

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

             Sgt. Thomas R. Macpherson, 26, of Long Beach, Calif., died Oct. 12, in Andar District, Afghanistan, from small arms fire while on patrol during combat operations.  He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

             For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 75th Ranger Regiment public affairs office at 706-545-8407 or 706-570-5091.

---

 from presstelegram

By Nick Green, Staff Writer

Posted:   10/14/2012 11:49:22 AM PDT

Updated:   10/14/2012 12:30:16 PM PDT

A 26-year-old Long Beach native and married father of one was killed in a heavy firefight in Afghanistan as he led an assault against an enemy position, U.S. Army officials said Sunday.
Sgt. Thomas R. MacPherson, a graduate of Los Alamitos High School, was killed by small arms fire in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.
MacPherson "selflessly lived his life for others and distinguished himself as a member of the Army's premier direct action raid force," Army officials said.
"Sgt. Tom MacPherson lost his life courageously leading his Rangers into a close quarters fight with the enemy," Lt. Col. Gregory Anderson, Commander of 2 nd Battalion, 75 th Ranger Regiment, said in a statement. "Tommy MacPherson never backed away from the dangers of combat, and his warrior spirit, personal example, and zeal for life continue to inspire all who knew him. "We will honor his service to our nation and the heroic example he set for all Rangers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the MacPherson family."
MacPherson is survived by his wife, Claudia MacPherson, and their son, Brayden, of Tacoma, Wash., and his parents, Troy and Diona MacPherson of Long Beach.
MacPherson was a team leader assigned to Company D, 2 nd Battalion, 75 th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. This was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan and he had also previously served one deployment in Iraq.
"Sgt. Thomas MacPherson personified the traits of the consummate Ranger: commitment and courage," Col. Mark W. Odom, commander of the 75 th Ranger Regiment, said in a statement. "He deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq multiple times and always seemed to be at the critical points on the battlefield."
MacPherson was born July 20, 1986, in Long Beach.
He enlisted in the Army in May 2007 and completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga.
After graduating from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program he initially served as a mortarman with the 75 th Ranger Regiment. After three years, he was assigned to Company D where he served as a fire team leader.
His military education included the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course and the Warrior Leader Course.
His awards and decorations included the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the U.S. Army Expert Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge.
MacPherson has also been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service and Purple Heart.

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Nena, Spc. Nelson, Pfc. Bedoy, Pfc. Townsend

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

            They died Sept. 16 in Zabul province, Afghanistan of injuries suffered when their position was attacked with small arms fire. 

            Killed were:

            Sgt. Sapuro B. Nena, 25, of Honolulu, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.,

            Spc. Joshua N. Nelson, 22, Greenville, N.C., assigned to 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga.,

            Pfc. Genaro Bedoy, 20, of Amarillo, Texas, assigned to 52nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and

            Pfc. Jon R. Townsend, 19, Claremore, Okla., assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information on Nena, Bedoy and Townsend the media may contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or after work hours: 253-370-9861.

            For more information on Nelson the media may contact the Fort Gordon public affairs office at 706-791-6001.

---

Sgt. Sapuro Brightly Nena, 25, of Honolulu, Hawaii died Sept. 16th, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infa

ntry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The DOD news release only stated that the four died “of injuries suffered when their position was attacked with small arms fire”, however, multiple news sources including "Stars and Stripes" report that the deaths were the result of an insider attack (green on blue).

According to unit records, Sgt. Nena entered the Army in May 2008 and upon completing Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, in MOS 19K (Armor Crewman) he was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. While at Fort Bliss he deployed to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from May 2009- 2010. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in August 2010 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed to Afghanistan with his brigade in December 2011. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan. Sgt. Nena’s civilian and military education includes High School Diploma (2006), Combat Life Savers Course (2010), Military Occupational Specialty: 19K Armor Crewman (2008).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Citation (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), NATO Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles.

---

Specialist Joshua N. Nelson, 22, of Greenville, N.C., died Sept. 16th, 2012 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to D Company, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, at Fort Gordon, Ga.

The DOD news release only stated that the four died “of injuries suffered when their position was attacked with small arms fire”, however, multiple news sources including "Stars and Stripes" report that the deaths were the result of an insider attack (green on blue).

According to unit records, Nelson entered the Army in March 2011 and reported to Fort Jackson, S.C. for Army Basic Training. He received his Advance Individual Training, in MOS 35N (Signals Intelligence analyst) at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. He arrived at Fort Gordon in December 2011 and was assigned to the D Company, 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, then later to D Company, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan in May. This was his first deployment.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

---

Pfc. Genaro Bedoy, 20, of Amarillo, Texas, died Sept. 16th, 2012 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 52nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The DOD news release only stated that the four died “of injuries suffered when their position was attacked with small arms fire”, however, multiple news sources including "Stars and Stripes" report that the deaths were the result of an insider attack (green on blue), while responding to a call for assistance by an Afghan Police checkpoint that was under attack.

Bedoy is survived by a wife and infant child.

---

Pfc. Jon R. Townsend, 19, Claremore, Okla., died Sept. 16th, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry

Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

A 2011 high school graduate, Townsend married his wife, Brittany, when he was on leave this spring. The couple spent only a few days together before he returned to Afghanistan, Townsend’s mother, Karen Nelson told Tulsa World newspaper.

http://www.facebook.com/FIF.HOH

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Louis R. Torres

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Sgt. Louis R. Torres, 23, of Oberlin, Ohio, died Aug. 22, in San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy improvised explosive device, Aug. 6, in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

            Torres was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---

from cleveland.com:

By Tonya Sams

Published: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 9:09 PM     Updated: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 10:29 PM

OBERLIN, Ohio — A 23-year-old soldier from Oberlin died Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas, after being injured Aug. 6 while on duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Louis R. Torres was injured by "an enemy improvised explosive device," according to a news release from the Department of Defense.

"He was very outgoing, very much a leader," said his mother, Armanda Ellis. "He loved fighting for his country."

The decorated soldier joined the Army in June 2008 after graduating from Lorain County Joint Vocation School in Oberlin. While at JVS he played football and took classes in law enforcement and security.

"I knew something was up," said Ellis, referring to his interest in the military while in high school. "During his 12th-grade year, I kept getting calls from the Army and Marines. I kept hanging up on them."

Ellis remembers that even as a 5- or 6-year-old Torres loved to play with military men. He was also a history buff, sitting in front of the television watching the History Channel, learning about various wars and battles.

Two weeks after graduating, Torres told his mother that he needed his birth certificate because he had joined the Army.

Torres immediately started training at Fort Benning in Georgia. By October 2008 he was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He was deployed to Iraq from August 2009 from June 2010. He deployed with his brigade to Afghanistan last December, according to Department of Defense. He had just more than a month remaining on his tour.

Torres had just visited his family in Oberlin at the end of June. He returned to duty July 2, a few days before his birthday on July 5.

Ellis said that her other son, Alberto Torres, 24, who was also stationed in Afghanistan, was told by officials that his brother had been injured. He accompanied Torres to Germany before being transferred to San Antonio. Military officials awarded Louis Torres a Purple Heart after he arrived in San Antonio. He had already won a number of honors, including Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

"He was a leader, not a follower," his mother said. "He was very kind-hearted and a great son. He was always thinking of me. He made sure that I was on Facebook so he could tell me Happy Mother's Day and Valentine's Day."

He wanted to wait before starting a family.

"He was trying to do it right," his mother said.

Besides his mother, older brother Alberto and father Alberto Torres Sr., he also is survived by his brother, Andre Ellis, 18, and a sister, Ayanna Morrison, 14.

A memorial service will be held at the hospital in San Antonio. He should return to Oberlin next week with services to possibly be held Friday, Aug. 31.

"I'm very proud of him," said Ellis. " He was so dedicated. He was good at what he did."

Related articles

• RIP SGT Louis R Torres (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Oberlin Soldier Wounded in Afghanistan Dies (fox8.com)
• JBLM Stryker soldier dies from wounds suffered in Afghanistan (komonews.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. David V. Williams

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Sgt. David V. Williams, 24, of Frederick, Md., died Aug. 18, in Kandahar, Afghanistan.  The cause of death is under investigation.

            He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---

from lakewood.patch.com:

By Brent Champaco
The 24-year-old from Maryland died Saturday near Kandahar. The cause of death is under investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

(Editor's note: This is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. David V. Williams, 24, of Frederick, Md. died Aug. 18, near Kandahar, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The cause of death is under investigation. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to unit records, Sgt. Williams entered the U.S the U.S. Army in August 2008. Upon completion of Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, in MOS 42A (Human Resource Specialist), he was stationed at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February 2011 and was assigned to the Headquarters – Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He deployed to Afghanistan with his brigade in April 2012. This was his first deployment.

Sgt. Williams’ civilian and military education includes High School Diploma (2006), Combat Life Savers Course (2010), Military Occupational Specialty 42A: Human Resource Specialist (2008).

His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Williams.
  
 

Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Michael R. Demarsico II

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Michael R. Demarsico II, of North Adams, Mass., died Aug. 16 in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy improvised device.  Demarsico was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---

from lakewood.patch.com:

JBLM Stryker Soldier Pfc. Michael R. Demarisco II Dies in Afghanistan
The 20-year-old was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

By Brent Champaco
(Editor's note: This is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord)
According to the Dept. of Defense, Pfc. Michael R. Demarsico,II, 20, of North Adams, Mass. died Aug. 16, near Panjwa’I, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he encountered an enemy improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to unit records, Pfc. Demarsico entered the U.S the U.S. Army in February 2011 and reported to Fort Benning, Ga. for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in MOS 11B (Infantryman). Upon completion of training he arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in July 2011 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He deployed to Afghanistan with his brigade in December 2011. This was his first deployment.

Pfc. Demarsico’s civilian and military education includes High School Diploma, Combatives Level One (2011), Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2011).

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pfc. Demarsico.

Related articles

• RIP PFC Michael R DeMarsico II (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Mass. soldier killed in Afghanistan (wcvb.com)
• JBLM soldier from Mass. killed in Afghanistan (king5.com)
• Soldier from Mass. killed in Afghanistan (bostonherald.com)
• Mass. soldier killed in Afghanistan (wpri.com)

Read More

R.I.P. - 1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs, Sgt. John E. Hansen

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

                 They died July 26 in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when they encountered an enemy improvised explosive device.  These soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

                 Killed were:

                                 1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs, 23, of Redding, Calif., and

                                Sgt. John E. Hansen, 41, of Austin, Texas.

                 For more information pertaining to this release, please contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---

from universityplace.patch.com / Joint Base Lewis-McChord :

1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs

According to unit records, 1st Lt. Jacobs entered the active Army in May 2010 after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. 1st Lt. Jacobs’ military branch was 13A, Field Artillery. Follow USMA graduation he received is artillery officer training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February 2011. Upon arrival he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his first deployment.

1st Lt. Jacob’s education includes U.S. Military Academy, West Point (2010) and 13A: Field Artillery Officer training (2011).

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Air Assault Badge.



Sgt. John E. Hansen

Sgt. Hansen entered the U.S. Air Force in October 1999 (no further information). In September 2006 he joined the U.S. Army and reported to Fort Sill, Okla., for Initial Army Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist). Sgt. Hansen had assignments at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Bragg, N.C., before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Dec. 2011, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with this unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his second deployment. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Dec. 2007 to Feb. 2009.

Sgt. Hansen’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (1989) and Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist), Warrior Leader Course (2007), Combat Lifesaver Course (2008), and U.S. Army Airborne School (2010).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation, Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Basic Supply-Fuels Qualification Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of 1st Lt. Jacobs and Sgt. Hansen.

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Michael E. Ristau

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Sgt. Michael E. Ristau, 25, of Rockford, Ill., died July 13 in Qalat, Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device. 

            He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information please contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---

from Battle Company Project,

tons of pictures there, remembering Ristau

Rest In Peace
Sgt. Michael Eugene Risteau
1985 – 2012
Posted on July 15, 2012

One of our Battle Company soldiers has been killed during combat in Afghanistan.

Please remember in your prayers this one brave, quiet young soldier:

Sgt. Michael Eugene Risteau

We ask you also to pray for his family and friends, plus all the soldiers fighting with him in Afghanistan including the two soldiers who were injured in the same combat incident.

One of the soldiers in his unit remembered him this way: “Another 5-20 brother lost. May he rest in peace for he has done his time in hell.”

Michael was born on December 20, 1985, at Cascade, Iowa. He died July 13, 2012 in while fighting with the United States Army in Afghanistan.

A native of Cascade, Iowa, Michael, 27, graduated from Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Waveland, Mississippi, in 2004 and enlisted in the Army about a month later. He was married to Elizabeth Risteau on June 18, 2011 and they have one son, Hyle Lee Risteau, who was born at Tacoma on Nov. 28., 2011, just days before he deployed to Afghanistan.

The soldiers injured during the same combat incident that killed Sgt. Risteau are Pvt. Dakota C. Vojta and Pvt. Teddy Wilson

Read More