R.I.P. - CWO2 Jose L. Montenegro Jr., CWO2 Thalia S. Ramirez

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

            They died Sept. 5, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when their aircraft crashed.  They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose L. Montenegro Jr., 31, of Houston, Texas, and

            Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thalia S. Ramirez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas.

            For more information related to this release, media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-309-5561.

---

from 82nd Aviation Brigade:

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Two pilots from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, died Sept. 5 when their OH-58D Kiowa Warrior went down in Logar province, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officers 2 Jose Montenegro Jr. and Thalia Ramirez were nearing the end of a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Chief Warrant Officers 2 Montenegro and Ramirez exemplified the Army values and warrior spirit every day of their lives,” said U.S. Army Col. T.J. Jamison, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander. “They were two courageous air cavalrymen and outstanding Americans. My deepest condolences go out to both their families. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Montenegro, 31, of San Juan, Texas, originally joined the U.S. Army in 2001 as an enlisted infantryman.

“He loved his country and was proud to do what was asked of him, without question, without hesitation,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason England, Troop F, 1-17 Air Cavalry Regiment, 82nd CAB, 82nd Airborne Division. “Most of us know that nothing reveals true character like a firefight. Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to fight alongside him know that Monte was the warrior he seemed and more.”

Montenegro, or “Monte,” as his friends called him, earned OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aviator qualification in 2008, and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course in 2009, upon which he was assigned to the 82nd CAB at Fort Bragg, N.C. This was his third deployment; Montenegro previously deployed to Iraq in 2004 and Afghanistan in 2010.

“He would not have us mourn for him,” said England in a memorial ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 7. “He died on the field of battle with his boots on and a rifle in his hand. He has gone to his rest, to the open arms of a loving Savior. The world is a lesser place now that it lacks Monte’s presence. We have lost a true and faithful friend, and our nation has lost one of its great warriors.”

Montenegro’s awards include the Air Medal with Valor 4th device, Air Medal 2nd device, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 3rd device, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge and the Army Aviator Badge.

He is survived by his mother, Reyna Torres, and sister, Liliana Montenegro.

Ramirez, 28, originally of Nairobi, Kenya, and most recently a Raeford, N.C., resident, joined the U.S. Army in 2003 as an enlisted water purification specialist.

“She was a true quiet professional, and an incredible role model to so many,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Landy Dunham, commander, Task Force Talon, 82nd CAB, 82nd Airborne Division. “Thalia never failed to set the perfect example of a confident and competent warrior. She was fearless, and loved her job. She selflessly risked everything, on a regular basis, in defense of her brothers and sisters in arms.”

She earned OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aviator qualification in 2008, and was assigned to the 82nd CAB in 2009. This was her second deployment. Ramirez had flown more than 270 missions and 650 hours in the course of the one-year deployment.

“Thalia was not afraid of the enemy, and loved her job,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Panza, Troop F, 1-17 Air Cavalry Regiment, 82nd CAB, 82nd Airborne Division. “In June, I was in an engagement with Thalia where our aircraft were being engaged by insurgents with [machine guns] in multiple locations. Both aircraft took battle damage, but we continued the fight. We took out all the insurgents we could, then contained the enemy with our M4 [rifles] until we could hand over the fight. That’s the kind of warrior Thalia was.”

Ramirez’s awards include the Air Medal 3rd device, the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 2nd device, NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Aviator Badge.

“As we finish up this deployment and return home, in some way remember my friend Thalia,” said Panza at the Sept. 7 ceremony on Bagram Air Field honoring both pilots. “Whether it’s a moment of silence, a toast, or a prayer to whatever divine power you believe in. Just a small gesture for someone who made a huge sacrifice doing what she believed in.”

Ramirez leaves behind her husband, Jesse Belbeck, in the U.S., and mother and father, Justin Ramirez and Alexandra Moll, in Kenya.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thalia Ramirez

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Col. T.J. Jamison, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, of Broken Arrow, Okla., awards U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thalia Ramirez, of Nairobi, Kenya, with the Air Medal Aug. 30, 2012, on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Ramirez, an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot assigned to Troop F, 1-17 Air Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, was killed when her helicopter crashed in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon)
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon, Courtesy / U.S. Army

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose Montenegro, Jr.

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Col. T.J. Jamison, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade commander, of Broken Arrow, Okla., awards Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose Montenegro, Jr., of San Juan, Texas, with the Air Medal Aug. 30, 2012, on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Montnegro, an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot assigned to Troop F, 1-17 Air Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, was killed when his helicopter crashed in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon)
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon, Courtesy / U.S. Army

Related articles

• S.A. soldier dies in chopper crash in Afghanistan (mysanantonio.com)
• RIP CW2 Jose L Montenegro, CW2 Thalia S Ramirez (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

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R.I.P. - 1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, Staff Sgt. Matthew S. Sitton

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

                They died Aug. 2, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when they encountered an enemy improvised explosive device.  These Soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

                Killed were:

                                1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, 37, of Tyler, Texas, and

                                Staff Sgt. Matthew S. Sitton, 26, of Largo, Fla.

                For more information pertaining to this release, contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661 or 910-813-3891.

---

from kltv:

Posted: Aug 05, 2012 11:34 PM Updated: Aug 05, 2012 11:34 PM
By Brett Collar
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Two 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers were killed in

action Thursday by an improvised explosive device during dismounted

operations in Zharay District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.



     1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, 37, of Tyler, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Matthew

S. Sitton, 26, of Largo, Fla., were Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters

and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment,

4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Sgt. Russell R. Bell

     1st Sgt. Bell joined the Army on January 24, 1996 as an Infantryman,

attending One Station Unit Training and U.S. Army Airborne School at Ft.

Benning, Ga. before reporting to Camp Casey, Korea for his first assignment.

After spending a year in Korea, 1st Sgt. Bell reported to Fort Bragg where

he served at various levels in 1st Bn., 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment

for more than five years and then transitioned to his drill sergeant duties

at Fort Jackson, S.C.  Following his tour at Fort Jackson, 1st Sgt. Bell

returned to the airborne community with the 508th PIR in Italy and

subsequently returned to Fort Bragg where he served as a 1st Sgt. for more

than three years in two different units, most recently with HHC, 1st Bn.,

508th PIR.  This was his fourth combat deployment to Afghanistan over the

course of seven years.



     "1st Sgt. Russell Bell was one of the best all around leaders I have

had the privilege of serving alongside in over 18 years of military

service." said Lt. Col. Ced Carrington, 1-508th Battalion Commander. "His

presence alone made each day brighter.  He constantly shared stories that

put smiles on Troopers' faces.  He always looked for opportunities to make

those around him laugh - particularly during tough situations.  1st Sgt.

Bell made a difference every day and all who worked anywhere near him were

immediately drawn to his personality."



     1st Sgt. Bell's training and accomplishments include Airborne School,

Air Assault School, Warrior's Leader Course, Advanced Leader's Course, Drill

Sergeant School, Jumpmaster School, U.S. Army Ranger Course and the Senior

Leader's Course.



     His awards include the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters,

the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Army

Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal

with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with five bronze

knots, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal

with three campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,

the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal,

the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Medal with two oak leaf

clusters, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with the

numeral three, the NATO medal, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the

Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the

Master Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
---

Staff Sgt. Matthew S. Sitton

     Staff Sgt. Sitton joined the Army on March 2, 2006 as an Infantryman,

attending Basic Training and Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga. and joined

4th Brigade in August 2007.  This was his second combat deployment to

Afghanistan.



     His battalion commander, Lt. Col. Ced Carrington regarded him as "One

of the battalion's most proficient and well-trained Leaders.  The bond he

developed with his team serves as a testament to how much he was loved and

respected by the Troopers who served beside him.  His no-nonsense approach

towards accomplishing tough tasks was commendable.  There was no task that

he could not accomplish."



     Staff Sgt. Sitton's accomplishments and training include Airborne

School, Long Range Reconnaissance Course, U.S. Army Ranger Course, U.S. Army

Sniper School, Warrior's Leader Course and Advanced Leader's Course.



     His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army

Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal,

the Army Good Conduct Medal with one knot, the National Defense Service

Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a campaign star, the Global War

on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon

with the numeral two, the NATO medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert

Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.



     The 4th Brigade Command Team, Col. Brian Mennes and Command Sgt. Maj.

William Forro shared this statement "1st Sgt. Bell and Staff Sgt. Sitton are

American Patriots who were part of an initiative to remove the Taliban

influence on a key sub-district in Zharay, the Nation's main effort.  They

significantly contributed to the accomplishments of this righteous endeavor

and we are indebted to them and their families for their sacrifices."

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R.I.P. - Sgt. Eric E. Williams

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Sgt. Eric E. Williams, 27, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 23, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan.

            Williams was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661 or 910-813-3891.

---

from fortbragg.patch.com:

By Kelly Twedell

A Third Fort Bragg Soldier Killed in Afghanistan This Week
The Murrieta, Calif. soldier was also a writer with his own blog, view an excerpt of a recent post before his death.
   
The Department of Defense announced late Tuesday the death of another Fort Bragg based soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Eric E. Williams, 27, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 23, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan. There was no immediate word on how he died.

Williams was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

According to a Valley news report, Sgt. Williams maintained a blog on blogspot.com. Here is an excerpt from his latest blog on July 17, 2012. lt's entitled "Coming Home".

"This deployment is coming to an end, in a few days we will be on a plane back to the United States to rejoin our family and friends and to try to readjust to a certain semblance of what we think life should be. The truth is everything has changed, we collectively have changed. We have changed as people, as an army, as citizens of the United States. We face uncertainty in nearly every aspect of our lives. Our families have been without us for a year and we have only two weeks to try to enjoy the extremely limited time we have with them before its back to the daily grind. Two weeks to try to reconnect, although this process can take weeks, months or even years. There is no promise that any of us will return unchanged. But we collectively have been granted access to something few ever see, or choose to see for that matter."

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R.I.P. - Pfc. Julian L. Colvin, Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry

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

            They died July 22 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an enemy improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Pfc. Julian L. Colvin, 21, of Birmingham, Ala.,

            Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry, 27, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

            For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office at 910-432-0661 or 910-813-3891.

---

from al.com:
By Jon Anderson -- The Birmingham News 

Pfc. Julian L. Colvin

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 4:19 PM     Updated: Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 2:04 AM
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A 21-year-old U.S. Army soldier from Birmingham was one of two servicemen killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, the U.S. Department of Defense said Tuesday.

Army Pfc. Julian L. Colvin of Birmingham and Sgt. Richard L. Berry, 27, of Scottsdale, Ariz., died of wounds suffered from an enemy improvised explosive device while on a dismounted patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said.

Both were assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C., and were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Colvin joined the Army on March 9, 2011 as a combat engineer. He attended training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., followed by the U.S. Army Airborne School and joined the 82nd Airborne Division in July 2011. This was his first deployment.

"Pfc. Colvin was a young, energetic Paratrooper and engineer," said Lt. Col. Peter Levola, commander of the 508th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, in a press release. "He is a shining example of the inspiration and promise of our young, remarkable Paratroopers -- a selfless hero who willingly took on one of the most difficult jobs in the Brigade by leading patrols with a mine detector."

Colvin's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry

Berry joined the Army on Feb. 23, 2006, as a combat engineer and joined the 82nd Airborne Division in May 2009. This was his third combat deployment, having previously served in Iraq from September 2006 to November 2007 and in Afghanistan from August 2009 to February 2010.

"Staff Sgt. Berry was an incredibly talented Paratrooper, engineer and husband," Levola said. Berry was injured on a mission during a previous deployment and worked his way back to health to rejoin his unit as a team leader, Levola said. "He is an unforgettable hero."

Berry's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two knots, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal with Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Read More

R.I.P. - Spc. Krystal M. Fitts

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

            Spc. Krystal M. Fitts, 26, of Houston, Texas, died July 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered from indirect fire.  She was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs at 910-432-0661 or 910-813-3891.

---

Spc. Krystal M. Fitts, age 26, of Houston, Texas, died on July 17, 2012, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered from indirect fire.

Krystal was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

She joined the Army in 2009 as a chemical operations specialist. She trained at Fort Jackson, Fort Leonard Wood, and Fort Benning, before coming to Fort Bragg in May of 2010.

Military officials stated that Krystal filled a critical role in her unit and took on duties well beyond the scope of her training. She is also described as motivated, tenacious and dedicated.

Krystal had learned the Pashtu language to help soldiers communicate with local Afghans.

Her awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

Krystal is survived by many loving friends and relatives.

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R.I.P. - Spc. Jonathan Batista

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Jonathan Batista, 22, of Kinnelon, N.J., died July 8, in Zharay, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661 or 910-813-3891.

---

from nj.com:

Spc. Jonathan Batista insisted his friends called him "Mr. Clutch."

The nickname stemmed from a baseball game he and his friends were playing when Batista was 13. The opposing pitcher had walked the preceding batter to face him. But he promptly blasted a triple, and for the next decade insisted he be called "Mr. Clutch."

Seven of his closest friends laughed at that memory Monday night as they sat around a booth at Paisano’s, a restaurant in Rutherford, remembering their pal who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday.

He was the second New Jersey soldier to die in Afghanistan within the last week, the other casualty being Staff Sgt. Raul Guerra of Union City.

Batista’s friends said they preferred other nicknames: "Thighs" because of his massive thighs. "Fantista" because of the large quantities of Fanta he consumed, so much so that he had a special section of the refrigerator devoted to the soft drink at his home and at the home of his friend, David Jones.

His friends sat with bottles of wine and glasses of beer remembering these and other memories of their 22-year old friend.

The restaurant seemed appropriate. Batista had worked there in high school and declared it to be his favorite. He often ate there when returning from basic training.

The mood was light. His friends chose to laugh at memories they shared, not mourn what they lost.

Batista was killed in Zharay, a part of Kandahar province, according to the Department of Defense, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Batista was on his first tour, working as a mine detector. He enlisted, his friends said, as a way to improve his life, to get out of Rutherford and see the world.

"He wanted more than what Rutherford had to offer," said Alfredo Lastra.

Batista was an infantryman with A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

"Jon was a devoted son, a caring brother, a paratrooper dedicated to the safety and security of his infantry team," said battalion commander Lt. Col. Philip Raymond in a statement. Raymond added Batista was always ready to sacrifice his life for the good of platoon.

"Their safety was his priority," he said. "His courage bolstered theirs and endeared him to his platoon."

He had been awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Batista, who was set to return to the United States in August, never seemed to mind the stress of the campaign, his friends said. Before his deployment, he assured those worried about him it would be no big deal. "It was going to be great, like a stroll in the park," Jamie Parnofiello, remembers Batista saying.

At Rutherford High School, he may not have been the best student, his friends said, but his grades belied his intelligence. He was sharp and kind. When he worked at Paisano’s, he knew everyone’s name and was friendly and helpful to all — from the dishwashers to the manager.

Born in the Dominican Republic, he lived in Rutherford most of his life until recently when his mother remarried and moved to Smoke Rise, a gated community in Kinnelon. Attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Parnofiello said he spoke to Batista via Facebook recently, and he was completely relaxed even though he was in a combat zone.

“I was in the middle of basketball camp and I got the call and I just had to cry,” Parnofiello said. “He had meant so much to everyone. The hardest part is that you don’t get to say bye.”
Lastra said he never gave anyone cause for concern.

"You never worried about it," Lastra said, "because he was never worried about himself."

Batista and Guerra are at least the 45th and 46th service member with ties to New Jersey to die in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. In addition, 102 service members from New Jersey have died in Iraq since 2003.

Guerra was a lifer — ready to serve his entire career in the military.

Guerra was on his fifth tour of duty. when he died on a base in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, said Joint Base Lewis McChord in a statement today.

His death was non-combat related, said Lt. Col. Gary Dangerfield, and remains under investigation.

"(Guerra) seemed to be a pretty good guy, he was well liked," said Dangerfield today, noting he’d recently spoken with a soldier who served with the 37-year-old husband and father of one. "He was a hard worker."

"When you get to the rank of staff sergeant that means you’ve committed yourself to service, and that’s pretty admirable," Dangerfield said. "That’s noble."

Guerra was assigned to the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, which is part of the 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. This was his fourth tour in Afghanistan. He also served a 14-month tour in Iraq.

His last role was as a "human intelligence collector," Dangerfield said, meaning he would help his unit sort through data and turn it into "actionable intelligence."

"He was a warrior and he will be missed," Dangerfield said, referring to Guerra’s five war deployments. "One loss is too many — the best thing we can do now is just move forward and honor his service."

Star-Ledger staff writers Dan Goldberg and Ben Horowitz contributed to this report.

Related articles

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Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Jarrod A. Lallier

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
           
 Pfc. Jarrod A. Lallier, 20, of Spokane, Wash., died June 18, in Zharay, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire and grenades.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
            
For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-813-3891.

---

UPDATE:
 DoD correction after some hours:


CORRECTION:  June 19, 2012; Information corrected from “enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire and grenades” to “individuals in Afghan Police uniforms turned their weapons against his unit.” 


and the original release is available now:
http://www.defense.gov//releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15386

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R.I.P. - Sgt. Nicholas C. Fredsti

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

            Sgt. Nicholas C. Fredsti, 30, of San Diego, Calif., died June 15, in Spedar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661 or 910-432-0662.

---

 A North Carolina-based soldier from San Diego was killed in combat in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Sunday.

Sgt. Nicholas C. Fredsti, 30, was killed when insurgents fired weapons at his unit in Spedar, Afghanistan. He died from his injuries after being evacuated.

He was promoted posthumously to staff sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Fredsti joined the Army in August 2000, graduating from the U.S. Army Airborne school later that year. He deployed twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq before leaving again for Ghazni, Afghanistan, earlier this year.

He is survived by his father and mother, Carl and Sherry Fredsti of San Diego.

Fredsti was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Fredsti had also served a tour in Iraq.  

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R.I.P. - Pfc. Brandon D. Goodine

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Brandon D. Goodine, 20, of Luthersville, Ga., died June 7 in Maiwand, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-813-3891.

---

from 11alive.com:

McDonough, GA-  The parents of  Pfc. Brandon D. Goodine, 20, are in the process of bringing his body back to his home town for burial.

According to the Department of Defense, Goodine  died June 7 in Maiwand, Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

11Alive's Duffie Dixon met with some of Goodine's family members in McDonough Saturday afternoon.

His aunt, Denise Goodine Hock, said Brandon joined the Army so that his life would have a greater purpose.

"He had his daughter Katie at a young age.  She is three now and he wanted to make sure he made something of his life and of himself.  He has. He is a hero," said Goodine Hock.

Goodine's older brother, Christopher, enlisted with him.  He has been serving in Texas and said he talked to his brother just about a month ago.

"It was so good to hear his voice.  I was scared when he got sent over the Afghanistan, but also so proud of him.  I will miss him for the rest of my days," said Christopher Goodine.

Among others, Goodine leaves behind a wife and his daughter.

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Read More

R.I.P. - Capt. Scott P. Pace, 1st Lt. Mathew G. Fazzari

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

            They died June 6, in Qarah Bagh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their helicopter crashed.  They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Capt. Scott P. Pace, 33, of Brawley, Calif., and

            1st Lt. Mathew G. Fazzari, 25, of Walla Walla, Wash.

             For more information media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-813-3891.

            CORRECTION:  June 8, 2012 -- Capt. Pace’s age, 33, is corrected from 39.

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from fayobserver.com:

By Nancy McCleary

Capt. Scott P. Pace

A helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan killed two Fort Bragg paratroopers on Wednesday, the Pentagon said Friday.

Capt. Scott P. Pace, 33, of Brawley, Calif., and 1st Lt. Mathew G. Fazzari, 25, of Walla Walla, Wash., died from injuries in the crash in Qarah Bagh, according to the Department of Defense.

They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division.

The OH-58D Kiowa helicopter was shot down by enemy forces, according to a news release.

Pace was a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering, the release said.

He was commissioned in the Army as a 2nd lieutenant in May 2005.

Pace attended flight training at Fort Rucker, Ala., where he earned his qualification as a Kiowa Warrior pilot in 2006.

Pace held several positions with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Drum, N.Y., before being assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Bragg in October 2010, the release said.

Pace had deployed to Iraq twice before being sent to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include two Purple Hearts, an Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, two Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, the Army Aviation Badge and the Combat Aviation Badge.

1st Lt. Mathew G. Fazzari

Fazzari was a 2010 graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., the release said. He was commissioned into the Army as a 2nd lieutenant in October 2010 and earned his qualification as a Kiowah pilot at Fort Rucker in April 2012, the release said.

He was assigned to Fort Bragg last month and immediately deployed, for the first time, to Afghanistan.

Fazzari's awards and decorations include a Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Air Assault Badge, the Army Aviator Badge and a Combat Aviation Badge.

Fazzari is survived by his wife, Tovah, and children, Dominic and Samuel.

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• RIP CPT Scott P. Pace, 1LT Mathew G. Fazzari (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Two Fort Bragg-based pilots killed in Afghanistan (newsobserver.com)
• 82nd Airborne Division soldiers die in eastern Afghanistan (dvidshub.net)
• Fallen But Not Forgotten - Capt. SCOTT P. PACE, 39, of Brawley, Calif., and 1st Lt. MATHEW G. FAZZARI, 25, of Walla Walla, Wash. (thecommunicatorwv.wordpress.com)
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R.I.P. - Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

             Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio, died May 30 in Zharay, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact 82nd Airborne Division public affairs at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-587-0217.

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from fairfeld-echo.com:

FAIRFIELD — Three months after arriving in Afghanistan for his first deployment, Hamilton native Nicholas Olivas was killed while on a patrol Wednesday morning.

His father, former Hamilton mayor and vice mayor Adolfo Olivas told this newspaper that his son was killed by an improvised explosive device in the Kharay area of Afghanistan.

Adolfo Olivas said he and Nicholas’ mother and stepmother went to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Thursday to see his remains transferred from the plane that brought him back to the U.S. He said the family watched the dignified transfer on the tarmac from a distance.

Adolfo Olivas said his 20-year-old son was a corporal with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. and had been deployed in Afghanistan since February. His son enlisted in the Army after graduating from Fairfield High School in 2010.



The Department of Defense has not confirmed Nicholas Olivas death and no official release has been issued as of early Thursday evening.

Olivas was the youngest and only son of four children to Adolfo Olivas, who served as Hamilton’s mayor and vice mayor from 1984 to 2002, and Marian Olivas, a Butler County Sheriff’s deputy.
“He was in the last wave of soldiers who were trained as interpreters,” Adolfo Olivas said. “He was up for that job and he excelled at that job.”
“Deep inside he viewed himself as a protector,” Adolfo Olivas said.

Last year, Nicholas Olivas married fellow Fairfield graduate, Faith, and the couple welcomed baby Connor in January, his father said.
Adolfo Olivas said his daughter in law did not make the trip to Delaware. “She’s a trooper,” he said. “ She’s taking care of her child. She’s holding up well and is surrounded by family and friends.”
As for himself and the rest of the family, Adolfo Olivas said they are holding up as well and “we’re supporting each other the best we can.”

Mr. Olivas said funeral arrangements were still pending but that his son indicated to him and his mother that he wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Adolfo Olivas said his son was an avid fisherman and loved hunting.
“It was his quiet time; he liked doing it on his own and with friends,” Adolfo Olivas said.

At Fairfield High School, Nicholas Olivas was on the wrestling team. Ronald Masanek, the longtime wrestling coach at Fairfield, described Olivas as an “unselfish wrestler” with better than average skill.
“He was very responsible, dependable and accountable,” Masanek said, who added Olivas moved between the varsity and reserve squads.
Masanek said the news of his death was a shock.
Fairfield High School Principal Billy Smith said Olivas was known to his teachers for having a positive attitude.
“He was the type of student who would stay after class just to talk,” Smith said. “He consistently talked about his excitement to serve the country.”

Adolfo Olivas said his son enlisted in the military in part because of having family members who also served.
“We’re all very proud of his dedication to his country and family,” Adolfo Olivas said. “He was quiet about it, but he was trained to be an interpreter and translate.”

Over the past decade, Butler County has lost 17 service members in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. In early May, Marine Sgt. John P. “JP” Huling, 25, of West Chester Twp., was killed in Afghanistan.
In 2011, Army Spc. Michael B. Cook, 27, of Middletown, was killed in Iraq; Marine Cpls. Adam D. Jones, 29, of Germantown, and Lucas T. Pyeatt, 24, of West Chester Twp., were killed in Afghanistan.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the death has hit the department hard.
“We are a family here,” Jones said. “Marian is a wonderful employee and a perfect mother.”
Jones said he knew Nicholas in his youth when he attended department events with his mother. Marian Olivas has been with the sheriff’s office from more than 20 years and has also been a Hamilton police officer, Jones said. She is currently the sheriff’s office training specialist.

The sheriff and others were with Marian Olivas Wednesday just after she received the news from soldiers at her Butler Tech office.
“It just tears you up,” Jones said. “I’m still choked up talking about it.”
Jones noted his son also served in Afghanistan and Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer’s son is currently stationed there.
“It scares you to death when it hits close to home,” Jones said. “Just a terrible tragedy.”

Former Hamilton police Chief Neil Ferdelman has known the Olivas family for many years and said his daughters went to school with Olivas’ sisters. He recalls seeing Nicholas and the rest of his family at sporting and other school events.
“He had a typical all-American upbringing and it wasn’t surprising to me that he wanted to serve his country,” Ferdelman said. “It’s a terrible loss to our community.”
Ferdelman said he worked with Marian Olivas during her time with Hamilton police before she joined the sheriff’s office.

Read more:  http://www.fairfield-echo.com/news/fairfield-news/butler-county-soldier-dies-in-afghanistan-1384090.html

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R.I.P. - Spc. Samuel T. Watts

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Samuel T. Watts, 20, of Wheaton, Ill., died May 19, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds sustained April 25, in Zharay, Afghanistan, when he was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device.

            Watts was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-587-0217.

---

from Chicago Tribune:

By Melissa Jenco

Even as a freshman at Wheaton North High School, Samuel Watts had his heart set on joining the military.

"He just wanted to serve," said his guidance counselor, Wendy Biggs. "He was just really proud of our country. He just wanted to help people, and that was the way he felt he could best help."

Army Spc. Samuel Watts, 20, died Saturday, May 19, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, nearly a month after being injured by an improvised explosive device during his first deployment to Afghanistan, according to the public affairs office of the 82nd Airborne Division.
"Sam was a guy you wanted on your team; he was a fighter," Capt. Mike Kelvington, Bravo Company commander with the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment said in a written statement. "From being an expert on the M240 range with his assigned weapon to defying the odds when all the doctors said he shouldn't have lived this long, he fought all the way to the end."

Spc. Watts' work ethic and character were evident to Scott Lilly when Lilly coached the teen on the Wheaton North freshman volleyball team.

"Nothing ever bothered him," Lilly said. "He was just great to have around because everybody seemed to like him."

Later in high school, Spc. Watts attended the fire science and paramedic program at the Technology Center of DuPage, according to Biggs.

He joined the Army in July 2010, shortly after high school graduation, and attended airborne school at Fort Benning, Ga., before being deployed to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division
In the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Spc. Watts was injured April 25 by an IED blast, the Army said.

Spc. Watts was awarded a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, among other ribbons and badges, for his service, the Army said.

"This was a kid who was going to serve his country, and no matter what he did, whether paramedic or fireman, he was going to be a good adult and he would have been a good neighbor — somebody you wanted to have in your community," Biggs said.

Information on family and services was not immediately available.

Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Christian R. Sannicolas

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Christian R. Sannicolas, 20, Anaheim, Calif., died April 28, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

            Sannicolas was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information related to this release, media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-813-3891.

Read More

R.I.P. - Spc. Benjamin H. Neal

82nd Airborne Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Benjamin H. Neal, 21, of Orfordville, Wis., died April 25 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact 82nd Airborne Division public affairs at 910-432-0661 or 910-587-0217.

---

A 2009 graduate of Parkview High School in Orfordville, Neal deployed to Afghanistan a few months ago. He was serving a nine-month tour.

Neal was a wrestler in high school, and family members said he was the type of guy that was friends with everyone.

His parents are traveling to Dover Air Force Base to be with their son's body when it returns to the U.S.

The family thanked everyone for their support but asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.

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R.I.P. - 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh, Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf

Left: Jonathan P. Walsh, Right: Michael J. Metcalf

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

            They died April 22 in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            Killed were:

            1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh, 28, Cobb, Ga.

            Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf, 22, Boynton Beach, Fla.

            For more information contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-813-3891.

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Metcalf graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wis. While there, he played on the baseball team and volunteered his time on campus. He graduated a Sergeant Squad Leader. Before entering the military academy, he attended Park Vista High School for a little over one year. Metcalf's mother and grandmother, Anne Foistine, both of suburban Boynton Beach, said he had many friends and was loved by all. He enjoyed playing all sports, especially surfing and skim boarding, and bull riding near Lake Okeechobee, they said.
Metcalf attended Park Vista Community High School in Lake Worth before transferring to St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisc., where he graduated in 2008. After working different jobs, Metcalf joined the Army a little more than a year ago.

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1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh, 28, Cobb, Ga., died April 22 in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith, 24, of Licking, Mo., died April 3, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device.

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

            For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661.

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 FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was fatally wounded April 3 in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan in an explosion from an improvised explosive device.

Sgt. Tyler J. Smith, a Licking, Mo. native, was a Scout Squad Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Sgt. Smith joined the Army May 26, 2006 as an Infantryman. He attended One-Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. He joined the 2-508th PIR October 16, 2009. He is a graduate of the Recon and Surveillance Leaders Course, Warrior Leaders Course and the Combat Lifesavers Course. He had deployed in June 2007 to Iraq for 15 months. He also deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion in 2009. This was his second tour of Afghanistan.

“I first met Sgt. Smith when he was a young sniper in the Arghandab River Valley” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Mason, HHC 1st Sgt., “cool as a cucumber he exuded a restrained confidence that put the men around him at ease. The men knew well that Sgt. Smith was more than capable of ensuring their well-being while he stood watch in dangerous lands. This is a rare quality; he will be terribly missed and never forgotten.”

“Sgt. Smith and his wife were the picture-perfect All American Team,” said Col. Brian Mennes, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Commander.” He was a great Trooper and Leader who volunteered to serve his nation and his patriotic wife selflessly and patriotically volunteered to serve as a key leader on our Family Readiness Group. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve with him.”

His peers regarded him as a devoted family man, comedian and recalled that he was without question the hardest working, and trustworthy soul they ever meet.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

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R.I.P. - Spc. Antonio C. Burnside

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Antonio C. Burnside, 31, of Great Falls, Mont., died Apr. 6 at Ghanzi province, Afghanistan of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0661.

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According to the Montana National Guard, Burnside leaves behind his parents Annie Burnside and Bob Burnside of Great Falls, his wife Christine, daughters Ariana, Heartlynn and Angel and son Tony Jr. He is also survived by a sister Ramona and brother Milo.

"The Burnside family is extremely grateful and honored by the outpouring of support and condolences from across the state and nation in response to their loss," said Major Tim Crowe, public affairs officer with the Montana National Guard.

"Antonio was proud and honored to serve his country and chose to do so as a member of the airborne community within the U.S. Army. He served with great pride, dignity and honor. We welcome Antonio home."

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• Ft. Bragg paratrooper from Montana dies in the fight (examiner.com)

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