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.

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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)

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R.I.P. - Lt. Christopher E. Mosko

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

                 Lt. Christopher E. Mosko, 28, of Pittsford, N.Y., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Nawa district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan.   Mosko was assigned as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon Commander to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan.  Mosko was stationed at EOD Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, Calif.

                 For further information related to this release, contact Lt. David Bennett at 619-767-1989 or 619- 405-4020.

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Mosko was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 in Coronado.
In Afghanistan, he was a platoon commander for a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force.
Lt Mosko was qualified as an explosive ordnance expert, a free-fall parachutist and a scuba diving instructor. He was in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and was commissioned in May 2007.
His awards include a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart, both posthumous.

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R.I.P. - Sapper Connor Ray

Sapper Connor Ray dies from wounds sustained in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

19 Apr 12

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sapper Connor Ray, from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), died in hospital in Birmingham on 18 April 2012 from wounds sustained in Afghanistan.

Sapper Connor Ray
[Picture: via MOD]

On 11 April 2012, Sapper Ray was involved in a search and clearance operation in the Nad 'Ali district of central Helmand near to Checkpoint Kahmanan. The aim of the mission was to clear a compound previously used by insurgents, allowing the local population to safely return to the area.
During this operation Sapper Ray was seriously injured in an IED strike. He received immediate medical attention before being taken to the Camp Bastion Role 3 Hospital and was later evacuated to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Sapper Connor Ray

Sapper Connor Ray, aged 21, from Newport, started his military career in January 2008 at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. He joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in June 2009 and qualified as a Building and Structural Finisher upon completion of his trade training at Chatham.
He joined 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), in April 2010, where he trained as an Advanced Searcher. He was kept busy in his specialist role, which included providing support for a number of high profile events. During his time in Afghanistan, Sapper Ray and his team successfully undertook a number of high risk searches which undoubtedly saved numerous British and Afghan lives.
A popular young soldier who was cheerful and engaging, Sapper Ray showed much promise. He was professional and dependable and was well liked by those that knew him. He leaves behind his brother Vinnie, stepfather Steve, sisters Hollie and Bonnie, and girlfriend Hollie.
The family of Sapper Ray have made the following statement:

"We are intensely shocked, distressed and saddened after losing our hero Connor Ray, who died as a result of injuries sustained in Afghanistan. We are all tremendously proud of Connor. Connor was part of Britain's engineer search unit - 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD); he was critically hurt last Wednesday, the eve of his 21st birthday.

"In heaven with his mum now, we will always remember his love of life, his sense of humour and cherish the short time he had to touch our lives."

Sapper Ray's family

"He loved his time in the Army and made great friends. Connor was a hero to all of his family and friends; brother Vinnie, 21, sisters Hollie, 17, and Bonnie, 16, Aunty Eileen, stepfather Steve, grandparents Leo and Linda, Keith and Sue, girlfriend Hollie, and all of his good friends and family will miss him terribly.
"In heaven with his mum now, we will always remember his love of life, his sense of humour and cherish the short time he had to touch our lives. We would like to thank everybody for their kind words, love and support at this tragic time."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Bell, Commanding Officer 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"The tragic loss of Sapper Ray has shaken both the EOD and Search Task Force and the Regiment deeply. At this most difficult time my thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and his many friends.

"An extremely positive and determined young soldier, Sapper Ray was a real team player. Amiable and upbeat, he had a natural ability to encourage and inspire others with his limitless optimism. He would often be found in the gym, working hard to maintain his fitness, whilst setting an excellent example to those less motivated. A very professional soldier, he had taken to the extremely challenging role of being a High Assurance Searcher with gusto and had already demonstrated significant potential in this specialist role. Sapper Ray undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him.

"During physically and emotionally demanding times here in Afghanistan, Sapper Ray remained his upbeat and professional self. Hard working and dedicated, his positive attitude had a tangible effect on those around him. He easily integrated into an Advanced Search Team from another Squadron, quickly making his mark and new friends. Sapper Ray epitomised the 'One Team' ethos of the disparate Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force and was an absolute pleasure to have within the Unit.

"An extremely positive and determined young soldier, Sapper Ray was a real team player. Amiable and upbeat, he had a natural ability to encourage and inspire others with his limitless optimism."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Bell

"The Corps of the Royal Engineers has today lost an inspiring young soldier who was certainly going places. He set an excellent example to others, had many friends and leaves a gap in our ranks. He will be sorely missed by all members of both the EOD and Search Task Force and his Regiment, but never forgotten. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this time."

Major Ben Hawkins, Officer Commanding Operations Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force, said:

"Deliberately going into an area suspected to contain improvised explosive devices is perhaps one of the most challenging jobs in the world; to do so takes a certain type of character. It demands a stoic resolve and resolute dedication. Sapper Ray had these virtues in abundance.

"I have known Sapper Ray for nearly a year; he was always happy, never more so than when busy. Always smiling and exceptionally personable, Sapper Ray had the kind of 'can do' attitude that every commander would want in his soldiers.

"His quick wit and easy going nature endeared him to all who had the privilege of working with him. He was an ideal and immediate choice to integrate into a Search Team from another Squadron; such was our faith in his abilities and character. In short he was a fine soldier, ideal Sapper and an excellent searcher.

"Sapper Ray's loss will be keenly felt by my Squadron and in particular by those many who were privileged to have been his friends."

From the offset, I recognised that Sapper Connor Ray was a superb soldier. He never failed to impress those around him with his infectious wit and humour. Totally professional and reliable as a young Royal Engineer he would, without question, have been a future leader of men."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Prevett

Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Prevett, Squadron Sergeant Major, Operations Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Task Force, said:

"From the offset, I recognised that Sapper Connor Ray was a superb soldier. He never failed to impress those around him with his infectious wit and humour. Totally professional and reliable as a young Royal Engineer he would, without question, have been a future leader of men. My abiding memory of Connor is simply his smile, which infected those around him. It was these qualities, to name but a few, which will be cherished by his friends and colleagues of the Royal Engineer Search community. The lads and I will never forget him."

Sergeant Simon Gardner, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator and Troop Sergeant, 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"Sapper Connor Ray was an irreplaceable character within 3 Troop, 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). His infectious smile and keen sense of humour will be sorely missed. Throughout his two years with 3 Troop, he carried out many duties including maritime interdiction and search assistance to the civil powers. In this diverse role, Connor excelled in every aspect. He was a young soldier filled with promise for the future. Always full of morale, he was the first to volunteer for any task. He was a pleasure to serve with. There will be a huge hole left in the lives of all that met Connor, but these will be healed by the fond memories of such an inspiring young man. RIP Connor."

Corporal Jamie Paul, Section Commander, 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"Connor was simply one of the best Sappers I've ever known and even more, he was a true friend. I'd known Connor for three years. He was quiet at first but as he settled into his role his true personality began to shine. Kind in nature, Connor is what a Sapper should be; extremely fit, reliable and trustworthy. He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and loved ones.

"Connor was simply one of the best Sappers I've ever known and even more, he was a true friend. Kind in nature, Connor is what a Sapper should be; extremely fit, reliable and trustworthy."

Corporal Jamie Paul

"Connor, you will never be forgotten, memories I have will last forever, sleep well pal, we'll meet again soon."

Sapper Sean Cairns, 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"Connor was a great lad - always smiling, always laughing. He made the best of a bad situation. He loved having a good laugh whether it was with the lads or generally messing about. He was looking forward to coming on tour and getting on 'Op Bronze' and 'Op Massive', then going back to see his girlfriend Hollie and enjoying a good holiday with her. I noticed when joining the Squadron, he was a popular lad and after meeting him, I soon realised why. He was an all round top bloke. Stay safe now and see you soon big guy."

Sapper Daniel Kelly, 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:

"Sapper Connor Ray, you can never trust a man with two first names, especially Connor. He was a fan of practical jokes and having a laugh. However, one thing you could always trust him to do was to be at the troop bar with a crate under his arm and a big smile across his face.

"Connor, it was a shock to hear of your injuries and worse when we found out you had passed away, you were a big lad with a big heart and a big smile. You will leave a big gap but you will never be forgotten. I will always treasure the memories that we shared; my favourite memory being the time spent growing your massive fringe, like your film heroes. You will always be a hero in my eyes."

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said:

"I was very saddened to learn of the death yesterday of Sapper Connor Ray, who was severely injured last week while doing a very dangerous and difficult job in the service of his country.

"It is clear from the tributes paid to him that Sapper Ray had a bright future ahead of him and was someone who inspired those around him with his positive attitude, infectious wit and limitless optimism. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, comrades and friends at this difficult time."

Related articles

• Soldier killed after blast named (bbc.co.uk)
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Bell: Sapper Ray 'will be sorely missed' (itv.com)
• Wales News: Welsh solider Connor Ray injured in Afghanistan dies of his injuries (walesonline.co.uk)
• Family of Sapper Ray 'shocked, distressed and saddened' (itv.com)
• Sapper Connor Ray dies of Afghanistan injuries (itv.com)

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Meet the soldier who spent 8 hours in a tiny tunnel to defuse bomb

Captain James Fidell RLC

SPENDING eight hours squashed in a narrow pitch-black tunnel in Afghanistan to defuse a deadly bomb has earned a Kineton soldier the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

Captain James Fidell, 28, who at the time was in the 11 Explosives Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps, had to take off his bomb disposal suit, helmet and body armour to be able to crawl into the 14m-long tunnel, which had been dug by the Taliban in Gereshk in the Helmand Province.

The 50kg improvised explosive device - which had been found by a remote robot after reports of suspicious digging - could have killed him instantly.

And the fragile passageway, which itself could have been laced with further bombing devices planted to target him, was in danger collapsing around him while he worked.

On top of all that, as the 6ft 5ins tall soldier - widely known as Jim - entered the tunnel, the cordon providing him with security came under fire. Yet he carried on with his task and began a meticulous fingertip search in the claustrophobic conditions.

Jim, who described this mission as his most difficult, said: “Had we detonated the device, not only would it have hurt the local economy and our mission, it would also have made it easier for the insurgents to plant more IEDs.

“Because of this, I took the decision to crawl into the tunnel and deactivate the device. I was quite surprised by how hot and humid it was and it was so tight I had to go in without my protective gear.”

On finally reaching the bomb, he had to make it safe before removing it and edging his way back down the tunnel for it to be disposed of.

Now a member of Defence Explosives Ordnance Disposal Munitions and Search School in Kineton, Jim said of his role as a bomb disposal expert: “It is very rewarding. Every bomb you disable is potentially saving lives.”

The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is awarded to civilians and military personnel for acts of exemplary bravery.

His nomination for the honour states: “Fidell’s disregard of his own personal safety in order to save this critically important route demonstrated exceptional gallantry.

“For his exemplary bravery, supreme professionalism and unwavering composure in the most dangerous of circumstances, he is recommended for national recognition.”

from leamingtoncourier.co.uk

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