R.I.P. - Sgt. Michael J. Guillory

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28, of Pearl River, La., died Dec. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact Marine Corps Special Operations Command public affairs office at(910) 440-0770.

---

from armytimes.com:

By Andrew deGrandpré - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 15, 2012 15:08:13 EST

A California-based Marine was killed in a vehicle accident Friday in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28, of Slidell, La., died about 1:45 p.m. while conducting a resupply mission in Helmand province, Marine officials said in a news release issued Saturday. He was a critical skills operator assigned to Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, part of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.

When the accident happened, Guillory was among a group of personnel collecting supplies that had been dropped via aircraft, Maj. Jeff Landis, a MARSOC spokesman, told Marine Corps Times. It's not immediately clear what type of vehicle Guillory was riding in or whether he was driving, Landis said. However, the accident was not caused by an improvised explosive.

After the accident, which is under investigation, Guillory was rushed to a nearby medical facility where attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Landis declined to identify where in Helmand province Guillory's unit is deployed, though he said the location is part of a well established village stability operation in which MARSOC has been working closely with the Afghan forces they are there to train.

Guillory joined the Marine Corps in 2003 and became a combat engineer before shifting, in 2007, to the elite reconnaissance community, where he served as a scout with 1st Recon Battalion. He moved to MARSOC in 2009, joining 1st MSOB after successfully completing the special operations community's rigorous selection and training process.

Guillory had previous combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Related articles

• RIP Sgt Michael J Guillory (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28 (goodsoldiersorg.wordpress.com)

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Happy 237th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

Happy 237th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

And to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Happy Veterans Day...

...  from GoDaddy.com and the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Donate today: http://www.godaddy.com/holiday/usmc/usmc-2012.aspx

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R.I.P. - Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell

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

            They died Sept. 15, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

            Killed were:

            Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, 40, of Huntingdon, Pa., assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward); and

            Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell, 27, of Kokomo, Ind., assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information on these Marines, news media representatives may contact 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs at 928-269-3609.

---

from yumasun:

Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible

The two Yuma-based Marines killed over the weekend in Afghanistan have been identified as Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible and Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell.

Raible, 40, of Huntingdon, Pa., was the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211, while Atwell, 27, of Kokomo, Ind., was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13. Both were part of Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

“The deaths of Lt. Col. Chris “Otis” Raible and Sgt. Bradley Atwell are a stark reminder of the selfless service and extraordinary sacrifices made by our Marines and Sailors and their families each and every day,” said Brig. Gen. Steven W. Busby, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of those brave Marines. We will honor their memories and continue to support our Marines and Sailors still in the fight and their loved ones here at home.”

Raible commissioned in the Marine Corps May 21, 1995 and served as an AV-8B Harrier pilot. He deployed previously in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Air Medal-Strike/Flight (numeral 10), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), Air Medal-Individual Action, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (second award), and NATO Service Medal-International Security Assistance Force.

Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell

Atwell enlisted in the Marine Corps October 17, 2005, and served as an electrical systems technician.

His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (second award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and NATO Service Medal-International Security Assistance Force.

According to a report from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the attack was well-coordinated. Six AV-8B Harrier jets were destroyed and two were badly damaged, according to the ISAF.  In addition, three refueling stations were destroyed and six soft-skin aircraft hangars were damaged.

Eight military members and one civilian contractor were wounded. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

“The insurgents appeared to be well equipped, trained and rehearsed,” ISAF Public Affairs said in a release.

Fifteen insurgents breached the perimeter of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province at about 10 p.m. (Afghanistan time) Friday and attacked the flight line with automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and suicide bomb vests, according to ISAF. They organized into three teams and penetrated at one point in the perimeter fence.

Coalition personnel returned fire and killed all but one of the known insurgents. The surviving insurgent was taken into custody and is receiving medical care.

Read more: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/marine-81810-aircraft-yuma.html#ixzz26lq0dypK

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R.I.P. - Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Darrel L. Enos

DOD Identifies Marine and Navy Casualties

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

            They died Aug. 17 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Copes, 36, of Lynch Station, Va., and

            Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Darrel L. Enos, 36, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information, news media representatives may contact U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-440-0770 or 910-440-0771.

---

from Denver.CBSLOCAL:
August 19, 2012 11:57 PM

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) – A Colorado Springs family is mourning the life of a loved one killed in action in Afghanistan.

Serviceman Darrel Enos died just before he was scheduled to return home. He was fatally shot by a man he was training.

Enos was a husband, father, twin brother and son to his mother Patricia Loren.

“Darrel was very proud to be serving his country always, always, but it’s such a needless loss,” Loren said.

Enos was killed by an Afghan he was working to train. He was in the Navy, working on a Marine battalion training Afghan police recruits. The official report states that one of those recruits turned his gun on his trainers, killing Enos. It was his fifth tour.

“I think that nobody should have to deploy that many times,” Loren said.

“I just hate that he’s gone. I never thought it would happen to Darrel,” brother Dale Enos said.



Enos’ family in Colorado Springs had high hopes of seeing him return home soon. He was heading back in just one week. Instead he died doing what he loved.

“Darrel always loved to help people. That’s what he thought he was doing over there,” Dale Enos said.

Stories like Enos’ are happening more and more in recent days in Afghanistan. His family just wants him remembered as the hero he was, killed in action.

Loren is headed to Delaware to meet his casket. He’ll be honored at Marine Corps Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and then later in Colorado Springs.

Related articles

• RIP SSgt Gregory T Copes, PO1 Darrel L Enos (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson, Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr., Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley

DOD Identifies Marine Casualties

            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died Aug. 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  These Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

            The Marines’ parent command was 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

            Killed were:

            Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson, 29, of San Diego, Calif.,

            Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr., 20 of Ventura, Calif., and

            Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley, 21, of Oceanside, N.Y.

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information on these Marines, news media representatives may contact Marine Corps Base Hawaii public affairs office at 808-257-8838.

---

from staradvertiser:
By William Cole
POSTED: 01:35 p.m. HST, Aug 13, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 01:57 p.m. HST, Aug 13, 2012

Three Hawaii Marines were killed Friday in southern Afghanistan on a day when six U.S. Marines apparently were killed by Afghan allies as the number of so-called “green-on-blue” attacks continue to rise.

The Marines were assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force at Kaneohe Bay, officials said.

They were deployed with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Marines identified the three as Staff Sergeant Scott E. Dickinson, 29, of San Diego, Calif.; Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr., 20 of Ventura, Calif.; and Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley, 21, of Oceanside, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson

Dickinson was an embarkation chief with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and was deployed as a logistics adviser as part of an Afghan National Civil Order Police Garrison Advisory Team.



His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, NATO International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Medal and a Certificate of Commendation.

Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr.

Rivera was a supply noncommissioned officer with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and was deployed as a logistics and facilities adviser, also as part of the advisory team.

His personal awards include Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Medal.

Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley

Buckley was a supply clerk with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and was deployed as a logistics and facilities adviser as part of the advisory team.

His personal awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, NATO International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

The Marines are recommended for the Purple Heart Medal, the Corps said. Officials said the incident is under investigation.

Read More

R.I.P. - Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price

DOD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

             They died July 29 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan.

             Killed were:

             Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, 34, of Palm Bay, Fla.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; also,

             Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price, 27, of Holland, Mich.  He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

             For more information media may contact the Marine Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at 910-440-0770.

---

Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price

from marinecorpstimes:

By Andrew deGrandpré - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 30, 2012 20:49:42 EDT

Two elite special operations Marines were killed in combat Sunday in northwestern Afghanistan.

Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price, 27, of Holland, Mich., and Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, 34, of Palm Bay, Fla., died during a morning patrol in Badghis province, a Marine official told Marine Corps Times on Monday.

Both were critical skills operators assigned to Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Price belonged to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion out Camp Pendleton, Calif. Gifford was from 2nd MSOB out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Although they came from separate commands within MARSOC, Price and Gifford were assigned to the same special operations task force in Afghanistan, the Marine official said.

A Purple Heart recipient, Price experienced ample combat over the last several years. He deployed three times each in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to a Marine Corps news release.

On Nov. 10, the Marine Corps’ birthday, Price was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” device for his actions during a 2009, battle in Afghanistan’s Farah province. When the remote weapon on his vehicle was destroyed, he climbed on top to man its MK19 grenade launcher, according to his medal citation. As enemy rounds whipped by, Price stayed put — holding his position for four hours and killing “numerous” insurgents in the process.

Price enlisted in 2003 and attended the Marine Corps’ Basic Reconnaissance Course a year later, according to the Marine Corps’ news release. He was a member of Camp Pendleton’s 1st Recon Battalion before joining MAROC in 2008.

Gifford was just shy of 15 years in the service. A member of the Corps’ force reconnaissance community prior to joining MARSOC, he also completed multiple combat deployments and earned a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat “V,” the Marine official said.

It’s not immediately clear how Price and Gifford died. Parts of Badghis province, which borders Turkmenistan, have been marked by violence for the past several years, according to a report published late last year by the Naval Postgraduate School.

Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, also a member of 2nd MSOB, was shot and killed during a house sweep in Badghis province only one week ago. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Read More

R.I.P. - Sgt. Justin M. Hansen

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

            Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, 26, of Traverse City, Mich., died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

            For more information media may contact the Marine Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at 910-440-0770.

---

from marinecorpstimes:

Posted : Wednesday Jul 25, 2012 19:34:57 EDT

Lejeune sgt. killed in Badghis province combat

A North Carolina-based Marine was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan, Defense Department officials confirmed late Wednesday.

Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, 26, of Traverse City, Mich., died Tuesday while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, according to the military. Hansen was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, out of Camp Lejeune.

Hansen’s father, who confirmed the death earlier Wednesday, said his son died after being shot while on a house sweep. Hansen was on his second deployment to Afghanistan and also deployed once to Iraq, his father said.

Rick Hansen said his son was no stranger to the insurgents that U.S. forces faced.

“I said, ‘Do you get real close to these guys — the enemy?’ And he said, ‘Oh yeah. Someday we’ll sit down in a corner and we’ll talk about it,’ ” he told the Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle. “That day never came.”

Hansen, a 2003 graduate of Kingsley (Mich.) High School, played football in high school.

Lifelong friend Jon Walton said Justin Hansen was “always full of energy, always up for something new.”

“And he was the most committed person I’ve ever met,” Walton said. “Whatever he did, he did 110 percent.”

Amanda Herrick, who graduated from Kingsley High a year before Hansen, said his loss was being strongly felt.

“We are still a small community. Everybody knows everybody,” Herrick said.

Kingsley is about 12 miles south-southeast of Traverse City.

Hansen joined the Corps seven years ago, according to TV stations WWTV/WWUP.

Read More

R.I.P. - Cpl. Joshua R. Ashley

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Cpl. Joshua R. Ashley, 23, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., died July 19 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

            For more information media may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Office at 910-451-7200.

---

from dailybulletin:

Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created:   07/19/2012 05:09:24 PM PDT
Family and friends are grieving for Marine Cpl. Joshua R. Ashley, of Rancho Cucamonga who was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday.

John Ashley, Joshua's father, said his son was killed by hostile enemy action - the victim of an IED, or an improvised explosive device.

"Josh died a hero, protecting this nation," John Ashley said on Thursday.

A makeshift memorial has been set up at Ashley's military banner on the northeast corner of Haven Avenue and Arrow Route. Family and friends will honor Ashley at a candlelight vigil tonight at 10 p.m. at the banner site.

Plans are ongoing for memorial service, which will likely take place about a week from next Monday, according to John Ashley.

"Josh was a very independent person," said John Ashley. "When he would set his sights on something, whether it was for work or in the Marines, whatever he went after, he got. Josh always strived to be the top and number one in his class."

Ashley, who had aspirations to join law enforcement as a K-9 handler, was a Military Police officer with the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, and was selected to be a dog handler for special operations. Ashley was with his military dog Sirius, a 4-year-old male German Shepherd when he was killed. John Ashley said Sirius is accounted for and survived the incident.

John Ashley said his son was killed during a night operation in Helmand Province. Stephen Demuth, 23, a close friend of Ashley's, was among friends who were at a candlelight vigil on Thursday night.

"Since he joined, he always wanted to go to Afghanistan and he wanted to be a canine handler," Demuth said. "He wanted to go to Afghanistan and he wanted to serve his country, so he met his goals of becoming a canine handler. He served overseas, but unfortunately, he payed the ultimate sacrifice."

Chelsea Kelley, a close friend of Ashley's plans to attend the candlelight vigil tonight. The friends attended all of their high school dances
together.

"It's not real yet. It's hard," Kelley said of losing her friend. "He was the sweetest person I ever met. He put everyone else before himself." Ashley enlisted in the Marines in 2008 after graduating from Etiwanda High School in 2007. He lettered all four years of high school in water polo and swimming, and was captain of the water polo team.

After boot camp, Ashley was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, from 2009 to 2011, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from 2011 to when he was deployed to Afghanistan in May of this year. Ashley was friends with Etiwanda High School graduate and fellow Marine Cpl. Robby Reyes, who died during a military training exercise in Morocco on April 11.

Rancho Cucamonga "has taken a big hit," John Ashley said.

"These were the good kids that didn't get into trouble, that played sports in high school and stayed out of trouble," John Ashley said. "These were the kids that had a good head on their shoulders and were going places."

Ashley is also survived by his mother Tammie Ashley, and brothers John Ashley and Jordan Ashley.

Read More

R.I.P. - Pfc. Steven P. Stevens II

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Pfc. Steven P. Stevens II, 23, of Tallahassee, Fla., died June 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

            For more information media may contact the 1st Marine Division Public Affairs Office at 760-725-8766.

---

from Detroit Free Press:

A 23-year-old U.S. Marine had yet to meet his infant son born after his deployment to Afghanistan when he died Friday.

Private First Class Steven Stevens grew up in Detroit and went to Afghanistan on March 21—just days before his son was born March 29, family members said.

“I’m sorry that he never got a chance to see his son,” said his grandmother Dorothy Atkins, 85. “I wish he could have had that blessing.”

The officers who told Stevens’ family about his death said the preliminary report showed he was hit with shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade, said Dwight Atkins, Steven’s uncle.

The U.S. Department of Defense had not released information on Stevens’ death on its website as of this morning.

“He's going to be sadly missed,” Atkins said. “But like my mother used to tell me, his work on Earth was done, and God called him home.”

Stevens’ body is scheduled to arrive at Dover Air Force Base today. His wife Monique, who lives in Florida, and parents Steve and Lois Stevens, both of Detroit, are there, relatives said.

“He leaves this world way too soon,” Dwight Atkins said.

The family’s faith is helping them through this time.

“We’re spiritual people,” Dwight Atkins said. “We just believe God will answer and God will take care of us.”

Stevens grew up in northwest Detroit, attended Detroit Technology High School and went to Florida A & M on a swimming scholarship, his uncle said.

As a baby, Stevens had asthma, so the doctor suggested finding a sport that would help him breathe, relatives recalled. Stevens’ mother put him in the swimming pool and he had been a swimmer since.

“He took to the water like a fish,” his uncle said.

Steven Stevens, a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, June, 22, 2012, who attended Detroit Technology High School in Detroit, is shown with his mother and father at a swim meet. Stevens family photo

After two years of college, he joined the Marines to serve his country. Family members say the thought of traveling the world and studying abroad was enticing to him.

“He quit college in order to join,” his grandmother said. “I guess he had the calling because he just went and joined.”

Stevens was good in art, wanted to be an architect, loved to laugh and was a jokester who was good at imitations, his family recalled.

“People who know him know he was a very funny guy,” Dwight Atkins said.

The Rev. Louis Forsythe II, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Detroit, said he knew Stevens as a teenager and remembered him as polite, quiet young man who loved his family very much.

Forsythe said he told his congregation about Stevens’ death during the church’s two services Sunday.
He asked members to stand for a moment of silence in memory of Stevens.

“He was willing to give his all for his country,” Forsythe said. “It speaks to his commitment.”
Stevens’ funeral is to be held Saturday at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy. in Southfield. Arrangements are pending.

Read More

R.I.P. - Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey

(Photo from Keaton Coffey's Facebook page)

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey, 22, of Boring, Ore., died May 24 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 760-763-4675.

---
from katu.com:

BORING, Ore. - A local soldier from Boring was killed in Afghanistan this past week.

Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey, 22, died on May 24 during combat operations in the Helmand province, according to the Department of Defense.

Coffey was assigned to the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, California.
Coffey, who was an only child, was engaged to be married in July. He went to Damascus Christian School before entering the service.

Photo from Keaton Coffey's Facebook page

Related articles

• DOD Identifies Marine Casualty (defense.gov)
• http://www.katu.com/news/Local-soldier-killed-in-Afghanistan-154534305.html
• more photos: http://www.katu.com/news/local/Local-soldier-killed-in-Afghanistan-154534305.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=0

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R.I.P. - Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat, 22, of Tacoma, Wash., died April 11 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.

---

By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter 

The late Marine is the son of Pete Somorang Kaipat and Sinforosa Taisakan Kaipat, both now living in Tacoma, Washington.

“The last time I saw him was in 2005 before he left for the States. I burst into tears. I didn’t know what to say, I didn’t know what to do or think when I heard the news that our nephew was killed. I just wish I was there with my sister during this time,” Kaipat’s aunt Maria Taisakan told Saipan Tribune in an interview shortly before the family was to bury another member of the family on Saipan yesterday afternoon.

Taisakan, 42, is the youngest sister of the late Marine’s mother.

She and their relatives on Saipan were preparing for the funeral of her aunt, Catalina I. Kapileo, a sister of her father, when they got a call late Wednesday night.

“I couldn’t express my feelings because we’re in the middle of preparations for the burial of my aunt when we heard of another death in the family,” Taisakan said in an interview at her late aunt’s house in San Jose.

Taisakan said the late Marine and his family used to live in Garapan before they left for Washington State.
Kaipat is one of three children. He has a younger brother and an older sister.
Taisakan said her nephew attended Oleai Elementary School, Hopwood Junior High School, and Marianas High School.

“But he completed his high school in Tacoma. Then he entered the Marines,” Taisakan said.
‘Helpful, caring’
Taisakan said her nephew was “very helpful and caring.”

“I miss his smile. Even if you scold him, he’d smile and apologize. We have a tight family. We look after each other; and my nephew was very helpful and caring. We will all miss him,” the teary-eyed Taisakan said.

She said as of yesterday afternoon, her sister, brother-in-law, and Kaipat’s sister and brother were on their way to Maryland to greet the body and bring it to Tacoma, Washington where the late Marine may be buried.

“Now, we are holding the rosary for two of our family members,” Taisakan added.
Her sister, former representative Malua Peter, confirmed Thursday morning that they received the news of Kaipat’s death around 11:30pm Wednesday night, Saipan time.

“I really don’t know what to feel. It’s sad, especially right now I am in the wake of another relative,” Peter, also a former member of Northern Marianas College’s Board of Regents, told Saipan Tribune Thursday morning.
Peter’s younger sister is the mother of Kaipat.

‘A hero’
The U.S. Marine Corps extended its “heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of our fellow Marine who have suffered this loss and is committed to providing full support for their needs.”
Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP), upon hearing the news, said he’s “saddened to learn of the loss of another of our own in the war in Afghanistan.”

“Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ramon Taisacan Kaipat, a hero, gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. I know that there is little that I can say that will lessen Lance Corporal Kaipat’s family for the pain and grief of a loss so overwhelming, but I extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to the family for the loss of their son and for their own sacrifices.
“May God bless Lance Corporal Kaipat and the Taisacan and Kaipat families,” Sablan added.
Taisakan said that Kaipat was just one of her many relatives serving in the U.S. military.
“In fact, one of my brothers’ son just came back from Afghanistan last month,” she said.

CNMI mourns
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, upon learning of Kaipat’s passing, said with great sadness and heavy hearts, they join the CNMI people in mourning “the loss of one of our own sons in uniform, USMC Lance Corporal Ramon Taisakan Kaipat.”

Fitial and Inos, in a statement, said Kaipat, in choosing a career in the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps, “demonstrated his willingness and determination to live a life of discipline and personal sacrifice so that all citizens of our country would be able to live in freedom and security.”
“In choosing this noble path in his life, he exemplified his undeniable strength of character and his patriotic courage and fortitude to carry through,” they said.

The governor and lieutenant governor said, “From his humble beginnings as an island boy, to his service on the international warfront, Lance Corporal Kaipat lived his life on the principles of duty, honor, and country.”

“In this time of sorrow, we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Lance Corporal Kaipat. Rest assured that his life of service to defend our freedom, our Commonwealth, and our country, will not be forgotten,” Fitial and Inos added.
Rep. Ray Yumul (R-Saipan) said his deepest sympathy goes to the bereaved family. Yumul himself was deployed to the Middle East as a member of the 442nd Division of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 100th Infantry Battalion.

“He sacrificed his life to protect the citizens of Afghanistan and defend against this war on terrorism. We should never forget his sacrifice,” Yumul said.

Besides Kaipat, the 15 other men and women from the CNMI who lost their lives while serving in the wars against terror include: Army Sgt. Yihgyh “Eddie” L. Chen (April 4, 2004), Army SSgt. Wilgene Lieto (Oct. 31, 2005), Army Spc. Derence W. Jack (Oct. 31, 2005), Army Sgt. Jesse J. Castro (Dec. 6, 2006), Marine LCpl Adam Q. Emul (Jan. 29, 2007), Army SPC Leeroy A. Camacho (Feb. 9, 2007), Army PFC John D. Flores (May 3, 2007), Army PFC Victor M. Fontanilla (May 17, 2007), Army Spc. Joe Junior G. Charfauros (June 20, 2007), Navy Seaman Anamarie San Nicolas Camacho (Oct. 22, 2007), Army Sgt. Brian S. Leon Guerrero (July 10, 2008), Army SSgt. Julian F. Manglona (Oct. 9, 2008), and Air Force SrA Audra P.M. Winkfield (June 19, 2009), Marine Cpl. Dave Michael Maliksi Santos (2010), and Sgt. George Joseph Affatica Sablan (Feb. 10, 2012).

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R.I.P. - Cpl. Michael J. Palacio

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

            Cpl. Michael J. Palacio, 23, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., died March 29 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Consolidated Public Affairs Office, Camp Butler, Okinawa at 011-81-611-745-0790.

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A military policeman, joined the Marine Corps, Nov. 28, 2007. He arrived on Okinawa, Nov. 11, 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan, Nov. 12, 2011.
"Cpl. Michael 'Mikey' J. Palacio was a quiet professional, dedicated to the mission and the Marines he served beside. He was not afraid to take care of his fellow Marines, always giving a helping hand and expecting nothing in return. Mikey will always be remembered and carried with the members of MP Company as a great Marine, true family man, friend, and relentless warrior,” said 1st Sgt. Timothy J. Schultz, Military Police Company first sergeant.
“I know I'll remember that huge smile and good attitude he always displayed."
His service awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO-International Security Assistance Force Medal.

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Marine receives Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  — The parade deck at San Mateo was filled with Marines March 29, as Sgt. Ryan T. Sotelo, a San Mateo, Calif. native, was awarded the Silver Star. He was honored for the actions he took as a squad leader with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment while deployed to Sangin District, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Ryan T. Sotelo, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Christeon C. Griffin, battalion commander, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, after receiving the Silver Star at San Mateo, Calif., March 30. Sotelo received the United States’ third highest award for combat valor for actions he took as a squad leader with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment while deployed to Sangin District, Afghanistan. -  photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Childers,

Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, 1st Marine Division, presented the medal to Sotelo, who is now a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Silver Star Medal is the United States’ third highest award for combat valor and is fifth in the precedence of military awards.

“It was humbling when the general pinned on the star,” said Sotelo. “When we perform out in country we don’t do it for metals, we do it for the Marine on the right and left of us.”

On Nov. 25, 2010, Sotelo’s squad was ambushed in an open field with machinegun and small arms fire, killing the platoon commander. Without hesitation, Sotelo took charge of the unit and moved them to a nearby canal. He then sprinted through heavy fire across open ground to retrieve the body of his fallen lieutenant.

With the defensive position now unreachable because of intense small arms fire, he called in supporting arms to cover the squad’s movement to a nearby compound. As insurgents began to assault the position, he fearlessly led his squad as they repelled the enemy.

When one enemy combatant began to fire on an exposed Marine, Sotelo closed in on the insurgent and killed him with a grenade.

 “As soon as we got across, we got lit up and engaged in every direction,” said Cpl. Jose Launder, Company K, 3rd Bn., 5th Marines. “Sotelo just ran over and threw a grenade.”

After a reinforcing Marine unit was pinned down by heavy fire from the insurgents, Sotelo again disregarded his own safety to engage the enemy machinegun with rifle, finally calling in an air strike that silenced the enemy fire.

“I think a lot of us are here because of his actions that day,” added Launder.
Realizing that his situation was dire, Sotelo lead a fighting withdrawal more than 600 meters through enemy fire to bring his squad back to friendly lines and safety.  

Sergeant Sotelo will continue serving his country as he prepares for the 15th MEU’s upcoming deployment scheduled for this summer.

3/31/2012  By Lance Cpl. Timothy Childers  , 15th MEU 
marines.mil 

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Unmanned aircraft makes first patrol base resupply in Nawa district

Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley / dvidshub
Photos by Lance Cpl. Michael Warren
pictures are available hi-res without watermark, just ask it
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An unmanned helicopter known as a Kaman K-1200 or “K-MAX” prepares to take off during the first unmanned aircraft delivery to a patrol base in southern Helmand here, March 15. Unmanned helicopters have the potential to carry larger loads of cargo than those in their conventional counterparts, keeping more Marines off the roads and putting fewer in harm’s way.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – The Marine Corps makes improvements to operational capabilities and equipment with one goal in mind – supporting the Marine on the ground.

One of the Corps’ most recent upgrades is an unmanned aircraft known as a Kaman K-1200, or “K-MAX”, which transported cargo to a Marine patrol base for the first time here, March 15.

“That was the first time this aircraft was used to transport cargo out to a Marine combat outpost,” said Sgt. Trevor M. Scarberry, a cargo unmanned aerial system external operator with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and native of Choctaw, Okla. “What these aircraft do is keep convoys off the road and out of reach of IED’s (improved explosive device), it also allows us to deliver loads to Marines anywhere at anytime they need them.”

The unmanned helicopter is controlled by a Marine on the ground who manually operates and lands the aircraft using a controller modeled after those from the PlayStation 3 gaming system. This controller was selected by the defense contracting company and aircraft designer, Lockheed Martin.

“I’m not sure why they used a PS3 controller,” said Scarberry. “My guess is because it compliments the generation’s already advanced video gaming abilities.”

Working alongside the 2/6 Marines to oversee and maintain aircraft capability is Lockheed Martin senior engineer James Ledford. The retired Marine lieutenant colonel and former helicopter pilot explained what the future holds for unmanned aircraft in a combat zone.

“This is not a program of record right now, we’re out here as a demonstration of validation of the concept,” said Ledford. “We spent five months in Yuma, Arizona sorting out the airplane and passing all initial tests, this operation proved its capabilities.”

An unmanned helicopter known as a Kaman K-1200 or “K-MAX” picks up a load of fuel during the first unmanned aircraft delivery to a patrol base in southern Helmand here, March 15. Unmanned helicopters have the potential to carry larger loads of cargo than those in their conventional counterparts, keeping more Marines off the roads and putting fewer in harm’s way.

During the operation, the K-Max landed inside the FOB Geronimo landing zone to pick up a load of fuel for delivery to Patrol Base Delmar, one of the smaller position in the 2/6 area of operations. While fuel was the cargo transported during this operation – another first for the K-Max – generators, Meals Ready to Eat boxes and other types of supply used by Marines in the field could moved by the unmanned aircraft.

“It’s used to carry any type of cargo that’s hard to fit inside other aircraft,” said Ledford. “Unmanned aircraft also make the drop and pick up process a lot faster and easier.”

While transporting cargo in an efficient manner is important, there are other reasons why the Marine Corps has become increasingly interested in using unmanned aircraft to transport cargo.

“This program started about three years ago when we started thinking about how we could deliver cargo without exposing people to IED’s and small arms fire,” said Ledford. “Also if you’re flying an unmanned helicopter you don’t have to fly escort helicopters with it, opening up those helicopters to other more important missions.”



It remains to be seen whether or not this project will propel the K-Max into a more prominent role for cargo transportation in the future. For now this unmanned aircraft is helping keep Marines off the roads in southern Helmand, meaning fewer are put in harm’s way.

Editor’s note: Second Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, 1st Marine Division (Forward), which works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling the ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

Related articles

• Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)
• K-max unmanned cargo heli deployed to A-stan (apacheclips.com)

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R.I.P. - Cpl. Conner T. Lowry

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
           
Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, Ill., died March 1 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.


            This incident is under investigation.


            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.


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from nbcchicago:

A United States Marine from the Chicago area was killed this week in Afghanistan amid the rising attacks on American military personnel in that country.

Cpl. Conner Lowry, a 24-year-old graduate of Brother Rice High School, was a gunner on a Humvee when he was killed. The family said Lowry was electrocuted.

"Conner was doing what he believed in, and that was fighting for us, for our country," said his friend, Owen Yanz.

Lowry was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif., the Department of Defense said Friday.

Lowry's family said the 6 feet, 5 inch tall former football player loved rock 'n roll music and had a large network of family and friends. Inside his old Beverly neighborhood bedroom, Lowry's uncle showed off his nephew's beat up guitar, huge sneakers and dress blues.

"He was just a great guy," said the uncle, Kevin Lavin. "You couldn't ask for a better person."

At St. John Fisher, Lowry's former elementary school, Sister Jean McGrath called the former student "the go-to guy." In the hallway, his 2002 high school graduation picture is adorned with a red, white and blue ribbon. Outside, students decorated trees with red, white and blue bows.

Lowry's grade school yearbook says he wanted to be an NBA coach or a sportscaster.

Lowry had been a Marine for nearly three years and had just four months to go before being discharged, the family said.

Lavin said Lowry's body will return to the United States on Saturday afternoon. St. John Fisher has offered to host the wake and funeral likely to be held Wednesday and Thursday.

The Marine is survived by his mother, two sisters and two brothers.

• http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-soldier-killed-afghanistan-141136073.html
• http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-20120302-005,0,7309938.photo
• http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2012/03/ap-corporal-killed-in-afghanistan-mother-030212/
• http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/conner-lowry-chicago-marine-dies-afghanistan-brother-rice-graduate-20120302 

Chicago Marine Dies in Afghanistan: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

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Marine copters crash, killing 7 (updated)

Image via Wikipedia

Two Marine helicopters collided at the Yuma Training Range Complex on Wednesday, killing seven Marines in one of the worst training accidents in recent years.

The helicopters that collided — an AH-1W “Cobra” and a UH-1Y “Huey” — were conducting routine training operations around 8 p.m. Wednesday in a remote area of the Yuma complex, the Marine Corps said in a statement Thursday. Both helicopters belonged to the the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The complex covers airspace and lands in southwestern Arizona and southeastern California, including the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Bombing and Gunnery Range in California. The Associated Press reported that the two helicopters crashed in the Chocolate Mountains.

Such training accidents are relatively rare. In July a UH-1Y “Huey” crashed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., killing one Marine and wounding five others. At the time, Marine officials said the crash was believed to be the first one involving the UH-1Y since it joined the Marine Corps inventory in 2008.

Identities of the Marines in Wednesday’s crash will be withheld until next of kin have been notified.

The incident is currently under investigation, a Marine press statement said.

FOXPhoenix had a full story here: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/war_room/7-marines-killed-after-choppers-collide-02232012

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from ARMYTimes:

Six of the Marines were assigned to a unit at Camp Pendleton, Calif., part of 3rd Marine Air Wing based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. One Marine was based at Yuma. Their units have not been identified.
The Yuma-based Marine was a captain, instructor and pilot, according to Col. Robert Kuckuk, commander at MCAS Yuma.

The captain had “risen to the pinnacle of Marine aviation in his field,” Kuckuk said at news conference Thursday afternoon at MCAS Yuma.
Identities of the Marines will not be released until 24 hours after the next of kin has been notified.
The Cobra and Huey were both carrying explosives and were training together, along with at least two other aircraft. The Huey and Cobra collided 65 miles northwest of MCAS Yuma, Kuckuk said.
The crash site was in the Chocolate Mountain Gunnery Range, which is used for explosives training, Kuckuk said.
Aerial views of the crash Thursday afternoon showed several trucks amid the charred remains of the helicopters.
Capt. Staci Reidinger, director of public affairs at MCAS Yuma, said that the crash area is not a populated area.
Kuckuk said that the rugged desert mountain terrain “simulates Afghanistan very, very well.”
The Marines were likely using standard night-vision goggles during the mission. Kuckuk said that the goggles limit depth perception and don’t allow for a clear horizon.
“We train to those limitations ... we understand those risks. We take steps to mitigate those risks,” he said.
Typically the Cobra aircraft carries a pilot and a co-pilot and is used by the Marine Corps. The twin-engine aircraft has been used in combat in the Vietnam War by U.S. forces, as well as in Grenada.
The helicopter is known for its capability to operate during the day and night, in land- and sea- based operations, and in adverse weather conditions. Its ability to withstand desert conditions protected the aircraft during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Cpl. Steven Posy, a MCAS Miramar spokesman, said Thursday that the weather “was pretty mild last night.”

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