Showing posts with label United States Department of Defense. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

R.I.P. - Pfc. Barrett L. Austin

4/23/2013 10:16:00 AM SgtJim 3 comments, check it!

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Pfc. Barrett L. Austin, 20, of Easley, S.C., died April 21 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, April 17. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

            For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at 912-435-9874 during duty hours. After duty hours call 912-767-8666 and ask for the on-call public affairs officer.

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from foxcarolina:

Posted: Apr 22, 2013 3:32 AM Updated: Apr 22, 2013 10:18 PM
By Dal Kalsi

DACUSVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - An Upstate soldier serving in Afghanistan died after his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.

Pfc. Barrett Austin, 20, of Easley, died from injuries he sustained last Thursday, according to his grandfather, Donald Austin.
Family said Barrett Austin was driving a military vehicle when he ran over an explosive device. The device detonated, leaving Barrett Austin severely injured.
According to the military, the attack happened in the Wardak Province on April 17. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA.
According to Donald Austin, his grandson was flown to an Army hospital in Germany. His parents and his wife, Heather, were at his bedside when Barrett Austin passed away Sunday afternoon, according to family.
The family is expected to return with Barrett Austin's remains on Wednesday.

Funeral plans have not yet been announced.

According to a memorial Facebook group set up in Barrett Austin's memory, he attended Dacusville and Pickens high schools, where flags were flown at half-staff on Monday.

Vietnam Veterans Day 2013

4/01/2013 11:11:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Statement by Secretary Chuck Hagel on Vietnam Veterans Day

            Today and this weekend, communities across the country commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.

            This year we also mark forty years since the end of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam. On March 29, 1973, the last of our combat forces departed the country and the final release of American prisoners of war drew to a close.

            When Vietnam veterans reached their hometowns, many were not greeted with the appreciation and respect they very much deserved. In our time we must take every opportunity to thank all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

            More than 1,600 service members remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Their families still seek answers. Today, the Department of Defense reaffirms its commitment to take all steps to account for our missing personnel and bring closure to their families. And we salute and thank our Vietnam veterans and their families.

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15898
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 193-13
March 29, 2013
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The United States Of America Vietnam War Commemoration

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com

Veterans' Stories of the Vietnam Memorial, 30 Years Later

by AARP, Published on Oct 31, 2012

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation

2/01/2013 03:51:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation
            The Department of Defense today identified three major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled rotation involves one Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with roughly 2,250 personnel; a Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) with roughly 2,200 personnel; and a corps headquarters with roughly 500 personnel to rotate in spring 2013. The deploying units include:

            Brigade Combat Teams:

                        4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

                        10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

            Corps Headquarters:

                        III Corps Headquarters, Fort Hood, Texas.

            DoD will continue to announce major deployments as they are approved. For information on the respective deployments, contact the following: 4th IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., contact the Fort Stewart, Ga., public affairs office at 912-435-9879 or 912-435-9870; 10th CAB, 10th Mtn. Div., contact the 10thMtn. Div. public affairs officer at 315-772-7634; and III Corps Hq., contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at 254-286-5139.
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On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15794
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 571-3343
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 052-13
January 31, 2013

US soldier killed in the Dr.Dilip's rescue action

12/10/2012 12:14:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

official ISAF release:

U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Casualty


2012-12-US-001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KABUL, Afghanistan (December 9, 2012) – A U.S. Forces-Afghanistan service member died in eastern Afghanistan today. It is USFOR-A policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the U.S. Department of Defense, who will release the name once next of kin have been notified.

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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 961-12
December 09, 2012

Secretary Panetta's Statement on Operations in Afghanistan
“I want to commend the U.S Special Operations team who rescued an American citizen captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. I was deeply saddened to learn that a U.S. service member was killed in the operation, and I also want to extend my condolences to his family, teammates and friends. The special operators who conducted this raid knew they were putting their lives on the line to free a fellow American from the enemy's grip. They put the safety of another American ahead of their own, as so many of our brave warriors do every day and every night. In this fallen hero, and all of our special operators, Americans see the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service upheld. The torch of freedom burns brighter because of them.”

R.I.P. - Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin R. Ebbert

11/26/2012 11:22:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

            Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin R. Ebbert, 32, of Arcata, Calif., died Nov. 24 while supporting stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Ebbert was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit in Virginia Beach, Va.

            For further information related to this release, please contact the Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs Office at 757-763-2007.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A Navy SEAL assigned to a Virginia Beach team was shot and killed while in combat Saturday in Afghanistan.

Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin R. Ebbert, 32, of Arcata, Calif., died while supporting stability operations in southern Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense news release.

Ebbert was a Special Warfare Operator assigned to a SEAL team out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our teammate who has made the ultimate sacrifice," said Capt. Robert Smith, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group Two. "We have lost a courageous patriot who selflessly answered our nation's call to defend freedom and protect us from terrorism."
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Kevin Ebbert’s mother, Charlie Jordan, sent this message:

“Kevin Ebbert, my 32 year old son, US Navy SEAL serving his second deployment in Afghanistan was killed Friday. Kevin was poised to return home early next year and start medical school completing his training started as a Corpsman to become an MD. We last spoke about he and his wife Ursula joining Rotary where he could work in clinics internationally.

“There are many details to be worked out. There will be a Memorial Service scheduled in Arcata. In the meantime we have set up the ‘Kevin Ebbert Memorial Fund’ with Humboldt Area Foundation for those of you who wish to donate to it in Kevin’s name.”

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. at the JEB Little Creek Base Chapel. A reception will follow at the SEAL Heritage Center onboard JEB Little Creek.

http://www.arcataeye.com/2012/11/dod-identifies-arcata-man-as-navy-casualty-november-25-2012/

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy (Nov.07.2012.)

11/07/2012 09:53:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

IMMEDIATE RELEASE     No. 879-12
November 07, 2012

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy


The Department of Defense (DoD) is a fully integrated partner in the federal, state, and local response to Hurricane Sandy and is appropriately postured to provide additional assistance to civilian authorities, as a result of the northeaster currently sweeping through the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States. To address potential issues from resulting this northeaster, DoD has retained significant capacity in the region to provide emergency temporary power and pumping capability and to distribute fuel, food, cold-weather clothing, and other comfort items as requested by civil authorities.

            Here are today’s significant updates on DoD’s response to Hurricane Sandy over the past 24 hours (as of 11 a.m. EST):

            DoD Operations
            - U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has delivered 354 power restoration vehicles and 449 technical personnel on 64 missions from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL,) N.J., and JFK International Airport, N.Y. An additional seven flights are scheduled today from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., to JBMDL.

            - Since Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast, Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-5 Galaxys, C-27J Spartans and C-130 Hercules have flown nearly 200 sorties, moving more than 700 passengers and approximately 3,000 tons of cargo. The Air Force delivered equipment, supplies and crews ranging from teams of power company employees and blankets to generators, water pumps and utility trucks that are being used to restore power to areas devastated by the disaster.

            - Marine Corps pump teams assigned to the 19th Engineering Battalion (Fort Knox, Ky.), pumped 256,000 gallons from basement areas at three apartment complexes in Queens, N.Y. and are continuing operations in the same neighborhoods. Air Force teams provided pump support to the New York City Fire Department in Brooklyn and at the Rockaway Waste Water Treatment Plant. A Navy dive detachment is providing pump support at the World Trade Center. Army Divers are assisting with assessments at Craven Point, and Amtrak Substation in Kearney, N.J.

            - The USS San Antonio, and the USS Carter Hall, repositioned from Breezy Point, N.Y., due to storm warnings. The USS Wasp will weather the storm at anchor.

            - Navy and Marine Corps teams have begun pumping operations in Breezy Point, N.Y.

            - Navy divers assisted with surface and underwater infrastructure assessments, evaluating storm damage to Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. Navy personnel also assisted with debris cleanup operations at the station.

            - Marine teams are removing debris from locations and routes in Staten Island and at the Hoboken Ferry Terminal.

            - The secretary of defense approved the use of a fourth vessel, the Maine Maritime Training Ship, State of Maine, to provide accommodations and meals to first responders in New York City. The TS State of Maine will join the TS Empire State, TS Kennedy, and Ready Reserve Fleet Vessel SS Wright already at anchor in New York City.

            Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

            Over the past 24 hours, DLA delivered one million meals to JBMDL and Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y., and 850,000 gallons of fuel to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regions throughout the effected region. DLA is providing 600,000 meals, 600,000 bottles of water, propane, and diesel fuel to support 11 American Red Cross sites in New York and New Jersey.

            U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

            The USACE is responsible for unwatering operations at 14 sites. To date, seven sites have been completed, seven sites are being pumped and two sites are anticipating completion in the next 24 hours. USACE has process more than 470 requests for power restoration services to date.

            National Guard Operations

            Over 7,100 National Guard personnel are supporting the governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. These National Guard personnel continue to provide critical assistance to local first-responders and FEMA with damage assessments, route clearance, power generation, fuel distribution, debris reduction and removal, search and rescue, delivery of essential equipment and supplies, support at evacuation shelters and first responder bed-down locations, and the employment of unique engineering capabilities.

            New York National Guard (NYNG): Today, 4,248 Guard personnel and over 600 vehicles are on state active duty supporting relief efforts. The NYNG conducting 20 point of distribution missions where they have distributed 115,000 cases of meals, 62,283 cases of bottled water and 31,558 blankets to date.

            New Jersey National Guard (NJNG): There are 2,011 NJNG personnel on state active duty supporting relief efforts. The NJNG are assisting emergency responders with fuel distribution with over 170,232 gallons distributed since Nov. 2. They also distributed 6,618 blankets, 1,740 cots and 3,648 towels throughout the state. The NJNG is assisting law enforcement agencies with security support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy (11.06.2012.)

11/07/2012 01:48:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

IMMEDIATE RELEASE     No. 877-12
November 06, 2012

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy

            The Department of Defense (DoD) remains committed to its support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to Hurricane Sandy. As the Northeastern storm moves through the New York and New Jersey areas, DoD will continue to provide support to federal, state and local recovery operations while ensuring it is postured to conduct new response operations as a result of the oncoming storm.

            Here is today’s update on DoD’s response to Hurricane Sandy (as of 9 a.m. EST):

            The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has delivered 208 power restoration vehicles and 354 technical personnel on 56 missions from California, Arizona, and Washington to Stewart ANGB, N.Y., McGuire AFB, N.J., and JFK International Airport, N.Y. An additional three flights are scheduled for Nov. 6 from locations in California and Nevada to JFK International Airport, N.Y.

            The 401st, 410th, and 431st Quartermaster Teams, from Lock Haven, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., and Kinston, N.C., respectively, have reported to Joint Base Dix/McGuire/Lakehurst, N.J. for allocation to the affected areas. The 401stQuartermaster Team is on assignment in Long Beach, N.Y.

            The 172nd Preventive Health Team (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.), the 227th Preventive Health Team (Ft. Bragg, N.C.), and the 43rd Veterinary Team (from Ft. Hood, Texas) are now at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and prepared to deploy.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

            In total, over three million meals have been delivered to FEMA facilities in West Virginia, New York and New Jersey. Another five million meals are in production. DLA delivered 500,000 meals to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL), N.J. and 500,000 meals to Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y.

            LA delivered 1,000 cots, 1,000 blankets and one million meals ready to eat (MREs) to Ft. Hamilton, N.Y. for the National Guard. 3,000 cots were delivered to JBMDL for National Guard personnel in the area. 140,000 blankets and 200 hypothermia kits were delivered to JBMDL.

            DLA is executing the purchase of up to 12 million gallons of gasoline and 12 million gallons of diesel. 260 fuel trucks are on contract to support of fuel distribution. More than 500,000 gallons have been delivered to FEMA distribution sites so far.

            Fuel was provided to 27 of 79 state-identified commercial stations in New York and New Jersey. In both states, FEMA continues to assign DLA to deliver gas at the Governors' requests.

            Fifty (500 – 2000 Kilowatt) generators are at or in transit to JBMDL, N.J. DLA ordered seven additional generators and the estimated delivery tomorrow.

            DLA has contracts in place to support debris removal operations. They have 3,000 ton barges on contract for garbage hauling (estimated to arrive Nov. 7-8). DLA has also awarded two contracts for 330 roll-off dumpsters and 34 trucks for overland trash hauling.

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
            USACE has more than 600 personnel supporting Hurricane Sandy response operations. USACE’s priority is supporting de-watering and power missions in New York and New Jersey. They deployed technical assistance teams and senior leadership oversight, and are deploying and identifying pump and emergency generator requirements consistent with FEMA mission assignments. USACE is supporting emergency temporary power missions in New York and New Jersey with more than 335 generators staged at forward locations. As of today, 80 emergency generators have been installed.

           USACE is responsible for unwatering operations at 14 sites, to include the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, the Montague Tunnel, Passaic Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant, and the Jersey City PATH Train Tunnel.

            USACE concluded unwatering involvement at the following sites: the Queens Midtown Tunnel, World Trade Center site, the South Ferry Station, the 53rd Street Tunnel, Battery Underpass, Manhattan Steam Plant Tunnel, and the 14th Street Tunnel.

            USACE continues to support emergency power restoration efforts at the Kinder Morgan Terminal.

National Guard

            The National Guard continues significant response and recovery efforts. Today, more than 7,400 National Guard personnel are assisting in response and recovery efforts across region affected by Sandy.

            Eight states are supporting the response efforts through Emergency Management Agreement Compacts: Delaware (106 personnel), Alabama (22), California (114), Georgia (20), Massachusetts (120), Maine (5), North Carolina (25), and Ohio (119). Two four-person power generation teams from the West Virginia National Guard are working with USACE to assist power generation missions.

            New York National Guard (NYNG): 3,364 NYNG personnel are on state active duty, supporting relief efforts. The NYNG continues supporting power restoration, traffic control, debris removal, wellness checks, and food/water distribution. The NYNG is conducting 20 point of distribution missions: 258,000 meals, 431, 984 bottles of water and 21,000 blankets distributed as of yesterday.

            New Jersey National Guard (NJNG): 2,092 NJNG personnel are on state active duty, supporting relief efforts. NJNG personnel are conducting debris clearance/removal, high water vehicle operations, shelter support, food and water and fuel distribution, power generation, and presence patrols. The NJNG is still conducting aerial support missions including FEMA damage assessments.

            Assisting emergency responders with fuel distribution with more than 93,229 gallons distributed since Friday. The NJNG also distributed 6,618 blankets, 1,740 cots and 3,648 towels. They are assisting local and state law enforcement agencies with security support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

            West Virginia National Guard (WVNG): 542 WVNG personnel on state active duty are conducting community assessments, medical evacuation, snow and debris removal, and food, water, and generator distribution. Deployed Aviation assets are supporting response and recovery efforts.

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy (11.05.2012.)

11/06/2012 01:56:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 874-12
November 05, 2012

Update on the DoD and National Guard Response to Hurricane Sandy

            The Department of Defense (DoD) remains fully engaged in the ongoing federal disaster response efforts underway in eastern and northeastern United States as a result of Hurricane Sandy. In the context of our current support activities the department is focusing on providing unique capabilities to support civilian efforts to restore power to vital facilities and to assist with the resumption of mass transit services in the New York and New Jersey area.
            Here is today’s update on DoD’s response to Hurricane Sandy (as of 9 a.m. EST):
            DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY (DLA)
            DLA is using its normal business funds and processes to purchase goods and services in support of disaster relief. Once the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activates or places an order for fuel delivery, FEMA assumes control of contract assets after assets are deployed to FEMA designated locations. FEMA works with state emergency coordinators, who direct assets to the best locations. Once assets are with the states, the states determine how it’s used and where it goes. DLA personnel are also on site to assist with logistics and fuel issues. The contractor has the capability to delivery bulk product into existing tanks as well as refueling first responder vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, etc.) and fleet vehicles. DLA received commitments from various suppliers to provide up to 24 million gallons of fuel.
            - As of today, DLA has supplied 253,000 gallons of gasoline and 157,000 gallons of diesel fuel to FEMA distribution centers within New York and New Jersey.
            - DLA is executing the purchase of 12 million gallons of gasoline, 12 million gallons of diesel. 260 fuel trucks are on contract to support of fuel distribution.
            - New York locations to distribute first responder fuel changed from armories to five commercial gas stations. New Jersey locations are still operating at five National Guard armories.
            - DLA working with the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to use more than 50 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck refuelers at first responder fueling. More than 430,000 gallons have been delivered in four days.
            - In total, more than two million meals have been delivered to FEMA facilities in West Virginia, New York and New Jersey. Another five million are in production. 500,000 meals are in transit to Lakehurst, N.J., and 500,000 meals in transit to Floyd Bennett Field, NY.
            - DLA delivered 1,000 cots/1,000 blankets to Fort Hamilton, N.Y., for the National Guard. 3,000 cots were delivered to McGuire, N.J., for National Guard personnel in the area. 140,000 blankets were delivered to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL), N.J.
            - 107 pumps (1,500 gallons per minute and up) delivered to JBMDL, Saturday.
            - Five submersible pumps moved to Craven Point in support of Navy Salvage.
            - 51 Generators (500-2000KW) are at or in transit to Lakehurst, N.J.
            ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (USACE)
            USACE has more than 600 personnel supporting Hurricane Sandy response operations. Priority missions include: unwatering, temporary emergency power, restoration of ports, and debris cleanup.
            - At the Hoboken Terminal, USACE is working with city officials to increase the passenger capacity. USACE is moving two large generators to the site to support operations, both are expected to be on site today.
            - Currently pumping at: Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, World Trade Center, Montague Tunnel, Passaic Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant, Jersey City PATH Train Tunnel, 14th Street Tunnel, and Rockaway Waste Water Treatment Plan.
            - USACE has 176 additional pumps with varying capacities staged or available via contractor staged and ready for deployment as needed.
            - USACE has installed 67 generators with another 30 installations in progress. Another 97 installations are projected over the next 24 hours.
            - Special emphasis has been focused on 26 sites in Hoboken to include providing power to twelve high rise apartments. USACE has one generator on site, one enroute and one being prepared for movement from the incident support bases. This effort will continue until commercial power has been restored.
            THE NATIONAL GUARD
            The National Guard continues significant response and recovery efforts throughout the impacted region.
            - 7,666 National Guard personnel are assisting in response and recovery efforts across region affected by Sandy.
            - The New York National Guard (NYNG) is supporting power restoration, traffic control, debris removal, wellness checks, and food/water distribution throughout New York City. The NYNG is the designated water and petroleum distribution agent for all supported state agencies. There are five military police companies conducting presence patrols, traffic control points, and augmentation of local law enforcement agencies.
            - More than 800 NYNG personnel 200 vehicles expected to arrive at Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y., today.
            - Using transportation companies to move generators to gas stations without power, followed by federal and local contractors performing generator installation and maintenance.
            - The New Jersey National Guard (NJNG) is assisting New Jersey State Police and Fire Department with rescues, security, and evacuations. They are also conducting debris clearance/removal, high water vehicle operations, shelter support, food and water and fuel distribution, and power generation. NJNG is still conducting aerial support missions including FEMA damage assessments.
            - The Pennsylvania National Guard is supporting Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with sheltering, food/water distribution, and power generation, as well as providing assistance to New York.
            - Connecticut National Guard personnel are conducting route clearance, high wheel transport, aviation, power generation, staging area support and security missions as part of recovery efforts.
            - West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) personnel are conducting community assessments, medical evacuation, and debris removal. WVNG deployed aviation assets to assist with route reconnaissance and support response and recovery efforts.

R.I.P. - Sgt. 1st Class Riley G. Stephens

10/01/2012 01:23:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

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

            Sgt. 1st Class Riley G. Stephens, 39, of Tolar, Texas, died Sept. 28, in Wardak, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire.

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

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

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Fort Bragg, N.C. — A Fort Bragg soldier was killed in Afghanistan Friday, the military announced Sunday.
Sgt. 1st Class Riley G. Stephens, 39, of Tolar, Texas, died of wounds from enemy small-arms fire in Wardak, military officials said. Stephens served with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group.

a video report from NBCNEWS:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz

9/29/2012 02:38:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

            They died Sept. 26, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near their patrol. These Soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

            Killed were:

            Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, 29, of Tucson, Ariz., and

            Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Lakehurst, N.J.

            For more information, please contact the U.S. Army Europe public affairs office in Heidelberg, Germany at 011-49-162-271-6685.

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from TucsonSentinel.com:

by Dylan Smith

A Tucson soldier, Army Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said Friday.

Sparks, 29, and another soldier were killed in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the bomb near their patrol.

The soldiers were serving with the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. The Schweinfurt, Germany-based unit was deployed in Logar province in eastern Afghanistan.

Including Sparks' death, 52 troops with Southern Arizona connections have been killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars—20 in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion of that country.

The other soldier who was killed in the incident was identified as Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Lakehurst, N.J.

Both men were members of Anvil Troop, according to the 1st Squadron's Facebook page.

Sparks "touched the lives of many soldiers during his time in Anvil. He is remembered as a contagious optimist who was always in good spirits. Someone that could relate to soldiers on a personal level and helped guide them through life. Orion was an outstanding trainer of soldiers and a leader who was not afraid to get his hands dirty and lead from the front. A true NCO to the end. He was a cornerstone in Anvil Troop," said a statement posted by Lt. Col. Whit Wright, the 173rd Airborne's commander.

"Several other paratroopers were wounded, one severely, in the same incident," Wright wrote.

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from app.com:
By Charles Webster

A soldier from the Buffalo, N.Y. area originally reported to be from Lakehurst was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan, according to an announcement Friday by the Department of Defense.

Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Fedonia, N.Y. and Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, 29, of Tucson, Ariz. died Wednesday in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan of injuries suffered when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near their patrol. The two soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Schweinfurt, Germany, according to the department announcement.

The department listed Gollnitz’s hometown as Lakehurst but he was actually a Fredonia, N.Y. native, according to his Aunt Kimberly Gollnitz.

Gollnitz was stationed, at one time, at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, now Joint Base: McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Army more than three years ago, she explained.

Lt. Col. Whit Wright, commander of the airborne cavalry unit, characterized the deaths in a prepared statement as the tragic loss of two talented, young leaders.

“Sgt. Gollnitz quickly filled a gap in the platoon's junior leadership. Bringing a quiet professionalism to his work, he was able to build a strong team of soldiers that trusted and respected him. Jonathan was also able to communicate with soldiers on a personal level and would often speak of his son and his plans for the future,”

Several other paratroopers were wounded, one severely, in the same incident, Wright added.

R.I.P. - Gunners Mate 2nd Class Dion Rashun Roberts

9/27/2012 08:55:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

            Gunners Mate 2nd Class Dion Rashun Roberts, 23, of North Chicago, Ill., died Sept. 22 as a result of a single vehicle accident in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He was assigned to an East Coast Naval Special Warfare Unit.

            For more information, media may contact Naval Special Warfare Command public affairs office at 619-522-2816.

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from NEWS SUN:

Updated: September 27, 2012 3:36AM

NORTH CHICAGO — The young sailor from North Chicago who died in Afghanistan on Saturday was the victim of a single-vehicle accident, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Department of Defense.

Gunners Mate 2nd Class Dion Rashun Roberts, 23, a 2005 graduate of North Chicago High School, was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed in the eastern city of Jalalabad, according to the statement. He was assigned to the East Coast Naval Special Warfare Unit.

Roberts, the son of John and Janice Roberts of the 1800 block of Elizabeth Avenue, also leaves behind a sister and nephew. He was due to return from a six-month deployment in October. Navy officials told the family that Roberts was killed during a training exercise.

He is the first native of North Chicago to die in the War on Terror. Twenty-eight servicemen with Lake County ties have died since 2001.

Roberts, a Navy petty officer, was recalled as charming, charismatic and friendly by friends and relatives.

“He was very highly thought of,” said North Chicago High School Principal Eric Gallagher, who said Roberts was a student in the school’s Academy of Finance, and that he was on the volleyball and tennis teams.

Roberts was also a leader in NJROTC. He enlisted in the Navy as a high school senior and went through boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.

“He had a strong character,” recalled a close friend, Aamin Stokes, who said he enlisted with Roberts on Valentine’s Day, but later changed his mind.

“He was one of a kind, an extraordinary personality,” Stokes said. “He could make any situation the most hilarious.”

R.I.P. - Spc. Kyle R. Rookey

9/04/2012 10:50:00 AM SgtJim 1 comment, your thoughts are welcome too

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

             Spc. Kyle R. Rookey, 23, of Oswego, N.Y., died Sept. 2, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

             For more information related to this release, media may contact the Fort Carson Public Affairs Office at 719-526-7525.

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from 9wsyr.com:

Oswego (WSYR-TV) -- A 23-year-old Oswego man died in a non-combat related incident in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on Sunday, according to the Department of Defense (DOD).

The young soldier has been identified as Spc. Kyle R. Rookey.

Rookey was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Further details surrounding the incident have not been released.

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Wing

8/29/2012 12:39:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Wing, 42, of Alexandria, Va., died Aug. 27, in Kuwait City, Kuwait in a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Bangor, Maine.

            For more information related to this release, media may contact the Maine Army National Guard public affairs office at 207-626-4390.

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from sunjournal:

A soldier assigned to a Maine National Guard unit has died in Kuwait.

Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Wing, 42, of Alexandria, Va., died Aug. 27, in Kuwait City in a non-combat related incident, the Defense Department announced Tuesday.

She was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Bangor, Maine.

She was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the Defense Department stated.

Further details were not available.
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Wing was a helicopter crew chief assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment out of Bangor. The unit provides medical evacuation to patients and military personnel using medically equipped UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

“The untimely and tragic loss of SSG Jessica Wing has deeply saddened and shocked all of us in the Maine National Guard and across the state of Maine,” Col. James Campbell, the acting adjutant general of the Maine National Guard, said in a statement.

Wing served in the guard for eight years and was on active duty in the Army for 11 years before that, according to the Maine National Guard. She was deployed to Haiti and Bosnia while in the Army and was sent to the Middle East three times while with the Guard.

Wing was not married and had no children, officials said.
Gov. Paul LePage said Maine “has lost a great soldier and a great Mainer.”

“We are forever indebted to her for her service to her state and to her country,” he said in a statement.

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Eric S. Holman

8/18/2012 01:24:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

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

             Staff Sgt. Eric S. Holman, 39, of Evans City, Penn., died Aug. 15, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy improvised explosive device.

             Holman was assigned to 192nd Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, 20th Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

             For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the 20th Support Command, public affairs office at 410-652-3292.

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from triblive:

By Michael Hasch
Published: Friday, August 17, 2012, 10:20 p.m.

Eric Holman loved being in the Army and was always willing, those who know him say, to tackle the most dangerous of jobs for his country and fellow soldiers.

Staff Sgt. Eric S. Holman, 39, who was raised in the Mt. Nebo area of Ohio Township, was killed on Wednesday by an enemy improvised explosive device in Ghazni province in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced.

Holman, a 1990 graduate of Avonworth High School, was a member of the Golden Knights parachute team before becoming an explosive ordnance disposal specialist. He deployed to Afghanistan in January and was scheduled to return home next month.

“He loved the Army. That’s what he wanted to do. He wanted to retire as a soldier,” said his stepmother, Jan Holman, as she and other family members waited Friday night at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. “He loved his job. He wanted to be deployed. He had looked forward to being deployed.”

She said the family has not been told much about Holman’s death and don’t know if he was trying to defuse a device that exploded or if he possibly stepped on one.

But the family does know that Holman died “doing what he loved to do,” Jan Holman said.

Holman was the son of David L. Holman of Evans City, a Vietnam veteran, and Carol S. Holman of Franklin Park.

“My husband and he were best buddies,” Jan Holman said. “My husband and he talked every week. The last time they talked was over the weekend.”

Eric Holman was a 1995 Penn State graduate with a degree in criminal justice. He went to work for his father’s trucking company and started his own limousine service. He also spent time as a construction worker.

“He thoroughly enjoyed parachuting and taught others how to parachute,” Jan Holman said. “He joined the military about nine years ago because he wanted to learn how to fly.”

Holman, originally a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, was assigned to the 192nd Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, 20th Support Command and stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C.

Holman and his wife, Terri Holman, adopted a Russian boy five years ago. Misha Holman, 7, lives with his mother in Beaver County,

“Eric was a great guy. He was a very intelligent person, very methodical. He loved his son and was a great father to Misha,” Holman said.

Holman also is survived by his sister, Lisa Long of Evans City, and a brother, Kevin Holman of Edinboro in Erie County.

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

7/26/2012 02:00:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

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.

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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.

DOD Statement on Colorado Shooting Incident

7/20/2012 10:45:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 602-12

July 20, 2012

Statement on Colorado Shooting Incident

            The Department of Defense is deeply saddened by the news of the tragic incident at the Aurora Mall Movie Theater in Aurora, Colo. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of those impacted by this event.

            One sailor was injured and one, known to have been at the theatre that evening, is currently unaccounted for. Two airmen were injured in the incident. The Navy and the Air Force are working with the families of these service members to ensure they have the care and attention they need.

            We can also confirm that the alleged gunman in this incident, James Holmes, is not a past or current member of any branch or component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

R.I.P. - Capt. Bruce A. MacFarlane

7/09/2012 02:55:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Capt. Bruce A. MacFarlane, 46, of Oviedo, Florida, died July 6, in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

            MacFarlane was assigned to the 1186th Transportation Company, 831st Transportation Battalion, Jacksonville, Fla.

            For more information related to this release, contact the U.S. Army Reserve Command Media Relations officer at 910-570-8329 or 910-495-5442.

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from orlandosentinel:

Oviedo soldier dies in Afghanistan
By Leslie Postal and David Breen, Orlando Sentinel
7:48 p.m. EST, July 8, 2012
A U.S. Army captain from Oviedo died in Afghanistan on Friday about three months after his Army Reserve unit was mobilized.

Bruce A. MacFarlane, 46, died in Kandahar, according to the Department of Defense, which did not provide information on how he died.

He was assigned to the 1186th Transportation Company, 831st Transportation Battalion, which is based in Jacksonville.

"He was a great guy, good family guy," said Keith Marang, who lives next door and said he met MacFarlane when both families moved into their new homes in 2008. "I was just floored when I heard the news."

He said MacFarlane, befitting his military career, was clean-cut and fit and looked younger than his age. He and his wife have two children, a son and a daughter, Marang said, adding that he thought they were in their early teens. He said the family moved to Oviedo from DeLand.

A person who answered the door at the family's large, modern home Sunday afternoon said they were not available, and she was not authorized to release any information. She said she was a friend of the family.

Until his recent deployment, MacFarlane ran a pool business, and he spent last summer installing his own family's backyard pool, working hour after hour in the heat to complete it with "remarkable" attention to detail, Marang said.

Once finished, "it was absolutely gorgeous," he said, with travertine tile, a hot tub at one end and a fire pit at the other, and three flower beds with stacked stone behind it. MacFarlane had said he hoped that this summer the pool would be a place where his children and their friends would hang out.

MacFarlane, who spent 12 years on active duty, was very patriotic, with an American flag always flying from his home, his neighbor said. Several small flags and red, white and blue pinwheels decorated the flower pots at the front door Sunday, presumably from the Fourth of July holiday last week.

MacFarlane enlisted in the Army in 1988, and was commissioned as an officer in 1991 after going through an ROTC program, according to Maj. Annmarie Daneker, media relations officer for the U.S. Army Reserve Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Tennessee native was promoted to captain in 1996 and then released from active duty in 2000. Daneker said the records she had did not provide details about his relationship with the Army between the end of his active duty time and his deployment this year.

MacFarlane was mobilized for deployment to Afghanistan as a member of the Army Reserve in early April, she said.

As of Friday, there had been 2,020 U.S. military deaths — 1,593 in combat — in Afghanistan as part of "Operation Enduring Freedom," the defense department said.

R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Leach

6/28/2012 12:05:00 PM SgtJim 1 comment, your thoughts are welcome too

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Leach, 29, of Ferndale, Mich., died June 26, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1/334th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division (Leader Training), Fraser, Mich.

            For more information the media may contact 104th Training Division public affairs office at 360-607-5261.

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from ferndale.patch.com:
By Jessica Schrader,June 27, 2012

Ferndale Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

Cause of death unknown for Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Leach, 29, who died Tuesday in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

A 29-year-old soldier from Ferndale died Tuesday while on duty in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense confirmed on Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Leach, of Ferndale, died June 26 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Leach was assigned to the 1/334th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division (Leader Training), based in Fraser.

Major Alex Johnson, public affairs officer for the 104th Training Division, said Leach was found unconscious and unresponsive on the floor of the facility where he was stationed and did not recover.

"The cause of death is not yet determined," Johnson said.

Leach joined the military in 2003 and served on active duty until 2008, including two tours in Iraq - one from 2005 to 2006 and another from 2007 to 2008, Johnson said. He then went into the Army Reserves and this was his first deployment from the Reserves.

Leach is survived by a wife and son, Johnson said.

R.I.P. - CWO 5 John C. Pratt, Capt. John R. Brainard

5/30/2012 04:07:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

             They died May 28, in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when their helicopter crashed. The Soldiers were assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Ansbach-Katterbach, Germany.

             Killed were:

             Capt. John R. Brainard, 26, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine;

and Chief Warrant Officer Five John C. Pratt, 51, of Springfield, Va.;

For more information the media may contact U.S. Army Europe public affairs office at 49/622-157-3181.

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Capt. John “Jay” Brainard III of Newport and his wife, Emily, in a Facebook photo.

from wlbz2:

A soldier from Maine has died in a helicopter accident in Afghanistan. Army Captain John R. Brainard, who was 26, was piloting an AH64 helicopter when it went down on patrol on Monday.

Captain Brainard grew up in the Newport/Dixmont area. He was a 2004 graduate of Foxcroft Academy and a 2008 graduate of the University of Maine. He was serving in the 12th Aviation Combat Brigade.

Gov. Paul LePage said in a statement, "It brings me great sadness to learn that Maine has lost Captain Brainard who dedicated himself to defending our State and Nation, and we are forever indebted to his display of courage and selfless sacrifice. It is with a heavy heart that I express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. This news never comes easy and is especially difficult knowing this young man made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day.

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Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander, 3rd Infantry Division, pins the Soldiers Medal on Chief Warrant Officer John Pratt July 1. Pratt was awarded the medal for heroism while helping several people involved in a car wreck in Florida last April. Lynch had also pinned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 on Pratt just before giving him the medal. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mills) - 07.02.2007

DOD identifies two soldiers killed in Afghanistan helo crash
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 30, 2012
The Department of Defense has released the names of the two soldiers killed Monday in a helicopter crash near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Capt. John R. Brainard, 26, of Newport, Maine, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 John C. Pratt, 51, of Springfield, Va., were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, based in Ansbach-Katterbach, Germany, according to a 12th CAB news release.

Their AH-64D Longbow Apache went down in Wardak province, just west of Kabul, the release said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The pilots were conducting routine combat operations, according to the unit.

U.S. Army Europe’s combat aviation brigade cased its colors April 20 in Katterbach, in preparation for its deployment to Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Brigade commander Col. Van J. Voorhees Jr. told attendees at the ceremony that the brigade would serve a 10-month tour in Regional Command-North in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and in Kuwait as part of Operation Spartan Shield.

The 12th CAB flies Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters for support, reconnaissance and assault missions.

According to information provided by the unit, Brainard was the brigade adjutant and was on his first combat tour in his four years of service. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and his parents, John Brainard and Susie Phelps of Newport, Maine.

Pratt was the brigade senior warrant officer and standardization pilot. He had deployed three times and served in the Army for more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Nicola, their daughter Emma, and his parents, John D. and Josephine Pratt, of Springfield, Va.