PARTIAL LIST AT THIS TIME
2010
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II
Hometown: Richfield, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 28 years old
Died: March 16, 2010 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S.
Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Died of wounds sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in Badghis
province, Afghanistan.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert Lee Gilbert II, age 28, entered into rest 3/16 while serving our
country in Badghis province Afghanistan. He was the beloved son of Robert L. and the
late Catherine; beloved stepson of Gretchen Gilbert; loving brother of Ruth Ann GilbertGreen; dearest uncle of Arella; dear friend and Marine brother from another mother of
many. In lieu of flowers, family has asked that memorial donations be made to
Brothersinarms.org or Injured Marine Semper Fi fund.org. All funeral services will be
held Sunday, March 28 10 a.m. at Revere High School, 3420 Everett road Richfield, Ohio
(Please use side entrance off Revere road ``The Hole in the wall Entrance'). PLEASE MEET
AT THE SCHOOL. The family will receive friends at the Catavolos Funeral Home, 3653 W.
Market Street, Fairlawn, Saturday, 2 to 8 p.m. (visitation will only take place at the
funeral home). Interment at Restland Cemetery, Brimfield, Ohio.
Richfield mourns death of 28-year-old native
Marine ambushed in Afghanistan
By Pat Galbincea, The Plain Dealer March 18, 2010, 5:12PM
Memorial sign of Robert L. Gilbert on Revere High School
RICHFIELD, Ohio -- Residents, friends and family are mourning the death of Marine Gunnery
Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, who died Tuesday evening after being shot about a week earlier in
Afghanistan.
Gilbert died on his 28th birthday in a hospital in Bethesda, Md., with his family at his
bedside. He is a 2000 graduate of Revere High School, and has been a Marine the past 10
years.
He was on his fifth tour of the Middle East and second in Afghanistan when he was
ambushed March 8 while with his platoon. A bullet pierced his helmet and entered the right
side of his head.
Dale Canter, the Richfield Police Chief, said Gilbert's father Robert -- who is a police officer - flew to Germany after learning his son was in a coma. He accompanied his son back to
Bethesda. Canter said the family will return with Gilbert's body on Monday or Tuesday.
"Robert's son never regained consciousness," Canter said, "so they never had
communication but he was with him when he took his last breath. He's dealing with this
tragedy as well as anyone could."
Revere High School art teacher Bob Pierson, who taught Gilbert for four years, said the
school and community will grieve his death.
"Rob was a very friendly young man whom you could tease a little and he'd give it right
back," Pierson said. "Our teachers enjoyed that kind of interaction and so did he.
He repeatedly talked about being a Marine, he said.
"I was proud of Rob and I wish I could tell him that now," Pierson said.
A father's promise, a son's sacrifice for his country:
Regina Brett
By Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer March 21, 2010, 6:30AM
Courtesy of Gilbert familyMarine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert in Afghanistan.
The letter sat on the dresser for four years.
Robert Gilbert never opened it. He only touched the envelope when he needed to
dust around it. He wanted to give it back to his son unopened.
Every time his Marine son was deployed, his son would ask, "You still got my
letter?"
His dad never wanted to read what was inside an envelope marked: "Dad, open this
if I am wounded. Love, Robert."
The call to open it came March 8.
"Is Robert Gilbert there?" a voice from Marine headquarters in Quantico, Va., said.
"Junior or Senior?" Robert said.
"Senior."
The father felt his stomach drop even before he heard the words: "Your son has
been injured in Afghanistan."
When he heard his son received "possibly a mortal wound," he sat on the bed,
opened the yellow envelope and pulled out four handwritten pages of spiral
notebook paper.
I'm sorry if you're reading this . . .
Robert Gilbert and his son Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert were more than
dad and son. They were best friends. Robert, a police officer for Richfield, a village
in Summit County, became a single dad the day his wife, Catherine, died of cancer
in 1992. He stood at the cemetery with Robert, 9, and Ruth Ann, 11, wondering
what to do next.
As soon as his son was old enough to drive, Robert Jr. headed to the Marine Corps
recruiting office and came home with posters. Soon, he resembled that poster: 6-3,
lean and powerful. He graduated from Revere High School, then from Parris Island.
At 20, he became one of the youngest sergeants in the Marine Corps. He served
five tours of duty: two in Iraq and three in Afghanistan.
I believe in sacrificing for freedom and I love America.
The last time Robert saw his son was in September. After a week together riding
motorcycles around Richfield, his son grabbed a couple beers and said, "We gotta
talk."
Instead of a father-to-son talk, this was a son-to-father talk. The 27-year-old
Marine looked his 56-year-old dad in the eye and said, "If I'm incapacitated, don't
keep me on life support. If we can't smoke cigars, drink a beer and ride
motorcycles, let me go."
His dad resisted. "I really would like to keep you alive," he said.
The Marine insisted.
His dad made a promise he never imagined he'd have to keep.
Dad, you gave me the desire and strength to do what I wanted to do . . .
The father couldn't be by his son's side to protect him from danger, but he sat by
his side for the long journey home. The bullet from the rooftop sniper caught his
son in the back of the head. Robert explained the damage to me this way: What
allows you to breathe and your heart to beat is working, but what makes you
Robert is not.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert Jr. with his dad, Robert Gilbert Sr., who is a
Police Officer in the village of Richfield.
Before traveling to Germany to be with his wounded son, Robert began a journal on
Facebook, to give friends news of his son: "Unless God grants me a miracle, I will
find a badly broken child of mine that served America, his country that he loved,
like none other."
When Robert arrived at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, he found
his son in the head trauma section. His eyes were black and blue. "But he was my
Robert," he told me.
Seeing the strong'" Marine with a full beard and mustache unable to speak was
heartbreaking.
Robert flew home to America with his son in a C-17. The cargo plane was big
enough to hold two tanks. At the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.,
Brigadier General David Berger gave his son the Purple Heart as the family looked
on in yellow hospital gowns, gray gloves and blue face guards.
The next day, they signed the papers to donate his organs.
I believe I lived more life in 20 some years than most lived in a lifetime . . .
Last Sunday, the father kept his promise. He held his son's head as doctors
removed the ventilator. But his son's heart wouldn't give up. There was one last
moment to share.
His birthday.
Marines filled pill container cups with Jack Daniels and sang Happy Birthday. Robert
rubbed a drop of whiskey on his son's mouth, just like he had done 27 years ago
when his boy was teething. Then each Marine kissed his son's forehead goodbye.
Robert told his son, "I love you. Thank you for being my son." He placed his right
hand on his son's heart and felt the last beat March 16th, the day he first felt it
beat.
His son got to turn 28.
"He passed from his father's hand to his Father's hand," Robert said. "I gave him
back."
I pray for your health and happiness every night and I plan to continue. I love you.
Your son, Robert.
After the funeral next Sunday, the father will put his son's letter back on the
dresser. He plans to keep it there until the day he joins his son.
Sgt. Robert Gilbert's funeral
Calling hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 27 at Catavolos Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St., Fairlawn,
Ohio.
The funeral is March 28. For information, call 330-666-3089. The time and place have not yet been
determined.
In Memory of
GySgt Robert L. Gilbert II
Died: 16 Mar, 2010 from wounds sustained in combat on 8 Mar 2010.
DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, 28, of Richfield, Ohio, died March 16 of wounds
sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in Badghis province,
Afghanistan . He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine
Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations
Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C .
Gilbert's awards include a Purple Heart, a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat
Distinguishing Device, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two
Combat Action Ribbons, three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a National
Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal and three Sea Service Deployment ribbons.
Area Marine critically hurt
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, a Revere graduate, removed from life support
By Katie Byard
Akron Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010
An area Marine whose helmet was pierced by a bullet last week in Afghanistan was
taken off life support Sunday.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, 27, was in intensive care at the National
Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Monday night.
His family was at his bedside.
Gilbert, a 2000 Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour of duty in the
Middle East and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed
during a Special Operations mission, family friend Anthony Maroon said.
The attack apparently happened sometime March 8.
''He took a shot to the right side of his head'' from a high-powered rifle, Maroon
said.
In another incident a couple of days earlier, Gilbert's Kevlar vest prevented a bullet
from entering his body, Maroon said.
''It saved his life.''
Maroon said Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan.
''He thought his days were numbered,'' Maroon said, recalling what Gilbert wrote in
a note to his girlfriend after the earlier shooting.
Maroon is best friends with Gilbert's father, Richfield police officer Bob Gilbert.
Last Wednesday, Bob Gilbert flew to Germany, where his son was stabilized after
being transferred from Afghanistan.
On Friday, father and son arrived in Bethesda after flying to the United States on a
military airplane.
Maroon, a local law-enforcement officer, spoke Sunday night with Gilbert.
''He hasn't slept but maybe four hours in the last five days,'' Maroon said. ''He has
been at his son's bedside. He won't
leave.''
Dale Canter, the Richfield police chief, said the son is ''a poster Marine'' — 6 feet 2
inches, ''extremely handsome, excellent shape.''
''He lived the life of a Marine. Very meticulous about himself. His appearance. His
uniform.''
Police officers were thinking a lot about the family, the chief said.
''We hear of casualties every day. We become callous,'' Canter said. ''But when it
hits home, it sure awakens a lot of emotions.''
The Facebook site ''GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making'' has attracted
more than 2,500 members.
Bob Gilbert , 56, posted an update on the site on Sunday that included this:
''I raised and enjoyed my son while he was stationed in his 'temporary home' on
Earth and I am privileged and honored to embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this
world. . . . ''
The father wrote that Sunday he was joined at the hospital by about 28 people,
including about a dozen who were ''brothers from another mother, other Reconn
Marines.''
Two of those at the hospital were the parents of a Marine — a friend of the younger
Gilbert's — who was killed in training, the father wrote.
The younger Gilbert's mother died several years ago of cancer, Maroon and Canter
said.
Sgt. Gilbert joined the Marines when he was 18. At age 20, he became one of the
three youngest sergeants in the Marine Corps.
''He's always been wanting to fight for his country,'' Maroon said.
At one point, Gilbert expressed interest in becoming a state trooper. But his desire
to remain in the Marines was strong.
''He said, 'I guess I'm going to retire from this and then pursue that,' '' Maroon
said. ''He kind of laughed about it.''
Maroon said Gilbert's birthday is today.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
R.I.P. Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II
Died March 16, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
28, of Richfield, Ohio; assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special
Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune,
N.C.; died March 16 of wounds sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in
Badghis province, Afghanistan.
(The following is taken from blog.cleveland.com of Mar. 28, 2010) BATH TOWNSHIP - It was
only fitting that the funeral service for Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II be held in the
Revere High School gymnasium, where painted words above the bleachers proclaim it "Home of
the Minutemen."
Like the always-at-the-ready fighters from the Revolutionary War, Gilbert was a willing warrior.
Five times he answered the call to duty overseas.
Gilbert gave his life during his last tour.
He fell March 8, mortally wounded while exchanging gunfire on a bare hilltop in Badghis
province, Afghanistan. For that and previous acts of bravery, Gilbert, 28, was posthumously
awarded the Bronze Star during the Sunday morning service in Summit County.
Gilbert died on his birthday, March 16, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Maj. Gen. Paul Lefebvre, commander of special operations for the Marines, presented the medal
to Gilbert's father, Bob Gilbert. The moment brought the nearly 1,000 people gathered in the
Revere gym to their feet for a standing ovation.
Gilbert excelled working with foreign soldiers under intense conditions, Lefebvre said after the
ceremony.
"He was a training expert," Lefebvre said, "and brave as could be."
On the day he was mortally wounded, Gilbert volunteered to watch over the rest of his patrol
from a bare hilltop overlooking a small village, according to the citation.
As the enemy neared, an intense firefight broke out. Gilbert returned fire with his rifle and
grenade launcher "while continually exposing himself to enemy fire in order to effectively direct
the actions of the Afghan National Army soldiers he was fighting alongside," the citation states.
Besides being a hero, Gilbert was remembered as a loving son and brother. A picture of Gilbert's
arm draped across his father's shoulders was enlarged and placed beside the flag-draped coffin,
which was positioned beneath a raised basketball hoop at one end of the gymnasium.
Glen Ross, who served with Gilbert, recalled his playful side. He told a story about the time he
and Gilbert went out to a bar and how his eyes kept burning all night. Ross later learned that
Gilbert had sprayed his clothes with mace so nobody would talk to him.
Steve Korn, a Christian minister married to a cousin of Gilbert's, remembers a 9-year-old Gilbert
looking lost at his mother's wake. Korn worried the loss might derail Gilbert as he grew older,
but nothing could have been further from the truth.
"He found such incredible purpose," Korn said.
Korn added that the love Gilbert showed to others -- and not just those close to him -- seemed to
him like the love of God.
"He laid down his life for people in other countries who at times probably didn't like him that
much," Korn said.
POSTED BY SUBVET AT 12:00 AM
d1ee1a96a2bad6
0
0
28, of Richfield, OH.
He died March 16 of wounds sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in Badghis province,
Afghanistan.
His father wrote on a FaceBook memorial page, “GySgt Robert made a difference in his United States of America
and he is a proud Special Operations Marine. My last words to my Robert were, ‘I Love You. Thank you for being my
son. I enjoyed the twenty eight years, to the month and day, we have shared together.’ "
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II
Died March 16, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
28, of Richfield, Ohio; assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special
Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune,
N.C.; died March 16 of wounds sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in
Badghis province, Afghanistan.
Marine from Ohio dies after Afghanistan ambush
The Associated Press
RICHFIELD, Ohio — A Marine from Ohio has died from injuries suffered in combat in
Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced March 18.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert II of Richfield died March 16, his 28th birthday, at a Maryland
hospital.
Officials said he was wounded March 8 while supporting combat operations in Badghis
province.
Gilbert was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special
Operations Regiment, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command in Camp Lejeune,
N.C.
Gilbert was on his fifth tour of duty and his second in Afghanistan, family friend Anthony Maroon
said.
Maroon said Gilbert’s platoon was ambushed and his helmet was pierced by a shot from a highpowered rifle. He said Gilbert had been shot a couple weeks earlier, but a bullet-proof vest had
stopped the bullet.
Gilbert “thought the Taliban was after him and his days were numbered,” Maroon said.
Gilbert was a 2000 graduate of Revere High School. Maroon said Gilbert joined the Marines
when he was 18 and that he always wanted to fight for his country.
Revere High art teacher Bob Pierson said Gilbert was friendly and likable and always wanted to
be a Marine.
“When you looked at him, you could see him as one. He was a tall, lean muscular kid. He also
stood really proud,” Pierson said.
Gilbert’s father, a Richfield police officer, was with him at the National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, Md., when he died.
Gunny had deployed 5 times
The Associated Press
Rob Gilbert loved life. He also loved the Marines and put his life at risk each of the five times he
was deployed overseas.
If ever he was unable to enjoy life and required machines to stay alive, he no longer wanted to
live, he told his father in September.
“If we can’t smoke cigars, drink a beer and ride motorcycles, let me go,” he said.
Gilbert, a Marine for nearly 10 years, was shot in the head during a March 8 attack in Badghis
Province, Afghanistan. He fell into a coma. About a week later at a Maryland hospital, his father
reluctantly honored his request and had life support removed.
Gilbert held on until March 16, his 28th birthday. He was surrounded by family, friends and
fellow Marines. His father, Bob Gilbert, had his hand on his son’s chest and felt his last
heartbeat.
“My last words to my Robert were, ‘I Love You. Thank you for being my son. I enjoyed the
twenty eight years, to the month and day, we have shared together,’” his father posted on
Facebook.
Gilbert, of Richfield, Ohio, was a 2000 graduate of Revere High School. He was assigned to
Camp Lejeune.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13389
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 217-10
March 18, 2010
DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting
Operation Enduring Freedom.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, 28, of Richfield, Ohio, died March 16 of wounds
sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He
was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may
contact the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-4400770.
Update - Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert
Beacon Journal | March 15, 2010 | Katie Byard
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 1:06:00 PM by Recon Dad
POSTED: 12:36 p.m. EDT, Mar 15, 2010 An area Marine was critically injured when a bullet
pierced his helmet in a battle in Afghanistan. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, 27, was
removed from life support Sunday at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.,
where his family is at his bedside. Gilbert, a Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour
of duty of the Middle East and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed
during a Special Operations mission, family friend Anthony Maroon said. The incident
apparently happened sometime last Monday. ''He took a shot to the right side of his head'' from a
high-powered rifle, Maroon said. In another incident — a couple of days earlier — Gilbert's
Kevlar vest prevented a bullet from entering his body, Maroon said. ''It saved his life.'' Maroon
said Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan. ''He thought the Taliban was
after him and his days were numbered,'' Maroon said, recalling what Gilbert wrote in a note to
his girlfriend. Maroon is best friends with Gilbert's father, Richfield police officer Bob Gilbert,
who is with his son in Maryland. Last Wednesday, Bob Gilbert flew to Germany, where his son
was stabilized after being transferred from Afghanistan. On Friday, the father and son arrived in
Bethesda after flying on the same military airplane to the United States. Maroon, a local law
enforcement officer, spoke Sunday night with Gilbert. ''He hasn't slept but maybe four hours in
the last five days,'' Maroon said. ''He has been at his son's bedside. He won't leave.'' The
Facebook site ''GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making'' has attracted nearly 1,300
members. Bob Gilbert posted an update on the site that included this: ''I raised and enjoyed my
son while he was stationed in his 'temporary home' on Earth and I am privileged and honored to
embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this world . . . '' The son joined the Marines when he was 18
and at 21 became the youngest Marine ever promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant, Maroon
said. ''He's always been wanting to fight for his country,'' Maroon said. At one point, Gilbert
expressed interest in becoming a state trooper. But his desire to remain in the Marines was
strong. ''He said, 'I guess I'm going to retire from this and then pursue that,' '' Maroon said. ''He
kind of laughed about it.'' Maroon said Gilbert's birthday is Tuesday.
________________________________________ Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781
or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com. An area Marine was critically injured when a bullet pierced
his helmet in a battle in Afghanistan. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, 27, was removed
from life support Sunday at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where his
family is at his bedside. Gilbert, a Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour of duty of
the Middle East and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed during a
Special Operations mission, family friend Anthony Maroon said. The incident apparently
happened sometime last Monday. ''He took a shot to the right side of his head'' from a high-
powered rifle, Maroon said. In another incident — a couple of days earlier — Gilbert's Kevlar
vest prevented a bullet from entering his body, Maroon said. ''It saved his life.'' Maroon said
Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan. ''He thought the Taliban was after
him and his days were numbered,'' Maroon said, recalling what Gilbert wrote in a note to his
girlfriend. Maroon is best friends with Gilbert's father, Richfield police officer Bob Gilbert, who
is with his son in Maryland. Last Wednesday, Bob Gilbert flew to Germany, where his son was
stabilized after being transferred from Afghanistan. On Friday, the father and son arrived in
Bethesda after flying on the same military airplane to the United States. Maroon, a local law
enforcement officer, spoke Sunday night with Gilbert. ''He hasn't slept but maybe four hours in
the last five days,'' Maroon said. ''He has been at his son's bedside. He won't leave.'' The
Facebook site ''GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making'' has attracted nearly 1,300
members. Bob Gilbert posted an update on the site that included this: ''I raised and enjoyed my
son while he was stationed in his 'temporary home' on Earth and I am privileged and honored to
embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this world . . . '' The son joined the Marines when he was 18
and at 21 became the youngest Marine ever promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant, Maroon
said. ''He's always been wanting to fight for his country,'' Maroon said. At one point, Gilbert
expressed interest in becoming a state trooper. But his desire to remain in the Marines was
strong. ''He said, 'I guess I'm going to retire from this and then pursue that,' '' Maroon said. ''He
kind of laughed about it.'' Maroon said Gilbert's birthday is Tuesday.
Area Marine critically hurt
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, a Revere graduate, removed from life support
By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010
An area Marine whose helmet was pierced by a bullet last week in Afghanistan was taken off life support
Sunday.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, 27, was in intensive care at the National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, Md., Monday night.
His family was at his bedside.
Gilbert, a 2000 Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour of duty in the Middle East and his
second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed during a Special Operations mission, family
friend Anthony Maroon said.
The attack apparently happened sometime March 8.
''He took a shot to the right side of his head'' from a high-powered rifle, Maroon said.
In another incident a couple of days earlier, Gilbert's Kevlar vest prevented a bullet from entering his
body, Maroon said.
''It saved his life.''
Maroon said Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan.
''He thought his days were numbered,'' Maroon said, recalling what Gilbert wrote in a note to his
girlfriend after the earlier shooting.
Maroon is best friends with Gilbert's father, Richfield police officer Bob Gilbert.
Last Wednesday, Bob Gilbert flew to Germany, where his son was stabilized after being transferred from
Afghanistan.
On Friday, father and son arrived in Bethesda after flying to the United States on a military airplane.
Maroon, a local law-enforcement officer, spoke Sunday night with Gilbert.
''He hasn't slept but maybe four hours in the last five days,'' Maroon said. ''He has been at his son's
bedside. He won't
leave.''
Dale Canter, the Richfield police chief, said the son is ''a poster Marine'' — 6 feet 2 inches, ''extremely
handsome, excellent shape.''
''He lived the life of a Marine. Very meticulous about himself. His appearance. His uniform.''
Police officers were thinking a lot about the family, the chief said.
''We hear of casualties every day. We become callous,'' Canter said. ''But when it hits home, it sure
awakens a lot of emotions.''
The Facebook site ''GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making'' has attracted more than 2,500
members.
Bob Gilbert, 56, posted an update on the site on Sunday that included this:
''I raised and enjoyed my son while he was stationed in his 'temporary home' on Earth and I am privileged
and honored to embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this world. . . . ''
The father wrote that Sunday he was joined at the hospital by about 28 people, including about a dozen
who were ''brothers from another mother, other Reconn Marines.''
Two of those at the hospital were the parents of a Marine — a friend of the younger Gilbert's — who was
killed in training, the father wrote.
The younger Gilbert's mother died several years ago of cancer, Maroon and Canter said.
Sgt. Gilbert joined the Marines when he was 18. At age 20, he became one of the three youngest sergeants
in the Marine Corps.
''He's always been wanting to fight for his country,'' Maroon said.
At one point, Gilbert expressed interest in becoming a state trooper. But his desire to remain in the
Marines was strong.
''He said, 'I guess I'm going to retire from this and then pursue that,' '' Maroon said. ''He kind of laughed
about it.''
Maroon said Gilbert's birthday is today.
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.
Ohio Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert Gilbert died after being shot in Afghanistan. (Family photo)
An area Marine whose helmet was pierced by a bullet last week in Afghanistan was taken off life
support Sunday.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert, 27, was in intensive care at the National Naval Medical
Center in Bethesda, Md., Monday night.
His family was at his bedside.
Gilbert, a 2000 Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour of duty in the Middle East
and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed during a Special
Operations mission, family friend Anthony Maroon said.
The attack apparently happened sometime March 8.
''He took a shot to the right side of his head'' from a high-powered rifle, Maroon said.
In another incident a couple of days earlier, Gilbert's Kevlar vest prevented a bullet from
entering his body, Maroon said.
''It saved his life.''
Maroon said Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan.
''He thought his days were numbered,'' Maroon said, recalling what Gilbert wrote in a note to his
girlfriend after the earlier shooting.
Maroon is best friends with Gilbert's father, Richfield police officer Bob Gilbert.
Last Wednesday, Bob Gilbert flew to Germany, where his son was stabilized after being
transferred from Afghanistan.
On Friday, father and son arrived in Bethesda after flying to the United States on a military
airplane.
Maroon, a local law-enforcement officer, spoke Sunday night with Gilbert.
''He hasn't slept but maybe four hours in the last five days,'' Maroon said. ''He has been at his
son's bedside. He won't
leave.''
Dale Canter, the Richfield police chief, said the son is ''a poster Marine'' — 6 feet 2 inches,
''extremely handsome, excellent shape.''
''He lived the life of a Marine. Very meticulous about himself. His appearance. His uniform.''
Police officers were thinking a lot about the family, the chief said.
''We hear of casualties every day. We become callous,'' Canter said. ''But when it hits home, it
sure awakens a lot of emotions.''
The Facebook site ''GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making'' has attracted more than
2,500 members.
Bob Gilbert, 56, posted an update on the site on Sunday that included this:
''I raised and enjoyed my son while he was stationed in his 'temporary home' on Earth and I am
privileged and honored to embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this world. . . . ''
The father wrote that Sunday he was joined at the hospital by about 28 people, including about
a dozen who were ''brothers from another mother, other Reconn Marines.''
Two of those at the hospital were the parents of a Marine — a friend of the younger Gilbert's —
who was killed in training, the father wrote.
The younger Gilbert's mother died several years ago of cancer, Maroon and Canter said.
Sgt. Gilbert joined the Marines when he was 18. At age 20, he became one of the three
youngest sergeants in the Marine Corps.
''He's always been wanting to fight for his country,'' Maroon said.
At one point, Gilbert expressed interest in becoming a state trooper. But his desire to remain in
the Marines was strong.
''He said, 'I guess I'm going to retire from this and then pursue that,' '' Maroon said. ''He kind of
laughed about it.''
Maroon said Gilbert's birthday is today.
Area Marine dies from injuries sustained in Afghanistan
Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert
Posted: 03/17/2010 By: News Staff
RICHFIELD, Ohio - An area Marine who was injured last week in Afghanistan died Tuesday,
according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert, of Richfield, was injured when a bullet pierced his helmet. He
passed away on his 28th birthday.
Gilbert, a 2000 graduate of Revere High School, was stabilized in Afghanistan and moved to
Germany, where he underwent surgery. He was then transported to the National Naval Medical
Center in Bethesda, Md.
newsnet5.com will continue to follow this story.
Richfield mourns death of 28-year-old native Marine
ambushed in Afghanistan
By Pat Galbincea, The Plain Dealer March 18, 2010, 5:12PM
Memorial sign of Robert L. Gilbert on Revere High School RICHFIELD, Ohio -Residents, friends and family are mourning the death of Marine Gunnery Sgt.
Robert L. Gilbert II, who died Tuesday evening after being shot about a week
earlier in Afghanistan.
Gilbert died on his 28th birthday in a hospital in Bethesda, Md., with his family at
his bedside. He is a 2000 graduate of Revere High School, and has been a Marine
the past 10 years.
He was on his fifth tour of the Middle East and second in Afghanistan when he was
ambushed March 8 while with his platoon. A bullet pierced his helmet and entered
the right side of his head.
Dale Canter, the Richfield Police Chief, said Gilbert's father Robert -- who is a police
officer -- flew to Germany after learning his son was in a coma. He accompanied his
son back to Bethesda. Canter said the family will return with Gilbert's body on
Monday or Tuesday.
"Robert's son never regained consciousness," Canter said, "so they never had
communication but he was with him when he took his last breath. He's dealing with
this tragedy as well as anyone could."
Revere High School art teacher Bob Pierson, who taught Gilbert for four years, said
the school and community will grieve his death.
"Rob was a very friendly young man whom you could tease a little and he'd give it
right back," Pierson said. "Our teachers enjoyed that kind of interaction and so did
he.
He repeatedly talked about being a Marine, he said.
"I was proud of Rob and I wish I could tell him that now," Pierson said.
Robert L. Gilbert of Richfield and his daughter Ruth Ann Green of Toledo follow the casket of their respective son and
brother Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, 28, as it is carried to the hearse outside Revere High School
following a public funeral service. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)
A large flag hangs on the wall over the casket of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II at his Service of
Thanksgiving at Revere High School on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert Gilbert, father of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II ( left), receives a Bronze Star
posthumously for his son. The Medal is presented by Marine Major General Paul LaFebvre, during the Service of
Thanksgiving at Revere High School on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
A lone candle burn next to the casket of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II during the his service in
the Revere High School gym . (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
The casket of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II sits in the gym before the start of the Service of
Thanksgiving at the Revere High School on Sunday, March 28. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert Gilbert and Ruth Ann Green, father and sister of Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II, smile as they listen to
stories of their respective son and brother during the service for the fallen Marine on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron
Beacon Journal)
Chaplain Ben Sanford conducts the Service of Thanksgiving for U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II in
the Revere High School gym on Sunday, March 28. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Marines and other members of the military stand at attention during a part of the Service of Thanksgiving for slain
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Robert L. Gilbert of Richfield and his daughter Ruth Ann Green of Toledo are surrounded by friends and relatives as
they watch the casket of their respective son and brother Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, 28, as it is loading
into the hearse outside Revere High School following a public funeral service Sunday, March 28 in Richfield, Ohio.
(Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)
The hearse carrying the casket of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, 28, of Richfield leaves Revere High
School where he graduated in 2000 following a public funeral service Sunday, March 28. (Karen Schiely/Akron
Beacon Journal)
Members of Rolling Thunder drives past the crowd lining State Route 43, on their way to the cemetery service for
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Members of the hold flags as they wait along State Route 43 for the funeral precession of U.S. Marine Gunnery
Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Members of local fire departments salute the funeral procession of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert II, 28, of
Richfield as it makes its way along Rt. 43 to Restland Cemetery Sunday, March 28. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon
Journal)
Beverly Mondello of Green (right) a military mom, said is was "her duty" to attend the grave side service for Gunnery
Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II at Restland Cemetery on Sunday. Mondello said that she tries to attend all services
within 45 miles of her home for fallen soldiers. She has two sons and a grandson in the military. (Paul Tople/Akron
Beacon Journal)
Members of the public stand in the pouring rain during the funeral of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert II, 28, of
Richfield at Restland Cemetery Sunday, March 28. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)
A Marine honor guard carries the casket of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II to the grave side
service at Restland Cemetery on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Members of the public line Rt. 43 as they carry various flags of support during the funeral of Marine Gunnery Sgt.
Robert Gilbert II, 28, of Richfield Sunday, March 28. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)
A Marine color guard carries the casket of U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II to the grave side
service as Gilbert's father Robert Gilbert and the sister Ruth Ann Green (both left) enter the tent at Restland
Cemetery on Sunday. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps. perform a 21-gun salute in the pouring rain at the funeral of Marine Gunnery Sgt.
Robert Gilbert II, 28, of Richfield at Restland Cemetery Sunday, March 28 in Brimfield Township, Ohio. (Karen
Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal)
Heavy rain falls as flags are presented to the family during the grave side service for U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant
Robert L. Gilbert II at Restland Cemetery. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-marine-dies-txt,0,1835981.story
Emotional Homecoming for Marine Killed in Afghanistan
Dave Nethers Fox 8 Reporter 8:46 PM EDT, March 23, 2010
RICHFIELD, Ohio -- Hundreds lined route 21 and 303 through Richfield on Tuesday, some of
them driving several hours to stand in a bitterly cold drizzle.
They went there because they felt it was important to show respect and support to the father
of Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert II, and to give the fallen marine a hero's welcome.
Sgt. Gilbert died March 16th, on his 28th birthday. Eight days earlier he had been shot in the
head by a sniper during a mission in Afghanistan. It was his fifth tour of duty overseas, doing
something his friends said he was proud to do.
Flying back with his son's body from Bethesda Maryland, his father was met at Cleveland
Hopkins International Airport on Tuesday by a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard. From the airport,
Cleveland and Richfield police led a procession that included dozens of bikers organized by the
Richfield AMVETS Post 176.
Among them was Harold Murray of Atwater Township, whose son Sgt. Jeremy Murray was killed
by a roadside bomb in Iraq during his second tour of duty with the Marines.
"I lost my son in 2005, and I know what it's like to get that phone call or have the marines
show up in your driveway," said Murray, whose motorcycle is painted with his son's name. "Its
something the family will always remember," added Murray, speaking of the hero's welcome.
Also in the crowd was Katie Baraona, a classmate of Sgt. Gilbert at Revere High School.
"He just seemed like a friend to everyone," Baraona told Fox 8 News, "And always wanted to go
into the military so he did what he wanted to do and he made Revere and this whole town
proud."
Donna Wells also went. She said she knows Sgt. Gilbert's father, a police officer in Richfield,
and wanted to be there as a sign of respect.
"I have a grandson who has been over there four times and this could be any one of our sons,
that's why I'm here," Wells said.
The procession passed by a memorial to veterans in the heart of Richfield. Sgt. Gilbert is
believed to be the first Richfield native killed in action since World War II. At the AMVETS, post
plans are being made to add his name to a plaque honoring post members who have passed
away.
AMVETS Local 176 President Roger Hale said, however, that the difference between Gilbert and
all of the other names on the plaque is that the others returned safely from war and passed
away of natural causes.
Sgt. Gilbert's name will be engraved into a special gold plate and mounted among the others
that are all engraved on black.
Hale said all of Sgt. Gilbert's previous homecomings have been happy ones. "A lot of smiles,"
Hale said fighting tears of his own. "This time he's coming home for the last time. He paid the
supreme sacrifice, and will be respected."
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-homecoming-formarine-killed-txt,0,965052.story
A Touching Tribute To a Fallen Marine
Jack Shea Staff Writer 9:37 PM EDT, March 26, 2010
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-sgt-gilbert-txt,0,5047267.story
RICHFIELD, Ohio --Richfield Police Officer Bob Gilbert says he owes a debt of gratitude to U.S.
Marines who served alongside his son, Gunnery Sergeant Robert Gilbert.
At a dinner he hosted Friday night at AMVETS Post 176 in Richfield, Mr. Gilbert told Fox 8 "he
loved this country, he loved these Marines and we loved each other, he would have been proud
to have been here, I wish he would."
But it is the Marines who say they are grateful for the time they served with Robert Gilbert, a
2000 graduate of Revere High School and one of the youngest gunnery sergeants in the history
of the Marine Corps.
Sgt. Glenn Ross says "'gunneys' lead from the front, that's what they should do, they have that
rank for a reason and Rob instill that in his other Marines."
Gunnery Sergeant Gilbert was leading from the front when he was shot by a sniper in
Afghanistan three weeks ago. Military doctors kept him alive for the trip home, with his father
at his side.
During a heart to heart talk with his dad during a recent trip home, Gunnery Sergeant Gilbert
told him if he was badly wounded "I'm going to let you go, you have to let me go."
And there was the letter Robert left for his dad. Bob Gilbert says it read "'I've done more in 20
some years than most men have in a lifetime', it was his request and in his documents with the
military, he wanted to be an organ donor so those were his wishes."
Surrounded by family, friends and fellow Marines, Robert Gilbert was taken off life support last
week and died on the day he turned 28-years-old.
Amy Trapp says "it was the hardest thing I've ever done, to hold him and not know if he could
hear me you know."
Added Sgt. Glenn Ross, "and almost at the same time maybe it was the easiest decision I've
ever had to make because I've known him for many years and I know what he would have
wanted, I knew what Rob stood for."
As a symbol of respect for the sacrifice made by Robert Gilbert, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland
has ordered that flags in Summit and Portage Counties be flown at half staff.
Bob Gilbert says "it's touching that this many people know about the gunney and what he gave
up, he gave his life, he gave up the ultimate sacrifice for this country but he did what he
wanted to do."
Calling hours for Robert Gilbert will be on Saturday from two until eight p-m at Catavolos
Funeral Home in Fairlawn.
The funeral service is on Sunday at 10 a-m at Revere High School.
Gunnery Sergeant Gilbert will be buried at Restland Cemetery in Brimfield.
Hero's farewell for Marine Robert Gilbert II
Added by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer on March 28, 2010 at 7:20 PM
Marines carry the body of Marine gunnery sergeant Robert Gilbert II to the hearse after funeral
services at Revere High School on Sunday, March 28, 2010. Gilbert's father, Robert Gilbert, follows at
right. Gilbert II was killed in an ambush during his fifth combat tour of duty in Afghanistan. He was a
2000 graduate of Revere High. (Lynn Ischay/The Plain Dealer)
http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74278037001#
/Richfield%3A%20Fallen%20marine%20remembered/7427803
7001
Marine's body escorted home today
By Jim Carney
Beacon Journal staff writer POSTED: 07:54 p.m. EDT, Mar 22, 2010
Gunnery Sergeant Robert Gilbert, a 2000 Revere High School graduate, died March 16 - his 28th
birthday - after being wounded eight days earlier in Afghanistan during his fifth combat tour of duty in the
Middle East. (Gilbert family photo)
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II will return home Tuesday afternoon.
Officials at the local AMVETS organization believe he is the first Richfield man killed in combat
since World War II.
Gilbert, a 2000 Revere High School graduate, died March 16 — his 28th birthday — after being
wounded eight days earlier in Afghanistan during his fifth
combat tour of duty in the Middle East.
His body is expected to arrive at Cleveland Hopkins
International Airport about 1:30 p.m. It will be escorted to the
Catavolos Funeral Home at 3653 W.Market St. in Fairlawn.
The procession will take Interstate 71 to state Route 82 and
head east to
Broadview Road (state Route 176), where it will turn southeast
into Richfield.
At state Route 303 and 176, at the Richfield Veterans Memorial,
the escort will stop for a brief ceremony. It is anticipated the
escort will reach the veterans memorial about 2:15 to 2:30 p.m.
The procession then will continue east on 303 past the Richfield
Police Department to Brecksville Road, where it will travel
south. (Brecksville Road will become Cleveland-Massillon
Road). At Ghent Road, the escort will veer to the east, to Smith
Road, then west to the funeral home.
Calling hours for Gilbert will be 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The
funeral will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at Revere High School, 3420
Everett Road, Bath Township.
Gilbert will be buried at Restland Cemetery on state Route 43 in
Brimfield Township in Portage County after the funeral. The
procession route from the high school to the cemetery has not been determined.
Roger Hale, 62, of Hinckley Township, commander of AMVETS Post 176, said it is possible
there have been other local men killed in combat since World War II, but the group's records do
not indicate such a death until Gilbert's.
Hale, a Vietnam veteran, said Gilbert's death is not only a loss for the community but also a loss
for the AMVETS Post 176.
Gilbert, son of Richfield police officer Robert Gilbert, was a member of the post. Hale had
signed him up to join.
Motorcyclists with AMVETS Post 176 Riders will join the escort from the airport to the funeral
home.
Gilbert was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations
Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He was wounded March 8 when a sniper shot pierced his helmet. He died at the National Naval
Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II March 18th, 2010
Born: March 16, 1982
Died: March 16, 2010 in Bethesda, Maryland
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Gilbert II, of Richfield, Ohio, is a Revere High School
graduate where he was a friendly student who enjoyed good natured teasing and
could give it right back just as good. He joined the Marines at age 18 and by age
20, he became one of the three youngest sergeants in the Marine Corps. He
weighed the possibility of becoming a State Trooper one day, but the desire to
continue with the Marines was his priority. Robert was currently serving his fifth
tour of duty of the Middle East and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon
was ambushed during a Special Operations mission. Among his Awards and
Decorations are, The Purple Heart, a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat
Distinguishing Device, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two
Combat Action Ribbons, three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a National
Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal and three Sea Service Deployment ribbons. Rob died on his 28th
birthday of the wounds he sustained March 8 while supporting combat operations in
Badghis province, Afghanistan.
Marines
2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion
Marine Special Operations Regiment
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Burial will be at Restland Cemetery next to his mother, in Brimfield, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck
Hometown: Steubenville, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: March 28, 2010 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Died in Djibouti, Africa, from a non-hostile incident.
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck
DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting
Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck, 20, of Steubenville, Ohio, died March 28 from a non-hostile
incident in Djibouti, Africa. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,
2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
This incident is under investigation.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
R.I.P. Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck
Marine Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck
Died March 28, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
20, of Steubenville, Ohio; assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd
Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 28 in
Djibouti, Africa, from a non-hostile incident.
(The following was taken from www.jdnews.com of Mar. 30, 2010) The Department of Defense
has identified a Camp Lejeune Marine who died in Djibouti, Africa.
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck, 20, of Steubenville, Ohio, died Sunday from a non-hostile incident,
according to the Department of Defense. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored
Reconnaissance Battalion, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th
Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Heck joined the Marine Corps in June 2007 and was promoted to lance corporal March 1, 2008,
according to a press release from II Marine Expeditionary Force. Heck deployed in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to October 2008 and deployed with the 24th MEU in
January 2010. Heck's decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according
to II MEF.
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck
e886725e2c7d6f
0
0
20, of Steubenville, OH.
He died March 28 from a non-hostile incident in Djibouti, Africa.
His father told a reporter that his son always wanted to be a Marine and that he comes from a
family of people who also served their country. Heck leaves behind his mother, who lives in
Amsterdam, his father and a daughter he never met.
Ohio Valley Marine Is Killed Overseas
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2010 ; 12:23 PM
Updated Monday, March 29, 2010; 10:06 AM
His family was notified at 1 a.m. Sunday
Story by D.K. Wright
MOUNDSVILLE -- Lance Cpl. Randy Michael Heck of Steubenville has been killed, according to
family members who notified WTRF-TV Sunday morning.
A U.S. Marine Corps spokesman confirmed the death, and said the Marines are still speaking
with family members.
The family said the military has not revealed how or where Heck was killed, because it is
reportedly still under investigation.
The 20-year-old Steubenville resident was a graduate of Harrison Hills High School in Cadiz
and joined the military immediately after graduation, according to his grandparents.
They say he leaves behind a mother in Amsterdam, Ohio, an estranged wife, and a newborn
baby daughter he had not yet met.
Copyright 2010 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Lance Cpl Randy Michael Heck
March 30th, 2010
Born: May 24, 1989 in Tulare, California
Died: March 28, 2010 in Djibouti, South Africa
Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck of Steubenville, Ohio was born the son of Eugene Heck and Teresa A. Black.
He attended school in Elk City, Oklahoma and 2007 graduated from Harrison Hills High School in
Cadiz, Ohio where he was a member of the track team and played football. Randy followed in the
footsteps of several family members who had served in the military, and at a young age he had
dreams of becoming a Marine. Joining while still in high school, he left for training immediately after
graduation. He served his first tour of duty in Iraq and second tour in South Africa. He died at age 20
from a non-hostile incident in Djibouti, Africa. Randy was the father of an infant daughter whom he
had not yet seen. Randy loved music an could play the electric and base guitars, and he enjoyed
Harley motorcycles. He leaves behind his wife, Kara, his daughter, Cali, his parents, his step-father,
Everette Black and four sisters, Misty, Vicki, Kateland and Haily, a brother Austin, and three stepsisters Victoria, Linda and Stella among others.
Marines
2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
A U.S. Marine Corps team transfers the remains of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck,
of Steubenville, Ohio, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 1. Heck was assigned to 2nd Light
Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force,
Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roland Balik)
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 44 years old
Died: May 18, 2010 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Incident: Died in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their convoy
with a vehicle-borne makeshift bomb.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13544http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 412-10
May 19, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting
Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 18 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy
forces attacked their convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
Killed were:
Col. John M. McHugh, 46, of New Jersey, assigned to the U.S. Army Battle Command Training
Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.;
Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Waterloo, Wis., assigned to Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.;
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Perrysburg, Ohio, assigned to Headquarters, 10 th Mountain
Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.;
Staff Sgt. Richard J. Tieman, 28, of Waynesboro, Pa., assigned to Special Troops Battalion, V
Corps, Heidelberg, Germany; and
Spc. Joshua A. Tomlinson, 24, of Dubberly, La., assigned to Special Troops Battalion, V Corps,
Heidelberg, Germany.
Lt Col Thomas P. Belkofer
May 19th, 2010
Born: June 2, 1965
Died: May 18, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer of Perrysburg, Ohio was part of a team from the 10th
Mountain Division headquarters to conduct key leader training and set the
conditions for the 10th Mountain Division headquarters’ upcoming deployment to
Afghanistan in 2010. He had already served one previous deployment to
Afghanistan from January 2005 to February 2006. He arrived to Fort Drum July
2009. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Start Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault
Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He died at age 44 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds
suffered when enemy forces attacked their convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised
explosive device. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Army
Headquarters
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
Fort Drum, New York
Two 10th Mountain Soldiers killed in
Afghanistan Tuesday
May 20, 2010
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when a suicide
vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded near their convoy in Kabul May
18.
Killed were:
Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Wisconsin.
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Ohio.
Bartz and Belkofer were part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division
headquarters to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for the 10th
Mountain Division headquarters' deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the 10th Mountain Division and the entire Fort
Drum community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families," said Brig. Gen.
Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division Deputy Commanding General for
Operations.
Bartz served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 (Personnel) with the Headquarters
and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Bartz arrived to Fort Drum
June 2009. He is survived by his wife and son. His awards and decorations include
the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Army Achievement
Medal.
Belkofer served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8 (Comptroller) with the
Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Belkofer has
one previous deployment to Afghanistan from January 2005 to February 2006. He
arrived to Fort Drum July 2009. He is survived by his wife and two children. His
awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge and
Parachutist Badge.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
R.I.P. Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer
Army Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer
Died May 18, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
44, of Perrysburg, Ohio; assigned to Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry),
Fort Drum, N.Y.; died May 18 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered in a suicide car
bombing. Also killed were Col. John M. McHugh, Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, Staff Sgt. Richard J.
Tieman and Spc. Joshua A. Tomlinson.
(The following was taken from www.toledoonthemove.com of May 21, 2010) PERRYSBURG,
OHIO -- It was only supposed to be a short training mission.
“In your heart of hearts even though you may have feared that something like this could happen,
you believe that it won't happen,” said Sharon Belkofer, the mother of Army Lieutenant Colonel
Thomas Belkofer, 44, who was killed in action this week in Afghanistan, after a suicide bomber
attacked his convoy.
“You want to take it out on somebody, you're hurt, you cry, you're never going to see him again,
but there's so much pride as well,” said Sharon.
As the middle child, Belkofer was a 1983 graduate of Rossford High School. He traveled a lot
and attended several colleges, eventually finding his wife, Margo at ROTC. “For the good of the
family and everything else she decided to cut short her career and back Tom in his,” said Don
Belkofer, Thomas’ father.
The family settled down in Perrysburg Township, before moving to Fort Drum in New York,
where Belkofer was stationed.
Margo and her two daughters are in the process of escorting the soldier’s body back to
Northwest Ohio for funeral services, and then Belkofer will be laid to rest at a place fit only for
heroes, Arlington National Cemetery.
“He deserves every bit of it; every bit of the recognition.”
POSTED BY SUBVET AT 12:00 AM
Army Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer
Died May 18, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
44, of Perrysburg, Ohio; assigned to Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort
Drum, N.Y.; died May 18 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered in a suicide car bombing.
Also killed were Col. John M. McHugh, Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, Staff Sgt. Richard J. Tieman and
Spc. Joshua A. Tomlinson.
O-6, two O-5s among 5 killed in convoy blast
By David Larter
Staff writer
A suicide bomb attack in Kabul on May 18 killed five American soldiers, the highest number
killed in a single attack in seven months.
A colonel and two lieutenant colonels were among those killed in the attack, marking the first
time during the Afghanistan war that three officers of those ranks were killed in a single incident.
A suicide bomber detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device after targeting a
convey traveling down Kabul’s Darulaman Road.
The Defense Department on May 19 identified the soldiers.
* Col. John M. McHugh, 46, of Newark, N.J., assigned to the Army Battle Command Training
Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
* Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Waterloo, Wis., assigned to Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
* Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Perrysburg, Ohio, assigned to Headquarters, 10th
Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
* Staff Sgt. Richard J. Tieman, 28, of Waynesboro, Pa., assigned to Special Troops Battalion, V
Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.
* Spc. Joshua A. Tomlinson, 24, of Dubberly, La., assigned to Special Troops Battalion, V
Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.
The attack also killed Canadian Col. Geoff Parker and more than a dozen Afghan civilians.
Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, told The Associated Press the bomber was a man
from Kabul and that the vehicle was packed with 1,650 pounds of explosives.
A spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force said commanders thought the
attack was indiscriminate and not part of a larger Taliban strategy targeting senior leaders.
“We don’t have any information that they were targeting the specific group,” Air Force Master
Sgt. Jeff Loftin said.
McHugh had been in Kabul for a few days, traveling with Bartz and Belkofer. They were
conducting a site survey in advance of the division headquarters deployment. The headquarters
is scheduled to go to Afghanistan in the fall.
Tieman and Tomlinson were traveling with the convoy.
The incident was quickly condemned by ISAF and NATO leaders.
“This sort of desperate brutality and aggression reminds us of the pessimism of an enemy who
seeks to kill the innocent and to stop the progress necessary for a better Afghanistan,” said
ISAF spokesman Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz in a statement.
In addition to the loss of life, the blast damaged five ISAF vehicles and more than a dozen
civilian vehicles.
The last attack of this magnitude was an IED attack on a Stryker in the Arghandab Valley on
Oct. 27 which killed seven soldiers with 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker
Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
October was the deadliest month of the U.S.-led occupation of Afghanistan, claiming 56 servicemembers’ lives; 48 of them were soldiers. So far in May, 18 service members have been killed
in Afghanistan.
Thomas P. BELKOFER
BELKOFER Lt. Col Thomas P. Lt. Col Thomas P. Belkofer, age 44, of the
Army's 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, New York and formerly of
Perrysburg Township, Ohio died on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 in a Taliban
attack on a NATO convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Tom was born on June 2,
1965 in Toledo, Ohio to Donald Jr. and Sharon (O'Keefe) Belkofer. He
graduated from Rossford High School in 1983 where he played football
and was a standout wrestler. After High School he briefly attended
Wright State University and the University of Toledo before transferring
to Bowling Green State University where in 1992 he earned a bachelor's
degree in architectural and environment design technology and married
his college sweetheart, Margaret (Margo) Maness. He served in the Army National Guard before signing
up for the ROTC program at BGSU and was commissioned into the Field Artillery as a Distinguished
Military Graduate. In 2002, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse
University. Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer was an 18 year veteran of the United States Army. His operational
troop leading assignments included Company Fire Support Officer, Platoon Leader and Battalion
Adjutant for 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas; and Battalion Fire Support Officer
and Battery Commander for Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery. His leadership duties
included Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Meade, Maryland, The Pentagon, Vicenza, Italy, and most recently,
Fort Drum, New York. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005-2006 as Resource Manager for Office of
Security Cooperation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In his career he was awarded the
Legion of Merit (Posthumous), Bronze Star (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Meritorious
Service Award (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army
Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Reserve Component
Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge,
NATO Medal (Posthumous), and Combat Action Badge (Posthumous). He led a life of honor and was
known as a man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, his country, his Army and his
beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, which he proclaimed wherever he was stationed. In Afghanistan in 2005,
he could be found awake in the middle of the night so that he wouldn't miss a Buckeye football game.
Surviving is his loving wife, Margo (Maness) Belkofer; daughters, Alyssa, age 15, and Ashley, age 11;
parents, Donald and Sharon Belkofer; brothers, Don (Cathy) Belkofer and Doug Belkofer; father in-law,
William (Eleanor) Maness; mother in-law, Pauline Maness. Also surviving are many, aunts, uncles,
cousins and in-laws. Family and friends may visit at the Sujkowski Funeral Home of Rossford, 830 Lime
City Rd. on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 2 to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010
at 10:30am at Cedar Creek Church, 29129 Lime City Rd., Perrysburg, OH. Interment will take place in
Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Lt.
Col. Thomas Belkofer's name to please consider Military Ministries #2283732, Campus Crusade for
Christ, Attn: Contributions, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222. To leave condolences for the family
please visit www.sujkowskirossford.com Published in Toledo Blade on May 27, 2010
Lt Col Thomas Patrick Belkofer
May 19th, 2010
Born: June 2, 1965 in Toledo, Ohio
Died: May 18, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer of Perrysburg, Ohio was a graduate of Rossford High
School before taking a few classes at Wright State University. He then transferred
to Bowling Green State University where he participated in the ROTC program. In
1992 he earned his bachelor’s degree in Architectural and Environmental Design
Technology. While attending BGSU, Tom met and later married, Margaret, better
known as Margo, who had been a Captain in the United States Army before
resigning to care for the family. The son of Sharon and Donald R. Belkofer, Jr, is the
middle child of three boys, who was given the middle name, Patrick, after his
maternal grandfather. He was to be in Afghanistan for two weeks of advance
training so he could better lead his men when they arrived the following October.
He was part of a team to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for the
10th Mountain Division headquarters’ upcoming deployment. Tom had already
served one previous deployment to Afghanistan from January 2005 to February
2006. He was outspoken and you knew where you stood with him. His Awards and
Decorations include, the Bronze Start Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge, and Parachutist
Badge. He died at age 44 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy
forces attacked their convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. He is
survived by his wife, Margo and two daughters, in addition to two brothers, Don
and Doug who have both also served in the military. Don served in the Navy, and
Doug served in the National Guard.
Army
Headquarters
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
Fort Drum, New York
Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site
9159
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, was killed May 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “He
was full of life.”
Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:10pm
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, was killed May 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “He had a very strong sense of right
and wrong.”
Perrysburg soldier dies in Afghanistan
Written by Betsy Woodruff
When soldiers arrived at Don and Sharon Belkofer’s front door on May 18 and told them that
their son, Tom, had been killed in Afghanistan, they didn’t believe it. They didn’t even know he
was there.
“You think you’re in another world,” Sharon said. “You think you’re in a movie watching
something like this happen.”
Don and Sharon tried to persuade the soldiers that they had come to the wrong house; their
son wasn’t even in Afghanistan. He wasn’t going to be deployed until October.
The soldiers almost believed them. But the truth was, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer of
Perrysburg had been sent to Afghanistan for two weeks for advance training so he could better
lead his men when they arrived in October.
He was killed when enemy forces attacked his convoy with a vehicle-born improvised explosive
device. He left behind his wife, Margo, and daughters Alyssa, 15, and Ashley, 11.
His father, Don, said that of his three children (all boys), Tom, the middle kid, was the most
outspoken.
“Tom always let you know how he felt,” he said.
“He had a very strong sense of right and wrong,” added Sharon, saying that he would challenge
anything he thought was wrong. This could often be perceived as his trying to buck the system.
He flourished at the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), in which he enrolled while
attending BGSU. He met his wife in ROTC and graduated with a degree in architectural design.
His father called him a “jack of all trades.”
“We used to laugh about it,” he said.
“He was full of life,” Sharon said. “Everything he did, he did to the utmost.”
She described him as happy-go-lucky, remembering his dimples.
She also said Tom believed strongly in what America was doing in Afghanistan. She said he held
a deep respect for the Afghani culture, but also hoped the people he worked with would be able
to learn from the West. During his first deployment, from 2005-2006, he helped with the
process of setting up an Afghani financial system so government employees — including
soldiers –– could get paid. At that time, most Afghanis did not have bank accounts. Tom
wanted to show people how they could save the money they earned.
He would tell his parents stories about Afghanis he met who would become committed to the
U.S. Army, going out of their way to protect the American soldiers.
Don and Sharon said they hope people will remember Tom’s love for his country, dedication to
his family, and faith in God; he was always an active church member.
He once told his wife that if he died early in life, he hoped it would be while fighting for his
country.
He always told his parents not to worry about him, downplaying the risks of his work.
They struggle with the grief. “It’s very tough,” Don said.
“You get angry, you want to take it out on somebody,” Sharon said. “You hurt. You cry. You
never get to see them again. But there’s so much pride, as well.”
“We just have to leave it in God’s hands,” she concluded.
Congressman Robert E. Latta issued the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are
with LTC Belkofer’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers as they mourn his loss. LTC Belkofer was
a true hero, as he fought to protect the security and peace of the United States. LTC Belkofer’s
death is a stark reminder that the freedoms and liberties we hold dear as a nation come at the
highest price, and we will never forget LTC Belkofer’s ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
This story can be found at http://www.toledofreepress.com/2010/05/20/perrysburg-solder-diesin-afghanistan/. It is property of The Toledo Free Press.
LATTA STATEMENT ON LIEUTENANT COLONEL THOMAS P. BELKOFER
Washington, May 20 - Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the
following statement regarding Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, from
Perrysburg who died in combat while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan. LTC Belkofer died Tuesday of wounds sustained in a May 18th attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with LTC Belkofer’s family, friends, and fellow
soldiers as they mourn his loss. LTC Belkofer was a true hero, as he fought to
protect the security and peace of the United States. LTC Belkofer’s death is a stark
reminder that the freedoms and liberties we hold dear as a nation come at the
highest price, and we will never forget LTC Belkofer’s ultimate sacrifice for our
country.”
Article published May 20, 2010
Perrysburg Township soldier killed in Afghanistan attack
BLADE STAFF
A Perrysburg Township man was one of five soldiers killed in Kabul, Afghanistan this week
when enemy forces attacked a U.S. Army convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive
device, the U.S. Department of Defense said.
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, died
Tuesday of wounds suffered in the attack, according to a written statement issued by the U.S.
Army.
Colonel Belkofer was assigned to the headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division (Light
Infantry), in Fort Drum, N.Y.
His parents, Donald R. Belkofer, Jr. and Sharon Belkofer, held a news conference Thursday
afternoon about their son's death.
They are struggling to believe the truth.
"It's like you're in a fog," Mr. Belkofer said, sitting close beside his wife on the living room couch
in their Perrysburg Township home.
"You think you're watching something in a movie. You think, this isn't even real," Mrs. Belkofer
said. "Because even though you feared something like this could happen, you don't believe it
will happen."
Colonel Belkofer graduated from Rossford High School in 1983 and briefly attended Wright
State University before transferring to Bowling Green State University. He participated in the
ROTC program there and was 26 when he earned a bachelor's degree in Architectural and
Environmental Design Technology in 1992, Mr. Belkofer's father said.
He married his college sweetheart, Margaret, the same year. She graduated with a bachelor's
degree in education from BGSU and also joined the Army ranks. She rose to become a captain
before resigning from the military to care for their two children, Mr. Belkofer said.
Two 10th Mountain Soldiers killed in Afghanistan Tuesday
May 20, 2010 By Fort Drum Public Affairs
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when a suicide
vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded near their convoy in Kabul May
18.
Killed were:
Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Wisconsin.
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Ohio.
Bartz and Belkofer were part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division
headquarters to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for the 10th
Mountain Division headquarters' deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the 10th Mountain Division and the entire Fort
Drum community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families," said Brig. Gen.
Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division Deputy Commanding General for
Operations.
Bartz served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 (Personnel) with the Headquarters
and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Bartz arrived to Fort Drum
June 2009. He is survived by his wife and son. His awards and decorations include
the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Army Achievement
Medal.
Belkofer served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8 (Comptroller) with the
Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Belkofer has
one previous deployment to Afghanistan from January 2005 to February 2006. He
arrived to Fort Drum July 2009. He is survived by his wife and two children. His
awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge and
Parachutist Badge.
FROZ EN IN DR UM
THIS BLOG COVERS NEWS FROM FORT DRUM AND MEMBERS OF THE
10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION.
20 May 2010
Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer
Via Fort Drum Press Release
Two 10th Mountain Division Soldiers were killed when a suicide vehicle-born improvised
explosive device exploded near their convoy in Kabul Tuesday, May 18.
One was Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Ohio.
Lt. Col. Belkofer wwas part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division headquarters to conduct
key leader training and set the conditions for the 10th Mountain Division headquarters'
deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
===
Lt. Col. Belkofer served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8 (Comptroller) with the Headquarters
and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). Belkofer has one previous
deployment to Afghanistan from January 2005 to February 2006. He arrived to Fort Drum July
2009.
Lt. Col. Belkofer is survived by his wife and two children.
Lt. Col. Belkofer's awards and decorations include the Bronze Start Medal, Meritorious Service
Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge, and
Parachutist Badge.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the 10th Mountain Division and the
entire Fort Drum community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their
families," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division
Deputy Commanding General for Operations.
Thomas P. Belkofer
Lieutenant Colonnel, United States Army
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 412-10
May 19, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of five soldiers who were
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 18, 2010, in Kabul,
Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their convoy with a vehicleborne improvised explosive device.
Killed were:
Colonel John M. McHugh, 46, of New Jersey, assigned to the U.S. Army Battle Command
Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Waterloo, Wisconsin., assigned to Headquarters,
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Perrysburg, Ohio, assigned to
Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York
Staff Sergeant Richard J. Tieman, 28, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, assigned to Special
Troops Battalion, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany; and
Specialist Joshua A. Tomlinson, 24, of Dubberly, Louisiana, assigned to Special Troops
Battalion, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.
For more information on McHugh, media may contact U.S. Army Battle Command
Training Program PAO at 913-683-4118.
For more information on Bartz and Belkofer, media may contact 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry) PAO at 315-408-3087.
For more information on Tieman and Tomlinson, media may contact U.S. Army, Europe
and Seventh Army PAO at 011-49-6221576315.
Courtesy of The Toledo Blade
21 May 2010
When an Army officer came bearing news that their son had been killed in Afghanistan,
Sharon and Donald Belkofer, Jr., were convinced he must be mistaken.
Their middle child, Army Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Belkofer, wasn't due in combat until
October.
"We argued with them," Mrs. Belkofer said.
"It can't be. He's not even supposed to be over there."
Colonel Thomas Belkofer was two years away from retiring from the military, and
Afghanistan was his last combat order.
But there was no mistake.
Colonel Belkofer hadn't shared with his parents or two brothers that he was to spend a few
weeks in leadership training in Afghanistan months before being deployed there as a
commander. The 44-year-old man was one of five officers killed near Kabul Tuesday when
a suicide bomber attacked their convoy, military officials said.
His family is struggling to believe the truth.
"It's like you're in a fog," Mr. Belkofer said yesterday, sitting close to his wife on the living
room couch in their Perrysburg Township home.
"You think you're watching something in a movie. You think, this isn't even real," Mrs.
Belkofer said.
"Because even though you feared something like this could happen, you don't believe it will
happen."
Colonel Belkofer was assigned to the headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division (Light
Infantry), Fort Drum, NewYork.
He is survived there by his wife, Margo, and their two daughters, Alyssa, 15, and Ashley,
11.
A woman who answered the telephone at his New York home said his wife was not
available for comment because she was "busy with a lot of company."
The elder Mrs. Belkofer said her daughter-in-law and her granddaughters are leaning on
the "tremendous support system" of the other military families at Fort Drum.
Colonel Belkofer's 18-year service sent him to posts in Italy, Fort Meade, Maryland, the
Pentagon, and a 13-month combat deployment Afghanistan in 2005.
He remained on active duty as he earned a master's degree in business administration from
Syracuse University.
His death was just two years before he would have been eligible for retirement, his family
said. Colonel Belkofer volunteered for what he expected would be his final deployment and
hoped it would lead to a promotion from lieutenant colonel to full colonel, his elder
brother, Don Belkofer, 46, of Curtice, said.
"He was just passionate about everything that he was involved in - 110 percent or not at
all," his elder brother asserted.
"He wasn't the kind of guy that would take a job, put in his years, and retire."
Growing up, he was an active, determined youth.
"Of the three, he was probably the one if you told him to do something, you'd expect more
of an argument out of him," his father said, smiling.
Before he graduated in 1983, he was a football player and stand-out wrestler at Rossford
High School.
He briefly attended Wright State University and the University of Toledo before
transferring to Bowling Green State University.
He served in the Army National Guard before signing up for the ROTC program at BGSU,
where he met his college sweetheart and future wife, Margaret "Margo" Maness.
They married in 1992, the same year he earned a bachelor's degree in architectural and
environmental design technology. Both entered the Army upon graduation. She rose to
become a captain before resigning to care for their two children, the family said.
Though all three of the Belkofer sons served in the military - with the eldest, Don, spending
six years with the Navy, and the youngest, Doug, in the Army National Guard for seven the family was surprised when Thomas first expressed interest in a long-term military
career.
His younger brother, Doug Belkofer, 42, of Euless, Texas, said he believed he set his heart
on moving up the ranks after training at Fort Benning in Georgia.
"He seemed different after that. He seemed really kind of psyched up about being in the
military. He seemed really excited about it," his younger brother said.
"I like to think he was doing what he loved and what he was passionate about, because
that's what I want to believe. A lot of people think I'm crazy for jumping out of planes as
much as I do. I know it's dangerous, but I accept that risk for what I get from it."
His parents have their own opinions about the war, but do not blame the government or
the military for their son's death.
Mrs. Belkofer has expressed her opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in several
letters to the editor submitted to The Blade.
"If I could wiggle my nose and get everyone out, I would," Mrs. Belkofer said yesterday.
"But it doesn't work that way. You can't desert those people."
Now, she's trying to focus on her son's accomplishments rather than her frustrations about
the politics that sent him into harm's way.
"You get angry. You want to take it out on somebody, that you never get to see him again,"
Mrs. Belkofer said. "But there is so much pride as well."
By RAY SANCHEZ
Courtesy of ABC News
21 May 2010
When Army officers arrived at Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Belkofer's parents' home with
news of his death in Afghanistan, his parents were incredulous. His second tour in the long
war wasn't due to begin for another five months.
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Belkofer and three other high-ranking officers were killed by a
suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 18, 2010.
"My husband and I both said to the colonel who came here to tell us, 'There must be some
mistake. He's not there. He's not going until October. It must be someone else,'" Sharon
Belkofer, the 44-year-old lieutenant colonel's mother, told ABCNews.com.
But a suicide bomber detonated a minibus in a convoy carrying Belkofer and three other
high-ranking officers in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday morning. The victims included
two full colonels -- one was Canadian -- and two American lieutenant colonels who were on
a two-week visit in advance of their upcoming deployments.
The Army identified the American colonel as John M. McHugh, 46, from West Caldwell,
New Jersey, who was assigned to the United States Army Battle Command Training
Program at Fort Leavenworth , Kansas. One of McHugh's five children, Michael McHugh,
was a soldier serving in Iraq and met his father's body in Kuwait to accompany him home.
The other lieutenant colonel was identified as Paul R. Bartz, 43, of Waterloo, Wisconsin.
The Canadian was identified as Colonel Geoff Parker, 42, of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
He was the highest-ranking Canadian to die in Afghanistan.
The blast, which also took the lives of a specialist and a sergeant, claimed the largest
number of ranking American officers in any insurgent attack in the eight-year Afghan war.
Two colonels and a lieutenant colonel were killed -- along with nine other soldiers -- when a
Chinook helicopter crashed in Iraq in 2007.
So far, nine lieutenant colonels and two colonels have been killed in Afghan combat. In
Iraq, 20 lieutenant colonels and nine colonels have died.
"I'm sure the Taliban is quite happy about that," Doug Belkofer, the younger brother of
the lieutenant colonel, told ABCNews.com of the lastest assault on Army brass. "That's one
of the things I really hate about this war and it has nothing to do with the reasons for being
in it. It's such a different kind of war. We're not fighting a country. We're fighting
terrorists who don't have a home country."
On Tuesday afternoon, an Army officer delivered the bad news to Sharon and Donald
Belkofer, Jr., at the Perrysburg Township, Ohio, home where the couple raised their three
sons.
"You think you're watching something in a movie," Sharon Belkofer told the Toledo Blade.
"You think this isn't even real."
The couple realized that it really was their son who was killed as the officer described
Belkofer's military history.
Belkofer was assigned to the headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
in Fort Drum, New York, where he lived with his wife, Margo, and their two daughters,
Alyssa, 15, and Ashley, 11. His 18-year military career included a 13-month combat
deployment Afghanistan in 2005.
Neither Belkofer nor his wife, a former soldier who rose to the rank of captain before
resigning to care for their children, told Belkofer's parents about the two-week deployment
to Afghanistan, Doug Belkofer said.
"It was not unusual for us to not know everything that was going on," Sharon Belkofer told
ABCNews.com of her son's moment-by-moment whereabouts.
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer, age 44, of the Army's 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum,
New York and formerly of Perrysburg Township, Ohio died on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 in a Taliban
attack on a NATO convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Tom was born on June 2, 1965 in Toledo, Ohio to Donald Jr. and Sharon (O'Keefe)
Belkofer. He graduated from Rossford High School in 1983 where he played football and
was a standout wrestler. After High School he briefly attended Wright State University and
the University of Toledo before transferring to Bowling Green State University where in
1992 he earned a bachelor's degree in architectural and environment design technology
and married his college sweetheart, Margaret (Margo) Maness.
He served in the Army National Guard before signing up for the ROTC program at BGSU
and was commissioned into the Field Artillery as a Distinguished Military Graduate. In
2002, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University.
Colonel Thomas Belkofer was an 18 year veteran of the United States Army. His
operational troop leading assignments included Company Fire Support Officer, Platoon
Leader and Battalion Adjutant for 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas;
and Battalion Fire Support Officer and Battery Commander for Alpha Battery, 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery. His leadership duties included Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort
Meade, Maryland, The Pentagon, Vicenza, Italy, and most recently, Fort Drum, New York.
He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005-2006 as Resource Manager for Office of Security
Cooperation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In his career he was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumous), Bronze Star (1 Oak Leaf
Cluster), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Meritorious Service Award (3 Oak Leaf Clusters),
Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf
Clusters), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal,
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, the Army
Staff Identification Badge, NATO Medal (Posthumous), and Combat Action Badge
(Posthumous).
He led a life of honor and was known as a man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
his family, his country, his Army and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, which he
proclaimed wherever he was stationed. In Afghanistan in 2005, he could be found awake in
the middle of the night so that he wouldn't miss a Buckeye football game.
Surviving is his loving wife, Margo (Maness) Belkofer; daughters, Alyssa, age 15, and
Ashley, age 11; parents, Donald and Sharon Belkofer; brothers, Don (Cathy) Belkofer and
Doug Belkofer; father in-law, William (Eleanor) Maness; mother in-law, Pauline Maness.
Also surviving are many, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.
Family and friends may visit at the Sujkowski Funeral Home of Rossford, 830 Lime City
Rd. on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 2 to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday,
May 29, 2010 at 10:30am at Cedar Creek Church, 29129 Lime City Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio.
Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggests those
wishing to make a memorial contribution in Colonel Thomas Belkofer's name to please
consider Military Ministries #2283732, Campus Crusade for Christ, Attn: Contributions,
PO Box 628222, Orlando, Florida 32862-8222. To leave condolences for the family please
visit www.sujkowskirossford.com
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Posted: 7 June 2010 Updated: 15 June 2010
Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter
Hometown: South Amherst, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 25 years old
Died: June 18, 2010 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Incident: Died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit
with a makeshift bomb.
Staff Sgt. James Patrick Hunter Published: Thursday, June 24, 2010
BIRMINGHAM — Staff Sgt. James Patrick Hunter, 25, of Birmingham, died while on foot
patrol in the Zhari District, Kandahar, Afghanistan, after their dismounted patrol encountered an
improvised explosive device.
Staff Sgt. James Hunter was an army journalist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 502nd Infantry Regiment. He joined the Army in August 2003 and arrived at Fort
Campbell in May 2007.
His awards and decorations include: Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation
Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit
Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign
Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional
Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon: overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Action Badge;
Parachutist Badge and weapons Qualification, M4 expert.
He is survived by his mother and step-father; Patricia (nee Healy) and Rick Phillips; father and
step-mother William “Tom” and Mary Ellen Hunter; fiancé, Candice Clark; brothers: Thomas
Hunter, Corporal Billy Hunter, Daniel Hunter, and Timothy Hunter; sister Kathy Hunter; half
sister, US Navy Chief Petty Officer Charity Morgan; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Barb Healy, and paternal
grandparents, Thomas B, and Helen L. (nee Elliott) Hunter.
Friends may call Friday, June 25, 2010 from Noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 pm at
Firelands High School, 10643 Vermilion Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074. Rev. Lawrence N. Martello
will officiate and the Vermilion Veterans Council will assist with Military Honors.
Burial will take place at Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, KY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made at any First Merit Bank to
the James Hunter Fund. Memorial gifts will be donated to a children’s charity.
Riddle Funeral Home, Vermilion, is handling the local arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.
Army Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter honored in dignified transfer June 20
6/22/2010 - A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter, of South
Amherst, Ohio, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., June 20, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roland Balik)
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13626
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 513-10
June 21, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter, 25, of South Amherst, Ohio, died June 18 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries
sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
For more information, the media may contact the Fort Campbell Public Affairs Office at 270-798-3025.
SOUTH AMHERST — A 2003 graduate of Firelands High School was killed in Afghanistan by an insurgent
bomb last week, according to a Lexington, Ky., newspaper.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Hunter, 25, was killed Thursday after being in Afghanistan less than a month,
according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Hunter’s body arrived yesterday at Dover Air Force Base, near Dover, Del., and a memorial is being
planned for him at Firelands High School in the coming days, according to Greg Ring, Firelands
superintendent.
“We will do whatever we can to honor Sgt. Hunter,” Ring said.
Hunter, who was born in Kentucky but grew up in Ohio, was a member of the 101st Airborne Division,
2nd Brigade combat team, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Another member of the 101st Airborne was killed in action earlier last week, the Lexington HeraldLeader wrote.
Hunter had served two combat tours in Iraq before arriving in Afghanistan, according to his father,
William “Tom” Hunter, who was interviewed by the Lexington Herald-Leader.
“They were on foot patrol,” Tom Hunter, of Winchester, Ky., told the Lexington Herald-Leader Saturday.
“There is still an investigation going on, but apparently James and another soldier were wounded when
a bomb exploded. I don’t know if it was a roadside bomb or an IED (improvised explosive device).”
Sgt. Hunter’s mother, Patricia Phillips, of Birmingham, went to Dover AFB this weekend to meet her
son’s body, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Phillips was part of a group in Dover that included Tom Hunter, Sgt. Hunter’s oldest brother and Sgt.
Hunter’s fiancee, Candice Clark, of Illinois, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
Clark and Hunter were engaged on Valentine’s Day atop the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, according to the
Lexington Herald-Leader.
James Hunter’s brothers and sister also attended Firelands High School, according to Richard Reighley,
Firelands High School principal.
“Tim Hunter is the youngest, he just graduated two weeks ago from Firelands,” Reighley said. “He was
real proud of his big brother and was talking about joining the Army.”
A sister, Kathy, graduated from Firelands in 2006 or 2007, Reighley said.
Reighly said he thought the Hunters had another brother, but could not recall his name.
Hunter’s body could remain in Dover for military processing until Wednesday, according to the
Lexington Herald-Leader.
After that, the body will travel to Ohio for a stop of about 72 hours, and then will be taken to
Winchester, Ky. for funeral services and burial in the veterans’ section of the Lexington Cemetery, the
Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
“That was his wish,” Tom Hunter told the Lexington Herald-Leader. “He loved being in the Army. He was
only 25, but he was a very young and inspiring non-commissioned officer.”
Topic: James P. Hunter
Another Fort Campbell Soldier killed in Afghanistan by an IED
June 22, 2010 |
Fort Campbell, KY – A 101st Airborne Division Soldier died June 18th when his
dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter, 25, of South Amherst, OH, was an army journalist assigned to
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 502nd Infantry Regiment. He joined the Army in
August 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2007.
Hunter’s awards and decorations include: Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army
Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious
Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi
Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers
Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat
Action Badge; Parachutist Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Hunter is survived by his parents: Patricia M. Phillips, of Wakeman, OH; and William T. Hunter,
of Winchester, KY.
A memorial ceremony will be held in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt James P. Hunter
June 21st, 2010
Born: in Lexington, Kentucky
Died: June 18, 2010
Staff Sgt. James P. Hunter of South Amherst, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky
graduated from Firelands High School in 2003. Although he grew up in northern
Ohio, he loved Kentucky where he also had strong ties. He loved his country, loved
the United States Army and had a heart for trying to help wherever he was needed.
James had been in Afghanistan less than a month serving as an army journalist.
But he already was a war veteran, having served two previous combat tours in
Iraq. His Awards and Decorations include, the Joint Service Commendation Medal,
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit
Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and
Weapons Qualification, M4, expert. James leaves his fiancée, Candice whom he
became engaged to on Valentine’s Day 2010. his father, William “Tom” Hunter, his
mother, Patricia Phillips, a brother and a sister. He died at age 25 in Kandahar,
Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an
improvised explosive device.
Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company
502nd Infantry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Spec. Jacob P. Dohrenwend
Hometown: Milford, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: June 21, 2010 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry
Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Incident: Died at Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13633
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 523-10
June 22, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend, 20, of Milford, Ohio, died June 21 at Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a
non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information, media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at 785-210-8867.
Fort Riley Soldier, Spc. Jacob Dohrenwend, 20, from Milford Ohio: Died of non-combat
injuries sustained while serving on personal security duty for Lt. Commander of his battalion
Spc. Jacob Dohrenwend was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
Spc. Jacob Dohrenwend, a 20-year-old Fort Riley soldier, died Monday from non-combat
injuries sustained in Balad, Iraq, fort officials announced today.
Dohrenwend, who was from Milford, Ohio, was with the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. He enlisted in the Army in May
2008.
He was the 173rd serviceman assigned to Fort Riley to die while serving in Iraq.
http://countusout.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/video-ft-riley-soldier-spc-jacobdohrenwend-20-from-milford-ohio-died-of-non-combat-injuries-serving-onpersonal-security-duty-for-lt-commander-of-his-battalion/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFcsEQ75tD4&feature=player_embedded
Enquirer file
Alexander Berlin (left) and Jacob Dohrenwend (right) were inducted into the U.S. Army in 2007 by Captain
Jason L. Shick at the AVP Crocs Volleyball Tour stop in Mason.
The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman
Relatives and friends of Army Spec. Jacob Dohrenwend hug Wednesday during a vigil for him after his death
in Iraq.
Milford soldier dies in Iraq
BY JENNIFER BAKER AND BARRETT J. BRUNSMAN • JBAKER@ENQUIRER.COM AND
BBRUNSMAN@ENQUIRER.COM • JUNE 23, 2010
MILFORD - Army Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend of Clermont County died Monday in Balad, Iraq, of
injuries unrelated to combat, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Dohrenwend, 20, a 2008 graduate of Milford High School,
remain under investigation, military officials said.
"Jake was a happy, smiling student at Milford High School," said Tim Ackermann, spokesman for
Milford schools. "He was an overall great kid, according to his teachers."
Dohrenwend was on his first deployment overseas. He enlisted as an infantryman in the Army on May 29,
2008, according to the military.
After completing basic training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry
Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kan.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Specialist Dohrenwend's family," said Sgt. Jake A. Newman, a
spokesman for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We share in their loss."
Survivors include his parents, Shannon Abernathy and Jim Dohrenwend of Milford; a 13-year-old
brother, Jack Dohrenwend of Milford; and a sister, Andrea Back of West Chester Township, said
Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, who met with family members Wednesday to offer his
condolences.
The family didn't want to speak publicly about the tragedy, but members agreed to share in an e-mail for
the public their thoughts on what made Dohrenwend special, Proud said.
"He was a wonderful brother, son, and friend," his family members wrote. "He loved his family, friends,
his country, and the Army. When he wasn't playing video games with friends, he was serving the
community by volunteering at the library or a nursing home."
One of his battalion commanders called the family and "told us that Jacob was very concerned about the
children of Iraq and used his own money to buy them whatever he could," the e-mail said.
The family included with the e-mail a letter Dohrenwend wrote before he left for Iraq.
"I joined the Army not for adventure or money but because I feel it is my duty to defend the freedoms I
hold so dear," Dohrenwend wrote. "I'm proud to fight for people who would disagree with me or (have)
ideas different from mine. ...
"I support the right of protesters," he added, "because an unchallenged and fearless government soon will
become a harsh tyrant of its people. ...
"My life is nothing compared to the repercussions of weakening or losing any of these freedoms.''
Three former students of the Milford school district have died in Iraq, Proud said. Dohrenwend was the
second Milford High graduate to die there.
Marine Lance Cpl. Bryan Taylor, 20, had served in Iraq five weeks when he was fatally shot April 6,
2006, by an Iraqi Army soldier trained by U.S. troops.
Marine Lance Cpl. William Spencer, who had attended Milford High School before moving with his
family to Tennessee, was killed during a combat mission in Al Anbar province on Dec. 28, 2006.
"I am devastated," said Allison Willson of Loveland, Dohrenwend's 11th-grade English teacher at Milford
High School. "I've been in a funk all day. He will be truly missed by the Milford community."
She said he was one of five Milford graduates who served in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan over the
past year.
"One of them came back in April," she said. "We have three currently over there right now, including two
brothers. It kind of makes you send out an extra prayer for them, to make sure that they come home
safely. It's devastating."
As word of Dohrenwend's death spread Wednesday, flags at government buildings in Milford, Miami
Township and elsewhere in Clermont County were lowered to half-staff in his honor.
A Facebook page was launched Wednesday in memory of Dohrenwend. His friends held a candlelight
vigil at Miami Meadows Park in Miami Township. The soldier's family attended.
Catherine Perry, one of Dohrenwend's friends who set up the Facebook page, described him as "one of
the kindest and funniest guys I have ever met in my life."
"His personality was so addicting to anyone who met him because it was the little things he did that made
everyone around him - no matter how upset we were - so happy," she said.
She knew Dohrenwend, one of her best friends, since they met in the seventh grade.
Before he was deployed to Iraq, they discussed how his funeral arrangements should be handled if he
died.
"He told me that he didn't want people in black because that was never his thing," she said. "He made me
promise that I would do something where all the girls and guys would wear lots of colors, especially
orange."
A memorial service will be held at Milford First United Methodist Church once Dohrenwend's body is
returned, Proud said. That's expected to take about a week. The body is now at Dover Air Force Base in
Delaware.
An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense,
Dohrenwend, of Milford, Ohio, died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
Friends, Family Say Goodbye To Milford Soldier
20-Year-Old Killed While Serving In Iraq
WLWT.com updated 7/3/2010 9:48:44 PM
MILFORD, Ohio — WLWT.com
A local family is saying goodbye to a Milford soldier killed last week in Iraq.
The body of Spc. Jacob Dohrenwend arrived Wednesday at Lunken Airport from Dover Air
Force Base and was escorted to Clermont County.
Friends and family gathered Friday evening for a visitation at Milford First United Methodist
Church, and a funeral will be held there Saturday at 10 a.m.
"He gave his life for our country, (and) we're here to show him and his family honor, dignity and
respect for what he did for his country," said Bob Woods, state captain of the Ohio Patriot Guard
Riders.
The group takes their flag-draped motorcycles to stand by the sides of soldiers and their families
when they need them most.
"When the cameras go down and the public goes away and those deep moments when your
mind starts wandering, you can pick up the phone and call us, (and) we'll help you get through
that," Woods said.
Woods lost his own son overseas nearly one year ago.
"I have a little place I put him in, (and) I can talk to him whenever I want and what-have-you, but
I'm just so proud of what he did for his country," Woods said. "I have to set that aside at the
moment, because these folks need me; I have to be their shoulder to cry on today."
The 20-year-old Dohrenwend was with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment based out of
Fort Riley, Kan.
He is the 11th soldier with ties to Clermont County that has died since Operation Iraqi Freedom
began in 2003.
An Army official said an internal affairs investigation of Dohrenwend's death remained active,
and no time frame has been set for its completion.
Funeral Services Set For Milford Soldier Killed In Iraq
Soldier Killed During Noncombat Incident
POSTED: 5:04 pm EDT June 28, 2010
UPDATED: 2:30 pm EDT June 29, 2010
MILFORD, Ohio --
Specialist Jacob P. Dohrenwend
Funeral services have been set for a Clermont County soldier killed last week in Iraq.
Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend was killed June 21 in Balad from injuries suffered in a
noncombat incident.
The military has released few details about the events that led to his death.
A visitation is set for Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Milford First United Methodist Church, and
a funeral will be held there Saturday at 10 a.m.
Dohrenwend's body is expected to arrive Wednesday or Thursday at Lunken Airport and be
escorted to Craver Riggs Funeral Home in Milford.
The procession will travel from the airport along Beechmont Avenue, onto state Route 32,
then onto Church Street/Newtown Road, onto Wooster Pike and then Main Street.
Dohrenwend was with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment based out of Fort Riley,
Kan.
He is the 11th soldier with ties to Clermont County that has died since Operation Iraqi
Freedom began in 2003.
Dohrenwend's family has requested that memorials be made to the following: Iraq and
Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.iava.org), 292 Madison Avenue - 10th Floor, New
York, N.Y. 10017, donate@iava.org or call 212-982-9699; the Wounded Warrior Project
(www.WoundedWarriorProject.org), 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy. - Suite 100, Jacksonville, Fla.
32256; Impact a Hero (www.ImpactAHero.org.), 8044 Montgomery Road - Suite 700,
Cincinnati, Oh. 45236, info@impactplayer.org or call 513-792-4070.
Copyright 2010 by WLWT.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Milford Soldier Remembered as Big Brother to Many
Immediate Release
June 23, 2010
Batavia, Ohio. Flags are flying at half-staff at Clermont County, Miami Township, and Milford
government buildings in honor of Army Specialist Jacob Dohrenwend. The 20-year-old Milford
man has died from non-combat injuries sustained while stationed in Balad, Iraq as part of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. At the time of his death, Specialist Dohrenwend was serving on
personal security duty for the Lt. Commander of his battalion. He was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in
Fort Riley, Kansas. In an e-mail from the family, they say the Lt. Commander called and told
them Jacob was an exemplary soldier who took care of his fellow soldiers. “He told us that
Jacob was very concerned about the children of Iraq and used his own money to buy them
whatever he could,” said the e-mail.
The e-mail from his family said that on his 18th birthday, Jacob did two things: registered to vote
and enlisted in the Army. “He was a wonderful brother, son, and friend. He loved his family,
friends, his country, and the Army,” said his family in the e-mail. “When he wasn’t playing
video games with friends, he was serving the community by volunteering at the library or a
nursing home.”
The family also sent an article that Jacob wrote before he left for Iraq. It is called Freedom and
says, in part, “Each person has their own set of values; I value freedom above all else. I joined
the Army not for adventure or money, but because I feel it is my duty to defend the freedoms I
hold so dear. I’m not a person able to stand by and enjoy the luxuries of this country while
others fight and die for this magnificent country.”
Dohrenwend was a 2008 graduate of Milford High School where he was part of the Junior
ROTC program. A 6 p.m. candlelight vigil is planned tonight (June 23, 2010) at Miami
Meadows Park, located at 1546 SR 131 for Specialist Dohrenwend.
He is the eleventh soldier with ties to Clermont County that has died since Operation Iraqi
Freedom began in 2003.
Pictured above: Army Specialist Jacob P. Dohrenwend of Milford, Ohio
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County
Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail,
klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.
Final homecoming for Army Specialist Jacob Dohrenwend
Milford High School graduate died in Iraq
By: Tom McKee
MILFORD, Ohio - Army Specialist Jacob Dohrenwend has come home to Milford for the final
time.
A small jet carrying the body of the 2008 Milford High School graduate touched down at Lunken
Airport at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Dohrenwend, 20, died last week in Balad, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries while serving on a
private security detail for his Commander.
A military honor guard met the plane along with members of Dohrenwend's family -- his father,
Jim, his mother, Shannon and his brother, Jack.
Once the casket was loaded into a hearse, a long procession formed for the trip to the CraverRiggs Funeral Home in Milford.
A squad of Cincinnati police officers on motorcycles led the way down Wilmer Avenue, crossing
underneath a pair of Cincinnati Fire Department trucks with their ladders extended and crossed
and holding an American flag. Veterans on motorcycles also joined the motorcade.
The route wound its way into Newtown where dozens of people waved American flags in tribute.
In Terrace Park, firefighters stood at attention in front of their equipment.
Entering Milford, the procession crossed the bridge over the Little Miami River and under
another pair of fire department aerial trucks with the ladders crossed.
Once at the Craver-Riggs Funeral home, the casket was taken into the chapel. Family members
then filed inside.
Outside, numerous friends of Dohrenwend's from Milford High School stood arm-in-arm as their
minds recalled the good times they had with him. Other friends sobbed in one another's arms.
Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. Friday at the Milford First United Methodist Church.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
Dohrenwend will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Copyright 2010 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast,
rewritten, or redistributed.
Jacob P. Dohrenwend
Jacob Dohrenwend
Jacob Dohrenwend
Jacob Dohrenwend
Procession honors fallen Milford soldier
http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/region_east_cincinnati/milford/p
rocessional-today-honors-fallen-milford-soldier
Posted: 06/30/2010 By:
Bill Price
CINCINNATI - A fallen Milford soldier who was killed in Iraq last week will be honored
Wednesday when his body arrives at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati's East End.
The body of Army Specialist Jacob Dohrenwend, 20, is expected to arrive at Lunken Airport
from the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, just before 12:30 p.m.
From Lunken Airport, Clermont County veterans groups have organized a processional to take
the soldier's remains from Lunken Airport, to the Craver Riggs Funeral Home at 529 Main Street
in Milford.
The 2008 graduate of Milford High School died early last week in Iraq from non-combat related
injuries, as served on a personal security detail.
Dohrenwend was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry
Division, out of Fort Riley, Kansas. It was Dohrenwend's first deployment overseas after joining
the Army last May.
Family and friends of the soldier met last week in a Miami Township park to pay tribute to him
after learning of his death. It's expected some of them will take time off Wednesday afternoon to
take part in the processional or to line the route along Ohio Route 32, Church Street, Newtown
Road, Wooster Pike and finally to Main Street in Milford.
Residents along the route are being asked to put out american flags and yellow ribbons.
It's expected after brief ceremonies at Lunken Airport, the processional will start around 1 p.m.
Wednesday afternoon.
Visitation for Specialist Dohrenwend is scheduled for Friday evening at the Milford First United
Methodist Church, with a memorial service at that Church Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Both
events are open to the public.
Funeral services pending for Milford High School graduate
killed in Iraq
Spc. Jacob Dohrenwend dies of non-combat injuries By: Tom McKee
MILFORD, Ohio - Funeral services were being planned Wednesday for Army Specialist Jacob
Dohrernwend, 20, of Milford. His burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Specialist Dohrenwend died Monday of non-combat injuries while serving in Balad, Iraq, as part
of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army officials said he was injured while serving on personal security duty for the Commander of
his Battalion. No further details were released.
"Jacob was an exemplary soldier who took care of his fellow soldiers," the Commander said in
an e-mail to the family. "Jacob was very concerned about the children of Iraq and used his own
money to buy them whatever he could."
Dohrenwend graduated from Milford High School in 2008 and was involved in Junior ROTC.
"We just want to make sure that everybody knows that Jacob was a wonderful student -- a
happy student," said Tim Ackermann, Milford Schools Director of Human Resources. "He was
really looking forward, according to one of his former teacher, to serving his country."
Jacob is the second Milford High School graduate to die while on duty and the 11th Clermont
County member of the armed forces to be killed since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003.
Brian Taylor was the other, who is memorialized with a playing field named in his honor at
Miami Meadows Park in Miami Township.
His family said Jacob did two things when he turned 18 -- registered to vote and signed up for
the Army. Military service was a tradition. His father, Jim, served in the Marines and several
members of his mother's family served in the Army.
"It was really important for him to go into the Army because he felt being in the Army gave him a
purpose in life," said long-time friend Amanda Wiley. "He felt like he needed to help people."
Another close friend, Leanne Ray, said Jacob loved to wear the uniform.
"He would have worn it all the time if he could," she said.
Both girls were stunned on Monday to hear that Jacob had died.
"Pretty much just kind of sat there and cried," Leanne said. "You really can't do anything else.
Amanda said at first she didn't believe what she was hearing.
"I kind of still don't believe it," she said. "It doesn't seem real. It's not supposed to happen."
However, it did, leaving Leanne and Amanda with memories of a 6'6 tall friend -- a gentle giant
whose spirit was infectious and whose fun-loving nature was in full view every day.
"Whenever I think of him I think how he would just parade into a room with that goofy smile like,
'I'm here,'" said Amanda. "His favorite color was orange and he was always wearing orange."
Leanne said Jacob was sure of himself and knew who he was as a person.
"No one could say anything to him and get him down," she said. "People could hate him all they
wanted and he would just say, 'I love you, too,'"
That same spirit surfaced when Jacob joined the Army.
"His commander was shocked because he was always a jokester -- always smiling, always
good for a laugh, no matter how somber the situation." Leanne said.
She recalled one instance in basic training when the going got tough. Jacob told her he started
to laugh and his drill instructor demanded to know what was so funny.
"Compared to being raised by my mom, this is a piece of cake," Leanne recalled him saying.
If Jacob had any fears about serving in Iraq during a time of war, they were always under the
radar.
"He always told us he was Superman," Leanne said. "He was invincible. Nothing could touch
him. So, he might have had some, but he didn't show it."
Amanda added, "He really wasn't scared to die. He said that if he died for his country he had a
purpose in life."
Jacob's heart was as big as his height, according to Amanda.
"He didn't know how to take," she said. "He just gave and gave and gave and gave. He was one
of a kind."
Both Amanda and Leanne said while they'll miss their friend, they're proud of what he
accomplished in his short life. That's why they helped organize a memorial vigil Wednesday
night at Miami Meadows Park.
"People who didn't know him, they really missed out," Amanda said. "He was a one-of-a-kind
person."
Keith Maupin of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center said he was stunned when he heard the
news of Jacob's death.
"We also want the family to know that they're not in this by themselves," he said. "There's a lot
of Gold Star families around here. If they need some help, all they have to do is call us, let us
know and we'll be there."
Copyright (c) 2010 The E. W. Scripps Company
http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/region_east_cincinnati/milford/funeralservices-pending-for-milford-high-school-graduate-killed-in-iraq
Sgt. Justin B. Allen
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13726
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 638-10
July 20, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Sgt. Justin B. Allen, 23, of Coal Grove, Ohio, died July 18 in Zhari, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he
was shot by insurgents while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger
Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
For more information media may contact the 75th Ranger Regiment public affairs office at 706-545-4260.
75TH RANGER REGIMENT BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH U.S. ARMY SPECIAL
OPERATIONS COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE FORT BRAGG, NC 28310 / (910) 432-6005 /
http://news.soc.mil
Sgt. Justin Bradley Allen
Died on July 18, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom
Sgt. Justin Bradley Allen, 23, was a team leader assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger
Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He was born on Aug. 7, 1986 in Ashland, Ky.
He was killed in a fire fight with enemy forces on July 18, 2010, while conducting a combat operation in
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Allen was leading an assault on an enemy position when he was
mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire.
He was on his fourth deployment. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
After graduating from Dawson Bryant High School, Allen enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2006. He
completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga. as an Infantryman. Then after graduating from
the Basic Airborne Course, he was assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program at Fort
Benning.
Following graduation from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, Allen was assigned to
Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in October 2007 where he served as a grenadier and
automatic rifleman. He was later transferred to Company D where he served as a team leader.
His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Ranger Assessment and Selection
Program, the U.S. Army Ranger Course, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course,
His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman
Badge, Parachutist Badge and the U.S. Army Basic Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge. He was
also awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with combat star, Iraq Campaign Medal with combat star,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart.
He is survived by his parents Roger and Bonnie Sue Allen of Coal Grove, Ohio.
As a Ranger, Allen selflessly lived his life for others while he distinguished himself as a member of the
Army’s premier light-infantry unit, which remains continuously deployed in support of the Global War on
Terrorism. In every instance he fought valiantly as he served his fellow Rangers and our great Nation.
- RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! -
Ohioan killed in Afghanistan
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 11:32 AM
By Randy Ludlow
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Even as he departed for his fourth deployment in Afghanistan, Sgt. Justin B. Allen never had
"the talk" with his family.
The Army Ranger from Coal Grove, along the Ohio River, never wanted to pile worries on his
family. He never was one to talk of what he had seen and what he had done.
Allen took care of his family as he took care of his soldiers, asking his sister to move in with
their mother and ailing father before he again departed on May 1.
Now, parents Bonnie and Roger Allen are planning a funeral for their soldier-son.
AP
An Army carry team loads a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Justin B. Allen into a transfer vehicle.
The 23-year old from Lawrence County was shot and killed in Kandahar Province on Sunday
during a firefight with insurgents.
Attracted by the physical challenge of becoming a Ranger, the football player and track star
enlisted in the Army after graduating from Dawson-Bryant High School in 2005, said his sister,
Jennifer Dickerson.
"He loved it. He just really enjoyed doing what he did," Dickerson said this afternoon from the
family's home about 100 miles south of Columbus.
"How kind he was. He loved God, he loved his church and he loved his family. He loved the
men who served under him. He always made sure everybody was taken care of, both at home
and over there."
Dickerson, 45, who was married by the time Justin was born, always considered him more of a
son than a little brother.
She and her family already were making plans for this fall, when Justin was to marry his fiance,
Kimberly Schwartz, on Nov. 20 after returning home from Afghanistan.
Dickerson spoke of what she wanted people to recall about her brother.
"I'd like them to remember that he defended their freedom and he gave his all - the ultimate
sacrifice."
Thirty-one Ohioans have died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since 2002, with 17
dying in combat in Afghanistan and the remainder dying from non-combat causes such as
illnesses and aircraft and vehicle crashes.
Hunter Army Airfield Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
By MARY HASHEMI
Published: July 20, 2010
The Department of Defense announced today the death of 23-year-old Sgt. Justin B. Allen. Allen was stationed
at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.
Sgt. Allen of Coal Grove, Ohio, died July 18 in Zhari, Afghanistan, of gunshot wounds. The military says
insurgents shot Allen while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Sgt Justin B. Allen
July 20th, 2010
Born: August 7, 1986 in Ashland, Kentucky
Died: July 18, 2010 in Zhari, Afghanistan
Sgt. Justin B. Allen of Coal Grove, Ohio graduated in 2005 from Dawson Bryant
High School. The son of Roger and Bonnie Sue Allen, enlisted in the United States
Army in May of 2006. Justin and his fiancé, also in the military, were planning to be
married in November of 2010. For almost four years, he served as a grenadier,
automatic rifleman. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, as an
Infantryman. Then after graduating from the Basic Airborne Course, he was
assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program at Fort Benning.
Following graduation from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, Allen
was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in October 2007
where he served as a grenadier and automatic rifleman. He was later transferred to
Company D where he served as a team leader. His military education includes, the
Basic Airborne Course, the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, the U.S.
Army Ranger Course, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course. His
Awards and Decorations include, the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge,
Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the U.S. Army Basic Rifle
Marksmanship Qualification Badge. He was also awarded the Joint Service
Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with combat star, Iraq Campaign Medal with combat
star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He was
posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and
Purple Heart. Justin was serving his second deployment to Afghanistan with two
previous deployments to Iraq. In addition to his parents, he leaves, his sister,
Jennifer, his brother, Brian, and his fiancee, Kimberly. Justin was a member of
Calvary Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky. He died at age 23 in Zhari,
Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was shot by insurgents while conducting
combat operations.
Army
1st Battalion
75th Ranger Regiment
Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
Woodland Cemetery in Ohio
1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13744
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 657-10
July 23, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan, 24, of Newark, Ohio, died July 21 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when
insurgents attacked his convoy vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to
the 52nd Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
For more information the media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at 808-655-6341.
American Heroes: 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan, 24, of Newark, Ohio; Pfc. James J. Oquin, 20, of El
Paso, Texas
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan, 24, of Newark, Ohio, died July 21 in Balad, Iraq, of
injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his convoy vehicle with an improvised
explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 52nd Infantry, 2nd Stryker
Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Pfc. James J. Oquin, 20, of El Paso, Texas, died July 23 in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, of
injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident when he was swept away by the
current when a levee broke near his military vehicle in Paktika, Afghanistan. He was
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan
July 23rd, 2010
Died: July 21, 2010 in Balad, Iraq
1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan of Newark, Ohio grew up in Ashland, Ohio and is a
graduate of Ashland High School, where he competed in golf, tennis and swimming.
He also graduated from Xavier University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice. While there, he was an ROTC cadet. Michael moved with his family
to Newark in 2004. He is the son of Renee and Judge Jeffrey Runyan. He died at
age 24 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his convoy
vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. In addition to his
parents, he leaves a brother, Alex and a sister, Lesley.
Army
52nd Infantry
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
25th Infantry Division
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Army carry team carries transfer case containing ...
An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan Saturday,
July 24, 2010 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Accordingto the Department of Defense, Runyan, 24, of
Newark, Ohio, died July 21 in Balad, Iraq of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his convoy
vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq
An Army carry team loads a transfer case containing the remains of 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan into a
transfer vehicle Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Dover Air AirForce Base, Del. According to the Department of
Defense, Runyan, 24, of Newark, Ohio, died July 21 in Balad, Iraq of injuries sustained when insurgents
attacked his convoy vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.
living on the edge of the precipice… 1st Lt. Michael
Runyan
Posted on July 23, 2010 by admin
Word came early yesterday that 1st. Lt. Michael Runyan, a young soldier had fallen while in
Iraq. My mind began to wander back to my first mission trip. I took it with our oldest Sarah
and a group of incredible students that had welcomed Sarah into their fellowship at another
church in our community…1st Presbyterian. Young Michael was only in 8th grade when we sent
off on a really crazy adventure in southwestern Chicago via CSM. that week was a major turning
point in my own journey…that would eventually bring me to vocational ministry as a pastor to
students. To be honest, I’ve lost track of most of those incredible students.
Young Michael stands 2nd from L with hat.
They’ve grown up and moved on. But again in honesty I actually thought about that trip and
even talked about just a few weeks back when I led my own group of students on our Dare2Serve
home mission to Mansfield, Ohio. I had heard Michael and his older brother, Alex both had
joined ROTC while in college. I’m not surprised to find that Michael had beome First Lt.
Runyan. I’m saddened at the loss of his young life, by such a tragic turn. But such is war.
War creates no absolutely new situation: it simply aggravates the permanent human situation
so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice.
~C.S. Lewis
what i remember about Michael and the good work he and the other students accomplished on
this trip was they truly did live on the edge of precipice…but it this case it was for
Kingdom…they lived large and their living life well invited those of us who were adults to lean in
and risk more. We take life for granted and its on days like today, when the news officially
arrives that we see life is indeed short and brief.
My life was changed by Michael and those students who risked on that trip 10 years ago. I pray
that Michael’s full measure of devotion and his ultimate sacrifice will be one step in bringing
about peace. Please pray for his family. Please pray for those that are still serving.
Here’s the news from today’s Ashland Times Gazette:
First Lt. Michael L. Runyan, a 2004 graduate of Ashland High School died Wednesday while
serving in Iraq as a member of the Army. Runyan, 24, whose latest address was in Newark,
died in Balad, Iraq of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his convoy vehicle with an
improvised explosive device in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, according to information from the U.S.
Department of Defense.
Runyan is the son of former Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Runyan and
long-time AHS teacher Renee Runyan. He was assigned to the 52nd Infantry, 2nd Stryker
Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. According to
information from the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office, Runyan was deployed for his
first tour of duty in late June and was in the middle of his transition period.
This entry was posted in culture, family, thoughts and tagged cs lewis, iraq, mission, runyan, war. Bookmark the
permalink.
July 25, 2010
Soldier with county ties dies
Michael L. Runyan will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memory Gardens later this week
By CARL E. FEATHER - cfeather@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
— U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan, who was killed in Iraq Wednesday, will be laid to rest
in Greenlawn Memory Gardens later this week, according to family members in Ashtabula
County.
The son of Ashtabula County natives Jeff and Renee (Rebera) Runyan, Michael was 24 and in
the first month of his first tour of duty when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle as it traveled in a
convoy through Muqdadiyah, Iraq. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Michael died
from his injuries in Balad, Iraq.
A platoon leader, he was assigned to the 52nd Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th
Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Michael graduated from Ashland High School in 2004 and participated in the ROTC program at
Xavier University, where he earned his degree in criminal justice in 2008.
His uncle, Alan Runyan of Kingsville Township, said Michael wanted to be a soldier, just like
his older brother, Alex, a pilot with the Marines Corps. Alex, has already served one tour of duty
in Afghanistan and is scheduled to deploy to that war zone again in November. Family said Alex
inspired Michael to be a soldier, as well.
“This was what (Michael) was trained to do,” said Alan Runyan, who last saw his nephew in
June. He said Michael came to Ashtabula County as part of a two-week visit to Ohio before
being deployed.
“He was fine with it,” said Michael’s aunt, Emily (Rebera) Harley of Kingsville Township.
“That’s what he wanted to do. He loved the military. He went through the ROTC program and he
was very good at it. He was a great, great leader.”
“He was excited to go and ready to go. He was looking forward to it,” Alan Runyan said.
He described the Ashland native as a “young man who always lit up a room when he came in. He
had a big smile, enjoyed life and was an upbeat, positive person.”
“Mike was a good kid and he always had a beautiful, wonderful smile,” said Harley, who
considered him one of her own kids. She said he loved to play golf and swim, played soccer and
enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail. He planned to return to it and do more hiking after his
military service.
“He loved doing that. He loved the Appalachian Mountains,” Harley said.
His parents are Edgewood Senior High School Class of 1972 graduates. Formerly of Ashland,
the couple moved to Newark after Michael, their youngest child, graduated from high school.
Jeff is a retired judge; his wife a teacher at Granville High School, Newark.
Michael has a sister, Lesley Hess, who is married and lives near Dayton. Michael was unmarried,
but Harley said Michael’s girlfriend, identified by The Columbus Dispatch as Shaina Cales, was
with Michael when he visited her last month. Harley said Michael told her that he planned to
give Cales an engagement ring when he returned from his first tour in December.
Alan Runyan said that his brother and sister-in-law were on their way to visit Alex and his wife,
Brittany in San Diego when they received the news. Jeff and Renee, and their immediate family,
left Friday for Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to await the return of Michael’s body, which
arrived Saturday afternoon, according to the Associated Press.
Alan Runyan said the family will gather in Ashtabula County in a couple of days to make the
arrangements. He said the Runyan family has several plots in Greenlawn and Michael will be
laid to rest near his paternal grandparents.
Granville teacher's son, Michael Runyan, killed in Iraq
BY ANNA SUDAR • ADVOCATE REPORTER • JULY 24, 2010
NEWARK -- Those who knew 1st Lt. Michael Runyan remember him as a talented golfer, a positive
person and a soldier who was dedicated to his country.
The son of Granville High School teacher Renee Runyan, Michael, 24, died in Balad, Iraq, on Wednesday
after he was injured by a roadside bomb, according to a news release from the Department of Defense.
Michael was serving as a platoon leader with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry
Division when he was killed, according to the release.
He had arrived in Iraq for his first deployment in early July.
"He always carried a wonderful smile," said his brother, Capt. Alex Runyan, a Marine stationed in
California. "He always kept everyone in a good mood."
Michael; his brother, Alex, 26; and his sister, Lesley, 28, were raised in Ashland.
His family moved to Newark shortly after Michael graduated from Ashland High School in 2004.
His mother, Renee, began teaching math at Granville High School. Michael stayed at his parents' house
when he was home from college, his brother said.
The Runyan family was well-known in Ashland. Michael's father, Jeffrey, was a former Ashland County
Common Pleas Court judge, and his mother was a teacher in Ashland for many years.
In high school, Michael swam on the swim team, played tennis and was captain of the golf team his
senior year.
He qualified for the state golf tournament during his senior year, said his former coach, Pam Leonard.
"He was the sweetest kid and the toughest kid at the same time," Leonard said. "He was so special."
Michael was inspired when his brother joined the Marines, Leonard said.
"He really took on the attitude that he wanted to serve in the military," she said. "He wanted to be an
(Army) Ranger, and that's what he did."
Michael attended Xavier University, where he majored in criminal justice.
He was active in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps, said Lt. Col. Shane Ousey, professor of
military science.
Michael was a member of the Xavier ROTC's intercollegiate competitive team and was a member of the
honors society.
When he graduated in 2008, he joined the Army.
After going through training in Georgia, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, said Lt. Col.
Sean Wilson, of the 25th Infantry Division.
As a platoon leader in Iraq, Michael was in charge of a unit of more than 30 soldiers. His unit was on a
convoy mission in Muqdadiyah when they were attacked.
Michael was the only one injured.
"He was a super guy," Wilson said. "This is really saddening."
Michael's division will conduct a memorial service for him in Hawaii sometime next week.
Family funeral arrangements were incomplete Friday.
"He is going to be missed by a lot of people," said Rick Boyer, who was Michael's pastor at First
Presbyterian Church of Ashland for 11 years. "He was a great guy."
Boyer, who now is a pastor in Southampton, N.Y., said Michael always was respectful and loved his
family.
"He had a high degree of integrity," he said. "He was the kind of guy you enjoyed being around."
Michael was proud of being in the Army, Boyer said.
"I do know he was (in Iraq) because he wanted to be there," he said. "He was serving his country, and he
did that with honor."
Many people in Ashland are mourning Michael and thinking of his family, Leonard said.
"I hope everyone in (Newark) understands they didn't really get to know him but he really was someone
worth knowing," she said.
Report: Ashland High grad, 24, killed in action in Iraq
CENTRALOHIO.COM • JULY 23, 2010
5 p.m. UPDATE | ASHLAND -- An Ashland native died in Iraq of injuries sustained when insurgents
attacked his convoy vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
First Lt. Michael L. Runyan, 24, was serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th
Army Infantry Division, when he was killed Wednesday, according to a Department of Defense news
release.
Runyan graduated from Ashland High School in 2003, where he competed in golf, tennis and swimming,
said his brother Alex Runyan. He attended Xavier University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in
criminal justice, said Laurel Bauer, a Xavier spokeswoman.
His parents, Jeffrey and Renee Runyan, have lived in Newark since 2003, where his mother Renee
teaches math at Granville High School. Funeral arrangements for Runyan are incomplete at this time.
Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13748
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 660-10
July 26, 2010
DOD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
The following Marines died July 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, Ohio.
Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River, N.J.
Carazo and Weis were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.
For additional background information on these Marines, news media representatives may contact the 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs office at 858-577-6000.
3rd MAW Marines killed in Helmand province
Staff report
Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 17:08:18 EDT
3rd MAW Marines You have been s
http://w w w .marin
Two aviation Marines were killed last Thursday in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the Defense
Department announced Monday.
Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, Ohio, and Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River,
N.J., were both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based out of
Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Further details were not released; however a helicopter crash occurred that day near Lashkar
Gah, Helmand's provincial capital.
The Associated Press reported that Weis joined the Corps in 1994 and had served in Iraq.
Carazo joined the Corps in 1987 and was awarded the Bronze Star, AP reported.
Spc. Joseph A. Bauer
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13749
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 661-10
July 26, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
They died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military
vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora, 24, of San Diego, Calif.
Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23, of Cypress, Calif.
Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pfc. Andrew L. Hand, 25, of Enterprise, Ala.
They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base LewisMcChord, Wash.
For more information the media may contact the Joint Base Lewis-McChord public affairs office at 253-9670147 or 253-967-0152.
Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius
Hometown: Ashtabula, Ohio, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: August 7, 2010 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary
Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: died Aug. 7 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13785
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 709-10
August 09, 2010
DOD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
The following Marines died Aug. 7 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan:
Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius, 20, of Ashtabula, Ohio.
Pfc. Vincent E. Gammone III, 19, of Christiana, Tenn.
Cornelius and Gammone were assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
August 16, 2010
A HERO HONORED
Even people who didn’t know Cornelius pay respects
By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - mtrax@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Small American flags led the way home for Lance Cpl. Kevin
Cornelius, the miniature stars and stripes fluttering in the breeze down the long driveways of
Lakeside High School, where classmates, friends and family gathered to mourn, honor and
remember the fallen Marine.
Hundreds gathered Sunday to watch the blue hearse and family procession make its way to the
school for the public viewing hours, a small sign of respect for a young man who gave his life for
freedom, Debbie Jones said.
Jones stood on the sidewalk with her sons and members of several Boy Scout troops, all waving
flags, wiping away tears, the men clutching their hats to their chests.
The crowd was there to honor Cornelius, who was shot and died Aug. 7 in the Helmand Province
of Afghanistan. He was the son of Ashtabula Police Capt. Gerald Cornelius and Marlene
Cornelius and Valerie and Bob Silleck, all of Ashtabula. He was the brother of U.S. Army
Second Lt. Eric Cornelius. Kevin
Chip Ranck, 14, is a freshman at Lakeside High School. He never met Cornelius, but he said the
fellow Lakeside Dragon will never be forgotten.
“I just felt it was important to be here, because (Cornelius) was from my school. He wasn’t that
much older than I am. I know his life was cut short, but I know by the people here that he will
never, never be forgotten, even by the people who didn’t know him personally,” Ranck said.
Described as a “fun guy with a great attitude,” friends recount endless tales of summer days,
school mischief and plenty of hours swimming in Lake Erie.
“Kevin was always cracking jokes,” friend Ernest Champagne said. “They were mostly
inappropriate jokes, but we all laughed with him. He was just a funny guy with a lot of heart.”
Betsy Franklin, friend of Cornelius’ mother, Valerie Silleck, said she remembers the young
Marine’s high school open house.
“I remember the way he was so proud to be going to the Marines. He had such a positive
attitude. I told him I was so proud of him and I am still so proud of him,” she said.
But it was mostly the people who didn’t know Cornelius personally who came to stand by the
roadside Sunday.
“I came to say thanks today,” Nichole Colby said. “And I wasn’t the only one. I didn’t know
(Cornelius), but I have the deepest respect for him. I can say that there was a display of chivalry
among Ashtabula County residents today. Everyone here cares.”
Darla Cunningham brought her son Tommy, 11, to pay their respects.
“I didn’t know Kevin, but I knew of him,” she said. “This has been so hard. I’ve cried a number
of times. I get goose bumps just thinking about his death. I felt like being here today was
important.”
Cunningham’s voice waivered and dropped to a scant whisper when she thought of what she
wishes she could say to Cornelius.
“Thanks. I would simply say thanks. I don’t think anything I could say would ever be enough.
This thank you is an overwhelming feeling.”
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. today at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave., in the
Ashtabula harbor. Family and escorts will gather at LHS and proceed to the church at 11:30 a.m.
Supporters are encouraged to stand anywhere along the processional route, which will begin at
the south entrance of LHS and turn left onto Route 84 east. The funeral procession will follow
Route 84 east down Bunker Hill Road to Main Avenue.
The procession will go through downtown Ashtabula, through Five Points and onto Lake Avenue
(north), past Ashtabula County Medical Center, and continue on Lake Avenue to West Ninth
Street, turning left (west) for one block before turning on Michigan Avenue and arriving in front
of Bethany Lutheran Church.
The Rev. Larry Mackey of Bethany Lutheran Church and Karen Tews, pastor of Faith Lutheran
Church, will officiate. Family and close friends will be seated in the sanctuary, overflow in the
basement of the church and at Washington Elementary with an audio/video broadcast, according
to Ducro Funeral Service.
Following the service, military honors will be held outside the church before a private family
procession will return the casket to the Ducro Funeral Home in a horse-drawn hearse.
Cornelius will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. at a later date,
Ducro officials said.
Those unable to attend the funeral service may watch it via webcast through a link at
www.ducro.com or at www.ducrowebcast.com. It will be available within 24 hours after the
service is complete.
BILL WEST / Star Beacon ASHTABULA POLICE Capt. Gerald Cornelius and his wife,
Marlene, spend some time together Sunday before the start of calling hours for Cornelius' slain
son, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius, at Lakeside High School in Saybrook
Township.(1 of 1)
August 11, 2010
Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius’ remains arrive in the U.S.
By SHELLEY TERRY - sterry@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
The remains of a 20-year-old U.S. Marine from Ashtabula, who was killed in Afghanistan on
Saturday, arrived Tuesday night at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and are awaiting a transport
schedule to return home, according to his family.
The details of Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius’ return, and the schedule of calling hours and
funeral services, will be released as soon as they are known, his family said Tuesday.
Cornelius, a graduate of Lakeside High School, is the son of Ashtabula Police Capt. Gerald
Cornelius and Marlene Cornelius, and Valerie and Bob Silleck, all of Ashtabula.
According to his commanders, Kevin Cornelius was serving as a radio operator and rifleman
assigned to 3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines in Helmand Province on
Saturday evening. What follows is the commanders’ account of what happened on that evening:
“A heavily armed detained enemy combatant escaped from the Afghan National Police and
retreated into a building. Kevin was one of the first Marines to volunteer to respond. Part of a
four-man element, Kevin led the way in this initial entry.
“As he fired his weapon through smoke and debris, Kevin was mortally wounded when struck in
the head by an enemy round.
“His actions helped gain a foothold in the building and ultimately led to the death of the enemy
fighter. Although Kevin was immediately treated on the scene by competent medical authority,
he succumbed to his wounds.”
Kevin Cornelius’ family members said they would like to first thank the countless number of
individuals who have come forward with thoughts, prayers and support in this difficult time.
“The outpouring of love from the community has been overwhelming and has given us much
comfort,” the family said in the statement, released Tuesday night to the Star Beacon. “Anyone
who knew Kevin can attest to his personality: always smiling, always caring, always willing to
help those in need, and always finding a way to make people laugh.”
“Kevin loved his family and friends and was so proud of being a United States Marine,” the
statement said. “In every letter and conversation with Kevin, he never forgot to remind us that he
was where he wanted to be, doing exactly what he wanted to do.”
Funeral services are being handled by Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, Ashtabula.
Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius
Died August 07, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
20, of Ashtabula, Ohio; assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Aug. 7 in Helmand province,
Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations.
Prisoner gained access to Marines’ weapons
Staff and wire reports
Two Marines were killed during an attempted prisoner escape in southern Afghanistan.
NATO officials said that the Marines died while trying to subdue a prisoner Aug. 7 who had
escaped from a room where he was observing prayers. The prisoner acquired a rifle, and then
shot at Afghan and coalition forces.
The Defense Department announced late Aug. 9 that two North Carolina-based Marines were
killed Saturday in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, although Marine officials were unable to
confirm they were involved in the attempted escape. They are:
* Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius, 20, of Ashtabula, Ohio.
* Pfc. Vincent E. Gammone III, 19, of Christiana, Tenn.
Both men were assigned to Camp Lejeune’s 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, according to a DoD
news release.
Escaped detainee was under Afghan control
By Dan Lamothe
Staff writer
A detainee who killed two Marines on Aug. 7 escaped from a room at an Afghan-controlled
detention center and obtained a rifle before opening fire on Marines and Afghan security forces
who gave chase, a Marine spokesman said.
The incident occurred at Forward Operating Base Musa Qala District Center. Marines based
there with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., responded to capture the
fleeing detainee, said 1st Lt. Joshua Benson, a Marine spokesman in Afghanistan.
The detainee opened fire on U.S. and Afghan forces, killing two Marines and a contractor, and
wounding four more Marines and an Afghan National Police officer, Benson said. The detainee
was then killed by small-arms fire.
The incident occurred about 6 p.m. in Musa Qala, a district of about 20,000 people in northern
Helmand province. The battalion has been there for months, after deploying in March to solidify
security in the area, which had been patrolled by British troops in recent years.
The Defense Department announced Aug. 9 that two Marines with 1/2 were killed Aug. 7. They
are Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius, 20, and Pfc. Vincent Gammone, 19. Cornelius enlisted out of
Ashtabula, Ohio, while Gammone joined the Corps out of Christiana, Tenn. The identity of the
slain contractor was not disclosed.
The incident remains under investigation by Marine officials with 1st Marine Division (Forward),
based at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Benson said. Additional details were not available.
“The Marines are committed to our mission here in Helmand province and continue to work
closely with our Afghan partners to provide security and development opportunities for the
people of Afghanistan,” Benson said.
Marines have complained for months that a lack of discipline and laziness among Afghan
security forces puts their lives in danger.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj_n2XUMfsY
"The brave might not live forever, but the cowards do not live at all."
LC Kevin M. Cornelius
Spc. James C. Robinson
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13842
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 781-10
August 30, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, Ohio, died Aug. 28 at Paktika, Afghanistan, when insurgents
attacked his unit with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at 270-798- 3025.
Local soldier killed in Afghanistan
By Carrie Whitaker
Cincinnati Enquirer
Spc. James C. Robinson, a graduate of Monroe High School in Butler County and a
married father of two, was killed this weekend when insurgents attacked his base in
Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, the Department of Defense reported Monday.
Robinson, 27, was an infantryman supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when he
was killed Saturday. His unit was struck by indirect fire by insurgents, according to DoD.
A 2001 graduate of Monroe High School, Robinson was a member of the Hornets
soccer team and the school’s science club, Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said.
“The Monroe Local School District was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s death,” Lolli
said Monday night.
Although it has been several years since Robinson walked the halls of Monroe High
School, Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said he clearly remembers the young man.
“He was very fun-loving, a good man of character,” Millisor recalled. “I remember the
group (Robinson’s class) in particular; they were a real close-knit group.”
Millisor, who has a child who recently joined the Marines, expressed his condolences to
Robinson’s family, including two siblings who graduated from Monroe two and four
years behind their big brother.
“I really respect his courage and dedication and willingness to serve,” Millisor said. “You
can’t ask for more than that out of somebody.”
A moment of silence will be observed in Robinson’s honor before kickoff at Friday
night’s home football game against Ross High School, Lolli said.
Robinson joined the Army in February 2005 and was assigned in November 2005 to the
1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne
Division, at Fort Campbell, Ky.
He had earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other military honors and is
survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson; daughter, Victoria A. Robinson; and
stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, all of Fort Campbell; as well as his mother and father,
James R. and Kimberly Robinson of Middletown.
Two of his fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, Pfc. Chad D. Coleman from
Georgia and Pvt. Adam J. Novak of Wisconsin, were also killed over the weekend when
their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Friday.
WZTV FOX 17 - TOP STORIES
101st Airborne Division Soldier, Spc. James C. Robinson, died Aug. 28 when insurgents
attacked his Forward Operating Base (FOB Boris) in the Bermal district, Paktika province,
Afghanistan.
The 27-year-old soldier from Lebanon, Ohio, was an infantryman
assigned to Company A., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined
the Army in February 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in November 2005.
His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army
Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Service Ribbon;
National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq
Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Overseas Service
Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; and Weapons Qualification,
M4, expert.
Robinson is survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson, daughter
Victoria A. Robinson and step-daughter, Emily B. Cable, all of Fort
Campbell; father, James R. Robinson and mother, Kimberly Robinson, both
of Middletown, Ohio.
Monday, August 30 2010, 06:19 PM CDT
Fort Campbell loses five soldiers in Afghan conflict
News | Aug 31, 2010
A memorial service will be held for five soldiers who died this week in Afghanistan. Fort
Campbell also holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony. The next ceremony will be held
Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.
FORT CAMPBELL, KY: Five 101st Airborne Division soldiers have died in Afghanistan.
Two soldiers were killed Aug. 28 when their mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicle (MRAPATV) was struck by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Babur, Afghanistan.
Cpt. Ellery R. Wallac
Cpt. Ellery R. Wallace, 33, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was a Cavalry officer commanding Troop B., 1st
Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He
entered the Army in August 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2009.
His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal – Valor;
Valorous Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Service Medal; Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal;
Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; and Combat Action Badge.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Janelle L. Wallace; and children Liam, Adara, Kael and Ehlana all of
Clarksville, Tenn.; his father, Elton D. Wallace; and mother, Elaine B. Wallace, both of Elkhart, Texas.
Private 1st Class Bryn T. Raver
Private 1st Class Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Harrison, Ark., was a military policeman assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault). He entered the Army in February 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in
August 2008.
His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal;
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO
Medal, and weapons qualification, M4 expert.
aver is survived by his wife, Pvt. Kellie S. Raver of Fort Lewis, Wa.; daughter Elisha N. Raver of Harrison
Ark.; and father, Charles B. Raver of Harrison, Ark.
Spc. James. C. Robinson
Spc. James. C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, Ohio,, a 101st Airborne Division soldier, died Aug. 28 when
insurgents attacked his Forward Operating Base (FOBBoris) in the Bermal district, Paktika province,
Afghanistan. Robinson was an infantryman assigned to Company A., 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in
February 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in November 2005.
His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good
Conduct Medal; Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal;
Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal;
Combat Infantry Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Robinson is survived by his wife, Kathryn E. Robinson, daughter Victoria A. Robinson and step-daughter,
Emily B. Cable, all of Fort Campbell; father, James R. Robinson and mother, Kimberly Robinson, both of
Middletown, Ohio.
Private 1st Class Chad Derek Colema
Two 101st Airborne Division soldiers were killed Aug. 27, when a command-wired improvised explosive
device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations in the Paktiya province, Afghanistan. Both
Soldiers were assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)
Killed were Private 1st Class Chad Derek Coleman, 20, of Moreland, Ga. Coleman entered the Army in
October 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2009. Coleman was a Cavalry Scout whose awards
and decorations include Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan
Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and
Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Coleman is survived by his father, Brian P. Coleman and his mother, Shanon C. Coleman, both of
Moreland, Ga.
Private Adam Jacob Nova
Private Adam Jacob Novak, 20, of Prairie Du Sac, Wis. Novak entered the Army in September 2009 and
arrived at Fort Campbell in January 2010. Novak was an Infantryman.
His awards and decorations include Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal;
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO
Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).
Novak is survived by his wife, Celeste N. Novak of Moorehead, Minn. and his mother, Susan K. Block of
Prairie Du Sac, WI.
A memorial service will be held for the fallen in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell also holds a monthly Eagle
Remembrance Ceremony. The next ceremony will be held Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.
Monroe grad killed by insurgents in Afghanistan
District plans to honor U.S. Army Spc. James C. Robinson, of Lebanon, before Friday's football
game.
Spc. James C. Robinson
By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 8:03 AM Tuesday, August 31, 2010
MONROE — A Monroe High School graduate serving in Afghanistan was killed this
weekend when his unit was attacked by insurgents.
U.S. Army Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon died Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Bermal
district in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when the unit was hit with indirect fire, the U.S.
Department of Defense announced Monday.
Robinson graduated in 2001 from Monroe High School, where he was a member of the
school’s science club and soccer team. The district plans to honor his memory Friday night
before the Monroe Hornets football game vs. Ross High School, said Superintendent
Elizabeth Lolli.
Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said Monroe teachers and administrators were stunned
Monday when they learned of Robinson’s death.
“It’s always tragic when you have a young man give his life in this way and it’s even tougher
when you know him,” said Millisor, who described Robinson as a kind-hearted, fun-loving
and outgoing student who was quick to help others.
Robinson was one of 14 American troops to have been killed in the last three days in
Afghanistan, according to reports. Robinson is the first Monroe grad Millisor said he knows
of who has been killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and said his death impacts the entire
community.
“When you have something like this happen and a young man gives the ultimate sacrifice,
it’s tough on everybody ... The whole district is mourning his passing.”
A Robinson family friend and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Lebanon
asked area residents to pray for the Robinson family and for troops serving overseas.
“The story tonight is what the cost of freedom is. There’s a mother and a father who are
coming home without their son,” said Tom, who would only give his first name. “This is the
cost of freedom. Some young man is coming home in a flag-draped casket. That is the price
and it’s a steep price.”
Millisor and Lolli said their hearts go out to Robinson’s family and friends.
“It saddens us as a district to lose one of our former students and it’s sad for the Monroe
community as a whole,” Lolli said.
Robinson was an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the
Army in February 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell that November.
His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation
Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal;
Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; and Weapons
Qualification, M4, expert.
Robinson is survived by his wife, Kathryn, daughter Victoria, and stepdaughter Emily B.
Cable, who live in Fort Campbell; and his parents Kimberly and James Robinson of
Middletown.
Millisor said Robinson’s younger brother and sister also graduated from Monroe.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Local soldier James C. Robinson killed in
Afghanistan
BY CARRIE WHITAKER • CWHITAKER@ENQUIRER.COM • AUGUST 30, 2010
Spc. James C. Robinson, a graduate of Monroe High School in Butler County and a married father of two,
was killed this weekend when insurgents attacked his base in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, the U.S.
Department of Defense reported Monday.
Robinson, 27, was an infantryman supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed Saturday.
His unit was struck by indirect fire by insurgents, according to the Department of Defense.
A 2001 graduate of Monroe High School, Robinson was a member of the Hornets soccer team and the
school’s science club, Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said.
“The Monroe Local School District was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s death,” Lolli said Monday
night.
Although it has been several years since Robinson walked the halls of Monroe High School, Assistant
Principal Robert Millisor said he clearly remembers the young man.
“He was very fun-loving, a good man of character,” Millisor recalled. “I remember the group (Robinson’s
class) in particular; they were a real close-knit group.”
Millisor, who has a child who recently joined the Marines, expressed his condolences to Robinson’s
family, including two siblings who graduated from Monroe two and four years behind their big brother.
“I really respect his courage and dedication and willingness to serve,” Millisor said. “You can’t ask for
more than that out of somebody.”
A moment of silence will be observed in Robinson’s honor before kickoff at Friday night’s home football
game against Ross High School, Lolli said.
Robinson joined the Army in February 2005 and was assigned in November 2005 to the 1st Battalion,
187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Ky.
He had earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other military honors and is survived by his wife,
Kathryn E. Robinson; daughter, Victoria A. Robinson; and stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, all of Fort
Campbell; as well as his mother and father, James R. and Kimberly Robinson of Middletown.
Two of his fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division, Pfc. Chad D. Coleman from Georgia and Pvt.
Adam J. Novak of Wisconsin, were also killed over the weekend when their vehicle was struck by an
improvised explosive device Friday.
Area man killed serving in Afghanistan was
hard-working, dedicated student
By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer Washington Bureau Updated 8:59 AM Wednesday, September 1, 2010
MONROE — The death of 27-year-old U.S. Army Spc. James C. Robinson in Afghanistan is
like losing a family member, said the father of a former classmate.
Robert Bretland of Monroe said his son, Rob, played soccer with Robinson at the old
Lemon-Monroe High School.
“It’s pretty tough right now to talk about him. He was just a good kid. He had a good family.
He was like another kid to us,” said Bretland, fighting back his emotions.
Robinson, of Lebanon, died Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Bermal district in Paktika province,
Afghanistan, when his unit was hit with indirect fire, the U.S. Department of Defense
announced Monday.
Robinson graduated in 2001 from Monroe, where he was a member of the school’s Science
Club and soccer team.
Tom Gannon, who served as Monroe’s soccer coach from 2000-08, said he coached
Robinson during his senior year.
Robinson, known as “Jimmy,” was a defensive player who either played stopper, fullback or
sweeper, said Gannon, describing Robinson as a “thin, likeable kid” who was one of five
seniors on the team that year.
“Like all my players, he was a hard worker and never gave me any problems whatsoever.
Whatever exercise or drills that I instituted for that particular practice, I never had any
problems from him. I can’t say that about all my players,” Gannon said. “I’m sure his
dedication to soccer carried over to his military (career.) It’s just tough. You just hate to see
anybody have to give their life up, but he did it for our freedom and that’s probably the
greatest honor that you can probably achieve in this country anyway.”
Gannon said he believes the school district plans to present Robinson’s old blue and gold
Hornets No. 7 soccer jersey to his parents during a ceremony honoring him at the Friday,
Sept. 3, football game vs. Ross High School.
Robinson was an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Monroe Local Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said she got to know Robinson while
serving as principal of Middletown schools’ Central Academy.
“His parents both volunteered a lot at the school. He was a good kid, he was a good student,
and he was just a good young man. ... He was just a very positive, upbeat kind of student,”
she said.
Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=13851
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 791-10
September 01, 2010
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of five soldiers who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when
insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. All were based at Fort Carson, Colo.
Killed were:
Capt. Dale A Goetz, 43, of White, S.D. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, of Cypress, Texas. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, of Canton, Ohio. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, of Conover, Wis. He was assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Group.
Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, of Huntington, Ind. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Canton soldier killed in Afghanistan
By Beacon Journal staff report
POSTED: 01:52 p.m. EDT, Sep 01, 2010
A soldier from Canton was killed in Afghanistan on Monday, the U.S. Department of Defense
said today.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, was one of five soldiers killed in the Arghandab River
Valley from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive
device, the government said.
Kessler was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division.
All five soldiers were based at Fort Carson, Colo. The others were from Texas, Wisconsin,
South Dakota and Indiana.
Further details were not immediately available.
A soldier from Canton was killed in Afghanistan on Monday, the U.S. Department of Defense
said today.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, was one of five soldiers killed in the Arghandab River
Valley from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive
device, the government said.
Kessler was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division.
All five soldiers were based at Fort Carson, Colo. The others were from Texas, Wisconsin,
South Dakota and Indiana.
Further details were not immediately available.