2008
Pfc. Antione V. Robinson
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: March 19, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg,
N.C.
Incident: Died of injuries sustained when the vehicle he was repairing in Nawa, Afghanistan, collapsed.
Detroit soldier injured repairing vehicle in Afghanistan dies
The Associated Press
DETROIT — A 20-year-old soldier from Detroit has died in Afghanistan of injuries sustained when
the vehicle he was repairing collapsed.
The Department of Defense says Pfc. Antione V. Robinson died Wednesday in Nawa.
Robinson was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.
The military says the incident is under investigation.
Robinson joined the Army in September 2005 and completed wheeled vehicle mechanic advanced
individual training at Fort Jackson, S.C., in 2005. He completed the basic airborne course at Fort
Benning, Ga., in 2006.
Survivors include his mother, Ginger L. Jhons; his father, Emror Robinson; and his grandmother,
Mary L. Stevenson, all of Detroit.
Antione Robinson
Paratrooper Killed in Accident in Afghanistan
Posted: March 24, 2008
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died in Afghanistan of injuries suffered during a
vehicle-maintenance accident, officials said Monday.
Pfc. Antione V. Robinson, 20, of Detroit, was a wheeled-vehicle mechanic with F Company, 782nd Brigade Support
Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
The incident is under investigation by disivion safety officers, officials said.
“(He was) a class act and a full source of energy for us. We celebrate Robinson’s life and know that he is with us
the rest of the way,” Capt. Victor Diaz, company commander, said in a statement.
Robinson, who joined the Army in September 2005, is survived by his mother, Ginger L. Jhons; his father, Emror
Robinson; and his grandmother, Mary L. Stevenson, all of Detroit.
Copyright 2009 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Pfc. John T. Bishop
Hometown: Gaylord, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 22 years old
Died: April 23, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Incident: Died in a vehicle incident in Golden Hills.
Gaylord soldier dies in vehicle accident
BY SHERI MCWHIRTER
smcwhirter@record-eagle.com
GAYLORD — A Gaylord soldier died in Iraq.
U.S. Army Pfc. John Thomas Bishop, 22, died Wednesday in a vehicle accident in Iraq,
where he was stationed as an infantry member of the 101st Airborne Division. His
parents are John William and Gaye Bishop of Gaylord.
"He was in a heavy armored vehicle and the side of the road gave way and the vehicle
rolled over into a canal and he was trapped," said John Bishop about his son's death.
"Two other soldiers died, too."
U.S. Department of Defense officials would not confirm Bishop's death on Thursday,
although family members did. Bishop did not know if his son drowned, but an autopsy
will be conducted, he said.
John Thomas Bishop attended Gaylord High School, but earned a GED ahead of his
class when he was 17. He loved his family and his new wife, Diane, with whom he
would have celebrated a first anniversary in July, John Bishop said. "He was an avid
snowmobiler. He liked to fish and skydive. He liked to do dangerous things. He was a
risk-taker," Bishop said.
Military officers arrived at the family's home late Wednesday to deliver the news."You
knew when you saw them. We knew right away," Bishop said.
Bishop was serving his first tour of duty in Iraq and was about half way through the
hitch. He came home on leave in March. "He went snowmobiling and was real happy
about that," Bishop said.
Bishop's body is not expected to arrive back in Michigan for another week to 10 days,
when a funeral likely will be held at Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, Bishop said.
He is survived by his wife and parents, along with four siblings: half-sisters Jennifer
Tye and Lisa Katchmark, along with half-brothers Kevin Tye and Bernie Bishop. Kevin
Tye is in Iraq on his second tour of duty, but is on his way home because of his
brother's death, Bishop said.
Pfc. John Thomas Bishop
Soldier loved all things adventure
By Joe Rossiter
Detroit Free Press
When Pfc. John Bishop arrived home from Iraq in March on an 18-day leave, family members
recalled his euphoria upon seeing the foot-and-a-half snow base outside their Gaylord home.
Next to his loved ones, the sight of snow was the best thing for the snowmobile enthusiast.
Mr. Bishop, 22, was one of two soldiers of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division out of Ft. Campbell,
Ky., who died April 23 while on patrol in Golden Hills, Iraq.
For Mr. Bishop, a young daredevil who used to skydive over Grand Traverse Bay, adventure was
as much a part of his persona as his dedication to the country when, following in the footsteps of
his father and two brothers, he enlisted in the Army nearly two years ago.
“He was a genuine thrill-seeker,” said his sister, Jennifer Tye.
Born in Royal Oak, Mr. Bishop grew up in St. Clair Shores, and the family moved to Gaylord in
2000. After enlisting in the Army in August 2006, he was deployed to Iraq a year later.
Two months before his departure, he married Diane Caddell in a Las Vegas wedding chapel.
In addition to his wife and sister, survivors include his parents, John and Gaye Bishop; brothers
Bernie Bishop and Kevin Tye; sister, Lisa Katchmark, and grandparents Arthur and Marlene
LeCuru.
Funeral services are at 9 a.m. Friday at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church, 1649 E. M-32,
Gaylord. Visitation will precede services at 8 a.m. at the church.
Burial with full military honors will take place later in the day at Great Lakes National Cemetery in
Holly.
Flags to be lowered to honor soldier
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Jennifer Granholm has ordered flags to be lowered Friday in honor of a
soldier who died in Iraq while on active duty.
Army Pfc. John Bishop of Gaylord died April 23 from injuries he sustained in a vehicle crash. He
was 22.
Bishop was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Army Pfc. John T. Bishop remembered
The Associated Press
If it involved speed or danger, John T. Bishop was right there.
“He was an avid snowmobiler. He liked to fish and skydive. He liked to do dangerous things. He
was a risk-taker,” said his father, John William Bishop.
Bishop, 22, of Gaylord, Mich., died April 23 when his vehicle rolled over in a canal in Golden Hills.
He was assigned to Fort Campbell.
“John always looked up to the other military members in our family,” said his sister, Jennifer. “He
felt joining the Army was his duty and the honorable thing to do. We were all so proud of him and
never once did he regret his decision.”
He reveled in the joy of zooming along the northern landscape on his Arctic Cat with the wind
whipping in his face, and would skydive over Grand Traverse Bay.
While home, Bishop made a point of visiting each member of his large clan scattered throughout
Michigan and spent four days crisscrossing the state to do so. “He was usually the glue that held
everything together and always had a knack for solving family problems,” said his sister.
He also is survived by his wife, Diane.
GAYLORD - U.S. Army Pfc. John Thomas Bishop came home Tuesday morning.
The Michigan National Guard Honor Guard greeted his American flag-draped casket about
10 a.m. at the Gaylord Regional Airport where his family stood shivering and light
snowflakes fell.
The 22-year-old Gaylord soldier died in Iraq Wednesday, April 23, when a Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle carrying six soldiers rolled down a hill into a canal.
Approximately 25 family and friends stood waiting for the airplane to arrive, crying. Bishop's
mother, Gaye Bishop, reportedly collapsed on the tarmac.
The Honor Guard had tears in their eyes as they carried the casket to the hearse.
"It's a difficult job," said an honor guard for the fallen soldier.
"It really brings Iraq home when we see a coffin come home," said Bill Serveny, Gaylord
Herald Times photographer, who was present when Bishop arrived.
Family, the honor guard and a police escort followed the hearse to Nelson's Funeral Home.
Bishop, who was deployed to Iraq in September 2007, married Diane (Caddell) in July
2007.
Bishop is the son of John and Gaye Bishop of Gaylord, he is survived by two half-brothers,
Bernie Bishop and Kevin Tye, and two half-sisters, Jennifer Tye and Lisa Katchmark, and
two nieces Ashley, 20, and Amanda, 12, Katchmark.
Bishop attended Gaylord High School and earned his GED ahead of his class as a
sophomore.
Following the article in the Gaylord Herald Times, Saturday, April 26, some sentiments
appeared on the newspaper's Web site.
"We will miss you John. And Diane if you see this I just want you to know that we will all
miss him. But you are strong and will make it through this. And John I am very sorry for
throwing that Grinch toy at your head a couple of years ago," wrote username begleyk.
Malissa Amaya, username oliviaamaya wrote, "I graduated from Gaylord in 2001. I too am
a solider - been in for almost seven years. I just want to send my condolences to the family
and wife. My sister called me this afternoon and told me the story. RIP my fellow Soldier."
The message on the marquee at LaSenorita-Gaylord saluted the fallen soldier.
Dennis Kenville, LaSenorita general manager, said they put up the sign in response to a
request from the soldier's friends and family.
Prior to enlisting in the Army, Bishop worked as a product handler at BJ Services in
Gaylord.
BJ Services Operations Supervisor Dan Jenkins plans to attend Friday's funeral service for
the soldier.
"He was a great kid," said Jenkins. "He worked hard around here and was always
dependable."
Jenkins said he spent a couple hours with Bishop's parents when he heard of his death.
Members from the Gaylord VFW Post 1518 and Lewiston American Legion Post 198 will
also attend the services.
"May God bless John Bishop. Although I did not know him, I feel that I owe him a debt of
gratitude. He lost his life defending our freedoms, and to me, that makes him a true
American," wrote Web site username, but seriously. "Thank you John."
Funeral arrangement for Pfc. John Thomas Bishop
- Viewing is 1-8 p.m. today, Wednesday, and noon-8 p.m. Thursday at Nelson's Funeral
Home, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord.
- Full military funeral with police escorts, military chaplain, funeral detail, 21-gun salute and
patriot guard is 9 a.m. Friday at Evangelical Free Church, 1649 M-32 East, Gaylord.
Visitation at the church begins at 8 a.m.
- Burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly (an approximately 2-and-a-half
hour drive south of Gaylord).
A luncheon will follow the graveside service, with details to be announced at that service.
Contact Jil Schult at 748-4518 or jil@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
Pfc. John T. Bishop
Fatalities In New Armored Vehicles Prompt Warnings
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
Drivers start up hundreds of brand new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles
at the SPAWAR facility on the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C., for a short drive to
a nearby transport delivering the MRAPS to the Iraq area.
Paul Richards/Getty Images

CBS News Interactive: Inside The U.S. Arsenal
The towering trucks that give U.S. troops the best protection against roadside bombs and enemy
bullets also make them vulnerable to routine hazards like sharp turns, rutted roads and rickety
bridges.
Five deaths caused by rollovers and dozens of other accidents in Iraq and Afghanistan have led
U.S. military leaders to warn troops to be smart behind the wheel, according to military documents
obtained by The Associated Press and accident reports released under the Freedom of
Information Act.
The message is especially relevant in Afghanistan, where a resurgent Taliban has boosted
demand for these steel cocoons, known as MRAPs. Due to the country's mountainous terrain and
unpaved roads, officials will send nearly 800 more RG-31s, the smallest of several different
MRAPs the military now uses.
Yet even at a comparatively nimble nine tons, the RG-31 is not immune from tipping. On June 29,
three Green Berets drowned when theirs rolled into a canal in southern Afghanistan. The accident
is under investigation.
The MRAPs - the military's acronym for "mine-resistant, ambush-protected" - get high marks from
commanders for protecting U.S. personnel from enemy attack. Close to 7,000 of the vehicles are
already in use in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Pentagon will buy at least that many more.
And despite their bulk, the MRAPs have power steering, air brakes and quick acceleration. These
features can lull drivers into thinking they're just handling a bigger version of the smaller and more
agile Humvee. Don't be fooled.
"This ain't your father's Oldsmobile," says the June edition of "Safety Corner," an internal
newsletter published by the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned in Quantico, Va.
There have been at least 66 MRAP-related accidents between November and June, according to
Defense Department statistics. Nearly 40 of those involved a rollover caused by bad roads, weak
bridges or driver error.
"Road shoulders in the Middle East do not meet U.S. standards and may collapse under the weight
of the MRAP, especially when the road is above grade and can fall to lower ground," the Marine
Corps newsletter cautions.
"We're certainly concerned," said Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan, the Marine Corps officer who
manages the MRAP program. The trucks are tall, heavy, have a raised chassis and V-shaped
hulls. The high-rise design shoves the impact of an underbelly blast out and away from the crew
inside. The weight keeps the vehicle from being tossed into the air.
But the lifesaving geometry has a cost.
"What you're giving up when you do that is the low center of gravity that provides you the surefootedness," Brogan said in an AP interview. "So what we have to do is enhance our training for
troops in this kind of vehicle. The more stick time they have, the more comfortable they'll be
operating it."
Troops also have been shocked or injured when low-hanging power lines strung by Iraqi residents
catch on the top of the tall vehicles. Rebar, the steel reinforcing rod used in construction, is another
hazard. Blown-up buildings are common, especially in Iraq, and rebars can be sticking out from the
concrete ready to cause problems, according to the Marine Corps publication.
The first fatal accident occurred on the night of April 23 near a town north of Baghdad.
A crew of six soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division was traveling over an irrigation canal in a
Caiman, a 9-foot tall, 19 ton MRAP made by BAE Systems in Sealy, Texas. BAE is one of several
defense contractors building the vehicles, which come in varied sizes. One model, when fully
loaded, can weigh as much as 40 tons.
The Caiman was moving at only 5 mph as the driver started to make a 90-degree turn, according
to the Army's account. But he swung the wheel too quickly and the truck's huge rear tires caught
the road's soft dirt shoulder, which began to collapse.
Trying to avoid trouble, the driver hit the gas, but the Caiman flipped on its right side. It slid down a
slope back end first and into 10 feet of foul water that began to fill the vehicle. The power shut
down, plunging the crew into darkness.
Three of the four soldiers in the rear found an air pocket and stayed in it until they were pulled
through the gun turret on the roof. The driver, who received a head injury, also survived. Pfc. John
T. Bishop and 1st Lt. Timothy W. Cunningham weren't so lucky.
Bishop, who was riding in the rear, was trapped after the gear he was wearing became snagged.
He drowned. Cunningham was in the right front seat. He wasn't wearing his seat belt and was
thrown to the back. He drowned too.
Bishop's father, John W. Bishop, said Army officials told him troops who rushed to scene
desperately tried to pry off the inch-thick windshield and pull open the unpinned armor door. They
couldn't break inside.
"The manufacturers should put more thought into means of escape in case of an accident," said
Bishop, who lives in northern Michigan.
A month after the accident, the Army's Combat Readiness and Safety Center issued an internal
"MRAP Safety Alert" detailing the tragedy.
The alert, obtained by the AP, recommended practicing what to do should the vehicle roll over and
ensuring everyone on board knows when canals and other waterways are close by. It also
emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts.
While many of the injuries have been minor, such as broken fingers, others have been serious,
according to a dozen MRAP accident reports released through FOIA.
On the morning of Jan. 29, a convoy of three MRAPs from the 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment was
heading to Fira Shia, a village northwest of Baghdad, where a car explosion had been reported. As
the third MRAP in the patrol crossed over a bridge, the span collapsed, sending the vehicle into the
canal below.
One soldier, upside down in the vehicle, was caught in his seat belt. He swallowed water and
nearly drowned before being freed by another soldier.
The MRAP involved in this accident was a 20-ton MaxxPro made by Navistar International in
Warrenville, Ill.
On April 23, just hours before the deaths of Bishop and Cunningham, a MaxxPro assigned to the
25th Infantry Division in Iraq was heading north on Main Supply Route Tampa. Seeing a deep rut
in the road, which runs from Kuwait to Baghdad, the driver steered to avoid it. The vehicle struck a
concrete wall and rolled over, injuring at least one soldier. Although bigger may not always be
better, it does come in handy.
Troops from the 10th Mountain Division were leaving a U.S. base outside Baghdad in an MRAP on
the afternoon of Jan. 21; the vehicle's make and model are not listed in the report.
As the lead vehicle in the patrol, the MRAP, sirens blaring, slowed to a stop at an intersection so
civilian traffic on either side could halt and the rest of the U.S. convoy could move through. Traffic
stopped, except for a Chevy Suburban that was swerving past the waiting cars at more than 60
mph.
Not seeing the large SUV, the MRAP began moving through the intersection, according to the
report. The driver of the Suburban suddenly realized why everyone else was waiting. The driver hit
the brakes, but the SUV was traveling too fast for the MRAP driver to react. After skidding about 30
feet, the Suburban slammed into the left side of the MRAP.
The force of the crash barely moved the MRAP and there were no U.S. casualties. The Suburban
didn't fare as well. Eight Iraqis were injured; four of them seriously enough to be evacuated to a
nearby military hospital, the report said.
"If I was going from point A to point B, put me in an MRAP," said Dakota Wood, a retired Marine
Corps officer and a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in
Washington.
"Everybody you talk to who has been in a convoy and hit by a blast doesn't want to be in a
Humvee because of the impact," he said.
(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Petty Officer 1st Class Ross L. Toles III
Hometown: Davison, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 37 years old
Died: June 18, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Navy, Provincial Reconstruction Team Sharana
Incident: Died of wounds suffered from an enemy rocket attack in northern Paktika province.
Fallen soldier Ross Toles remembered, honored
By The Flint Journal June 26, 2008, 9:34PM
Ross L. Toles
LAPEER, Michigan -- More than 80 American flags flapped in the sun Thursday, as members
of the Patriot Guard Riders stood silently, forming a flag line that wrapped around the
entrance of St. Paul Lutheran church in Lapeer.
The patriotic symbols greeted hundreds of mourners -- family, friends, motorcycle-riding
patriots and fellow officers -- who came to offer a final salute to Petty Officer Ross L. Toles
III of North Branch.
Toles, known as "Bud" to family and friends, was one of two sailors killed last week in
Afghanistan. He died from wounds suffered in a rocket attack in northern Paktika province. He
was 37.
The hour-long "Victory Celebration" service was filled with reminders of Toles' dedication to
country and family and focused on the life he lived. Inside the dimly lit church sanctuary,
candles glowed beneath two flag banners reading "One Nation Under God" and "God Bless
America." Toles' casket was also draped in the flag and led by six seaman. Servicemen in the
audience stood and saluted as it glided by.
Flint Journal extras
In memory of:
• Contributions to the Toles Children College Fund will be handled by the Muir Brothers Funeral Home,
1021 S. Main St. in Lapeer. Checks should be made payable to April Toles.
Toles youngest son wore a white Navy seaman's cap, just like his dad.
"I feel for his wife and sons," said Melissa Jewell of Oxford, a member of the Patriot Riders,
another military motorcycle-riding group of which Toles also was a member.
Jewell also recalled a trip to the Veteran Memorial Wall, where she watched Toles show one of
his sons the many names of service men who gave their lives for their country.
"He was just a wonderful guy, an honorable man," she said. "He'll be missed. We figured rain
or shine, we were going to ride for him one last time."
Rev. Marvin W. Ramthum, who officiated the ceremony, said Toles was born on an Air Force
base in Oscoda, but grew up in the Lapeer area where he attended St. Paul Lutheran and was
baptized in 1985.
"Bud had a variety of life experiences," Ramthum said. "He was born, he married and had
children, he proudly served his country for many years, he was an avid bike rider. He was
dedicated, faithful and loyal -- in and out of the service."
Toles joined the Navy in 1989 and had served eight years' active duty and 10 years in the
reserves. He was called back into active duty in December and deployed to Afghanistan.
Friends admit, news of Toles death was a shock.
"I hadn't seen him in awhile," said Garrett Melone, who drove from St. Claire Shores to meet
up with other Patriot Riders, who came from as far as Ohio. "I didn't even realize that he was
out of the country. I think he'd be happy and surprised at how many people showed up
today."
Toles leaves his wife, April; three sons, Shawn, 14, Jake, 10, and Ryan, 5; parents Ross II
and Gwendolyn Toles; brother, Jeremy Toles; sister, Stephanie (Adam) Tennant; and
grandmother, Louise Marks.
Friend mourns Davison soldier and GM worker killed in
Afghanistan
By John Foren | Flint Journal June 20, 2008, 12:01PM
DAVISON, Michigan -- A "free spirit" who was willing to lend a helping hand.
That's how Jeff Coolidge describes his friend and co-worker, Ross L. Toles III, of Davison, who
died in a rocket attack while serving as a petty officer first class in the Navy Reserve in
Afghanistan.
"He was just a vibrant person," said Coolidge, who worked with Toles at GM's Pontiac
Assembly Center for roughly two years where both were fleet managers for Premier
Manufacturing Support Services.
That vibrant life was cut short this week when Toles died from wounds suffered in a rocket
attack on the northern Paktika province.
Toles and Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, of Hemet, Calif., were assigned to a
reconstruction team in Afghanistan, and both were killed in the Wednesday attack.
Coolidge learned of his friend's death on Thursday, when a memo was sent around the plant.
He said it saddened a lot of people at various GM plants throughout the state, where Toles
worked.
Coolidge said Toles supervised GM workers in repairs of mobile equipment used inside the
plant.
"He always had a smile and he was always outgoing," Coolidge said.
The last time he saw him was at the company picnic. Toles, he said, rode his motorcycle in
front of Coolidge's vehicle to show him some back roads out of Pontiac.
Flint Journal extras
Serving with honor:
First Class Petty Officer Ross L. Toles earned several awards and decorations:
• 2007 Selres Sailor of the Year
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2)
• Navy 'E' Ribbon
• Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (2)
• National Defense Service Medal (2)
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3)
Ross Toles remembered as dedicated sailor, father
By The Flint Journal June 20, 2008, 8:49PM
Editor's note: Correction: The ages of the sons of Ross L. Toles III were incorrectly
listed in an earlier verison of this article.
NORTH BRANCH, Michigan -- Just a few months shy of celebrating 20 years in the military,
a Middle East deployment was the last thing Petty Officer First Class Ross L. Toles III of North
Branch expected.
And, he never expected to go into a war zone. But, for Toles shirking his duty to country was
never an option, friends said.
Lt. Commander George Degener, Toles' executive officer for 10 years, said Toles was tapped
for an assignment in Afghanistan for one reason -- he was the best.
Toles was one of two sailors killed in Afghanistan this week. He died from wounds suffered in
a rocket attack on the northern Paktika province.
Raised in Davison, the husband and father of three boys -- Shawn, 14, Jake, 10, and Ryan, 5
-- had recently relocated his family to a new home in North Branch.
He was the consummate family man -- the kind of guy who stepped in to head the cub scout
troup and served on the neighborhood association.
Toles enlisted in the Navy right out of high school, and now at 37, he was settling into a
managerial role in his career.
He'd followed in his dad's footsteps, Ross Toles II, and switched over to the Naval Reserves.
His father retired from the same unit earlier this year as a senior petty officer.
There was no reason to believe he'd have to go into the war zone, because he was in a unit
that supported the Naval Air Station Sigonella base in Sicily. Annually they'd trek to the
country for three weeks of training.
"Being in the military we are all subject to individual augmentation, where you're chosen
because of the rate or specialty you have," Degener said. "That was the case in Petty Officer
Toles going to Afghanistan. His specialty was public works and construction battalions."
Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, of Hemet, Calif., was the other soldier to die in the attack.
Both were in a Provincial Reconstruction team Sharana in Afghanistan.
"He's been one of my top sailors," Degener said. "He's one of the people I looked towards and
always asked to go with me on any training event anywhere we were asked to go. He was
always a hard charger -- a performer.
"Everywhere we went, he was asked to come back."
Toles left a lasting impression on civilian turf as well.
Jeff Coolidge worked for two years with Toles at GM's Pontiac Assembly Center, where they
served as fleet managers for Premier Manufacturing Support Services. Coolidge described his
co-worker as a "free spirit" who was willing to lend a helping hand.
"He was just a vibrant person," said Coolidge, who learned of his friend's death on Thursday,
when a memo was sent around the plant. "He always had a smile and he was always
outgoing."
Local and national military support groups have been highly critical of the government's
practice of redeploying soldiers for tours in the Middle East or who are at the tail end of their
military careers.
Kathy Gilberd is interim co-chair for the Military Law Task Force, a national committee of the
National Lawyers Guild who are challenging continued deployments and extended tours of
duty.
"Soldiers are being run ragged in order to keep this war going," Gilberd said. "We're getting
calls from both reservists and active duty who are being called at a critical rate, and had
never expected that at this point in their career they'd be doing this kind of work.
"They expected to play a continual role in protecting their country, but not a role abroad."
But for the Toles family there is only one role -- loyalty, to family and country.
"He didn't have to do it," Degener said. "He did it because he loved this country and thought
the country was worth it."
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Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton
Hometown: Livonia, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 37 years old
Died: June 26, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army National Guard, 425th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National
Guard
Incident: Killed when the convoy he was riding in encountered makeshift
bombs, small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Matthew Lee Hilton
SFC Matthew Lee Hilton Livonia SFC Matthew Lee Hilton, age 37, of Livonia, MI, was killed in
action in Afghanistan June 26, 2008. Beloved husband of Mary. Loving stepfather of Brent
Robinson and Hailie Robinson. Dearest son of Mary Beth (Mike) Pluger and Leon (Sharon)
Hilton. Brother of Jeanine Hilton. Matthew was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2008 to work
in an Embedded Training Team with the Afghani Police. He was an Army National Guard Soldier
with F CO 425INF ABN LRS from Selfridge. He was also a Lathrup Village Police Officer. Matt
was a beloved soldier and a police officer, he loved nothing more than to serve his country and
help others. Funeral services Tuesday 11:00 a.m. (in-state 10:00 a.m.) at Brightmoor Christian
Church, 40800 West 13 Mile Road, Novi, MI. Visitation Sunday and Monday 2-8 p.m. at ThayerRock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Avenue (1 blk West of Farmington Rd.), Farmington,
Michigan. Memorial contributions to Thin Blue Line of Michigan, P.O. Box 415, Howell, MI 48844.
www.thayer-rock.com
Published in Lansing State Journal on July 3, 2008
Flags to be Flown Half-Staff Tuesday, July 8, for Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class
Matthew L. Hilton
Contact: Debbie Whipple 517-335-6397
July 3, 2008
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered United States flags
throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered for one day on
Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in honor of Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L.
Hilton, of Livonia, who died June 26 while on active duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom
in Afghanistan. Flags should return to full-staff on Wednesday, July 9.
Sgt. 1st Class Hilton, age 37, died as a result of wounds suffered near Forward Operating Base
Shank in Afghanistan when his convoy encountered improvised explosive devices, small arms fire,
and rocket-propelled grenades. He was assigned to 425th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army
National Guard, Selfridge, Michigan.
Under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, Governor Granholm,
in December 2003, issued a proclamation requiring United States flags lowered to half-staff
throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and
servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Procedures for flag lowering were detailed by Governor
Granholm in Executive Order 2006-10 and included in federal law under the Army Specialist
Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-41).
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for
an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised
to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
When a member of the armed services from Michigan is killed in action, the governor will issue a
press release with information about the individual(s) and the day that has been designated for
flags to be lowered in his or her honor. The information will also be posted on Governor
Granholm's Website at www.michigan.gov/gov in the section titled "Spotlight."
Matthew L Hilton
Livonia, Michigan
June 26, 2008
Age Military
37
Army
Rank
SFC
Unit/Location
425th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army
National Guard
Selfridge, Michigan
Killed near Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, when their convoy
encountered improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades.
MEDIA ADVISORY INDEX
CONTACT: For more information contact Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, CJTF Phoenix VII Public
Affairs Officer at paul.a.fanning@afghan.swa.army.mil, or cell :0798010642
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008
Memorial ceremony held for fallen U.S. service members
News Release
CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (June 30, 2008) � A memorial ceremony was
held on Monday 30 June for four U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task
Force Phoenix who were killed last week as a result of combat operations in Afghanistan.
“What links these four men together � marine and soldiers � is their devotion to duty
and the ideal of a greater good,” said Col. Brian K. Balfe, commander, CJTF-P, to more
than 200 U.S. and coalition service members and distinguished guests in attendance.
“They each pursued the accomplishment of mission despite the danger that lay in front of
them. Each spoke to us with their actions which for these four honorable men clearly
speak louder than any words. They truly cleared the way for all of us here today,” said
Balfe.
Representatives of the Afghan National Army and the Camp Phoenix-based French and
Romanian detachments were present.
The following U.S personnel were honored.
Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Strickland, 25, of Labelle, Fla. died June 25, while supporting
combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine
Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif
They following Soldiers died from wounds suffered June 26 near Forward Operating Base
Shank, Afghanistan, when their convoy encountered improvised explosive devices, small
arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton, 37, of Livonia, Mich., who was assigned to the 425th
Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, Selfridge, Mich.
Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. McKay, 51, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who was assigned to the 2nd
Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target
Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Jamestown, N.Y.
Spc. Mark C. Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who was assigned to the 2nd
Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target
Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Jamestown, N.Y.
© NYS DMNA Press Release: Memorial ceremony held for fallen U.S. service members
URL: http://dmna.state.ny.us/pressroom/presindx.php?id=1214926941
Page Last Modified: Jul 01, 2008
Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier
Hometown: Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 35 years old
Died: July 9, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Incident: Died July 9 in Balad, Iraq, after his patrol was hit by a grenade in Samarra, Iraq.
Steven J. Chevalier
Steven J. Chevalier January 25, 1973- July 9, 2008 COLUMBUS, GA — SFC Steven J. Chevalier, 35, of Columbus died
Wednesday July 9, 2008 in Samarra, Iraq while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Funeral services with Full Military
Honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2008 at the Infantry Center Chapel with burial at Ft. Benning Main
Post Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874
Gentian Blvd., Columbus. SFC Chevalier was born January 25, 1973, son of Dorothy Austin Chevalier of Flint, Michigan
and the late Richard Joseph Chevalier. He was assigned to Company C, 2d Battalion, 327 Infantry, 1 BCT, in Ft.
Campbell, KY where he received the Bronze Star, Posthumous, Purple Heart, Posthumous, Meritorious Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal, 6, Army Achievement Medal, 6, Army Good Conduct Medal, 4, National Defense Service
Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze
Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense
Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas
Service Ribbon, 3, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Basic, Parachutist
Badge, Basic, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Weapons Qualification Badge and Overseas Aservice Bars, 3. He is survived
by his wife, Geneva Chevalier of Columbus, GA; mother, Dorothy Austin Chevalier and friend, Jake Miller of Flint, MI;
daughters, Ashley and Alishia Chevalier of Columbus, GA; brother, Brian Chevalier of Flint, MI; aunts, Carol Miller of
Flint, MI, Evelyn Chevalier of Flint, MI, Jean Ann Owendy (Oscar); mother-in-law, Cathy Loughman of Ft. Campbell, KY
and father-in-law, Mark Loughman of Evanston, WY; many cousins, and other loving family members. Those who
wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome. com
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier
Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier, 35, of Flint, Mich.
SFC Chevalier was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died July 9, 2008 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds
sustained in Samarra, Iraq, when his patrol was struck by a grenade.
Aunt: Soldier killed in Iraq was natural leader
The Associated Press
FLINT, Mich. — Family members say a Fort Campbell soldier killed in Iraq was a natural leader.
Sgt. Steven J. Chevalier of Flint, Mich., was killed Wednesday in a grenade attack in Iraq.
The Defense Department said the 35-year-old Chevalier (sha-vel-EE’-ay) was on patrol in Samarra when
the grenade hit his vehicle.
His aunt, Carole Miller, said her nephew was “always concerned” about the men under his command. She
told the Flint Journal that “He wouldn’t expect his men to do anything he wouldn’t do.”
Miller said Chevalier didn’t talk much about his overseas assignments when he was home because he
wanted to protect his two daughters.
Other survivors include Chevalier’s wife, Geneva, and his mother, Dorothy Carol Chevalier.
Steven Chevalier was part of the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st
Airborne Division. He was based at Fort Campbell, a sprawling Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee line.
The Flint Journal -- FLINT, Michigan -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier was a career soldier and a
born leader, family members said.
Chevalier, 35, a Flint native, died Wednesday in a grenade attack in Iraq. He was in the midst of his third
tour in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne
Division based at Fort Campbell, Ky.
"He was always concerned (about his men)," said his aunt, Carole Miller of Flint. "He wouldn't expect his
men to do anything he wouldn't do."
The Defense Department said Chevalier was on patrol in Samarra when the grenade hit his vehicle.
Chevalier joined the Army in 1991 shortly after he graduated from Powers Catholic High School.
His brother, Brian Chevalier, said Steven could not find work in Flint, so he signed up to be a soldier. He
had been stationed all over the world, including Afghanistan, Korea and Fort Benning, Ga.
Despite his time with the Army, family said he didn't talk much about his assignments, especially those
overseas.
"I guess we just didn't think about it as being dangerous, or we didn't realize what he was involved in,"
Miller said. "He didn't go into a lot of detail about that."
Family said he especially wanted to protect his daughters, Ashley, 12, and Alishia, 8.
When home, Chevalier spent as much time as possible with the girls, doing everything from roller-skating
to shows to attending their dance recitals.
"He was concerned for them and wanted to make sure they did well," Miller said. "He wanted them to go
on to college."
Family members spent time with Chevalier about three months ago when he was home on leave.
Miller said she'll always remember him as a very kind man. "He was just normally an easygoing, friendly
type of fellow," she said.
Besides his brother and daughters, Chevalier leaves behind his wife, Geneva, and his mother, Dorothy
Carol Chevalier of Flint.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier was killed in action on 7/09/08.
Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier
United States Army
KIA 09 July 2008
Age 35, of Flint, Mich.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died July 9 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained
in Samarra, Iraq, when his patrol was struck by a grenade.
Tributes
This Memorial Page Established by-SFC Rod Brewer
In Honor Of SFC Steven J. Chevalier
Sergeant First Class Steven J. Chevalier, 35, of Flint,
Michigan. Steve, You Will Never Be Forgotten..
Christmas in Arlington..
Rest easy, sleep well my brother, Steve.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell....
March 18, 2010
Joseph Thoman
To Ashley and Alishia,
I served with your father at FT. Campbell. He was my first squad leader in the army. I
remember showing up to the unit, and I didn't know anything, probably just enough to get
myself in trouble. Your father took me under his wing and taught me a lot of things, how to
be a good soldier, how to be a leader. More than likely some of the things he taught me
saved me in Iraq in '03. By the time we went to Iraq the first time, I had gone to a different
company, but I still saw him from time to time over there. I remember him talking about you
guys all the time. He almost always had a smile on his face and was joking about
something. I went on to become a Sargent before I left the army in '04, and I credit your
father with helping to shape me as a young soldier. Your father was a good man, and he
genuinely cared about his men. He loved you girls very much, and your mother too. I am
truly sorry and saddened to hear of his death, nearly two years later. I just wanted to l!
et you know how many people he affected in a positive way, and how much many of us
cared about him. I am so sorry for your loss.
With all my respect,
Joseph Thoman
3/502 2001-2004
February 12, 2009
ashley chevalier
daddy..you were the best father anyone could ask for..you did everything you could to
make sure alishia mommy and me were safe and taken care of..i cry my eyes out everyday
knowing i never get to see or hear you ever again..i pray and pray that your death was just a
bad nightmare..but i realize its life..the day i found out was the day my heart shattered into
bits and bits of peaces..i never thought i would of had to see you dead at such a young
age..we were closer than any other father and daughter, you were my best friend my
brother and my dad.i loved that we could talk about anything and it just stayed between
us..i miss having someone to talk to about anything...all the memories i had were great.i
only wish you were here for the rest of the memories i had and will have..you are my
biggest hero.i honor you..you went and fought your hardest and lost your life just to protect
us.i remember the month you came for a break from iraq. it was the best month ever.!
.i remember the last night i saw you..and we just sat on the couch as i cried and cried for
you not to go back..i loved that we got the chance to talk everyday.i never expected you to
go.becuz the day before you died we were just having a normal conversation.i only wish it
wasn't our last.i miss you terribly .life is just harder and harder as i slowly realize your never
coming back..i truly love you with all my heart and i know that your watching over me..i
hope your resting in peace..and i can't wait for us to be reunited..i love you so much
daddy..rest in peace..good bye..i love you daddy.
Jan 07, 2009
SGT Allen
In Honor Of Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier
YOU WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ME AND AS WELL AS ALL THE SOLDIERS THAT YOU HAVE
LEAD AND TAUGHT THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER, YOU WERE THE BEST PLT SGT I
EVER HAD AND I THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME ABOUT BEING
A BETTER SOLDER AND A LEADER, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW YOU
AND WILL ALSO MISS ALL THE COMBATIVE MOVES THAT YOU SHOWED US EVEN
WHEN WE LEAST EXPECTED IT. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU
NO SLACK
Staff Sgt. Kristopher D. Rodgers
Hometown: Sturgis, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 29 years old
Died: August 16, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas
Incident: Killed in Korengal, Afghanistan, when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle.
Kristopher Dan Rodgers
1978 - 2008
STAFF SERGEANT KRISTOPHER DAN RODGERS age 29 of Burr Oak, Michigan
and formerly of Howe, Indiana and a graduate of Lakeland High School in
LaGrange, Indiana with the class of 1998 was killed Saturday August 16,
2008 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan while serving his country with the U.S.
Army.
He was born December 29, 1978 in LaGrange, Indiana a son to Danny &
Kathryn (Smith) Rodgers.
Kristopher had resided in Howe, Indiana most of his life. On October 2, 1999 he married
Selina Schroeder in Three Rivers, Michigan.
He had served in the U.S. Army for the past eight years. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Kristopher had a true passion and love of football and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the
Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was also a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and enjoyed food,
fishing and playing golf. Kristopher had many interests and hobbies but his number one
concern and love in his life was his family.
He is survived by his loving wife Selina, 3 ½ year old son; Kaden Dan Rodgers, Mother;
Kathryn (Dennis) Wiard of Howe, Indiana, Step-Sister; Rachel Wiard of Sturgis, Step-Brother;
Joshua Wiard of Burr Oak, Grandmothers; Vivian Smith of Shipshewana, Indiana and Rose
Hinkleman of Adrian, Michigan, Mother-in-law; Cheryl (Pat) Evans of Three Rivers, Father-inlaw; Douglas (Julie) Schroeder of Burr Oak, Sisters-in-law; Jane;; (her fiancée Richie Ultz)
Reaper of Burr Oak, Hazel (Jacob) Shingledecker of Three Rivers, Jennifer Kurtz of Chicago,
Charity Kurtz of Chicago and Haruka (Jason) Griffith of Burr Oak and many nieces and
nephews.
His father, Grandfathers; James Smith and Bill Rodgers and brother-in-law; Shaun Reaper
preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday August 28th and 2:00-4:00 &
6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday August 29th at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, Rosenberg Chapel,
807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of Kristopher Dan Rodgers will be held at
1:00 P.M. Saturday August 30^th at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa Rd.,
Sturgis, MI. The Rev. Kevin Terrell of the Temple Baptist Church of Three Rivers and Chaplin
of the U.S.
Army will officiate. Following the service a final committal and full military rites will be
conferred at Lakeland High School Football Stadium in LaGrange, Indiana. In accordance with
his wishes cremation will follow all services.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family for Kaden and Selina’s future needs
c/o: Selina Rodgers, 110 S. Third St., Burr Oak, MI 49030. Envelopes are available at the
funeral home.
The obituary is also at www.Legacy.com .
Burr Oak soldier was passionate about family, sports, military
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Kalamazoo
BY ROBERTO ACOSTA
racosta@kalamazoogazette.com
388-8557
BURR OAK -- Family and friends remember Kristopher Dan Rodgers as fun-loving but possessing an
underlying intensity.
``He was kind of quiet, but he liked to have fun, too,'' said Kathryn Wiard, Rodgers' mother.
U.S. Army staff Sgt. Rodgers, 29, of Burr Oak, died Saturday after a roadside bomb exploded near his
military vehicle in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan.
Rodgers had been serving in the Army for eight years. He had served a tour of duty in Iraq before being
sent to Afghanistan in July.
T.J. Schneider was a friend of Rodgers when they were classmates at Lakeland High School in LaGrange,
Ind.
``He was popular, but he wasn't showy,'' Schneider said. ``He was a kind kid and everybody respected
him.''
Rodgers, a Howe, Ind., native, graduated from Lakeland High in 1998. Keith Thompson, a social-studies
teacher and head football coach at the school for 20 years, remembered the different sides of Rodgers.
``In the classroom, he was a typical high school student,'' Thompson said. ``He liked to joke around.''
But Rodgers' intensity revealed itself through sports, especially on the football field, where Rodgers was an
all-conference linebacker in 1996.
Schneider became friends with Rodgers while they competed on the track team.
``We were always goofing around,'' he said. ``He kept things alive. When it was time to compete,''
Schneider added, ``he turned it on.''
Rodgers' passion on the athletic field could not match the love he carried in other parts of his life, family
members said.
``He loved his family,'' Wiard said. ``He loved his little boy.''
Rodgers and his wife, Selina, have a 3-year-old son, Kaden Dan.
``He was the most honorable and loving man I ever knew,'' said Selina Rodgers, who married her husband
in 1999. ``He loved his family, first and foremost.''
Selina Rodgers said their son was the reason her husband was serving. ``If he could make this world a little
safer and better for his son ... he would,'' she said.
Wiard said her son was anxious about traveling to Iraq, but ``After his first tour, he was more gung-ho. He
loved fighting for his country.''
Wiard said another of her son's loves will be on display at his funeral.
``He loved Notre Dame football and the (Detroit) Red Wings,'' she said. ``I guess our flowers (for the
funeral) are going to be in those colors.''
Visitations for Rodgers will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 28 and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Aug.
29 at Hackman Family Funeral Homes, Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, in Sturgis.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 30 at Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa Road, in
Sturgis. (The funeral had originally been set for Saturday but has been rescheduled).
After the funeral service, a final military service will take place at the Lakeland High School football stadium
in LaGrange, Ind.
Services set for fallen serviceman
Former coach recalls work ethic
By Rosalie Currier
Sturgis Journal
Posted Aug 20, 2008 @ 03:13 AM
Last update Aug 20, 2008 @ 11:57 PM
Kristopher Rodgers died Saturday in Afghanistan when a bomb exploded near his vehicle.
Burr Oak, Mich. —
Funeral services for Staff Sgt. Kristopher Dan Rodgers of Burr Oak are scheduled for Aug. 30.
Rodgers died Saturday in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan.
The U.S. Department of Defense said Rodgers was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle.
He had served in the U.S. Army for the past eight years.
According to the Pentagon, Rodgers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Rodgers, a Howe, Ind., resident for many years, was a 1998 graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Ind.
He played football and ran track at Lakeland, and was an all-conference linebacker on the undefeated Lakers football
team in 1996.
Rodgers was captain of the football team his senior year.
“He was the kind of kid who would do whatever you asked him,” Thompson said. “As a student he worked hard and
was liked by everyone. He had an energetic smile.”
Rodgers’ survivors include his wife Selina and 3-year-old son, Kaden.
Copyright 2008 Sturgis Journal. Some rights reserved
Updated: 7:42 AM Aug 20, 2008
Fallen Army Staff Sergeant Kristopher Dan Rodgers is
remembered, missed
A flag flies at half staff in the small Michigan town of Burr Oak. Army Staff Sergeant Kristopher Dan Rodgers, a 29-year-old husband
and father, died in Afghanistan Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle.
Posted: 2:19 AM Aug 20, 2008
Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
A flag flies at half staff in the small Michigan town of Burr Oak.
Family and friends are preparing to honor a fallen soldier, born and raised in Indiana, who was killed in
Afghanistan over the weekend.
Army Staff Sergeant Kristopher Dan Rodgers, a 29-year-old native of Howe, died Saturday when a roadside
bomb exploded near his vehicle.
He was just starting his second tour of duty overseas when the accident happened.
Previously, Kristopher had served a tour in Iraq. He left for Afghanistan in mid-June.
"[Kristopher's wife] Selina had just arrived from Texas to be with her family while Kris was over in
Afghanistan, and she came home Saturday night, and Saturday night is also when we found out about Kris,"
explained Sheryl Evans, Kristopher's mother-in-law.
When Kristopher's mother got the call in Howe, Indiana, she did not want to believe that her son was gone.
"It's sinking in slowly," Kathryn Wiard says tearfully.
As news of the death of a loved one sinks in, Kristopher's family is remembering all the things he loved.
Like playing sports…
"Loved sports, loved his football, loved his Notre Dame. Loved the Chicago Bears, Detroit Red Wings
hockey."
His fellow soldiers...
"He was so willing to help anybody, and his group of men were so important to him," explains his mother-inlaw.
His wife Selina and their three-year-old son Kaden...
"Maybe his dad didn't come back, but we as a family are going to be here for him and Selina."
...and serving a country that he loved.
"He was proud to go, and he made sure that all of us knew that he knew he was doing the right thing,”
begins his mother-in-law.
“And we were all behind him all the way," adds Kristopher’s brother-in-law Rich Ultz.
"A lot of people are having trouble with him being killed in the war, but that's what he wanted to do, and
people need to understand," his mother explains. "It was his duty."
Funeral arrangements have been made for Staff Sergeant Kristopher Dan Rodgers.
Visitation will take place Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Friday the 29th from 2:00 until
4:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00 at Hackman Family Funeral Homes in Sturgis, Michigan.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, August 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Sturgis Wesleyan Church.
Following the funeral, military rites will take place at the Lakeland Football Stadium in Lagrange.
Rodgers graduated from Lakeland in 1998, and was a star football player there.
It was important to his family to go back there to honor him.
Kristopher D. Rodgers
29, Burr Oak
Sturgis Journal
Posted Aug 20, 2008 @ 03:22 AM
Burr Oak, Mich. —
Staff Sergeant Kristopher Dan Rodgers, age 29, of Burr Oak, Mich., and formerly of Howe, Ind., was killed Saturday
Aug. 16, 2008, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, while serving his country with the U.S. Army.
He was born Dec. 29, 1978, in LaGrange, Ind., a son of Danny and Kathryn (Smith) Rodgers.
Kristopher had resided in Howe, Ind., most of his life. He graduated from Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Indiana
with the class of 1998.
On Oct. 2, 1999, he married Selina Schroeder in Three Rivers, Mich.
He had served in the U.S. Army for the past eight years. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Kristopher had a true passion and love of football and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting
Irish. He was also a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and enjoyed food, fishing and playing golf. Kristopher had many
interests and hobbies, but his number one concern and love in his life was his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Selina; 3 ½-year-old son, Kaden Dan Rodgers; mother, Kathryn (Dennis) Wiard of
Howe, Ind.; stepsister, Rachel Wiard of Sturgis; stepbrother, Joshua Wiard of Burr Oak; grandmothers, Vivian Smith
of Shipshewana, Ind., and Rose Hinkleman of Adrian, Mich.; mother-in-law, Cheryl (Pat) Evans of Three Rivers;
father-in-law, Douglas (Julie) Schroeder of Burr Oak; sisters-in-law, Jane Reaper (her fiancée,Richie Ultz) of Burr
Oak, Hazel (Jacob) Shingledecker of Three Rivers, Jennifer Kurtz of Chicago, Charity Kurtz of Chicago and Haruka
(Jason) Griffith of Burr Oak; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his father; grandfathers, James Smith and Bill Rodgers; and brother-in-law, Shaun
Reaper.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Hackman
Family Funeral Homes, Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating and honoring
the life of Kristopher Dan Rodgers will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N.
Nottawa Rd., Sturgis. The Rev. Kevin Terrell of the Temple Baptist Church of Three Rivers and Chaplain of the U.S.
Army will officiate. Following the service a final committal and full military rites will be conferred at Lakeland High
School Football Stadium in LaGrange, Ind. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow all services.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family for Kaden and Selina’s future needs c/o: Selina Rodgers, 110 S.
Third St., Burr Oak, MI 49030. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
His obituary is also at www.legacy.com.
Copyright 2008 Sturgis Journal. Some rights reserved
Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher D. Rodgers
Died August 16, 2008 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
29, of Sturgis, Mich.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Aug. 16 in Korengal, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive
device detonated near his vehicle.
Southern Mich. soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
BURR OAK, Mich. — A 29-year-old soldier from southern Michigan has been killed while serving in
Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Kristopher Dan Rodgers, of Sturgis, died Saturday in the Korengal Valley when a roadside bomb
exploded near the Humvee in which he was riding.
Greg Hackman of Hackman Family Funeral Homes in Sturgis said Tuesday that Rodgers was a 1998
graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Ind.
Survivors include his wife, Selina, and their 3½-year-old son, Kaden.
The Department of Defense said Rodgers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Flags to be lowered in honor of Burr Oak soldier
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Jennifer Granholm has ordered U.S. flags throughout the state to fly at half-staff
this Friday to honor a southern Michigan soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Army Staff Sgt. Kristopher D. Rodgers of Burr Oak died August 16 when a roadside bomb exploded near
his vehicle.
The 29-year-old was a 1998 graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Ind., said Greg Hackman of
Hackman Family Funeral Homes in Sturgis, which handled the arrangements.
Rodgers’ survivors include his wife Selina and their 3 1/2-year-old son, Kaden.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez
Hometown: Weidman, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 35 years old
Died: September 2, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade,
Ansbach, Germany
Incident: Died of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol came under small arms
fire.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
A Loyal Soldier Is Mourned
MP Sergeant From Michigan Was Killed in Afghanistan
By Mark Berman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
When early reports suggested that Gregory A. Rodriguez was a hero who took a bullet that would have
struck another soldier, those who knew him probably weren't surprised. He was committed and loyal,
someone who could be counted on whenever he was needed, those who knew him said.
Yesterday, Sgt. 1st Class Rodriguez was honored for his sacrifice in services at Arlington National
Cemetery. Rodriguez, 35, of Weidman, Mich., died Sept. 2 of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan,
when his mounted patrol came under small arms fire.
His wife, Laura M. Rodriguez, told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant, Mich., that he wanted his final
resting place to be Arlington.
"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be buried, and he told me Arlington, as
he wanted to be among the best and the brave," she said.
Rodriguez was the 501st member of the military killed in Iraq or Afghanistan to be buried at Arlington. He
was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th
MP Brigade, based at Ansbach, Germany.
More than 100 mourners stood before a backdrop of floral arrangements and wreaths to pay tribute to
Rodriguez. They joined members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment from Fort Myer who waited at the
gravesite along with four dogs from the same regiment.
A chaplain, Maj. David Baum, welcomed mourners and talked about the white tombstones around them and
the sacrifice they represented, weaving Rodriguez into that tapestry. Rodriguez was buried in Section 60 of
the cemetery, along with many other casualties of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rodriguez's wife and his mother, Virginia Richardson, received flags from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips.
Rodriguez graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1991 and joined the Army Reserve three years
later, his wife told the paper. He went on full-time active duty in December 1996, and she said they were
stationed in places as far-flung as Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska, Texas and Germany.
Rodriguez, a military police dog handler, was part of a special search team with his dog, Jacko. The dog
survived the attack in Ana Kalay, and Laura Rodriguez said she hopes Jacko will be released to the family.
"He was Greg's best companion for the past couple of years," she said. "He'd been sleeping with Greg every
night since they landed in Afghanistan."
Greg and Laura Rodriguez were married in Honolulu in 1999 and have three young children. "Greg is the
best dad, a loving husband and an awesome soldier who loved being able to train and handle his K9
companions," she said.
Rodriguez was a Detroit Red Wings fan who enjoyed hassling other hockey fans, she said. He was "a very
committed, loyal individual," but he also had a special sense of humor.
"Greg loved to push everyone's buttons and get people going with his rare, unique sense of sarcasm," Laura
Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez's sister told the Detroit News that her brother was committed to keeping order. "My brother liked
to be the law," Lisa Dombrowski said. "He liked justice. If it wasn't right, he made it right."
She said her brother was so skilled at training military dogs that he was given the most difficult ones, and
that when other trainers couldn't get a dog in shape, it would be sent to Rodriguez. And she said he usually
got the job done.
Laura Rodriguez, left, widow of Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, comforts his mother, Virginia Richardson. (By
Marvin Joseph -- The Washington Post)
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez
Died September 02, 2008 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom
35, of Weidman, Mich.; assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police
Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany; died Sept. 2 of wounds sustained in Ana Kalay,
Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol came under small arms fire.
Soldier from Weidman to be buried at Arlington
The Associated Press
WEIDMAN, Mich. — The widow of a soldier from Michigan killed in Afghanistan says he will be buried next
week at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, died Tuesday of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan,
when his mounted patrol came under small-arms fire. He was a native of Weidman, about 50 miles north of
Lansing in Isabella County.
“I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he’d prefer to be buried,” his wife Laura Rodriguez
told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant, “and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the best and
the brave.”
Rodriguez, an avid Detroit Red Wings fan, graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1991 and joined
the Army Reserve about three years later. He liked the military life and became an active-duty soldier in
1996, his wife said.
Survivors include Laura, their three young children and his mother, Virginia Richardson of Lake Isabella.
The family now lives at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, site of the military’s working-dog
programs. Rodriguez was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military
Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany.
His dog Jacko survived the ambush and Laura Rodriguez said she hoped the dog could come live with the
family. “He was Greg’s best companion for the past couple of years,” she said.
Services for Rodriguez are planned in San Antonio and Mount Pleasant but have not been scheduled.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez
The Associated Press
Gregory A. Rodriguez was a former football player and wrestler who sought to keep order both before
joining the Army and while he was in it, said his sister.
“My brother liked to be the law,” said Lisa Dombrowski. “He liked justice. If it wasn’t right, he made it right.”
Rodriguez, 35, died Sept. 2 of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay when his mounted patrol came under smallarms fire. He was a 1991 high school graduate and was assigned to Ansbach, Germany.
“Rod,” as he was known to his Army buddies, was a Red Wings fan who loved to hassle fans of other
hockey teams he met during his military career, said his wife, Laura Rodriguez.
“Greg loved to push everyone’s buttons and get people going with his rare, unique sense of sarcasm,” she
said. At the same time, her husband, a military police dog handler whose dog, Jacko, survived the fatal
ambush, was “a very committed, loyal individual and could be counted on whenever needed.”
He had been stationed in Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska and Texas.
Rodriguez also is survived by three children: 8-year-old Gregory Jr., 7-year old Zachary and 3-year-old
Malory.
On 9/2/08, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Rodriguez, 35, was killed in action in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Rodriguez was a dog handler for the Military Police assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade,
Anbach Germany.
R.I.P. Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez-Army fallen military working dog
handler
I woke up this morning to see that another United States Army military working dog handler was killed in
action in Afghanistan this past Tuesday, September 2nd. Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez from
Weidman, Michigan.
I was able to get in touch with his wife, Laura, and wish her my condolences. She mentioned that everyone
knew him as “Rod” and that “150″ was the nickname he used on his Jeep Forum website. She also
mentioned that his specialized search dog “Jacko” did not make it as well. To Rod and Jacko, thank you for
your service and making the ultimate sacrifice, you are true heroes and patriots. To Laura and family, God
bless.
A soldier from Weidman died Tuesday in combat in Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced late Friday.
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, a military policeman, was killed in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when
his patrol came under small-arms fire, according to a statement from the Department of Defense.
Rodriguez was a dog handler for the military police. He was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military
Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany, according to the
Pentagon.
There was no word on the fate of Rodriguez’ dog.
According to postings on Internet forums, Rodriguez, known to his friends as “150,” loved Jeeps.
His wife’s MySpace page Friday night showed a slide show of Rodriguez with his family, his dog, of the two
in action in Afghanistan, and included a photo of a makeshift military memorial erected in his honor. It also
included a blog entry of a poem titled “Guardians of the Night,” celebrating the strength and courage of a
military working dog.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Ana Kalay is in central Afghanistan, in a remote, mountainous region about halfway between Kabul, the
capitol, and Kandahar.
Rodriguez is the 18th member of the military with Michigan ties to die in Afghanistan since Operation
Enduring Freedom began nearly seven years ago.
His wife made this fantastic slide show of him if you want to view more photos, click here:
http://www.slide.com/r/Yq_VZMfw7j9taEOF6Ar7gObMaMxPj5q?previous_view=lt_embedded_url
in.
Tags: afghanistan, army soldier killed, fallen handler, greg rodriguez, k9 handler, k9 pride, kia, killed in
action, military working dog handler, rest in peace, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, soldier tribute, us
army, war dog, weidman mi, weidman michigan
Posted in Army Dog teams, fallen handlers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAboFqzP38
Laura Rodriguez (R), widow of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez who was assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany,
and other family members mourn during Rodriguez's funeral September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery
in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2, 2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came
under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Army honor guards carry the casket of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, who was assigned to the K-9
unit of the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach,
Germany, during his funeral September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez
died on September 2, 2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana
Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Army honor guards carry the casket of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, who was assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany, during
his funeral September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2,
2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
Laura Rodriguez (R), widow of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez who was assigned to the K-9 unit of the
527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany, receives
the U.S. flag which recovered the casket from Army Brigadier General Jeffery Phillips (L) during Rodriguez's funeral
September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2, 2008 from
wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
An Army honor guard holds a U.S. flag during the funeral of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, who was
assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in
Ansbach, Germany, September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on
September 2, 2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay,
Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Family members of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez who was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military
Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany, mourn during Rodriguez's
funeral September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2,
2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Army honor guards carry the casket of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, who was assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany, during
his funeral September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2,
2008 from wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
A bugler plays "Taps" during the funeral of Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, who was assigned to the K-9
unit of the 527th Military Police Company of 709th Military Police Battalion of 18th MP Brigade in Ansbach, Germany,
September 15, 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Rodriguez died on September 2, 2008 from
wound suffered after his mounted patrol came under small arms fire in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan.
(September 15, 2008 - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Photo credit Ron Toland (USAG Ansbach)
Maj. Craig Schuh, right, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, director of emergency
services, and Col. Christopher Hickey, garrison commander, place a wreath outside the
new military police working dog kenneldedicated to Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Allen
Rodriguez, who was killed in the line of duty September 2008 in Afghanistan.
Ansbach Military Police dedicates new kennel
Jul 29,
2009 By Ron Toland, USAG Ansbach Public Affairs
ANSBACH, Germany – Soldiers from the 527th Military Police Company at U.S. Army Garrison
Ansbach dedicated their newly located and renovated kennel to one of their own who was
killed in the line of duty.
The new kennel for military working dogs in Oberdachstetten was named in honor of Sgt. 1st
Class Gregory Allen Rodriguez, who was killed in the line of duty supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom last September, said Maj. Craig Schuh, director of emergency services for
Ansbach.
"It made sense," said Schuh. "(Rodriguez) was a member of our kennel who deployed to
Afghanistan with his dog, Joko, last year. To have the new facility and move it, dedicating it in
his honor, just made absolute sense."
"It was the right thing to do," said Col. Christopher Hickey, commander of USAG Ansbach.
"We are very proud of this facility. We pledge to keep it in top-notch condition; that is what
our military police dog handlers deserve – nothing but the best. They go into harm's way with
the dogs to ensure our Soldiers are safe."
Schuh added that the 527th seeks to memorialize its and fallen warriors from other
organizations.
"Whether they are dog handlers, aviators or whatever, if we can somehow thank the family by
making a dedication (such as the one for Rodriguez), then that is something that will go on
through history," he said. "The family will always remember that; the community will
hopefully always remember that. It will be something everybody is proud of."
The Rodriguez family agrees.
"To me it is a special honor to have this kennel dedicated to my husband," said Laura
Rodriguez, who flew back to Germany with three children for the dedication. "The memory will
always be there ... a reminder of who he was and how he was; what he loved to do."
She added that her husband had a passion for his work and was a dedicated Soldier. He told
her he had the best job in the Army; saying he loved what he did: playing and training with
his dogs.
"Sergeant Rod's" troops also remembered him at the ceremony, saying he was not only a
great leader, but also a mentor and friend.
"He was a guy we worked with, but not just a Soldier we worked with and for; he was a
friend," said Sgt. Ronald Cochran, specialized search handler with the 527th Military Police
Company.
"You may not have always agreed with him," Cochran added, "but he did have valid points.
He made you look at your own points sometimes.
"And he was a jokester. No matter what your day was, good or bad, Sergeant Rod wanted to
make you happy; he wanted to make you smile. He would come into work singing. One of his
things was, 'If you got to be at work, you might as well have fun with it,'".
Other 527th MPS also remembered Rodriguez fondly.
"It is a great honor to have this building named after him – he was a unique dog handler,"
said Spc. Samuel Johnson. "He would set the example (for Soldiers), as well as fight for them.
"I learned a lot of things from him," Johnson added. He instilled a base foundation for me and
from then, a close bond built on everything I have learned from other handlers."
The new facility's renovation began in November 2008 and was completed right before the
July 8 dedication, at a cost of about 930,000 euros, according to USAG Ansbach Directorate of
Public Works estimates.
The improvements were necessary as the previous facility was inadequate, said Schuh.
"They had to move it because of development and because the old, tiny, substandard facility
needed an upgrade," said Schuh. "The Oberdachstetten kennel has all the amenities the one
at Urlas was lacking.
Major improvements, Schuh pointed out, "include a bigger obedience course in a fenced-in
area; separate offices for different sections, allowing for administration and privacy needs;
and compared to the six individual kennels before, there are now 21 kennels, allowing for
separation of the more aggressive dogs."
The major recognized the garrison's Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation for
donating a memorial plaque and DPW expediting last-minute finishing touches.
Military
Funeral
Monday (September 15, 2008) I had the humbling privilege of representing the Vietnam Dog Handlers
Association and the Vietnam Security Police Association at the funeral of a fallen warrior, SFC Gregory
Rodriguez, a fellow MWD* handler. SFC Rodriguez died Sept. 2nd of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay,
Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol came under small arms fire. He was assigned to the K-9 unit of the
527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany. As I
approached the funeral home I saw several members of the Patriot Guard standing in front of the funeral
home. Upon entering the building I found Army personal, from Sergeants to a General, filling the interior. I
was overwhelmingly impressed by the excellent caliber of those who came to honor this fallen hero.
While at the funeral home I had the opportunity to meet with SFC Rodriguez’s wife, to offer her not only my
condolences but those of the VDHA and VSPA. I presented her with a framed certificate of appreciation
from the VSPA. She was grateful and mentioned it would be something her boys would truly appreciate. As
I remember, the Rodriguezes have three young children, two energetic boys and a beautiful daughter.
In time we formed the funeral procession and made our way to Arlington National Cemetery. That in itself
was quite impressive. Motorcycle police escorted the procession, holding traffic at every intersection. Once
we arrived at the outskirts of Arlington the police stood at attention saluting the motorcade as we passed.
Once at Arlington the family with friends gathered in a private room. There Brigadier General Philips,
Deputy Provost Marshal General of the Army, presented the family with medals won by SFC Rodriguez. On
his behalf the family received the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
Leaving there we went to the gravesite. Six Army pallbearers smartly carried the flag-covered coffin to the
grave. Upon laying the casket on the bier they faced the coffin and stood at attention for the remainder of the
ceremony. After a twenty-one gun salute the bugler played Taps. At that point the dam burst and tears
rolled down my face and did so until the end. Moments like that make me so proud of those who serve this
nation, and willingly give their all. The pallbearers then folded the flag. They handed it to General Philips,
who then presented it to the family. A group of MWD handlers were present along with three MWDs. One
of the dogs was the one SFC Rodriguez handled. Then one of the handlers read the poem “Guardians of the
Night.” The poem speaks from the perspective of the dog describing the bond between a MWD and his
handler. Then the Chaplain spoke, he offered some truly comforting and appropriate words describing the
outstanding character of SFC Rodriguez and his genuine faith.
As I left I overheard some very encouraging and comforting words. It seems that later in the afternoon the
Army was going to present the family with SFC Rodriguez’s dog. Yes, thinking about what that would
mean for the family caused the dam to burst again and it took awhile for the tears to clear before I could head
home.
I can only say how proud I was to be able to represent two outstanding organizations, the VDHA and VSPA.
*Military Working Dog
Update on Sgt 1st Class Gregory Rodriguez
Sep 7th, 2008 by wardogmarine
Rodriguez to be buried in Arlington
By MARK RANZENBERGER Sun Online Editor from The Morning Sun
The military policeman from Weidman killed in action in Afghanistan will be buried next week in Arlington National
Cemetery.
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, died when his unit came under fire in central Afghanistan on Tuesday,
according to the Department of Defense.
“I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he’d prefer to be buried,” said his wife, Laura
Rodriguez, “and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the best and the brave.”
Sgt. Rodriguez graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1991. He didn’t immediately join the service, his
wife said.
But about three years later, he joined the Army Reserve. The military life agreed with him, and he went on
full-time active duty in December 1996. “We have been stationed in Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska, Texas, and
Germany,” Laura said. She is a native of Merrill.
Laura now lives in San Antonio, Texas, site of Lackland Air Force Base, which houses the military’s
working dog programs. Her husband was a military police dog handler.
Sgt. Rodriguez and his dog, Jacko (pronounced “Jocko”), were a military special search dog team. Jacko
survived the ambush in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, and Laura said she hopes the Pentagon will release the dog
to the family.
“He was Greg’s best companion for the past couple of years,” she said. “He’d been sleeping with Greg every
night since they landed in Afghanistan.”
The team was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Co., 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th
MP Brigade, based in Ansbach, Germany.
Sgt. Rodriguez’s mother, Virginia Richardson of Lake Isabella, is a support staff member at Chippewa Hills
High School. Chippewa Hills Superintendent Shirley Howard said she and another staffer helped the military
team that delivered the news find the Richardson home, and staffers at Chippewa Hills have given donations
for the family.
Greg and Laura Rodriguez were married in Honolulu in January 1999, and have three young children.
“Greg is the best dad, a loving husband, and an awesome soldier who loved being able to train and handle his
K9 companions,” Laura said.
“Rod,” as he was known to his Army buddies, was a Red Wings fan who loved to hassle fans of other
hockey teams he met during his military career, she said.
“Greg loved to push everyone’s buttons and get people going with his rare, unique sense of sarcasm,” she
said. At the same time, her husband was “a very committed, loyal individual and could be counted on
whenever needed.”
Fred Dorr, president of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association, said a memorial service was being scheduled
for Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
A Mt. Pleasant memorial service also is likely to take place, but has not yet been scheduled.
Soldier from Weidman to be buried at Arlington
09/07/2008
Associated Press
The widow of a U.S. soldier from Michigan killed in Afghanistan says he will be buried next week at
Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, died Tuesday of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan,
when his mounted patrol came under small-arms fire. He was a native of Weidman, about 50 miles north of
Lansing in Isabella County.
"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be buried," his wife Laura Rodriguez
told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant, "and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the best and
the brave."
Rodriguez, an avid Detroit Red Wings fan, graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1991 and joined
the Army Reserve about three years later. He liked the military life and became an active duty soldier in
1996, his wife said.
Survivors include Laura, their three young children and his mother, Virginia Richardson of Lake Isabella.
The family now lives at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, site of the military's working-dog
programs. Rodriguez was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military
Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany.
His dog Jacko survived the ambush and Laura Rodriguez said she hoped the dog could come live with the
family. "He was Greg's best companion for the past couple of years," she said.
Services for Rodriguez are planned in San Antonio and Mount Pleasant but have not been scheduled.
Gregory A. Rodriguez
Sergeant First Class, United States Army
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 746-08
September 05, 2008
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sergeant Fitrst Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, of Weidman, Michigan, died
September 2, 2008, of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when his
mounted patrol came under small arms fire. He was assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP
Brigade, Ansbach, Germany.
For further information media may contact the 21st Theater Sustainment
Command public affairs office at 011-49-631-413-8184.
Courtesy of the Mount Pleasant (Michigan) Sun:
WEIDMAN, Michigan -- The widow of a U.S. soldier from Michigan killed in
Afghanistan says he will be buried next week at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Sergeant First Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, died Tuesday of wounds
suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol came under
small-arms fire. He was a native of Weidman, about 50 miles north of Lansing
in Isabella County.
"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be
buried," his wife Laura Rodriguez told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant,
"and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the best and the brave."
Rodriguez, an avid Detroit Red Wings fan, graduated from Mount Pleasant
High School in 1991 and joined the Army Reserve about three years later. He
liked the military life and became an active duty soldier in 1996, his wife said.
Survivors include Laura, their three young children and his mother, Virginia
Richardson of Lake Isabella.
The family now lives at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, site of
the military's working-dog programs. Rodriguez was assigned to the K-9 unit of
the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP
Brigade, Ansbach, Germany.
His dog Jacko survived the ambush and Laura Rodriguez said she hoped the
dog could come live with the family. "He was Greg's best companion for the
past couple of years," she said.
Services for Rodriguez are planned in San Antonio and Mount Pleasant but
have not been scheduled.
7 September 2008
By MARK RANZENBERGER
Courtesy of the Mount Pleasant (Michigan) Sun
The military policeman from Weidman killed in action in Afghanistan will be
buried next week in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sergeant First Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, died when his unit came under
fire in central Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to the Department of Defense.
"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be
buried," said his wife, Laura Rodriguez, "and he told me Arlington, as he
wanted to be among the best and the brave."
Sergeant Rodriguez graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1991. He
didn't immediately join the service, his wife said.
But about three years later, he joined the Army Reserve. The military life
agreed with him, and he went on full-time active duty in December 1996. "We
have been stationed in Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska, Texas, and Germany," Laura
said. She is a native of Merrill.
Laura now lives in San Antonio, Texas, site of Lackland Air Force Base, which
houses the military's working dog programs. Her husband was a military police
dog handler.
Sergeant Rodriguez and his dog, Jacko (pronounced "Jocko"), were a military
special search dog team. Jacko survived the ambush in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan,
and Laura said she hopes the Pentagon will release the dog to the family.
"He was Greg's best companion for the past couple of years," she said. "He'd
been sleeping with Greg every night since they landed in Afghanistan."
The team was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Co., 709th
Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, based in Ansbach, Germany.
Sergeant Rodriguez's mother, Virginia Richardson of Lake Isabella, is a
support staff member at Chippewa Hills High School. Chippewa Hills
Superintendent Shirley Howard said she and another staffer helped the military
team that delivered the news find the Richardson home, and staffers at
Chippewa Hills have given donations for the family.
Greg and Laura Rodriguez were married in Honolulu in January 1999, and
have three young children.
"Greg is the best dad, a loving husband, and an awesome soldier who loved
being able to train and handle his K9 companions," Laura said.
"Rod," as he was known to his Army buddies, was a Red Wings fan who loved
to hassle fans of other hockey teams he met during his military career, she said.
"Greg loved to push everyone's buttons and get people going with his rare,
unique sense of sarcasm," she said. At the same time, her husband was "a very
committed, loyal individual and could be counted on whenever needed."
Fred Dorr, president of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association, said a memorial
service was being scheduled for Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
A Mt. Pleasant memorial service also is likely to take place, but has not yet been
scheduled.
A Loyal Soldier Is Mourned
MP Sergeant From Michigan Was Killed in Afghanistan
By Mark Berman
Courtesy Of The Washington Post
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
When early reports suggested that Gregory A. Rodriguez was a hero who took a
bullet that would have struck another soldier, those who knew him probably
weren't surprised. He was committed and loyal, someone who could be counted
on whenever he was needed, those who knew him said.
Yesterday, Sergeant First Class Rodriguez was honored for his sacrifice in
services at Arlington National Cemetery. Rodriguez, 35, of Weidman, Michigan,
died September 2, 2008, of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when
his mounted patrol came under small arms fire.
His wife, Laura M. Rodriguez, told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant,
Michigan, that he wanted his final resting place to be Arlington.
"I asked Greg if anything ever happened to him where he'd prefer to be buried,
and he told me Arlington, as he wanted to be among the best and the brave,"
she said.
Rodriguez was the 501st member of the military killed in Iraq or Afghanistan to
be buried at Arlington. He was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military
Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, based at
Ansbach, Germany.
More than 100 mourners stood before a backdrop of floral arrangements and
wreaths to pay tribute to Rodriguez. They joined members of the 3rd U.S.
Infantry Regiment from Fort Myer who waited at the gravesite along with four
dogs from the same regiment.
A chaplain, Major David Baum, welcomed mourners and talked about the white
tombstones around them and the sacrifice they represented, weaving Rodriguez
into that tapestry. Rodriguez was buried in Section 60 of the cemetery, along
with many other casualties of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rodriguez's wife and his mother, Virginia Richardson, received flags from Brig.
General Jeffrey Phillips.
Rodriguez graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1991 and joined the
Army Reserve three years later, his wife told the paper. He went on full-time
active duty in December 1996, and she said they were stationed in places as farflung as Hawaii, Missouri, Alaska, Texas and Germany.
Rodriguez, a military police dog handler, was part of a special search team with
his dog, Jacko. The dog survived the attack in Ana Kalay, and Laura Rodriguez
said she hopes Jacko will be released to the family.
"He was Greg's best companion for the past couple of years," she said. "He'd
been sleeping with Greg every night since they landed in Afghanistan."
Greg and Laura Rodriguez were married in Honolulu in 1999 and have three
young children. "Greg is the best dad, a loving husband and an awesome soldier
who loved being able to train and handle his K9 companions," she said.
Rodriguez was a Detroit Red Wings fan who enjoyed hassling other hockey
fans, she said. He was "a very committed, loyal individual," but he also had a
special sense of humor.
"Greg loved to push everyone's buttons and get people going with his rare,
unique sense of sarcasm," Laura Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez's sister told the Detroit News that her brother was committed to
keeping order. "My brother liked to be the law," Lisa Dombrowski said. "He
liked justice. If it wasn't right, he made it right."
She said her brother was so skilled at training military dogs that he was given
the most difficult ones, and that when other trainers couldn't get a dog in shape,
it would be sent to Rodriguez. And she said he usually got the job done.
Laura Rodriguez, left, widow of Sergeant First Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, comforts his mother, Virginia
Richardson,
at Arlington National Cemetery.
Jacko and Rodriguez slept together in Afghanistan, according to Rodriguez' wife. Rodriguez' patrol came under fire in central
Afghanistan, and "Rod," as he was known to his Army buddies, was killed. Jacko survived
RODRIGUEZ, GREGORY A
SFC US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 10/14/1972
DATE OF DEATH: 09/02/2008
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8736
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Posted: 7 September 2008 Updated: 28 September 2008 Updated: 26 February 2009 Updated: 19 April 2009
Photos By Holly, April 2009
Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas
Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 22 years old
Died: September 4, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Tex.
Incident: Killed in Baghdad when his vehicle encountered a makeshift bomb.
Friends and family friends described Bryan R. Thomas as an "old soul" _ a thoughtful and
introspective young man who took an interest in animals, sports, photography and Mountain Dew.
"It just doesn''t seem real," said Laura Stewart, a family friend. "I think any minute now he''ll come in,
open up the refrigerator and take a seat on the couch." Thomas, 22, of Battle Creek, Mich., was killed
Sept. 4 when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was assigned to Fort Hood. A former student at
Kellogg Community College, Thomas graduated in 2004 from Lakeview High School, where he played
football and was a member of the wrestling team. "He was just an outstanding person who was a
good student, well-liked and all-around nice guy," said Chris Doyle, the principal. "He was the type of
player you want to have on your team, a hard worker and someone who could always fire up the
other kids." Thomas was the grappler who jumped up a weight class to save a couple points for the
team. "He was a dedicated kid who didn''t seek the limelight," said Tony Evans, an ex-wrestling
coach. He is survived by his mother, Pam Sikora.
Bryan R. Thomas
PFC Bryan R. Thomas Battle Creek PFC Bryan Richard Thomas, 22, of Battle Creek, died
September 4, 2008 in Iraq while on active duty with the U.S. Army. Bryan was born October 4,
1985 in Battle Creek and graduated from Lakeview High School in 2004, attended Kellogg
Community College and Western Michigan University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2007 and
was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, in Baghdad, Iraq. The unit was based
at Fort Hood, Texas. Bryan is survived by his mother, Pam Sikora of Battle Creek; grandfather,
Richard Sikora of Battle Creek; stepgrandmother, Barbara Sikora of The Villages, Florida; and
his aunt, Judy (Jeff) Brookshire and nieces Taylor and Ashlee Brookshire of Aledo, Texas. He
was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Elaine Sikora. Bryan was an athlete at
Lakeview High School and lettered in wrestling and football. He loved animals and showed
horses in the LEHS circuit. An avid and talented photographer, he intended to pursue a career in photography.
Visitation will take place 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Shaw Funeral Home. Mass of
Christian Burial, 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 15, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. John D.
Fleckenstein officiating. Interment, with military honors, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial
contributions may go to Kellogg Community College or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan through the
PFC Bryan R. Thomas Fund at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral
Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com
Remembering a soldier killed in Iraq
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/soldier-1353163-iraq-mich.html
http://www.wwmt.com/video/?videoId=1178176731&lineupId=&play=now
http://www.wwmt.com/video/?videoId=1213867672&lineupId=&play=now
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - West Michigan is morning the loss of another soldier in the
war in Iraq.
2004 Lakeside High School graduate Bryan Thomas was killed last week by a roadside bombing in
Baghdad. Flags in Battle Creek flew at half-staff on Monday.
Newschannel 3 was in Battle Creek to talk to those who knew Thomas best.
At Lakeview High School, Thomas was a standout football player, but his interests stretched well beyond
just football.
"He showed up every day with a great attitude," said Mark Gibbs, Lakeview High School's football coach,
"he liked being part of the team."
Coach Gibbs said that Thomas wasn't a flashy player, or even the best, but that didn't matter because at the
end of the day, Thomas was the type of person he wanted on the team because of his commitment, no
matter what.
"I respect people like that as much as the kids that were in the the limelight that are scoring touchdowns,
because it means something to be a part of something. For Bryan, he loved being part of the football
program." Gibbs said.
Laura Stewart, a family friend of Thomas' said that "he was quiet, and reserved. He loved to do things with
conviction."
Thomas loved so much more that sports, he also loved animals, and photography, and was committed to all
of it.
"It doesn't matter to me, what type of player they were, how good they were, it's what type of citizen they
turn out to be. Here's a young man that chose to serve his country; that says a lot about Bryan right there."
Coach Gibbs said.
Remembering a s
Army Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas
Died September 04, 2008 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom
22, of Battle Creek, Mich.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 4 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his vehicle
encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Kenneth W. Mayne.
Battle Creek soldier killed in Iraq
By Joe Rossiter
Detroit Free Press
A Michigan serviceman was one of two soldiers killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the
Department of Defense announced Sept. 8.
Army Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas, 22, of Battle Creek and Sgt. Kenneth W. Mayne, 29, of Fort Benning, Ga., died
Thursday in Baghdad of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in
a marketplace within the city. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas.
Thomas joined the Army in September 2007 and was stationed in Iraq for the past three months. He came
home last month for a two-week leave.
An animal-lover who did volunteer work with the Michigan Humane Society, Thomas was also a skilled
photographer.
“He was a person who was steadfast and committed,” said Laura Stewart, a longtime family friend. “He was
proud to serve in the Army, and once he was finished, planned to make a career in education or sports
medicine.”
A former student at Kellogg Community College, Thomas graduated in 2004 from Lakeview High School in
Battle Creek, where he played football and was a member of the wrestling team.
“He was just an outstanding person who was a good student, well-liked and all-around nice guy,” said Chris
Doyle, who was Lakeview High assistant principal at the time Thomas attended but is now principal.
“He was the type of player you want to have on your team, a hard worker and someone who could always
fire up the other kids,” Doyle said. “We are very proud of his accomplishments and proud that he
represented our country.”
Survivors include his mother, Pam Sikora; grandfather, Richard Sikora, and step-grandmother, Barbara
Sikora.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete today. Burial with full military honors will take place at Fort Custer
National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich.
Army Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas remembered
The Associated Press
Friends and family friends described Bryan R. Thomas as an “old soul” — a thoughtful and introspective
young man who took an interest in animals, sports, photography and Mountain Dew.
“It just doesn’t seem real,” said Laura Stewart, a family friend. “I think any minute now he’ll come in, open up
the refrigerator and take a seat on the couch.”
Thomas, 22, of Battle Creek, Mich., was killed Sept. 4 when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was
assigned to Fort Hood.
A former student at Kellogg Community College, Thomas graduated in 2004 from Lakeview High School,
where he played football and was a member of the wrestling team.
“He was just an outstanding person who was a good student, well-liked and all-around nice guy,” said Chris
Doyle, the principal. “He was the type of player you want to have on your team, a hard worker and someone
who could always fire up the other kids.”
Thomas was the grappler who jumped up a weight class to save a couple points for the team. “He was a
dedicated kid who didn’t seek the limelight,” said Tony Evans, an ex-wrestling coach.
He is survived by his mother, Pam Sikora.
Chief Petty Officer Jason R. Freiwald
Hometown: Armada, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 30 years old
Died: September 12, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit:Navy, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.
Incident: Died of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.
Jason Freiwald
FREIWALD, SOC JASON RICHARD Virginia Beach - Special Operator Chief Petty Officer
(SEAL) Jason Richard Freiwald passed away September 11, 2008. Born in Utica, MI, he
graduated from Armada Senior High School. SOC Freiwald entered active duty on 5
November 1996, and reported to Naval Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
After completing both Recruit training and OPINTEL "A" School, he reported to Basic
Underwater Demolition/ SEAL Training in Coronado, California. After six months of the
most grueling and demanding training in the world, he graduated and reported to Basic
Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia. He reported to his first duty station, SEAL Team
FIVE, for two years and then transferred to SEAL Team THREE for another two and a half
years. On 30 March 2005, SOC Freiwald began rigorous Selection and Training for Naval
Special Warfare Development Group. Nine months after beginning this process, SOC Freiwald was selected to be a
Development Group Assaulter. He reported to TACDEVRON TWO on 15 December, 2005. Since being assigned to
TACDEVRON TWO, he has deployed five times conducting combat operations with a Joint Task Force as Lead
Breacher. SOC Freiwald's personal awards include the Bronze Star, two with combat "V" signifying VALOR in combat,
Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V," Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V," Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold star,
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold star. Gold star signifies more than one award given. Three
Combat Action Ribbons, Good Conduct with two Bronze Stars and various service and campaign awards. He leaves
behind to cherish his memory his wife Stacey; his daughter Jasmine; parents Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Theresa
Freiwald; brothers Adam, Erik, Jeremy; and countless family, friends and teammates. A Funeral Service will be held at
12 noon Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA. The
family will receive friends from 10 to 12 p.m. prior to the Service. A reception at the funeral home will follow the
Service. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2008, in Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests
that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jason R. Freiwald Memorial Fund at Navy Federal
Credit Union. Condolences may be offered to the family, www.altmeyer.com.
Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on September 23, 2008
Jason R. Freiwald
Born in Union, Michigan
Departed on Sep. 11, 2008 and resided in
Virginia Beach, VA.
In the dawn's early light
Birth:
Dec. 20, 1977
Utica
Macomb County
Michigan, USA
Death:
Sep. 12, 2008, Afghanistan
Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (Select) Friewald was assigned to Naval Special Warfare
Development Group, Dam Neck, Virginia. He died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained Sept. 11 during a
battle with heavily armed militants. Jason graduated from Armada Senior High School and enlisted in
the Navy on April 25, 1996. After completing basic training, he graduated from the Navy and Marine
Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Virginia before reporting to Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, California. As a SEAL, he completed numerous qualifications to
prepare him for combat, including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing, to name only a
few. Jason served multiple combat deployments in Iraq before joining the Special Warfare Development
Group in 2005. His combat awards include the Bronze Star medal with combat "V" distinguishing
device; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; two Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement medal; Combat Action ribbon, and numerous personal, unit and campaign medals. Jason
was dedicated warrior; a man who believed in fighting for his country. His death was a tremendous loss
for Naval Special Warfare and his loving family - wife, Stacey, and his daughter.
Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Section 60, Site 8738
Created by: Brenda N
Record added: Sep 13, 2008
Find A Grave Memorial# 29786596
Jason Freiwald
Specialty:
Navy SEAL
BUD/S Class:
215
Rank:
Chief Petty Officer
Age:
30
Home:
Utica, MI
Assigned:
Naval Special Warfare Development Group
Died:
September 11th , 2008 Operation: Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
Details:
Freiwald died in Afghanistan on September 11th, 2008, from injuries sustained during
combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Awards:
Bronze Star medal with combat "V" distinguishing device
Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device
Two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with combat "V" distinguishing
device
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal
Combat Action ribbon
Contributions:
Freiwald was born Dec. 20, 1977 in Utica, Michigan where he later graduated from
Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1996 and reported to
Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., on November 5, 1996. After
completing basic training he graduated from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence
Training Center, Dam Neck, Va., before reporting to Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. Upon graduating from BUD/S, Freiwald
completed Basic Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Georgia.
He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 5 at Naval
Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. He served at SEAL Team 5 for two years before
transferring to SEAL Team 3 in Coronado. While at SEAL Teams 5 and 3 he completed
numerous qualifications to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, Arabic,
and tactical rock climbing, to name only a few. Freiwald also distinguished himself
during multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In March 2005 Freiwald transferred from SEAL Team 3 and began the demanding
selection and training program at NSWDG. Freiwald completed the arduous training
and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation
Squadron 2.
Freiwald is a highly-decorated SEAL combat veteran including the Bronze Star medal
with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation Medal with
combat "V" distinguishing device; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal
with combat "V" distinguishing device; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
medal; Combat Action ribbon, and numerous personal, unit and campaign medals.
Freiwald is survived by his loving wife, Stacey; his daughter, Jasmine; and his mother
and father, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
Memorials
John Wayne Marcum Fund at Navy Federal Credit Union
Two SEALs from Dam Neck killed in Afghanistan
By
Louis Hansen
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 14, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH
Two highly decorated local Navy SEALs died Thursday night from injuries sustained in fierce
fighting against insurgents in Afghanistan, according to the Navy.
Senior Chief Petty Officer John Marcum, 34, and Petty Officer First Class Jason Freiwald, 30, died
in a battle with heavily armed militants, the Navy said. The men were deployed from the highly
selective Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach.
Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of the development group, said the deaths were
“tremendous losses.”
“These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALS and the cause for
which they were fighting,” Moore said in a statement. “They died taking the fight to the enemy,
going in harm’s way with the selflessness that resonated in their character and made them giants
among men.”
Marcum and Freiwald are the second and third sailors from Development Group to be killed in
Afghanistan within three weeks. Petty Officer First Class Josh Harris, 36, drowned on Aug. 30
while crossing a river on a combat mission.
Marcum, a native of Flushing, Mich., had received four Bronze Star medals, among numerous
decorations. He joined the service in August 1991. After basic training, he attended the Navy and
Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center at Dam Neck. He then went to basic SEAL training, and
took his first permanent post with SEAL Team 2 at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.
Marcum began training for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in March, 2000. He had
deployed numerous times.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and a daughter, Madison. He is also survived by his parents,
Wayne and Luellen Marcum, and his sister, Kaylee Pierle.
Among his many citations, Freiwald, a native of Utica, Mich., was a Bronze Star recipient.
Tuesday, he was to have been promoted to chief petty officer.
After graduating from basic SEAL training, his first permanent duty was with SEAL Team 5 at
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base in California. In March 2005, he began training with the
development group.
After completing training, he received orders for Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and
Evaluation Squadron 2. He is survived by his wife, Stacey, and a daughter, Jasmine. He is also
survived by his parents, Richard and Terri Freiwald.
Louis Hansen/John Warren
Senior Chief Petty
Officer John
Marcum
Petty Officer First
Class Jason
Freiwald
Jason Richard Freiwald
Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 769-08
September 13, 2008
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Petty Officer (select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Michigan,
died September 12, 2008, from injuries sustained while conducting combat
operations in Afghanistan September 11, 2008. Freiwald was temporarily
forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development
Group, Dam Neck, Virginia.
For further information related to this release, contact Naval Special Warfare
Command Public Affairs at 619-522-2824.
Freiwald was born December 20, 1977 in Utica, Michigan where he later graduated from
Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1996 and reported to
Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, on November 5, 1996. After completing
basic training he graduated from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center,
Dam Neck, Virginia, before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at
Coronado, California. Upon graduating from BUD/S, Freiwald completed Basic Airborne
School in Fort. Benning, Georgia.
He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 5 at Naval
Amphibious Base, Coronado, California. He served at SEAL Team 5 for two
years before transferring to SEAL Team 3 in Coronado. While at SEAL Teams
5 and 3 he completed numerous qualifications to prepare him for combat,
including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing, to name only a
few.
Freiwald also distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2005, Freiwald transferred from
SEAL Team 3 and began the demanding selection and training program at
NSWDG. Freiwald completed the arduous training and received orders to
Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.
Freiwald is a highly-decorated SEAL combat veteran including the Bronze Star
medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation
Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; two Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; the Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement medal; Combat Action ribbon, and numerous
personal, unit and campaign medals.
Freiwald is survived by his loving wife, Stacey; his daughter, Jasmine; and his
mother and father, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
By Mitch Hotts
Courtesy Of The Macomb Daily
At churches and homes in and around Armada on Sunday, the talk centered on
a U.S. Navy SEAL from Macomb County who was killed last week in combat
with heavily armed militants in Afghanistan.
Chief Petty Officer Jason Freiwald, 30, of Armada, and Senior Chief Petty
Officer John Marcum, 34, of Flushing in Genesee County, were fatally shot
Thursday night, the Defense Department said Sunday.
Freiwald, a 1996 graduate of Armada High School, the married father of one
daughter, has one brother who also is a Navy SEAL, another training to become
one and a third who is in college.
"Their whole family makes everyone in this area quite proud," said Nancy
Moegle, a physical education teacher at Armada High School.
Commander Gregory Geisen of the Naval Special Warfare Command Public
Affairs said Freiwald's family asked for privacy and did not wish to speak to the
media Sunday.
Neighbors and people who know Freiwald's family described him as a well liked
young man who came from a strong and active family. Priests at various
churches on Sunday asked parishioners to pray for him and his family.
Freiwald is one of four brothers all of whom have strong athletic
backgrounds, especially in wrestling. Their father, Richard, is the former
president of the Armada Athletic Boosters.
"They are a very close family, no doubt, just real good people," said Ken
Keding, a longtime area resident, who visited the Freiwald family to pay their
respects along with his wife, who made them meat loaf and potatoes.
Freiwald and Marcum, who died two days after the seventh anniversary of the
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, were forward deployed to Afghanistan from their
assignments at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia
Beach, Va.
"They died while taking the fight to the enemy, going in harm's way with the
selflessness that resonated in their character and made them giants among
men," said Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of the Naval Special
Warfare Development Group, in a statement.
Freiwald, who was born in Utica, enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 25, 1996,
and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., on Nov. 5,
1996.
He graduated from the Navy after completing basic training and went through
the Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia before reporting to
basic underwater demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, Calif.
According to the Defense Department, Freiwald's initial duties were with SEAL
teams in California where he completed qualifications to prepare him for
combat including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing. He also
distinguished himself during numerous combat deployments in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Freiwald was a highly decorated SEAL combat veteran who was honored with
awards including the Bronze Star with combat "V" distinguishing service; Joint
Service Commendation Medal with combat "V"; two Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation medals; and others.
In addition to his brothers, he is survived by his wife, Stacey; daughter,
Jasmine; and parents, Terri and Richard Freiwald.
25 September 2008:
LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm has ordered U.S. flags be flown at
half-staff Monday to honor a Navy SEAL from Macomb County killed in
fighting in Afghanistan.
Chief Petty Officer Jason Freiwald of Armada was injured Sept. 11 and died the
next day. The 30-year-old is being buried Monday at Arlington National
Cemetery.
Freiwald was part of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, based at
Dam Neck, Virginia. He was born in Utica, Michigan, and graduated from
Armada Senior High School before enlisting in the Navy.
FREIWALD, JASON RICHARD
SOC US NAVY
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/20/1977
DATE OF DEATH: 09/11/2008
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8738
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Posted: 25 September 2008 Updated: 26 February 2009 Updated: 19 April 2009
Photos By Holly, April 2009
Spec. Adam M. Wenger
Hometown: Waterford, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 27 years old
Died: November 5, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Incident: Died Nov. 5 in Tunnis, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a non-combat incident.
Adam M. Wenger had been deployed four times _ Kosovo, Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.
"Sometimes, we would talk two or three times a day because he missed home so much," said his
wife, Brandy. "The night before he died, we talked about building a deck so we could have a party
when he came home." Wenger, 27, of Waterford, Mich., died Nov. 5 in Tunnis in a noncombat
incident. He was assigned to Fort Stewart. "He was a good kid," said David Wenger, his older brother.
"He loved his country. He wanted to serve his country. He wanted to do his duty." He also is survived
by his daughter, Aubrey; stepdaughters Starla, and Erica; stepsons, Austin, Landin and Jacob; and son,
Matthew. The day he left for Iraq, the children put on blue shirts that said, "We support our daddy."
A picture was taken as they gathered around him. His daughter told him not to get killed. "He was
very sad that day. He loved soccer, sports, fishing and football, but the kids were everything in the
world to him. I have another picture where he's crying holding our little girl," his wife said.
Adam Wenger
WENGER, Adam Specialist Adam McKamey Wenger, age 27, died November 5, 2008 in Iraq, while in service of our
country. Born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Adam was an avid soccer player, who loved the lowcountry, oyster roasts
and the beach. He always looked forward to spending time with his family and was truly a dedicated father. He
proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army. He is survived by his grandmother, Barbara
McKamey; mother, Jo Wenger; aunt, Willette McKamey; wife, Brandy M. Wenger; children, Aubrey Wenger, Adam
Matthew Wenger, Austin Miller, Landin Miller, and Jacob Miller; brother, David Wenger; sister-in-law, Kate Wenger;
and nephews, Joseph and Jimmy Wenger. A memorial mass for friends and family will be held at Christ Our King
Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations will kindly
be accepted at East Cooper Community Outreach, 1145 Six Mile Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Visit our guestbook at
www.charleston.net/deaths.
Published in Charleston Post & Courier from November 12 to November 14, 2008
Mount Pleasant soldier killed
Adam M. Wenger, 27, in Army for 8 years, leaves behind wife, 2
small children
BY SCHUYLER KROPF
The Post and Courier Friday, November 7, 2008
MOUNT PLEASANT — He was an avid sportsman who loved soccer and the outdoors. But he also loved his country.
On Wednesday, he died in Iraq.
Adam McKamey Wenger, 27, was the second Charleston-area soldier to have lost his life in the war on terror
in about a month.
The circumstances are unclear and his family does not have many details. He had been in the Army for about
eight years and leaves behind a wife and two young children.
His older brother spoke Thursday of someone who made sacrifices.
"He was a good kid," said David Wenger, 31. "He loved his country. He wanted to serve his country. He
wanted to do his duty."
Adam Wenger was born and raised in Mount Pleasant and went to Christ Our King School and Wando High
School before joining the service.
He was a sergeant assigned to the artillery, though David Wenger could not provide specifics about his
brother's mission overseas.
He did say Adam had gone through four or five deployments and was assigned to Fort Stewart, Ga. He
leaves behind a wife, Brandy; daughter, Aubrey 5; and a son, Matthew, 3. He was scheduled to return in
December.
David Wenger said his brother loved the beach and was a goal keeper in the Hungryneck soccer league. His
last trip home was in February. Even so, he "was proud to be there," Wenger said.
Wenger's mother, Jo, raised the family. She works for the South Carolina Stevedores Association. The death
was relayed by military sources Wednesday night.
On the Internet, a memorial MySpace page for Adam Wenger was created that featured several photographs
of him in military garb or in civilian clothes, surrounded by smiling children and others.
The page is titled "In memory of Adam Wenger, wishing this was just a dream." The mood is listed as
"numb."
Associated Press reports from Iraq describe Wednesday as a violent and bloody day that included a suicide
bomber who rammed his car into a police patrol on the road to Baghdad's airport, killing six people and
wounding 12.
American losses listed that day included two U.S. soldiers wounded in a roadside bomb attack near the town
of Karmah west of Baghdad as they responded to reports of a bomb in the area, the U.S. military said. The
U.S. military also said an American soldier died of non-combat-related causes.
At least 4,191 U.S. military members have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an
Associated Press count. There are now approximately 151,000 U.S. troops in the country.
The last Charleston area soldier to have died in the war on terror was Army Capt. Richard Gordon Cliff Jr.,
29, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Sept. 29.
He was a graduate of Wando High School and Appalachian State University, and had been in the Army for
six years.
The two soldiers did not know each other. Funeral arrangements for Wenger were undetermined late
Thursday.
Senior Chief Petty Officer John W. Marcum
Hometown: Flushing, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 34 years old
Died: September 12, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Navy, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.
Incident: Died of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.
John Marcum
John W. Marcum VIRGINIA BEACH - Navy SEAL Senior Chief Petty Officer John "Dusty" Wayne Marcum, 34, of the
2400 block of Colony Drive, died Sept. 11, 2008, while serving his country in Afghanistan. His awards include a Silver
Star and four Bronze Star medals for combat valor. John was born Sept. 25, 1973, in Flushing, Mich., to Wayne and
Luellen Marcum. Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife, Cindy Marcum and daughter, Madison and
stepdaughters, Tyler and Jade Dobbins, all of Virginia Beach; "Mom and Dad," Charles and Regina Hall; two brothersin-law, Troy and Dustin Hall; sister, Kaylee Pirle and husband Dave and their children, Grace and Carter; a nephew,
Troy Boo Hall; granddaughter, Ayden Danielle Davison; and his SEAL team warrior brothers. A graveside service with
military honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in Colonial Grove Memorial Park. The family will receive friends
Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to the John Wayne Marcum Fund at Navy Federal Credit Union. Condolences may be offered
to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
Recipients of the 2009 Grateful Nation Award (left to right): Sgt. Gregory S. Ruske, USAR; Cpl. Richard S. Weinmaster, USMC;
Ms. Kaylee Pierle and Miss Madison Marcum, respectively sister and daughter of Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W.
Marcum (awarded posthumously); Lt. Cmdr. Thomas L. Boyles, USCG; Maj. Austin A. Moore, USAF, and; Air Force Tech. Sgt.
Christopher B. Grove, representing the U.S. Special Operations Command.
Navy officer John Marcum mourned in his hometown Flushing
Township after dying while serving his country on Sept. 12
Published: Friday, September 19, 2008, 6:03 PM
Updated: Friday, September 19, 2008, 6:05 PM
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP, Michigan — John W. Marcum was so determined to be a great
Navy SEAL that as a teen he used to swim back and forth in his backyard pond with clothes
on and in cold temperatures.
On Sept. 12, a day after being injured in combat, Marcum, a senior petty officer, died serving
his country in Afghanistan. The Flushing native was 34.
File photo John W. Marcum
David Serges, 43, grew up next door to the Marcum family.
"He was a very energetic kid and very good-natured," Serges said. "He was an outstanding
person and a good student."
Serges raced motorcycles at the time and said Marcum sometimes looked up to him like a
brother.
"He was very dedicated to the military. He would have done anything for anyone," Serges
said.
Marcum had enlisted in the Navy the summer he graduated from high school.
State Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing, said he knows the Marcum family, including John's
parents, Wayne and Luellen, and described them as giving people who are involved in the
community. They also donate their time to the Flushing Moose Lodge, he said.
"I used to work with Wayne in the Truck Plant. Without a question, they had a top-flight son,"
Gleason said.
This isn't Flushing Township's first loss from Middle Eastern conflicts. Army Sgt. Joshua V.
Youmans died at the age of 26 on March 1, 2006, from burns he suffered in November 2005
from a mine explosion in Iraq.
"Imagine, two people from a small town dying — it sure makes war hit home," Gleason said.
Flushing High School Principal Jason Melynchek said although students have been hearing
about Americans dying in the war, the fact that Marcum once walked the school's halls made
his death hit harder at the school. Marcum was a 1991 Flushing graduate.
Melynchek talked to students about Marcum's death on Monday, and the school observed a
moment of silence.
"He grew up here, his parents still live here," Melynchek said. "It's important for kids to
realize the sacrifices people make for our freedom."
Marcum leaves his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Madison, of Virginia Beach; parents of
Flushing Township; and sister, Kaylee Pierle of Fenton.
Marcum was one of two Navy SEALs killed Sept. 11 in Afghanistan. Chief Petty Officer Jason
Richard Friewald, 30, of Armada, was killed in the same clash.
"These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause
for which they were fighting. They died while taking the fight to the enemy, going in harm's
way with the selflessness that resonated in their character and made them giants among
men. ... They served with honor and distinction," Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of
Naval Special Warfare Development Group, said in a statement.
Spec. Stephen M. Okray
Hometown: St. Clair Shores, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 21 years old
Died: December 24, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort
Carson, Colo.
Incident: Died in Southern Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.
Collapse of road blamed for deaths of 3 soldiers
December 26, 2008 11:00 PM
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE
The three soldiers who were killed in a rollover crash in Baghdad on Wednesday belonged to the same Fort
Carson unit, the Department of Defense said Friday.
The men were identified as Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith, 28, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Spc. Stephen M.
Okray, 21, of St. Clair Shores, Mich.; and Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik, 19, of Broken Arrow, Okla.
The three were riding in a convoy when a road collapsed and caused their humvee to roll into a ravine filled
with 6 feet of water, Okray's mother said. The others moved quickly to attempt a rescue.
"All the soldiers took off their gear (and jumped in) but they could not save any of them," said Mary Beth
Okray of Grand Rapids. Three other vehicles in their convoy had passed the same stretch of road without
trouble, Okray was told.
The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division. The unit deployed in September, marking the first combat tour for Okray and Zapasnik.
Smith had served a previous tour in Iraq from March 2005 to February 2006.
Family members recalled Zapasnik as a "jokester" who nevertheless spoke proudly of his duty to the Army
and God. He left high school a year early, shed 100 pounds and enlisted at age 17.
Smith's father is a pastor at the Evangelife Assembly of God Church near Bad Axe, Mich., The Grand
Rapids Press reported. His mother, Donna Smith, is the secretary of the Thumb Blue Star Mother's chapter.
They could not be reached.
Okray was known for his "wonderful heart and a capacity for giving and sharing," Mary Beth Okray said.
"He was fun, he was funny and had a wonderful, illuminating smile," she said.
News of his death came only two weeks after Okray had visited his family during a mid-tour leave. They
spent "a wonderful week" at Pompano Beach, Fla., where he had vacationed as a child, his mother said.
He never wavered in his conviction that being in Iraq "was the right thing." "He died doing what he loved,
and not all of us can say that," she said.
From left to right: Spc. Stephen M. Okray, Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith,
Stephen G. Zapasnik
and Spc.
Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 28 years old
Died: December 24, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort
Carson, Colo.
Incident: Died in Southern Iraq of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.
Fellow soldiers tried to save Staff Sgt. Christopher Smith after
fatal Humvee crash, dad says
By The Grand Rapids Press
December 30, 2008, 9:09PM
BAD AXE -- When Staff Sgt. Christopher Smith's Humvee flipped over into a chilly Baghdad
canal on Christmas Eve, fellow soldiers jumped in to help and refused to leave the water until
Smith was out.
Five men in Smith's squadron were treated for hypothermia in the unsuccessful effort to save
his life and two other soldiers. They disobeyed orders to get out of the water. Their motivation
was simple, an Army captain later told Smith's father when he called the family's home.
"The reason for that was they loved (Smith)," Virgil Smith said, recounting the captain's
words and taking solace. "Those men were willing to lay down their lives until your son got
out."
Smith, born in Holland and whose family once lived in Grand Rapids, is being remembered as
a good leader, both respected and liked by his fellow soldiers. Funeral services are pending in
Bad Axe, where Virgil Smith now pastors at Evangel Life Assembly of God church.
Smith spoke with The Press about his son for the first time today. The younger Smith, 28, is
survived by his wife, Bobbi Jo, of Colorado Springs, and their 15-month-old son, Adler.
News reports say the armored vehicle carrying Smith, Spc. Stephen M. Okray, 21, of St. Clair
Shores and another soldier overturned after a bridge gave way underneath it.
Christopher Glenn Smith was born in Holland and his family lived in the Fennville area in the
early 1980s, then moved to Minnesota, back to West Michigan and eventually to Walled Lake
near Detroit as his father served various churches. He went to high school at Wixom Christian
School through most of his junior year, then moved to Olivet and graduated from Family Altar
Christian School in Battle Creek in 1999.
The Smith family moved to Grand Rapids in about 2000 as Virgil Smith served several years
at Daystar Ministries, 2220 Three Mile Road NE, before transferring to the Bad Axe church two
years ago.
Christopher Smith took two years of classes at Kellogg Community College, studying for a
possible sports medicine career and playing soccer there, before enlisting in the Army in May
2001. Virgil Smith knew his son was looking for "something big and exciting" to do with his
life, but said he never anticipated him joining the Army. "Chris was such his own man in that
way," Virgil Smith said. "He was very thoughtful in what he would do and once he made a
decision, that was it."
The Army had become a career for Smith, who was taking leadership and management class
in the Army and looking to advance. He was hoping to move up to the Sergeant First Class
rank soon and eventually become a warrant officer.
Smith was in his second re-up with the Army and, as of September, his second tour in Iraq.
The first ended in February 2006. He was deployed with "Bulldog" company, his father said.
"Chris was a very patriotic young man," his father said. "He really believed they were making
a difference over there." In the U.S., he was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado and bought
a home there about three years ago. Smith initially was due home for Christmas, but came
back during Thanksgiving instead after trading leave time with another soldier who needed
more time to earn travel money for the trip.
Virgil Smith described his son as a devoted father, an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and
fish and an avid University of Michigan fan. As a youth, he attended a Steve Fisher basketball
camp. He liked to golf in his younger years and was a caddy for club pros.
More recently, he enjoyed socializing and particularly cooking for large groups. He even
thought about going to culinary school at one point. "He cooked literally for 30 to 40 people at
a time. He just enjoyed that," his father said. When Smith's captain called last week, he told
how the soldier had become an important leader with the company, essentially running the
company when the captain wasn't there.
"He said Chris ran his squadron well and led his platoon well," Virgil Smith said.
Funeral services are pending the transfer of Smith's body from Dover Air Force Base to
Michigan. Besides his father, Smith is survived by his mother, Donna, and a brother, Phillip.
E-mail John Tunison: jtunison@grpress.com
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith
Died December 24, 2008 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom
28, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Dec. 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained
during a vehicle rollover. Also killed were Spc. Stephen. M. Okray and Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik.
2 soldiers from Michigan remembered for devotion
The Associated Press
Two soldiers from Michigan who were among three who died when their vehicle crashed on Christmas Eve
in Baghdad are being remembered by relatives for their devotion to their families.
The Department of Defense on Friday identified the soldiers as Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith, 28, of
Grand Rapids; Spc. Stephen M. Okray, 21, of St. Clair Shores; and Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik, 19, of
Broken Arrow, Okla.
Bobbi Jo Smith told The Detroit News that her husband was an entertainer who loved to hold parties and
grill briskets and ribs.
“He really lived for his family. He was that kind of guy,” Bobbi Jo said of her husband, who leaves behind a
15-month-old son.
Smith’s parents are Pastor Virgil Glenn and Donna Smith of the Evangelife Assembly of God Church near
Bad Axe, The Grand Rapids Press reported.
Okray’s aunt, Denise Okray, said her nephew loved to hunt and fish.
“When someone was worried or felt like there was a problem, he was like, ‘Shrug it off; it’s OK,”’ Denise
Okray told The News. “He was always family-oriented.”
Zapasnik’s mother, Chris Zapasnik, said her son’s company commander told her that he and the two
Michigan soldiers were riding in a Humvee when part of a road collapsed, sending the vehicle into a canal.
All three were dead when they were pulled from the water several minutes after the crash, Chris Zapasnik
told the Tulsa World.
The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Staff sgt. remembered as outdoorsman, good cook
The Associated Press
Christopher G. Smith took two years of classes at Kellogg Community College, studying for a possible
sports medicine career and playing soccer there, before enlisting in the Army in May 2001.
Virgil Smith knew his son was looking for “something big and exciting” to do with his life, but said he never
anticipated him joining the Army.
“Chris was such his own man in that way,” Virgil Smith said. “He was very thoughtful in what he would do
and once he made a decision, that was it.”
Smith, 28, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died Dec. 24 in Baghdad of injuries from a vehicle roll-over. He was a
1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson.
Smith, who was on his second tour in Iraq, was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and was an avid
University of Michigan fan. He enjoyed socializing and cooking for large groups. He even thought about
going to culinary school at one point.
“He cooked literally for 30 to 40 people at a time. He just enjoyed that,” his father said.
He also is survived by his wife, Bobbi Jo, and their 15-month-old son, Adler.
Christopher G. Smith
Friday, December 26 2008 @ 09:28 PM MST
The Grand Rapids Press -- GRAND RAPIDS -- A Grand Rapids solider was among three people
killed Wednesday in Iraq when a vehicle he was riding in rolled over and landed in a water-filled
ditch in Baghdad, the Department of Defense said Friday.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith, 28, died in the crash that also claimed the lives of Spc. Stephen
M. Okray, 21, of St. Clair Shores, and Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik, 19, of Broken Arrow, Okla., the
government said.
Smith, who was married and has a young child, enlisted in May 2001 and was serving his second tour of
duty in Iraq, U.S. Army officials said.
Smith had received 11 awards and commendations during his time in the service.
He was a canon crewmember assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Smith's father, the Rev. Virgil Glenn Smith, had been the pastor of Daystar Ministries, 2220 Three Mile
Road, and the congregation there is praying for the family, said Jim Reamsma, who now is the church's
pastor.
"Everybody was notified and made aware of his loss," said Reamsma, who had not met the victim. "And,
of course, everyone's prayers and thoughts are with the family. It can't be easy."
The soldier's father was transferred to the Evangelife Assembly of God Church near Bad Axe. Smith's
mother, Donna Smith, is the secretary of the Thumb Blue Star Mother's chapter.
The family has requested time alone.