2005-2009
2005
Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano
Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 33 years old
Died: January 17, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey,
South Korea
Incident: Killed by a car bomb in Ramadi.
Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano
West Haven Native Killed In Iraq
By JESSE HAMILTON Courant Staff Writer
January 20, 2005
Army Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano was killed, along with another member of the 1st
Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, by a car bomb on Jan. 17, 2004 in Ramadi, Iraq. He was 33
and had been engaged to marry.
A West Haven native is the latest in a growing number of soldiers killed in the beleaguered city
of Ramadi, Iraq, where a fierce insurgency has been busy in the weeks before the Iraqi election.
Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano, 33, was killed Monday by a car bomb, the Department of
Defense reported. Officials with the Connecticut National Guard went to the home of his West
Haven parents that night to tell them.
The family declined to talk publicly Wednesday, instead issuing a statement through a deacon
of their church.
"Tommy's life revolved around family - his family here at home, and his military family with which
he served and shared the bonds of family," they said. "His family asks for your prayers for
themselves, and for all families who have lost loved ones in the service of their country."
They added: "And pray for peace."
Vitagliano died with another soldier from his unit - Pfc. George R. Geer. Early reports from
coalition officials said they died "conducting security and stability operations." The Reuters news
agency on Monday reported that soldiers had been investigating a potential car bomb. But
Agence France Presse reported that witnesses described a suicide bomber driving into a
military convoy in the center of the city.
The deaths are the latest of many for 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, an "air assault"
group with the 2nd Infantry Division that had been based in South Korea before being
transferred to Iraq duty.
It also marks the first casualty of 2005 for Connecticut. At least 22 members of the military with
ties to the state have died in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Vitagliano's parents, Gaetano Thomas Vitagliano and Inger Lise Severine, and a brother and a
sister, await the arrival of his remains before they plan services. The soldier's body will be taken
to a facility in Dover, Del., before being moved to Connecticut as early as next week.
Before his service in Iraq, Vitagliano, who was not married, was with his unit in South Korea,
said John Hoffman, a deacon at Holy Infant Church in West Haven who is speaking for the
family.
A story Tuesday in Stars and Stripes, which covers the U.S. military, detailed his unit's four
months in Ramadi - from civil projects and handing out food to trying to avoid suicide bombers
and roadside bombs.
The soldiers have suffered frequent attacks from insurgents in the city of 400,000, which is in
the volatile region sometimes called the Sunni Triangle. At least 10 soldiers in Vitigliano's
battalion have been killed in Ramadi since November.
Col. Gary S. Patton, a commander of the brigade to which the battalion is attached, is quoted in
Stars and Stripes as saying, "Now, we've established a security base in the city, and we're
doing precision raids. We're getting good intel from the local population. When we first got here,
that wasn't happening."
The story also said Iraqi commandos have been patrolling the downtown area alongside
Vitagliano's battalion, getting ready for the elections.
Before joining the Army in 1990, Vitagliano had briefly served in the Marine Corps. Hoffman said
he had also attended Virginia's Hargrave Military Academy.
"That's really where he made this connection to have his life in the military," Hoffman said.
Vitagliano was also a student at both Milford Academy and Notre Dame High School in West
Haven.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Thomas Vitagliano had a childlike side that helped him earn the nickname "Kindergarten Marine."
Children loved him _ and loved to climb over him like a jungle gym. "You always looked out for the
underdog," his mother, Lise Severine, said at a memorial service. "I thank you for trying to make this a
better world." Vitagliano, 33, of New Haven, Conn., was killed in a Jan. 17 explosion in Ramadi. He was
stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. In his last moments, when Vitagliano realized an approaching
vehicle was manned by a suicide bomber, he pushed another soldier to safety. The soldier was injured,
but because of Vitagliano's actions he will live, said Col. Gary Patton, Vitagliano's brigade commander.
"Even in his last breath and action Tommy was taking care of his soldiers," he said. His bravery came as
no surprise to those who knew him. "When something went down, you wanted him there," said Pat
Speranzo, who served with Vitagliano in the Marines. Vitagliano is also survived by a fiance, Nerina
Giolli, and his father, Gaetano Thomas Vitagliano.
Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon
Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 22 years old
Died: May 8, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Killed by enemy small-arms fire in Qaim.
As a member of the Marine Corps Color Guard, Lawrence Philippon carried the flag at
the funeral for President Reagan. But he wanted to be in Iraq, where he asked to serve
on the front lines. "He'd been begging them for a while. Even though he enjoyed the
color guard, he really wanted to be in Iraq. That is where it is all happening," said his
father, Ray. Philippon, 22, of Hartford, Conn., was killed May 8 by small arms fire
during combat near Qaim, Iraq. He was based at Camp Lejeune. In high school,
Philippon played hockey and was nicknamed "Goat" by his coaches. His 6-foot-4 frame
filled out to 220 pounds when he joined the military. "He lived life at warp speed; he
played fast and hard," his father said. He is also survived by his mother, Leesa, and his
fiancee, Olivia Lawrence. "I never thought in any dream that I would first of all be
marrying someone in the military, let alone sending someone off to war that just
didn't come back," Lawrence said.
Lawrence Robert Philippon
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PHILIPPON, Lance Corporal Lawrence B. Lance Corporal Lawrence Robert
Philippon, a United States Marine, was killed by enemy fire in Iraq on Sunday (May 8,
2005). He was the loving and much loved son of Raymond A. and Leesa M. Philippon
of West Hartford. He also leaves his younger siblings, Emilee Rose and Bryan
Thomas. Larry will be grieved by the love of his life, his fiancee, OIivia Rose Lawrence
of Hyattsville, MD. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Emile Remi
and Marie Jeannette Philippon; uncles, Larry Philippon and Patrick Bailey. Larry is
survived by paternal aunts and uncles, Robert and Barbara Philippon of Dallas, TX,
Patricia Keating of Canton, Glenn and Janet Canning of Meriden. His maternal grandparents, Lee and
Yoma Bailey of Lawton, OK survive him as well as maternal aunts and uncles, Retired Lt. Colonel Robert
Lee and Betty Bailey of Okinawa, Japan, Michael and Irene Bailey of Albuquerque, NM; and Victoria and
Stanley Bednar of Jacksonville, FL. He leaves cousins, William and Lillian Philippon, Julie and Mike Kelly,
Darcy and Kasey Keating, Tyler Canning, Robin, Amanda, Anthony, Chris and Joseph Bailey, and Missy
and Kristy Ring. Larry will be missed most for his endless humor and infectious smile. His recital of lines
from "Forest Gump" always brought tears of laughter. Larry epitomized love of family and loyalty to
friends, three of the best of whom were Lance Corporal Ryan Shea, Joe Morais, and Corporal Eric
Rainey. Larry possessed boundless energy and zest for life and respect for the United States Marine
Corps. and his fellow marines. He graduated from Conard High School in the class of 2001. Known
affectionately to his friends and coaches as "goat", he was the starting ice hockey goalie and received
The Hartford Courant All State Honorable Mention. He also loved playing lacrosse and was greatly
inspired by Coach Bill Condon and Coach Rick Mabey. Larry attended Central Connecticut State
University and, in May 2002, enlisted in the USMC. Larry delighted in the rigors of basic training. With his
classic Marine stature, he was chosen to become part of the Washington, D.C. 8th + I barracks Color
Guard. He performed in many parades and for funerals at Arlington Cemetery, took part in welcoming
ceremonies for diplomats and carried the flag at former President Ronald Reagan's funeral procession in
Washington, D.C. He proudly gave up his position to become an infantryman with the 3rd Battalion
Second Marines deployed to Al Qaim, Iraq. We will forever hold his laughter in our hearts. A funeral
service will be held Sunday, May 15, 2 p.m. at The Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave.,
Hartford. Calling hours will be Saturday, May 14, from 3-7 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home,
136 South Main St., West Hartford. Burial will be Tuesday in Arlington National Cemetery. The family
thanks you all for your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
At their request, they ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence R.
Philippon Memorial Fund, c/o Conard High School, 110 Beechwood Rd., West Hartford, CT 06107. Leesa
and Ray, Bryan and Emilee would appreciate and treasure any personal memories of Larry that you
would like to share. Please send these to The Philippon Family c/o Conard High School at the address
above. Thank you all so very much.
Published in Hartford Courant on May 12, 2005
Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon
Marine Died In Iraqi Offensive
By JESSE LEAVENWORTH Courant Staff Writer
May 11, 2005
Marine Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon of West Hartford was killed by small arms fire May 8,
2005 in Al Anbar province in western Iraq. He was 22 years old.
Lance Cpl. Lawrence R. Philippon, a 22-year-old West Hartford man who carried the Marine
Corps flag at President Reagan's funeral, died fighting insurgents in western Iraq as part of a
major offensive along the Syrian border, military officials said Tuesday.
Philippon, a rifleman with the 2nd Marine Division, was killed by small arms fire Sunday during
combat in the Al Anbar province, division spokesman Lt. Barry Edwards said Tuesday.
The 2nd Division launched an assault late Saturday aimed at flushing out insurgents who have
made the region near the Syrian border a safe haven for followers of militant leader Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi.
As many as 100 militants have been killed since Operation Matador, one of the largest
American offensives in Iraq in six months, began in Qaim, 200 miles west of Baghdad.
At least three U.S. Marines have been killed in the ongoing offensive, which involves more than
1,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets.
News reports say one of the Marines was killed by an insurgent who was hiding in a basement
and fired through a floor grate as the Marine entered a house. Edwards said he did not know if
that Marine was Philippon.
Raymond Philippon, Lawrence's father, said representatives of the Marine Corps who came to
his West Hartford home Tuesday could not provide him any details about his son's death. The
Marines gave his wife, Leesa, a gold star to honor her loss.
His son, a Conard High School graduate, joined the Marine Corps two years ago, and was
assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in January, Edwards said. Philippon had asked
for duty in Iraq after being chosen while in basic training for the Marine Corps Color Guard in
Washington, D.C. Family members say Philippon carried the Marine Corps flag at the state
funeral for President Reagan last June.
Philippon's official duties at the time of his death, Edwards said, were "protecting the Syrian
border and conducting security operations to prevent insurgents from crossing the border and
setting up strongholds in Iraqi cities."
Philippon had received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, Edwards said.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday ordered state flags flown at half-staff until Philippon is buried.
"We are all indebted to him for his service, and reminded of the sacrifices made by a great many
men and women serving in our armed forces," Rell said in a prepared statement.
Philippon, a former hockey player at Conard, is the 25th service member or civilian from the
state to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002. His parents, who also have an 18year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, said they plan to bury Lawrence in Arlington National
Cemetery.
Wire reports are included in this story.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Lawrence R. Philippon
Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense
No. 449-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2005
Media Contact: Marine Corps Public Affairs - (703) 614-4309 Public/Industry Contact: (703)428-0711
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal Lawrence R. Philippon, 22, of Hartford, Connecticut, died May 8, 2005, from enemy
small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Al Qa'im, Iraq. He was
assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary
Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at
(910) 451-9033.
West Hartford, Connecticut: May 9, 2005
It was Mother's Day and their 24th wedding anniversary when Ray and Lisa Philippon learned that
their son was killed in Iraq.
Details of Marine Lance Corporal Lawrence Philippon's death were not available today, but Lisa
Philippon said she figured instantly that bad news was being delivered Sunday when officials
approached her and her husband's house with the information.
In addition to his parents, the 22-year-old Philippon leaves behind his fiancee, Olivia Lawrence.
Philippon was a graduate of Conard High School where he played hockey. He is the 24th soldier
from Connecticut who was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
His parents said they plan to bury Philippon in Arlington National Cemetery. A date for the
funeral has not been set.
May 9, 2005:
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- It was Mother's Day and their 24th wedding anniversary when Ray and
Lisa Philippon learned that their son was killed in Iraq.
Details of Marine Lance Cpl. Lawrence Philippon's death were not available Monday, but Lisa
Philippon said she figured instantly that bad news was being delivered Sunday when officials
arrived at the family's West Hartford home.
Photo Courtesy of Ray and Leesa Philippon, March 2008
"I knew. I saw the silhouettes of their hats and they got out and they walked toward our house,"
she told WVIT-TV.
In addition to his parents, Philippon, 22, leaves behind his fiancee, Olivia Lawrence.
"I never thought in any dream that I would first of all be marrying someone in the military, let
alone sending someone off to war that just didn't come back," she said.
Philippon, a former hockey player at Conard High School, is the 24th soldier from Connecticut
who was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
His father said that before they received the news, he and his wife were feeling sad for parents
who lost loved ones in the war.
"All day long we were feeling guilty that our son was safe and we were feeling bad for all the other
1,600 moms that their kids were lost in Iraq and we didn't even know our son had joined that
club."
His parents said they plan to bury Philippon in Arlington National Cemetery. A date for a funeral
has not been set.
Wed May 11, 2005:
WEST HARTFORD, Connecticut - As a member of the Marine Corps Color Guard, Lance Cpl.
Lawrence Philippon carried the flag at the funeral for President Reagan.
Photo Courtesy of Ray and Leesa Philippon, March 2008
But his heart was in Iraq, where he was killed Sunday by small arms fire. His father said his son
had asked to be assigned to the front lines.
"He'd been begging them for a while. Even though he enjoyed the color guard, he really wanted to
be in Iraq. That is where it is all happening," Ray Philippon said.
Philippon and his wife, Leesa, learned Sunday that their son had been killed. It was Mother's Day
and their 24th wedding anniversary.
The 22-year-old Marine was also engaged to be married in December to Olivia Lawrence.
"I never thought in any dream that I would first of all be marrying someone in the military, let
alone sending someone off to war that just didn't come back," Lawrence said.
The Pentagon said early Tuesday that he was killed by small-arms fire Sunday during combat near
Al Qa'im, Iraq. He was assigned to the Second Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina.
Governor M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday ordered state flags flown at half-staff until Philippon is buried.
"We are all indebted to him for his service, and reminded of the sacrifices made by a great many
men and women serving in our armed forces," Rell said in a statement. "I know the people of
Connecticut join with me in sending our sincerest condolences to his family."
Also Tuesday, the state House of Representatives held a moment of silence in his honor.
Philippon, a former hockey player at Conard High School, is the 25th military member or civilian
from Connecticut who was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
His parents said they plan to bury Philippon in Arlington National Cemetery. A date for a funeral
has not been set.
In Hartford, Connecticut, his family mourned the death of 22-year-old Lance Corporal Lawrence R.
Philippon.
Photo Courtesy of Ray and Leesa Philippon, March 2008
A rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, he was killed by small arms fire on Sunday
near Al Qa'im.
As a member of the Marine Corps Color Guard, Philippon carried the flag last summer during the
funeral for former President Reagan.
His father said this week that his son had asked to be assigned to the front lines.
"He'd been begging them for a while. Even though he enjoyed the color guard, he really wanted to
be in Iraq. That is where it is all happening," Ray Philippon said.
Philippon and his wife, Leesa, learned Sunday that their son had been killed. It was Mother's Day
and their 24th wedding anniversary.
Lawrence Philippon was engaged to be married in December to Olivia Lawrence.
"I never thought in any dream that I would first of all be marrying someone in the military, let
alone sending someone off to war that just didn't come back," Lawrence said.
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered state flags flown at half-staff until Philippon is buried.
"We are all indebted to him for his service, and reminded of the sacrifices made by a great many
men and women serving in our armed forces," Rell said in a statement. "I know the people of
Connecticut join with me in sending our sincerest condolences to his family."
On Tuesday, the state House of Representatives held a moment of silence in his honor.
Philippon, a former hockey player at Conard High School, is the 25th military member or civilian
from Connecticut who was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
His parents said they plan to bury Philippon in Arlington National Cemetery. A date for a funeral
has not been set.
Philippon, whose unit was protecting the Iraq-Syrian border at the time of his death, had been
awarded the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal
and National Defense Service Medal, Edwards said.
18 May 2005
Short life, big legacy
West Hartford Marine was committed to Iraq cause
PETER URBAN
Courtesy of the Connecticut Post
With more than 200 family, friends and fellow Marines in attendance, Lance Corporal Lawrence
Philippon was buried Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery. The West Hartford, Conn., native
was remembered for his bravery fighting in Iraq.
"Words cannot express the depth of sorrow we feel," said Lieutenant Michael Foskett, who serves
as U.S. naval chaplain for the 8th & I Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. "His short life left quite
a legacy."
Fallen hero: U.S. Marine pallbearers on Tuesday raise the coffin of Lance Cpl. Lawrence Philippon of West Hartford at
Arlington National Cemetery. Philippon was killed during combat in Iraq on May 8.
Philippon, 22, was killed May 8 by small-arms fire during combat near Al Qa'im, Iraq. He had been
in Iraq since February, assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Before that, Philippon served with the 8th & I as a member of the Marine Corps Color Guard, and
had the honor of carrying the flag at the state funeral of former President Reagan.
Sergeant Barry L. Baker, left, a Marine who served with Lance Corporal Lawrence
Philippon, presents a flag to Lisa and Raymond Philippon, Lawrence Philippon's parents
during the burial service
On Tuesday, five busloads of Marines from the 8th & I were at the cemetery to salute their
"brother-in-arms." Dressed in formal blue-and-white uniforms, Marines flanked the road leading
to Section 60, where those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried.
The Marines stood silently as 32 carloads of family and friends, many from Connecticut, drove up
the road. Six Marine pallbearers silently carried Philippon's flag-draped casket up a small, grassy
hill to his gravesite, where family and friends solemnly gathered.
His father, Raymond, mother, Lisa, and his fiance, Olivia Lawrence, sat on folding chairs nearest
the gravesite.
Foskett said Philippon was remembered by friends in the 8th & I as easygoing and devoted to his
fiance. And while he performed his duties in the Color Guard to the fullest, Philippon had clearly
wanted to join the fight in Iraq.
He was a brave Marine, who died protecting the nation from terrorism, Foskett said.
Foskett urged those gathered to live as Philippon had lived, building a legacy based on duty,
family and God.
"A good name is better than fine perfume," he said, quoting from Ecclesiastes.
Following the eulogy, Philippon was honored by a 21-gun salute and a bugler played taps. The
pallbearers folded the American flag that draped his casket and Gunnery Sergeant Barry L. Baker,
Marine Barracks 8th & I, presented it to his mother and a second to his fiance.
Philippon was the 131st person killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom to be buried at Arlington
National Cemetery.
Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt of Brookfield, Connecticut, who died last week after serving in
Iraq, will be buried in Arlington next week. That ceremony is closed to the public.
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Photo Courtesy of Holly, August 2005
Posted: 9 May 2005 Updated: 10 May 2005 Updated: 11 May 2005 Updated: 12 May 2005 Updated: 18 May
2005 Updated: 21 August 2005 Updated: 17 October 2007 Updated: 8 March 2008
Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III
Hometown: Brookfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 21 years old
Died: May 11, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Died of injuries sustained in an explosion in Anbar province on January 30.
John T. Schmidt III
BROOKFIELD, Conn. - John T. Schmidt III, 21, of Brookfield, the son of Bunnell resident John
Schmidt Jr., died May 11 at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, from injuries sustained while in
combat in Iraq.
Mr. Schmidt, who served in the Marine Corps, was born in Carmel, N.Y. He was a graduate of
Oviedo High School, Oviedo. Mr. Schmidt enjoyed hockey and playing video games.
Additional survivors include his mother and stepfather, Barbara and Eric Jimenez, and another
stepfather, Donald Porricelli, all of Danbury, Conn.; and his maternal grandparents, Richard and
Jean Backlund, St. Augustine. Cornell Memorial Home, Danbury, is in charge.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on May 19, 2005
Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III
U.S. Marine To Be Buried In Arlington Cemetery
Courant Staff And Wire Report
May 16, 2005
Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III of Brookfield died May 11, 2005 in an army hospital in
San Antonio of combat injuries he suffered Jan. 30, 2005 in Al Anbar province in Iraq. He was
21 years old.
A U.S. Marine from Connecticut who died last week of wounds received in combat in Iraq will be
buried May 25 at Arlington National Cemetery, family members said.
Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III, 21, of Brookfield, was injured Jan. 30 in an explosion during
combat in Al Anbar province. He died Wednesday in an army hospital in San Antonio, relatives
from Florida said.
Schmidt was with fellow platoon members in an agricultural building near Fallujah when they
came under attack, family members said at the time of his injuries. He suffered severe burns to
his face and lungs when a mortar shell ruptured a tank of ammonia.
In an interview with the Danbury News-Times this year, Schmidt's grandfather, Richard
Backlund, said his grandson was a "typical teenager" who grew up in Danbury and moved to be
with his mother in Florida, where he graduated from high school.
He returned to Connecticut for a year with his mother before surprising his family by telling them
he wanted to enlist in the Marines, his grandparents said.
Schmidt had been in Iraq less than two weeks when he was wounded, the News-Times said.
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Schmidt's unit was
attached to 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Schmidt is the 26th military member or civilian from Connecticut killed in Iraq or Afghanistan
since March 2002.
This story includes material from the Associated Press.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
John Taylor Schmidt III
Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
No. 472-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt III, 21, of Brookfield, Connecticut, died May 11,
2005, from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting
combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on January
30,2005. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Schmidt’s unit was attached to 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public
Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.
May 14, 2005
A Marine from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, has died nearly four months after
suffering severe injuries during combat in Iraq.
Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt III, 21, who lived with his mother and stepfather
in Brookfield, Connecticut, was injured January 30, 2005, in an explosion during
combat in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He died Wednesday (11 May 2005) at an Army
hospital in San Antonio, Texas, according to his Florida relatives.
His father, John Schmidt Jr., 45, of Bunnell, Florida, said his son had been on a
ventilator for three months because of pneumonia. Schmidt said he visited his
son days before he died, and was prepared for the worst.
"They told us he had a 25 percent chance of getting through it," he said. "So we
had a good idea he wasn't going to survive but a few days or a week."
Schmidt III was with fellow platoon members in an agricultural building near
Fallujah when they came under attack, family members said at the time of his
injuries. He suffered severe burns to his face and lungs when a mortar shell
ruptured a tank of ammonia.
"Johnny inhaled the ammonia and it burned his lungs," said Richard Backlund,
the Marine's grandfather, who's lived in St. Augustine Beach for 15 years. "His
lungs would not come back. He couldn't breathe."
Schmidt III was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune. During Operation Iraqi
Freedom, Schmidt's unit was attached to 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force.
Judith Heise, a Brookfield selectman, said town officials and others tried to
honor Schmidt when they learned he was injured in January. A sign over a
railroad bridge quoted the Marines' motto, Semper Fi, and a photo of the bridge
was posted in town hall and signed by municipal employees.
"We have all followed his progress," Heise said. "I'm extremely sorry."
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, who also lives in Brookfield, said in a
statement that "brave men and women from our state continue to make
sacrifices for our nation in the cause of freedom."
Rell asked Connecticut residents to pray for the family.
"We share their grief," Rell said.
Relatives said Schmidt III will be buried May 25, 2005, at Arlington National
Cemetery in Virginia.
A tribute to John
Brookfield Marine to get Arlington burial
By Kamilla Gary
COUTESY OF THE NEWS-TIMES
Taps" is played during the funeral of Army Ranger Captain Russell B. Rippetoe at
Arlington National Cemetery April 10, 2003. Rippetoe, 27, of Arvada, Colorado,
was the first soldier from the Iraqi conflict laid to rest at Arlington National
Cemetery. On Wednesday U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt III
of Brookfield wil also be buried there.
A quarter of a million Americans are buried at Arlington National Cemetery in
Virginia. There are veterans of every war, including the American Revolution,
beneath the white headstones that line the 624 acres of green rolling hills
outside Washington, D.C.
There are legendary generals, and there are anonymous infantrymen buried in
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
There are two presidents, William H. Taft and John F. Kennedy, and a handful of
Supreme Court justices.
The remains of the seven crew members on the ill-fated Space Shuttle
Challenger are there. So is civil rights leader Medgar Evers and big band leader
Glenn Miller.
This week — on Wednesday at 3 p.m. — U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal John
T. Schmidt III of Brookfield will join them. Schmidt died this month in a Texas
military hospital, four months after sustaining burns on his lungs, esophagus
and skin when a rocket hit a building in which he was sleeping.
Schmidt will be the 135th person to be buried in Section 60 of the vast
cemetery. Section 60 is reserved for men and women who died fighting in Iraq
or Afghanistan.
"It's a larger section where there is lots of space left," said Lori Calvillo, a public
affairs officer for Arlington National Cemetery.
Often, the funerals for service members are well-attended. Five busloads of
Marines and 32 carloads of friends and relatives attended the funeral of Lance
Corporal Lawrence Philippon of West Hartford last week.
Like Schmidt, Philippon was killed in Iraq. But Schmidt's funeral, at the request
of his family, will be private. Only family members and close friends are invited.
Brookfield First Selectman Jerry Murphy, a U.S. Navy officer for 31 years. is
planning to attend the services. So is Police Chief Robin Montgomery, a retired
Marine.
Considered the most moving moment of the ceremony, the American flag that
draped the casket is presented to the family. Above, Anutarapon Patchem
accepts the flag at the funeral of her son, Marine Corporal Kemaphoom
Chanawongse, of Waterford, Connecticut, who died in Iraq on March 23, 2003.
"Marines are a class of warrior unto their own," Murphy said. "They're very
respectful of their dead."
Murphy said he worked at the Navy Annex, which borders Arlington National
Cemetery, for two years in the 1960s. He would walk around the grounds of the
cemetery during his lunch breaks.
Although he plans to be buried in his family's plot in Norfolk, Murphy considers
Arlington National Cemetery the "big leagues."
"It's really hallowed ground," Murphy said. "The funerals are a tribute to fallen
soldiers and couldn't be better."
A soldier, sailor or Marine need not have died in a war to be buried at Arlington.
Most service members who were on active duty at the time of their deaths are
eligible, as are many retired members of the military.
Souses and dependent children of a person buried at Arlington are also allowed
to be buried there; sharing a plot, their caskets are stacked one on top of
another.
Calvillo said the cemetery averages about 27 funerals each day, with three to
four funerals going on every hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There are two types of military burials — the standard service, which is what
Schmidt will receive, and the full honor burial for higher ranking officers. The
full honors include a band and a horse-drawn caisson which carries the body.
Calvillo said Schmidt's body will be brought to the cemetery in a hearse.
"A casket team will meet the hearse," Calvillo said. The casket team, made up of
Marines, will carry the flag draped casket to the burial plot. Funeral guests will
park their cars outside the cemetery and walk behind the casket in a funeral
procession.
The Marines will place the casket on a pedestal near the grave site. About eight
chairs will be placed near the pedestal for family members. A military chaplain
will give the eulogy.
Next, seven members of a Marine Honor Guard will fire three consecutive
volleys in unison.
Calvillo said people think because there are seven members of the firing party
firing three shots each, that it's the equivalent of a 21-gun salute. But it's not.
"Only the president gets the 21 gun salute," Calvillo said.
Once the shots are fired, a bugler from the Third Infantry Old Guard will play
"Taps."
Next comes what Murphy and others call the most moving moment of the
ceremony. The Marine casket team will fold the American flag draped atop the
casket into a triangle shape.
One of them will then present the flag to Schmidt's family. "They say 'Please
except this token of appreciation from a grateful nation,'" Murphy recalled.
Relatives can stay with the casket for a few minutes after the ceremony. But
they are not permitted to be present when the casket is lowered into the ground.
There is no monetary cost to Schmidt's family for the service. "The casket is
provided if the person dies on active duty," Calvillo said. The family can choose
wood or metal.
The white marble headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick
and weigh about 230 pounds. Calvillo said Schmidt's headstone will not be in
place for at least two to three months.
Following the funeral, his family may meet with the cemetery's funeral director
to pick the words they want on the headstone.
"If they need more time (to decide), they certainly can have it," Calvillo said.
April 2007:
Barbara Jimenez wants Connecticut's soldiers at war to enjoy a proper welcome
home - the one her own son never lived to see.
Her 21-year-old son, Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt III, left for his first tour in
Iraq in the middle of January 2005. Just two weeks in, he inhaled a chemical
substance so toxic that it burned his lungs from the inside out.
Schmidt arrived at Bradley International Airport in a coffin.
But most of his fellow soldiers are coming home alive, and like her son, Jimenez
said, they deserve a hero's welcome. So in a January e-mail to Governor M. Jodi
Rell, she asked for one.
In a few weeks, a large "Welcome Home" banner, visible from the landing strip,
will be unveiled at Bradley Airport for all soldiers returning home to see.
"When those soldiers come back from Iraq, one of the first things they're going
to see is that banner, welcoming them home," said Jimenez, a Brookfield
resident. "I'm just thinking, that's going to mean a lot to them - and to their
families."
Airport officials announced their plans for the banner during a Thursday
meeting of Bradley's board of directors. State officials said the banner will read:
"Governor M. Jodi Rell and the state of Connecticut welcome home our troops.
Thank you for your service. "
Transportation Commissioner Ralph Carpenter said the banner is near
completion and should be ready to unveil in the next few weeks. Smaller
welcome signs will be displayed throughout the airport, he said.
L. Scott Franz, chairman of the board of directors, summed up the board's
approval in one word Thursday: "Bravo."
"We want people to know that these letters [like Jimenez's] aren't coming in and
being dismissed," Carpenter said.
Schmidt will never see Bradley's banner, but he did see one.
As he fought for his life in a military hospital in Texas, Schmidt was handed a
picture. It was a picture of a banner at least 12 feet long hanging from a bridge
in his hometown. His name, in bold, black letters, was splashed across it.
Apparently, Jimenez said, Brookfield's first selectman had hung up the banner
himself when he heard that Schmidt had been injured.
Schmidt was so heavily medicated by then that he was showing almost no
emotion. But when he saw that picture, Jimenez said, he broke through the fog.
"When he saw that, there was emotion in his face," she said. "He just couldn't
believe they hung a banner for him."
Jimenez didn't bother driving to the airport the day her son's coffin arrived. She
said she didn't feel the need to watch his coffin roll down the tarmac.
Instead, she waited for her son at the funeral home and saw him buried in
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
But in a few weeks, she said, when Bradley Airport unveils its banner, she will
be there.
SCHMIDT, JOHN TAYLOR III
LCPL US MARINE CORPS
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/18/1982
DATE OF DEATH: 05/11/2005
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8113
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Photo Courtesy of Holly, August 2005
Posted: 14 May 2005 Updated: 24 May 2005 Updated: 21 August 2005 Updated: 20 April 2007
Spec. Christopher L. Hoskins
Hometown: Danielson, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 21 years old
Died: June 21, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd
Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Incident: Killed during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq.
Army Spec. Christopher Hoskins
By ROBIN STANSBURY The Hartford Courant
June 26, 2005
Army Spec. Christopher Hoskins of Killingly died June 21, 2005 in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit
came under small arms fire. He had recently re-enlisted. He was 21 years old.
Claudia Hoskins was in the bathroom putting on her makeup to get ready for work when the
unexpected knock sounded on her front door.
When she saw the two men in military uniforms standing there, she knew. Her 21-year-old son,
Army Spec. Christopher Hoskins, had died fighting the war in Iraq.
"It feels like your heart's been ripped out. It's your worst day," Claudia Hoskins said Saturday.
"Then you go on from there."
For this family, going on means planning for Hoskins' funeral, to take place at Arlington National
Cemetery, as well as celebrating his short life. Claudia Hoskins and her daughter, Kristin Mayo,
spoke to reporters Saturday morning in Killingly, where her son grew up and first expressed a
desire to enlist in the Army.
"He was most proud of his time in the service," Claudia said, pointing to pictures of her son,
which spanned from Hoskins as a baby, his kindergarten picture, playing Little League, and
later, his graduation from Killingly High School, as well as basic training in the Army. "You can
tell by the pictures that we loved him very much."
Hoskins enlisted in 2003 and recently signed up for another four years.
Army officials said that Hoskins died Tuesday in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came under smallarms fire. Another solider in Hoskins' unit also was killed. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson,
Colo.
Hoskins' family was notified early Wednesday.
Hoskins became the 27th serviceman or civilian with Connecticut ties to die in Iraq or
Afghanistan since March 2002.
Claudia Hoskins, composed and eloquent as she spoke, said that her son volunteered to go to
Iraq when his unit was called because he had such strong camaraderie with the men in his unit.
"He didn't have to go, but he went," she said. "He enjoyed being a soldier and he died doing
what he loved to do."
Those who knew him said that Hoskins was not one to shy away from challenges. His high
school wrestling coach said that Hoskins joined the team as a junior with no prior wrestling
experience. But the quiet young man worked his way into the starting lineup of a team that
eventually won a conference championship, coach Rich Bowen said.
"He wasn't real fiery. He just came to practice each day, probably didn't say two or three words,
if that," Bowen said last week. "I think to him it was just a challenge. He was a very quiet kid,
laid back."
Hoskins served as a driver for a Bradley fighting vehicle and driver and gunner on a Humvee.
He was in Iraq for nearly a year, but was expected to leave the country for Kuwait within the
next six weeks, his mother said.
The last time that Hoskins visited his family, in January, he told his mother what he would want
if he died. It was a conversation, his mother said, that doesn't usually take place for someone so
young. Her son would have turned 22 in August.
"I have no regrets about those conversations," Claudia Hoskins said. "It helped me know as a
mother what he wanted."
Among Hoskins' desires was to set up two memorial funds to benefit youngsters in Killingly, one
to help pay for assistive technology in the school system because his younger brother, 15-yearold Sean, is a student with special needs. The other fund to be established will benefit the high
school art department because Hoskins had a love of the graphic arts. Among Hoskins'
possessions that his family is waiting to receive from the Army is a sketchbook that he took to
Iraq.
Claudia Hoskins said that she last spoke with her son two weeks ago; Kristin Mayo said that she
chatted with her brother via e-mail only last week.
"He was happy and he wanted to be there," she said of his tour in Iraq. "He thought he was
doing the right thing."
Added Claudia, of her son's impressions of the people in Iraq, "He said, `They are just like us
with the same kinds of needs ... food, water, clothing and a safe place to be, and that's why I'm
here.' I thought, 'Here's my young man who is a young man among men,'" she said. "And he
was very proud."
An Associated Press report is included in this story.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Alice Hoskins doesn't have to look far to find evidence of her grandson's big heart.
There, in her home, is a grandfather clock that Christopher L. Hoskins fixed for her
during a visit a few years ago. "He was a person that was always there to help," she
said. Christopher Hoskins, 21, of Danielson, Conn., died June 21 in Ramadi when his
unit was attacked by small-arms fire. He was based at Fort Carson. At 6 feet 3 inches,
Christopher towered over most in the family. He graduated from high school in 2001,
where he was a member of the wrestling team. He worked at a pizzeria, as a casino
security guard and at a Staples. His grandmother said she wasn't surprised when he
joined the military after high school. "I think we can honestly say Christopher was
looking for something," she said. "He became part of something, so he was very proud
to serve." He also is survived by his parents, Richard and Claudia.
Christopher Lee Hoskins
DANIELSON, Army Specialist Christopher Lee Hoskins Army Specialist
Christopher Lee Hoskins, 21, of Westcott Road, Danielson, died Tuesday (June 21,
2005) in Ramadi, Iraq while serving his country. He was born in New London on
August 7, 1983, the son of Richard Hoskins of Danielson and Claudia (Schiele)
Hoskins of Danielson. Mr. Hoskins graduated from Killingly High School Class of
2001, where he was a member of the wrestling team and interested in Graphic Arts.
He was a member of American Legion Post #21 in Danielson. His previous employment included Giant
Pizza and Big Y of Danielson and as a security guard at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Prior to his enlistment
he worked at Staples in Plainfield. Besides his parents he is survived by two sisters, Kristin Mayo and Erin
Hoskins; one brother, Sean Hoskins, all of Danielson; his maternal grandparents, Louis and Irene Schiele
of Kent, OH; his paternal grandparents, Bill and Alice Hoskins of Randolph, OH and one niece, Allyssa
Mayo. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. A visitation will be held on Saturday from
1-3 p.m. with a Memorial Service following at 3 p.m. at the Killingly High School Auditorium, 79 Westfield
Ave., Danielson. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Arlington National Cemetery with Full
Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Killingly Public Schools to either of the
following funds, The Art Department or to The Assistive Technology for Special Education Students within
the Killingly School District, 369 Main Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Please specify fund of choice on
memo line of check. Tillinghast Funeral Home, 433 Main Street, Danielson is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Hartford Courant on June 26, 2005
Christopher Lee Hoskins
Specialist, United States Army
NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense
No. 636-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2005
Media Contact: Army Public Affairs - (703) 692-2000 Public/Industry Contact:
(703)428-0711
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 21, 2005, in
Ramadi, Iraq, where their unit was conducting combat operations, and were
attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry
Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Killed were:
Specialist Christopher L. Hoskins, 21, of Danielson, Connecticut
Specialist Brian A. Vaughn, 23, of Pell City, Alabama
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at
(703) 692-2000.
Soldier to get Arlington burial
Christopher Hoskins of Danielson was killed in Iraq.
By JESSICA DURKIN
Courtesy of the Norwich Bulletin
KILLINGLY, CONNECTICUT - A soldier from Danielson who died in Iraq will be
buried in Arlington National Cemetery, his mother said at a news conference
Saturday.
Christopher Hoskins' body arrived around Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base
in Delaware and will be flown home to Eastern Connecticut in a few days,
military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel John Whitford said. After a local
memorial service, Hoskins then will be flown to Virginia for a military burial in
Arlington.
Hoskins was killed along with an Alabama soldier Tuesday when they were
attacked by enemy small-arms fire. Christopher Hoskins was an Army specialist
assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based in Fort Carson, Colorado. He drove a Bradley
fighting vehicle and was a gunner on a Humvee.
Claudia Hoskins was told of her son's death Wednesday morning when military
casualty officers came to her home. She was in the bathroom, she recounted,
applying her make-up before she was about to leave for work.
"There was a knock at the door and I saw two servicemen," Hoskins said. "And I
knew what the news was. ... It feels like your heart's been ripped out."
Hoskins spoke to reporters with her daughter, Kristin Mayo, 23. The two
reminisced about the son and brother, taking cues from a collection of photos
on display that highlighted his 21-year life.
Hoskins said when her son enlisted, part of his training was to discuss with
family the possibility of death, and what to do in that event. Hoskins said she
and her son talked about fighting in a war and possible outcomes. Christopher
Hoskins would have been stationed in Iraq one year this August.
"I have no regrets about those conversations," Hoskins said.
The Army specialist was the 25th military person with ties to Connecticut to die
in the war in Iraq. Hoskins said she has not spoken to other parents of deceased
Connecticut soldiers, but there has been an outpouring of support.
"The phone rings constantly," Hoskins said. "It's something we haven't had the
opportunity to do (yet)."
Hoskins said her son was eager to enlist in the military and it was something he
began talking about in high school. She said she talked to her son about twice a
month, or more frequently through instant messaging. She saw her son two
times in the past seven months when he visited at New Years and again in May.
"You don't realize how special those times are," Hoskins said. "He was talking
about saving his money, like any young man, to buy a pickup truck. He was
excited about going to Colorado."
A memorial fund will be set up, as per the soldier's wishes, that will go toward
Killingly Public Schools.
Mayo said her brother liked military life and was committed to the war effort.
"He said he just re-enlisted," Mayo said. "He wanted to be there. He was ready to
come home and move along in his duties."
Last measure of devotion
Courtesy of the Norwich Bulletin
4 July 2005
Army Specialist Christopher Lee Hoskins, who was killed in combat in Iraq last
month, will be cremated. His ashes will be interred July 14, 2005, in Arlington
National Cemetery in Virginia. That's appropriate; Arlington is where America
lays to rest its military heroes.
Specialist Hoskins was remembered by family and friends Saturday at a
memorial service in Killingly. He was loved and well liked.
Specialist Hoskins was recalled fondly as a guy who favored "gothic" clothing
and loved the band, Metallica. At the same time, he was a disciplined member of
the Killingly High School wrestling team and helped to create the archery club.
The son of Richard Hoskins of Danielson and Claudia Hoskins of Danielson,
Specialist Hoskins, 21, was killed June 21, 2005, outside Arramadi, Iraq, when
his unit was ambushed by terrorists.
For his gallantry, Specialist Hoskins has been awarded the Purple Heart and
Bronze Star.
Days after he died, his mother said that Christopher "didn't have to go. The
military gave him direction. He was very proud of his accomplishments."
No, he didn't have to go. Specialist Hoskins enlisted in January 2003, and he reenlisted.
Christopher was a guy eager to lend a hand, help where it was needed, his
father said.
"In a humble, quiet way, he stood tall," said Richard Hoskins.
Yes he did.
Few young men at anytime anywhere have stood taller than did U.S. Army
Specialist Christopher Lee Hoskins June 21 when he gave his last measure of
devotion for his country.
Fallen U.S. Soldier Found Purpose in Military
By Leef Smith
Courtesy of the Washington Post
Friday, July 15, 2005
Back in school, Christopher L. Hoskins was always stepping in to help
classmates who were being mistreated by other kids, neglected by family or
ignored by teachers.
At 6-foot-3, he was the tallest in his class at Killingly High School in Killingly,
Conn., but family members said he was among the most invisible, working
behind the scenes to help mend the lives of those who needed it most.
Hoskins, 21, an Army specialist, was trying to do the same thing in Iraq, helping
Iraqis create a free and democratic society, they said.
His efforts were cut short June 21 while his unit was conducting combat
operations in Ramadi. Hoskins was caught in the line of machine-gun fire and
killed. Specialist Brian A. "Alex" Vaughn, 23, of Pell City, Alabama, also died.
Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Yesterday, Hoskins's family gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to honor
the son and brother they said found purpose and belonging in the military.
"Christopher was the boy next door who grew up in your back yard, played on
your trampoline, swam in your pool and came to your birthday parties," said his
father, Richard Hoskins. "He wasn't extraordinary or unusual, but what he was
was an American who grew up in this country understanding, maybe not
consciously, that we really believe in democracy and doing good for people, and
that's what he thought he was doing for the people in Iraq."
Hoskins was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Good
Conduct Medal.
Schoolwork was a challenge for Hoskins. He struggled with Tourette's
syndrome and learning disabilities as a child. His decision to enlist in the Army
was not a surprise to those who said he lacked direction after he graduated
from high school in 2001. For a time, he worked odd jobs. In late 2002, some of
his peers who had enlisted talked to him about the future.
"It helped him understand the military could benefit him," his father recalled.
"He was ready."
After basic training, Hoskins was deployed to Korea, where he served for a year.
His unit was transferred to Iraq in August. He reenlisted in May 2005.
"He felt the work he was doing in Iraq was very important," Richard Hoskins
said. "He was proud to be there."
He was so proud that he felt guilty coming home on leave, concerned that his
absence was making things harder for those he served with.
Christopher Hoskins's younger brother has a form of mental retardation, and
family members say his unique view of world is helping them cope with the loss.
"He keeps us in the moment," Richard Hoskins said. "He was appropriately
saddened by the loss of his brother, but he's taught us that you have to greet
today with what today has to offer. You have to keep going."
Killingly soldier buried
By BILL THEOBALD
Courtesy of the Norwich (Connecticut) Bulletin
Claudia Hoskins, left, is escorted by Army Major General Craig Hackett as
pallbearers carry the cremated remains of her son to his grave site at Arlington
National Cemetery.
With sunlight breaking through gray clouds, U.S. Army Specialist Christopher
Hoskins ended his short life's journey Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery.
Hoskins was laid to rest in Grave 8116, Section 60, 23 days after he was killed in
Ramadi, Iraq, while guarding a convoy.
The 21-year-old Killingly native, who spent his life quietly helping others, was
again a soldier on Thursday as the small vault containing his cremated remains
was interred in a brief military ceremony in a field bordered by Bradley,
Eisenhower and York drives.
Hoskins' sense of patriotism may become a lasting legacy. His family hopes to
honor him by raising money to pay for lights around every public school
flagpole in Connecticut so the Stars and Stripes never have to be taken down at
night.
Hoskins' father, Richard, said he realized his son's death had impact far beyond
the immediate family when he and Christopher's mother, Claudia, began getting
condolence calls from state legislators, the governor, congressmen and others.
"He went from being our son to belonging to the state and the nation," Richard
Hoskins said in an interview the day before his son's burial. "All of a sudden,
you realize this little boy you raised has become the son of a nation."
An honor guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry regiment, known as the Old Guard,
marched the vault containing Hoskins' remains slowly to a pedestal set up
under a green portable shelter. Hoskins' siblings -- Kristin, 23, Erin, 18, and
Sean, 15 -- joined their parents in the front row of chairs covered in green velvet.
Seven soldiers with rifles took up positions on one side of the pedestal. On the
other side, alone under one of the giant pin oaks that line the roads at Arlington,
stood a bugler.
The honor guard slowly unfolded an American flag and held it taut over the
small container, while a chaplain made brief remarks. The rifles fired three quick
bursts. The sound echoed across the low hills of the cemetery as the bugler
played taps.
The flag was carefully folded, handed to Maj. Gen. Craig Hackett, who in turn
presented it to Claudia Hoskins. Sean leaned over into his mother, his head
touching the flag.
A second flag was touched to the vault and presented to Richard Hoskins.
Finally, Hackett presented the family with Christopher's medals -- a Purple
Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal -- and the ceremony ended.
Later in the day, Reprsentative Rob Simmons, R-Stonington, entered a
statement honoring Hoskins in the Congressional Record.
"This was a young man who wanted to serve a cause larger than himself,"
Simmons said.
Hoskins, a soldier with the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Combat
Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was killed along with another soldier on a road
nicknamed Michigan Avenue.
Richard Hoskins said a lieutenant in his son's unit sent an e-mail describing
what happened in Iraq on June 21, 2005.
Hoskins was a gunner in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle escorting engineers from
one side of the Euphrates River to their home base. A roadside bomb detonated,
setting the vehicle on fire. Hoskins scrambled out of the Bradley and was hit
with machine gun fire, his father said. He was knocked unconscious and died
within 30 minutes.
Hoskins enlisted in 2003 and recently had signed up for four more years.
Relatives and friends described the 6-foot 3-inch Hoskins as a quiet, hardworking young man who was always trying to help others.
"If there was a child who was going to rescue a wounded animal, it was
Christopher," Richard Hoskins said. "He had a collection of friends. Almost
every one of them had a hurt or need."
Richard Hoskins, an English teacher at Killingly High School, said he believes
his son saw his military service as an "extension of his work helping people."
He said he came up with the idea of providing lights for public school flagpoles
when he drove by a dark, empty pole one day after Christopher's death.
"I thought -- the imagery is wrong," Richard Hoskins said. "This flag represents
what's good and true and right and it has to be taken down?"
He calls the effort the "Lights of Freedom Project" and is dedicating it to his son
and others serving in the military.
"He just felt the work he was doing was right and noble -- but without any
fanfare," Hoskins said of his son.
An Army honor guard carries the cremated remains of Army Specialist Christopher
Hoskins of Danielson, Connecticut. during funeral services at Arlington National
Cemetery, Thursday, July 14, 2005.
Major General Craig Hackett, center, presents an American flag to Claudia and
Rick Hoskins, the parents of Army Specialist Christopher Hoskins of Danielson,
Connecticut, during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday, July 14,
2005. Hoskins died last month in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came under small arms fire.
Photo Courtesy of Holly, September 2005
Posted: 26 June 2005 Updated: 4 July 2005 Updated: 15 July 2005 Updated: 1
September 2005
Maj. Stephen C. Reich
Hometown: Washington Depot, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 34 years old
Died: June 28, 2005 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Air
Field, Ga.
Incident: Killed on a rescue mission when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard
crashed in the vicinity of Asadabad.
50578 MAJ Stephen C. Reich USA
May 22, 1971 - June 28, 2005
Post or read a personal eulogy
usma1993-E4
Photo courtesy of Academy Photo
While trying to rescue an elite U.S. military team that still remains missing in the mountains of Kunar
province, MAJ Reich of Washington Depot, Conn. was one of 16 troops killed when their MH-47
Chinook helicopter was shot down. The soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations
Aviation Regiment (Airborne) from Georgia.
Friends wishing to make contributions in lieu of flowers can make donations
to Habitat for Humanity and to the Night Stalkers Association, a group that
supports the families of soldiers serving in the 160th Special Operations
Aviation Regiment (Airborne). For more information, please visit
www.nightstalkers.com
RELEASE NUMBER: 050630-01
DATE POSTED: JULY 1, 2005
PRESS RELEASE: Helicopter crash kills three
officers, five special operations Soldiers
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs
Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 1,
2005) — An MH-47D Chinook helicopter crashed June
28, 2005 near Asadabad, Afghanistan, killing three
special operations officers and five special operations
Soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation
Regiment (Airborne) while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Red Wing.
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn., Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach,
40, of Jacksonville, Fla., Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature ,35, of Clarks Grove, Minn., Sgt. 1st Class
Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind., Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va., Staff
Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Ohio and Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla., were killed
when the helicopter was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade in the country’s Kunar province. All
were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) based at
Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
Sgt. 1st Class James W. Ponder, III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn., was killed as a result of the crash. He was
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 160th SOAR(A) based at Fort Campbell, Ky.
The officers and Soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Afghan National Army and Coalition forces remain actively engaged in Operation Red Wing, an effort to
defeat terrorists operating in Kunar province. The operation is part of a larger spring campaign by U.S.
and Afghan forces to kill and capture fighters from hideouts in the east and south of Afghanistan.
The MH-47 conducts overt and covert infiltrations, exfiltrations, air assault, resupply, and sling operations
over a wide range of environmental conditions. With the use of special mission equipment and night
vision devices, the air crew can operate in hostile mission environments over all types of terrain at low
altitudes, and during periods of low visibility.
-usasochttp://www.soc.mil/News/releases/05JUL/reich_bio.pdf
Biographical Sketch
U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, FORT BRAGG, NC 28310 910-432-6005
MAJOR STEPHEN C. REICH
Killed in action on June 28, 2005
Operation Enduring Freedom
Maj. Stephen C. Reich died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D Helicopter was shot
down by enemy fire during combat operations.
He was born May 22, 1971 in Ohio, and was raised in Washington, Conn.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and received
his commission in 1993. In 1994, he attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary
Wing training. In 1995 he was assigned to the University of Kentucky ROTC program, and played
professional baseball in the Baltimore Orioles organization.
After receiving a UH-60 Blackhawk transition in 1996, he was ordered to Germany where he served as
Platoon Leader in Company A, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment. During his subsequent tour with
the 12th Aviation Brigade he served in Operation ALLIED FORCE deploying to Hungary, Bosnia, Albania,
and Kosovo.
Returning from Germany in 2000, Reich attended the Infantry Captain’s Career Course at Ft. Benning,
Ga. followed by the Combined Arms Services Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Upon arrival to the
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, he deployed with 2nd Battalion to Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM as Battle Captain in support of Task Force Dagger. In December 2001, he served as
Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion’s detachment of MH-47D aircraft in Afghanistan. He commanded
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion from February 2002 through May 2003.
Reich recently completed a one year assignment to Daegu, Republic of Korea as the Operations Officer
for E
Company, 160th SOAR(A). Reich’s military schools include: Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape C
Course, the Airborne School, and Air Assault Course. His awards and decorations include the Bronze
Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Senior Aviator, Airborne, and Air Assault Badges. He was
posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and an
Air Medal with Valor device and the Combat Action Badge.
Reich is survived by his wife, Jill, of Panama City, Fla.
Stephen C. Reich
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Major Stephen C. Reich (as a West Point cadet)
Major Stephen C. Reich (May 22, 1971 - June 28, 2005) was an American soldier and minor league
baseball player who was killed in action while on a rescue mission in Afghanistan at age 34. Reich
played for the "Team USA" baseball team in 1993, and has more wins than any other pitcher in the
history of the United States Military Academy (West Point).
Born in Ohio and raised in Connecticut, Reich was the star pitcher at Shepaug Valley High School, a
left-hander who led the varsity baseball team to a state championship in 1987 where he pitched and won
the championship game. He led the team back to title contention in 1989. Coming out of high school,
Reich was a highly touted pitching prospect, but he chose the military over professional baseball.
He attended the United States Military Academy, where he pitched for the Army baseball team. Reich
was a star pitcher for Army and holds the record for most wins by a West Point pitcher. "He was one of
the best to ever come through here," said Bob Beretta, a spokesman for the Army baseball team. "When
we say someone here is the best since, it's always the best since Steve Reich." [1]
Reich was known for his fastball and command, rarely walking a batter. He signed with the Baltimore
Orioles in 1996 after completing two years of a four-year military commitment, and pitched two games in
the minor leagues before being recalled by the Army.
Even after his initial military commitment ended, Reich was a highly touted pitcher, but he chose military
service over professional baseball.
In 1993, Reich was named to the "Team USA" baseball team. He carried the American flag while
representing Team USA in 1993 at the World University Games. He made 17 appearances for Team
USA playing in Italy, Nicaragua and Cuba and at the World University Games.
In 1996, Reich was ordered to Germany. He served in Operation Allied Force in Hungary, Bosnia,
Albania, and Kosovo.
Reich served four tours of duty in Afghanistan and was killed in action on June 28, 2005. Reich was on a
mission to rescue an elite U.S. military team. Reich was one of 16 troops aboard an Army Special
Operations MH-47 Chinook helicopter that was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in the mountains
of eastern Afgahanistan's Kunar province. The soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations
Aviation Regiment (Airborne) from Georgia.
July 08, 2005
WEST POINTERS, BASEBALL PLAYERS, HECK, ANYBODY WHO CARES.
[N.B. I pulled this bit from the "Morning Reads" post below - for returning
visitors, this *is* new stuff. JofA]
Greetings, Castle Regulars and those just passing through,
Things like this pop into my inbox with a sad regularity:
No. 671-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2, 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------DoD
Identifies
Army
and
Navy
Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers and
eight sailors who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Soldiers killed were:
Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio.
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minn.
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla.
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind.
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn.
Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va.
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Goare, Goodnature, Jacoby, Muralles, Reich, Russell, and Scherkenbach
were assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation
Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Air Field, Ga.
Ponder was assigned to the Army's Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort
Campbell, Ky.
Sailors killed were:
Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, N.H.
Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, Calif.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Ore.
Lt. Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., 30, of Portville, N.Y.
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nev.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, W.Va.
Healy, Patton and Suh were assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One,
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Fontan, Kristensen, Lucas, McGreevy and Taylor were assigned to SEAL
Team Ten, Virginia Beach, Va.
All 16 were killed while conducting combat operations when the MH-47
helicopter that they were aboard crashed in the vicinity of Asadabad,
Afghanistan in Kumar Province on June 28.
From that list above: Major Steve Reich, someone you should know (hat tip,
Jim C.) Don't just skim on by - go read that. Pat Tillman isn't the only soldier to
pass up fame and fortune for Service. I don't hold Major Reich above any of
the other dead, in this mission or others... but we should note those who
sacrificed the easy life for one of service above self. Like Stephen Reich.
There is this, from USASOC (U.S. Army Special Operations Command) Major Reich's official bio.
But, most importantly, there is this, from Major Reich's friends and classmates
(where you are most likely to get the true measure of the man and warrior). I
should note I am *not* one of these people, I'm not a graduate of West Point,
even, but people near to me are, and this is me doing my bit with my little
pulpit.
Subject: Steve Reich Killed in Afghanistan
A good friend of mine was killed in Afghanistan last week. His name was
Steve Reich and we graduated from West Point together from the same
company. We started Beast Barracks together, were in the same company,
and graduated together. Attached is an article written and published on ESPN
a couple days ago about Steve – he is one of the greatest baseball pitchers to
ever play at West Point (he still holds the record for most wins at the school)
and was heavily recruited to play major league ball. He turned them all down
and eventually became a Special Operations helicopter pilot. He was on his
fourth tour in the Stan when his bird was shot down. He leaves behind a wife,
{snipped for privacy considerations}l, and, unfortunately, they were only
married about 4 months ago.
I an honestly say that I knew of no one with more honor and courage than
Steve Reich. Without a doubt, he was one of the finest soldiers and human
beings I have ever had the pleasure to know on this Earth. He will be sorely
missed from our ranks.
All my company mates from West Point are getting together to try to form
some kind of special memorial for him at West Point – I don’t know all the
details of it yet, but I will let you know when I get them.
{snipped for privacy considerations]
The family has also set up a memorial fund in Stephen's honor. The fund will
support both the MWR fund of his unit and the Steep Rock Association - a
local nature preserve that was special to Stephen. If you would like to make a
donation to the fund, you may send a check to the following address:
First
National
Bank
of
Litchfield
ATTN:
Stephen
Reich
Memorial
Fund
PO
Box
391
Washington
Depot,
CT
06794
If you have any questions on the fund, please call Debbie Swift at 860-8687386
I did not know his wife {name snipped for privacy considerations] personally,
but I have been told through contact with my classmates that she is very
appreciative of cards and support from all the people who knew Steve, so if
you have a chance, just send her a quick card showing support for our cause
in Afghanistan and to reinforce to her what I am sure she already knows: Her
husband was a hero and patriot and it is because of him and all the other guys
over their risking their lives that we enjoy our freedom. ThanksEric
This was further elaborated thusly:
My company-mates from West Point and, now, our whole class are coming
together to try to get a memorial set up for him at West Point. Right now, it is
down to a decision of whether to put up some kind of plaque/memorial at the
USMA Baseball Stadium or possibly name an annual award in his honor going
to a baseball player each year at USMA. Possibly both options may come to
fruition. If anyone is interested in donating to this cause/memorial, let me
know and I will keep you informed of whatever West Point and our class
decide to do. Also, his family has set up a memorial fund in Connecticut - the
information is below.
Steve was the most honorable man I have ever met and truly deserves these
honors - he literally gave up the opportunity to make millions of dollars playing
baseball to dedicate (and ultimately give) his life for our safety and freedom.
To conclude the stream:
K - I just got off the phone w/ AOG (Association of Graduates, ed) and they
will be getting back to me with the process for setting up an annual award in
Steve's name. What I'd like to propose is that we establish an award given to
the graduating Baseball player with the top GPA (assuming this does not yet
exist). This award would be presented at an annual ODIA awards convocation
that Steve's family would be invited to attend.
Now here's the kicker. In order to establish a perpetual award like this, the
AOG is indicating that they'd need a minimum initial investment of anywhere
between $5-10K (depending on the convocation venue). We can potentially
ask the class of '93 to divert some of our current class funds into this effort to
help get things started, and I can cover 10-20% of the initial investment
depending on the baseline target (whether it's 5 or 10K). However, before we
commit to this, I want to ensure that there is enough interest amongst us and
Steve's other classmates to be able to meet these investment requirements.
In addition to this award, the AOG has indicated that because steve was KIA,
that at some point in the future, his name would be added to a plaque in
Cullum Hall.
Bottom line: They need to raise between $5-10K to cover these costs. I really
expect they will be able to raise it internally - but if would like to offer any
assistance whatsoever, please email me direct and I will coordinate with Eric.
They haven't asked for this help. I'm doing this on my own, because if I can't
use this pulpit for something like this, just as we did for Spirit of America, well,
what the heck, why bother? I'm not expecting an SoA-level response - and
you can certainly contribute directly to the Memorial Fund with nary a word to
anyone, if that's your druthers. Don't send me anything other than an email based on the response, I'll coordinate with Major Reich's classmates on how
they want to proceed. johnbethd*at*yahoo.com
Thanks for your time and consderation.
Cheers,
John of Argghhh!
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In memoriam.
For those of you with an interest in the SEAL casualties - Matt Heidt at Froggy
Ruminations has info you can use. H/t, Banter in Atlanter.
WillyShake of Unconsidered Trifles has more on LCDR Kristensen.
John | Permalink | Comments (2) | Observations on things Military | Something for the
Soul
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links with: Today's links 2005 07 08 Friday
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Sgt. David J. Coullard
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 32 years old
Died: August 1, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marine Reserves
If you wanted to find David J. Coullard while growing up, a good place to look was near
his mom. He and she were a twosome, target shooting, hunting, snowmobiling and
cod fishing. "He was such a joy," said his mother, Anita Dziedzic, who raised him alone
and would get cards from him on Father's Day, too. "We had so much fun together."
At an early age, Coullard thought of becoming a Marine. When he graduated from high
school in 1992, he wrote in his yearbook: "Thank you mom for everything. Marines,
here I come." Coullard, 32, of Glastonbury, Conn., was killed Aug. 1 in small-arms fire
outside Haditha. He was based at Brook Park. After attending Manchester Community
College for a few months, he joined the reserves, traveling to places like Norway, the
Philippines, Panama and Japan. Friends laughed at his propensity for always being in
the shower when it was time to leave for school. He also had a wicked sense of humor.
"He e-mailed me a picture of his butt after he got shot," said Theresa Unterreiner, a
friend. "He had a mischievous little grin on his face in the photo, and he wrote, 'You'll
get a laugh out of this.'"
David J. Coullard
COULLARD, David J., Sgt. Sgt. David J. Coullard, U.S. Marine Corps, 32, of Wickham Road,
Glastonbury, son of Anita Coullard-Dziedzic, was killed in Iraq on Monday (August 1, 2005). Born in
Hartford, he lived in Glastonbury most of his life. He was a graduate of Glastonbury High School and
worked for the Plumbing and Heating Union, Local 777 Union, as a heating and air conditioning specialist
most of his working life. Besides his mother, Anita and her husband, Greg Dziedzic of East Hartford, he
leaves his step-brother, Daniel and his wife, Mandy Dziedzic of Bloomfield; his step-sister, Jacqueline
Dziedzic of Norfolk; his aunts and uncles, Joanne and Phillip Coach of Manchester, and Gregg and
Donna Currier of Norfolk; a great aunt, Priscilla Feeser of Gloucester, MA; eight cousins, Shawna,
Janessa, Brian, Danielle, Jordan, Robin, Greg, and Ellen; and two second cousins, Demetris and Caleb.
David loved to hunt and do off roading. An ecumenical service will be held Thursday, August 11 at 10
a.m. in St. Paul's Church, 2183 Main St., Glastonbury. Burial will follow immediately in Veterans Section
of Neipsic Cemetery. David will lay in State in St. Paul's Church, where his family will receive friends and
relatives on Wednesday , August 10, from 6-9 p.m. The Glastonbury Funeral Home has charge of
arrangements. Please visit www.mem.com for an everlasting memorial tribute.
Published in Hartford Courant from August 5 to August 7, 2005
Sgt. David Coullard
`This Was His Job And He Did It Well'
By PETER MARTEKA Courant Staff Writer
August 4, 2005
EAST HARTFORD - Marine Sgt. David Coullard, who grew up in Glastonbury, was killed Aug.
1, 2005 by small-arms fire in Haditha, Iraq, with five others in a sniper team. He was 32 years
old.
While checking her e-mail Saturday, Anita Dziedzic opened a photograph of her son. He was
standing with a fellow Marine somewhere in Iraq.
"It was like seeing him again. It was wonderful," Dziedzic said of the photo that accompanied an
e-mail from her son, Sgt. David Coullard.
On Monday, while waiting for her sister to bring over a new puppy, she looked out the window
and instead saw two Marines.
"When they got out of the car, I knew," Dziedzic said Wednesday.
They were there to tell her that her only son had been killed while on sniper duty northwest of
Baghdad.
"They stayed until my husband got home. They were standing at attention in the living room,"
Dziedzic said. "I told them they could leave, but they just said, `No ma'am, we are staying with
you.'"
Coullard, 32, was among six Marines - five of them from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines out of Ohio
- in a sniper team who were killed Monday. The U.S. command says the Marines were
"engaged by terrorists and killed by small-arms fire" in Haditha, which U.S. and Iraqi officials
have identified as a major route for insurgents entering Iraq.
Fourteen other Marines from the same base were killed early Wednesday when their vehicle
was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Dziedzic and her husband, Greg Dziedzic, spent Wednesday afternoon taking calls from
relatives and friends, and talking to reporters at their East Hartford home.
"He's a hero," said Anita Dziedzic, who as a single mother raised her son in Glastonbury. "He's
just like any fireman or policeman. You know the risks each time you head out. And that's kind
of prepared me. But it doesn't make it any easier.
"We both knew the risks," she said. "He was a sniper up on a hill somewhere. So I always
wanted to believe he was safe. Then I think about all the kids getting killed in Hartford and that's
all so senseless. This isn't good either, but this was his job and he did it well."
Coullard, who had served in the Marines for about 10 years, loved the military, said childhood
friend Ned Gompper. The events of Sept. 11, 2001, only "increased that love of defending the
country," said Gompper, who grew up across the street in Glastonbury and was an only child.
"We were brothers. That's how close we were," Gompper said. "He was out and signed back
on. That's how much he believed in defending his country. We always expected him to come
home.
"It was at the Christmas table when he told everyone he was re-enlisting and heading to Iraq.
But he loved his country. He was a solid kid who was raised by a great mother," Gompper said.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff Wednesday
afternoon.
"We owe Sgt. Coullard a debt of gratitude for so selflessly taking such a heroic path in the
service of our country," she said. "The sacrifice Sgt. Coullard made for each and every one of
us is immeasurable, and I ask that everyone pause to consider his loss and appreciate his
courage and bravery."
Coullard's body arrived Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, and his family
expected his body to return home early next week. A funeral was being planned at St. Paul
Roman Catholic Church in Glastonbury.
Coullard, a 1992 graduate of Glastonbury High School, joined the Marines after a brief stint at
Manchester Community College. Anita Dziedzic said her son always wanted to be a Marine
and was preoccupied with the military.
"Many nights I would stay awake and if I didn't get the call, I knew he was all right," Dziedzic
said. "Then I would wake up and send him an e-mail saying how proud I was of him. Anything to
keep it positive."
Several years ago, when she married Greg, her son was there - on a speakerphone from his
base, Dziedzic said. He always said he wanted to "give his mom away" when she got married,
she said.
Dziedzic taped her son's messages from Iraq so she could hear his voice whenever she missed
him.
"He was a man of few words," she said. "But with the phone or the computer, it always felt like
he was right around the corner. That's how it felt. Like he was right around the corner whenever
we talked."
An Associated Press report is included in this story.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Marine Sgt. David J. Coullard
32, of Glastonbury, Conn.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine
Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Brook Park, Ohio; attached to Regimental Combat
Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward); killed Aug. 1 by
enemy small-arms fire while conducting dismounted operations outside Haditha, Iraq.
Also killed were Marine Cpl. Jeffrey A. Boskovitch, Marine Lance Cpl. Roger D.
Castleberry Jr., Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel N. Deyarmin Jr., Marine Lance Cpl. Brian P.
Montgomery and Marine Sgt. Nathaniel S. Rock.
Connecticut Marine among six killed in Iraq
By Noreen Gillespie
Associated Press
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — On Sunday, Marine Sgt. David Coullard sent his mother an e-mail
from Iraq, letting her know he was safe.
Like every e-mail he sent her, it was brief. But it also had recent photos that his mother had
been asking him to send. In one, the 32-year-old Glastonbury native is in front of bright blue
water with a fellow Marine. In another, he’s posing in the desert with his weapon.
“Love you,” he ended the note, adding that his time was almost up on the computer.
On Monday, Anita Dziedzic found out her son was killed in Iraq. He was the 28th service
member with Connecticut ties to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
Military officials said Coullard, a sniper in the Ohio-based 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, and five
comrades were engaged by terrorists and killed by small-arms fire in Haditha, which U.S.
authorities say is a major entry point into Iraq for insurgents.
“My son had a job to do, that he volunteered to do,” his mother said Wednesday during an
interview in the living room of her East Hartford home. “He was a Marine. He was a
professional. He was a hero. He is a hero.”
Coullard entered the Marines about 10 years ago as a reservist. Though he’d been sent around
the world to Parris Island, Norway, the Swiss Alps, Panama, Japan, the Philippines and other
places, he was determined to serve in combat, his family said. So on Christmas Day, after
waiting years for active duty, he told his family that he volunteered to go to Iraq.
“I personally think he just wanted to be in battle,” said his stepfather, Greg Dziedzic. “I think he
wanted to do what he was trained for.”
Coullard grew up in Glastonbury and graduated from Glastonbury High, where he played
soccer. He was quiet, and from the time he was about 9 years old he talked about joining the
Marines, his mother said.
After a brief stint at Manchester Community College, that’s exactly what he did. He threw
himself into it completely, his family said, going to every function, studying intensely and loving
to wear his dress uniform.
“If the floor shine was missing, we knew David had buffed his shoes with it,” Anita Dziedzic said
laughing.
About a month ago, he was injured on duty when he was shot in the buttocks, his mother said.
He quickly returned to duty, but bravely told her every detail of the injury during a cell phone call
while she was at work, she said. In e-mails, he also told his family he believed his men were
doing good work, and that some of it had made the news.
“I kind of was amazed at his professionalism,” his mother said.
Anita Dziedzic raised her only son as a single mother, and said she felt compelled to do things
with him that a father would do. So she took him to target practice, and took a hunting course
with him. He became a skilled hunter, so skilled that you could put him in the woods with
nothing and he’d survive, his family said.
One time, she said, he told a friend he was spending Father’s Day with his mother, because she
was the one who had always been there for him.
He loved hunting deer and boar, and frequently left deer hanging in the garage, his mother said.
But he was also careful, making sure only to kill what can be eaten, and never leaving an animal
injured in the woods. Once, his mother said, he spent a whole day trying to find a deer he’d hit
who got away.
“He tracked a deer for 24 hours to make sure it was down,” she said. “He tracked that thing all
over Glastonbury.”
As word spread of Coullard’s death Wednesday, the phone rang constantly at his mother and
stepfather’s home. His body arrived Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, and his
family expected him to return home early next week. A funeral was being planned at St. Paul
Roman Catholic Church in Glastonbury.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-staff until sundown on the day of
the Marine’s burial.
“We owe Sgt. Coullard a debt of gratitude for so selflessly taking such a heroic path in the
service of our country,” she said. “The sacrifice Sgt. Coullard made for each and every one of us
is immeasurable, and I ask that everyone pause to consider his loss and appreciate his courage
and bravery.”
Killed with Coullard were Sgt. Nathaniel S. Rock of Toronto, Ohio; Cpl. Jeffrey A. Boskovitch of
North Royalton, Ohio; Lance Cpl. Brian P. Montgomery, whose wife lives in Mentor, Ohio; Lance
Cpl. Daniel N. Deyarmin of Tallmadge, Ohio; and Lance Cpl. Roger D. Castleberry Jr., whose
wife lives in Cedar Park, Texas, the Marines said.
Coullard was working on studying for the next phase of his heating and air conditioning licenses,
but if he had been asked to return to active duty again he probably would have, his mother said.
Recently, United Local 777, Plumbers & Pipefitters, HVAC&R, selected him for an attitude
award named in memory of another fallen serviceman.
Anita Dziedzic cried at moments on Wednesday. In others, she told stories of her son, trying to
honor his life with dignity. When his death becomes too much to handle, she said, she
remembers the words her son told her when her mother died years ago.
“He said, ‘Mom, you’re going to be OK,”’ she recalled. “So I guess I’ve told myself that all
through this. That I’m going to be OK. I’m going to be OK.”
US Marine Reserve Sergeant David J. Coullard, 32, of Glastonbury, Conn.
Date: July 30, 2005 3:57 PM EST
Hi Mom, the computers are slow today and my time is up but here are some PICS, love you.
David Coullard
David Coullard on right
David Coullard on right
2006
Cpl. Stephen R. Bixler
Hometown: Suffield, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: May 3, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marine Reserves, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Died while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar
Province.
Corporal Stephen R. Bixler
BIXLER, Corporal Stephen R. Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, USMC, 20, of Suffield,
beloved son of Richard S. and Linda (Ridel) Bixler, was killed in action in the Al Anbar
Province, Iraq, Thursday (May 4, 2006). He was conducting patrols against enemy
forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was Corporal Bixler's second tour
in Iraq. Corporal Bixler was a member of the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd
Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Lejeune, NC.
Corporal Bixler enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July of 2003. Corporal Bixler
applied for and was selected as a member of the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion as a
result of his exceptional military skills, fortitude, drive and abilities. His decorations include: Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award) and Purple Heart Medal. Stephen
was born in Hartford on August 17, 1985, and was a lifelong resident of Suffield, graduating from Suffield
High School with the class of 2003. Stephen was vigorously involved in high school athletics programs
and was a member of the indoor/outdoor track team as well as the cross-country team. Stephen loved the
outdoors and exemplified this by demonstrating his skills as a Boy Scout, culminating in his designation
as an Eagle Scout in May of 2003. Stephen was exceptional at snowboarding and had just taken up
surfing as well as spending time off road four wheeling in his Jeep. Stephen most loved spending time at
home with his family and friends. He enjoyed a good movie, telling stories and will be remembered as a
quiet, happy, dedicated and hard-working man who had high goals and worked exceptionally hard to
achieve them. A loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend, Stephen will be greatly missed by all
who knew him. In addition to his parents, Richard and Linda, he leaves his twin sister, Sandra L. Bixler of
Suffield; grandmothers Gloria Ridel of Suffield and Marjorie Bixler of East Windsor; his aunts and uncles,
Patricia and Steven Brozek of Stafford, Dennis and Ann Bixler of Florida, Virginia Bixler of Ashby, MA,
Donald and Nina Bixler of Windsor Locks, Daniel Bixler of Bloomington, IN; his cousins, Laura, Christine,
Christopher, Matthew, Amy, and Cindy; his goddaughter, Cecelia; and many other family and friends. He
was predeceased by his grandfathers, Lawrence Ridel Sr., and Roy Bixler; and his uncle and godfather,
Larry Ridel Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart
Church, 446 Mountain Road, Suffield. Corporal Bixler will be buried on Thursday, May 18, at 2 p.m., with
Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. His family will receive friends on
Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at the Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East Street, (Rt. 159) Suffield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Mary's Place, A Center for Grieving Children and
Families, 6 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor CT 06095-2507 or the Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Memorial
Fund, c/o First National Bank of Suffield, Attn: Anne Rossi, P.O. Box 96, Suffield, CT 06078. Please visit
us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com to express online condolences.
Published in Hartford Courant on May 13, 2006
Cpl. Stephen Bixler
Suffield Man Was Proud To Serve
By CHRISTINE DEMPSEY And MONICA POLANCO Courant Staff Writers
May 5, 2006
SUFFIELD - Marine Cpl. Stephen Bixler, a 2003 graduate of Suffield High School, was killed
May 4, 2006 while on foot patrol near Fallujah in Iraq. He was 20.
Marine Cpl. Stephen Bixler felt bad when he was sent to Fallujah for his second tour of duty in
Iraq.
He thought it was too safe compared with the even more dangerous Ramadi, said Allen
Hoffacker, a Suffield High School teacher whose children are friends with Bixler.
Bixler, 20, was killed Thursday while on foot patrol near Fallujah. On Thursday, word of his
death spread throughout this town of about 14,000 and residents began to mourn their loss.
Bixler leaves behind his parents, Richard and Linda; a twin sister, Sandra; and dozens of people
who knew him as intelligent and athletic, and as a quiet but strong leader, whether it was in the
Boy Scouts or on the high school cross-country team.
"The town of Suffield - and I'm sure I speak for all on the board of selectmen - is extremely sorry
to hear this," said Selectman Douglas H. Viets. "Our prayers go out for him and his family, and
we appreciate the service he has given the country."
Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered both the U.S. and Connecticut flags to be flown at half-staff until
sundown on the day of Bixler's interment, which has not yet been scheduled. "The thoughts and
prayers of all Connecticut residents are with the Bixler family today," Rell said in a statement.
Thomas Jones, principal of Suffield High School, said he learned about Bixler's death from a
teacher Thursday morning. He said he announced it to students and asked for a moment of
silence.
Bixler, who graduated in 2003, was not like other high school students, he said.
"Stephen was kind of a quiet leader among his peers," he said. "There was a strength of
character about him, and a self-assurance that was unusual for someone his age. He just had
focus," he said. "He knew he wanted to be a Marine. He was proud to serve in Iraq. He was just
a solid person all around."
Bixler had served a tour in Haiti with the Marines before he was assigned to Iraq. He had
recently visited the school to talk to students about his experiences in Iraq, Jones said. But
there was a lot he didn't say.
"You could tell that there was a lot more that he had experienced that he wasn't sharing," Jones
said.
A former senior patrol leader in local Boy Scout Troop 260, Bixler worked hard to become an
Eagle Scout. He created a concrete fire pit at the Jesse F. Smith Memorial Forest, a map of the
park and signs to guide visitors there, said Larry Quinn, scoutmaster of Troop 260. His parents
are still active in the troop, he said.
"He was an excellent scout. He was the kind of boy that got along with everyone," Quinn said.
"He was a mentor to all the boys. This is a big loss."
Quinn said the troop had just held an Eagle ceremony Tuesday night, and Richard Bixler was
there.
Quinn had asked, "How is our boy doing overseas?" he said. Richard Bixler said he was doing
all right.
Neighbor Frank Kulina had noticed that a lot of cars were parked in front of the Bixler home
Thursday. Then he read about Bixler's death in the newspaper. He went over to the Bixlers'
house to offer his support.
"I can't believe it," he said.
Hoffacker, who teachers English, said Bixler was "a very shy, soft-spoken, modest, very
dedicated young man. Very patriotic, in a quiet, determined way."
The Bixler residence shows the family's pride. Two "mother's flags," with their telltale stars,
hang by a window. A Marine flag hangs by the door. Yellow ribbons are tied to the seven trees
on the front lawn.
A person who answered the door of the home said the family did not wish to comment.
Hoffacker said he made plans with Bixler during his recent return home.
"I said that when he came back, we would go fishing for bluefish in the Sound," Hoffacker said.
An Associated Press report is included in this story.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Stephen R. Bixler
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 400-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2006
Media Contact: Marine Corps Public Affairs - (703) 614-4309
Public/Industry(703)428-0711
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Captain Brian S. Letendre, 27, of Woodbridge, Virginia
Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, 20, of Suffield, Connecticut
Letendre died May 3, 2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy
forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Forces
Reserve's Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment,
4th Marine Division, Plainville, Connecticut.
Bixler died May 4, 2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy
forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance
Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina.
Media with questions about Letendre can call Marine Forces Reserve Public
Affairs at (504) 678-6539. Media with questions about Bixler can call the 2nd
Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.
2nd Reconnaissance Battalion memorializes fallen Marine
Submitted by: 1st Marine Division
Story by Gunnery Sergeant Mark Oliva
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 12, 2006) -- Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance
Battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 in Fallujah, paused to honor
Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. Bixler was killed in action May 4, 2006. He was 20-
years-old.
Bixler was assigned to 2nd Recon Bn.’s Headquarters and Service Company,
Provisional Rifle Platoon.
Sergeant Bobby D. Rivera pays tribute to Corporal Bixler, 12 May 2006
“Corporal Bixler was a vibrant, active man,” said Lieutenant Colonel James M.
Bright, the battalion’s commander. “He died fearlessly leading and willingly
sacrificing his own safety for those around him.”
Bixler was Boy Scout as a child, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended
Suffield High School in Hartford, Conn., where he ran cross-country and indoor
and outdoor track. He graduated in 2003 and joined the Marine Corps.
He graduated recruit training from M Company, 3rd Battalion, Recruit Training
Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. He
completed the School of Infantry and was assigned the infantry military
occupational specialty.
He was later assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and deployed to
Haiti and Iraq.
“Along the way, he became a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Marines,”
Bright said. Later, he volunteered to join 2nd Recon Bn. He passed the
screening and was awaiting eye surgery before attending the Basic
Reconnaissance Course, when the battalion was searching for leaders to fill the
ranks of the Provisional Rifle Platoon. He, once again, volunteered.
“He was exactly that type of Marine we were looking for,” Bright explained.
Bixler’s platoon commander, First Lieutenant Nicholas J. Lodestro, said his first
impressions of the Marine was he was “loyal, knowledgeable and dedicated.”
“He was a warrior I felt comfortable to serve with,” said 26-year-old Lodestro
from Jamestown, New York. “He was the man in front protecting us. He was a
dedicated, unselfish, charismatic warrior."
Sergeant Mike C. Phelan, a 22-year-old fellow Recon Marine from Seyreville, New
Jersey, said Bixler had several nicknames from “Scuba Steve” to “Smelly
Steve.”
“They were all terms of endearment,” Phelan said. “There were two Steve’s.
There was the quiet leader … and the other – loud, surfing, lady-chasing.”
Phelan described Bixler as man with a great sense of humor, but profound
insight.
“He used to say when it rains, it’s not the atmosphere changing,” Phelan
recalled. “But God crying for us and what we’re about to do.”
The short, quiet ceremony was marked by Bible verses and prayers honoring
Bixler. Corporal Jeffrey D. Sullivan, a 22-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland,
assigned to 2nd Recon Bn.’s A Company, played “Amazing Graze” on the
bagpipes.
Final Roll was called and three times, Corporal. Stephen R. Bixler’s name was
called only to be answered by silence. “Taps” followed in a final farewell.
“He was a loving son and brother, devoted friend … Marine,” Bright said. “No
more could be asked of any man. When final roll is called and Stephen no longer
answers, Steven’s still here. He’s emblazoned on our hearts.”
Bixler’s awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon with gold star
in lieu of second award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian
Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star in lieu of
second award.
Bixler is survived by his parents, Richard and Linda Bixler.
Services Next Week For Marine
May 13, 2006
Services will be held next week for a local Marine who died in Iraq May 4, 2006.
Lance Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, 20, a 2003 graduate of Suffield High School,
was killed while on patrol in Al Anbar province.
Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, 446 Mountain Road
in Suffield. He will be buried the following day with full military honors at
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Bixler, who was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, has received the Purple Heart
and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Bixler, who was an Eagle Scout, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2003. He is
survived by his parents, Richard and Linda Bixler, and his twin sister, Sandra L.
Bixler.
May 18, 2006
Marine Corporal Stephen R. Bixler of Suffield, Connecticut, made it clear to his
parents that he wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery if he was
killed in Iraq.
Family, friends and other mourners found themselves fulfilling that wish
Thursday as they gathered in a corner of the cemetery where the neatly tended,
rolling lawns are marked by row after row of simple, white marble headstones.
Bixler, 20, who died May 4, 2006, in combat in Al Anbar province, was buried
with military honors.
"He was a quiet, respectful person," said longtime family friend Kevin Goff after
the burial. "He grew up knowing from an early age that he wanted to be a
soldier. It was part of Stephen."
Goff said Bixler told his parents, Richard and Linda, to bury him at Arlington if
anything happened to him in Iraq.
"He really is where he wanted to be, in Arlington," Goff said. "He is with his
buddies who have given so much for freedom."
Six Marines in dress uniforms carefully removed the flag-covered casket from
the hearse and carried it to the grave site amid a sudden rain shower. After a
eulogy, a seven-member Marine guard fired three shots.
A Marine presented Bixler's parents with the American flag that had covered his
casket.
Bixler served in the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II
Marine Expeditionary Force. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, Goff
said.
Bixler joined the Marines after graduating from Suffield High School in 2003. He
was an Eagle Scout and a runner.
Bixler was the 31st person from Connecticut to have died since March 2002 in
Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the 233rd person killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom
to be buried at Arlington.
Goff said Bixler was proud to serve in Iraq, where he believed he was making a
difference in the lives of ordinary Iraqis struggling to rebuild their country.
"He'd say, 'Those people really need us over there,"' Goff recalled. "You'd look
into his eyes and the message was very clear. We knew he was making a
difference in people's lives over there."
A hearse bearing Bixler's casket traveled from Connecticut to the cemetery with
police escorts from various cities and states during the drive. Family and friends
were overwhelmed by the many salutes along the way from average citizens,
many of them stuck in traffic because of the motorcade, said Goff.
"It was a true American tribute to a guy who gave his life for all of us," said Goff.
Suffield renames post office for fallen Marine
1 October 2007
Suffield, Connecticut, is renaming their town post office in honor of home town
hero who was killed in Iraq.
The town won congressional approval tonight to re-name its post office in honor
of Marine Corporal Stephen Bixler.
The 20-year-old Marine died in Fallujah in 2006.
The new name of the Suffield Post Office will now be the Corporal Stephen R.
Bixler Post Office.
Monday, June 16, 2008:
SUFFIELD, Connecticut — Two years ago, not long after taking up surfing and
off-road four-wheeling in his free time, 20-year-old Marine Corporal Stephen R.
Bixler was killed while on patrol in the Al Anbar province of Iraq.
The citation accompanying the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
posthumously awarded to Bixler says that on May 4, 2006, Bixler was
conducting a nighttime route clearance operation when he identified an
improvised explosive device, or IED, site and warned fellow Marines, allowing
them time and space to protect themselves.
Bixler moved forward to conduct a more thorough sweep of the area when a
buried IED exploded, killing him.
“Corporal Bixler’s selfless and courageous actions allowed the members of his
platoon to gain enough distance from the blast and undoubtedly saved several
lives,” the citation reads.
Five years ago, a school track star, Bixler graduated from Suffield High School.
The same year, 2003, he’d also attained the level of Eagle Scout after
demonstrating exceptional skills as a Boy Scout.
Described by his family as happy, dedicated, movie-loving, and quiet, and by
fellow Marines as dedicated, unselfish, loyal, and loud, Bixler was awarded the
Purple Heart, presented to his family in May of 2006. He was later buried at
Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Last July the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to honor Bixler by
supporting the naming of the post office 235 Mountain Road after him. Just
short of one year later, it’s going to happen.
On Tuesday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m., a ceremonial dedication will take place in the
auditorium at Suffield Middle School, 350 Mountain Road, and the post office
will be designated the Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office.
But getting it done took more than a quick signature on a simple form. Because
the post office is a federal building, the town needed the proper authority to
change its name.
There was also a bit of hesitation from some community members that the
renaming of the building would set a precedent.
However, U.S. Representative Joseph D. Courtney, D-2nd District, did not
hesitate to spearhead the effort to name the post office after Bixler and
requested comments and feedback from local officials.
Letters sent to Courtney last July by First Selectman Scott R. Lingenfelter,
Representative Ruth C. Fahrbach, R-Windsor, Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield,
and Gov. M. Jodi Rell all spoke to Bixler’s highly regarded position in the
community as well as to his military service.
“Hundreds of friends, relatives, and strangers attended his wake to show their
love and support,” wrote Fahrbach. “In my opinion, naming the Suffield Post
Office in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler is appropriate and well deserved.”
Kissel wrote that, “Corporal Bixler, who selflessly gave his life for his country,
fellow service members, and all of us, deserves to be commemorated for his
bravery and sacrifice.”
Rell wrote in her letter to Courtney that she joined Fahrbach in urging him to
pursue legislation to preserve the memory of “one of our fallen heroes,” and
Lingenfelter’s letter called the naming of the post office in honor of Bixler “an
appropriate tribute to a man who sacrificed his life for his country.”
Courtney last week called Bixler a 20-year-old, high-achieving young man who
had almost limitless opportunities coming out of high school.
“For him to have chosen military service — and arguably the most challenging
part of the military, the Marines, when it was pretty certain it would result in a
deployment — says something extraordinary about him,” Courtney said.
Richard Bixler, Stephen Bixler’s father, said the naming of the post office was
made possible through a grassroots effort that involved hundreds of e-mails,
telephone calls, and letters of support from town citizens.
“It just shows a community’s gratitude toward Stephen and his sacrifice,” he
said.
Patriot Guard rider Richard Yager of La Plata, Maryland, left, stands with Bob Ellis of Waldorf,
Maryland,
as they salute the casket of Marine Corporal Stephen Richard Bixler of Suffield, Connecticut,
during funeral services
at Arlington National Cemetery May 18, 2006.
Father Michael Dolan, rear, left, and Marine Master Sergeant. Barry Baker, rear, right,
watch as a Marine honor guard carries the casket of Marine Corporal Stephen Richard
Bixler during funeral services at Arlington Thursday, May 18, 2006
Father Michael Dolan, under umbrella, center, delivers words at the gravesite of
Marine Corporal Stephen Richard Bixler during funeral services at the Arlington
National Cemetery Thursday, May 18, 2006
A Marine honor guard prepares to fold the American flag that draped the casket of Marine
Corporal Stephen Richard Bixler during funeral services at the Arlington National Cemetery,
Thursday,
May 18, 2006.
Richard and Linda Bixler, center, seated, comfort one another at the gravesite of their son
Marine Corporal Stephen Richard Bixler of Suffield, Connecticut, during funeral services
at Arlington National Cemetery Thursday, May 18, 2006
Linda Bixler, center, lowers her head and is comforted by her husband Richard Bixler as Marine
Master Ssergeant Barry Baker, kneeling, presents them with the American flag that draped the
casket of their
son, Marine Corporal Stephen Richard Bixler during funeral services at Arlington National
Cemetery, Thursday, May 18, 2006.
BIXLER, STEPHEN RICHARD
CPL US MARINE CORPS
DATE OF BIRTH: 08/17/1985
DATE OF DEATH: 05/04/2006
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8344
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Photo Courtesy of Holly, November 2006
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson
Hometown: Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 21 years old
Died: August 25, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville,
Conn.
Incident: Killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province.
Jordan C. Pierson
PIERSON, Corporal Jordan C. Corporal Jordan C. Pierson, age 21, of Milford, was
killed in combat on Friday, (August 25, 2006), while defending our freedom in Fallujah,
Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Son of Eric and Beverley True Pierson, he was born on June
22, 1985 in St. Petersburg, FL. He graduated from Foran High School in Milford, in
2003. Jordan was studying business at the University of Connecticut. He was a
Marine Corps Reservist and delayed completion of his studies to deploy with Charlie
Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division located in
Plainville. His military decorations include National Defense Service Medal, Global
War On Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, and Purple Heart with Gold Star in lieu of second award. He
was promoted to a Non Commissioned Officer to the rank of Corporal, in July 2006, while serving in Iraq.
In addition to his parents, Jordan is survived by his brother Ethan Pierson of Milford; paternal
grandparents, Jane Pierson of Hamden, Walter Pierson and his wife, Sheila McPharlin of Old Saybrook,
maternal grandmother, Norma True of West Haven; four uncles, Michael Pierson of Chelmsford, MA,
Dana True of Marathon, NY, Robin True and Ronald True, both of West Haven; two aunts, Roberta Jones
of West Haven and Nancy Granton of Watertown, 11 cousins, 8 second cousins and 2 third cousins due
to be born this year. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Ronald C. True, Sr. Friends may
call on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street on the Green, Milford. A
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 4 at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Evangelical Free Church,
498 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Interment will be held with Full Military Honors on Wednesday,
September 6 at 2 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Foran High School Scholarship Fund, 80 Foran Road,
Milford, CT 06460 or the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation at http://www.mclef.org.
www.codywhitefuneralservice.com
Published in Hartford Courant from September 1 to September 2, 2006
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson
By HILDA MUÑOZ AND TINA A. BROWN Courant Staff Writers
August 27, 2006
Marine Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson of Milford, 21, died Aug. 25, 2006 from hostile gunfire while on
foot patrol in Fallujah. He was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines.
A U.S. Marine corporal from Milford died from hostile gunfire Friday while on foot patrol in
Fallujah, the U.S. Defense Department said Saturday.
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson, 21, was shot once through the shoulder and died at 12:12 p.m. Iraqi
time, according to Lt. Col. Gerald Larghe, commander of the U.S. Marine Center in Plainville,
where Pierson's company - Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines - is based.
He became the third Marine with ties to the company to be killed in action since the unit was
deployed in March.
Pierson joined the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2003. He was wounded in the arms and legs
by shrapnel from an insurgent grenade in May. He was treated at Camp Fallujah and awarded
the Purple Heart.
A full-time student at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Pierson postponed his studies to
go to Iraq, military officials said. The unit is scheduled to return to Connecticut in October.
Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. visited Pierson's family Saturday. "I expressed the
condolences from the city of Milford," he said. "Once the time comes, this city will remember him
in a big way. We are known as a small city with a big heart."
For now, Richetelli said, the family asks for privacy.
"The family is in shock and is trying to process this," he said.
Pierson's profile on MySpace.com mentioned the Marine Corps more than once. He said he
thought of his staff sergeant as a "hero," and he also wrote "Marines 4 life" at the top of his
page.
Pierson, a 2003 graduate of Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, was also a fan of Elton
John, Britney Spears and Hilary Duff, according to the profile. He had an obvious sense of
humor and a personality.
"I think I'm cooler than you," Pierson wrote. "I'd like to meet cute girls."
Flags were lowered to half-staff in Milford and at the state Capitol in Pierson's honor.
A tree in front of Milford City Hall that was lit to honor men and women in service the day the
Iraq war started in March 2003 will be darkened until after Pierson's funeral, Richetelli said.
Pierson is the only U.S. serviceman from Milford killed in the war, he said.
He is survived by his father, Eric C. Pierson; his mother, Beverley A. Pierson; and 11-year-old
brother Ethan.
Marine Capt. Brian S. Letendre, who lived in New Britain while serving as the Charlie
Company's inspector-instructor in Plainville, died in combat in Iraq in May. Earlier this month,
Lance Cpl. Kurt E. Dechen, of Springfield, Vt., was shot and killed while on foot patrol. He died
on his 24th birthday.
Contact Hilda Muñoz at hmunoz@courant.com.
Information from an AP report is included in this story. Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Jordan Christopher Pierson
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 819-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who
was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Corporal Jordan C. Pierson, 21, of Milford, Connecticut, died August 25,
2006, while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He
was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine
Division, Plainville, Connecticut.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve
at (978) 796-2839.
28 August 2006:
A Milford, Connecticut, Marine has made the ultimate sacrifice for his
country.
21-year-old Corporal Jordan Pierson of Milford died while fighting in Iraq.
Tonight, Pierson's family is speaking out about their son's life.
Pierson's death had touched the whole community and tonight his parents
are speaking out about the loss of their son.
21-year-old Jordan Pierson was killed in action in Iraq on Friday.
The Marine Corporal had been injured back in June and already had already
earned a Purple Heart. He just returned back to his unit.
Pierson graduated from Foran High in 2003 and put off attending the
University of Connecticut so he could serve his country.
His parents say in recent phone calls home he was talking more and more
about his return.
"We are immeasurably saddened by the loss of our son Jordan who was
called home before he had the opportunity to enjoy all that life has to offer
but we find comfort in the memories we treasure," says Eric Pierson, father.
"The last phone call I got a part of the Jordan I know, putting it all into the
mission so he could get home," says Beverly Pierson, mother.
His mother says that Jordan was due back here in Milford in just 60 days.
A tree in front of Milford City Hall that is lit to honor servicemen and women
has been darkened until after Pierson's funeral.
Governor Rell also ordered flags to be lowered to half staff until Pierson's
funeral.
Arrangements have not yet been made for the funeral, but the family says
they will bury him in Arlington National Cemetery.
Mourning a Marine killed in Iraq
28 August 2006
Nearing the end of a grueling tour of duty in Iraq, Marine Corporal Jordan C.
Pierson was looking forward to returning home and was already making
plans to go skydiving.
The 21-year-old Milford man never made it.
Pierson was killed Friday during combat operations in Al Anbar province
when he was struck in the shoulder by small arms fire while on a foot
patrol, according to the Marines.
"We're here to honor Jordan's memory and revere his sacrifice," said his
father, Eric, as the family gathered Monday in the backyard of their home.
Pierson was awarded a Purple Heart after he and another serviceman were
hit with shrapnel earlier this year when a grenade exploded near them. His
unit arrived in Fallujah in late March and was scheduled to return in late
October of this year.
Pierson, who spoke to his family nearly weekly by telephone, said in his
most recent conversation that he was looking forward to coming home and
continuing his college studies, his family said. The plans for skydiving were
typical of a man who enjoyed riding a motorcycle and playing paintball.
"He was a kid who took a lot of risks. He lived life to the fullest," said his
mother, Beverley.
Pierson and other Marines would sometimes spend 24 hours at a time on a
mission in heat that reached 125 degrees, his family said.
"It was a serious mission and it was a draining mission," Beverley Pierson
said.
Pierson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, his family said.
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet.
"If you learn anything from Jordan's example, you will have learned that he
gave of himself and how will you give of yourself today," his mother said.
Pierson, a 2003 graduate of Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, was
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in
Plainville. He was the second Marine from the 25th Regiment to be killed
this month. Lance Corporal Kurt Dechen, 24, of Springfield, Vermont, was
on a foot patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, on August 3,2006, when his unit came
under fire and he was shot.
Thirty members of the military and two civilians with Connecticut ties have
died since March 2002 in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pierson's profile on MySpace.com mentioned the Marine Corps several
times. He said his staff sergeant was a hero, and he wrote "Marines 4 life"
at the top of his page.
A tree in front of Milford City Hall that was lit to honor servicemen and
women will be darkened until after Pierson's funeral, Mayor James
Richetelli said. Lights on the tree were lit the day the Iraq war began in
March 2003.
The mayor ordered flags at half staff. Governor M. Jodi Rell also ordered
flags to be lowered until Pierson's funeral.
Pierson, a student at the University of Connecticut who postponed his
studies to serve in Iraq, is survived by his parents and his 11-year-old
brother, Ethan.
Pierson, who was not married, was studying business and considering a
minor in psychology, his father said.
Kathy Hart, a neighbor, said Pierson always talked about joining the
military.
"I think he wanted to go over there and do the job that needed to be done,"
Hart said.
Hart remembered a boy who was always running across yards with a big
smile across his face.
"He always had that smile," she said, fighting back tears.
28 August 2006:
Jordan Pierson, the Marine reservist killed during an insurgent attack in
Iraq, was a young man grounded in faith who lived life to the fullest and
believed in the mission he was pursuing, his parents said during an
emotional press conference Monday.
"He had a strong sense of belief in what he was doing," his father, Eric
Pierson, told a gaggle of reporters and camera crews assembled in the
backyard of the family's Whalley Avenue home, adding that his son loved
the Marine Corps and felt he was part of a "band of brothers."
Pierson, 21, was killed in action near the city of Fallujah on Friday. A
rifleman in the 1st Battalion 25th Marines, Charlie Company, Pierson took
fire while on patrol and was hit by a bullet from an enemy-combatant's
assault rifle, possibly an AK-47. He was evacuated to the Fallujah Medical
Authority and pronounced dead at 12:12 p.m. later the same day. The bullet
entered Pierson's shoulder, but likely did extensive internal damage, said
Sergeant Peter Walz, a U.S. Marine Corps spokesman. "We do not have the
autopsy report, but [the AK-47] is a lethal weapon; that's why it is banned in
the U.S."
With remarkable composure and her husband by her side, Beverly Pierson
described her son as a risk taker who "had a tenacity for life. He put his
whole being into it and decided not to listen to the limits of other people."
She urged mourners to remember Jordan as a role model, and not to dwell
on his death. "Grieve," she said, "but do not get stuck in it." She also
challenged others to follow her son's lead and "make a plan to do
something for someone else."
Pierson, who had lived in Milford for 12 years, was scheduled to return
home in roughly 60 days. He was looking forward to life as a civilian, his
mother said, adding that he planned to resume an education he had put on
hold to join the Marines. Pierson wanted to pursue a business degree at the
University of Connecticut in Storrs, his family said. A 2003 graduate of
Foran High School, Pierson was a paint-ball enthusiast and avid video and
computer gamer who always had an interest in the military, his father said.
A caption under his photograph in his high school yearbook says: "There is
no future, The future is now. So make the most of it Foran."
In the Marines, Pierson was a leader who had a talent for lifting the spirits
of the men around him when they were down, said his commanding officer.
His unwavering belief helped those who questioned their faith and mission
in Iraq. "Cpl. Pierson had been a bright spot in his platoon, in a place that
can take the softest of hearts into a void of darkness," First Seregeant Ben
Grainger said in a eulogy published in the FallujahCourant.com, a Web site
updated by the Marines in Camp Fallujah.
"Even when the gloom of combat reached deep into a man's soul, Corporal
Pierson could bring the Marine back to a sense of purpose, a sense of why
we were here and that was making a difference," he wrote, adding that
Pierson was destined to be a leader in the Marines.
Pierson's military decorations attest to the descriptions of selflessness and
courage provided by Grainger and the Pierson family. Pierson was awarded
the Purple Heart after being injured in a previous insurgent attack in which
a grenade exploded and pelted him with shrapnel. After recovering from his
wounds, he returned to combat this spring.
He was also awarded the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and
Iraq Campaign Medal.
The Piersons have not made funeral plans for their son and said they are
waiting for the body to be returned by the Marines. They will hold a local
service at Calvary Alliance Church on Orange Avenue and bury their son in
Arlington National Cemetery.
Asked whether Connecticut had any plans to honor Pierson, State Senator
Gayle Slossberg said, "It's a little early for that. We're taking it day by day."
The city, meanwhile, continues to mourn Pierson's death and will most
likely provide a permanent memorial in the near future, said Mayor James
L. Richetelli.
"We're a city of 53,000, but we're all individuals," the mayor said. "We've
lost one, we all hurt and we all hurt for [the Pierson family]. But the
community has really come together like it always does and that makes me
proud. In the weeks ahead, we'll decide how we are going to honor his
memory in a permanent way."
3 September 2006:
It was a somber Sunday for the friends and family of one of Connecticut's
war heroes killed in Iraq. They remembered the life of Marine Corporal
Jordan Pierson, calling him a young man with big heart and a love for life.
A horse draped with the empty boots of a fallen Marine marched in Milford.
It is a symbol of the sacrifice and courage of Corporal Jordan Pierson.
"He lived out his dream and that's all we can ask for on this short time on
earth."
In his short life, the 21-year-old who grew up in Milford left behind a legacy
of love and friendship.
"It's rough, man. It's a terrible loss, I loved the kid with all my heart."
Aching hearts for the man who had been wounded once before in Iraq, had
earned the Purple Heart and returned to fight alongside his fellow Marines.
"He was a natural born leader and just an all around good kid, unselfish
and very caring."
"This had to be an exceptional young man, he took shrapnel and went right
back into service, that speaks alot of Corporal Pierson."
Pierson put off attending UConn to serve his country. Friend say his
commitment to his mission never wavered.
"Because he knew those people needed help and that is just the kind of
person Pierson is and will always be."
"He was willing to put his life on the line to keep this land the way it is."
Though he's gone, treasured memories remain.
"I will miss him every single day of my life, he was like a brother."
A bond among friends and fellow Marines who will never forget.
"I say thank you, thank you very much."
"If somebody could take 25-percent of what he was about they will wake up
a better person."
A memorial service for Corporal Pierson will be held tomorrow in Trumbull.
He'll be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia Wednesday.
7 September 2006:
City residents came together Monday to say goodbye to one of their own.
Marine Corporal Jordan Pierson, 21, departed his hometown for his final
resting place at Arlington National Cemetery at about 1 p.m.
Residents began to gather on the Milford Green at about 11:30 a.m. Angie
Salanto was one of the first to arrive. She and a friend sat on a park bench
across from the Cody-White Funeral Home in quiet reflection.
Salanto said it was important for her to attend the send-off for many
reasons.
"First, to pay respects to this boy," she said. "I don't know him, and it
doesn't matter. My heart goes out to his family. He paid the ultimate
sacrifice with his life. Also, I am a Gold Star sister, and I am the wife of a
deceased Vietnam veteran. I think I belong here."
Helen Jorge came from West Haven. She choked back tears as she held a
tiny American Flag. "I don't know this family, or this boy, but I needed to be
here to say 'thank you,'" she said. "It's the least I could do."
Two men drove by on motorcycles with American Flags mounted on the
backs. They slowed as they passed the funeral home.
Patty Gambori brought her children. "We came to honor one of our own,"
she said. "This was a Milford boy. It's important for our children to
understand the sacrifice that he made.
"Milford is a town that really comes together in a tragedy. We need to show
our support and to be a part of this occasion," she said.
Gambori's son, Nicholas Holt, 10, participated in the ceremony with his Boy
Scout Troop 196.
"We're here to honor a soldier that died," he said.
After noon, more and more people came to the center. Some were in family
groups; others came alone.
The roar of engines filled the air as 12 motorcycle police representing
Milford, Bridgeport, Trumbull and Fairfield arrived. The officers lined up in
front of Rainbow Gardens next to the funeral home.
As the crowd thickened, the Pierson family arrived in a limousine with a
police escort at about 12:15 p.m. His mother looked at the crowd from the
car window. The family entered the funeral home through the rear door.
Shannon Dolan, 7, found a spot next to the road. In her grasp was a handmade sign adorned with flag stickers that read, "Thank You Jordan." It was
her way of honoring the young Marine.
Nearby, an elderly man wearing a U.S. Marine shirt and a veteran's cap sat
on a park bench. Although he did not want to give his name, he shook his
head and commented on how young Pierson was.
A man approached and extended his hand, "Thank you, sir, for your
service," he said.
The veteran shook his hand and nodded.
Just before 1 p.m. Police Chief Keith Mello and Mayor James Richetelli
exited the funeral home, followed by Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia and Police
Commission Chairman Kenneth Fellenbaum, all of whom stood by the
family during this difficult time.
Six Marines in dress uniforms exited and stood at attention at the top of the
stairs.
The motorcycle police strapped on their helmets and stood at attention
behind their bikes.
The crowd, which swelled to several hundred, was eerily silent and the air
was still.
Of the line of flags held by the honor guard, only the red Marine flag pulled
away from its flagpole and waved in the breeze for a couple seconds; the
other flags remained still. At the same time bright sunshine illuminated the
front door as the Marines prepared to take their brother home. Each one
slowly raised his hand in a respectful salute as the flag-draped silver casket
was wheeled between them.
Pierson's parents, Beverley and Eric, and his uncle, Michael Pierson, stood
on the left side of the entrance as the Marines carried the soldier to a
waiting hearse.
Wiping away tears, the family followed them. The sun again hid behind the
clouds.
A police car, a pickup truck adorned with several large flags, and the
motorcycle police led the procession.
Along the Milford Green, police officers saluted, veterans lowered their hats
to their hearts, and just about everyone choked back tears as they held
their American Flags high, saluting the fallen soldier in their own way.
Once the family's car passed, the crowd shifted to the other side of the
green where they paid their final respects before Jordan Pierson's journey
to Arlington National Cemetery.
7 September 2006:
The body of Marine Corporal Jordan Pierson was laid to rest Wednesday at
Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony attended by more than 60 family
members and friends who grieved the passing of a young American hero.
Pierson, 21, of Milford, Connecticut, was killed August 25, 2006, by enemy
gunfire while he was on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq.
Pierson's mother, Beverly; father, Eric; and 11-year-old brother, Ethan, sat
at the gravesite. After Chaplain William Middleton spoke, Beverly Pierson
rose to address family and friends. She read a prayer, "Afterglow," that she
said her son would appreciate.
"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
"I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
"I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
"Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
"I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
"Of happy memories that I leave when life is done."
Middleton acknowledged that these are difficult times for the family and
friends gathered at a place set apart for war heroes. But he told them they
can take solace in his exemplary life.
"As we come to this resting place, we know the Lord Jesus Christ has
prepared a place for him in heaven," he said.
Middleton also told those gathered near Pierson's flag-draped casket that
his sacrifice reminded him of that of missionary William Borden, the heir to
the Borden Dairy estate who gave away his fortune in the early 1900s to
help the needy of the world.
Borden, who attended Yale University and graduated from Princeton
Seminary, is remembered for writing in his Bible the phrases: "No reserves;
No retreat; and No regrets." He died at age 25 after contracting spinal
meningitis in Egypt — on his way to a mission in China.
"Jordan lived this kind of life: No reserve. No retreat," Middleton said.
A firing party volleyed three shots in honor of Pierson, and a lone bugler
played taps. Major General Cornell Wilson then presented Pierson's mother
with the American flag that draped his casket.
Pierson was the 260th person killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom to be buried
at Arlington. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment,
4th Marine Division in Plainville, Connecticut.
Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Representative Rosa DeLauro, D-3,
attended the ceremony.
"There is not much you can say except to offer your prayers and love,"
DeLauro said. "It is just so sad. It is very difficult to lose a young hero."
Marine Recalled as a True Hero
Corporal Worried About Others More Than Himself, Friends Say
By Arianne Aryanpur
Courtesy of the Washington Post
Thursday, September 7, 2006
It was apparent early on that Marine Corporal Jordan Pierson was destined
for the military, family friend Gloria Amendola said. Her son, Michael
Amendola, was Pierson's best friend.
"When Mike was drawing kites, Jordan was drawing AK-47s," Amendola
recalled.
Major General Cornell Wilson presents a flag to Corporal Pierson's parents, Beverly and Eric
Pierson, and his brother, Ethan
Pierson's interest in the military continued through high school. He joined
the Marines immediately after graduating in 2003.
Yesterday afternoon, mourners gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to
honor Pierson, 21, of Milford, Connecticut. He died August 25, 2006, from
small-arms fire in Anbar province, Iraq.
He was the 260th person killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom to be buried at
Arlington.
The motorcade to Section 60 included Patriot Guard Riders -- motorcyclists
who sometimes attend military funerals to pay respects. Pierson's parents - Eric and Beverley Pierson -- and his brother, Ethan, 11, led the procession
through the soggy grass to grave site No. 8,421.
The two clergymen who delivered the sermon told those gathered that
Pierson was a hero and that Arlington was a fitting resting place for the
young man.
After graduating from Foran High School in Milford, Pierson attended
recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was assigned to
Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division,
based in Plainville, Connecticut. Pierson was deployed to Iraq in March and
was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded by a hand grenade.
Michael Amendola said Pierson was trying to protect others. "He was
worried about others more than his own well-being, and that is the true
meaning of a hero, of a Marine," Amendola said yesterday.
After the Arlington ceremony, friends and family gathered near their cars,
sharing stories and memories.
His grandmother remembered taking him to the airport the day he was
deployed to Iraq. "He was so quiet when he was leaving," she said. "He had
a lot going on in his head. He knew where he was going."
Ethan recalled he and his brother spending hours playing video games. "He
always said I was cheating," he said. Others said Pierson enjoyed paintball
and making people laugh.
Gloria Amendola said that she had sent Pierson an article after he had
deployed about the future of warfare. But Pierson had a keen interest in
military news and had already read about it, she said.
Pierson's first tour of Iraq was to conclude in October, according to military
officials. He kept in touch with family and friends through handwritten
letters. Although he wrote home often, he never complained. He loved what
he was doing, Gloria Amendola said.
"We're going to miss him," she said, "but we know he died doing what he
believed in."
Stoic In Devotion 'Marines Don't Cry'
September 10, 2006
By JESSE HAMILTON,
Courtesy of the Hartford Courant
It's strength they want to show now, as they stand in this field of white
marble markers. Strength for Corporal Jordan Pierson. Strength for his
family. Utterly unruffled.
So they watch without expression as their friend's casket is prepared for
the grave. They stand, their mirror-polished shoes on Arlington National
Cemetery grass, the brass buttons on their dress blues shining, each face a
solemn mask. The way they were taught.
"Marines don't smile," one of the Marines from Charlie Company had said
that morning at the hotel.
Not that there's any cause to smile here, in one of the country's most
somber places, where markers bearing the names of the latest conflicts
have filled new swaths of land in the five years since 9/11. The Marines
stand behind a crowd from Connecticut and greet the rifle volleys with stoic
faces. They don't flinch at the 24 notes of taps, which wrench a fresh round
of sobs from Pierson's friends and family.
Most of the Marines in the group volunteered to drive more than 300 miles
for this hourlong ceremony. They didn't have to be here. But it was an easy
choice. Of course they want to see this to the end. Pierson deserves it.
So, these Marine reservists from the Plainville-based unit - most of them
kept back from the company's deployment to Iraq for medical reasons stand as symbols and reminders for Pierson's people. This is what Pierson
was, their quiet presence shouts. He was part of something serious and
had won a place in a fraternity that makes a try at transcending death.
The Marines, who don't smile.
But of course, they do.
The day before, on Tuesday, a Corporal and three Lance Corporals climb
into a borrowed military van: Corporal Terry Hanechak, 25, from West
Springfield; Lance Corporal Roberto Diaz, 22, from New Britain; Lance
Corporal James Serafino, 22, from Stamford; and Lance Corporal Gregory
Duplessie, 25, from Thomaston.
Except for fresh haircuts, tight to their scalps, they look like any other
young men, in T-shirts and shorts or jeans, earrings glinting in Diaz's ears.
They adjust the stereo to find a compromise: classic rock, while Diaz plugs
into the hip-hop on his laptop. They are young guys going on a trip. And in
each other's easy company, they smile.
These four are some of the Charlie Company Marines in a strange limbo.
They were called for war and ready to serve. But Hanechak's eardrum blew
from an infection. Diaz's knee gave out. Duplessie suffered recurring bouts
of tonsillitis. Serafino had a herniated disk in his back.
None of these is a grave illness, but each was enough to keep the Marine
from getting medical clearance to go to Fallujah with the unit.
So they've watched from afar. They've seen friends come home in caskets.
They feel guilty about not being over there with their comrades, exorcising
the demons of 9/11. And they are anxious to do whatever they can on this
end. So they are driving south through the Atlantic states, every mile taking
them closer to the remains of the young corporal shot to death in Fallujah
and about to be buried with military honors.
The gravity of their mission doesn't muffle them. They talk and laugh about
girls and cars. The van is a stage for the rehashing of exploits, from military
training exercises to nocturnal adventures.
Delaware becomes Maryland, then D.C., and finally the van is passing the
vast Pentagon and the green of Arlington National Cemetery, beside which
the four Marines find their hotel and join others from Charlie Company who
have made the trip. Through the windows of the hotel, they can see distant
fields of the cemetery, salted with marble.
As evening comes, the Marines descend on Washington, testing the engine
of a rented Cadillac and moving wherever the night pulls them.
At the first stop, it's a round of whiskeys. "To Pierson."
Duplessie, Diaz and Serafino stop at a nightclub, but the bouncers won't let
Duplessie in because he's wearing shorts. He doesn't want to hold his
buddies back, so he spends $100 buying the pants off a guy outside. The
two swap pants for shorts in the street.
The next day's somber duty doesn't cast a shadow on the Marines' frenzied
night. They know Pierson would be next to them if he could be. The 21year-old from Milford could keep up with anybody, they know. And with
Pierson now only a few miles away, it is their final night on the town with
him.
Wednesday, the day of Pierson's ceremony, Arlington - a machine of
funerary efficiency - is planning for five burials.
The Charlie Company Marines have prepared themselves meticulously,
checking each emblem and ribbon, rolling the lint from the backs of each
other's uniforms. They look official, even though they will be only guests
today. Arlington has its own honor guards, the most highly trained in the
country.
The Marines drive into the cemetery, unsure of where they are supposed to
be or what they should be doing. They pull over as a hearse and procession
approach.
"Should we salute?" Serafino asks, lifting his white-gloved hand to his
brow.
"You don't salute in a vehicle," Hanechak answers.
Serafino lowers his hand as the hearse passes. "Are you sure?"
They have conducted their own funeral ceremonies back home, thick with
ritual and tradition, but this is the pinnacle of such things, and there are a
lot of rules. When Pierson's ceremony is to begin, and a crowd gathers,
some of the Marines aren't sure what part to play. In the end, their only job
is to stand and watch.
Pierson's "ashes to ashes, and dust to dust" join more than 260,000 others
here. As the folded flag is passed to his parents, the family asks for a
moment alone with the casket. The crowd disperses.
The Marines congregate around a nearby headstone. "Brian Scott Letendre,
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps," it reads.
Letendre, an active-duty officer whose family lived in New Britain, was with
Charlie Company and went to Iraq, where a suicide car bomb killed him in
Ramadi in May. The Marines give him their white-gloved salutes and crouch
to touch the stone.
"Marines don't cry," Duplessie will say later.
But the day has struck him deeply. He watched all the people weep for
Pierson, all these people who won't ever be quite the same. Then he looked
up and saw the stones in eye-bending rows to the horizon, all exactly alike,
all marking this same impossible burden thousands of times over. He could
hardly imagine the pain this place had witnessed.
Marines don't cry. But, of course, they do. If it happens, it's better in private
or with each other, they say. As Diaz confesses, when he stood his latenight turns at watch beside Pierson's open casket days earlier, he shed
tears that the demand of his parade-rest stance wouldn't allow him to wipe.
At this famed burial ground, the white markers are moving in a slow march
across the last open spaces in this famous burial ground.
"There's a lot more ground left in this cemetery," Serafino observes.
Hanechak's answer: "There's always another war to fight."
The Marines return to the hotel and shed their dress uniforms, packing
them carefully away for next time.
On the dark ride home, they'll recall every detail, every step and movement
of Pierson's professional honor guard, as if remembering the highlights of
a World Series game. The graceful steps. The astonishing strength of each
pallbearer's one-handed hold on the casket. The synchronized movements
of their hands as they folded the flag. "They were pretty tight," Duplessie
will say. "We gotta learn that."
But first, they decide to make a stop at a monument. After losing their way
in the tangle of D.C.'s roads and quarreling like brothers, they pull up to the
Marine Corps War Memorial - the bronze statue of the raising of the U.S.
flag above Iwo Jima in World War II.
In that battle more than 60 years ago, Charlie Company was there, on the
right flank of the invasion force. The latest Charlie Company Marines stare
at the larger-than-life figures, towering over them, frozen in their efforts to
fly the flag.
But the young Marines don't linger. They have to get on the road. Another
Marine from Connecticut has died in Iraq. He'll be needing them.
Marine Corporal and Milford native son Jordan Pierson, who was killed in
action in Iraq on August 25, 2006, was not well known for his faith when he
joined the military.
While serving his country, though, he found his ministry, according to his
mother, Beverly Pierson.
The Piersons are members of Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Trumbull.
The Rev. David McIntyre, pastor, said that, though his mother is "very
involved," Jordan was "pushing the edges of the envelope" while still a
student at Foran High School.
McIntyre said Pierson wasn't involved in the church, but before he went to
boot camp, the congregation "let him know we'd be praying for him."
Beverly said, "We had to drag him to church, but he learned to minister."
While in Iraq, Pierson learned Arabic to learn about the people for whom he
was fighting, his mother said.
"He's known in communities in Iraq," she said.
McIntyre said that facing the stark issues of life and death might have
forced Jordan to say, "'I can make a difference.'"
"He was reaching out in a positive way to the people of Iraq," McIntyre said.
From what he has heard, McIntyre believes, "He really stepped up and
became the leader he was meant to be."
Both McIntyre and Beverly Pierson believe that was Jordan's ministry. They
said he found a way to do good work with the Iraqis and gave his life for
that cause.
Beverly Pierson has many questions but few doubts.
"Why God wanted the leaders, the people who changed lives, is beyond
us," she said.
But her loss has led her to greater faith and a firm resolve to make a
difference in her son's name.
"These guys are not going to die in vain," she said.
Jordan Pierson was recently buried in Arlington National Cemetery but with
the wrong name on his tombstone.
The Department of Defense fixed the headstone, but that was not the only
problem she saw while there for the funeral.
"It was like a meat-packing plant," Beverly said. "There were 26 interments
that day."
She also has a cousin buried in Arlington. He died in Viet Nam, and she
said his "grave was despicable."
The area where her cousin was buried was unkempt and poorly maintained,
she said.
"Washington needs to budget money to keep the cemetery up," Beverly
said. "That should be the foremost thing for a country that sends men over
to die."
She calls it her mission to see that the veterans who have made the
ultimate sacrifice are honored appropriately.
"I'm finding a connection to God though all of this," she said. "If this is our
new mission, so be it."
The family is still grieving for their lost son and brother, but they believe it
was for a purpose.
"God wanted us to learn more about Jordan," Beverly said, "and the world
to know more."
McIntyre said finding these things out about their son has become a key for
healing for the family.
"The harvest that we have seen is wonderfully encouraging," McIntyre said
of Jordan's work.
Jordan's father, Eric Pierson, is writing about their experiences of coping
with grief, and the family is seeing a grief counselor.
"It's been a tough year," Beverly said.
"You have to grieve," she said. "Milford is not going to let [Jordan's
memory] die."
24 December 2006:
By Kyn Tolson
Courtesy of the Day.Com
What does a Marine leave at the tombstone of his best friend from war?
For 20-year-old Lance Corporal Jason “Jay” Cooling, there is little in this
world much closer to his true self than a small metal tag.
His dog tag.
That's what he leaves behind, because he can't leave his heart.
On this bright, brisk Saturday morning in December, Cooling has journeyed
from Connecticut to this cemetery on the banks of the Potomac, to the last
row of graves where troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan have been put
into the ground. Just feet from the gravestone of his friend, Corporal
Jordan Christopher Pierson, is a barren swath of earth, stripped of grass in
preparation for the caskets to come.
Cooling has traveled with two others from Charlie Company of the 1st
Battalion, 25th Marines, based in Plainville. About three months ago, these
men in the 2nd platoon were all living and fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. One of
them, Sergeant Terry Rathbun, returned a few days early in a medical
evacuation, in critical condition after being shot in the face while on foot
patrol.
Today, this small band of men, chafing under the stiff collars of their “dress
blues,” is on a pilgrimage of sorts. Two of the four Marines from Charlie
Company killed in combat were buried here. Now these three men, who've
changed from jeans and sweatshirts to show their respect, want to touch
the fallen soldiers' graves, take photographs, and leave behind a token —
some measure of meaning.
“There is nothing like the brotherhood of Marines,” Rathbun said. “These
men were our brothers.”
When home is half a world away, it is a beckoning dream with no hard
edges.
From arid, battle-ravaged Fallujah, places like East Lyme and Southbury in
Connecticut and Delran in New Jersey hold the promise of life as it should
be.
Marines in war talk about video games, jobs they might get, and, of course,
girlfriends and families. Some plan for weddings months away. Almost all
of them talk every so often about the cars or trucks they hope to buy, the
food they'll feast on. Taco Bell becomes just another symbol of all they
can't get hold of soon enough.
And then, when home is reality, the gauzy vision takes on sharp shape.
Always there is the goodness of being in the arms of loved ones, finally.
But there is also, for many, the edgy voice inside the head. And it asks:
What are you going to do now?
The nearly 200 men of Charlie Company, which served in Iraq from April to
October, are all answering that question in their own ways.
For some of the reservists it is easier. They will soon fall back into the
patterns of college they postponed, or the jobs they temporarily left behind.
And their girlfriends or wives are glad to have them back in the fold.
For others, the direction is not quite so clear.
“Playing with toys,” says Cooling in short-speak to explain what he's been
up to since arriving home in Southbury to his longtime girlfriend and
family. He bought a new 2006 Ford F150 and has been riding his fourwheeler. He and a friend bought a used Nissan they have been fixing up
and plan to sell for a profit.
He tells this to Rathbun, who, despite spending most of October in the
National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after a bullet severed
muscles and shattered bones in his face, neck and back, is now behind the
wheel of his black Dodge Charger Hemi. Driving from his home in East
Lyme, 35-year-old Rathbun has picked up Cooling, who carries his formal
Marine uniform on a hanger, at the Bridgeport train station.
The next stop will be Delran, New Jersey, where Corporal Thomas
Corsanico, 24, lives with his fiancée.
Rathbun, a squad leader of about a dozen men in Iraq, has organized this
overnight venture.
First they will go to the Bethesda hospital, where Rathbun has unfinished
business and where all three men want to visit wounded Marines. Cooling
and Corsanico particularly want to see any men from the group that
replaced them in Fallujah. They've heard that, already, several have been
killed.
Rathbun also wants to see the nurses who cared for him, and he's brought
small packages of Godiva chocolate for them all. This won't be his only
return to the hospital. More operations are planned — one for his teeth and
jawbone and plastic surgery for the scar running from the right side of his
mouth down the length of his neck. He hopes surgery can repair several
severed muscles; his right arm isn't held solidly into his shoulder socket,
and he has trouble turning his head to one side.
“I can't do three push-ups,” he says. “I used to do 100, easy.”
Rathbun, recently divorced, has extended his active-duty status for the
medical treatment. Before he was wounded, he toyed with taking a job with
the New York Police Department, where he tested successfully before being
called up for war duty.
Now all is uncertain. He wonders about taking the U.S. Postal Service test.
He thinks he can't do the hard labor he once did as a carpenter.
At Bethesda, the liaison office that works with injured Marines and their
families has asked Rathbun if he'd like to help out there.
“You have the kind of attitude we need here,” says Lieutenant Colonel John
Worman, who's in charge of that office and wants to bring in Rathbun. “We
need people like you.”
Like Rathbun, Cooling isn't quite sure what he'll do, though he wants to buy
a lakeside house as an investment. His girlfriend studies accounting at
Western Connecticut State University, and he might go next fall to a
satellite campus of the University of Connecticut. He's considered AMI, an
automotive technical school in Florida, but it's expensive and the GI bill
probably won't cover all the tuition.
“I gotta do something,” he says. “If I sit around, I just think about Fallujah.
... I know I couldn't stand being in an office.”
For Corsanico, the future looks more landscaped.
He and his fiancée have moved up a wedding once scheduled for this
summer to mid-January. They expect their first child on July 30. She's a
school psychologist, and Corsanico, who majored in criminal justice at
Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, hopes to line up interviews with
the FBI and the Secret Service.
Cooling and Rathbun, who will be in the wedding party with other Marines
in their dress blues, congratulate him heartily — with “oh yeahs.” They tell
Corsanico he'll need to trade in the sporty black Mustang he just purchased
for a family van.
“I can't believe it,” says Cooling. “It's 'cause he's my first friend to have a
baby. ... But Tom will be good. It's right. Some others I couldn't see, but
Tom I can see.”
At Arlington National Cemetery, the Marines search for Pierson's
gravestone.
The marker for Captain Brian Letendre is not far away. He was killed in a
bomb explosion a couple of months before Pierson, of Milford, was shot
dead on August 25 while walking on patrol near Fallujah's downtown
market.
At each grave, they leave a tile decorated with a Marine eulogy.
Rathbun also puts down a Marine medallion.
At one, Cooling leaves his dog tag, that bit of metal punched with what the
military calls “the vitals.”
The men say they've come to “see” their friends. For them, it's not a
goodbye. It's more of a greeting, though so difficult they linger speechless.
Together, they stand almost at attention. They take pictures and pose for
them. They touch the white marble.
Then, as the men head back to the car, Cooling decides he's going to see
his best friend again.
This time he squats in front of the engraved stone, and takes off his white
hat. He cries.
In this sorrow, he, Rathbun and Corsanico head to a memorial — Iwo Jima,
just past the walls of the cemetery.
There, strangers dart over to them, ask them to pose for photos and to be
photographed alongside them.
An 83-year-old Maryland man, Gordon Ward, approaches the trio from
Charlie Company.
He tells them he's a survivor of Iwo Jima, a former Marine sergeant, and he
opens a scrapbook of photos and clippings. He talks about the fighting, the
wound that forever changed his leg.
“I lost a lot of friends there,” he says.
They nod. They know.
Back on the road, headed out of Virginia for Interstate 95-North, Cooling
says, “I came to these places in an eighth-grade trip, about six years ago. It
didn't mean anything to me then. But it does now.”
K.I.A.
8/25/06
By: Ethan Pierson
There is a scent of cut grass
I feel myself sinking through the ground
I inhale the scented flowers layered on
sacred ground
I spot our American flag
I feel comfortable, safe, and without a
care
I hear soft sounds
I see where my brother lays
I hear cries of sorrow
I see row after row of headstones
I hear Taps on a single scanty trumpet
I taste my anger towards killers
Come with me to Arlington National
PIERSON, JORDAN CHRISTOPHER
CPL US MARINE CORPS
DATE OF BIRTH: 06/22/1985
DATE OF DEATH: 08/25/2006
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8421
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Posted: 28 August 2006 Updated: 3 September 2006 Updated: 7 September 2006 Updated: 10 September 2006 Updated: 17
September 2006 Updated: 2 November 2006 Updated: 2 December 2006 Updated: 24 December 2006
Updated: 22 August 2008
Photo Courtesy of Holly, November 2006
Lance Cpl. Philip A. Johnson
Hometown: Enfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 19 years old
Died: September 3, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province.
Lance Cpl. Philip A. Johnson
Enfield Recalls A 19-Year-Old Determined To Be A Marine
By DAVID OWENS And HILDA MUÑOZ Courant Staff Writers
September 5, 2006
ENFIELD - Lance Cpl. Philip A. Johnson of Enfield, a member of the Young Marines from the
age of 11, was killed Sept. 2, 2006 by a roadside bomb near Ramadi, Iraq. He was 19 years old.
A 19-year-old Marine from Enfield was killed Saturday morning in Iraq when a roadside bomb
detonated as his unit traveled from Ramadi to Habina, a family friend said Monday.
Lance Cpl. Philip A. Johnson's parents, Louis and Kathy Johnson, learned of his death Sunday
evening when a Marine Corps casualty assistance team visited their Few Street home.
Word of the young Marine's death spread quickly in Enfield, where Johnson, a 2005 Enfield
High School graduate, was remembered Monday as a "focused and thoughtful" young man
whose dream since childhood was to become a Marine.
"He was hell-bent on being a Marine," said Ron Jackman of Longmeadow, Mass., a family
friend who was serving as the Johnson family spokesman. "When he found out he was going to
Iraq, he was hell-bent on going. He had no fear whatsoever."
The Marines declined to comment about Johnson until the Department of Defense formally
announces his death. There have been 33 servicemen and civilians with Connecticut ties who
have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2002.
Johnson is the second serviceman from Enfield to die in Iraq. Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan,
42, of Enfield, was killed in battle March 23, 2003, in Nasiriyah, Iraq. Jordan was promoted to
gunnery sergeant posthumously.
Johnson served with weapons company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He arrived in Iraq in mid-July.
And while Johnson's family was supportive of his deep desire to be a Marine, they also had
some reservations about his service in Iraq.
His mother was afraid of getting "that knock on the door," Jackman said. "That's what they got the knock on the door."
The Rev. Michael J. Coons, pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Enfield, said he
spent time with Johnson's family Sunday night. Many church members learned of Johnson's
death during a prayer circle on Monday.
"Their faith in the Lord Jesus is strong," Coons said of Johnson's family. "They know he's in
heaven with Jesus and they know they will see him again. The pain of separation, the pain and
the grief of loss is very real."
Coons said he found Johnson to be an impressive young man who was active in church and
committed to his faith.
"I had the privilege of baptizing him and confirming him in the Christian faith," Coons recalled.
"Sometimes teenagers complain about going to confirmation class."
Johnson, however, never did. "We always enjoyed talking about our Lord and savior," Coons
said.
Johnson's other passion was the Marines, and he prepared himself for his service by joining a
Young Marines detachment at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts when he was 11.
The Young Marines, founded in 1958 in Waterbury, is a youth education and service program
for boys and girls ages 8 through completion of high school that promotes the mental, moral and
physical development of its members.
"This is pretty sad," said Edward C. Mitrook, commanding officer of the Westover Young
Marines detachment and a retired Marine Corps sergeant major. "He did touch a lot of people.
He probably thought he didn't, but he did."
Johnson attained the rank of staff sergeant in the Young Marines and was a role model to
younger members, Mitrook said. Johnson is the first alumnus of the Westover detachment to be
lost in combat, he added.
But Johnson understood what he was getting involved in when he joined the Marines, Mitrook
said. He knew he'd likely see combat. "He was living his dream," added Patrick Droney, an
Enfield police lieutenant and friend of Johnson through church.
Mark Durfee, the head elder at Johnson's church and a retired Army lieutenant colonel, recalled
Johnson as a kind and thoughtful young man.
"You'd love to have him as your own such - such a gentleman," said Durfee, who teaches in the
Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at New Britain High School. "Kids today
think about themselves first and foremost. He was not like that. He's got to be in the top 1
percent of kids today. He was so focused and thoughtful."
Durfee said he spoke to Johnson's father Monday morning and he recalled for him a
conversation father and son had had a few days ago.
"He said [Iraq] is where he belonged and he knew where he was supposed to be," Durfee
recalled. "I believe it was deep in his faith, in his being. He knew this was something that was
important."
Still, Johnson's death has been difficult, Durfee said.
"Our whole church is quite overwhelmed," he said. "We know he's in a better place. The sad
part is not being around to see him grow up. The sadness is seeing his mom and dad in their
situation."
Jackman said that he saw Johnson about 10 weeks ago, when he visited Enfield after
completing boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and his transformation into a Marine.
"You could see it come out in him - the haircut, the pushed-back shoulders, trim and tan,"
Jackman said. "And he was proud of it. You could tell."
Johnson's next goal was to become an elite Marine Corps scout-sniper, Mitrook said. He hoped
to attend sniper school upon his unit's return from Iraq.
Durfee said it's important to remember the sacrifice so many young people make.
"I thank God that there are still young people out there willing to do what they do," Durfee said.
"We would not be where we are today as a free country without many Phil Johnsons."
Material from the Associated Press report is included in this story.
Contact David Owens at dowens@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Philip Alexander Johnson
LCPL Philip Alexander Johnson ENFIELD, CT. LCPL Philip Alexander Johnson 19, departed his earthly life
on Sunday Sept. 3, 2006 while on active duty serving his country honorably in Iraq since July 14, 2006.
He was born on April 29, 1987 in Hartford, CT the beloved son of Louis and Kathy (Titus) Johnson. Philip
was a graduate of Enfield High School Class of 2005. He was involved with the wrestling team during his
Junior year. He was a member of Voices Incorporated, a choral program that integrated both Enfield
High Schools. He enjoyed music tremendously and played several instruments including saxophone,
drums, keyboards, and bass guitar. His musical idol was Paul McCartney, who he got to see in concert.
Philip's love for his country was strong and true. He wanted nothing more than to be a Marine from the
time he knew what a Marine was. There is a certain pride in a Marines' eye very early on in life and he
had that pride. Philip was heavily involved with the Westover Young Marines. He joined in 1998,
achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in July 2005 he took his duties very
seriously. Philip left for Parris Island in Aug. 2005. During boot camp he achieved the position of Squad
Leader and Platoon Guide. He graduated from Parris Island Oct. 17, 2005 with the rank of PFC and
quickly earned the rank of LCPL. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune NC where he trained with the 3D BN
2D MAR Scout Sniper Weapons Unit. Shortly after arriving in Iraq he transferred to 3D BN 2D MAR KILO
Company. LCpl Jophnson's personal awards include, One Purple Heart, One Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi
Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defence Medal. Besides his
parents Philip is survived by his loving family; a sister; Jessica Titus of Vernon, maternal grandmother;
Beverly (Robidoux) Titus, maternal great-grandmother; Doris (Riendeau) Robidoux both of South
Windsor, uncle Bill Johnson of E. Windsor and aunt Josephine Johnson both of E. Windsor, cousins Mary
Margaret and Dana Medling both of Waterford, CT, cousin Seaman William Johnson and his wife Missy
stationed in Kings Bay, GA, auntie Anne Titus Honn and uncle Rick Honn and two cousins Jacob and
Andrew of Silver Spring, MD, uncle Paul Titus of E. Windsor and cousin Jimanie Titus of Enfield, uncle
Andy Titus and auntie Lori and two cousins Joe and Jonathan of E. Windsor, many, many friends and of
course his Marine Brothers. Philip was predeceased by his maternal grandfather; Richard J. Titus and
paternal grandparents; William L. and Helen (Plona) Johnson. Funeral services for Philip will be held on
Friday Sept. 15, 2006 at 2:00pm in the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer 20 North Street Enfield with
Pastor Michael Coons officiating. Interment with full military honors will take place in the Hazardville
Cemetery, Enfield. Philip's family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday Sept. 14 from 2 to 8pm at
Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield, CT.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to Westover Young Marines
Fund C/O Enfield Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. 855 Enfield St. P.O. Box 1279 Enfield, CT 06083-1279.
Published in The Republican on September 13, 2006
Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras
Hometown: Wilton, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 19 years old
Died: September 3, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 168th Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his dismounted patrol during
combat operations in Baqubah.
Pfc. Nicholas A Madaras
Bomb Claims `Son Of Wilton'
By DAVID FUNKHOUSER Courant Staff Writer
September 6, 2006
WILTON - Army Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras of Wilton, a soldier with the 4th Infantry Division, was
killed by a bomb while on foot patrol in Baqouba, Iraq, on Sept. 3, 2006. He was 19 years old.
Nicholas A. Madaras had plans for college, but he thought a stint in the Army would be good for
him. His hometown is mourning him now, remembering the young man as a leader on the
soccer field, a sharp student and a caring person.
Madaras, 19, a private first class, was on foot patrol with his 4th Infantry Division unit Sunday
during a combat operation in the Iraqi town of Baqouba when a bomb exploded, fatally
wounding him, according to the Defense Department.
He is the third serviceman from Connecticut to have died in Iraq in a nine-day period. Madaras
was scheduled to finish his tour in Iraq on Oct. 24, three days after his 20th birthday.
"Everybody here is very deeply saddened," said Bob O'Donnell, associate principal at Wilton
High School, from which Madaras graduated in 2005. "He was a good student, a great kid. It's a
really tragic loss."
Madaras was the son of William J. and Shalini Madaras of Wilton and the older brother of Marie,
a senior at Wilton High, and Christopher, a fourth-grader. His father referred questions to a
National Guard spokesman Tuesday. Lt. Col. John Whitford said the Guard notified the family of
Madaras' death Sunday evening, but he had no other information.
First Selectman William F. Brennan said he and his wife expressed their condolences to the
Madaras family on Monday. Brennan said his wife is an acquaintance of Shalini Madaras.
"This is a very sad day for Wilton," Brennan said. He ordered the town's flags flown at half-staff
"in respect for a beloved son of Wilton."
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday ordered U.S. and state flags, already at half-staff to honor Marine
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson, 21, of Milford, to remain at half-staff for Madaras and Lance Cpl. Philip
A. Johnson of Enfield. Johnson, 19, was killed Saturday by a roadside bomb.
"This is a tremendously sad day for Connecticut," Rell said Tuesday in a statement.
On Monday, friends and family attended a memorial for Pierson, a member of Plainville-based
Charlie Company, part of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, who was killed Aug. 25 in Fallujah. He
is to be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery.
Guidance counselor Dann Pompa worked closely with Madaras the last two years he attended
high school. Pompa recalled Madaras as a creative young man.
"He was very genuine, a person who cared a lot about people, who related to both adults and
peers," Pompa said. "He was very introspective. ... There was a lot of depth in him."
Pompa said he received an e-mail from Madaras at the end of last year discussing his plans to
attend college and pursue a career in nursing.
Jim Lewicki, Wilton's head boys' soccer coach, said Madaras started for the team for three
years under former head coach Jim Cook, and he worked as the team manager when he stayed
on an extra year at Wilton High.
Madaras "was a quiet but intense" soccer player, Lewicki said. "He was a warrior - he worked
his ass off, and he led by example." He left for basic training soon after graduating, Lewicki said,
and was recently home on leave.
O'Donnell said the tight-knit school community was pulling together behind Madaras' sister and
the rest of the family. He remembered Madaras as "a sharp young man who was very caring,
who cared for his friends and family."
Contact David K. Funkhouser at dfunkhouser@courant.com.
An Advocate of Stamford report is included in this story.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
http://www.kickfornick.org/about-nick-madaras
About Nick Madaras
When he was home on leave in July 2006, he rounded up as many balls
as he could to bring back to the children of Iraq. Nick figured if a war
that had raged on for more than thirty years in the Ivory Coast could be
stopped because of soccer, why couldn’t one be ended in Iraq?
Nick’s Story:
On the 4th of July 1990 Nick and our family arrived in the U.S. from overseas after having
lived abroad for several years and everything was foreign, especially the sports. Nick had
no idea what soccer even was! Besides his school enrollment, settling in meant getting him
involved in all the activities children here regularly participate in and soccer was one of
them. He did not like it but was given little choice. The coach he had for his first season of
youth recreational soccer also turned out to be his coach in his last season, Guy Ferro. Guy
appealed to Nick’s sense of humor to keep him interested in soccer to the extent that Nick
eventually teamed with Guy as his assistant coach. In the beginning, Saturday mornings
consisted of us pushing Nick out the door for a soccer game and then yelling from the side
lines to tell him which direction he should be running with his team.
Over the years, Nick grew to love the sport over all others he played like basketball,
lacrosse and baseball. He started refereeing as soon as he was old enough and began
volunteer assistant coaching in middle school. In 9th grade he started coaching his own
team and continued doing so right up until the last month before he left for his military
training. At the same time, he was playing for Wilton High in the fall, indoor in the winter and
Premier League in the spring.
As a volunteer coach for the younger players, he always seemed to bring out the best in
them and win or lose Nick’s team came off the field happy. He would point out the players’
strengths and weaknesses, advise them how to improve their game, and encourage their
sportsmanship. A mother once commented that she had to force her son to play one last
season, but after spending that season on Nick’s team, he went on to play on the high
school varsity team.
So, it was not strange to hear Nick say when he came home on leave how talented the
children in Iraq were at soccer, using anything they could find to use as a ball (which was
for the most part old tin cans). Their skills impressed him so much and he told the children
that they could show his high school buddies a thing or two, and just imagine what they
could do with a real soccer ball! Because of his love for the sport, it was an instinctive desire
to share this love with the children in his area. He asked us to send him a few balls so he
could distribute them to the children in Baqubah. Sadly he never got the chance to do this.
Shortly after September 3rd 2006, we got a call from a gentleman, Ken Dartley of Wilton,
who read about Nick’s passion for the sport and his desire to share this love with the Iraqi
children. He asked if it would be alright with us to start a program of collecting soccer balls
in Nick’s honor to fulfill Nick’s wish to share his passion. That was the beginning of the
program “Kick for Nick.” So far more than 10,000 balls have been donated and sent to Iraq
and Afghanistan. The program has expanded to New Mexico where Nick’s aunt lives and it
continues to grow.
Soldiers who have distributed the balls to the children have told us this act of kindness and
generosity has given way to an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. They have been
very enthusiastic about the distribution and some have even expressed the wish to start a
collection in their location when they return home. Nick showed us many photos of the
people and children in Iraq. He was amazed at how they would be smiling despite their
difficult situation. The ball distribution, a gesture of friendship regardless of political
differences, brings a feeling of hope and unification…leaving no room for cultural or
religious barriers. The simple act of sharing, in Nick’s case a sport he loved so much,
inspires hope for all to play on the same field, together and live in harmony.
This is the heart and soul behind the “Kick for Nick”
program, inspired by a young man who loved every
aspect of the game of soccer, especially the team
spirit it engendered. He was very proud of his team name “Band of Brothers” and took that
relationship very seriously.
So, if you see a ball collection basket around your town, you know it is Nick’s ammunition to
create a friendly world through his love of soccer. Every ball handed out generates a smile
and every smile generates a memory of good will and friendship, which one day will allow
us to play on one field.
By Bill & Shalini Madaras, Nick's parents
Support KickForNick
You can support Kick for Nick in 3 ways:
1. Send Soccer Balls (see this page for details)
2. Run a Ball Collection (for detailed shipping directions (download the PDF)
3. Support Kick For Nick financially with your donation
Donations to this fund will be for the exclusive use of the Kick For Nick Foundation to
purchase balls, pumps & packaging materials and to cover shipping costs. Nick's
parents, Shalini and Bill Madaras, continue to be actively involved.
This fund is a 501(c)(3) Organization so all donations are tax-deductible, a thank-you
letter will be sent to donor's giving the details of the fund, which can be used for tax
purposes.
Donations by credit card are accepted and appreciated, please click on the button
above to be brought to the donation page.
For donations by check, please make payable to:
Kick For Nick Foundation
c/o Bill Madaras
35 Signal Hill Road South
Wilton, CT. 06897
If you need more information:
Bill Madaras (madintl@aol.com)
Telephone: (203)-563-0013
How You Can Help - Send Soccer Balls
Send Soccer Balls! (individuals or a few cartons)
Send balls to:
Bill Madaras
35 Signal Hill Road South
Wilton, CT. 06897
Telephone: 203-563-0013
We are working on arrangements to make bulk shipments possible, thank you for your patience.
Box size suggestion: use 4.0-4.5 cubic foot size boxes for easiest shipment (25 - 30 balls will fit in this
size box). However if you would like to use a larger box please note the maximum size that the post office
will accept is 108 inches or less in combined length and distance around the thickest part. Otherwise a
surcharge may be added or the box may even be refused.
For more information on Soccer Ball Donations:
Bill Madaras (madintl@aol.com)
or
Ken Dartley (globchem@optonline.net)
The Kick For Nick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization - all donations are tax-deductible to
the extent allowed by law.
Nick Madaras was raised for a majority of his life in a little town called Wilton, Connecticut. From
an early age Nick took a liking for athletics, trying his hand in every imaginable sport. One sport
in particular really seemed to be a perfect fit for Nick, soccer. Nick dedicated himself to the sport
of soccer; going to summer camps, coaching his younger brother Christopher in the recreation
league, and sharpening his skills in the off season with his friends on a local team and playing in
the backyard with his sister Marie. Nick played the left flank on defense throughout high school,
and although he wasn’t the fastest player or have world class skills, there isn’t another person
on this planet I would trust more to have as my last line of defense than Nick. Nick’s work ethic
and dedication to the team was something we all strive for, but rarely achieve.
Nick took that work ethic and dedication into the Army with him when he left for basic training in
July of 2005. After basic, AIT, and airborne school he was sent to Ft. Carson and prepared for
deployment to Iraq. Nick was assigned to the PSD that protected LTC. Fischer, the commander
of the 1-68 CAB. The members of the PSD came to love Nicky the way we love him here back
at home. He never put himself first, and would do whatever it took to make everyone else’s days
easier. He had an amazing ability to know what people wanted, and would always take the
liberty in making sure it was done to perfection before he was even asked to do so.
At the end of his 16 hour days in the Iraqi sun in hostile Baqubah, Iraq, Nick would run across
FOB Warhorse to get to the phones and make sure the people he loved back at home knew he
was safe. Only when he knew everyone else around him was content, would Nick allow himself
to relax.
The war itself at times confused Nick, the way is confuses many others. He believed in what he
was doing, and truly wanted to help the people of Iraq. Nick particularly was fond of the Iraqi
children. He would see them kicking bags of rocks around the streets trying to play soccer and
realized these kids are no different than him. When he was home on leave in July 2006, he
rounded up as many balls as he could to bring back to the children of Iraq. Nick figured if a war
that had raged on for more than thirty years in the Ivory Coast could be stopped because of
soccer, why couldn’t one be ended in Iraq?
Nick was killed in action by an IED on September 3rd of 2006 at the age of 19. The men in his
unit and all of us back home were completely devastated and continue to mourn to this day. Our
way to get back at the men who did this, however, won’t be a course of hatred and rage. Instead
we are spreading Nick’s love of soccer and his dedication to the children of Iraq by sending to
Iraq soccer balls to be distributed to the children of Iraq directly by our soldiers in the field. We
are all fulfilling Nick’s dream by collecting and distributing these balls. Nick’s Comrades in Arms
have told us that when the times get really rough over there and they’re searching for a reason
for all of the madness, they can hand a ball to one of the children and look at their eyes glow
with happiness, remember Nick, and realize that yes, it is worth it.
Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras
1-68 CAB
10/21/86 – 9/3/06
KICK for NICK
Written by
Tom Thresher
Wilton CT
A Program to Provide Soccer to the Children of Iraq
Capt. Jason R. Hamill
Hometown: Salem, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 31 years old
Died: November 26, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort
Hood, Tex.
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his vehicle in Baghdad.
Capt. Jason Hamill
Salem Resident Killed In Iraq
By REGINE LABOSSIERE Courant Staff Writer
November 28, 2006
Army Capt. Jason Hamill, 31, who grew up in Salem, was killed Nov. 26, 2006 with two other
soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad. He was within days of finishing his tour in
Iraq.
A Connecticut native about to end his one-year tour of duty in Iraq was killed Sunday in
Baghdad, his family said Monday.
Army Capt. Jason Hamill of the 4th Infantry Division and two other soldiers were killed by a
roadside bomb while riding in an armored vehicle, said Hamill's father, Dick Hamill of Salem.
Jason Hamill, 31, was born in New Haven, attended grade school in Salem and graduated from
East Lyme High School in 1993. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with an
engineering degree in 1998, his father said. Hamill was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and was
supposed to return next week.
His mother, Sharon Hamill, was the first in the family to learn of her son's death when Army
representatives visited the Salem house Sunday.
"My first thought was that was Jason ringing my doorbell, because he was due home about this
time and I thought he was being his typical wise guy," she said, adding that her son was a
comedian who kept his family laughing.
"I did not expect this to happen. I expected him to come home next week or in a few days,"
Hamill said.
Dick Hamill said his son "enjoyed being in the Army. He believed in what he was doing. ... He
felt a strong sense of purpose in what he was doing."
Jason Hamill was one of a set of triplets and also had an older sister. He spent a lot of his high
school career wrestling, running track and playing the drums in the school band. But when he
got to college, his father said, being a member of the ROTC program and studying engineering
took up most of his time. He entered the Army as soon as he graduated from college in January
1998.
As a soldier, he served in Kosovo and Afghanistan and was hoping to start a family with his wife
when he returned from Iraq, his father said. Hamill and his wife, Karen, married in 2005 and
were in the middle of fixing up their four-bedroom house in Killeen, Texas, Dick Hamill said.
An Associated Press report is included in this article.
Contact Regine Labossiere at rlabossiere@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Jason R. Hamill (1975 - 2006)
Jason R. Hamill, 31, an Army captain, was killed Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006,
while serving in Iraq.
Funeral: Noon Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Plymouth Park Baptist Church, 1714
N. Story Road, Irving. Burial: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Visitation: The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Donnelly's
Colonial Funeral Home.
Memorials: East Lyme Scholarship Association/Jason Hamill, Box 190, Niantic, Conn. 06357.
Capt. Hamill was born Jan. 5, 1975, in New Haven, Conn., to Richard and Sharon Norton
Hamill. Jason grew up in Salem, Conn., and graduated from the University of Connecticut
before joining the Army in 1998. He married Karen Nixon on July 30, 2005, in Rockwall and was
stationed at Fort Hood before being deployed to Iraq in December 2005.
Survivors: Wife, Karen of Euless; parents, Richard and Sharon Hamill of Salem, Conn.; brother,
Jeffrey Hamill of Providence, R.I.; sisters, Stephanie De Lancastre and husband, Alexandre, of
New Haven, Conn., and Tonya Taday and husband, Alexander, of Manassas, Va.; and two
nephews.
Published in Star-Telegram on December 5, 2006
Students open hearts, find heroes in letters to troops’ families
John C. Schultz read a list of soldiers killed in combat and found inspiration where others find
despair. The casualties sparked an idea for his classroom.
Schultz is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and commander of 844th Engineer Combat
Battalion, but in civilian life is a science instructor working toward his teaching license through
the “Troops to Teachers” program.
He works with about 45 at-risk youth inside a central Kentucky juvenile detention center,
teaching teens who have taken some bad turns in life.
“If all the kids could just envision what’s going on over there, maybe they would not feel so sorry
about themselves and their troubles and lives,” he said.
He asked them to write letters of sympathy to the family members of soldiers killed Nov. 23-30
in Iraq and Afghanistan and enlisted English teacher Tammi Gividen to help with the project.
“It was amazing to me their ability to identify with those families and see from their hardships
what they had to endure,” Schultz said. “I was touched by the sincerity and the deep feelings by
those kids.”
Officials at the center allowed Schultz to share the six letters published here, provided
identifying information was withheld to protect the minors’ identities.
— Melissa Vogt
Dear family of Capt. Jason R. Hamill,
Hi, my name is Apphia. You may not know me but I live in a juvenile detention center.
My teacher came in and had us look at the names of all the soldiers that died the week of
Thanksgiving.
It was quite a shock, because I realized that my life is a lot better than some. I live in the
custody of the state and I have been in placement for almost four years. So it’s kind of hard to
explain where I am coming from ... but by looking at the beloved picture of Capt. Jason, I feel
appreciated.
I have everything I need — I have a place to live, food to eat, and I’m getting all the support I
can get to help fix my mistakes that I have made in my life. And that’s because of people like
Jason.
It encourages me more and more to try harder in succeeding in my behavior in life.
I’m sorry that your family member has passed. But look at it this way ... it was for something
good. He passed for us, our country and our freedom. And trust me, I couldn’t imagine what it
would be like if I had a child die.
I have a daughter that will be 3 years old in May, and I’m just thinking about Jason and hoping
that if he had kids, that those kids will grow up and be strong just like their daddy did.
Hold your head up high and be/stay strong.
Sincerely,
Apphia
Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf
Hometown: Eastford, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 38 years old
Died: December 15, 2006 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Brigade, Hartford, Conn.
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his Humvee during combat
operations in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf II
Military Family Bears Up
By STEPHANIE SUMMERS Courant Staff Writer
December 19, 2006
Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf II of Eastford died Dec. 15, 2006 when the
armored vehicle he was driving struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He was 38 years old,
and left a wife and three children.
Joe Phaneuf's wife, Michele, and his siblings are standing on the front porch Monday telling
great stories about him, laughing and teasing one another in that take-no-prisoners Phaneuf
way. The kids are in school as they would be any other day. No one is moping, and the only
sign of tears comes when the subject turns to his sense of mission, as a soldier and a human
being.
Like when he re-upped with the National Guard after 9/11.
"He had to, to protect our country. He had to find those terrorists," Holly Grube of Eastford said
of her brother's decision at the time.
Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf II died Friday when the armored vehicle he was driving struck a
roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Two other soldiers who were in the vehicle survived.
On Monday, Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff
until Phaneuf's burial.
"Joseph Phaneuf was a volunteer citizen-soldier who served his state and country in the truest
sense," Rell said. "His example of service and sacrifice is as inspirational as his death is tragic.
We need to always remember that fine men and women like Joseph Phaneuf step forward to
protect us, regardless of the risk and danger to themselves."
The Phaneufs are full of such examples.
All four brothers have been in the service. Rob Phaneuf of Putnam, and Dennis Phaneuf of
Medford, Mass., were Marines, like their father, Peter Phaneuf of Killingly, who did two stints in
Vietnam. Tony Phaneuf of Danielson, served in the Army, notably in Bosnia and Somalia. Joe's
birthday was even military: He turned 38 on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
The brothers are tight. They traveled in a pack at parties, bandying their brand of humor and
putting girlfriends and wives through the ropes (although Joe was always more sensitive, and an
uncontested heartthrob, Rob's wife, Kim, recalls). All four of them eloped when they married.
They even have crossed paths in the service - Joe and Tony at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and
again when both were stationed in Germany; Rob and Dennis at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
But it's that orneriness that hangs in the air, the memory of their brother present on the porch of
the rambling white farmhouse Monday.
Joe photographed a desert sunset in Ghazni, Afghanistan, and created a postcard. After he was
moved to a less attractive spot, he wrote on the card to Rob, "This is where I was staying. But if
you want to see where I'm staying now, just pop the lid on your septic tank and take a peek
inside."
His 13 nieces and nephews were nuts about him. He sent them desert hats and gifts, issuing all
of them ranks, but never higher than his own. He loved to give the kids in Afghanistan coveted
ballpoint pens and candy.
He'd slip in a few Fireballs, "just to see their little faces," Michele said. "He wasn't perfect."
And there was the time Joe and some other fathers built the playscape at Eastford Elementary.
They embedded a dime in the pavement, imagining the future generations of kids trying to pick
it up. That was Joe.
Besides his military service, he was an emergency medical technician and firefighter. He and
Michele, also an EMT, took turns answering calls when the kids were small. They met in high
school but started dating when they met again while Michele was getting EMT training.
As the porch conversation lulls, the family members look at their feet. "It's all so wrong," Rob
says. "Surreal," Michele finishes. "Yeah, surreal," Tony agrees.
"You drive down the road and it's all the same," Michele said. "Santa is coming. If I didn't have
three kids, I'd be a ball in that bed right now."
Ryan is 15, and the girls, Danielle and Jordan, are 11 and 9.
They hadn't seen their dad since August, when he was home for a break. He left for Afghanistan
in April with the 102nd Infantry Battalion of New Haven, due back in spring 2007.
He served in Iraq from February 2004 to 2005.
"Here we are waiting for him to come home," Rob said.
Funeral arrangements won't be made for a few days, as the family awaits the return of
Phaneuf's body in a week or 10 days, Michele said. Her husband was clear that he wished to be
buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
"I told him I love him," Rob told the family about his last phone conversation with his brother in
October.
"The first time he went to Iraq, I told him. He got awkward and kind of said, `Love you, too.' But
the second time, you could see stuff heating back up in Afghanistan. He didn't hesitate: `I love
you, too,'" he told Rob.
Contact Stephanie Summers at ssummers@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Joseph E. Phaneuf II
PHANEUF, Staff Sgt. Joseph E. II Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf II, 38, of Kozey Road died Friday,
(December 15, 2006) in Afghanistan. He was the loving husband of Michele Kozey Phaneuf for eleven
years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Peter Phaneuf of Dayville, and Barbara Ortega Phaneuf of
Killingly. Staff Sgt. Phaneuf joined the Headquarters Company of the First Battalion 102nd Infantry
Brigade in New Haven in November of 2005. He was also deployed to Iraq in February of 2004 with the
Connecticut Guard's 118th Medical Battalion. Prior to his service in Afghanistan, he worked as a field
operating technician for T-Mobil for five years. Joseph was a member of the Eastford Volunteer Fire
Department and also coached basketball, T-ball and baseball. He enjoyed photography and golf and was
an avid Michigan Wolverine fan. Besides his wife and his parents, he is survived by three beloved
children, Ryan Phaneuf, Danielle Phaneuf and Jordan Phaneuf, all at home; three brothers, Dennis
Phaneuf of Medford, Ma., Tony Phaneuf of Killingly, and Rob Phaneuf of East Putnam; three sisters,
Tiffany Gion of Killingly, Holly Grube of Eastford, and Veronica Mobley of Montville; father and mother inlaw, Greg and Teddy (LaBarre) Kozey of Eastford; a sister-in law, Sharon Kozey of Eastford and 13
nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Joseph's family on Tuesday, December
26, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be held 11a.m. Wednesday, December 27 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway,
Norwich, CT. Burial with military honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phaneuf Children's Education Fund c/o NewAlliance
Bank, PO Box 71, Eastford, CT 06242.
Published in Hartford Courant from December 21 to December 22, 2006
Joseph Edgar Phaneuf II
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 1290-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who
was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Phaneuf, 38, of Eastford, Connecticut, died
December 15, 2006, in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when
an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat
operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Brigade,
Hartford, Connecticut.
For further information related to this release, contact the Connecticut
National Guard Public Affairs Office at (860) 524-4857.
Decenber 18, 2006:
American and state flags are flying at half staff today, honoring a soldier
from Eastford who was killed in Afghanistan.
38-year-old Staff Sergeant Joseph Phaneuf II is being remembered as an
honorable man.
The Town of Eastford has a smaller population than some Connecticut
high schools.
The death of this National Guardsmen has left many heavy hearts in this
corner of Connecticut.
The symbols of a fallen soldier are easy to see flags at half staff, black
bunting.
"We look at him as a son of Eastford," says 1st Selectman Ray Torgeson.
Phaneuf was killed in action in Afghanistan when his armored vehicle
struck a roadside bomb.
Phaneuf's wife is proud of his service.
Michelle Phaneuf says,"He went there to take care of these people and
make thier lives better at his own risk and risk to himself - that, that's a
hero."
Phaneuf lived in Eastford, a town of less than 2,000. It is a small
community now coping with the cost of war.
Torgeson says,"I know Joe was committed to his mission of serving his
country and I think he was equally committed to serving his country and
his family as well."
Phaneuf was a real part of the Eastford family and volunteered for the fire
department.
Many children knew Joe Phaneuf. They called him Coach. He volunteered
as coach of the local basketball and little league teams.
Torgeson says,"We're neighbors. We're family a big family but neighbors
none the less."
The bigger Eastford family looking to comfort the soldier's immediate
family.
Dave Olsen, Commander VFW, says,"It's going to be a sad day today and
for a long time, especially for his children and his wife."
Michelle says,"I can't let him down, I can't. I have to take care of the kids
and I have my family and I go on from there."
Sadly one symbol will change, the Blue Star banner representing a local
soldier in service will be replaced by a gold star banner marking a local
soldier lost.
Torgeson says,"We're proud of the fact he was a person of high caliber
and we're gonna miss him."
Phaneuf has a son in high school and two young daughters. Funeral
arrangements are still being made but family tell us they'd like him to rest
at Arlington National Cemetery.
A Connecticut soldier has been killed in Afghanistan by a roadside
explosive, military officials confirmed Monday.
Staff Sergeant Joseph E Phaneuf Jr., 38, of Eastford, died Friday when his
armored vehicle struck a roadside bomb. Officials say Phaneuf's wife,
Michelle, and other family members were notified Saturday.
"It is very difficult to lose another great soldier who answered the call to
duty," said Major General Thaddeus J. Martin, the adjutant general and
commander of the Connecticut National Guard.
Phaneuf was a member of the New Haven-based First Battalion 102nd
Infantry and was one of three soldiers in the vehicle when the explosion
occurred.
He is the seventh Connecticut resident to die this year in fighting in
Afghanistan or Iraq, and the 36th since fighting began in 2002.
Governor M. Jodi Rell on Monday ordered U.S. and state flags lowered to
half-staff until Phaneuf's burial, which has not yet been scheduled.
"Joseph Phaneuf was a volunteer citizen-soldier who served his state and
country in the truest sense," Rell said. "His example of service and
sacrifice is as inspirational as his death is tragic."
Michelle Phaneuf said her husband served in the military in the 1990s and
re-enlisted after the 2001 terrorist attacks. He served in Iraq and
volunteered for the Afghanistan-bound unit because he felt strongly about
the need to serve overseas again, she said.
"He was a soldier, a patriot through and through," she said.
Michelle said, he enjoyed working with the children and bringing them
candy, ballpoint pens and other items they otherwise rarely could get. "He
felt he was needed to go over there and do what he could do," she said.
Staff Sereant Joseph E Phaneuf last spoke with his wife by telephone on
Wednesday. They have three children.
"We're going to have Christmas," she said. "That's what he would have
wanted, and that's what we're going to do."
Funeral and burial arrangements are pending, but Michelle Phaneuf said
her husband told her he wanted to be buried in Arlington National
Cemetery.
Phaneuf's battalion was mobilized in January and left for Afghanistan in
April. It is scheduled to return to Connecticut in spring 2007.
19 December 2006:
Joe Phaneuf's wife, Michele, and his siblings are standing on the front
porch Monday telling great stories about him, laughing and teasing one
another in that take-no-prisoners Phaneuf way. The kids are in school as
they would be any other day. No one is moping, and the only sign of tears
comes when the subject turns to his sense of mission, as a soldier and a
human being.
Like when he re-upped with the National Guard after 9/11.
"He had to, to protect our country. He had to find those terrorists," Holly
Grube of Eastford said of her brother's decision at the time.
Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Phaneuf II died Friday when the armored vehicle
he was driving struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Two other soldiers
who were in the vehicle survived.
On Monday, Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to
be lowered to half-staff until Phaneuf's burial.
"Joseph Phaneuf was a volunteer citizen-soldier who served his state and
country in the truest sense," Rell said. "His example of service and
sacrifice is as inspirational as his death is tragic. We need to always
remember that fine men and women like Joseph Phaneuf step forward to
protect us, regardless of the risk and danger to themselves."
The Phaneufs are full of such examples.
All four brothers have been in the service. Rob Phaneuf of Putnam, and
Dennis Phaneuf of Medford, Massachusetts, were Marines, like their father,
Peter Phaneuf of Killingly, who did two stints in Vietnam. Tony Phaneuf of
Danielson, served in the Army, notably in Bosnia and Somalia. Joe's
birthday was even military: He turned 38 on December 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
The brothers are tight. They traveled in a pack at parties, bandying their
brand of humor and putting girlfriends and wives through the ropes
(although Joe was always more sensitive, and an uncontested heartthrob,
Rob's wife, Kim, recalls). All four of them eloped when they married. They
even have crossed paths in the service - Joe and Tony at Fort Leonard
Wood, Mo., and again when both were stationed in Germany; Rob and
Dennis at Camp Pendleton, California.
But it's that orneriness that hangs in the air, the memory of their brother
present on the porch of the rambling white farmhouse Monday.
Joe photographed a desert sunset in Ghazni, Afghanistan, and created a
postcard. After he was moved to a less-attractive spot, he wrote on the
card to Rob, "This is where I was staying. But if you want to see where I'm
staying now, just pop the lid on your septic tank and take a peek inside."
His 13 nieces and nephews were nuts about him. He sent them desert hats
and gifts, issuing all of them ranks, but never higher than his own. He
loved to give the kids in Afghanistan coveted ballpoint pens and candy.
He'd slip in a few Fireballs, "just to see their little faces," Michele said. "He
wasn't perfect."
And there was the time Joe and some other fathers built the playscape at
Eastford Elementary. They embedded a dime in the pavement, imagining
the future generations of kids trying to pick it up. That was Joe.
Besides his military service, he was an emergency medical technician and
firefighter. He and Michele, also an EMT, took turns answering calls when
the kids were small. They met in high school but started dating when they
met again while Michele was getting EMT training.
As the porch conversation lulls, the family members look at their feet. "It's
all so wrong," Rob says. "Surreal," Michele finishes. "Yeah, surreal," Tony
agrees.
"You drive down the road and it's all the same," Michele said. "Santa is
coming. If I didn't have three kids, I'd be a ball in that bed right now."
Ryan is 15, and the girls, Danielle and Jordan, are 11 and 9.
They hadn't seen their dad since August, when he was home for a break.
He left for Afghanistan in April with the 102nd Infantry Battalion of New
Haven, due back in spring 2007.
He served in Iraq from February 2004 to 2005.
"Here we are waiting for him to come home," Rob said.
Funeral arrangements won't be made for a few days, as the family awaits
the return of Phaneuf's body in a week or 10 days, Michele said. Her
husband was clear that he wished to be buried in Arlington National
Cemetery.
"I told him I love him," Rob told the family about his last phone
conversation with his brother in October.
"The first time he went to Iraq, I told him. He got awkward and kind of said,
`Love you, too.' But the second time, you could see stuff heating back up
in Afghanistan. He didn't hesitate: `I love you, too,'" he told Rob.
The casket of Staff Sergeant Joseph Phaneuf II is carried down the steps of St. Patrick
Cathedral in Norwich after his funeral
Michele Phaneuf, widow of Staff Sergeant Joseph Phaneuf II, holds the hands of her
daughters,
Jordan, 9, left, and Danielle,11, right, as they follow the casket of her husband down the
stairs of St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich.
Michele Phaneuf, widow of Staff Sgt. Joseph Phaneuf II, holds the hands of her daughters,
Jordan, left, and Danielle,right, as they follow her husband's casket down the steps of St.
Patrick Cathedral in Norwich
AT THE FUNERAL for Staff Sergeant Joseph Phaneuf II at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich
on Wednesday morning,
his wife, Michele Phaneuf, blows him a final kiss as his casket is loaded into the hearse.
With her are daughters Jordan,
left, and Danielle, right. Phaneuf, 38, was killed December 15 when his armored vehicle
struck a roadside bomb.
He was in Afghanistan with the 102nd Infantry Battalion of New Haven, and was due to
return home in the spring.
He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Michele Phaneuf, second from left, widow of Staff Sgt. Joseph Phaneuf II, waits with family
as his casket
is loaded into the hearse following his funeral service in Norwich.
Governor M. Jodi Rell leaves St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich with Major General Thad
Martin of
the Connecticut National Guard behind her after the funeral of Staff Sergeant Joseph
Phaneuf II. At right
is U.S. Rep.-elect Joe Courtney. Phaneuf will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Hundreds of mourners slowly leave St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich after the
funeral service of Staff Sergeant Joseph Phaneuf II.
Posted: 18 December 2006 Updated: 19 December 2006 Updated: 29 December 2006
Updated: 1 January 2007 Updated: 4 March 2007
Photo Courtesy of Holly, March 2007
2007
Sgt. Richard L. Ford
Hometown: East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 40 years old
Died: February 20, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Incident: Killed during combat operations in Baghdad.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Sergeant Was Father Figure to Unit
By Fredrick Kunkle Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, March 6, 2007
An Army representative consoles Mason Ford, father of Sgt. Richard L. Ford, 40, of Connecticut, the
soldier's sister, Vanessa Migliore, and his son, Michael Ryan Patrick, 11. Ford died of combat injuries he
received in Iraq. (By Michael Williamson -- The Washington Post)
As pallbearers stretched an American flag above the silver casket of Sgt. Richard L. Ford
yesterday, three volleys of gunfire sounded in salute, but they came from another funeral on a
busy day in the fields of white stone at Arlington National Cemetery.
Then it was Ford's turn, and seven riflemen cracked off 21 shots. As the first few notes of taps
sounded from a bugler standing in a row of bare trees, a tall blond man in the crowd of mourners
trembled, his head bent as he wept. A woman beside him stroked his shoulders with a gloved
hand.
Brig. Gen. Bennie E. Williams collected the flag, which had been folded and tucked into a
triangle of stars, and handed it to Ford's sister, Vanessa Migliore.
On a day of blue skies and boisterous winds that hinted of spring, Ford became the 314th service
member killed in the Iraq war to be buried at Arlington. Ford, of East Hartford, Conn., died Feb.
20 in Baghdad from combat wounds. He was 40 years old and on his third tour of duty in Iraq.
"I really feel like a source of protection in my life is not there, and it's not easy," said Migliore,
41, of East Hartford.
Among what Ford leaves behind: a sister close enough in age and temperament that she
considers herself his twin; a reputation for sacrifice and public service since before he joined the
National Guard 12 years ago; a smile that could coax just about whatever he wanted from others;
and an 11-year-old son, Michael D. Patrick.
Ford was one of four children; he also had two younger half-brothers. He and his sister were 11
months apart.
"We were like twins. We were inseparable. We finished each other's sentences," she said.
Ford joined the Connecticut Army National Guard in 1995. He was placed on active duty in June
2004 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Family members said Ford talked about what it was like to be one of the older warriors in his
unit, with the younger soldiers kiddingly calling him "Grandpa." But they looked up to him and
sought his ear. He called them "Sgt. Son."
"The first thing you would notice about him was his million-dollar smile. That's what I'll miss
most," said his aunt, Arlene Ford, 59, of Manchester, Conn.
Growing up in Colchester, Conn., Ford attended Bacon Academy and talked about becoming a
police officer. It seemed the right job for someone who liked feeling adrenaline in his veins and
serving his community, she said.
Ford also loved sports, especially the Boston Red Sox. (Baseball was one area where the
brother's and sister's tastes diverged: She is a Yankees fan.)
When Migliore invited him to join her at a game at Yankee Stadium, Ford gladly accepted,
braving Bronx fans by taking his seat near home plate attired in Red Sox gear.
He rooted for the Sox without fear and endured a hail of peanuts from Yankees fans with a smile.
When fans chanted "1918!" -- a reference to the longtime curse on his team's World Series hopes
-- Ford stood, waving his arms and conducting the crowd as if he were a maestro, Migliore said.
Ford was tight-lipped about what he had seen and done in the war. But he believed in the war's
purpose even as he deplored the losses, she said.
"He was, like, 'I really want to go,' " Migliore said. "I have no doubt he died doing what he loved
best."
Richard L. Ford used to tell David Reeves that he was his most beloved cousin. "I know I'm his favorite
cousin, but I guarantee if you interview every one of my cousins they'll tell you that they were his
favorites, because that's how Rich was," Reeves said. "If you were in his presence, he made you feel like
you were the most important person. He was that kind of guy."
Richard had a million dollar smile which could coax you into just about anything. He had a love for
laughter and was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed his daily work-outs, running and playing basketball. His
favorite sports teams were The Boston Red Sox, The Dallas Cowboys and UCONN Men's & Women's
basketball teams.
Ford, 40, of East Hartford, CT, died Feb. 20 of injuries sustained in combat in Baghdad. He was assigned
to Fort Bragg and was on his third tour of Iraq. Ford was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple
Heart, and he received an Army Commendation Medal with a "V" for Valor in February 2005, for his role
in an incident in Mosul.
Being one of the older soldiers in his unit, the younger soldiers would kiddingly call him "Grandpa" and
he'd refer to them as "Sgt Son." In spite of the jokes, the soldiers sought him for guidance and many
thought of him as a father figure.
Richard will always be remembered for his dedication, heroism and most of all for the great love he had
for his family and friends.
Richard L. Ford
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FORD, Richard L. Sgt. Sgt. Richard L. Ford, 40, of East Hartford, died Tuesday
(February 20, 2007) in Baghdad, Iraq from injuries sustained in combat. Born in
Middletown, on April 4, 1966 to Mason L. Ford of Colchester and the late Claudette
Y. Ford of Middletown. Richard was raised in Colchester where he graduated from
Bacon Academy. A resident of East Hartford for the past ten years, Richard joined
the CT National Guard in 1995 where he was stationed in Windsor Locks at the
Detachment 1 Company G 104th Aviation. He entered active duty in 2004 and was
assigned to the White Falcons 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg, NC. A decorated soldier, he had previously served
two tours in Iraq. He was a recipient of the Army Medal of Valor, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
among several other honors. Besides his father, Mason Ford of Colchester, Richard is survived by his 11
year old son, Michael D. Patrick of Bridgeport; his sister and brother-in-law, Vanessa and Robert Migliore
of East Hartford; two brothers, Matthew L. O'Connor of Lebanon and Mason Ford Jr. of California and
grandmother, Marjorie Gordon of Middletown. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Predeceased by a brother, Kevin Ford; grandmother, Thelma R. Ford and grandfather, Carter Ford. An
avid sports fan, Richard was thrilled to see his team, The Boston Red Sox, win the 2004 World Series. He
was a devoted father and loving brother with strong ties to his extended family. His happy spirit and
beautiful smile will be sorely missed by all who's life he touched. Richard is truly our Hero. Calling hours
will be held on Wednesday February 28 from 4-8 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church, 128 Norwich Ave.,
Colchester. Funeral services with full Military Honors will be held on Thursday March 1, 10 a.m. at St.
Andrew's Church. A 2 p.m. graveside service will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday March 5.
Belmont Funeral Home of Colchester in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to Michael D. Patrick Fund c/o Vanessa A. Migliore,
100 Mulcahy Drive, East Hartford, CT 06118.
Published in Hartford Courant on February 27, 2007
Sgt. Richard L. Ford
Sergeant Dies Of Combat Wounds In Third Deployment
By RACHANA RATHI Courant Staff Writer February 23, 2007
Army Sgt. Richard L. Ford, a decorated soldier from East Hartford, died Feb. 20, 2007 on his
third deployment to Iraq of wounds suffered from small arms fire near Baghdad. He was 40
years old.
A decorated soldier from East Hartford has died of wounds suffered in combat in Iraq, the
Defense Department said Thursday.
Sgt. Richard L. Ford, 40, was on his third deployment to the country. He died Tuesday of
wounds from small arms fire near Baghdad. He became the 37th person with Connecticut ties to
die in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
"I am extremely proud of my dad's service to our country," his son Michael Ryan Patrick, of
Bridgeport, said in a statement. "My dad is my greatest hero."
Ford was a rifleman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C. He had served previous
tours in Iraq, from December 2004 to March 2005, and from September to December 2005, the
Defense Department said. Ford was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and
received an Army Commendation Medal with a "V" device for Valor in February 2005, for his
role in an incident in Mosul.
A specialist at the time, he helped save members of his crew while under enemy fire, according
to the Defense Department.
"As both a fatherly and brotherly figure, he was looked up to by many of his fellow
paratroopers," said Lt. Col. Richard Kim, battalion commander, in a statement. "He contributed
immensely to the readiness of the organization and will be sorely missed."
Ford joined the Army National Guard in 1995 and was placed on active duty in June 2004.
He is survived by his son; his father, Mason Ford, of Colchester; a sister, Vanessa Migliore, of
East Hartford; and a brother, Matthew O'Connor, of Lebanon.
A memorial service will be held for him by his unit in Iraq. Funeral arrangements by the family
have not been finalized.
Contact Rachana Rathi at rrathi@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson
Hometown: Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 22 years old
Died: March 20, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,
1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his vehicle during combat
operations in Baghdad.
Slain Jamaican-born US - soldier hailed as hero
published: Monday | April 9, 2007
Members of the United States army carry the coffin of Jamaican-born soldier, Specialist Stephen Richardson,
following a thanksgiving service at the Jamaica Council Seventh-day Church of God at 54 Chisholm Avenue,
Kingston 13, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
The death of Jamaican-born soldier Stephen Richardson of the United States army is
another indication that the U.S.-led war in Iraq is not yet won and remote countries such
as Jamaica are paying dearly.
Specialist Richardson was killed in the line of duty while fighting in Iraq on March 20. He joined
the U.S. military in August 2005 where he enlisted with the First Infantry Division based in
Kansas. He was sent to Iraq in February.
Yesterday, a throng of family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered at the Jamaica
Council Seventh-day Church of God at 54 Chisolm Avenue, Kingston 13, to bid farewell to a
Jamaican hero and a 'Georgian Gem' as described by the vice-principal of St. George's
College,Valerie Virgo.
While attending St. George's (1996-2001), Ms. Virgo said excellence was Richardson's forte.
She remembered him as a top-10 student, who was always punctual, disciplined and helpful.
It was those qualities that led him to serve in the U.S. army, attributes which were also
recognised by his peers and superiors in the military. He was given an official funeral by the
U.S. army.
Specialist Richardson was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medal for meritorious
service and wounds sustained in the war against terrorism.
"His commitment contributed to our nation's continuing war on terror and his actions
represented his dedication to the security of the United States of America," Acting Secretary of
the U.S. Army, Pete Geren, stated in a message read at the funeral yesterday.
He was also given the Good Conduct Medal "for exemplary behaviour, efficiency and fidelity,"
Geren said.
Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, who paid tribute on behalf of the U.S. Army, described the
22-year-old soldier as an "exceptional man ... and soldier". He said Specialist Richardson did
not only want to make a difference for the U.S., but also Jamaica and the rest of the world.
Family members angry
However, some family members were incensed that he was killed in the controversial Iraq war.
One irate man, who said he was a cousin, voiced his anger aloud, quarrelling that the U.S.-led
war in Iraq was "foolishness".
"Mi use to hold him in mi hand as a baby and look deh now, him dead," lamented the relative,
who appeared to be in his early 30s. "Weh (George) Bush nuh go send him daughter ah Iraq?"
he continued, while other relatives added to the chorus.
Four American soldiers were killed in attacks south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad yesterday while
another two died from wounds suffered.
More than 3,200 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq in four years of war and thousands more
have been wounded, the lead factor in why many Americans are ready to wind down U.S.
involvement in Iraq.
Specialist Richardson is survived by his pregnant wife, Katana, and young daughter, Iyana. He
was buried in the Port Maria Cemetery, St. Mary.
Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson
Army Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson, who grew up in Bridgeport, was killed March 20, 2007 by a
roadside bomb in Baghdad. He was 22 years old, and left a wife and daughter in Kansas.
The flags are at half staff again by governor's order for a Connecticut soldier killed in action in
Iraq.
This time it is for a Bridgeport soldier, a member of a unit recently sent to bolster security in
Baghdad.
Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson, 22, was killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb, which has been the
deadliest weapon of the insurgency. The blast also killed Sgt. Wayne Cornell of Nebraska, who
was a member of Richardson's Army unit, the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 4th Brigade of the 1st
Infantry Division.
Richardson was an active-duty soldier who grew up in Bridgeport, where his father, Cedric
Richardson, still lives. The younger Richardson was living in Kansas with his wife and daughter
before being deployed last month to Baghdad.
He went to Bassick High School in Bridgeport. Then he attended the University of Bridgeport
before joining the Army. His unit was based at Fort Riley in Kansas.
In his semester at the university, he did "very well," said university President Neil Albert
Salonen. "He was well thought of. It's a kick in the stomach. There's no easy way to take news
like this."
Richardson made an impression on his academic adviser and literature professor, Ed Geist. "He
was a serious young man," said Geist, who recalled an essay Richardson wrote as a student.
"He talked about wanting to go back to Jamaica. He thought international business was a
particularly good goal for him. He really wanted to have some sort of impact ... He seemed to
have his head in the right place."
While Richardson was serving America, he had a strong connection to Jamaica, where relatives
- including his mother - still live. Richardson was born in Jamaica and moved to Connecticut
before his teen years, said Lt. Col. John Whitford of the Connecticut National Guard.
Geist had wondered what happened to Richardson, who had signed up for a second semester
but hadn't attended. He learned Thursday that the student he taught about American
playwrights had been killed in the war. "I feel terrible," Geist said.
According to a spokesman at Fort Riley, Richardson enlisted in the Army in 2005 and joined the
unit last year. This was his first deployment.
Richardson's body was expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base late Thursday, said Whitford.
The Guard was providing casualty assistance services to Richardson's father in Bridgeport.
Soldiers from Fort Riley are doing the same for Richardson's wife, Katana, and 10-month-old
daughter, Iyanna. The family has not yet decided on arrangements for Richardson's burial.
The mission of the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, according to the Army, was to "assist Iraqi
Security Forces to clear, control and retain key areas of the capital city in order to reduce
violence and to set the conditions for a transition to full Iraqi control of security in the city." So
the level of scrutiny on the actions of these and other soldiers in Baghdad has been high in
recent weeks.
The last of the 3,100 soldiers of the brigade had arrived in Iraq less than three weeks ago.
Although Fort Riley is accustomed to such losses, having lost 87 soldiers in this war,
Connecticut has lost fewer than 40 troops with local ties since 9/11.
Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi extended his city's sympathy to Richardson's family.
"Private Richardson served our country with courage and conviction," Fabrizi said. "Every time
we lose a soldier in combat it's heartbreaking, but it is even more so when it's one of your own
and when it is someone so young. Private Richardson has made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country and for that we are humbled and deeply grateful."
On Thursday, Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered the state's flags flown at half staff. In a statement, she
said about Richardson's death: "Our gratitude runs deep, especially when such a young life is
ended so soon. On behalf of all of Connecticut, I extend condolences and prayers for comfort to
his family - here in Connecticut, his wife and daughter in Kansas and his relatives in Jamaica."
Contact Jesse Hamilton at jhamilton@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Army Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson
22, of Bridgeport, Conn.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died March 20 in
Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat
operations. Also killed was Sgt. Wayne R. Cornell.
Soldier from Bridgeport dies in Iraq
The Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to halfstaff March 22 in honor of a soldier from Bridgeport killed this week in a roadside bombing in
Iraq.
Army Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson, 22, died March 20 when the bomb exploded near his vehicle,
the Department of Defense said March 21. The blast also killed another soldier in his unit. They
were soldiers with 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort
Riley, Kan.
He’s the 38th person with Connecticut ties who has died since March 2002 in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
“Private Richardson and thousands upon thousands of brave men and women like him serve
our nation every day,” Rell said. “Our gratitude runs deep, especially when such a young life is
ended so soon. On behalf of all of Connecticut I extend condolences and prayers for comfort to
his family — here in Connecticut, his wife and daughter in Kansas and his relatives in Jamaica.”
Flags will remain at half-staff until Richardson is buried. Funeral arrangements have not yet
been announced.
Richardson, an indirect fire infantryman, enlisted in the Army in 2005 and began serving with the
1st Infantry Division in 2006, according to Fort Riley. It was his first deployment in the war.
He was born in Jamaica and moved to Connecticut when he was 12 or 13, said Lt. Col. John
Whitford of the Connecticut National Guard. Richardson was a student for one semester at the
University of Bridgeport in 2004.
Professor Edward Geist, Richardson’s adviser there, said Richardson wanted to be a business
major and study international business. Geist remembered a placement essay in which
Richardson wrote that he wanted to return to Jamaica and use his education to bring about
positive changes.
“He would have done that, too,” Geist said. “He would have succeeded in getting his business
degree. He had his best grade in accounting. He had a real interest in it.”
Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi extended his city’s sympathy to Richardson’s family.
“Private Richardson served our country with courage and conviction,” Fabrizi said. “Every time
we lose a soldier in combat it’s heartbreaking, but it is even more so when it’s one of your own
and when it is someone so young. Private Richardson has made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country and for that we are humbled and deeply grateful.”
Richardson is survived by his wife, who lives in Kansas; his mother, who is in Jamaica; and his
father, a resident of Bridgeport.
Richardson’s body was due to be returned to the U.S. on March 22. Funeral plans have so far
not been announced, Whitford said.
Grandmother seeks new passport to attend soldier’s funeral
The Associated Press
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Rep. Christopher Shays is trying to help the grandmother of a
Connecticut soldier who was killed in Iraq renew her passport so she can attend his funeral in
Jamaica.
Pfc. Stephen Richardson, 22, was killed last week by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. It was his
first tour of duty in Iraq.
Richardson, a native of Jamaica, moved to Bridgeport in his early teens. His funeral has been
scheduled for April 8 in Jamaica, where his mother lives.
His grandmother, Ina Jackson of Bridgeport, is worried that she may not be able to attend
because her passport is expired.
A spokesman for Shays, R-Conn., said the congressman is working with Jackson to get her a
new passport, probably this week.
Jackson is now trying to raise money for the air fare and is optimistic she will go to Jamaica.
“I think it is all going to work out and I hope to be there,” she said.
Richardson enlisted in the Army in 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division last
year, according to Fort Riley where he had been stationed.
Legislators help grandmother attend soldier’s funeral
The Associated Press
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Lawmakers will pick up the tab so a local grandmother can fly to
Jamaica for the funeral of her grandson, a soldier killed last week in Iraq.
State Rep. Charles D. Clemons Jr., D-Bridgeport, called Ina Jackson over the weekend to tell
her the state legislature’s Black and Latino Caucus will pay for her plane ticket. Her grandson,
Pfc. Stephen Richardson, who was in his early teens when he moved to Bridgeport from
Jamaica, will be buried there April 8.
Lawmakers who read an article about Jackson in the Connecticut Post also offered to pay for
plane fare for the 4-year-old granddaughter Jackson cares for during the day.
“I read the article last night when I got back from Hartford,” Clemons said. “I thought that it
would be a noble cause for the caucus to help out the family financially.”
The caucus, which has 19 members, contributes each year to charitable causes.
“I’m excited,” Jackson said. “Everything is coming together.”
U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays’ office is also helping Jackson get a new passport, since hers is
expired.
Shays, who met with Jackson on March 25, said there should be no problems with getting her
passport in time.
“I’m confident that it will all work out because there are so many people helping,” Shays said.
“Everyone is pitching in to help a beautiful family.”
Richardson, 22, was killed last week by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. It was his first tour of duty
in Iraq.
He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division last year,
according to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he had been stationed.
1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman
Hometown: Norwich, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 24 years old
Died: May 28, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Incident: Killed in Muqdadiyah when his OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed after
receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations.
1st Lt. Keith Heidtman
Family Says Army Officer Was In Helicopter That Crashed; 1 of 8 Killed In
Incident
By JESSE HAMILTON Courant Staff Writer
May 30, 2007
NORWICH - Army 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman was killed May 28, 2007 - Memorial Day - when
enemy fire brought down his helicopter in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad. He was 24
years old.
In a harsh reminder of the meaning of Memorial Day, 10 American soldiers, including an officer
from Norwich, died in Iraq Monday.
Though military sources had not yet provided details, the family of Army 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman
said they were told he died Monday when his helicopter went down in the volatile Diyala
province northeast of Baghdad. As Heidtman's family learned of the 24-year-old's death, news
was emerging from Iraq about the incident. The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the loss of
a Kiowa helicopter - a small, highly maneuverable scouting and attack aircraft with two aboard.
As a ground rescue team raced toward the scene, its vehicles were hit by roadside bombs,
killing six more soldiers. Two other soldiers were killed Monday by a roadside bomb in south
Baghdad, the military reported.
The 116 deaths reported by i-casualities.org, a website that compiles statistics about the war in
Iraq, makes this month among the worst of the war. The site also gives the latest total count of
U.S. fatalities at 3,468.
Heidtman's family and friends struggled Tuesday with the news that they had lost a son,
brother, baseball player and college graduate. The family issued a statement, saying they were
devastated by the loss but "proud of his service to his country."
"We support what he wanted to do," said his stepfather, Arthur Robidoux.
They also wanted to say they were glad for the support already pouring in. Their day was hectic,
Robidoux said - "mentally and physically trying."
Keith Heidtman, the son of Kerry Heidtman and Maureen Robidoux, graduated six years ago
from the Norwich Free Academy. Hugh "Duke" Campbell, a principal there, was his assistant
baseball coach. "It's tragic news for all of us," Campbell said.
Campbell knew Heidtman since he was a boy coming to baseball camps and remembers him as
the hard-working first baseman and outfielder who hit .371 one year.
On Tuesday, he sat looking at a letter of recommendation he had written for the pending grad in
2000, when Heidtman was applying to the University of Connecticut.
It opened: "Keith Heidtman represents everything that is right about young people today. He
brings the whole package to the table every day."
Heidtman graduated two years ago from UConn with honors. His education also included
ROTC - the four-year training program to become a military officer.
"He showed up in my office one day," said Maj. Glenn Colby, enrollment officer there. "He
wanted to serve his country," Colby said. "You couldn't ask for a better kid."
Last year, Heidtman had another graduation - from an Army aviation school in Alabama. And
then, six months ago, he was in Iraq.
As Memorial Day approached, Task Force Lightning was working northeast of Baghdad in one
of Iraq's more unsettled regions.
The commander of U.S. forces there, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, said earlier this month that
Diyala province's government is nonfunctional and that he would need additional forces in
Diyala "to get that situation to a more acceptable level."
Seventeen days later, on Monday, eight of his soldiers were killed in this single incident.
A spokesman with the Connecticut National Guard, which is usually assigned to assist
Connecticut families like Heidtman's in the casualty process, said his office isn't allowed to talk
about such casualties in the first 24 hours after the family is notified.
But as she has so many times, Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday ordered that the state's flags fly
at half-staff until the burial.
From the Multi-National Force Iraq, a brief notice: "Two Task Force Lightning soldiers were
killed when a helicopter went down in Diyala province May 28. The incident is under
investigation."
Heidtman isn't the first former student of Norwich Free Academy killed in Iraq. That was Spec.
Jacob D. Martir, shot in Sadr City in 2004. Nor was he the first ROTC graduate from UConn to
fall. Capt. Jason Hamill was killed in Iraq just a few weeks before Heidtman got there.
Keith Heidtman
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Norwich - 1st Lieutenant Keith Neal Heidtman, 24, of 133 Scotland Road, died
Monday, May 28, 2007 in Diyala, north of Baghdad, Iraq. Keith was one of two
pilots shot down by enemy fire in their OH-58D Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter.
Keith was born in Norwich on September 2, 1982. He is survived by his parents
Maureen and Arthur Robidoux and Kerry Scot Heidtman; his sister, Keely Jean
Heidtman and her husband Gregory LaPointe; and his longtime girlfriend, Meghan
Lenehan.
He also leaves behind his grandparents, Howard and Louise Heidtman of Norwich,
Regina O'Brien of Cos Cob, and Georgia Robidoux of Norwich. He was
predeceased by his grandfather, Eugene F. O'Brien. Keith will be deeply missed by
his aunts, uncles, cousins and his much-loved friends.
Keith was a 2001 graduate of the Norwich Free Academy where he excelled both academically and
athletically. In the summer of 2002, he served as a lifeguard and counselor at The Hole in The Wall Gang
Camp in Ashford, where he worked with children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Keith's
experiences at the camp left him with fond memories of both the kids and staff with whom he worked. His
time at the camp was influential in developing his personal character and enthusiasm for helping others.
After high school, he attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where he graduated in 2005 with
honors, receiving a bachelor of science degree in resource economics. While attending the university,
Keith was a cadet in the Department of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and, upon graduation,
earned the title of Distinguished Military Graduate in recognition of his outstanding qualities of leadership,
high moral character, academic achievement, and exceptional aptitude for military service. Keith was then
selected to attend the U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he began
his military service as an aviator.
In August 2006, Keith earned his wings and was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment at
Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. In December 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, where he served until his
death.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007, at the Norwich Free Academy Alumni Gymnasium
from 6 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 8, 2007 at the Cathedral of
Saint Patrick in Norwich at 10 a.m. with a burial service to follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Keith Heidtman to The Hole
in the Wall Gang Camp at 555 Long Wharf Drive, Department W, New Haven, CT, 06511 (203-7720522).
The Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Published in The Day on June 5, 2007
Army 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman
24, of Norwich, Conn.; assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th
Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died May 28
in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed
after receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations. Also killed was Chief Warrant
Officer 2 Theodore U. Church.
Norwich soldier dies in helicopter crash in Iraq
The Associated Press
NORWICH, Conn. — A helicopter crash in Iraq on Memorial Day claimed the life of a Norwich
soldier, the governor’s office said May 29.
Army 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman, 24, was the 37th military member with Connecticut ties to die since
the war began in 2002. Two Connecticut civilians have also been killed. Gov. M. Jodi Rell
ordered all state and U.S. flags lowered to half staff in Heidtman’s honor.
“Lt. Heidtman made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, and he did so to protect the freedom that
we so often take for granted,” Rell said in a statement. “To have given his life on Memorial Day
is especially poignant.”
Heidtman was one of 10 U.S. soldiers who died in roadside bombings and the helicopter crash
May 28, the military reported, making May the deadliest month of the year for U.S. troops in
Iraq.
The American deaths raised the number of U.S. forces killed this month to at least 112,
according to an Associated Press count assembled from U.S. military statements.
Eight of the soldiers were from Task Force Lightning — six killed when explosions hit near their
vehicles and two in a helicopter crash. The military did not say if the helicopter was shot down
or had mechanical problems.
Heidtman was a 2001 graduate of Norwich Free Academy and a graduate of the University of
Connecticut.
His parents were notified May 29. He was the son of Kerry Heidtman and Maureen Robidoux.
His stepfather is Art Robidoux. A phone message from The Associated Press was left at his
family’s home.
“If you had to pick your son, this is who you would pick. He was handsome, he was bright,”
Kerry Heidtman told The Day of New London.
Heidtman arrived in Iraq in December and was scheduled to come home for leave in July.
“We’re sending our finest, and we’re losing them,” Kerry Heidtman said.
Protesters a no-show at soldier’s funeral
The Associated Press
NORWICH, Conn. — Protesters who had threatened to disrupt the funeral of a Norwich soldier
killed in Iraq were a no-show June 8.
Army 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman died May 28 when his helicopter was shot down. His funeral was at
St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
“In his 24 years, Keith accomplished more, gave more, made a greater impact on our world,
than most do in many decades of life,” Connecticut Army National Guard State Chaplain (Lt.
Col.) Kevin P. Cavanaugh said at the church. “Keith made a difference.”
A solemn ceremony at his grave featured a rifle salute, a flyover by two Connecticut National
Guard Blackhawk helicopters and a flag-bearing tribute by dozens of supporters.
The threat of protests by a Kansas group called Westboro Baptist Church prompted legislators
and Gov. M. Jodi Rell to work together this week to fast-track a bill limiting such demonstrations.
The same group from Kansas protested at an East Lyme military funeral last December. The
group held signs that read “Thank God for IEDs” — improvised explosive devices — and “God
is America’s Terror.” They claim that the deaths of American soldiers are punishment from God
for the country’s tolerance of homosexuals.
Legislators passed the bill this week before the legislative session ended. Rell signed it June 6.
The Legislature had already passed a similar bill earlier in the session, but the law wouldn’t
have taken effect until Oct. 1.
The legislation bars anyone from willfully making or assisting in making a noise or diversion
that’s not part of any funeral, or intending to disturb the peace at any funeral, within the property
line of a cemetery or house of worship, or within 150 feet of the intersection of the boundary and
a roadway.
Though there were no Westboro protesters at the funeral, a group called the Patriot Guard
Riders, members of the Waterford High School Drama Club and several other groups were on
hand to support the troops.
John Coffindaffer, president of the Sikorsky Veterans Association, came from Oxford.
“We’re just here to offer our support for the lieutenant and his family,” said Coffindaffer, a retired
Air Force helicopter pilot.
Heidtman was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Rell and U.S. Rep.
Joe Courtney were among the dignitaries who attended.
Cpl. Andre . Craig Jr.
Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 24 years old
Died: June 25, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,
1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Incident: Died of wounds suffered from a makeshift bomb in Baghdad.
Pfc. Andre Craig Jr.
Family Doubts
By ARIELLE LEVIN BECKER The Hartford Courant
June 28, 2007
Army Pfc. Andre Craig Jr. of New Haven was killed when a bomb exploded near the convoy on
which he was serving as a gunner in Baghdad. He was 24 years old and left an infant daughter.
NEW HAVEN -- The last time Pfc. Andre Craig Jr., called home, on Saturday, he told his mom
he was exhausted. The 24-year-old infantryman had been on patrol all night, family members
said.
Then he left for a mission, they said. Soon afterward, the Humvee in which Craig was riding in
was struck by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. He died Monday from his wounds,
according to the Department of Defense.
"At least he talked to everybody before he died," Craig's former girlfriend, Rhea Knight, said
Wednesday. Her eyes welled when she noted that she still had a record of his last call to her in
her cellphone.
But family members said the call also left them unsettled, wondering whether the soldiers'
exhaustion and the 24-hour watch Craig described had contributed to Craig's death.
"We believe that's why we lost Andre," said Erik Brown, Craig's godfather. "Had they been able
to rest, Andre would be alive today."
An Army spokeswoman said no comment was available to the family's statements.
Brown served as a family spokesman while talking to reporters Wednesday. More than a dozen
relatives stood behind him, many, like Brown, wearing T-shirts showing a photograph of Craig in
uniform and the words "Dre-2007" and "In God We Trust."
Craig's mother and wife did not wish to speak with reporters, but relatives at the press
conference outside a relative's home on Bassett Street held Craig's baby daughter, Taylor, who
was born while he was in Iraq. She wore a white dress decorated with red and blue stars.
Craig returned home on leave last month, meeting Taylor for the first time and visiting with
neighbors, who warned him to be careful in Iraq.
"Dre," as Craig was known, had long dreamed of joining the Army and also hoped to become a
state trooper after his service, relatives and friends said. The Wilbur Cross High School
graduate had hoped the Army would pay for his college education.
One of six siblings in a close-knit family, Craig served as a big brother figure to many children in
the Hill neighborhood where his family lived, urging young people to stay out of trouble,
residents there said.
Jonathan Craig, 20, recalled his big brother's love for clubbing and bowling, and the late-night
phone calls from Iraq.
Seeing his daughter changed Andre, Jonathan said - he had a gleam in his eye, as if he
suddenly had a new purpose in life.
But during his time home from Iraq, Jonathan said, Andre also seemed to have something on
his mind, as if he knew something bad was going to happen.
Jonathan recited his brother's last words to him: "Take care of my daughter as if you were the
father, until I come back."
Now the family will help raise Taylor, said another relative, Emerson Stevenson.
Craig had served about six months in Iraq, family members said. He joined the Army in October
2005 and served with the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Fort Riley, Kan.
During phone calls home, Craig would report on the conditions in Iraq, Brown said, telling
relatives and friends about feces in the streets and women being raped. Craig was happy to
work to improve conditions, Brown said.
Brown said he had misgivings about the war, particularly with American soldiers in the midst of
a civil war. But he always supported his godson's job there. "Andre was a soldier," Brown said.
"He felt that he was doing the right thing."
It was ironic, said John Elliott, a family friend, that Craig had made it out of a tough
neighborhood to do something positive, only to be killed doing it.
Craig was believed to be the first New Haven resident to die in Iraq. Since 2001, 39 servicemen
and women with Connecticut ties have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Elliott, 26, said joining the military was a way for young people from the neighborhood to pay for
higher education.
"That's our way of getting to college and doing something positive," said Elliott, who served six
years in the Army.
Now, Elliott said, he advises other young people considering the same path to wait until the war
is over. Or to consider loans, he said.
Knowing other people who served in Iraq and who came home made it easy to assume that
Craig would too, he said.
"It's a big eye-opener for everybody," he said. "It's a shock."
Contact Arielle Levin Becker at alevin-becker@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Jonathan Craig''s eyes welled up with tears when he recalled the last visit by his older brother, Andre
Craig Jr. "The last words he said to me in the living room is take care of my daughter as if you were a
father to her until I come back," Jonathan Craig said. Craig, 24, of New Haven, Conn., was killed June 25
in Baghdad of wounds from an explosive. He was a 2001 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort
Riley. Eric Brown, his godfather, said Craig had hoped to use his military service to help with college
costs, and that he planned to become a state trooper when he finished his military service. Ron Rosarbo, a
high school security guard for 12 years, said he remembered Craig well. "He was a quiet leader. He
always volunteered to do things, move boxes, take down bleachers." Jonathan Craig said his older brother
had wanted to join the military since childhood and turned down a scholarship to Rutgers University to
serve in the Army. "He was trying to help his family," said his younger brother. He also is survived by his
wife, Shantia, and daughter, Taylor.
Army Spc. Andre Craig Jr.
24, of New Haven, Conn.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died June 25 in Baghdad of
wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.
New Haven soldier dies in Iraq
The Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A New Haven soldier whose daughter was born earlier this year has
been killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb, the governor’s office said June 27.
Army Spc. Andre Craig, a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, died June 25 in Baghdad
when a bomb exploded near the convoy on which he was serving as a gunner.
Craig, 24, returned to New Haven recently for a brief visit to celebrate his birthday and to meet
his infant daughter, Taylor, who was born while he was serving in Iraq.
The governor has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until Craig’s burial.
“He took on the most hazardous duties to protect our country’s freedom,” Rell said in a
statement. “His bravery, his courage and the sacrifice he made for each and every one of us will
never be forgotten.”
Craig was the 38th military member with Connecticut ties to die since the war began in 2002.
Two Connecticut civilians have also been killed.
Craig lived with his 20-year-old brother, Jonathan, and was known to friends, family and children
in his neighborhood as “Dre,” according to neighbors.
Craig and his five siblings were close to their mother, a nurse’s aide at the Hospital of St.
Raphael in New Haven, said family friend Khabira Hill.
“He wanted to make her proud,” Hill told The Hartford Courant.
Craig’s family plans to hold a funeral service in New Haven and have him buried in Arlington
National Cemetery in Virginia.
Family of slain soldier blames exhaustion
By John Christoffersen
The Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The family of a soldier killed in Iraq on June 25 blamed his death on
exhaustion, saying soldiers there are not getting enough rest.
Spc. Andre Craig Jr., 24, of New Haven, died of wounds sustained from the explosion of a
roadside bomb in Baghdad.
Craig, a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, was an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion,
16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in Fort Riley,
Kan.
He entered the Army in October 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division in March
2006. This was his first deployment to Iraq.
Craig, whose nickname was Dre, called his family by cell phone June 23 to tell them he was on
24-hour security duty, said Erik Brown, his godfather and family spokesman. After that, Craig
went out on a mission and was killed, he said.
“He was very tired, he was exhausted,” Brown said June 28. “Due to that exhaustion, we believe
that’s why we lost Andre. The soldiers are not getting rest, they’re tired.”
An Army spokeswoman at Fort Riley did not immediately respond to a request for comment on
the family’s assertions.
Brown and family members wore T-shirts with Craig’s picture and the words, “Dre 2007 in God
we trust.”
Craig, 24, returned to New Haven recently for a brief visit to celebrate his birthday and to meet
his infant daughter, Taylor, who was born while he was serving in Iraq.
Craig described “deplorable” conditions in Iraq, including women being raped and feces in the
street, Brown said.
“They’re terrorizing each other and we have our soldiers in the middle of a civil war,” Brown
said.
Still, Craig was happy doing his job, Brown said. Family and friends said Craig, who had been in
Iraq about six months, wanted to be a state trooper and had planned to go to college.
The governor has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until Craig’s burial.
“He took on the most hazardous duties to protect our country’s freedom,” Rell said in a
statement. “His bravery, his courage and the sacrifice he made for each and every one of us will
never be forgotten.”
Craig was the 38th military member with Connecticut ties to die since the war began in 2002.
Two Connecticut civilians have also been killed.
Craig lived with his 22-year-old brother, Jonathan.
Craig and his five siblings were close to their mother, a nurse’s aide at the Hospital of St.
Raphael in New Haven, said family friend Khabira Hill.
Craig’s family plans to hold a funeral service in New Haven and have him buried in Arlington
National Cemetery, Va.
Jonathan Craig’s eyes welled up with tears as he recalled his brother’s last visit with his
daughter.
“The last words he said he said to me in the living room is take care of my daughter as if you
were a father to her until I come back,” Jonathan Craig said.
Family, friends recall soldier killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
Jonathan Craig’s eyes welled up with tears when he recalled the last visit by his older brother,
Army Pfc. Andre Craig Jr.
“The last words he said to me in the living room is take care of my daughter as if you were a
father to her until I come back,” Jonathan Craig said.
Craig, 24, of New Haven, Conn., was killed June 25 in Baghdad of wounds from an explosive.
He was a 2001 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Riley, Kan.
Eric Brown, his godfather, said Craig had hoped to use his military service to help with college
costs, and that he planned to become a state trooper when he finished his military service.
Ron Rosarbo, a high school security guard for 12 years, said he remembered Craig well. “He
was a quiet leader. He always volunteered to do things, move boxes, take down bleachers.”
Jonathan Craig said his older brother had wanted to join the military since childhood and turned
down a scholarship to Rutgers University to serve in the Army. “He was trying to help his
family,” said his younger brother.
He also is survived by his wife, Shantia, and daughter, Taylor.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Dale . Lewis
Hometown: Brookfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 30 years old
Died: July 6, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Navy, Navy SEAL, Virginia Beach, Va.
Incident: Killed while conducting combat operations in Baghdad.
Special Warfare Operator Jason D. Lewis
By DAVE ALTIMARI The Hartford Courant
July 8, 2007
Navy SEAL Jason D. Lewis, a Brookfield native and special warfare operator first class, was
killed in combat July 6, 2007 in Baghdad. He was 30 years old, and left a wife and three children
in Virginia.
A 30-year-old Navy SEAL who was a Brookfield native was killed Friday by an improvised
explosive device during a combat mission in Baghdad, military officials confirmed on Saturday.
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Jason D. Lewis was one of three sailors killed by the bomb.
Naval officials would not release any more details on how or where Lewis was killed or what the
sailors were doing when the bomb exploded, citing security concerns.
Lewis is survived by his wife, Donna, and three children who live in Virginia Beach, Va. Donna
Lewis is also from Brookfield.
A woman who answered the phone at the Brookfield home of Donna Lewis' parents, John and
Doris Tyransky, Saturday evening said the family was referring all questions to the Navy and
would not have a comment on the death.
Lewis is the 40th active duty service member with ties to Connecticut to have been killed in Iraq
or Afghanistan since 2001. He is the second from Brookfield to die in Iraq. Marine Lance Cpl.
John T. Schmidt III, 21, died in March 2005 from injuries suffered during a firefight near Fallujah.
The other sailors killed on the mission with Lewis Friday were Steven P. Daugherty, 28, of
California and Robert R. McRill, 42, of Florida.
``Petty Officers Lewis, Daugherty and McRill were patriots in the truest sense. Our hearts and
prayers go out to their families, friends, and teammates during this very difficult time. They had
a combined 34 years of dedicated service to our country,'' said Capt. Chaz Heron, commander,
Naval Special Warfare Group Two.
``These sailors embodied the Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment, time and
again in training and on the battlefield. The Naval Special Warfare family will miss them and will
ensure they are never forgotten.''
Lewis enlisted in the Navy July 22, 1996, and graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great
Lakes, Ill. In February 1997, Lewis entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in
Coronado, Calif.
Lewis completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic
Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., before being assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL team
in October 1997. He reported to the Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado, Calif., in March
2004, and transferred to an East Coast-based SEAL team in January 2006.
It was unclear if this was his first tour of duty in Iraq.
Lewis' awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal, Navy ``E'' ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Navy and
Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon, Expert Rifleman Medal and Expert Pistol Shot Medal.
Contact Dave Altimari at daltimari@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Lewis enlisted in the Navy July 22, 1996, and graduated from Recruit Training
Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in November. In February 1997, Lewis entered Basic
Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif. Following
graduation from BUD/S, Lewis completed advanced SEAL training courses including
parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., before being assigned
to a West Coast-based SEAL team in October 1997. He reported to the Naval Special
Warfare Center, Coronado, Calif., in March 2004, and transferred to an East Coastbased SEAL team in January 2006. Lewis' awards include the Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy 'E' ribbon,
Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon,
Expert Rifleman Medal and Expert Pistol Shot Medal. Lewis is survived by his wife and
three children.
Jason D. Lewis
Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Dale Lewis of the United States Navy SEALs, of Virginia Beach, Va., formerly
of Brookfield, beloved husband of Donna (Tyransky) Lewis, died of injuries sustained in combat. He was
born in Danbury on June 30, 1977, cherished son of Jean Mariano of New Milford and Dale Lewis.
Jason lived in Brookfield for most of his life. He enjoyed fly fishing, rock climbing, cycling, and all outdoor
activities. He was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Donna, he will be sadly missed by his three children: Jack, Max
and Grace; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Frances Mariano of Brookfield; his sister, Jennie
Schell and her husband, Kenneth, of New Milford; his mother and father-in-law, Jack and Doris Tyransky,
of Brookfield; his sister-in-law, Kerri Eannarino and her husband, Brett, of Brookfield. He is also survived
by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at the First Assembly of God in Brookfield, Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 11
a.m. Burial in Center Cemetery, New Milford with full military honors, will follow.
The family will receive friends at the First Assembly of God, Friday, July 13, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The Cornell Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jason Lewis
Memorial Fund, in care of Union Savings Bank, 226 Main Street, Danbury, Conn. 06810; or to the Naval
Special Warfare Foundation, P.O. Box 5965, Virginia Beach, VA 23471.
To light a candle of hope and remembrance, please visit our website at www.CornellMemorial.com.
Published in News Times on July 10, 2007
Petty Officer First Class Jason Dale Lewis
June 29th, 2009
Birth: June 30, 1977 in Danbury, Connecticut
Death: July 6, 2007 in Sadr City, Iraq
Petty Officer First Class Jason Lewis of Brookfield, Connecticut was the son of Jean Mariano
and Dale Lewis and the husband of the husband of Donna Tyransky Lewis. He lived in
Brookfield for most of his life where he enjoyed fly fishing, rock climbing, cycling and all
outdoor activities. He was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family. Jason
was a SEAL based at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. He joined the Navy in 1996 and
graduated from basic SEAL training the following year then joining a West Coast special
warfare team. Jason transferred to the East Coast in January 2006 where he lived in Virginia
Beach. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Navy
and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon, Expert Rifleman Medal and Expert Pistol Shot
Medal. He died as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in the
vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq at age 30.
East Coast-based SEAL team
Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base
Virginia
Burial is at Center Cemetery in New Milford, Connecticut
Sgt. Jason M. Lantieri
Hometown: Killingworth, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 25 years old
Died: October 10, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne),
25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska
Incident: Died in a vehicle accident in Iskandaryah.
Charlie Macunas, who was a teacher and principal to Jason M. Lantieri, said he held a
solid "B" average while playing on the high school's soccer, basketball and baseball
teams. "He worked hard academically, but you could always tell it was hard for him to
sit still. He was a bundle of energy," Macunas said of Lantieri, who also served on the
school's student council for two years. Lantieri, 25, of Killingworth, Conn., died Oct. 10
in Iskandaryah of injuries from an Oct. 9 vehicle accident. He was assigned to Fort
Richardson. Lantieri graduated high school in 2000 and earned a business degree from
Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. In a MySpace posting in January,
Lantieri described traveling around Europe during a 15-day break from Iraq. He said
Europe was beautiful, and he raved about the Coliseum, the Louvre and the food. He
wrote: "Europe is a great place to just live for the day and for the moment. For now I
will say arrivederci, auf wiedersehen and au revoir to Europe, but the next time
around I'll be bringing Chuck Norris." He is survived by his parents, Kathleen and Jon.
Jason Lantieri
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LANTIERI, Jason Jason Lantieri, a young man from Connecticut and an Army sergeant, died in Baghdad,
Iraq on Wednesday (October 10, 2007) in an accident. He was 25. Jason was born in Waterbury on July
24, 1982. He spent his early childhood in Naugatuck, and then moved to Killingworth, where he
graduated from Haddam-Killingworth high school and played basketball, soccer, and baseball. He went
on to earn a bachelor's degree at Western New England College in Springfield. Jason enlisted in the
Army in 2005, and he was sent to Iraq in 2006. He was promoted to sergeant while in Iraq, and Jason
was due to come home in December 2007. Jason's vivid spirit and mischievous nature left their mark.
Here's one story told by Jason's best friend, Steve Haeckel. One day, playing golf with friends, Jason
belly-flopped into a pond on the fairway of the eighteenth hole as a thunderstorm approached. "We're
going to get wet anyway," Jason said. There was almost nothing Jason wouldn't try, and there was no
dare Jason wouldn't take. Jason's contagious smile and his permanent optimism pulled him out of plenty
of scrapes. Throughout his short life, Jason always dreamed big and lived life to the fullest. Jason was an
avid fan of many sports, but waffle ball had a special place in his heart. His waffle ball bats, customized
with electrical tape and all sorts of geegaws, were a perfect example of Jason's tinkering. He always had
a good idea how to make things better, faster, and stronger. Jason is survived by a large family; his
parents, Jon and Kathy Miller; and his brother and sisters, David Miller, Sarah Greenaway, and Rachel
and Amy Durette. He was "Uncle Jay" to seven nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several aunts,
uncles, cousins, and grandmothers. Jason's mother, Karen Lantieri, died several years ago. Jason's many
friends around the world are devastated by the loss. The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m.,
Wednesday, October 17, at the field house of the Haddam-Killingworth High School, 95 Little City Road,
Higganum. Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 18 at the High School with burial to follow in
Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth with full Military Honors.
In lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be made payable to the Jason Lantieri Memorial
Scholarship Fund c/o Steve Haeckel, 134 Salem Drive, Cromwell, CT 06416. Swan Funeral Home Clinton
is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Hartford Courant on October 14, 2007
Soldier from Conn. dies in Iraq vehicle accident
By Associated Press | October 12, 2007
HARTFORD - A US Army sergeant who grew up in Killingworth died accidentally in Iraq this
week after he was pinned between vehicles, his family said yesterday.
Jason Lantieri, 25, joined the Army two years ago and was due home in December for a break,
said his mother, Kathleen Miller of Clinton. She said a military official came to her home
Wednesday morning to tell her that her son had died from injuries suffered in an accident
Tuesday.
"We don't have all the details," Miller said in a phone interview. "Our family is devastated. He
was a pretty special person, full of fun, full of life. He went into the service looking for an
adventure."
Lantieri was supposed to come home over the summer, but his unit's deployment was
extended, Miller said.
Lantieri graduated from Haddam-Killingworth High School in 2000 and earned a business
degree from Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. He was serving with the
Army's 25th Infantry Division in Baghdad, state officials said.
Miller said her son's body will be returned to the United States in five to seven days. She said
the family has tentative plans to hold a memorial service at Haddam-Killingworth High School. A
date has not been set.
The Defense Department said yesterday that Lantieri died Wednesday from injuries suffered on
Tuesday. The circumstances surrounding the accident are under investigation, according to the
Defense Department.
Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered Connecticut and US flags flown at half-staff until Lantieri is
buried.
"I ask that we unite as a state to honor the sacrifice that Sergeant Lantieri has made on our
behalf," Rell said in a statement.
Lantieri was the 39th military member with Connecticut ties to die in Iraq and Afghanistan since
the wars began in 2002. The last, Army Private First Class Andre Craig of New Haven, died in
Iraq in June. Two Connecticut civilians have also died.
Miller said Lantieri had a difficult early childhood with his biological family in the NaugatuckWaterbury area. She did not want to elaborate. She and her husband, Jon, adopted him, and he
grew up in the Miller family with a brother and sister.
His mother believes he enlisted because he wanted to see the world. "I think he was anxious to
travel and explore," Kathleen Miller said.
After they learned of his death, Lantieri's friends posted notes on his MySpace.com page,
calling him a hero.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
2008
Cpl. Christian S. Cotner
Hometown: Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Age: 20 years old
Died: May 30, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17,
1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan
Incident: Died in a non-hostile incident in Anbar province.
Cpl. Christian Cotner
Waterbury Man Remembered For Positive Attitude
By JIM SHEA Courant Staff Writers
June 8, 2008
Marine Cpl. Christian Cotner of Waterbury died May 30, 2008 in a non-hostile incident in Iraq's
Anbar province on his first tour duty in Iraq. Details of his death were not released. He was 20
years old.
In an aged cemetery, beneath a leaning evergreen, on a morning warm with the promise of
summer, Marine Cpl. Christian Scott Cotner was laid to rest Saturday with full military honors.
Cotner, 20, was killed May 30 in Iraq during his first tour of duty in the war zone. Details
surrounding his death have not been released.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell was among the crowd of about 500 mourners who attended the service. Rell
said she was there to share the family's loss and pay her respects. "Losing a child is every
mother and father's worst nightmare," she said.
Other top state officials in attendance included Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, Attorney General
Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and Comptroller Nancy Wyman.
"I went to school with Scott and also worked with him at Roller Magic," Amy Percy, of
Naugatuck, said before the service. "I always remember him as being funny. He could always
make me laugh. He was just a sweetheart."
Percy also remembered Cotner as being gung-ho. "He always talked about the Marines. He
really wanted to go over there."
Another friend, Lauren Galanti, of Waterbury, said Cotner's death brought home the reality of
the war.
"Until I heard about it, I never thought much about Iraq," Galanti said. "When I realized Christian
isn't coming back, I realized the war is real."
One person not surprised by the large turnout was Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura.
"Waterbury is a very patriotic city," he said. "We support our own."
Shortly before 9 a.m., 146 members of the Patriot Guard Riders arrived on their motorcycles.
The group, which consists of many ex-service members, often attends services of fallen
soldiers.
After dismounting their bikes, Patriot Guard Riders took up large American flags and lined the
road into the cemetery.
"As we drove up and saw the flags, I started to cry," Rell said.
When the motorcade following the hearse bearing Cotner's body arrived, it was led into the
cemetery by a riderless horse with a pair of backward boots in the stirrups. The horse, named
Melody, is owned by Marine Rick Kowalker of Cromwell and was making its 169th appearance
at a service member's funeral.
The casket was unloaded by a contingent of Marines. As is tradition, a Marine stays with the
body from the time it arrives back into this country until the time of interment, Staff Sgt. James
Battisti said.
Following prayers, the Marine guard unfolded the flag that had covered the casket and held it
spread out as a squad of Marine riflemen fired a three volley salute.
The flag was then refolded and presented to Cotner's parents. Cotner's mother, Karen, her
son's dog tags hanging from her neck, gently stroked the tightly folded flag for the rest of the
service.
A memorial service at First Congregational Church in Waterbury followed the burial.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Christian S. Cotner's brother, Eric, said he and his brother grew up on different sides of
issues. "I like the Red Sox. He liked the Yankees. I went to college. He wanted to go in
the Marines. I remember the day he said he wanted to be a Marine. Our whole family
worried about what would happen to him. But when he graduated, I immediately
realized he wanted to be the best. I will always love him and keep him close to my
heart." Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, Conn., died May 30 from a non-hostile incident in Al
Anbar province. He was a 2006 high school graduate and was assigned to Okinawa,
Japan. "I always remember him as being funny. He could always make me laugh. He
was just a sweetheart," said Amy Percy, a friend. Cotner didn't like car trips, but lit up
at the sight of steam engines. He loved to play video games, and recently sent his
friends several hand-held video games from Iraq. He was fearless of heights, loved to
bungee jump, ride roller coasters, mess with computers and fly remote-controlled
airplanes. He also is survived by his parents, Karen and Graham.
Christian Scott Cotner
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COTNER, Cpl. Christian Scott Corporal Christian Scott Cotner, age 20, died Friday
(May 30, 2008), in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, while serving during Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Corporal Cotner was born November 27, 1987, in Waterbury, the son of
Graham and Karen (Christensen) Cotner of Waterbury. He was a graduate of
Kingsbury Grammar School, North End Middle School and Wilby High School. Upon
graduation, Mr. Cotner joined the United States Marines Corp and has recently
been serving as a Corporal in the Marines Wing Support Squadron #172, Group
#17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing III, Marine Expeditionary Force headquartered in
Okinawa, Japan. He was a member of the Boys Scouts of America, the Wilby High
School, ROTC, and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Waterbury. He had a passion for
computers and electronic gaming and enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes and was a
member of the Nutmeg Flyers. Besides his parents, Christian is survived by a brother, Eric Cotner of
Waterbury, his maternal grandparents June Christensen of Waterbury; and Carl L. Christensen of Lyme,
his paternal grandparents Billy and Gloria Cotner of Waterbury, his aunt Wendy Christensen of Florida,
his uncle Eric Christensen and his wife Susan of Shelton, his aunt Cathy Crouse and her husband Ralph of
Wolcott, cousins Stewart and David Crouse, Victoria Jelenik and Julie Christensen as well many close
friends "The Crew". A graveside service with full military honors will be held Saturday June 7 at 10 a.m.
at Riverside Cemetery, 496 Riverside St in Waterbury and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday June
7 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Waterbury, 222 W. Main St. Family and friends who
plan on attending the graveside service are asked to meet directly at Riverside Cemetery and stage
outside the cemetery gate until the family arrives. At the family's request, dress for the 1 p.m. memorial
service should be "Tropical Casual" due to a very warm sanctuary. The Casey-O'Donnell Family Funeral
Home 1581 E. Main St Waterbury has been entrusted to assist the family and the United States Armed
Forces with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church of Waterbury (222 W.
Main St Waterbury, Ct 06702) for a scholarship fund in memory of Christian Scott Cotner. For more
information, to light a memorial candle, or to send an on-line condolence to the family please visit the
funeral homes website at www.caseyodonnell.com.
Published in Hartford Courant on June 4, 2008
Cpl Christian Scott Cotner October 11th, 2009
Born: November 27, 1987 in Waterbury, Connecticut
Died: May 30, 2008 in AL Asad, Iraq
Cpl. Christian S. Cotner of Waterbury, Connecticut was a graduate of Wilby High
School where he was a member of the ROTC. He was an easygoing student who
was well liked and enthusiastic about learning. He also attended Kingsbury
Grammar School, North End Middle School. Upon graduation, he joined the United
States Marines Corp and has recently been serving as a Corporal. He was a member
of the Boys Scouts of America and was a member of the First Congregational
Church of Waterbury. He had a passion for computers and electronic gaming and
enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes and was a member of the
Nutmeg Flyers. In addition to his parents, Graham and Karen Christensen Cotner,
he is survived by a brother, Eric Cotner, his maternal grandparents June
Christensen; and Carl L. Christensen, his paternal grandparents Billy and Gloria
Cotner, his aunt Wendy Christensen, his uncle Eric Christensen and his wife Susan,
his aunt Cathy Crouse and her husband Ralph, cousins Stewart and David Crouse,
Victoria Jelenik and Julie Christensen as well many close friends “The Crew”.
Christian died at age 20 Iraq, while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Marines
Marine Wing Support Squadron 172
Marine Wing Support Group 17
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Okinawa, Japan
Burial is at Riverside Cemetery in Waterbury, Connecticut
1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown
Hometown: Burke, Virginia, U.S.
Age: 26 years old
Died: September 23, 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany
Incident: Died Sept. 23 in Salman Park, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came
under small arms fire during dismounted operations.
While stationed at Fort Benning, Thomas J. Brown found an abandoned cat that
someone had apparently tossed out a window. He adopted it as a pet, giving it a loving
home, and named it Batman. "That was Tom," said his mother, Carol Brown. He
always looked out for others, both people or animals. "He always seemed to be picking
up abandoned animals," she said. Brown, 26, of Burke, Va., died Sept. 23 in Salman
Pak of wounds from small-arms fire. He graduated from George Mason University in
2004 with degrees in government and international politics, and was assigned to
Baumholder, Germany. "He tried working, but he found life behind a desk was not for
him," Carol Brown said. So Brown applied for and was accepted to Army Officer
Candidate School. In addition to earning an officer''s commission, he earned Airborne
wings and a Ranger tab. Brown wouldn''t ask his troops to do anything that he himself
wouldn''t do, his brother Tim said. "He led his life by example and was always in front
of the pack," he said. "He always wanted to be the one with boots on the ground and
in the front of the line." He also is survived by his mother, Jackie. "He''s my hero," said
Ronald Phillips Sr.
Thomas J. Brown
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BROWN First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, age 26, of Shelton, was killed in action Tuesday, September
23, 2008 in Balad Iraq while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was the beloved son of
Carol Mary (Platkiewicz) Brown of Shelton, and the late Kevin J. Brown. Thomas was born in New Haven,
on March 13, 1982, and lived in Shelton most of his life. He attended St. Jude's Grammar School in
Monroe and was a Graduate of Notre Dame of Fairfield, Class of 2000. Thomas was very active in youth
sports. He played in Shelton Little League, Biddy Basketball, and Travel Soccer for the Shelton U10 thru
U16 teams. He played basketball at St. Jude's School, played varsity soccer and ran track while at Notre
Dame of Fairfield. Thomas loved to snowboard, skydive and was a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed
traveling and had a special place in his heart for the little island of St Maarten. He had respect for all
forms of life and was known to rescue any and all injured animals. Thomas graduated from George
Mason University Class of 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and International Politics.
He studied abroad in Madrid Spain and Greece. He was a brother in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He
enlisted into the United States Army after gaining acceptance into the Officer Candidate School. Lt.
Brown completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort
Benning, Ga and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant Infantry Officer on April 13, 2006. He
completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course as well as the Mortar Leaders School, both at Fort Benning.
He endured the rigors of Ranger School and went on to earn his Ranger Tab. He also obtained his
Airborne Wings. In Sept 2007 Lt. Brown was assigned to the 1st Armored Division 2-6 Infantry Regiment
in Baumholder, Germany. In October of 2007 he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. His unit
deployed to Iraq on April 3, 2008. He was assigned as Mortar Platoon Leader with the 2-6 at COP Carver,
and then in July was reassigned as a Rifle Platoon Leader with the 2-6 Infantry, Alpha Company. He was
awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge posthumously. Thomas
wanted to experience all that life had to offer and never ignored the little things like a crisp fall morning
or the setting sun. He affected everyone he met even in passing and they all felt they were a better
person for knowing him. Thomas is the beloved twin brother of Timothy Brown of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and
his fianc Sarah Colella. He is also lovingly remembered by his maternal grandmother, Sophie Platkiewicz,
his uncles Paul J. Brown Jr. and his wife Michelle of Worcester, Mass., and Neil J. Brown and his wife,
Donna of Springfield, Mass.; aunts Noreen M. Bowler of West Springfield, Mas., and Kathleen M. Brown
of Agawam, Mass.; several cousins, and his loving and devoted longtime girlfriend, Angela Yeo of Fairfax,
Va. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, John Platkiewicz, his paternal grandparents, Paul J.
Brown, Sr. and Marie C. Brown, and an uncle, Paul Bowler, II. Friends and family may pay their respects
at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. On Thursday
friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Church, 707
Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. Burial with full military honors will take place on December 11, 2008 at
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Lieutenant Brown prearranged with his family that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St.
Jude Children's Research Hospital, ATTN: Tribute/Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,
TN 38105. Online condolences can be offered at www.riverviewfh.com.
Published in Connecticut Post on September 30, 2008
First Lt. Thomas J. Brown
Soldier Who Grew Up In Shelton Killed In Iraq
By DAVID OWENS The Hartford Courant
September 25, 2008
First Lt. Thomas J. Brown, who grew up in Shelton, was killed in Iraq on Sept. 23, 2008 in
Salman Pak, Iraq. He was 26.
An Army officer who grew up in Shelton was killed in Iraq on Tuesday after the patrol he was
leading came under small arms fire.
First Lt. Thomas J. Brown, 26, was leading his soldiers on a patrol in Salman Pak, Iraq, the
Army said. Brown was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany.
"Ever since Tom was young, he always wanted to go into the military," said Carol Brown, his
mother. She said she and her late husband had insisted that their son first go to college. He
graduated from George Mason University.
"He tried working, but he found life behind a desk was not for him," Brown said. So Thomas
Brown enrolled in Officer Candidate School. In addition to earning an officer's commission, he
earned Airborne wings and a Ranger Tab.
Carol Brown said her son, who lived in Burke, Va., was proud to be an infantry soldier. "Infantry
meant everything to him," she said. By being on the ground and leading soldiers, he believed he
could make the most impact and do the most good.
Carol Brown said she learned of her son's death Tuesday afternoon when a chaplain and
another officer visited her home. She said she has tried to remain strong, for her mother and her
son's twin brother, Timothy, who is a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Arizona.
Thomas Brown was due home for leave in 20 days and planned to spend time visiting his 85year-old grandmother and traveling to the Caribbean with his girlfriend, his brother and his
fianceé, and his mother.
Brown is the 43rd member of the military with Connecticut ties to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since
March 2002.
Contact David Owens at dowens@courant.com.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Thomas J. Brown
First Lieutenant, United States Army
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 809-08
September 24, 2008
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, 26, of Burke, Virginia, died September 23, 2008, in Salman
Park, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came under small arms fire during dismounted
operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-496221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
25 September 2008:
An Army officer who grew up in Shelton was killed in Iraq on Tuesday after the patrol he was
leading came under small arms fire.
First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, 26, was leading his soldiers on a patrol in Salman Pak, Iraq, the
Army said. Brown was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany.
"Ever since Tom was young, he always wanted to go into the military," said Carol Brown, his
mother. She said she and her late husband had insisted that their son first go to college. He
graduated from George Mason University.
"He tried working, but he found life behind a desk was not for him," Brown said. So Thomas
Brown enrolled in Officer Candidate School. In addition to earning an officer's commission, he
earned Airborne wings and a Ranger Tab.
Carol Brown said her son, who lived in Burke, Virginia, was proud to be an infantry soldier.
"Infantry meant everything to him," she said. By being on the ground and leading soldiers, he
believed he could make the most impact and do the most good.
Carol Brown said she learned of her son's death Tuesday afternoon when a chaplain and another
officer visited her home. She said she has tried to remain strong, for her mother and her son's
twin brother, Timothy, who is a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Arizona.
Thomas Brown was due home for leave in 20 days and planned to spend time visiting his 85-yearold grandmother and traveling to the Caribbean with his girlfriend, his brother and his fianceé,
and his mother.
25 September 2008:
Shelton (WTNH) -- Flags across the state are flying at half-staff in memory of a soldier from
Connecticut who died in Iraq.
First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, who grew up in Shelton, died Tuesday, September 23, 2008,
Salman Pak, Iraq. Lieutenant Brown was assigned to A Coompany, 2nd Battalion 6th infantry
Regiment, 1st armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.
Thomas Brown was a soldier's officer. Instead of eating with other officers, he ate with his troops.
Instead of sending soldiers out on patrol, he went with them on every patrol. It was on one of
those patrols in a town 60 miles north of Baghdad that Brown was killed in an ambush attack. His
troops have already called his family here in Shelton to say how much they will miss their leader,
and Brown's family and the hometown that put his name on their honor board will certainly miss
him too.
"The type of person that you met and everyone around him was better for having known him,"
said his twin brother, Tim Brown.
Tom Brown grew up playing little league, basketball and soccer in Shelton and then for Notre
Dame High School. He went to George Mason University, but there was never any doubt he would
end up serving his country. He joined the Army, went through Ranger school and got his Airborne
wings. In April, Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown went to Iraq. On Tuesday, his platoon was ambushed
and he was killed.
"We lost someone special a couple days ago because he was one of the people in life that you
meet and you really take something with you from them," Tim said.
And some of the soldiers serving under Lieutenant Brown called him and told him that unlike
other officers, Brown always went with his troops on every mission. They told him Brown led from
the front, always riding in the convoy's lead vehicle.
You know he was never the type of guy to send his troops out without him. He was always there at
the front of the line and that was one thing they said they respected about him that wherever they
went he was with them," Tim said.
Lieutenant Brown knew he had the support of his family and hometown, too. His mom sent him a
picture of Shelton's new wall of honor.
"He had called her back and told her many of the people serving In his platoon were somewhat
envious of his hometown because of the spirit and of the recognition we were paying to the men
and women in the services," said Mayor Mark Lauretti.
Funeral services have not been announced. Governor Jodi Rell has ordered flags in the state to
fly at half staff until his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
By KATE RAMUNNI
Courtesy Of The Connecticut Post
25 September 2008
SHELTON, Connecticut - A few years ago, when Army First Lieutenant Thomas Brown was
stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, he found a forlorn cat that someone had apparently tossed out
a window.
Brown took the battered cat, cleaned it up and adopted it as a pet, giving it a loving home.
That cat, dubbed Batman, has been living with Brown's mother, Carol, in her Button Road home
since he was deployed to fight with American forces in Iraq.
Now, the cat whose rescue was a reflection of Tom Brown's caring nature, is an aching reminder
of his loss -- the 43rd member of the military with Connecticut ties to die in Iraq or Afghanistan
since March 2002.
"That was Tom," Carol Brown said Thursday of her son's adoption of Batman. He always looked
out for others, both people or animals. "He always seemed to be picking up abandoned animals,"
she said, and was equally protective of those he led into battle in Iraq.
Brown, 26, died Tuesday in action in Salman Pak, about 60 miles north of Baghdad, according to
the Defense Department. He was assigned to the Germany-based 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division.
Soon after Brown died, the troops he commanded called his family, according to his twin brother,
Tim.
"They wanted to tell Mom what a straight-up guy he was," he said, "and how much they
appreciated him as an officer and how much it meant to serve under him."
Tom Brown wouldn't ask his troops to do anything that he himself wouldn't do, his brother said.
"He led his life by example and was always in front of the pack," he said. "He always wanted to be
the one with boots on the ground and in the front of the line."
Tom Brown grew up in Shelton, and attended St. Jude's School in Monroe and Notre Dame High
School in Fairfield. He went on to earn a degree in politics and government from George Mason
University in Virginia.
But it was always his fondest desire to serve his nation in the military, Carol Brown said.
"He always said he wanted to be a soldier," she said. "Thomas always said he wanted to make a
difference, and he saw going into the military and serving in Iraq as a way to do that."
While early reports on Brown's death indicated that he most recently lived in Burke, Virginia, he
always used Shelton as his official address and had only gone to that state for a brief time to stay
with his brother, Carol Brown said.
Her son stuffed a lot of living into his 26 years, she said.
"He loved life and wanted to experience it all," she said. That included scuba diving, sky diving
and snowboarding, she said, as well as playing Little League baseball and Biddy Basketball in
Shelton. He also played soccer throughout his school years. "He enjoyed life to its fullest," she
said, adding that he loved to travel and did so frequently.
He also worked hard, earning the prestigious Army Ranger Tab by successfully completing a
harrowing U.S. Army Ranger Training School on combat tactics in desert, mountain and swamp
conditions. "He treasured that most," his mother said. "He was thrilled when he got that tab."
Carol Brown said she last spoke with her son Saturday, when he recounted for her how his unit
had discovered a cache of weapons.
"He said that by finding that, hopefully they saved some lives," she said. "Those were his last
words to me."
Though he didn't have to, Brown always accompanied his unit on its missions, she said. "He
insisted he go out on every mission with his men," she said. "He believed in leading from the
front, and I always scolded him about it."
Tom Brown had planned to return home for an R&R break October 13, when he was to visit his 85year-old grandmother and take a trip to St. Martin with his mother, his girlfriend, Angela Yeo, his
brother, Tim, and his fiancee. His father, Kevin, died in 2005.
"He just called me three days ago and said he couldn't wait to get back," Tim Brown said.
Tom Brown and his brother Tim were remembered fondly Thursday by the Rev. William
Sangiovanni, the principal of Notre Dame High School.
"He and his brother went here -- nice kids," he said. "It's so disheartening to hear that news ... You
hate to hear news like this, but especially when it's someone that you know."
He said that many of the Notre Dame faculty members "knew the Brown brothers. [Tom] was very
active. The both played soccer and ran track, and he was involved in volunteering for the Garlic
Festival and other things that we had going on here at the time."
Sangiovanni said that Brown also was in the school's honors program.
News of Brown's death stunned Shelton residents, many of whom learned about the incident
through newspaper and television reports Thursday morning.
Flowers and a note to Brown were left Thursday at a veterans' honor wall near the war memorial
building at Riverview Park.
Jean Stott, 44, of New Street, said Brown's death is jarring news because it happened to someone
from her hometown.
"My thoughts and prayers to the kid's family and friends. I'm honored that a kid his age would go
and fight for freedom," she said.
Frances Zak, 86, of Myrtle Street, said the news made her "sick to my stomach. "It hits so close to
home," Zak said. "I just felt terrible hearing about it. The city should do something for his family."
Lisa Spinelli, 39, said Brown's death is another reason why America's military involvement in Iraq
should end soon. "It's unfortunate for the families and children, and I really think we should stop
and bring the troops home," she said.
Funeral arrangements for Tom Brown aren't yet set, Carol Brown said, but the wake will be held at
Riverview Funeral Home in Shelton and the funeral at St. Jude's Church in Monroe. He will be
buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Courtesy of ConnPost.Com
By PETER URBAN Staff Writer
29 September 2008:
SHELTON, Connecticut -- The funeral of Army First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, who was killed
in action last Tuesday in Iraq, will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe
Turnpike, Monroe, Connecticut.
It was also announced by his family that Brown's wake will take place Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m.
in the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road.
He will be buried December 11, 2008, with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in
Virginia.
Brown, who was 26 at the time of his death, had attended the St. Jude School in Monroe and Notre
Dame Catholic High School in Fairfield. He received his bachelor's degree from George Mason
University in 2004. A graduate of the Army's Officer Candidate School and a recipient of the
Ranger Tab, Brown was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2006.
He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant last October and deployed to Iraq in April.
He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry badge posthumously.
He is survived by his mother, Carol Brown, of Shelton, and a twin brother, Timothy Brown of
Arizona.
Memorials contributions, in lieu of flowers, should be sent to St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital, Attention: Tribute/Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
10 December 2008:
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell says an Army Lieutenant from Shelton who was killed in Iraq is
set to be buried Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery.
First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown was killed September 23, 2008, when his patrol came under
small-arms fire about 60 miles north of Baghdad. His family held funeral services in Monroe in
October.
Rell is ordering all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday in
his honor.
Brown was the 41st member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since
the wars began. He grew up in Shelton and had been living in Burke, Virginia.
Shelton soldier, killed in Iraq, laid to rest
By PETER URBAN Staff writer
11 December 2008
Army First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown was buried with full military honors at Arlington National
Cemetery this morning as a steady, cold rain fell on nearly a hundred mourners gathered at the
gravesite.
Brown, 26, of Shelton, Connecticut, was killed in action in Iraq on September 23, 2008. He was
promoted to First Lieutenant in October 2007, and his unit was deployed to Iraq in April. Brown
was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Brown's flag-draped casket was carried on a caisson, preceded by the Army Marching Band,
along a quiet road leading to the gravesite in Section 60 where many of the 450 Iraqi casualties
interred, inurned or memorialized at Arlington National Cemetery lay.
About 50 mourners followed on foot behind the horse-drawn caisson. Another 60 mourners
followed behind in cars.
Eight body bearers carried the casket from the roadside a short distance to the gravesite, where a
canopy had been erected to shelter his surviving family, which included his mother Carol Brown
and brother Tim Brown, from the steady rain.
A lone bugler played Taps. A firing party of seven soldiers each fired three rounds in salute.
Rev. Joseph Goudreau led a prayer.
The American flag that had covered Brown's casket was folded and presented to his mother by
Major General Richard J. Rowe, Jr., the commanding general of the Military District of
Washington.
Army Secretary Pete Geren knelt before a seated Carol Brown and offered his condolences to her
and Brown's brother. So did Betty Kelson, an Arlington Lady -- one of about 65 women who
volunteer to attend Army funerals held at the nation's most hallowed cemetery.
The ceremony ended after about half an hour.
Brown attended St. Jude School in Monroe as a child. He went on to graduate from Notre Dame
High School of Fairfield and George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Later, he was graduated from
the Army's Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant infantry
officer on April 13, 2006. He also earned the Ranger Tab and his Airborne Wings.
Caison bearing the remains of First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown moves through Arlington
National Cemetery.
Members of the honor guard take part in funeral services for Army First Lieutenant
Thomas J. Brown Thursday, December 11,2008, at Arlington National Cemetery
Major General Richard Rowe, left, presents Carol Brown with an American flag during funeral
services for her son,
Army First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown, Thursday, December 11, 2008, at Arlington National
Cemetery
Army Secretary Pete Geren, left, meets with the family of Army First Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown,
Thursday, December 11,2008, during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery
Photo By Tom Gugiluzza-Smith,December 2008
BROWN, THOMAS J
1LT US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 03/13/1982
DATE OF DEATH: 09/23/2008
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8744
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson
Posted: 25 September 2008 Updated: 26 Sepember 2008 Updated: 29 September 2008 Updated: 10 December 2008 Updated: 11 December 2008 Updated: 14
January 2009 Updated: 19 June 2009
Updated: 1 October 2009
2009
Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver
Hometown: Medford, Massachusetts, U.S.
Age: 32 years old
Died: October 2, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Greensboro, N.C.
Incident: Died in Murcheh, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when they were
attacked by a suicide bomber.
Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver
By PETER MARTEKA The Hartford Courant
October 5, 2009
HAMDEN - Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver of Hamden died Oct. 2, 2009 in an ambush while on
patrol in Muscheh, Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. He was 32.
When the flag-draped casket of U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver arrived at Dover Air
Force Base Saturday, he was not only mourned by his parents and fiancée, but will be by
thousands of people in Uganda who simply knew him as "Moses Ben," the man who brought
them clean and sustainable drinking water.
Sklaver, a 32-year-old Hamden native, was killed in an ambush, possibly by a suicide bomber,
while on patrol Friday in Muscheh, Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border.
Major Charlie Jaworski, a spokesman for the Army, declined comment on how Sklaver, who
was in the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, was killed. The Department of
Defense had not officially released details of Sklaver's death by Sunday afternoon.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered the state's flags to be flown at half staff until Sklaver's funeral.
In Hamden, Sklaver's father, Gary Sklaver, was awaiting the arrival of relatives and friends from
across the world who are coming for his son's funeral. The funeral has tentatively been
scheduled for Tuesday. He said his son was a "very bright and ethical man" and was preparing
to marry Beth Segaloff in June.
"He certainly touched a lot of people with his work," Gary Sklaver said Sunday. "He was
certainly special to us. Every soldier over there is a hero. And everyone over there has
someone back home who grieves for them. All soldiers families are worried and all of us have to
pray for those who are still over there."
Benjamin Sklaver, who has a brother and sister, was the director and founder of ClearWater
Initiative, a New Haven-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to
populations affected by humanitarian emergencies. The projects were focused on conflictaffected areas of northern Uganda.
The company had brought clean drinking water in the form of wells to more than 6,500 people
since 2007. The organization's goal was to "directly impact the lives of more than 10,000 people
by 2012.
"It's a sad day for Hamden," said Hamden Mayor Craig Henrici, a family friend. "He's kind of like
the all-American boy who grew up to be a hero and a humanitarian."
According to the ClearWater website, Sklaver served in the military's Combined Joint Task
Force — Horn of Africa in 2006 and 2007, with a mission to mentor Ugandan military units.
While in Uganda, he was struck by the high rates of child mortality linked to dirty drinking water.
When he returned home, he began ClearWater, linking donors with Ugandan partners to bring
clean water infrastructure projects in remote villages.
Gary Sklaver said his son's faith in Judaism was important to him.
"Our Jewish faith teaches us to do good deeds and do what we can to make the world a better
place. This was a young man determined to make the world a better place," he said.
According to Gary Sklaver, his son expected to be home last May. But the "stop-loss" policy of
keeping troops past their enlistment dates led to Sklaver's staying in Afghanistan until the end of
his tour. Earlier this year, the Obama administration put an end to the policy.
"There are soldiers making great sacrifices for this country, but it's not making the front pages,"
Gary Sklaver said, noting he viewed the caskets of 10 bodies coming off the plane during the
transfer ceremony at Dover. "There are still soldiers dying out there. And they deserve our
respect."
While in the United States, Sklaver was an international emergency and refugee health analyst
at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
He relocated to Westchester County, N.Y., to take a job with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency so he would be closer to his fiancée. He graduated from Hamden High
School in 1995, was a graduate of Tufts University and had a master's degree from the Fletcher
School of Law and Diplomacy.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant
Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver
Benjamin A. Sklaver, from Hamden, Conn., was a captain in the in the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd
Infantry Division of the United States Army. He was the director and founder of ClearWater Initiative, a
New Haven-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to populations affected by
humanitarian emergencies.
Published in Hartford Courant from October 5, 2009 to October 10, 2010
Army Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver
32, of Medford, Mass.; assigned to the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve,
Greensboro, N.C.; died Oct. 2 in Murcheh, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when he
was attacked by a suicide bomber. Also killed was Pfc. Alan H. Newton Jr.
Dad: Soldier wanted to win hearts of Afghans
By Pat Eaton-Robb
The Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. — Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver was a humanitarian who lived and died
trying to fix whatever he found broken in the world, his friends and family said Monday.
The 32-year-old reservist had worked on refugee issues in Africa and started a nonprofit
organization that brought clean drinking water to thousands. He was killed Friday in
southeastern Afghanistan when his civil affairs unit was ambushed by a suicide attacker.
“Ben was a patriot, loved his country and loved serving,” said friend Jake Herrle. “But he also
saw his job in the Army to be a combatant for peace. He saw the Army as a way to do greater
good.”
Sklaver, a Hamden native, was almost finished with his reserve commitment and was engaged
to be married when he was recalled to duty this spring and sent to Afghanistan.
His job there was to help the military establish better relationships with the Pashtun people, so
fewer would join the Taliban, said his father, Gary Sklaver. He would meet with village elders to
find out if they needed schools, a hospital or clean water, and then he would help them get it.
Often, he would not know whether the people he was working with were sympathetic to the
enemy.
“The people who are there doing good, such as my son, are the biggest threat to the Taliban,
because if they win over the hearts and minds of the population, then the Taliban doesn’t have
the recruiting points they would have if the soldiers just came in, knocked on doors and killed
people,” his father said.
Ben Sklaver had a history of winning people’s hearts and minds, Gary Sklaver said.
After graduating with a master’s degree in international relations from Tufts University, he went
to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and traveled to Malawi in
Africa to work on international hunger and refugee relief issues.
In 2006, his reserve unit was sent to the Horn of Africa. He ended up in northern Uganda, where
his mission was to help refugees re-establish communities after 20 years of civil war. Most of his
work involved finding new sources of clean water, helping dig wells or creating protected
springs, his father said.
He was so moved by the suffering he saw that he founded the nonprofit Clearwater Initiative
when he got home, recruiting friends to help him continue the work in Uganda.
“It was totally volunteer. He had a full-time job with the CDC and spent about 30 hours a week
of his own time working on this,” his father said.
The organization allows donors to contribute to specific projects, such as repairing a well at a
school. They can then follow online as the project they funded is completed.
Since it began, the Clearwater Initiative has provided access to clean water for more than 6,500
people, said Herrle, who volunteers and serves on the charity’s board. Sklaver’s goal was to
increase that to 250,000 within 10 years.
“He was a tremendously bright and caring person,” Herrle said. “He could have very easily just
coasted along on his talent, looking out for himself. But because of the way he saw the world
and saw his place in it, he always tried to improve it.”
Sklaver had just begun a job in New York with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
when he was called back to active duty in the spring.
At the time of his death, his friends were preparing a giant care package to send to him for
Thanksgiving. Everyone who donated to the package also made a donation to his nonprofit.
His family is requesting that mourners contribute to the charity instead of sending flowers.
Sklaver’s funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Congregation Mishkan Israel in
Hamden.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell has ordered state flags to remain at half-staff until Sklaver has been interred.
Purple Heart, Bronze Star
( MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6,
2009 ) The Purple Heart and the Bronze Star awarded to Capt.
Benjamin Sklaver who died while fighting in Afganistan.
Riderless Horse
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
Following a hearse a member of the honor guard leads a riderless horse before
graveside services in Morris for Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver kiled while fighting in
Afghanistan.
Carrying The Casket
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
Soldiers carry the casket of Capt. Benjamin Sklaver at Farband Cemetery in
Morris who died in Afghanistan.
Mourners Shovel Dirt
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
Mourners shovel dirt onto the casket of Capt. Benjamin Sklaver after grave
site services at Farband Cemetery in Morris.
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver's Funeral
(BETTINA HANSEN / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
Jack Casey, 63, of Groton, a Vietnam veteran with the Connecticut Patriot
Guard Riders, stands with other riders from a variety of organizations outside
the entrance of Congregation Mishkan Israel Synagogue in Hamden before
the funeral for U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver Tuesday. Sklaver, 32, was
a Hamden native who was killed last Friday in Afghanistan.
Gun Salute
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
A twenty-one gun salute for Capt. Benjamin Sklaver at Farband Cemetery in Morris
who died in Afghanistan. Sklaver was honored with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star
and a Combat Action Badge during grave site ceremonies.
Hearse
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
An honor guard outside Farband Cemetery in Morris stands at attention as the
hearse carrying the body of Capt. Benjamin Sklaver who died in Afghanistan.
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver's Funeral (BETTINA HANSEN / HARTFORD COURANT /
October 6, 2009)
Maj. Charlie Jaworski, left, of the Connecticut Army National Guard, stands next to
Jack Casey, right, 63, of Groton, a Vietnam veteran with the Connecticut Patriot
Guard Riders, outside the entrance of Congregation Mishkan Israel Synagogue in
Hamden before the funeral for U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver Tuesday. Sklaver,
32, was a Hamden native who was killed last Friday in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver's Funeral (BETTINA HANSEN / HARTFORD
COURANT / October 6, 2009)
The funeral procession for U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver rolls down
Dixwell Avenue in Hamden Tuesday underneath a large flag hung off of a
Hamden Fire Department fire truck. Sklaver, 32, was a Hamden native who was
killed last Friday in Afghanistan.
Half-Staff Flag (BETTINA HANSEN / HARTFORD COURANT / October 6, 2009)
A flag flies at half-staff in Hamden Tuesday for U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin
Sklaver, 32, a Hamden native who was killed last Friday in Afghanistan.
Mourners (THOMAS CAIN / AP / October 6, 2009)
Mourners of Army Capt. Benjamin Sklaver make their way into Congregation
Mishkan Israel in Hamden. Army Captain Sklaver was killed in an ambush in
Afghanistan.
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver's Funeral (THOMAS CAIN / AP / October 6, 2009)
A hearse carrying the body of Army Captain Benjamin Sklaver drives
underneath an American flag in Hamden. Army Captain Sklaver was killed in
an ambush in Afghanistan.
Gretchen Callahan (THOMAS CAIN / AP / October 6, 2009)
Gretchen Callahan of Hamden, Ct., right, holds an American flag as the funeral
procession for Army Captain Benjamin Sklaver passes by in Hamden. Army
Captain Sklaver was killed in an ambush in Afghanistan.
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver (COURTESY OF JAKE A. HERRLE)
Capt Sklaver delivers books to a girls' orphanage in Uganda. His unit also
oversaw the construction of a new dormitory for the girls.
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver, fiancee Beth Segaloff (COURTESY OF JAKE A.
HERRLE)
Ben Sklaver and fiancee Beth Segaloff at their engagement party, New Haven,
CT
Capt. Benjamin Sklaver (COURTESY OF JAKE A. HERRLE)
Cabbagetown neighbors Danny Welch, Missy Bowen, Jake Herrle, Ben Sklaver,
Elizabeth Peterson gathered in New Haven, CT in March, 2009 for the
celebration of Sklaver's engagement to Beth Segaloff.