2. Fallen Heroes

Our Last Salute

If You Are Able...

Save for them a place
Inside of you,
And save one backward glance
When you are leaving,
For the places they can no longer go,
Be not ashamed to say
You loved them,
Though you may or
May not always have,
Take what they have left
And what they have taught you
With their dying
And keep it with your own,
And in that time
When men decide, and feel safe,
To call the war insane,
Take one moment to embrace
Those gentle heroes
You left behind.


By Captain Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Killed in Action 24 March 1970, Republic of Vietnam
Promoted to Major after status changed to MIA

For more information about Major O'Donnell visit http://www.taskforceomegainc.org/o021.html
Read More
Dear Dee, <br /> My son, SGT Jason Schumann, is at this link: <a href="http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/2614328#137944282">http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/2614328#137944282</a> (page 9, March 22, 2007, 5:15pm) He is the one who looks tired but is smiling. He was always smiling. When he made it to Kuwait, I mentioned to him I had seen his picture online and how he was now a star. He didn't know his picture was online, but I could tell he was flattered. This is the image I have burned in my mind, it is how I choose to remember him. Thank you and the other greeters again, not just for taking Jason's picture, but for letting our soldiers know people care about them. Sincerely,<br /> Candie Glisson<br /> <br /> <br /> The Associated Press<br /> HAWLEY, Minn. — Jason Schumann is remembered by his high school principal as a delightful young man who always had a smile on his face. The 23-year-old Army sergeant was killed May 19, 2007 when a bomb exploded near his vehicle in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, the Defense Department said May 22. Schumann, of Hawley, was the 60th person with strong Minnesota ties who have died in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawley High School Principal Mike Martin called his former student a “delightful young man in every regard,” known by some as “Tuba” for the instrument he played in the high school band. “He was an extremely happy student, kind of a free spirit of sorts, but in a very good sort of way,” Martin said. “We just thoroughly enjoyed him as a student.” His family’s pastor, the Rev. Tom Olson of Solem Lutheran Church, said Schumann’s unit was escorting a convoy to the Baghdad airport when it was attacked. Schumann was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, Olson said. Schumann’s wife, Laura, and son, Joe, who will be 2 years old next month, were staying in her native England while he was deployed. His father and stepmother, Jim and Sherry Schumann, live in Rollag, 13 miles south of Hawley. His mother and stepfather, Candie Glisson and Russell Toth, live in Fargo, N.D., about 20 miles west of Hawley.
1 / 16

Dear Dee,
My son, SGT Jason Schumann, is at this link: http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/2614328#137944282 (page 9, March 22, 2007, 5:15pm) He is the one who looks tired but is smiling. He was always smiling. When he made it to Kuwait, I mentioned to him I had seen his picture online and how he was now a star. He didn't know his picture was online, but I could tell he was flattered. This is the image I have burned in my mind, it is how I choose to remember him. Thank you and the other greeters again, not just for taking Jason's picture, but for letting our soldiers know people care about them. Sincerely,
Candie Glisson


The Associated Press
HAWLEY, Minn. — Jason Schumann is remembered by his high school principal as a delightful young man who always had a smile on his face. The 23-year-old Army sergeant was killed May 19, 2007 when a bomb exploded near his vehicle in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, the Defense Department said May 22. Schumann, of Hawley, was the 60th person with strong Minnesota ties who have died in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawley High School Principal Mike Martin called his former student a “delightful young man in every regard,” known by some as “Tuba” for the instrument he played in the high school band. “He was an extremely happy student, kind of a free spirit of sorts, but in a very good sort of way,” Martin said. “We just thoroughly enjoyed him as a student.” His family’s pastor, the Rev. Tom Olson of Solem Lutheran Church, said Schumann’s unit was escorting a convoy to the Baghdad airport when it was attacked. Schumann was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, Olson said. Schumann’s wife, Laura, and son, Joe, who will be 2 years old next month, were staying in her native England while he was deployed. His father and stepmother, Jim and Sherry Schumann, live in Rollag, 13 miles south of Hawley. His mother and stepfather, Candie Glisson and Russell Toth, live in Fargo, N.D., about 20 miles west of Hawley.

  • Dear Dee, <br /> My son, SGT Jason Schumann, is at this link: <a href="http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/2614328#137944282">http://mainetroopgreeters.smugmug.com/gallery/2614328#137944282</a> (page 9, March 22, 2007, 5:15pm) He is the one who looks tired but is smiling. He was always smiling. When he made it to Kuwait, I mentioned to him I had seen his picture online and how he was now a star. He didn't know his picture was online, but I could tell he was flattered. This is the image I have burned in my mind, it is how I choose to remember him. Thank you and the other greeters again, not just for taking Jason's picture, but for letting our soldiers know people care about them. Sincerely,<br /> Candie Glisson<br /> <br /> <br /> The Associated Press<br /> HAWLEY, Minn. — Jason Schumann is remembered by his high school principal as a delightful young man who always had a smile on his face. The 23-year-old Army sergeant was killed May 19, 2007 when a bomb exploded near his vehicle in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, about 100 miles west of Baghdad, the Defense Department said May 22. Schumann, of Hawley, was the 60th person with strong Minnesota ties who have died in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawley High School Principal Mike Martin called his former student a “delightful young man in every regard,” known by some as “Tuba” for the instrument he played in the high school band. “He was an extremely happy student, kind of a free spirit of sorts, but in a very good sort of way,” Martin said. “We just thoroughly enjoyed him as a student.” His family’s pastor, the Rev. Tom Olson of Solem Lutheran Church, said Schumann’s unit was escorting a convoy to the Baghdad airport when it was attacked. Schumann was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, Olson said. Schumann’s wife, Laura, and son, Joe, who will be 2 years old next month, were staying in her native England while he was deployed. His father and stepmother, Jim and Sherry Schumann, live in Rollag, 13 miles south of Hawley. His mother and stepfather, Candie Glisson and Russell Toth, live in Fargo, N.D., about 20 miles west of Hawley.
  • Untitled photo
  • Ron Misgen was in the Air Force Pilot Training class 61-G2. The following note about Ron was written by a classmate.<br /> <br /> Ron graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN in 1959 with a degree in English Literature, was commissioned a Second Lt. and soon was off to Flight School, as we all were. <br /> <br /> In 1963 Ron received orders to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller with language school and jungle survival school en route. Ron arrived in Vietnam ahead of his orders so the officer in charge told him to report to a C123 squadron to help out until his orders arrived. He flew several missions involving dispersing Agent Orange, out of 55 gallon drums, out the open cargo door. He always returned to base “soaked” with Agent Orange. When his orders finally arrived and he assumed his FAC duties, he still would be in contact with Agent Orange either by walking through the jungle or from planes overhead spraying same.<br /> <br /> After a year Ron returned and was Ops officer at Duluth AB, MN. In 1967 he left the AF and took a job with North Central Airlines, bought out by Republic Airlines, bought out by North West Airlines. Flying MD 80’s he started to notice pain in his neck and shoulders. The pain was much worse as he climbed to altitude. It turned out to be neuropathy and so Ron was medically retired. The neuropathy spread and as Ron described it, it felt like bee stings. Medication didn’t help much. It took several years for the government to admit that it was from Agent Orange. Ron told me last year that all of his medical disability pay was not worth the pain and suffering.<br /> <br /> Sometime in the past year Ron was diagnosed with bowel cancer which has spread, as he described it, “all over”...<br /> <br /> Ronald H. Misgen, 73, of Duluth, passed away peacefully in his home on Sept. 8, 2010, after a year long battle with cancer. <br /> <br /> Ron was born May 27, 1937, to Gladys and Roger Misgen in Faribault, Minn. He graduated from St. Thomas University and then joined the United States Air Force and became a pilot. He was sent to Vietnam where he flew with the U.S. Special forces. He received the South Vietnamese highest award medal for helping to save a Vietnamese Army unit. <br /> After release from the USAF, Ron became a pilot with North Central Airlines. He retired in 1997 and enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, and gardening with friends and family. He loved his God and his country. <br /> <br /> He is survived by his four children, Julie (Jeff) Lundholm, Susan (Glenn) Johnson Glenn (Cindy), and Marvin (Jill); six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many special friends, including Beverly, Rick and Bruce; and relatives; and his loyal companion, Rex. <br /> Military rites accorded by the Combined Duluth Honor Guard. <br /> <br /> VISITATION: 10 until the 11 a.m. memorial service Monday, Sept. 13, in the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., followed by a Celebration of Life in the VFW in West Duluth. Services entrusted to the Cremation Society of Minnesota, (218) 624-5200.
  • Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel M. McVicker 20, of Alliance, Ohio died from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Al Qaim, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Service Support Detachment 21, 2nd Force Service Support Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Cherry Point, North Carolina. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom he was attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He died on October 6, 2005.<br /> <br /> The day of the funeral turned out clear and sunny. It was the second week of October 2005, the first hint of autumn in the air, and those who came to say goodbye to Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker bundled themselves against the chill.<br /> <br /> McVicker had been outgoing and popular at West Branch. He wore earrings and loved fast cars. He sang in musicals - Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz, Grease. He stayed active in the school concert choir, Young and Alive. During senior year, he served as one of the school's mascots, the assistant Warrior Chief. "Everybody loved him," said classmate Shawna Morrow, Wade's wife.<br /> <br /> His parents said he had volunteered several times for duty in Iraq. Finally, in late August 2005, the Marines sent him. Less than two months later, a roadside bomb detonated under the Humvee he was driving near al-Qaim, in western Iraq. The explosion killed McVicker and another Marine from Alabama. Both men were 20. It happened Oct. 6. Daniel, 10:6.<br /> <br /> The young man, "his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches," was gone. "So many ifs," said Mark McVicker, Daniel's father, "so many could-have-beens ..." By coincidence, Tim Hardy returned home from Iraq the day word came of McVicker's death. He showed up to the funeral in his dress blues. Osberg had seen McVicker only a week earlier in Iraq, just by chance. They ate lunch together, said their goodbyes. Like Hardy, Osberg had come home with his unit. But he couldn't bring himself to attend the funeral. "I just didn't know if I could actually show up," he says. "I feel kind of bad."<br /> <br /> At her brother's service, Mollie McVicker read a poem. "You've borne your burdens well," read one line. "Walk peacefully on heaven's streets; you've done your time in hell."<br /> <br /> Hundreds of residents lined the road along the four-mile route to the cemetery. They wrapped themselves in green West Branch Warriors blankets and waved flags as the procession passed. Old soldiers stood outside the VFW hall and saluted. People held homemade signs like the one that read "See U in heaven." Firefighters parked two bright red engines along the route, extended their ladders and draped a huge American flag above the road.<br /> <br /> Stores along State Street locked their doors so employees could join in. "Thank you, Danny," read the sign outside the Rite-Aid. "God bless you, Danny," read the one outside Custom Auto World. "We had lost somebody we knew," said Weingart, the West Branch superintendent. <br /> <br /> Carey Meissner, McVicker's mother, remembers how moved she felt that so many people showed up. McVicker's father said he had never seen such a crowd. Not far from the high school, the procession turned into a cemetery off U.S. 62 and stopped by a grave in the veterans section. <br /> <br /> Daniel McVicker got his parade.
  • Robert Nathaniel "Nathan" Martens 20, of Queen Creek, Arizona. Beloved Son, Husband and Father lost his life just after midnight on September 6, 2005. Nathan, a Navy Corpsman assigned to II Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was on a night patrol at the time in Al Qaim, Iraq where he was proudly serving his country. Though Nathan's time here was short, his impact on others and lessons taught will live on forever. Nathan set an example for both young and old to follow. With his mission here complete, Nathan can now return to sit at the right hand of God. Nathan will be missed for now and loved forever by those he leaves behind. Wife Erin, 10 month old daughter Riley Jo, Mother Maria, Father Rob, Sister Bobbie Ann and Brother Matthew, along with many other family members and friends. We trust that God will continue to watch over us all with Nathan's help until we meet again. Nathan, we look forward to when we hook up again to party at God's house.<br /> <br /> Robert N. Martens was a baseball all-star, a football letterman and former 4-H Club president, but he wasn't afraid to plant a big kiss on his dad in public. "You have these teenage boys that can be pretty ornery," said Lorna Levitt, a family friend. "But he never was. He was so respectful and loving toward everybody. I think that's why everyone just loved him." Martens, 20, of Queen Creek, Ariz., was killed Sept. 6 when his vehicle rolled over in Qaim. He graduated high school in 2003 and was assigned to Camp Lejeune. He and his best friend, Tommy Brooks, met in 4-H when he was 9. The two played together on the high school baseball and football teams, raised livestock and competed at a shooting range. On weekends, they'd hang with other kids around a bonfire and roll out the karaoke machine. "The worst thing they did was go bowling on a Saturday night," said Brooks' mother, Denise.
  • Captain Corry Paul Tyler of Fort Lewis, Washington formerly of Woodbine, GA passed away from injuries sustained from a helicopter crash in Multaka, Iraq on August 22, 2007 at the age of 29. A well loved and highly respected man, son, husband, father, and leader, Captain Tyler will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Captain Corry Tyler was born on December 12, 1977 in Atlanta to Jennifer and Terry Tyler in Woodbine, GA. He graduated from Camden County High School in Kingsland in 1995. In 1999, Captain Tyler earned a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from the United States Military Academy At West Point. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Aviation after graduation. Captain Tyler completed Army aviator training in 2000 at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In January of 2001, he was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado. His first deployment to Iraq was in April of 2003 ending in March of 2004 when he returned to Fort Carson. In 2005, he attended the Aviation Officer Advanced Course and was subsequently assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington in June of that year. Captain Tyler was deployed to Iraq for his second tour in May of 2006 returning to Fort Lewis in October of 2006. Upon his return, he was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry Regiment and deployed to Iraq for this third tour on June 7, 2007. His awards and decorations include Two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, Three Army Commendation Medals, Valorous Unit Award, Two National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge and Army Aviator Badge. Captain Tyler was preceded in death by his father, Terry Tyler in July of 2006. Survivors include his wife of six years, Kathy Tyler; children, daughter, Emily Danielle, age four, Jacob Eric Tyler age two, Lucas Jeffrey Tyler age ten months; mother, Jennifer Tyler; sisters, Ginny Tyler-Hyde and Tiffanee Tyler; brothers, Zachary Tyler and Nathaniel Tyler. Funeral Services for Captain Corry Tyler will be held at 11:oo am on August 31st in the East Point Christian Church with Minister Robert Tyler officiating.
  • Blast kills Marine<br /> COLUMBUS NATIVE LANCE CPL. JOHN C. TANNER, 21, WAS STATIONED IN CALIFORNIA<br /> BY MICK WALSH - mwalsh@ledger-enquirer.com -- <br /> <br /> The war in Iraq has claimed the life of a 21-year-old Marine from Columbus.<br /> The family of Cpl. John Corey Tanner was notified Wednesday that he had been killed in a roadside bomb incident in Iraq. The Defense Department said late Thursday that Tanner died Wednesday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif. <br /> <br /> "The family's taking this pretty hard," said Brandon Tanner, one of the three sons of Melanie Tanner of Columbus and Hank Tanner of Panama City Beach, Fla. "My mother's taking it worse than the rest of us."<br /> Brandon recently separated from active duty with the Air Force and is employed by Aflac. John Tanner entered the Marine Corps in June 2006 and wanted to become a Marine aviator after his deployment ended. "I'm sure he was looking forward to making the Marines a career," Brandon said.<br /> <br /> John Tanner's wife, Anna, lives in Montana with her parents and was also notified of her husband's death Wednesday. She is expecting the couple's first child next month. Melanie Tanner, who works as a nurse at Columbus Regional, spent much of the day Thursday deciding where to bury her son. But arrangements cannot be completed until his body is returned to the United States. While his brothers are both graduatesalumni of Jordan High School, John Tanner attended Hallie Turner School and earned his GED before entering the Marine Corps.<br /> <br /> "He loved the Corps and was a good Marine," Brandon Tanner said. "We're still trying to accept the idea that he's gone."<br /> <br /> Corporal Tanner, son of Henry Lee Tanner Sr. and Melanie Graves Tanner, was born June 10, 1986, in <br /> Columbus. He graduated from Hallie Turner High School in Columbus. After high school, he joined the U.S. <br /> Marine Corps and served his country honorably for over two years. He was assigned to the 3rd Assault <br /> Amphibian Battalion and had been deployed to Iraq for the past five months.<br /> <br /> Corporal Tanner was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Emily Clyde Graves and Leila <br /> Fortenberry. He is survived by his wife, Rheanna "Anna" Tanner of Helena; his mother, Melanie Tanner of <br /> Columbus; his father, Hank Tanner of Panama City, Fla.; two brothers, Lee Tanner and Brandon Tanner, both <br /> of Columbus; maternal grandmother, Linda Stone of Columbus; maternal grandfather, Bill Graves of <br /> Jenkinsburg, Ga.; paternal grandmother, Geri Wynn of Gulfport, Miss.; aunts, uncles, other relatives and <br /> friends.
  • Lt. Col. William G. Hall, 38, gave wise counsel to all<br /> By Sara Jean Green<br /> Seattle Times staff reporter<br /> Maj. William G. Hall had a wisdom, a maturity beyond his years that enabled him to provide sound counsel to his elders and, at the same time, guide those far younger than himself. "He could be having a conversation with me and then my 10-year-old niece could walk in the room and he'd capture her like he'd just captured me," said Maj. Hall's eldest sister, Dolores Perry, 56, of Seattle. "He could talk to anyone — from the minister to a drug addict. He was just that kind of person." Maj. Hall, a 1987 graduate of Seattle's Garfield High School, embodied a quiet strength and respect for tradition — both the traditions of the Marine Corps, where he moved up the ranks over the course of his 15-year career, and his family's traditions. Like coming home at Christmas and calling his mother at Easter, which he did this past Easter Sunday.<br /> It was 1 a.m. in Iraq, and his voice sounded tired, Perry said. "He didn't say a lot. He just gave us the reassurance he was OK," she said. It was their last conversation. Maj. Hall — who was called "Billy" by those closest to him — was injured in Iraq's Anbar province by an improvised explosive device on Saturday (March 29) and died the following day. He was 38.<br /> <br /> Before his unit deployed to Iraq in mid-February, Maj. Hall was selected for promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel, said Maj. Jason Johnston, who is based at Marine Corps Airstation Miramar in San Diego. Though Maj. Hall's unit — the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force — was based at Camp Pendleton, it was attached to the Miramar air station, Johnston said. "We went through basics school together, and we were off and on in touch throughout our careers," Johnston said. "I talked to him just before he left." Maj. Hall would have been promoted to his new rank sometime this year, Johnston said. After graduating from high school, Maj. Hall earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Washington State University in 1992. While at WSU, he enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, later joining the Marines. He met his future wife while assigned to a base in Florida, and he later served in Georgia, California and Japan.<br /> <br /> According to his family, this was Maj. Hall's second deployment to Iraq, where he was training Iraqi troops to take over the duties of American soldiers. And while he didn't try to downplay the danger he faced, Maj. Hall also spoke of the good things happening in the war-torn country.<br /> "I know most of what you hear on the news about Iraq is not usually good news and that so many are dying over here," Maj. Hall wrote in a March 27 e-mail to his family, two days before he was fatally wounded. "That is true to an extent but it does not paint the total picture, and violence is not everywhere throughout the country. So please don't associate what you see on the news with all of Iraq." He ended his e-mail with: "Love you and miss you. I'll write again soon."<br /> In addition to his sister, Maj. Hall is survived by his wife, Xiomara Hall; daughters Tatianna, 6, and Gladys, 3; stepsons Xavier, 13, and Xander, 9, all of Temecula, Calif.; his mother, Mildred Hall, of Seattle; his sister Margie Bell, of Renton; his aunt, Alberta Hall, of Seattle; his uncle, Howard Berry of Kent; and several nieces and nephews.<br /> … Maj. Hall will be buried sometime next week at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia…<br /> <br /> Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
  • Army Sgt. David B. Williams <br /> David B. "Blake" Williams, 26, of Tarboro, was killed Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Iraq.Williams was preceded in death by his father, John David Williams, and a brother, John Christopher Williams.Survivors include his mother Susan Leggett Williams of Tarboro; a sister, Mary Beth Williams of Tarboro; maternal grandparents, Mary and Earl Leggett of Tarboro, and one nephew, Damien S. Williams of Tarboro.<br /> <br /> Williams, 26, of Tarboro, N.C.; assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.; died March 22 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Sgt. Thomas C. Ray II and Spc. David S. Stelmat.<br /> <br /> 2 N.C. National Guard soldiers killed in Iraq<br /> <br /> The Associated Press<br /> RALEIGH, N.C. — Two soldiers from North Carolina assigned to a military police company that’s part of the North Carolina Army National Guard were killed over the weekend when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle near Baghdad, Iraq, authorities said. Killed Saturday were Thomas C. Ray, 40, of Weaverville and Sgt. David Williams, 26, of Tarboro, both with the N.C. Army National Guard and assigned to the 1132 Military Police Co., which is based in Rocky Mount. Also killed was Spc. David S. Stelmat, 27, of Littleton, N.H. Stelmat was a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard assigned to the 1132.<br /> <br /> Ray joined the Navy in 1985 and served three years on active duty. He joined the N.C. Army National Guard in May 2006. He is survived by his wife Linda Kay; daughter Sydney Paige; and mother, Ozelle M. Ray. Ozelle Ray recalled how her son asked her to sign an early enlistment waiver so he could join the Navy. “I’m incredibly proud of my son,” she said in a statement provided by the Guard. “He gave his life doing what he wanted to do, and I can live with that.” Thomas Ray, who was assigned to the 105th Military Police Battalion in Asheville, volunteered to join the 1132nd on its deployment to Iraq. His wife said Ray hoped to make a difference in Iraq. “He wanted to save lives and bring back the younger guys,” she said, describing him as “a loving husband and father who is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed.” Williams, who joined the N.C. Army National Guard in July 2003, was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. His mother, Susan L. Williams, and sister, Mary Beth Williams, survive him. Williams, who family called Blake, “felt like he had a calling to serve,” his sister said. He was apprehensive at first about returning to Iraq, his mother said. After he met some of the people over there this time, he knew he needed to be there, he was making a difference,” Susan Williams said. The 1132 Military Police Co. mobilized in June 2007 with about 120 soldiers and is stationed in Baghdad. The company is scheduled to return to North Carolina this fall.
  • Army Sgt. David B. Williams, KIA March 22, 2008
  • Airman's wife always believed her husband would return:<br /> By Lawrence Budd, Staff Writer<br /> <br /> Wednesday, April 09, 2008 <br /> <br /> CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County — The wife of Staff Sgt. Travis Griffin, the U.S. airman killed last week by a roadside bomb in Iraq, said she never believed he wouldn't come home. "He never allowed me to believe he wouldn't come home," Krista Griffin, 27, said Tuesday, April 8. "It was always there. It just wasn't discussed."<br /> <br /> SSgt. Griffin was killed in Baghdad, Iraq on April 3, 2008, 15 days before the end of his seventh deployment, the fourth in Iraq, family members said. <br /> <br /> Krista Griffin said they last talked on April 2 — a day before Travis was killed. He wanted to talk with their 5-year-old son Elijah, who wasn't available. "He couldn't talk very long," she said. "He said he was doing OK. We were disconnected on that call."<br /> <br /> After two weeks of Army Ranger training for airmen on the front lines, Griffin deployed in November. Griffin was a military policeman often more at home while on active duty, family members said.<br /> <br /> He is survived by his wife; Krista, a son Elijah, his parents Christine and Donald Herwick III of Springboro, and his father, Larry Griffin. Travis also leaves his two brothers, Donald Herwick IV of Burlington, Wi and SrA Jesse Herwick of Colorado Springs, Co, also his grandparents Susan Miller of Melbourne, Fl, Agustus Campitelli of Ft. Myers, Fl, Hildur Bauer of Bellville, Il and Donald Herwick Jr. of Hudson, Fl.
  • My name is Jenni Vaughn, my husband and I live in San Diego, Ca. Our youngest son, Sgt. Richard Allen Vaughn had the pleasure of meeting your group when he shipped out to Kuwait on March 8th, 2008 with the 4th Infanitry Division from Ft Hood, Texas. You folks took a bunch of wonderful pictures and put them on your website. We saw all the photos and counted our son in 8 of them. <br /> <br /> I am sorry to tell you that Ricky was killed in action on April 7, 2008 in fighting in Sadr City, Baghdad Iraq. He was 22 years old. <br /> <br /> Ricky had made his rank of Sgt just shortly before leaving for Iraq and he was very proud of that. Unfortunately he never had a chance to get photos taken in uniform with that rank until that day in March at the airport in Maine. We were able to use one of those photos you folks took at the memorial service. It was absolutely beautiful.<br /> <br /> As we, his parents and his wife grieve for him we wanted to thank you for the wonderful service you provide and let you know how much it meant to us to have that photo of his with his Sgt. rank. In the photos that were taken Ricky was smiling his wonderful smile and that is one of the things that we will miss the most about him. <br /> <br /> Again thank you for the wonderful work that you do and please know that it is truly appreciated. We are forever grateful to your group. <br /> <br /> Sincerely,<br /> James and Jenni Vaughn<br /> <br /> Sgt. Richard Allen Vaughn, 22, of San Diego, Ca. died April 7, 2008 while serving his country in Iraq. Sgt. Vaughn was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He died April 7, 2008 in Baghdad from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked using a rocket-propelled grenade, improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. <br /> <br /> Ricky was born on July 19, 1985 in Northridge, Ca. and moved to San Diego with his family as a baby. No matter where Ricky lived in the world, he always called San Diego home. Ricky was a Class of 2003 graduate of Serra High School, with his goal always being to serve his country in the United States Army. Ricky is survived by his loving, devoted wife Rachelle of San Diego. His loving parents James and Jennine Vaughn of San Diego. His loving brother, Clifford Vaughn (Ashley) and one nephew, Michael Vaughn. Grandparents Connie and Wil Zude and Nana-Therese Morin all of Tucson, Az. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ricky enjoyed spending time with his family and friends most of all. Ricky was a wonderful, generous and loving soul who will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him.
  • Master Sgt. John E. Hayes, 36, of Middleburg, Florida died July 8 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.<br /> <br /> Hayes, was the operations chief for Company A, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 3, according to a press release from II Marine Expeditionary Force. He joined the Marine Corps July 1991 and was promoted to the rank of master sergeant in September 2008.<br /> <br /> Hayes deployed to Afghanistan through Bangor, Maine on May 15th in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2009. His previous deployments included Kosovo and Albania in 1998, Kuwait in 1991 and Iraq in 2003 and 2007. Hayes deployed to Afghanistan h. His previous deployments included Kosovo and Albania in 1998, Kuwait in 1991 and Iraq in 2003 and 2007.<br /> <br /> Hayes is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. <br /> <br /> His awards include two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Navy Unit Commendation, two Navy Meritorious Unit Citations, five Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Southwest Asia Service Medal, two Kosovo Campaign medals, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Armed Forces Service Medal, two Humanitarian Service Medals, six Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a Marine Security Guard Ribbon, two NATO Medals, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.<br /> <br /> Hayes’ current duty station was Camp Lejeune and some of his formal military training included School of Infantry, U.S. Army Airborne School, Marine Combat Dive School, Marine Scout Sniper School, U.S. Army Ranger School and Marine Security Guard School.<br /> <br /> - Taken in part from the Jacksonville Daily News
  • Western Alamance High grad killed in Afghanistan<br /> Keren Rivas / Times-News <br /> <br /> GIBSONVILLE - A day after learning that her youngest son had been killed in action in Afghanistan, Elaine Hager was still trying to make sense of the tragedy on Thursday. "He was my baby," she said amid sobs, her face buried in her hands. "Right now, I still don't believe it." Sitting in the living room of the modest mobile home in Gibsonville where she, her husband, Donald Farren, and daughter, Faith Strang, live, she talked softly about her boy, Roger G.M. Hager, who was killed in Afghanistan Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Two U.S. Marines came knocking on her door Wednesday night to give her the news, she said. She couldn't remember exactly what they told her about the circumstances surrounding his death. All she remembers is that they told her that her son was dead. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ron Polidora, a public affairs officer with the Marine Corps Greensboro office, confirmed that Roger Hager died during Operation Enduring Freedom, though he could not provide details of how he died. Farren said the Marines told them Wednesday that Hager, a lance corporal, was a back-seat passenger on a vehicle that hit a homemade bomb. He didn't know where in Afghanistan the incident occurred.<br /> <br /> Thursday morning, Elaine Hager received more details when she was told her son was killed in action at 19:26 hours while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. He was one of five military personnel who died. Hager, who prior to being deployed about three months ago, had been stationed at Camp Lejeune, was attached to the Alpha Company, Special Forces Operations Area, 2nd. Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd. Marine Division. He was 20 years old. "He was just a kid," his mother said with tears in her eyes. "He was not old enough to drink. He was just too young." She said she doesn't understand why her son was in the field. She thought he was supposed to be working with weapons in a base there. She described him as a "happy-go lucky," funny young man who loved the outdoors and cared more about other people's needs than his own. "My boy was a clown," she said with a smile. "He made everybody laugh."<br /> <br /> Her son was a slow learner in school, she said, but he liked computers and video games. He graduated from Western High School last year. She said he wasn't a social person but he was faithful to those he considered friends. The last time she spoke with her son on the phone was at the end of June. He was on guard duty and was proud of carrying a squad automatic weapon. He told his mother that he might have to stay a bit longer than expected. She was still expecting him to be back by Christmas. "I was proud of him," she said. "He was my boy."<br /> <br /> All three of Elaine Hager's children are connected to the military. Her older son, Jeremy Scott Hager, 22, is a Marine who recently came back from a tour of duty in Iraq. Her youngest daughter, Faith Strang, 18, is in the U.S. Army Reserve. Strang said she joined because she wanted to go to college. She will be going to Maryland in a couple of weeks to start advanced training. Elaine Hager said her younger son joined the Marines to honor her father, Oscar Frederick Hebert Sr., who served in the Army. "He did it for my dad. He wanted to be like him," she said. "(Roger) wanted to follow in the family's footsteps and make his grandpa proud." Unfortunately, she added, "He wasn't able to see him." She said her son graduated from advance training four days after his grandfather died.<br /> <br /> If coping with the loss of a child wasn't enough, Elaine Hager is terrified for her oldest son who is scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan in the coming months. The idea of losing another son is unbearable, she said. "I can't lose another boy," she said. "He can't do that to me again."
  • To Honor A Patriot<br /> Requested by the friends of Taz at Bangor Savings Bank.<br /> <br /> Michael "Taz" Nelson<br /> December 4, 1947 - October 25, 2010<br /> <br /> This Vietnam veteran is one of the most patriotic, giving, and hard working individuals that will ever grace our lives and the lives of all that have ever had the honor of knowing him. Mike's profound sense of duty to his country is known by all who pass his home in Holden and see the tower of freedom that he built himself, stone by stone, to hold the flags of freedom. Mike often referred to himself as the Flagman of Freedom and would march up and down the road proudly with his flag draped over his shoulder. He touched the lives of many and will be missed by all.<br /> <br /> <br /> Obituary for Michael David "Taz" Nelson published in the Bangor Daily News on October 27, 2010<br /> <br /> <br /> HOLDEN - Michael "Taz" Nelson, 62, died Oct. 25, 2010. He was born Dec. 4, 1947, in Bangor, the son of Corbett D. and Beatrice A. (Arnold) Nelson. Mike was a graduate of John Bapst High School, Class of 1965. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was attached to the Seabees Unit MCB-11. He joined Bangor Fire Department in 1973 and retired in 1993. Mike then began working for Uniship, Inc. - a division of Dahl-Chase Pathology - where he was employed at the time of his death. He was predeceased by his mother, father; and sister, Mary Sue Nelson. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Miona "Noni" Nelson; one daughter, Toral Nelson, both of Holden; a sister, Trudy Nelson and her husband, Norman Watts, of Winterport; two brothers, Mark Nelson and his wife, Rebecca Nelson, of Hampden and Stephen Nelson and his wife, Carol, of Hyannis, Mass.; a special nephew, Jon Corbett Nelson of Hampden; a special niece, Jenny Nelson of Portland; many other special nieces, nephews and cousins in Florida; an uncle, Robert Arnold of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; and an aunt, Dorothy Buker and her husband, Ed, of Jacksonville, Fla. Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson officiating. Gifts in Mike's memory may be sent to North Shore Animal League, 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; Bangor Humane Society, 693 B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401; or Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at <a href="http://www.BrookingsSmith.com">http://www.BrookingsSmith.com</a>.
  • DOTHAN, Alabama -- Ashford native Lance Cpl. Jason Nicholas Barfield was killed while serving in Afghanistan on Monday morning. <br /> According to a Facebook page created in his honor, the 22-year-old Marine was stationed in 29 Palms, Calif., and was a 2008 graduate of Ashford High School. Friends and family remembered Barfield as a man with a positive attitude and infectious smile. Shirley Cobb, Barfield's aunt, told the Dothan Eagle that while on a surprise visit home over Christmas last year, Barfield spoke of his duty to his country. “He said, ‘This is my job, I’ve got to go do my job. I hate that it’s in Afghanistan, but that’s my job,’” she said. “You know these boys go over there and fight, and he knew it was taking a chance. He said that the last time he was here. It’s just a terrible feeling for (us).”<br /> <br /> (We post this to honor Jason but to also thank all those who fought along side of him, especially D.J.Hembree.)<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrt177SNGug&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrt177SNGug&feature=youtu.be</a>

  • 58952oldaccounthenryklepc

    on June 1, 2008

    A perfect tribute.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.