I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
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Since 2001 we have lost 2323 American troops in Afghanistan and a total of 3442 American and coalition forces.
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Taps
Performed by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra, 21, of Thornton, Colorado, died May 28, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained as a result of an aircraft accident. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. ~ DoD News Release
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Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra, 21, of Thornton, Colorado
Jacob "Jake" H. Wykstra grew up in Thornton, Colorado where he attended Horizon High School. Jacob enlisted in the Army only one year ago in May of 2013. He arrived at Fort Carson in September and deployed to Afghanistan in January. He was due to return home late summer.
American flags are visible in every single yard of the Wykstra's neighborhood in Thornton. Bill Myers, a neighbor said:
Jake and his sister had lived there since they were little kids, got to know them fairly well, great kids, Jake especially was always willing to help around the neighborhood. One of the saddest days I can remember when the soldiers showed up yesterday with the news.
Jake was never far from his wife, Katie's thoughts and she posted the following on Facebook on May 23rd:
I am super duper happy that today was most kids last day of school. So that means it's officially summer and everything happy happens in summer. And at the end of this one I get that man I love back. So summer I know I usually want you to stay forever, but this year I don't mind if you fly by.
Jake's family released the following statement to the Denver Post on Friday:
“Jake was a faithful and loving husband, son, brother and friend. Words cannot express our sorrow at this time. Jake always lit up a room with his smile and goofy sense of humor. Those he served with have said that no matter how difficult the situation, he had the ability to find the humor and good in it. We are proud to have raised a son who was willing to serve his country and fight for freedom and those who couldn’t fight for themselves. He was a sweet, perfect husband who loved his wife with all his heart. His piercing blue eyes and contagious smile will be sorely missed. We ask for privacy at this difficult time, and want to express sincere gratitude for all the thoughts and prayers as we celebrate his life.”
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Wykstra's friends used social media to honor him and recall his positive attitude and incredible sense of humor as well as offering prayers for his loved ones.
"You made me laugh more times than I can count."
"Your goofy & free spirited personality never failed to lighten the day of anybody."
Officials at Fort Carson released this statement:
It is always hard to lose a part of our military family. Our thoughts and prayers are with PFC Wykstra's family and friends during this very difficult time.
In his single year of service, Infantryman Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra garnered a National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon.
~ Source ~ Source ~ Source ~ Source
About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, TheFatLadySings, Joy of Fishes, and me, JaxDem.
These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Sgt Bowe R. Bergdahl
Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban in June of 2009 and throughout the subsequent years a number of propaganda videos featuring Bergdahl were released by the Taliban.
Yesterday, Saturday May 30th we got the news that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl had been released by the Taliban and was finally safe in United States' hands.
President Barack Obama released this statement yesterday from the White House Rose Garden while flanked by Bowe's parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl:
Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal. Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America's past wars. Sergeant Bergdahl's recovery is a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield. And as we find relief in Bowe's recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue. |
You can read more and follow a host of links at
this long running website dedicated to raising and maintaining awareness of Bowe's POW status.
A warm and heartfelt thank you to you, IGTNT faithful, for your prayers and good thoughts over many years for the safe return of Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.