There are two to honor tonight: a bright, young man, Airman 1st Class Jacob Ramsey from California; and a kind young man, Spc. Michael Anaya of Florida, who was killed on Easter Sunday in Iraq.
Since 2003, there have been 4273 American troops killed in Iraq and 678 American troops killed in Afghanistan. Please take a moment to honor and remember their sacrifice. Many thanks to Blue Jersy Mom for her beautiful tribute to Airman 1st Class Jacob Ramsey.
Thank you, Timroff, for our beautiful logo.
On Saturday. the Department of Defense made the following announcement:
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jacob I. Ramsey, 20, of Hesperia, Calif., died April 10 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident in Kabul Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 712th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Hood, Texas. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
Airman Ramsey is a native of Hesperia, California. He was a member of the Class of 2006 at Hesperia High School, but he managed to graduate in 2005, after only three years. His principal reports that he graduated with a GPA of 3.66 Ramsey served as a communication specialist for the 712th Squadron stationed in Kabul. In Afghanistan, his squadron provided
the Army with immediate close air support, help facilitate the integration of close air support missions into the ground commander's scheme of maneuver, and advise the Army on overall aerospace power employment," said Staff Sgt. Joel Mease, a public affairs specialist for the 7th Bomber Wing. "When deployed, the squadron conducts joint operations daily. The squadron has approximately 90 personnel attached to it. ~source
On learning of Airman Ramsey's death, the Governor of California made the following statement:
Airman 1st Class Jacob I. Ramsey was a true American hero who gave his life fighting to protect the ideals that we hold dear in this country. We will be forever grateful for his selfless service and incredible sacrifice. Maria and I join all Californians in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jacob’s family and friends as they mourn this terrible loss.
The flags at the state capitol will be flow at half-mast in his honor. Airman Ramsey is one of four graduates of Hesperia High School who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
DoD announces Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Michael J. Anaya, 23, of Crestview, Fla., died April 12 in Bayji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Michael Anaya's family stood silently and witnessed his flag draped coffin being taken off the 747 at Dover Air Force Base. His father will accompany his son home to rest in Florida at a local cemetery, it was Michael's wish to be buried with his family members. Michael Anaya was killed on Easter Sunday when his vehicle hit an IED. Only 23 years old, he had a feeling he would not make it through this last tour. The local nwf daily news. spoke with Katie Rowe, the fiance of Mike's brother:
"He told his brother, ‘I have a feeling that I'm not going to make it back, but that's what I'm meant to do,' " Rowe said. "He said, ‘It's not just for you and the family and my nieces and nephews. It's for everybody.' "
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"He knew the risk and he said that's what he loved and that's what his life was meant for," said Katie Rowe, who is engaged to his older brother, Carmelo Jr.
"He has, ever since he was 5 years old, known that's what he wanted to do."
Michael Anaya loved fishing and cooking outdoors. He is survived by his parents, Carmelo and Cheryl Anaya, of Crestview, Florida; a brother and sister-in-law, sister, an infant niece, and numerous other friends and family.
My heartfelt condolences to the Anaya family and friends.
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. 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.
All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here and here. They all had loved ones, families and friends. The DoD news releases are here. I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind. Click the IGTNT tags below for previous diaries.
Click the IGTNT tags to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by monkeybiz, noweasels, greenies, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, a girl in MI, Spam Nunn, JeNoCo, Media Prof, and me, Sandy on Signal. .
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.