Please join me and the IGTNT team tonight as we mourn the loss of seven more soldiers who died on foreign soil.
Spc. Paul E. Dumont, Jr., 23, of Williamsburg, Virginia, died August 19 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident;
Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, died August 22 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover;
Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, 20, of San Clemente, California, died August 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan; and
Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of Concord, California; Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Mesa, Arizona; Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Trenton, Missouri; and Pfc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Federal Way, Washington, all died August 25 in southern Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. All four men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. They had been in the 'Ghan since July.
Dear ones, will you kindly take a moment to send a warm thought or prayer to the hundreds of thousands of forgotten or unnoticed souls who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the insanity of war? This is not their diary but still, we all feel and grieve the pain of a broken human spirit.
Blessings and Light to all who share our world.
Specialist Paul E. Dumont, Jr.
I found this small photo of Paul Dumont at Liberty Unites, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
When contacted by the press at the Dumont family home, their reply was, "No comment," so I will share what is public as reported by the military.
Paul Dumont Jr. joined the Army after graduating in 2004 from Jamestown (Virginia) High School and he went through his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Newport News Daily Press reported that Spc. Dumont had been stationed at the Kandahar Airfield, the largest military base in southern Afghanistan, since March of this year.
Spc. Dumont had also previously served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and he received several awards and medals during his time there. Spc. Dumont was a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 149th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, stationed out of Fort Eustis, Virginia. Fort Eustis spokeswoman, Sgt. Kelly Jo Bridgwater, said that Spc. Dumont, "...apparently did some great, wonderful things."
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have Spc. Dumont on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
The Daily Press says that Spc. Dumont is survived by his parents, six siblings, and his wife, Candice, with whom he had celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary earlier this month.
Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Paul E. Dumont, Junior. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Cpl. Darby T. Morin
I found this photo of Cpl. Morin at Military City.com, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
The military reports that Canadian Cpl. Darby Morin was a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, New York. Cpl. Morin joined the army in 2004 and he arrived at Fort Drum in April of 2008. Cpl. Morin is the 23rd soldier that the 3rd Brigade has lost in Afghanistan since the unit deployed there last January.
The Fort Drum public affairs office reports that Cpl. Morin's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and a Combat Action Badge.
I found this photo of Cpl. Morin at ABC Newswatch 50, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have Cpl. Morin on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Photo Caption: An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Cpl. Darby T. Morin on Monday, August 24, 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. AP Photo, credit to Steve Ruark.
Cpl. Morin is survived by his wife and two little sons.
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved Cpl. Darby T. Morin, especially his two precious children. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan
I found Donald Hogan's Tesoro High School senior class photo from 2007 at The Orange County Register, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
"He was a beautiful kid," said Jim Hogan of his 20-year-old son. Mr. Hogan was in Delaware to watch the transfer of his son's remains before bringing him home to California.
Donald wanted to be a career Marine like his adored grandfather, Gunnery Sergeant James Hogan, Sr., a veteran of three wars (World War II, Korea, and Vietnam). Donald "...wanted to follow in his footsteps," Mr. Hogan said.
Donald is warmly remembered by his former coach at Tesoro High School. Stacy Ruffer, a teacher and the head cross country and track coach at Tesoro, said Donald ran track during his junior and senior years and that he always gave his best.
"He was a coach's dream," Mr. Ruffer said. "He tried to be a mentor to a lot of younger kids on the track.
"He [Donald] always had a very positive attitude. When we'd be out there in 90-degree weather and running six to 10 miles, we would come back and, even after this exhausting workout, he'd have fun playing with the other kids."
Mr. Hogan rememberedthat his son, "wasn't very good at it [running track] but he always showed up and competed."
LCPL Hogan joined the Marine Corps on November 5, 2007 and he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton. LCPL Hogan had received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, 1st Marine Division spokesman Cpl. Shawn Coolman said. This was Lance Cpl. Hogan's first tour of duty and he had deployed with his unit to Afghanistan within the past few months.
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have LCPL Hogan on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Photo Caption: A carry team places the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan in a transfer vehicle at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware on Friday, August 28, 2009. (AP Photo, credit to Cliff Owen)
Donald Hogan last spoke with his mother a week ago. He said that "...he was safe and that he was OK," Mr. Hogan said. "And (that) he loved us and not to worry. He missed us."
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved Donald J. Hogan. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Capt. John L. Hallett III
I found this photo at Military City.com, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that Captain John L. Hallett III earned his commission after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2001. Capt. Hallett was previously deployed in Iraq from 2005 to 2006 with a Stryker brigade out of Shofield Barracks, Hawaii. He married his wife Lisa right before that tour of duty. Capt. Hallett reported to Fort Lewis in 2007, and he served as a battalion personnel officer, assistant operations officer and company commander for the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment.
Fort Lewis reports that Captain Hallett's civilian and military education include a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (2001), an Airborne qualification course (1999), a Combat Diver qualification course (2000), a Master Fitness Trainer Course (2001), the Infantry Officer Basic Course (2001), the Ranger qualification course (2002), the Infantry Mortar Platoon Officer course (2002), the Army Combatives Level I training (2002), the Long Range Surveillance Leader course (2003), the Infantry Maneuver Captain's Career Course (2006), and the Joint Firepower Control Course (2006).
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (three awards), the Army Achievement Medal (two awards), a National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terror Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, a Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and a Scuba Diver Badge.
The San Francisco Chronicle says that Capt. Hallett is a native of Concord, a city here in the East Bay. John Hallett attended St. Agnes Elementary School as a youngster and he played water polo at De La Salle High School.
The Contra-Costa Times reports that John was once a delivery boy for their newspaper.
A family friend told the Tacoma News-Tribune that Capt. Hallett was "not only a wonderful husband but also the father of three beautiful children." Their little ones are Jackson, age 4, Bryce, age 2, and Heidi, only 3 weeks. Horribly, Capt. Hallett never got to see his youngest child before his death.
The Army released a statement from Lisa: "Captain John Louis Hallett III was an amazing father, devoted and joyful husband, thoughtful son, loving brother, and inspiring friend. He was a patient teacher to our children.
"He had the warmest and most genuine smile. John would always make people laugh by his clever ways and kind humor.
"Words fail to begin to describe John's true spirit. John's amazing example and memories will live in and guide his three young children."
Lisa and John Hallett. Photo found at The News Tribune from a US Military handout.
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have Captain Hallett on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved Captain John Hallett III, especially those three precious children. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Capt. Cory J. Jenkins
I found this photo of Captian Jenkins at Military City.com, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
A physician's assistant, Cory Jenkins, had job offers for better-paying work that would have kept him out of harm's way. "He wanted to be in trauma," his father, Stanley Jenkins of Mesa, Arizona, remembers. "He said, 'You can't get any better experience than in the military.'"
A graduate of both Brigham Young University and the A.T. Still University's physician's-assistant program, Cory Jenkins should have been assigned to a MASH Unit instead of being out in the field. His family plans to ask an Army casualty assistance officer for an explanation.
"That's why we were feeling safe," Mr. Jenkins told reporters. "He [Cory] should have been out of harm's way." Mr. Jenkins said his son had always been interested in joining the military and that he thought he was doing the right thing by enlisting to help injured soldiers in Afghanistan.
Captain Jenkin's civilian and military education include a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University (2003), a Master of Science from A.T. Still University (2007), the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course (2007), a Tactical Combat Medical Course (2007), and the Airborne qualification course (2008). His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Field Medical Badge, and a Parachutist Badge.
Cory Jenkins was father to a 9-week-old daughter, little Reagan. His wife, Brooke, gave birth in Washington a month before Jenkins shipped out to Afghanistan.
"They postponed the deployment," Mr. Jenkins remembered. "Fortunately, he was here when she was born."
His uncle, Chuck Jenkins, remembers Cory as "...the most comfortable person I knew with himself. He knew who he was. He was comfortable being him."
Cory Jenkins ran track, played volleyball, and served as a Scoutmaster prior to enlisting in the Army. He also was an Eagle Scout! His family said he had "a great sense of humor, and kids especially loved to be around him."
"Cory was so much fun to be around," his uncle said. "He could take any situation and make fun."
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have Captain Jenkins on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved Captain Cory J. Jenkins, especially his baby daughter. Please know that we stand with you at this terrible time.
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer
I found this photo of SFC Roanald W. Sawyer at Military City.com, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
Ronald E. Sawyer last saw his son in June before the soldier left on July 15 for his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.
"He [Ronald W.] brought his 2-year-old son Daniel for the visit," said Mr. Sawyer. "The three of us hung out together and visited family," there in the Laredo, Missouri area where Mr. Sawyer, Senior lives.
News of Ronald W.'s death hit hard. "They told me my son, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, was killed when enemy forces attacked their Stryker vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was a medic and had been in the Army for 17 years." Despite his grief, Mr. Sawyer affirmed that, "I'm very proud of what he did with his life."
KIRO-TV.com reports that SFC Sawyer joined the Army back in 1992. He spent three years overseas including rotation in Germany, a one-year tour in Korea, and additional deployments to Kosovo and Cuba.
SFC Sawyer served many roles in the Army including as a medical specialist, a squad leader, and a recruiter. He reported for duty at Fort Lewis, Washington in November of 2006. Fort Lewis public affairs says that SFC Sawyer's Sawyer's civilian and military education include a high school diploma, two years (60 or more semester hours) of college credit, the Health Care Specialist qualification course (1993), the Warrior Leader Course (1996), the Defense Language Institute "Gateway to Germany" course (1997), a Hazardous Materials transport course (1997), the Basic NCO course (1998), a Unit Prevention Leader course (1999), an Equal Opportunity Program Manager course (2000), a Recruiting Management course (2002), an Advanced NCO course (2003), an Emergency Medical Technician- Ambulance course (2005), the Tactical Combat Medical Care course (2007), and the FBCB2: Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below course (2007).
SFC Ronald Sawyer's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (six awards), an Army Achievement Medal (eight awards), a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, an Army Superior Unit Award, the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal (five awards), the ational Defense Service Medal (two awards), a Korea Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, a Global War on Terror Service Medal, a Humanitarian Service Medal, an Armed Forces Service Medal, an NCO Professional Development Ribbon (three awards), an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, a NATO Medal, a US Army Recruiter Badge: Gold with two Sapphire Achievement Stars, an Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Drivers and Mechanics Badge.
SFC Sawyer's father added that his son loved playing baseball, and that the funeral will be held in Austin, Texas.
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have SFC Sawyer on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved SFC Ronald W. Sawyer, especially his toddler son Daniel. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Pfc. Dennis M. Williams
I found this photo of PFC Dennis Williams at Military City.com, and I thank them as I re-post it here.
Dennis Williams' stepfather, Lonny Teifke, said that the family grew concerned after hearing from Dennis about the poor conditions for the soldiers fighting there in Afghanistan.
"He just felt that there wasn't near enough ammunition and resources to defend himself," remembered Mr. Teifke.
"What he was told and what he heard is that ammo was low, conserve your stuff, and he just didn't feel that they were equipped like they should have been - like it was a low-budget war," added Dennis' brother, David Williams.
PFC Williams' unit's records state that Dennis enlisted in the Army on October 25, 2007, from a Seattle recruitment center and that he reported to Fort Lewis in March after getting his initial training at Fort Benning, Georgia. PFC Williams was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon, and he passed the Infantryman qualification course (2008).
Dennis Williams graduated Federal Way High School in 2003. Family members said that the young soldier aimed to become a police officer, and that he had worked as a security guard at KOMO-TV and Fisher Plaza.
Dennis Williams is best remembered as "a loving father and family man." His death leaves 18-month-old daughter, Alaina, and a 1-month-old son, Grant, without a father. Grant was born only 10 days before Dennis deployed to Afghanistan.
"I'm glad he got to see the birth of his son," said his stepfather. "And he really enjoyed his family."
"...he will be remembered for the rest of his life through us and his family and his loved ones," says his brother David.
The magnificent Patriot Guard Riders have PFC Williams on their Watch List, where messages of support and sympathy are being left for the family.
Our hearts are with all who knew and loved PFC Dennis M. Williams, especially his two precious children. Please know that we stand beside you at this terrible time of loss.
Our beautiful forget-me-nots were a gift to the IGTNT team from dear llbear.
I can't think of a better way to honor the fallen than to contribute to the well-being of their fellow soldiers still on active duty.
The following fine organizations could sure use your support and your donations: AnySoldier.com, Books for Soldiers, Fisher House, the Military Pets Foster Project, Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets, Operation Baghdad Pups, Operation Enduring Christmas, an organization that sends holiday presents to the children of our fallen troops, and Helping Udders, an organization that sends cooling vests to the Military Working Dogs stationed with their handlers in Iraq.
Please search for all diaries tagged 'NFTT' to get more information on how our community is supporting Netroots for the Troops.
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Click here to see other IGTNT diaries, a series which was begun by i dunno and which is currently maintained by Sandy on Signal, greenies, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, noweasels, roses, SisTwo, SpamNunn, a girl in MI, JeNoCo, mediaprof, rb137, and TrueBlueMajority.
These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but, we believe, an important service to those Americans who have died, and to our community's respect for and remembrance of them. Fallen soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and National Guard whose names have been released by the Department of Defense will usually be diaried two days after the official announcement on the DoD website. This allows the IGTNT team to cover each fallen service member more fully, but still in a timely manner
As you read this diary, please consider that the families and friends of those profiled here also may read it and that many members of our community have served in Iraq or Afghanistan or have loved ones currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope that the comments tonight will demonstrate our respect for the sacrifices of our fallen military and our compassion for their families, whatever our personal feelings about the war and occupation happen to be. (Comment credit and my thanks to dear noweasels.)
PEACE AND BLESSINGS.