Tonight, we light a candle of memory against the darkness of grief and loss. Tonight, we remember
This retrospective is a compilation of 2014's
"I Got the News Today" (IGTNT) memorial diaries from January through December. They are tributes to the American service members who died as a result of the war in Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve. When you click on the links, you'll find their stories, the details that their teachers, neighbors, fellow service members and friends remember; the last phone calls home; their Facebook messages to loved ones. These are not numbers or abstractions. They were husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, parents, children, friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters in arms. Their lives mattered.
To our supporters: Please know how much your presence, witnessing, standing vigil and posting condolences meant this year and in every year of this series.
To the IGTNT team members 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: Many blessings for your dedication and compassionate efforts in researching and writing these tributes to our nation's fallen heroes.
To the families and friends who may read this: We have not forgotten your loved one.
As is our tradition for this end of year tribute, we have chosen "We Remember Them" by Rabbis Sylvan Kamens and Jack Riemer, to help us reflect on these losses. Thank you for being here tonight to honor, respect and remember.
At the rising of the sun and at its going down
We remember them.
January:
4: Sgt. Jacob M. Hess, 22, of Spokane, Washington
7: Sgt. First Class William K. Lacey, 38, of Laurel, Florida
18: Sgt. Daniel T. Lee, 28, of Crossville, Tennessee; Sgt. Drew M. Scobie, 25, of Kailua, Hawaii; Chief Warrant Officer Andrew L. McAdams, 27, of Cheyenne, Wyoming
20: Spc. Andrew H. Sipple, 22, of Cary, North Carolina
24: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Balli, 42, of Monterey, California
We continue to celebrate the life of Sgt Drew M. Scobie, loving father, husband, son, grandson, brother, friend and hero. Drew loved his family deeply, proudly and heroically carried the Aloha spirit wherever he went to defend our country. Drew will always be in our hearts and his spirit will live on and become part of the essence of our islands just like the breeze on the ocean. Love knows no distance and Drew is here and will always remain in our hearts. ~ The Scobie Family
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter
We remember them.
February:
13: Pfc. Joshua A. Gray, 21, of Van Lear, Kentucky
16:Sgt. First Class Roberto C. Skelt, 41, of York, Florida; Spc. John A. Pelham, 22, of Portland, Oregon; Spc. Christopher A. Landis, 27, of Independence, Kentucky
20:Master Sgt. Aaron C. Torian, 36, of Paducah, Kentucky
Master Sgt Aaron C. Torian, who had completed his master's degree while he was in the Marine Corps, opted not to become an officer. It wasn't because he didn't like the officers, but because he liked being part of the action; he liked being one of the guys.
On February 15, 2014, the Master Sergeant was conducting training with Afghan soldiers on how to handle improvised explosive devices (IEDs). When the soldiers encountered a problem, Torian ran to help, but the IED exploded mortally wounding him.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring
We remember them.
March:
5: Lance Cpl. Caleb L. Erickson, 20, of Waseca, Minnesota; Master Sgt. David L. Poirier, 52, of North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Lance Cpl. Caleb Erickson always wanted to be in the military. I knew that his discipline, work ethic and loyalty would make him a tremendous soldier. Upon his entrance into the military, I remember telling Caleb that I had no doubt that he would make us proud. Our entire community should be proud of this young man. Caleb was special, and I will miss him.
~ Football coach, Brad Wendland
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
We remember them.
April
6: Captain James Edward Chaffin III, 27, of West Columbia, South Carolina
19: Spc. Kerry M. G. Danyluk, 27, of Cuero, Texas
Spc Kerry M.G. Danyluk as remembered by his former baseball coaches Tim Blakeney and Bobby Vick
He was a very hard worker. He hadn't played baseball here all four years, but he made himself into a very good first baseman, a very good defensive first baseman. He was not afraid to put in what it took to become good at what he wanted to do, and he became someone we could count on to do the job.
For sure, he was where the action was because he was one of those type of kids that you could depend on. That's the kind of kid you want taking care of your country.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn
We remember them.
May
2: Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, New York; Pfc. Christian J. Chandler, 20, of Trenton, Texas
8: Pfc. Daniela Rojas, 19, of Los Angeles, California
15: Chief Warrant Officer Deric M. Rasmussen, 33, of Oceanside, California
17: Command Sgt. Maj. Martin R Barreras, 49, of Tucson, Arizona
22: Spec. Adrian M. Perkins, 19, of Pine Valley, California
Command Sgt. Maj. Barreras was my friend and battle buddy. I’ve spent more time with him than my wife since I’ve taken command. I believe that I was the luckiest battalion commander in the Army to have him as my command sergeant major.
While every soldier in this formation is extremely saddened by his loss, his Bobcats are doing exactly what he would expect of us: continuing on with the mission and taking the fight to the enemy. This man would do absolutely anything and everything to ensure his soldiers came home safely.
~ Lt Col Edward Brady, Battalion Commander
At the beginning of the year and when it ends
We remember them.
June
1: Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra, 21, of Thornton, Colorado
5: Capt. Jason B. Jones, 29, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania
8: Pfc. Matthew H. Walker, 20, of Hillsboro, Missouri
15: Specialist Terry J. Hurne, 34, of Merced, California
17: Staff Sgt. Scott R. Studenmund, 24, of Pasadena, California; Staff Sgt. Jason A. McDonald, 28, of Butler, Georgia; Spc. Justin R. Helton, 25, of Beaver, Ohio; Cpl. Justin R. Clouse, 22, of Sprague, Washington; Pvt. 2nd Class Aaron S. Toppen, 19, of Mokena, Illinois
25: Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Garabrant, 19, of Peterborough, New Hampshire; Staff Sgt. David H. Stewart, 34, of Stafford, Virginia; Lance Cpl. Adam F. Wolff, 25, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
30: Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer, 23, of New Braunfels, Texas
Pfc Jacob H. Wykstra, "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.
~ Wykstra Family
When we are weary and in need of strength
We remember them.
July
27: Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. Prange, 30, of Hickman, Nebraska; Pfc. Keith M. Williams, 19, of Visalia, California; Pfc. Donnell A. Hamilton, Jr., 20, of Kenosha, Wisconsin
30: Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco, 23, of Parma, Ohio
Boatswainmate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco was serving aboard the USS James E. Williams on her first deployment.
Shipmates, Friends, and Family,
It is with a heavy heart I come to you today. The early days of a deployment are generally a time of excitement and energy, but today is filled with sorrow and concern. One of our shipmates will not be returning from deployment with us.
Boatswainmate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco passed away last night. She was a young, vibrant Sailor setting out on her first deployment. After crossing the Atlantic and visiting Spain, she helped us get through the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea. Tragically that is where her cruise ended. Married late last year, she leaves behind a husband who was also deployed and two loving parents in Puerto Rico. ~ Commander Curtis Calloway, USS James E. Williams
When we are lost and sick at heart
We remember them.
August
8: Maj. Gen. Harold J. Greene, 55, of Schenectady, New York
10: Staff Sgt. Girard D. Gass Jr., of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina
15: Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston, 35, of Houston, Texas
23: Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Leggett, 39, of Ruskin, Florida
26: Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, California
Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston was following in his father and brother's footsteps by serving in the military.
He was like the brightest smile in any room. The guy had the prettiest, whitest smile and never had a bad day. He was the glue who held people together and brought people together … You would thank him for serving his country and he was like, "This is what I wanted to do; you don’t have to thank me." ~ Jeremy Griffith, college and high school football teammate
His toughness as a football player transferred from the football field. That's what made him a good soldier. It transferred over into his military career. I'm just so proud of the way he, me being a soldier myself, the way he represented our country. A true American hero. ~ Rex Bowman, coach
When we have joy we crave to share
We remember them.
September
7: Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, 28, of Northborough, Massachusetts
19: Sgt. Charles C. Strong, 28, of Suffolk, Virginia; Maj. Michael J. Donahue, 41, of Columbus, Ohio; Navy Reservist Stephen Byus, 39, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Navy Reservist Stephen Byus died the day after his 12th wedding anniversary, leaving behind a wife and two school age children. Those who knew him said he lived for his family, for his kids. He was their coach, he was their volunteer.
He was part of our Watchdog Dads. He actually led that group in which we have male role models in the building, doing a lot of logistical work, working with kids, working with teachers…He was beloved by the kids. The kids loved him; teachers loved him.
~ School principal Jeremy Miller
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
We remember them.
October
12: Maj. Jonathan D. Walker, 44, of Merriam, Kansas; Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Weathers, 30, of DeRidder, Louisiana
26: Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, California
28: Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, 49, of Oceanside, California
Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut was on his final tour before retirement from the military.
Speaking to a local reporter about his upcoming deployment, Commander Kalafult spoke from his heart:
The real story isn’t me, it’s my wife and kids. I will miss Mary, Marrion, Meachan, Christopher, Keegan, and Michael very much — and yes, even my two dogs. I will be missing an upcoming anniversary, college graduation, birthdays, lacrosse, football and swimming games/meets — but mostly the overall spontaneous love and fun that comes with a big family. My wife, Mary, is an awesome woman and mother, I am proud and blessed to have such a wonderful family.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs
We remember them.
November
2: Corporal Jordan L. Spears, 21, of Memphis, Indiana
20: Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart, 31, of Bay City, Michigan
28: Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner, 48, of Nanticoke, Maryland; Spc. Joseph W. Riley, 27, of Grove City, Ohio
Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner was a military police officer serving as a senior enlisted advisor for the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan. This tour was going to be his last before retirement.
He was a father of five and a grandfather of three. His aunt said that Wardell stepped into parenthood like he was born to be a dad. He raised his family the way he was raised, with values and with integrity.
His son, Devin, was serving in the Army in Afghanistan at the same time as his father and accompanied his father’s remains to Dover Air Force Base.
As long as we live, they too will live;
For they are now a part of us
As we remember them.
December
4: Capt. William H. DuBois, 30, of New Castle, Colorado
14: Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, Indiana
21 Sgt. 1st Class Ramon S. Morris, 37, of New York, New York; Spc. Wyatt J. Martin, 22, of Mesa, Arizona
Captain William H. Dubois died shortly after takeoff, when the F-16 he piloted encountered problems and crashed. DuBois was headed out on a combat mission against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria when the aircraft went down.
He was the best man I ever knew. He had a short life that was so well-lived. He lived life to the fullest. He was so much more. He was not afraid to try anything. He was honorable. He lost his life being a hero. ~ Father, William DuBois Sr.
What can you say about the most wonderful person to walk the planet? Will was anything but generic. Family held the highest priority in his life. He made everyone around him better. I was a better person having him as my son. ~ Mother, Donna DuBois
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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.
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