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, Afghanistan as well in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, and Operation Joint Guardian. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
SGT. HOLLI R. BOLINSKI
SPC. JACKSON D. JOHNSON
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.Both soldiers died March 5, 2019, as a result of a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. The soldiers are:
Sgt. Holli R. Bolinski, 37, of Pinckneyville, Illinois
Spc. Jackson D. Johnson, 20, of Hillsboro, Missouri
Both soldiers were assigned to 657th Transportation Company, 419th Transportation Battalion, 103d Sustainment Command, Mount Vernon, Illinois.
~ DoD News Release
According to Maj. Andy Thaggard with the 184th Sustainment Command, three soldiers were on a mission traveling in North Kuwait. Sgt Bolinski was driving the vehicle when a civilian water truck collided with their vehicle. All three soldiers were evacuated to the US Military hospital at Camp Arifjan. Sgt Bolinski was pronounced dead upon arrival, Johnson died shortly after as a result of his injuries and the third soldier was medically evacuated from Kuwait.
The incident is under investigation. ~ News Source
Sgt. Holli R. Bolinski was a wife and the mother of 5 children. Her husband, Robert Bolinski’s Facebook page has offered glimpses into his grief and sorrow at losing his wife as well as traveling to Dover Air Force Base to witness her dignified transfer. An outpouring of postings of love and comfort continue to pour in from the couple’s friends and loved ones.
In May of 2005 a fellow Pinckneyville resident, Wyatt D. Eisenhauer lost his life while serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Wyatt D. Eisenhauer Memorial Fund was established which features an annual ride in his memory. Funds raised are used to award college scholarships. Holli assisted with the annual ride as a volunteer and went beyond that by providing love and support to his family. The family posted the following upon hearing of her passing:
It is with very heavy hearts that we make this post. We have been trying to find the right words, but there isn't any. Today Holli Bolinski was killed in Kuwait, while serving our country. We want to honor her service and sacrifice. We also want to acknowledge and express our gratitude for her volunteer work for the Wyatt D. Eisenhauer Memorial Fund and helping with the annual ride.
On an even more personal note we want to acknowledge the care and concern her and her husband have showed my mother Gay Eisenhauer, since the passing of my Dad. Robert Bolinski and Holli have helped out with things numerous times and she was always so kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with Holli's loved ones and comrades. Rest Easy Hero, you will not be forgotten.
- Wyatt's family.
The flags are flying at half-staff in Pinckneyville as well as other areas of Perry County including the Perry County Courthouse.
In nearby Du Quoin, James L. Rice who serves as an honor guard at many veteran funerals in the area expressed his sorrow at hearing of such a young life lost. He said he believes Sgt. Bolinski deserves the highest honor because she died in the line of duty.
“This is truly gut-wrenching news. I can’t fathom the emotions of Sgt. Bolinksi’s family right now. Sgt. Bolinski’s service to our nation will not be forgotten. Please pray for the Bolinski family during this trying time.” ~ U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12)
Sgt. Holli Bolinski served in the Army for four years Active Duty and seven years in the Reserves. She served several missions in Iraq. She was awarded many medals and numerous commendations.
Funeral services have not yet been announced, but will be held with the assistance of Pyatt Funeral Home in Pinckneyville, IL.
Specialist Jackson D. Johnson spent his early years in Tennessee, only moving with his family to
Missouri four years ago. Jackson graduated in 2017 from Hillsboro High School, but he had been in the Army Reserves for three years and knew he wanted a career in the Army. Spc. Johnson deployed to Kuwait in October and this was his first deployment.
Hillsboro High principal Cathy Freeman said the school held a moment of silence for Johnson, who was remembered quite fondly. “We are just so proud of him and were devastated to hear he has died. He was very well thought of in our high school.” She added that the school was thinking of ways to commemorate Jackson and plans on speaking with his family for their input.
Cousin, Tara Kennedy was struggling with the loss, “It’s still not real. It’s still not real. To see pictures and videos, it’s very difficult.” Tara said Jackson was a hero who was born to be in the Army. She also added, “We’re a large, loving family and we all step in and help each other.”
Jackson’s parents and his 11 year old sister traveled to Dover Air Force Base on Thursday to witness Spc. Johnson’s dignified transfer. April Johnson, Jackson’s mother said her daughter had been especially close to her older brother. “Her brother was her whole world and she was his whole world. He would call a couple times a week to tell his little sister good night before she went to bed. If he couldn’t, he’d make a video so I could show her.”
April Johnson said she was still expecting to hear his texts coming through anytime. She said her son chose to enlist in the Army because he wanted to make a difference in the world. “He had the biggest, most loving heart. He would do anything for anybody that he could. All of his sergeants and commanders I talked to said they couldn’t wait to see what he would become, because they knew he’d be a great leader one day.”
Ms. Johnson said many of Jackson’s friends have called at their home offering to do whatever was needed. She said several of them said Jackson was their best friend. “I didn’t realize how many people he’d touched.”
Spc. Jackson D. Johnson’s awards include a National Defense Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon among others.
Funeral arrangements haven’t yet been made, but his family anticipates he will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
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I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by 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, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.