IGTNT: Tears For Two More Brave Souls

As hard as it is to read about and convey the personal details in these IGTNT diaries, we find it even harder, if that’s possible, to bring you the news of our latest fallen men and women when we can find very little personal information. We so very much want our remembrances to do justice to these fine service people – for their families, for their friends, communities and units.

Tonight we are here to honor the memories of Captain (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster and Spc. John J. Young. Sadly, we know little about these soldiers, other than that they have given their lives in service to their country while deployed in Iraq.

Their sacrifices and the sacrifices of those they’ve left behind deserve much more recognition than they are getting from our country – media and government alike. It’s the least we can do to pause to reflect on all that’s been lost.

I Got the News Today, 9/24/07 Edition

They may have been class valedictorians, voted most likely to succeed or even class clown. They may have been marathon runners, country music lovers or diehard football fans. They are likely a best friend suddenly not there to talk to. And most certainly they were loved and admired for much more than the professional accomplishments we’re aware of.

Captain (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio

We know from the DoD that Army Captain (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio died September 20 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation.

And we learn from the Associated Press that Captain Hoffmaster was a 2004 graduate of Case Western. After graduating from Case Western, she continued her training in internal medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, according to the school’s online alumni records.

Finally, we learn from the Fort Drum website that prior to attending med school at Case Western Captain Hoffmaster graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts with a degree in biochemistry in 2000. She is a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course. Her awards and decorations include the Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

She had just been deployed to Iraq this month.

And she is survived by her husband and parents.

May Captain (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster rest in eternal peace. Your mission of care is complete.

Specialist John J. Young, 24, of Savannah, Georgia



According to the DoD, Spc. John J. Young, 24, of Savannah, Ga., died Sept. 21 in Camp Stryker, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

We learn from the Fort Drum website that Spc. Young enlisted in the Army in June 2005 and completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga. In October 2005, he was assigned to Fort Drum and the 2nd BCT. He completed the Combat Life Saver Course in 2005.

He was highly decorated with awards including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Infantryman Badge.

And he is survived by his father, mother and sister, all of Savannah.

May Specialist John J. Young rest in eternal peace. Your mission to serve is complete.

Please take a moment to honor the memories of Captain (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster and Specialist John J. Young, as well as too many others who have passed through this world much too quickly in service to their country.



You can do that by viewing the stories and remembrances of these heroes at sites such as Iraq Veterans Memorial, Honor the Fallen and Spread the Word: Iraq-Nam


Regarding Iraq, the Department of Defense has confirmed 3,797 deaths and the announcement of 2 more deaths is expected pending notification of the next of kin, according to Iraq Coalition Casualty Count. 441 American troops have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

To support our military service members and veterans, please visit AnySoldier.com and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

they will always be young
they will always be beautiful
they will be in our hearts
they have become part of our souls
we will carry them with us always
and meet in the fullness of time.

(thank you labwitchy)

About the IGTNT series:

IGTNT stands for "I Got the News Today."  The phrase most likely refers to the Beatles song, and it is meant to symbolize that terrible knock on the door that any number of families got today, bringing with it the news that a loved one has died. IGTNT is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind.

Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and is maintained by blue jersey mom, Chacounne, joyful, labwitchy, moneysmith, Monkeybiz, noweasels, roses, Sandy on Signal, sheddhead, silvercedes, sistwo, twilight falling, Wee Mama, MsWings and me, greenies.

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.

If you would like to help out with IGTNT -- even once a month -- please get in touch with silvercedes, Sandy on Signal, noweasels or monkeybiz.

My gratitude to noweasels, roses and sistwo for their help in learning more about these heroes.