I Got The News Today (IGTNT) , which is 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 and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Tonight we remember and honor the lives of five brave and courageous souls.
Pfc Jordan M Byrd, U.S. Army
Sgt. Eric Newman, U.S. Army
Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Alec E. Catherwood, U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps
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.
Since 2001 we have suffered the loss of 1342 Americans fighting in Afghanistan.
Since 2003 we have suffered the loss of 4425 Americans fighting in Iraq.
In 1915 Moina Michael came up with the idea of wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day.
She was inspired by a poem called "In Flanders Fields" and in response wrote her own.
"...We cherish too, the poppy red that grows on fields where valor led, it seems to signal to the skies that blood of heroes never dies."
Let us forever remember the sacrifice of these brave souls and all those who have preceded them.
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Pfc. Jordan M. Byrd, 19, of Grantsville, Utah
Jordan is a 2009 graduate of Dugway High School. He loved helping people and was determined to become a doctor. He decided that joining the military would be the best way for him to get through medical school. Pfc Byrd joined the Army in 2009 and became a combat medic with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Jordan and Savanna Byrd were married less than a year ago and their son, Ayden, was born just five weeks ago, right before Jordan was deployed to Afghanistan. The military gave him permission to deploy a week late so he could be there for his son's birth.
This description of what took place on Wednesday, October 13th, in the final moments of Jordan's life speaks volumes about the man he was in life:
The precise details of the fight that claimed Byrd’s life are yet to emerge from the fog of war, but a soldier who was there when Byrd fell has given his family this description:
Byrd’s unit — Alpha Company of the 1st Battalion of the 506th Infantry Regiment — had come under small-arms fire while on patrol. A fellow soldier had been struck by a sniper’s bullet. Byrd had rushed to the wounded man’s side.
Seconds later, he was shot in the stomach.
"When Jordan went down, the other soldier who was already wounded rolled on top of him," said Byrd’s stepfather, Scott Pitt. "He was trying to protect Jordan. And then that soldier was shot again. These two boys — these two soldiers — all they were trying to do was protect each other."
The condition of the second soldier remains unclear, though he appears to have survived the attack.
~Source
Savanna Byrd is thankful she has some pictures of Ayden and Jordan together. She said the smile on her husband's face is something she'll never forget.
"His smile, that's just Jordan," Savanna said. "He was always happy, just always happy no matter what."
Abby Byrd, Jordan's younger sister says she'll cherish the time he surprised her at her school locker after coming home on leave from military training.
"I had no idea he was going to come. He was in his dress uniform, his hat and everything. I was just so happy to see him," Abby Byrd said. "He was my best friend."
~Source
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement expressing sorrow for Jordan's family's loss and the news of another fallen Utah soldier.
"Private First Class Byrd has paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and our American way of life, and for that he will never be forgotten," Herbert said in a prepared statement. "Jeanette and I extend our deepest condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to Private First Class Byrd's family and loved ones, as well as the gratitude of the State for his service."
~Source
Pfc. Jordan M. Byrd is survived by his wife Savanna, his son Ayden and his parents.
The Patriot Guard Riders have confirmed that they will escort Jordan on his final journey (details pending).
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Sgt Eric C. Newman, 30 of Waynesboro, Mississippi
Sgt.Newman, a paratrooper who joined the Army in 2006, died Oct. 14 in Akatzai Kalay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Eric Newman was a graduate of Wayne County High School where he served as a member of the ROTC.
The people of Waynesboro, population 5,500, remember Newman as brave and laid-back. They said he wasn't a big man, but he had a big heart, a positive attitude and good character.
Eric worked for the Waynesboro Police Department before transitioning to the military. Police Chief James Bunch said this of Newman:
"He was an outstanding individual. And it doesn't surprise me at all that he would sacrifice himself for his country.".
"I know the family will never recover from this loss and our hearts go out to them."
~Source
Eric's commander, Lt. Col. James Gaylord made this statement about him:
"Sergeant Newman was the consummate professional in the execution of his duties, always striving to be a better noncommissioned officer and soldier." "He was selected to serve in our squadron tactical command post because of his professionalism."
~Source
Newman's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Parachute Badge.
Eric was preceded in death by his father and leaves behind his mother, Dianne and a sister, Kim.
The times and locations of services for Newman had not yet been determined. However, The Patriot Guard Riders have confirmed that they will escort Eric on his final journey (details pending)
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Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros, 21, Clarksville, Arkansas
The remains of Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros are unloaded at Dover Air Force Base on October 16th.
Irvin grew up in Clarksville, Arkansas a community with just under 8,000 residents and is located on the banks of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. With the entire northern half of the county in the Ozark National Forest, scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities abound -- canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping.
Irvin Ceniceros enlisted in September 2007 and deployed in 2009 to the western Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He died October 14th while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Senator Blanche Lincoln issued this statement:
"My heart goes out to the family of Lance Corporal Ceniceros, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation," Lincoln said. "Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the sacrifice he and his family have made. I am committed to ensuring that all of our veterans always have the full support they need and deserve, and I can assure our brave soldiers and their families that our grateful nation will not forget them when their military service is complete."
The mayor of Clarksville, Billy Helm suggested holding a memorial to honor Irvin:
"Any recognition he can get wouldn't be any consolation to his parents, but it would be the proper thing to do," Helm said.
~Source
His military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros is survived by his parents.
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Lance Cpl Alec E. Catherwood, 19, Byron, Illinois
with his fiancee Hailey Patrick
Catherwood is a 2009 Byron High School graduate who enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 1, 2009. He was shot and killed Thursday, October 14th by small-arms fire while conducting dismounted combat operations against enemy forces in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Catherwood was a Byron Tiger and worked at the local grocery store, but friends say his real dream was to serve in the military.
"He was very adamant about it, he was always talking about being in the marines," Veronica Sanders, a family friend said.
"You could never talk him out of it, it's just what he wanted to do," said Grant Davis, friend.
~Source
Christine Patrick, the mother of Alec's fiancee said this:
"Since he was 3 years old, all this kid wanted to be was a Marine. He was already talking about re-enlisting, and this was only his first year.
~Source
Many local businesses in Byron have put pictures of Alec up in their windows in remembrance.
A vigil is planned for this Sunday at 5 p.m. next to the Byron fire station. Alec planned to become a firefighter after serving in the Marines
Catherwood’s personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal.
Alec is survived by his parents Kirk and Gretchen Catherwood.
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Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez, 26, of Rosamond, California
Unknown remains arrive at Dover Air Force Base
Joseph was from Rosamond, California which is a community of about 18,000 and located in Southern California's Antelope Valley, at the hub of what has been called "Aerospace Valley".
Joseph Lopez enlisted in March 2009. He was a rifleman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Lopez died Oct. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan after an improvised explosive device detonated during dismounted combat operations.
Here are some comments left on a message board in memory of Joseph:
Joseph Lopez has attended our church with his family for several years. He was an exceptional young man who worked hard to become a Marine. Joey was always kind and thoughtful towards others and we are proud of his life and service to our country.
Lopez was my boyfriends roommate at Camp Pendleton. What a wonderful man, a great person to be around, and it's unfortunate to see him go. My boyfriend has to be devastated. He's lost two great friends in two days.
Thank you for serving our country Lopez
I have known Joey and his family for over 15 years. He will be greatly missed. He was a young man of determination and character. He was always respectful and polite. He worked hard to join the Marines, I remember seeing him, always running down Rosamond Blvd getting himself in shape. My family and I, love and will miss you. We are very pround of his service and commitment to this country. We will see you again in Heaven. May God bless and watch over your Family. For those of us who's faith is in the Lord, know that this time on earth is minimal to the time we will spend with you again in Heaven for eternity. May Gods speed be with all our service men and woman.
~Source
Lance Cpl Lopez's military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal.
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POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq
Two U.S. soldiers are currently listed as captured or Duty Status -- Whereabouts Unknown as of December 1, 2009.
Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie 41
and
Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl 23
Never forgotten - please keep good thoughts and prayers for these two men.
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Retroactive Stop Loss Benefits submission deadline extended to December 3rd. Details available here.
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Helping Our Troops
There would be no finer way to honor the fallen than to contribute to programs that assist our active duty military. Here are a few suggestions:
Fisher House - Provides a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitilization for an illness, disease or injury.
Netroots For The Troops - raises money for the assembly, mailing and delivery of care packages to American military in war zones, and to provide assistance to military families in the United States.
Welcome Back Veterans - created to inspire Americans to give back to our returning veterans and their families and assist in particular with PTSD.
Books for Soldiers - purchases and ships books to our troops deployed in war zones.
Any Soldier - provides "contacts" for you to send greetings, care packages, etc. to any Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor or Coast Guardman.
Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pets - establishing a network of foster families providing a loving and healthy home environment for the pet(s)of deployed military personnel until they can be reunited with their owner.
Wounded Warrior Project - To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.