The Department of Defense recently announced five casualties:
Spc. Matthew C. Powell, 20, of Slidell, Louisiana
Staff Sgt. Aracely Gonzalez O’Malley, 31, of Brawley, California
Spc. Steven L. Dupont, 20, of Lafayette, Louisiana
Spc. Ronnie J. Pallares, 19, of Rancho Cucamonga, California
Sgt. 1st Class Charles M. Sadell, 34, of Columbia, Missouri
Their mission is ended and they have earned their rest.
Please take a few minutes to join us in to remembering the lives and honoring the sacrifice of these five soldiers who gave their all in the service of our country.
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sources: Honor the Fallen, St. Tammany News, Legacy.com, WAFB.com 1, WAFB.com 2
He survived one roadside bombing, and returned to his unit
Matthew Powell had two homes, one in Baton Rouge and one in Slidell. Family, friends and neighbors in both places are remembering him fondly and mourning his loss. One neighbor remembers him as the little boy growing up next door. Another has fond memories of him playing with her grandson. "He was a happy boy," said Linda Clark, a neighbor, "A respectable young man that loved his family." Another neighbor, Mary Helms, said: "He would light up the room when he'd walk in. Just happy all the time."
Rick Johnson, a deacon at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Slidell, has known Powell since he was a little boy attending Sunday School at Grace Memorial. Johnson said that Powell was mischievous as a child but grew up to be "a very polite young man, obedient and respectful of adults." Powell also worked for Johnson doing odd jobs around the church in his teens. "Matthew was very conscientious about his work, and he was a fast learner and very strong," Johnson said.
Before Powell left to join the service, he gave a testimonial before the congregation. "He told everybody how grateful he was to have the church in his life," Johnson said. "He got a standing ovation."
Matthew Powell joined the Army in July 2008 and had been stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky since November 2008. He was a motor transport operator and he was assigned to Company A, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Purple Heart.
Earlier this year, Spc. Powell was in a humvee when a roadside bomb exploded, and everyone in the humvee was killed except Powell, who was thrown clear. While recovering from that accident, he came home to Baton Rouge and Slidell for a few weeks. During his time at home he visited Rick Johnson. Johnson said the Army had done the young soldier good: "He was big before he left, but when I saw him, he was massive," Johnson said. "I told him how proud I was that he was serving his country, and just told me ‘thank you.’"
The humvee tragedy was a close call, but it did not stop Powell from wanting to continue his service. So after the brief break at home he returned to Afghanistan, with eight months left to serve in his tour.
On October 13 Army Specialist Matthew C. Powell was in Ghunday Ghar, once again riding in a military vehicle that was hit by a roadside bomb. This time, the attack was more severe. He was at Kandahar Airfield being treated for his wounds when he died. Matthew Powell was 20 years old.
Powell's Baton Rouge neighbors are honoring the young soldier by hanging flags in front of their homes.
"Look what he died for, serving his country," said Linda Clark. "This is what he really loved, he loved that." Mary Helms was grateful that she had spoken to him during his visit home: "I said, 'Matthew I'm so proud of you and I appreciate so much your service,' and I think if I wouldn't have told him that, I would have regrets," said Helms.
Powell is survived by his mother, Janice C. Powell of Slidell, his sister Tiffany, also of Slidell, and father, Lloyd P. Powell of Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge neighbors are asking everyone in Shenandoah Estates to put up flags in Powell's honor.
"I always thought he could take care of himself, but those roadside bombs are sneaky and cowardly," Rick Johnson said. "I’m saddened, we are all saddened. We thought he would come back. There are not enough words to describe what a great person he was."
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sources: Watertown Daily Times, MyABC50—Watertown NY
He served as the eyes and ears of the brigade
Charles M. Sadell joined the U.S. Army in 1995. His previous duty stations include Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Dexheim, Germany, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His previous deployments include a 4 month tour in Saudi Arabia in 1997, a 6 month tour in Kosovo in 2001 and a 12 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006. Charles Sadell came to Fort Drum in March 2010. The military intelligence officer was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. The squadron has been serving in southern Afghanistan, near Kandahar, as part of Operation Dragon Strike, aimed at driving the Taliban from the area. One of the squadron's duties is to act as the "eyes and ears" of the brigade by providing reconnaissance.
On October 5, Charles M. Sadell suffered serious injury when insurgents attacked his unit near Arif Kala, Afghanistan, using an improvised explosive device. He was taken to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda for treatment, and he died at the Naval Medical Center on October 24. Sadell was 34 years old.
Gov. David A. Paterson directed that flags at state office buildings fly at half-staff to honor Sadell's memory and service. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish to extend our sympathy to friends, family and fellow soldiers of Sergeant First Class Sadell," Gov. Paterson said. "Though not a native New Yorker, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be part of our New York family."
Sadell's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Basic Marksman Qualification Badge. Sadell had completed the Warrior Leaders Course and the Combat Life Savers Course.
He is survived by his wife, his two children, and his mother.
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sources: Liberty Unites, Town Talk, 2theadvocate.com, KATC.com
He was scheduled to come home on November 21—just in time for Thanksgiving
Steven Dupont moved to Milton with his parents and younger brother after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the family home. The Dupont family joined St. Joseph Catholic Church, where Steven tried to set an example for younger kids at vacation bible school, and made friends in his confirmation class. Dupont’s parents had just come back from attending services at St. Joseph’s when they were notified about their son's death. A casualty officer met the family as they arrived home from Sunday Mass. And St. Joseph's is where funeral services will be held when Steven Dupont's body is brought home to Acadiana.
Dupont took his faith seriously and was a teen leader in the church, having volunteered in the church’s youth ministry group and its summer vacation bible school program. Father Bill Gearheart, a former pastor at St. Joseph, showered praise upon Dupont, calling him a "fine kid" whose self-confidence increased every year.
Gearheart also said Dupont realized that military service would allow him to serve his country while also helping him to afford a quality education at a four-year Catholic college. "He was really planning his future out instead of simply living in the moment," Gearheart said.
Dupont enlisted in the military out of high school after spending four years with the ROTC program at Comeaux High School in Lafayette. The human cost of Operation Enduring Freedom became horribly real for students and staff at the high school as news reached them that 2008 graduate Steven L. Dupont was killed in action.
"He was a good kid — the kind you remember, for the right reasons," said Principal Joe Craig. "He was the kind of kid you like to have around. Science teacher Debra Prince taught Steven in his senior year: "He was a great guy always talking about the military. He was a young man imagining the Afghan countryside-- setting his sights on the Army before he even got his diploma." . Principal Craig recalled Dupont as a freshman: "I remember the first time I saw him was when he was going through the lunch line when he was younger. In time, I got to know him. By the time he finished up, he was one of the leaders of the school. The kids who ran with Steven and Robert are taking it hard. This senior class remembers him." Debra Prince added that there were tears and disbelief when word spread at Comeaux High that Steven Dupont had died, with many reaching for the yearbook to put a face to the name. Math instructor Victoria Koerber also noted the impact on the students: "It brings the war home. It's not just something students read about any more. They start to experience it firsthand when you lose someone who's a student at your school."
Spc. Dupont was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. He was on the last leg of a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan and was scheduled to return home in Milton in time for Thanksgiving, a family friend said Tuesday.
Steven Dupont died on October 24 in Rangrizan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. Father Gearheart said Spc. Dupont had recently told his mother that he was not afraid to be in Afghanistan because he was at peace with God. Dupont was 20 years old.
Leo Hall, a friend and fellow ROTC member, remembered Dupont this way: "He was like a brother to me and I still can’t believe that he’s gone. I don’t think any of us believe that this happened. RIP Steven Dupont you will be missed."
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sources: Liberty Unites, Los Angeles Times—California War Dead, San Bernadino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, ContraCostaTimes.com
His 20th birthday would have been today
Ronnie J. Pallares enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating from Alta Loma High School in 2008. He made many friends in high school, and his winning personality carried over to his time in the military. "He was exceptionally friendly and extroverted; just the kind of guy that earns valued friends wherever he goes," said Capt. Jeffery Donaldson, his company commander, in a written statement. "In a closely-knit combat unit like ours, Specialist Pallares was a friend to everyone, executing his own tasks with well-trained proficiency."
Pallares was loved by his family, friends and leaders, Donaldson said. "I've literally never seen a group so happy to promote someone as when his platoon put the rank on his chest," Donaldson said. "Everybody was looking forward to witnessing the incredible potential of Ronnie Pallares - a fact that makes his early passing so much more painful."
Spc. Ronnie J. Pallares was assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.. Pallares served as a combat engineer during route clearance operations, and was on his first deployment. During his service, Pallares received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and Parachutist Badge.
Pallares died in Andar district, Ghazni, Afghanistan, on October 23, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was 19 years old. Today, October 28, would have been his 20th birthday.
In honor of Pallares' service, flags were flown at half-staff at the state Capitol building in Sacramento on Monday. "Serving in the armed forces is a noble calling that Specialist Ronnie Pallares bravely answered," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "He faced danger to defend our freedoms and we honor his courage and commitment to our country. As they mourn this tragic loss of a young life, Maria and I offer our deepest condolences to Ronnie's family, friends and fellow soldiers."
Pallares' mother, Brenda Pallares, arrived at LA/Ontario International Airport Tuesday after viewing her son's body at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. A group of veterans, led by the Patriot Guard Riders, welcomed Brenda Pallares in Ontario and escorted her to Haven Avenue near Sixth Street, the site of Pallares' military banner. Nearly 50 motorcycles decorated with American flags were part of the procession in Pallares' honor. Pallares' uncle, Ricky Pallares, looked up at the sea of American flags and said, "Ronnie deserves all this, he deserves the best."
With the photo of a smiling Pallares waving overhead, friends and relatives prayed and hung on to each other, wondering how they lost a loved one at such a young age.
His mother Brenda stood tearfully with his his grandparents, Richard and Lucy Pallares, as they all looked up toward his military banner.
"I'm still numb," said Pallares' fiance, Vanessa Jauregui.
Jauregui remembers her fiance as a soldier who was romantic at heart, penning her poems during courtship. She said she was attracted to Pallares ever since she met him during their junior year together at Alta Loma High School. She remembers Dec. 12, 2008 was the date their relationship became exclusive. Ronnie had the date tattooed on his arm.
Loving thoughts of Spc. Pallares were expressed by family and friends in online tributes.
His aunt Edith Tobar wrote: "My beautiful nephew so much full of life your wonderful smile o how I'm going to miss you greatly Ronnie you left too soon. I'm so proud of the young man you were. I love you. The gap I feel in my heart is so empty for your presence. Love, your Tia." His sister Priscilla and cousin Nina added these heartfelt words: "We can not believe this pumpkin. We had many good times together. You will be greatly missed by everyone. We love you very much and you will always have a special place in our hearts!!!!xoxox"
"Ronnie, I'll never forget your smile!" said friend Serina Perez. "You were loved by so many. Thank you for all the laughs we shared. May you rest in peace." "Ronnie, you were a special type of friend," Chelsea Brandler wrote: "someone who always put others needs before yours, and you've always been brave. You may have lost the battle, but you definitely won the war. May you rest in peace, and I'll always love you and miss you." Josh Russo added these thoughts: "You will forever be missed Ronnie, you were a great friend and was always in a good mood. I have a lot of good memories about you and those will never go away.
Longtime friend Ashlee Sanchez poured out her heart and shared many memories: "We go to your flag every night and I just sit there and your face just pops in my head as I stare at the candles. Memories flood through my head and they don't stop. I was really looking forward to you coming home. Ronnie please be here for Vanessa she needs you and is lost without you. She needs the one person she truly loved with all her mind body and soul. Please just comfort her heart and somehow let her know that you are there with her. She needs to feel your presence and your love in her heart. Ronnie continue to watch over us and keep us strong. I love you and miss you best friend."
In addition to love poems, Pallares also wrote poems about his service. Taped to a light pole in what has become a makeshift memorial on Haven Avenue is a poem from Pallares that reads, "This is what I wanted to do, to make sure you all are free. I have no regrets, no matter what happens from now till then. And while I'm here, I will always volunteer to be the one they send."
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sources: KITV.com, Imperial Valley News, myspace.com
Fulfilling the destiny of her name way too soon
Aracely Gonzalez O’Malley was assigned to the 307th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion, 516th Signal Brigade, 311th Signal Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. She died Oct. 22 at Homburg, Germany, of injuries sustained in a non combat incident Oct. 12 at Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan. She was 31 years old.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor, and issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. O’Malley: "Maria and I, on behalf of all Californians, offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Aracely Gonzalez O’Malley. The loss of this brave soldier’s life is a sad and sobering reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our country. Aracely’s courage and unyielding loyalty while defending our freedoms will be honored by us forever."
Sadly, there is very little additional information available on line about Staff Sgt. O'Malley.
The picture to the right is from a myspace page called "Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley", with this information attached: Aracely O Malley, 31 / Female, WAHIAWA, Hawaii. So there is a good chance it is a picture of her.
The name Aracely means "altar of heaven".
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I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remember. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one.
Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released by the DoD, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Click the IGTNT tag to see other entries in the series, which was begun by i dunno, and is maintained by Sandy on Signal, noweasels, monkeybiz, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, SpamNunn, a girl in MI, JeNoCo, Mediaprof, JaxDem, JanosNation, Proud Mom and Grandma, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, Ms Wings, maggiejean, racheltracks, and me, TrueBlueMajority.
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PLEASE note that these comments may be read by friends and family who are overcome with raw grief. It is our custom here to leave politics aside as we offer our remembrance tributes with respect and compassion.