The Department of Defense recently announced the death of three soldiers and a Marine who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Carlos A. Aragon, 19, of Orem, Utah, died March 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.
Spc. Ian T.D. Gelig, 25, of Stevenson Ranch, Calif., died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Spc. Josiah D. Crumpler, 27, of Hillsborough, N.C. and
Spc. Matthew D. Huston, 24, of Athens, Georgia died when
insurgents attacked their unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.
Please join tonight's IGTNT tribute saluting these fine men who gave their lives in service to their country.
sources: Deseret News, KTSU-Fox13
Carlos A. Aragon was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and moved to Utah as a young boy. He lived in Orem until he graduated from Mountain View High School in the spring of 2008 and joined the Marine Corps the following November.
Teachers at Mountain View High School remember Aragon as a quiet, friendly student who stood out because of unruly brown hair that hung down to his shoulders. "He was a respectful, quiet kid who got A's in my class and was able to put down on paper some really deep thoughts that were kind of surprising," said assistant principal J. Peter Glahn, who taught sociology when Aragon was a junior at the school. "He had that long hair, but he was a gentle, nice kid."
Angela Cottrell, who had known Aragon since she was his Cub Scout den leader and whose son, Jason, was one of Aragon's closest friends, said Aragon was a "wonderful, wonderful young man. He was not a rebellious kid at all, just a penny pincher. He said he was saving money to buy a car, and so he didn't spend his money on haircuts."
Carlos Aragon loved '70s rock music, and liked playing the guitar so much he once built a guitar on his own, according to his friend McCain Martin, who met Carlos Aragon when they were both in the third grade.
His stepfather, Brad Halladay of Lehi, said Aragon enjoyed hiking and loved to challenge himself: "In high school he liked climbing the trails behind Bridal Veil Falls all the way to the top," he said.
He was assigned to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.He liked the idea of four-wheeling, although he couldn't afford a vehicle when he was in high school. As a result he enjoyed driving light armored vehicles for the military. "They drive them fast over there. He liked the challenge," Halladay said. "He was the mechanic, but they asked him to drive." He knew the risks, and frequently told his family he was focused on safety. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal.
Although Aragon was primarily a light armored vehicle technician and driver, he was on a foot patrol in an Afghan village when he stepped on a pressure-activated homemade explosive. He was killed instantly.
"He understood what it was all about," said Halladay. "Before he left on his final deployment, he said, 'Dad, whatever happens, it's in the Lord's hands. If he wants me to come home, I'll come home.' "
Honors for Aragon came from the Utah Senate, where at the start of Wednesday's session, senators observed a moment of silence in his memory. Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement honoring Aragon: "The state of Utah will never forget this young Marine, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in Afghanistan. His selfless and faithful service is an example to all of us. Jeanette and I offer our deepest gratitude for Lance Corporal Aragon's sacrifice on behalf of the people of Utah, and we extend our prayers to this young man's family," Herbert said.
Mountain View High School held a moment of silence Wednesday morning to honor Aragon. "I've known him for most of my life so the fact that he's gone is pretty rough" said Martin, who has known Aragon since they were both eight years old.
Aragon's mother, Rosa, her husband Brad Halladay, and other family members were present at Dover Air Force Base when Aragon's remains were returned to the United States in a transfer ceremony Halladay described as "extremely respectful."
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sources: Pasadena Star-News, Fresno Bee, The Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Fayetteville Observer, 4th Brigade Combat Team Facebook page
Paratrooper Ian Gelig was on a routine patrol in Southern Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded near the vehicle he was riding in, said Major Brian Fickel, an Army spokesman. He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Gelig is the first soldier from the Santa Clarita Valley killed in the Middle East in almost two years, and the 11th soldier from the Santa Clarita Valley killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan since 2002, according to a list kept by military support group Blue Star Mothers.
Gelig enlisted in the Army as a motor transport operator in October 2006. He attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, followed by Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga. After graduation from this training, Gelig reported to Ft. Bragg, N.C., and was assigned to the 126th Transportation Company. He deployed to Kuwait for 15 months in July 2007 with the 126th TC. In May 2009, Gelig was re-assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, and deployed to Afghanistan in August of the same year.
Gelig’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement describing Gelig as "a dedicated soldier who served his country with honor and bravery." "His great courage and selflessness reminds all Californians of the extraordinary sacrifices our men and women in uniform make to keep us safe," he said. "Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and we extend our deepest condolences to Specialist Gelig's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time."
Gelig is a 2002 graduate of William S. Hart High School in Newhall, said Collyn Nielsen, principal of Hart High. "It's quite a tragedy," said Nielsen, who said the school would honor Gelig by holding a moment of silence by students and staff.
Ian Gelig is survived by his parents, Tim and Delia Gelig, and his two sisters, Vanessa and Liana Gelig. An uncle, Paul Gelig, is traveling from the Philippines and will be in Santa Clarita this weekend to be with the rest of the family.
He is mourned by many who served with him, and his unit will hold a memorial service in Afghanistan in his honor. "You will always be with us," said Pvt. Antonio Santos, a fellow Paratrooper from Alpha Company. "From the day you arrived you touched everyone's heart. You made us laugh, you made us smile, and you kept us from falling apart." "Gelig was a good friend and great person," said Spc. David Tryon, a fellow Paratrooper from Alpha Company. "He was always there for you when you needed something. He will be deeply missed by everyone in this unit, for a piece of us went with him."
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sources: Orange County News Observer, Army Times, annabeth's blogspot, Facebook page for the 4th Brigade Combat Team
Josiah Crumpler died when insurgents opened fire on his Army patrol unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades during heart of turbulent fighting in the village of Bala Murghab, a Taliban stronghold in Northwestern Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Crumpler and his combat team were on foot when enemies shot at them and tossed a grenade in their direction. "They are in some very tough fighting," said Maj. Brian Fickel, a spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division. "Casualties are never wanted, but unfortunately, they are expected in these zones." Crumpler was one of three soldiers from the 4th Brigade combat team in Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division killed this week by enemy fire: Gelig and Huston are the other two.
Crumpler enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in March 2008, and attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After completion of his infantry training, Crumpler attended Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, and reported to Ft. Bragg, N.C., in July 2008. He was assigned to the 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment in December 2008 and deployed with the unit in August 2009. Crumpler’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
Soldiers in the unit remembered Crumpler as hardworking and dedicated. "Spc. Crumpler was constantly seeking to improve his knowledge as a soldier. His level of commitment was not something you see every day," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Mahoney.
He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Pamela Crumpler, his wife Shana, and two children, Hannah and Seth.
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additional source: Athens Banner-Herald NBC-11 Atlanta
Matthew Huston enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in February 2007. He attended One Station Unit Training and Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After graduation of his training he reported to Ft. Bragg, N.C., where he was assigned to the 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan for five months in December 2007, and he deployed for a second time to Afghanistan with his 3,300 member brigade last August.
Huston was killed while conducting a dismounted patrol in Badghis province when his unit came under attack from small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Mahoney, a squad leader in Alpha Company, said Spc. Huston was going above and beyond to step up and take on the role of a team leader. Mahoney also called Huston a great soldier and a great person, and sent thoughts and prayers out to his family.
Huston’s awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge. A memorial in his honor will be held in Afghanistan.
He is survived by his wife, Whitney and his parents, Philip and Ronda Huston. Huston's widow has told reporters that she does not want publicity about her husband's death, so family members are not giving interviews at this time.
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