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 and in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Resolute Support. 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.
Tech. Sgt. David Board
Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter
Spc. Christopher Michael Harris
The Department of Defense announced the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Tech. Sgt. David Board, 49, of Barboursville, West Virginia, died August 2 in Kuwait in a non-combat-related incident while deployed in support of combat operations. ~DoD News Release
Tech. Sgt. David Board enlisted into the Air Force in 1986 where he served for 14 years. Board had
previously served in support of Operations Desert Shield and Storm.
Board served with the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base for eight years. Wing Commander, Col. Johnny M. Ryan Jr. released the following statement in a video message:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of such an outstanding Airman and member of the 130th Airlift Wing. Tech. Sgt. Board was an integral part of our West Virginia Air National Guard family and served his state and nation proudly. He was an exceptional NCO and family man whose presence will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. His service exemplifies that of a patriot and he will be remembered and celebrated as such. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time."
Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, Adjutant General West Virginia National Guard released the following statement:
“The loss of Tech. Sgt. Board is a great loss for the West Virginia National Guard and a loss for the people of West Virginia. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, his friends and fellow service members. His contributions to our state and nation are significant and he will be remembered with the profound respect and admiration of a grateful nation.”
Friend and co-worker, Boog Easterling fondly remembered David Board:
"He was at the South Pole a few years ago for maybe 30 days or so. He was down there working on the aircrafts. He was a good supervisor, he was the kind of guy that would lighten up a room. I put a post on Facebook about stuff I was getting out of the garden and he said he wished I could send him some corn, but it probably wouldn't make it all the way to Kuwait. That was the last I heard from him."
Tech Sgt David Board’s awards and decorations include the Air Force Achievement and Commendation Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Antarctica Service Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
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The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. They died Aug. 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a result of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improved explosive device detonated near their convoy. Both soldiers were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The incident is under investigation.
Killed were: Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Indiana and Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina. ~ DoD News Release
“Chris and Jon lived and died as warriors. They will always be a part of the legacy of the Devil Brigade and their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of their fellow Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are centered on the families and loved ones of these two great Americans.” ~ Col. Toby Magsig, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team ~ Source
Sgt Jonathon Michael Hunter was a 2011 graduate of Columbus East High School where he played football for four years and was voted “best dressed senior”.
“What he represents is what you hope your kids represent as they go become young adults. He was that kind of a young man. He used a lot of what he learned, told us he did, and he’s a guy we’re very proud of.” ~ Bob Gaddis, Football Coach
After graduation Hunter used his ROTC scholarship for one year to study music at Indiana State University pursuing his dream to become a recording producer.
Sgt. Hunter joined the Army in April 2014 and, following Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. This was his first deployment.
“Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was the leader we all want to work for – strong, decisive, compassionate, and courageous. He was revered by his Paratroopers and respected throughout his unit.” ~Col. Toby Magsig, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team
The family of Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter released the following statement:
Our family is deeply saddened and distressed to learn of the death of our very much loved one. Jonathon not only was loved by his immediately family but by his extended family and community. Our hearts are aching for Jonathon as well as for his brother in arms who died with him and those who were injured.
Jonathon loved his unit and serving his country and was excited about the opportunity to go to Afghanistan to do his part in fighting injustice.
Jonathon, always interested in family history, was touched by how his great-great-great-great uncle, John Copeland, had made a difference in this country and he wanted to do the same. Copeland fought courageously with John Brown at Harper’s Ferry to secure the freedom of slaves prior to the Civil War. His action was one that initiated the war just 18 months later.
Jonathon comes from an exceedingly long history of committed and loyal family members – men and women – who have fought in the military since the Revolutionary War.
I know Jonathon would want us to get rid of the hate and division in this world, and that’s why he did his part to make peace.
Despite our pain, we could not be prouder of him!
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Spc. Christopher Michael Harris joined the Army in October 2013. Harris attended Basic Combat
Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team which is known as “The Devil’s Brigade”.
“Spc. Christopher Harris was an extraordinary young man and a phenomenal paratrooper. He regularly displayed the type of courage, discipline and empathy that the nation expects from its warriors.” ~ Col. Tobin Magsig, Brigade Commander
This was Spc Harris’ first deployment and he had arrived in Afghanistan only 32 days earlier. Christopher was married in October of 2015 and his wife, Britt had recently learned she was pregnant. Britt posted the following on facebook after learning of her husband’s death:
“As the news spreads about the two soldiers killed in action yesterday in Afghanistan it is with a very heavy and broken heart that I confirm one of them was my husband Chris Harris. We had recently discovered I am in the very early weeks of pregnancy. Right now that is my main concern and I want to try and make sure everything continues to be healthy considering these crushing circumstances. I know you will all be respectful as I ask to be left alone. Thank you.”
In an interview with WNCN-TV, Britt Harris spoke of her husband:
“He was a hero before this. He will always be a hero. I want him to have the recognition he deserves. He was so happy to hear I was pregnant and I want our child to grow up knowing what an incredible force his or her father carried throughout life.”
During the same interview Angel Martinez spoke highly of her friend:
“Seeing him when he settled down with his wife, like it was just that’s where he was supposed to be. It was awesome seeing him grow, he should be becoming a father and he’s gonna miss all that. The whole (military) community, you see it in their eyes. Everybody knows him, it’s Chris Harris. He walks into a room and you know he’s there. Never a dull moment when he’s around, such energy he brings to everything he does.”
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About The IGTNT Series
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of 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, TheFatLadySings, Joy of Fishes, and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen 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.