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 as well in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, and Operation Joint Guardian. 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.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Andrew Celiz
Staff Sgt. James T. Grotjan
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Andrew Celiz, 32, from Summerville, South Carolina, died, July 12, in Afghanistan, of wounds sustained as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting operations in support of a medical evacuation landing zone in Zurmat district, Paktiya province. ~ DoD News Release
Christopher “Chris” Celiz was a native of Summerville, SC which is located just outside Charleston. Chris was a graduate of The Citadel where he was a member of “Mike” Company as a cadet.
“The entire Citadel family mourns the loss of Sgt. 1st. Class Christopher Celiz. We will never forget the sacrifice this fallen warrior made in service to our nation, and we offer our condolences to his family, friends and teammates.” ~ Citadel spokesman retired USAF Col. John Dorrian
Chris joined the Army in September of 2007 and completed his basic training as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood. SFC Celiz served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008-2009 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011-2012.
Celiz was selected to serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment as a combat engineer in 2013 and was on his 5th deployment with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA. While on this deployment Celiz was serving as the battalion mortar platoon sergeant and was in the process of reclassifying to the infantry branch.
"Sgt. 1st Class Chris Celiz was a great Ranger leader, and he will be sorely missed by 1st Ranger Battalion. He had an incredibly positive attitude that inspired Rangers throughout the formation. Sgt. 1st Class Celiz led from the front and always put himself at the decisive point on the battlefield. He was a loving husband and father, and he and his family have been an important part of the fabric that represents 1st Ranger Bn. and the Savannah community." ~ Lt. Col. Sean McGee, Commander, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment
"The 75th Ranger Regiment suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Sgt. 1st Class Chris Celiz. The Celiz family has been a critical component of our team and their community in Savannah, Georgia. Chris was a national treasure who led his Rangers with passion, competence, and an infectiously positive attitude no matter the situation. He will be greatly missed." ~ Col. Brandon Tegtmeier, Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment
Sgt 1st Class Christopher Andrew Celiz’s awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medals (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Unit Citation Medals (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Campaign Star (3), Iraq Campaign Medals with Campaign Star (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Sapper Tab, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.
The Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart were awarded posthumously.
~ News Source
Staff Sgt. James T. Grotjan, 26, of Waterford, Connecticut, died July 12 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident July 8 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. ~ DoD News Release
James T. Grotjan, “Tyler” graduated from Bacon Academy in Colchester in 2010. In 2012 Grotjan graduated basic training from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
According to a Fundraiser Page on Facebook, on July 8th Tyler was working underground in a manhole when he was exposed to a methane gas leak. It is unknown the length and extent of the exposure and while SSGT Grotjan was attempting to climb out he became unconscious and fell back into the manhole.
Staff Sgt Grotjan was immediately airlifted to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near the Ramstein Air Base in Germany where he died on July 12th, never having regained consciousness.
"This is was a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family, friends and teammates of James. He was an integral part of our team and our hearts are heavy with his loss." ~ Col. Donn Yates, 4th Fighter Wing Commander
“Our hearts go out to Staff Sergeant James Grotjan and his family and friends on this tragic day. We will be forever grateful for his sacrifice and service to our country. As we grieve the loss of one of Connecticut’s own, we are reminded of the unwavering courage, grit, and dedication of the men and women who serve our country every day.” ~ Joint Statement from US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy
“The untimely passing of Air Force staff Sgt. Grotjan while deployed far from home protecting our nation is a heart breaking loss for his family, our state, and our entire nation. His critical work in the UAE as part of Operation Inherent Resolve to defend the civilized world, deserves our deepest honor and respect. All of Connecticut mourns with his loved ones.” ~ U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney
Staff Sgt James Tyler Grotjan is survived by his wife, Taylor Faye Grotjan; his mother Laura Prentice; his father Randy Grotjan and siblings. His funeral will be held July 28th in Connecticut.
~ News Source
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by 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, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts 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.