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, in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and in Operation Inherent Resolve. 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.
Tonight we are honoring an airman and a soldier:
The Department of Defense announced the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller, 24, of Richmond, New Hampshire, died April 19 at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in a non-combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to the 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, 22, from Richmond, Kentucky, died April 20, 2019 in Ninawa Province, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.
Riley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Tribute to Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller by JaxDem:
Albert Miller grew up in the small town of Richmond, New Hampshire which has a total area mass of 37.8 square miles and a population of 1,077. Miller graduated in 2013 from Monadnock Regional High School, which is located in Swanzey, New Hampshire and serves six small towns in the region.
Staff Sgt Miller likely joined the Air Force shortly after graduation as he is credited with operating as a C-17 Globemaster III Crew Chief for more than four years, an assignment that tasked Miller with the responsibility for the maintenance, inspections and flightworthiness of the C-17 aircraft.
SSgt Miller was assigned to 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware and his remains returned to his home base of Dover AFB on April 21st. ~ News Source
“The 436th Airlift Wing extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Miller family, friends and fellow Airmen. Staff Sergeant Albert Miller’s passing is a true loss for Dover Air Force Base and the Air Force. He was a positive force in his unit and made valuable contributions to multiple contingency and humanitarian operations around the world. He will be missed by all.” ~ Col. Joel Safranek, 436th Airlift Wing Commander
“Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller selflessly sacrificed his life for the protection and well-being of the United States. All of New Hampshire mourns his loss and honors his service. Our prayers are with his family.” ~ Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire
“Heartbreaking to learn of the death of Staff Sergeant Albert Miller of Richmond, NH while serving our nation overseas. His family is in my thoughts. NH joins with them in their grief & is grateful for their sacrifice.” ~ Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
“My heart goes out to the family of Staff Sgt. Albert J. Miller, a brave and selfless Granite Stater who was lost while he served our country overseas. The nation is deeply indebted to him for his sacrifice; may he rest in peace.” Congressman Chris Pappas ~Facebook
***********************************************************************************
Tribute to Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley by Ekaterin:
Spc. Riley was a 13J fire control specialist on his first deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He enlisted in the service in October 2016.
He was promoted to the rank of specialist in October 2018 and arrived in Iraq in December 2018.
Col. Derek Thomson, commander of 1st BCT, 101st Airborne, said,
“We are deeply saddened by Ryan’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family as together we mourn the loss of our brother-in-arms. As we grieve this tragic loss, we will also draw strength from his memory as his mates continue to build the capacity of the Iraqi Army and enable the defeat of ISIS.”
Riley’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.
LINKS:
~ News Source
~ News Source
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, JaxDem, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, Ekaterin. 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.
May these brave men rest in peace. They have served with honor and will be greatly missed.