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 and Afghanistan as well as 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.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Both soldiers died August 21, 2019 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations. The incident is under investigation. Both soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. ~ Dod News Release The deceased are:
Master Sgt. Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa, 31, of Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, of La Puente, California.
Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa grew up in Chicopee, MA where he met his foster parents, Bill and Lisa Campbell at age seven. Luis had joined a football team coached by Bill and a strong bond formed between the two. Soon Luis was spending every weekend with Bill, Lisa and their four children. Once Luis was in high school the Campbell family made the arrangement permanent.
Bill Campbell said Luis had a passion for sports, loved his Puerto Rican heritage and his greatest joy was protecting his country.
“Biggest memory I think of Luis was when he called me being so proud that he became a Green Beret. He was like ecstatic, ‘I’ve become somebody dad.’ He said ‘I’m what you thought I was going to be when I was younger.’ I said ‘Luis it just took focus and discipline,’ I said ‘you did it all yourself. Be proud of what you did.'”
Foster Mother, Lisa Campbell shared one of her memories of Luis:
“He would sing in the shower very loudly, I’m proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood. He would sing it so loud. All the other kids were yelling at him. He was just really proud, proud to be a soldier. He wouldn’t have had it any other way, that was his life.”
Former teacher and now Chicopee High School Principal, Carol Krusher said of Luis:
“He left a lasting impression. He always had a smile and was very funny and personable.”~ News Source
During his more than 13 years in the US Army, MSgt DeLeon-Figueroa deployed as an Infantryman to Iraq and Afghanistan and as a Green Beret he deployed twice more to Afghanistan and twice to South America.
Col. John W. Sannes, Commander, 7th Group issued the following statement regarding both Green Berets:
“It was an honor having them serve within the ranks. They were a part of our Family, and will not be forgotten.” ~ News Source
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart and Bronze Star (posthumous) Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal with four Knot Device, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “3”, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral “3”, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge. ~ News Source
In addition to the Campbells, Master Sgt. DeLeon-Figueroa leaves behind a grandmother, sister, a fiance, and two children.
No funeral arrangements have been announced as yet, but MSgt DeLeon-Figueroa will be buried in Agawam at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
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Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, of La Puente, California
The family of Master Sgt Gonzalez has requested that no photo of him nor any information about him or his military service be released to the public.
We honor and respect their request.
"Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice." ~ Former President Barack Obama
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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He died August 17, 2019 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a result of wounds sustained by a noncombat related incident. The incident is currently under investigation. ~ DoD News Release
Specialist Clayton James Horne, 23, of Atlanta, Louisiana
Clayton Horne grew up in the village of Atlanta located in Winn Parrish in central Louisiana. Clayton enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 2015 and later he graduated from the police academy in Alexandria, Louisiana in 2018. He was subsequently hired as a Deputy by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Described as a good person who was dedicated in his service to others, Sheriff Cranford Jordan also released the following statement:
“Clayton was an excellent deputy and I was looking forward to him completing his tour and returning to work at the sheriff’s office. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers during this most difficult time.”
Clayton also volunteered as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Atlanta High School. Former head coach, Tyler Johnson spoke to the impact Horne made in his life:
“When I asked you to be my assistant coach a little over [three] years ago, I was hoping to gain someone who could help me out a little here and there. While that did happen, in the process, I also gained a brother and another family.” ~ News Source
On this, his first deployment, Spc Clayton Horne was serving with the 351st Military Police Company, 160th Military Police Battalion which is a Reserve unit in Ocala, Florida. This unit was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve which is tasked with the multi-state coalition mission to defeat remnants of the Islamic State. ~ News Source
Unit Spokeswoman, Major Valerie Palacios released the following statement:
“Specialist Horne was a professional and was committed to the mission. We are grateful for his service.”
Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards released this statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Spc. Clayton Horne, of Atlanta, La., who died serving his country in Saudi Arabia while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Spc. Horne made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of all of us, and the people of our nation and our state owe him and his family an enormous debt of gratitude. Spc. Horne not only served as a military police officer but also a Winn Parish sheriff’s deputy, dedicating his life to keeping people safe. We can never thank him enough for his commitment to our state and our country. Please join me and Donna in prayer for this young man’s family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”
Specialist Clayton James Horne’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. ~ News Source
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.