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, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. 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 John David Randolph Hilty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, 44, from Bowie, Maryland, died March 30, 2020 in Erbil, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. Hilty was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. ~ DoD News Release
Sgt 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty
John David Randolph Hilty’s home of record was Bowie, Maryland which is the third largest city by area in the state. He was a graduate of Riverdale Baptist High School in nearby Upper Marlboro, MD. Adam Sisk was a year behind Hilty in high school and the two remained friends over the years. Sisk spoke about his friend who was planning on retiring from the Army soon: "He was set to retire in June! He often told me... ‘Five more paychecks. Three more paychecks and I am outta here.’
Sisk added: "Please take a moment today and appreciate our freedoms and the ultimate price some people pay to keep us safe. Rest easy my friend, and thank you! We will have those Natty Lights soon!" ~ News Source
Adam Sisk told ABC7 News a bit more about his longtime friend:
He and I went to school together and lost contact for years. It wasn’t until recently that we reconnected on a regular basis via FB messenger. He loved his wife, daughter and son, he loved his mom and he loved his country. His famous tag line was #Merica. We had plans on getting together after he retired in June to have “many beers” together and catch up. My wife and I responded to a Facebook post he put up around Thanksgiving about how he had 50 or so soldiers under his command and they wouldn't mind some things to help remind them of home. He made sure that we knew that 30-40% were women, just so it wasn't all "guy stuff”. He was a thoughtful husband, father, son, and Leader.
John Hilty enlisted in the Army in April of 1999 as an Army combat engineer. He served three tours in Afghanistan: January through December 2009, January through December 2012 and October 2016 to October 2017. This, his final deployment began in October 2019 where he was serving as a petroleum supply specialist. Neither Covidvirus nor foul play are suspected in his death.
“TF ATTACK is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Hilty. He was an exceptional leader who will be sorely missed throughout the entire formation. His loss will not be forgotten and his legacy will continue through the outstanding performance of the Soldiers he led.” ~ Lt. Col. Adam Camarano, Commander 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade
"On behalf of U.S. Central Command, we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of our fallen American Soldier who was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, Operation Inherent Resolve Sgt. 1st Class Hilty's service to his country and his sacrifices will not be forgotten." - General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., U.S. Marines ~ News Source
"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of another brave Marylander, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John Hilty, who lost his life this week while serving in Iraq. We ask Marylanders to join us in praying for all who loved him and all who fought beside him." ~ Governor Larry Hogan
Sgt1st Class John David Randolph Hilty is survived by his wife, daughter, son and his mother. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
Hilty’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 7 and NATO Medal.
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, 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.
