list of heroes by state - team green beret foundation · al aziziyah, southeast of baghdad, iraq....

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Arizona

SFC Martin R. Apolinar | 2011 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 29 May 2011 OEF Location: Wardak Province, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Sgt. 1st Class Martin R. Apolinar died May 29 while on a mounted patrol when the vehicle he and his Special Forces team were traveling in struck an IED in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was born Dec. 31, 1982 and grew up in Phoenix, Ariz. He graduated from the Trevor Browne High School in 2001

Apolinar enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004 and served as an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He served as a rifleman, machine gunner and team leader. He successfully completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selections course and entered the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. Upon completion of the SFQC, he was assigned to Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2008 where he served as the senior Special Forces weapons sergeant for an Operational Detachment – Alpha. Apolinar deployed twice, first in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, and now this deployment to Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) with Company C. His military education includes: Warrior Leader's Course, U.S. Army Combatives Course Level 1 and 2, Combat Life Savers Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course, Joint Fires Observer Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course, and Advance Leader's Course. Awards: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge and Parachutists Badge. He earned the Special Forces Tab and Ranger Tab. Apolinar is survived by his wife Elisa; his son Martin, and his parents Gene and Susan Apolinar of Prescott, Ariz.

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California

SGT Aaron J. Blasjo | 2011 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 Date KIA: 29 May 2011 OEF Location: Wardak Province, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Sgt. Aaron J. Blasjo died May 29 while on a mounted patrol when the vehicle he and his Special Forces team were traveling in struck an IED in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was born March 19, 1986, in Riverside, Calif. He volunteered for military service and entered in the Army in July 2004 as an infantryman (11B).

After completing basic training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., Blasjo was assigned to 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) where he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in December 2006 as a Special Forces communications sergeant. Upon completion of SFQC, he was assigned to Group Support Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Blasjo has deployed to three times Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military education includes: Basic Infantry Course, Warrior Leader's Course, Advance Leader's Course, Basic Airborne Course, Advanced Pistol Marksmanship, SOC AM General Driving Course, Special Forces Qualification's Course, Special Forces Communication Sergeant's Course, and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal; Special Forces Tab; Combat Infantryman Badge; Parachutists Badge.

He is survived by wife Crystal, son Talon; and parents Daniel and Bobbi Blasjo of Riverside, Ca.

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SSG Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo | 2012 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 2nd Battalion ODA: MOS: 18E Date KIA: 25 April 2012 OEF Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan Action: Unknown

Staff Sgt. Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo, 26, of San Jose, Costa Rica, died April 25, 2012, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force

Base, Fla., and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo was born on June 24, 1986, in San Jose, Costa Rica. He graduated from Royal High Simi High School in Valley, Calif., and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2005 as an 18X.

Britton-Mihalo completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and earned the coveted "Green Beret" in 2008 as a Special Forces communications sergeant. Britton-Mihalo’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, the Advanced Leader’s Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course and the Intelligence course.

Britton-Mihalo's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2 device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Expert Marksmanship Badge.

Britton-Mihalo is survived by his wife Sgt. Jesse Britton.

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SFC Victor H. Cervantes | 2005 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 1st Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 10 June 2005 Location: Orgun-e, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Victor H. Cervantes, 27, was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg N.C.

He was killed in action while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on June 10, 2005 in the vicinity of Orgun-e, Afghanistan serving as a member of the Quick Reaction Force responding to enemy contact reports from another patrol.

A native of Stockton, Calif., Cervantes was born Nov. 13, 1977. He enlisted in the Army as a cavalry scout July 24, 1996 under the delayed entry program.

He arrived at Fort Bragg to the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) in September 1999 to begin the intense training it would take for him to become a Special Forces weapons sergeant. Cervantes was assigned to 7th SFG in August 2000.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Ranger Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Spanish Language Course and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course.

Awards: Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

His parents, Fidel and Nisla of Stockton, Calif., and sister, Elizabeth of California survive him.

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SFC Adrian M. Elizalde | 2005 OEF 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 C Date KIA: 23 August 2007 OIF Location: Al Aziziyah, Iraq Action: IED Sgt. 1st Class Adrian M. Elizalde, 30, a Special Forces engineer assigned to the Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Lewis, Wash., died Aug. 23 from fatal wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Al Aziziyah, southeast of Baghdad, Iraq.

He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

Elizalde was born in Calif., in 1977. After initially entering military service in 1996, he was assigned as an infantryman with 3 rd Bn., 325 th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR) at Fort Bragg. He later served as a Long Range Surveillance Detachment team leader with Company D, 519 th Military Intelligence Battalion, 82 nd Airborne Division.

In 2004, he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg to become a Special Forces engineer. He earned the coveted “Green Beret’ in 2005 and was assigned to the 1 st SFG(A) at Fort Lewis, Wash., in Mar 2006.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal Second Award, Army Achievement Medal Third Award, Good Conduct Medal Third Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Elizalde is survived by his daughter, Sydney Grace of Klamath Falls, Ore., and also by his parents, Jorge and Teresa Elizalde of Renton, Wash., and sister Rachel Elizalde of Renton, Wash.

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MSG Emigdio Elizarraras | 2006 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 F Date KIA: 28 February 2006 OEF Location: Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED Master Sgt. Emigdio E. Elizarraras, 37, a Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. died Feb. 28 when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated while he was traveling in a Ground Mobility Vehicle north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan during a reconnaissance patrol.

Elizarraras, a native of Pico Rivera, Calif., enlisted as an infantryman in 1986. His first assignment was with 1st Bn., 327th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he served for four years, deploying to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during that time.

Elizarraras then transferred to 1st Bn., 14th Infantry Regiment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he served almost three years before becoming an instructor at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation at Fort Benning, Ga. After serving for three years as an instructor, he volunteered for Special Forces training.

He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1998 and was assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A), as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant. In 2003, he was assigned as an SF Intelligence Sergeant and served in that position until his death.

His military education also includes the Ranger Course, the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, the Advanced Special Operations Techniques Course, the Individual Terrorism Awareness Course, the Basic Military Mountaineer Winter Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, the Static Line Jumpmaster Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses and the Air Assault Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas

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Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Elizarraras is survived by his wife, Kris, daughters, Sally and Olivia, and son, Andrew, of Fayetteville, N.C. His parents, Emigdio and Martha, of Pico Rivera, Calif., and sister Leticia of Phoenix, Ariz., also survive him.

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SFC Chad A. Gonsalves | 2006 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 13 February 2006 OIF Location: Deh Rawod, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, 31, a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan.

A native of Turlock, Calif., Gonsalves enlisted in July 1996 as an infantryman. His first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment at Conn Barracks near Schweinfurt, Germany where he served for four years.

Gonsalves attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2000 and was assigned in November 2001 to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A), as a weapons sergeant, where he served until his death.

His military education included the Special Forces Qualification Course, Ranger Course, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Spanish Basic Military Language Course, Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Infantryman, Primary Leadership Development Course and Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

Awards: Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Special Operations Diver Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three sons, Cody, Blake and Dylan of Spring Lake, N.C. His parents, Larry and Marsha Gonsalves, of Turlock, Calif, also survive him.

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SFC James F. Grissom | 2013 OEF 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 4th Battalion ODA: Date KIA: 21 March 2013 OEF Location: Paktika Province, Afghanistan Action: Small Arms Fire

Sgt. 1st Class James F. Grissom, 31, of Hayward, Calif. died March 21, 2013 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of injuries sustained from small arms fire on March 18 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.

Grissom was assigned to Co. A, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan. This was Grissom's fifth deployment to an Overseas Contingency Operation

Grissom graduated from Mt. Eden High School in 1999 and attended college at the Art Institute of San Francisco, earning his Associate's Degree in Computer Animation. He enlisted in the Army in June, 2003, under the 18X Special Forces Enlistment Program.

After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in October, 2005, Grissom was assigned to 2nd Battalion., 1st SFG (A) JBLM. During his time with 2nd Battalion, Grissom deployed on several JCETs (Joint Combined Exchange Training), and deployed to Iraq in 2009. Grissom wasre-assigned to 4thBattalion in Nov. 2010 as an engineersergeant and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan in 2012.

Grissom's military education includes the Special Forces Qualification Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course, the Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze star Medal. He is survived by his wife, parents and his sister.

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SFC Allen C. Johnson | 2005 OEF 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 26 April 2005 OEF Location: Khanaqin, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Sgt. 1st Class Allen C. Johnson, 31, was a Special Forces medical sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg N. C.

Johnson died April 26, 2005, when his unit was attacked by enemy small arms fire during a combat foot patrol in Khanaqin, Afghanistan.

A native of Los Molinos, Calif., Johnson entered the Army in October 1991 as an infantryman. After completing infantry and airborne training at Fort Benning, Ga. in February 1992, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash.

In 1994, he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Polk, La., and later served with 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment there.

After changing his military occupational specialty from infantryman to corrections specialist in 1996, Johnson was assigned as a team leader to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. After being reassigned in 1998 for two years with the 704th Military Police Battalion at Fort Lewis as a squad leader, he was accepted into Special Forces training at Fort Bragg.

Johnson arrived at the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) in April 2000 to begin the more than two years of intense training it would take for him to become a Special Forces medical sergeant. He was assigned to the 7th SFG in July 2002.

Johnson’s military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course.

Awards: Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge,

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the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Medical Badge.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Eunice, and three children, Stacy, Naomi and Joshua.

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SFC Mitchell A. Lane | 2002 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 C Date KIA: 29 August 2003 Location: Deh Chopan, Zabul Province, Afghanistan Action: Accident - Fast Rope Infiltration

Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell A. Lane, 34, was a Special Forces engineer sergeant assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C.

He died from injuries he suffered from a fall while conducting a fast rope infiltration from a helicopter during a night combat assault Aug. 29, 2003 near Deh Chopan in Afghanistan's Zabul province.

A native of California, Lane enlisted in the Army National Guard in May 1987. He later volunteered for active duty as a combat engineer in October 1991. He subsequently served in a number of engineer units at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., until he was selected for Special Forces training in 1995.

After completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course, Lane served in several assignments with the 3rd SFG.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Scuba Diver Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

Lane is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and three brothers.

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CPT Ronald G. Luce | 2009 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 1st Battalion ODA: 2236 18 A Date KIA: 2 August 2009 OEF Location: Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Capt. Ronald G. Luce died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2009, while serving as the Special Forces Team Commander with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered in Jackson, Miss.

Luce, 27, was killed when a command wire improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Luce, born in Julian, Calif., enrolled in ROTC at Valley Forge Military Academy and became a commissioned officer in 2002. In 2005 he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating May 2008 as an 18A and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG (A) as a liaison officer. He was reassigned to Co. C, 2nd Bn., 20th SFG (A) as a detachment commander.

Luce’s military and civilian educations include a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He also attended the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Ranger School, the Special Forces Qualification Course and Airborne School.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Luce also earned the Combat Infantry and Parachutist Badges as well as Special Forces and Ranger tabs.

Luce is survived by his wife Kendahl and daughter Carrie of Fayetteville, N.C.

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SFC David E. Metzger | 2009 OIF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 E Date KIA: 26 October 2009 OEF Location: Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class David E. Metzger, 32, died on Oct. 26 when the helicopter he was aboard crashed while conducting a combat mission in the city of Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan while serving with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom July 2009 as a member of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of the War on Terror.

Metzger, born in San Diego, Calif., enlisted in September 1996 as an Ammunitions Specialist. He later attended the SF Qualification Course, graduating in 2007, as an 18E Special Forces Communications Sergeant and was assigned to 3rd BN, 7th SFG (A).

Metzger’s military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Special Forces Communications Sergeant Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Basic Airborne Course and Jumpmaster Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal. Metzger also earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Metzger is survived by his sons, David and Grant, who reside in Fort Bragg, N.C. He is also survived by his parents David Metzger and Lisandra Holstein, as well as his grandmother Dolores of San Diego, Calif.

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SFC Tung M. Nguyen | 2006 OIF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 E Date KIA: 14 November 2006 Location: Baghdad, Iraq Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Tung M. Nguyen, 38, a Special Forces communications sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, died Nov. 14, 2006, as a result of a gunshot wound during combat operations in Baghdad.

Nguyen was born in Cantho, Vietnam, became a U.S. citizen, and was raised in Tracy, Calif. He enlisted as an infantryman in 1986.

His first assignment was with Company A, 4th Bn., 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he served for three years. He then left active duty and served with the Army Reserve in Sacramento, Calif.

In 1991, he reentered active duty, and served with 1st Bn., 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Ky., for one year before volunteering for Special Forces training.

Nguyen began his journey to become a Special Forces Soldier in 1992 and earned the coveted Green Beret when he graduated from the course in 1993. He was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash., that year and served in all three combat battalions during his tenure there, first as a communications sergeant and then as an intelligence sergeant.

In 2003, Nguyen was chosen to become an instructor at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He served in both instructor and operations positions, preparing Special Forces Soldiers for the rigors of combat, until February 2006 when he was assigned 3rd SFG where he served until his death.

Nguyen’s military education also includes the Special Operations and Target Interdiction Course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Nuclear Hazards Training Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Basic and Anti-Terrorism Instructor Courses, Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses and Combat Lifesaver Course.

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Awards: Two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He also was the winner of the 2006 Small Arms Championship Sniper Class competition, and the 2006 Joint Special Operations Command Small Arms Championship Pistol Class competition.

Nguyen is survived by his wife, Marcia of Raeford, N.C. He is also survived by his parents, Nguyen Van Tuan and Phan Cong Duc of Alameda, Calif.

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CPT Joseph W. Schultz | 2011 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion ODA: 3333 18 A Date KIA: 29 May 2011 OEF Location: Wardak Province, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Capt. Joseph W. Schultz died May 29 while on a mounted patrol when the vehicle he and his Special Forces team were traveling in struck an IED in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was born March 20, 1975 and grew up in Sacramento, Calif. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1997 and received his commission as an intelligence officer from Officer Candidate School in 2003.

His first assignment was to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. He then served as the assistant battalion intelligence officer and as a rifle platoon leader in Company A, 1-504 PIR. Upon completion of his tour with the 1-504 PIR, he then went on to serve as the counterintelligence/human intelligence operations manager for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; and later as the G-2 advisor, 10th Iraqi Army Division.

After completing Special Forces Selection and Assessment, he graduated from Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. Upon graduation and receiving his green beret, Schultz was assigned to Co. C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he served as the Detachment Commander of Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha 3333. Schultz deployed in support of various operations across the globe, including: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq and this deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Company C.

His military education includes: the Military Intelligence Officer Course, Infantry Captain Career Course, Defense Strategic Debriefer Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Overseas Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge and Parachutists Badge. He also wore the Special Forces Tab and the Ranger Tab.

He is survived by wife Kelly; and his mother Betsy Reed Schultz of Port Angeles, Wash

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SSG Joshua R. Townsend | 2005 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 16 January 2009 OEF Location: Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan Action: Non-Hostile

Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Townsend, 30, died Jan. 16, from a non-battle death incident at U.S. military Fire Base Ripley, Tarin Kowt district, Uruzgan province, Afghanistan while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2008 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and second deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha weapons sergeant.

Townsend, a native of Solvang, Calif., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in Aug. 2003 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C. in Jan. 2004 for Special Forces training. He earned the coveted "Green Beret" in 2005 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces weapons sergeant.

Townsend's military education includes; the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Townsend is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Pinehurst, N.C.; mother Linda Townsend, of San Jose, Calif.; father, Daniel, and brother, Jordan, of Solvang.

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SSG Kyle R. Warren | 2003 OIF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 29 July 2010 OEF Location: Kabul Province, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Staff Sgt. Kyle R. Warren, 28, died of wounds sustained from an IED blast during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2010 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan. This was his second deployment.

Warren, a native of Huntington Beach, Calif., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in October 2004 as a Special Forces trainee.

After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at the Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted "Green Beret" in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd SFG (A) at Fort Bragg, as a Special Forces medical sergeant. Warren's military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course; Basic Airborne Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Warrior Leaders Course; Special Forces Qualification Course; Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course and Military Freefall Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

He was posthumously awarded a second Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, The NATO Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Warren is survived by his wife Sandra Warren of Hope Mills, N.C.; mother Lynn Warren of Bedford, N.H. and father Del Warren of Long Beach, Calif.

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SSG Joshua R. Whitaker | 2007 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 1st Battalion ODA: 18 C Date KIA: 15 May 2007 OEF Location: Qalat, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker, 23, was a Special Forces engineer sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He died May 15, 2007 during a firefight near Qalat, Afghanistan. Whitaker deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in March 2007.

A native of Long Beach, Calif., Whitaker enlisted in the Army September 24, 2003 as a Special Forces candidate. After completing basic combat training, advanced individual training and airborne school at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., for Special Forces training. In August 2006, upon completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course, he earned the coveted Green Beret and was assigned to 7th SFG (A).

Whitaker’s military education also includes the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course.

Awards: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

He is survived by his mother, Catherine Whitaker of Long Beach, Calif., his uncle, Robb Whitaker of Signal Hill, Calif. and his father, Frank Dougherty of El Monte, Calif. His aunt, Debra Whitaker and his cousins Rachel and Laura Whitaker, all from Signal Hill, Calif., also survive him.

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Colorado

SSG Christopher M. Falkel | 2005 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 1st Battalion ODA: 316 18 B Date KIA: 8 August 2005 Location: Deh Afghan, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Chris was born on 24 September, 1982 in Boston, MA. He lived in Athens, Ohio from 1984 – 1990, when we moved to Littleton, Colorado. Chris attended Northridge Elementary School, Cresthill Middle School, and graduated from ThunderRidge High School in 2001.

On 25 October, 2001, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA for his Basic Training and his Advanced Infantry Training. He graduated AIT in March, 2002. He then attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, before being assigned to Ft. Bragg, NC where was a member of the fourth class of the Special Operations Preparatory Course. In June 2002, he completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection, and was assigned to the Special Forces Qualification Course and graduated 21 May, 2003.

After finishing his Arabic Language course and SERE training, he was assigned to Operational Detachment –Alpha 316, Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Weapons Sergeant (18B). He was promoted to Staff Sergeant (SSG) on 1 November, 2004. His schooling in Special Forces included Blackwater Combat Marksmanship Course, Gryphon Group Force Protection Course, Mid-South Self Defense Institute, SFARTAETC, and his favorite course, the one he was most proud of, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course.

His first overseas deployment was in February, 2004 to Gereshk, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His second deployment was also to Afghanistan in June, 2005 and he was killed in action during the fifth of seven contacts in the 54 hour Battle of Mari Ghar in Afghanistan on 8 August, 2005 while saving the lives of his 10 teammates and 16 members of the Afghan National Army that were assigned to his team. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 22 August, 2005.

Awards: Silver Star , Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism

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Service Medal Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Special Forces Tab.

He is survived by his parents, Diane and Jeff Falkel, Littleton, CO, and his brother, Tim Falkel of Littleton, CO.

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MSG Richard L. Ferguson | 2004 OIF 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 Z Date KIA: 30 March 2004 OIF Location: Samarra, Iraq Action: Accident Master Sgt. Richard L. Ferguson, 45, was a Special Forces team sergeant assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colo.

He was a resident of Woodland Park, Colo., and began his 27-year career when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1976. Ferguson served the Special Forces community for more than 25 years with the 10th SFG, both at Bad Tolz, Germany, and at Fort Carson.

Awards: Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

Ferguson is survived by his wife and four children.

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SFC Daniel Aaron Romero | 2002 OEF 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 E Date KIA: 15 April 2002 OEF Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Aaron Romero was a Special Forces Communications Chief for B Company, 5/19th Special Forces Group (A), Colorado Army National Guard. He provided specialized resource management, effective communication, operations, tactics, communication operations, psychological operations, unconventional warfare planning, intelligence collection and processing to ensure his unit’s combat readiness.

Born in February of 1972, Sgt. 1st Class Romero began his distinguished military career with an enlistment in the Colorado Army National Guard December 18, 1991. He was a traditional guard member and was self-employed. He attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in July of 1992, Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Gordon, Georgia in September of 1992, and went through airborne school at Ft. Benning, Georgia in January of 1993.

He was part of approximately 100 members of the B/5-19th Special Forces Group (A) that was called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Headquartered in Pueblo, Romero’s unit was activated December 5, 2001and placed on active duty orders for 12 months, not to exceed 24 months.

Romero, 30, was killed in action April 15th, 2002 near Qandahar, Afghanistan during an ordinance disposal operation involving 107mm rockets. The explosion killed three other U.S. soldiers and wounded another.

Awards: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Combat Infantry Badge, Colorado Active Service Medal, Colorado Foreign Deployment Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officers Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Colorado Emergency Service Ribbon with device, Parachutist Badge and Special Forces tab.

Romero is buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

29

Illinois

SSG Gary R. Harper | 2005 OIF 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 9 October 2005 Location: Baghdad, Iraq Action: Hostile Staff Sgt. Gary R. Harper, Jr., 29, a Special Forces medical sergeant, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died when his reconnaissance mission was attacked by enemy forces near Baghdad, Iraq on 9 October 2005.

A native of Illinois, Harper entered the Army May 20, 1993 as an artilleryman.

Harper’s first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, located at Fort Sill, Okla. The unit worked with the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This system provides the Army an all-weather, indirect, area fire weapon system to strike counter fire, air defense, armored formations and other high-payoff targets at all depths of the tactical battlefield. He served there until January 2001.

He was then assigned to the 38th Field Artillery, located near Uijongbu, Korea, where he served until January 2003. While serving overseas, Harper was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In January 2003, he began the vigorous, intensive two-year training to become a member of the Army’s most elite unit – the Green Berets. In July 2003, during his Special Forces training, Harper was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.

Harper successfully completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2004 and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 5th SFG (A) at Fort Campbell, Ky. in February 2005. Harper deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2005.

His military education included the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training for Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Basic Airborne Course, the Primary

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Leadership Development Course, the Motor Pool Operation Management Course and the Combat Life Savers Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observers and Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badges and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Harper is survived by his mother and father, Linda Mae and Joe C. Morrison of Virden, Ill.; his wife, Danielle, sons, Tristen and Gabrian and daughter, Madison of Clarksville, Tenn.

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MSG David L. Hurt | 2009 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 Z Date KIA: 20 February 2009 OEF Location: Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device during a mounted combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha operations sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his fifth deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.

Hurt, a native of Oak Park, Ill., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in November 1992, as a Combat Engineer trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he was assigned to Co. C, 307th Engineer Bn., 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. from the rank of private to Staff Sgt. He then was assigned to Co. C, 37th Engineer Bn., 20th Engineer Brigade at Fort Bragg.

Hurt completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection prior to being assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in August 1999 for Special Forces training. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in May 2000 and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces engineer sergeant.

Hurt was then assigned to the USAJFKSWCS Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. He served as a Small Group Leader at the Basic Noncommissioned Officer and Warrior Leader Course from March 2005 to March 2008. Hurt returned to the 3rd Special Forces Group and was assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., as an operations sergeant in March 2008.

Hurt’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Pathfinder Course, Ranger Course, Jumpmaster Course, Sapper Leader Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Special Forces Advanced Recon and Target Exploitation Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

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Awards: Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one OLC, the Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a three OLC, Joint Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal with four OLC, the Combat Infantry Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drivers Badge, the Valorous Unit Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

Hurt is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Avery and son Wyatt, all of Grays Creek, N.C.; mother Bonnie Hurt of Hope Mills, N.C. and father Joe Hurt of Memphis, Tenn.

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SSG Robert J. Miller | 2008 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion ODA: 3312 18 B Date KIA: 25 January 2008 Location: Barikowt, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24, was killed in action Jan. 25, 2008 while conducting combat operations near Barikowt, Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to Co. A, 3rd Bn., 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Staff Sgt. Miller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the President at the White House on Oct. 6, 2010. The Medal of Honor is the highest award bestowed an individual for acts of heroism. The award was presented to the family.

Miller was born on October 14, 1983 in Harrisburg, Penn. He grew up in Wheaton, IL where he attended Wheaton North High School. He attended one year at the University of Iowa and then volunteered for military service.

Miller enlisted as a Special Forces trainee in Iowa City, Iowa on Aug. 14, 2003. He graduated from Infantry Basic Training and Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga., Jan. 6, 2004. Miller graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course Sep. 26, 2004, and the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course Mar. 4, 2005. He received the Special Forces Tab and was promoted to Sgt. after graduating from the Special Operations French Language Training Course, Sep. 30, 2005. Miller was assigned to Co. A, 3rd Bn., 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft. Bragg, N.C.

In 2006, Miller deployed with 3rd SFG (A) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, earning the Army Commendation Medal for valor for his display of courage. He was also promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. In October 2007, he deployed for a second tour in Afghanistan, where he served as the Weapons Sergeant for his team.

His military training included: Warrior Leader Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Basic Airborne Course; the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course; Special Forces Qualification Course; Special Forces Heavy Weapons Course; and the U.S. Army Ranger School.

Awards: Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign

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Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Special Forces tab and Ranger tab.

Staff Sgt. Miller is survived by his parents, Philip and Maureen Miller, his brothers, Thomas, Martin and Edward, and his sisters, Joanna, Mary, Therese and Patricia, all from Oviedo, Fla.

35

MAJ Paul R. Syverson III | 2004 OEF 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Assistant Operations Officer ODA: 18 Date KIA: 16 June 2004 Location: Balad, Iraq Action: Hostile

Maj. Paul R. Syverson III, 32, was assigned as the assistant operations officer for the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Ky.

He was killed in Iraq on June 16, 2004, during a rocket attack on Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. The rocket landed near a group of Soldiers outside of the Post Exchange.

Syverson was a native of Arlington Heights, Ill., and entered the Army in 1993 following graduation from the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

His first assignment was with the 3rd Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, Fort Stewart, Ga. In 1998, he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to the 5th SFG.

While assigned to the 5th SFG, he served in a variety of positions including: Operational Detachment-A commander, battalion staff officer and Group assistant operations officer. He also served as the commander of Headquarters Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th SFG.

Syverson’s military education and schools include the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Joint Deployment Officer Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Jumpmaster Course and Pathfinder Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Special Forces Tab.

Syverson is survived by his wife, Jackie, a son, Paul, and a daughter, Amy Elizabeth.

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SFC Gary J. Vasquez | 2008 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 C Date KIA: 29 September 2008 OEF Location: Yakhchal, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, was killed Sept. 29 while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Yakhchal, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of combat operations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2008 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and third deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational DetachmentAlpha senior engineer sergeant.

Vasquez, a native of Round Lake, Ill., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in Jan. 2000 as a cavalry scout. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Knox, Ky., he was assigned to Troop. A, 1st Bn., 17th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. He began the Special Forces Qualification Course 2002 and he earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2004 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces engineer sergeant.

Vasquez’s military education includes the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Air Movement Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Ranger Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: three Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Vasquez is survived by his wife, Sarah, of Raeford, N.C., mother, Margaret Du Hasek, and brother, Barry Du Hasek, both of Highland, Ill.

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Indiana

SSG Travis K. Hunsberger | 2008 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 Date KIA: 27 June 2008 OEF Location: Lamay, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Staff Sgt. Travis K. Hunsberger, 24, was killed in action on June 27, while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in Lamay, Afghanistan. At the time of his death, he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2008 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Hunsberger, a native of Goshen, Ind., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in June 2004 as a Special Forces candidate. In 2006 he earned the coveted “Green Beret” and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., in Sept. 2006.

Hunsberger’s military education includes; the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal (second award), Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Hunsberger is survived by his wife, Hannah, of Fayetteville, N.C.; parents Steven and Ronda Hunsberger, of Goshen, Ind.; brother, Kyle Hunsberger; and sister, Kelsey Hunsberger, both also of Goshen, Ind.

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SSG Matthew A. Kimmell | 2005 OIF 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 C Date KIA: 11 October 2005 Location: Muqdadiyah, Iraq Action: Hostile

Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Kimmell, 30, a Special Forces engineer sergeant, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) died 11 October 2005 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee.

A native of Indiana, Kimmell entered the Indiana National Guard Jan. 11, 1994. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Ga., and then began his active duty Army career there as an infantryman in February 1995. Kimmell was promoted to the rank of sergeant Jan. 1, 2003 with weapons squad, 3rd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

In June 2003, he began the vigorous, intensive two-year training to become a member of the Army’s Special Forces. Kimmell successfully completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in November 2004 and then was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th SFG (A) at Fort Campbell, Ky. He was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant March 1, 2005. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2005.

His military education included the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Basic Combat Training Course, the Advanced Individual Training Course for Infantryman, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Basic Airborne Course, the Jungle Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Ranger Course and the Primary Leadership Development Course.

Awards: Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Kimmell is survived by his wife, Mylissa, of Worthington, Ind.; his parents, Larry and Jeanne, his brother, Jeremy, and sister, Susanne, all of Paxton, Ind.

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SGT Jeremy R. Wright | 2005 OEF 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 E Date KIA: 3 January 2005 OIF Location: Asadabad, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Sgt. Jeremy R. Wright, 31, was a Special Forces communications sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Wash.

He was killed in action while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on Jan. 3, 2005, when the enemy IED exploded near his Ground Mobility Vehicle during operations in the vicinity of Asadabad, Afghanistan. Wright deployed to Afghanistan in November 2004 in support of the Global War on Terrorism. A native of Shelbyville, Ind., Wright enlisted in the Army in November 2001 under the service’s then brand-new Special Forces Recruiting Initiative, a program that enables civilian recruits to volunteer to attend the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course shortly after their completion of Initial Entry Training as infantrymen. Previously, only currently serving Soldiers could volunteer to attend SFAS.

After entering the Army in April 2002, he completed infantry and airborne training at Fort Benning, Ga., and in August 2002 was assigned to the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. Wright attended SFAS in September 2002 and was selected to continue his training as a communications sergeant in the Special Forces Qualification Course. Wright began the Thai Language Course in November 2003 and completed the SFQC in July 2004 after completing the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course at Fort Bragg. He was assigned to the 1st SFG in August 2004.

Wright was a 1996 graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., and was a two-time All-American cross-country runner there. He was also a three-time member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team and was the Indiana state high school champion in the 3,200-meter run.

Awards: Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

Wright is survived by his father, Dale Wright, of Flat Rock, Ind., and his mother, Jacquelyn Nickel, of Shelbyville, Ind.

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Maryland

MSG Benjamin F. Bitner | 2011 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 Z Date KIA: 23 April 2011 OEF Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED

Master Sgt. Benjamin F. Bitner was born July 4, 1973, in Hagerstown, Md. and was a 1991 graduate of Greencastle Antrim High School in Greencastle, Pa. Bitner enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1991 and attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1999. Later that year he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as an engineer sergeant.

He joined Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 2003.He deployed in support of various operations across the globe, including but not limited to: Operation Flintlock, Africa, 2001; Operation Nectar Bend, Africa, 2004; Task Force Falcon in support of operations in Kosovo, 2001 – 2002; Operation Desert Spring, Kuwait, 2002; Operation Iraqi Freedom and four deployments to Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) with Company C.

His military education includes: Track Vehicle Repairers Course, Single Channel Ground Airborne Radio Systems Operator Course, Basic Infantry Course, Basic Airborne Course, Long Range Surveillance Leader’s Course, Warriors Leader Course, Special Forces Engineer Sergeant’s Course, Basic Non-commissioned Officer’s Course, Advanced Non-commissioned Officer’s Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Special Forces Sniper Course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Technique’s Course, Special Forces Master Breacher’s Course, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant’s Course, Military Free-Fall Course, both Summer and Winter Basic Mountain Warfare Courses and the United States Army Special Operations Command Mountaineering Master Trainer’s Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal (6); Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal (2); Army Commendation Medal (3) with “V” device; Army Achievement Medal (3); Army Good Conduct Medal (4); Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3); National Defense Service Medal (2); Kosovo Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terror

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Service Medal; Non-commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (3); Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal (4); Special Forces Tab; Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Parachutists Badge; Military Free-Fall Badge.

Bitner is survived by wife April, sons Gunnar and Rogue; and parents Roger and Beverly Bitner of Greencastle, Pa.

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SFC Bradley S. Bohle | 2009 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 16 September 2009 OEF Location: Ghur Ghuri, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - IED Sgt.1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror. He also deployed twice to the Philippines. He was a Special Forces medical sergeant.

Bohle, a native of Baltimore, Md., enlisted into the U.S. Army 1998 as an Information Systems Operator. He was assigned to 2nd Bn., 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He later served with 112th Signal Battalion (Airborne) and 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) before deciding to pursue the goal of becoming a Special Forces Soldier in 2006 by attending the Special Forces Selection and Assessment. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course March 2008 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces medical sergeant. He was assigned to Co. A, 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).

Bohle’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Bohle’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal,

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Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Driver and Mechanics Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

Bohle is survived by his wife Elizabeth and three daughters Jocelyn and Braelyn of Sanford, N.C., Breanna, of Clinton, Conn. and parents Donald and Linda Bohle, of Marydal, Md.

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SSG Joseph F. Curreri | 2007 OEF-P 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 E Date KIA: 27 October 2007 OEF-P Location: Panamao, Philippines Action: Non-Hostile Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Curreri, 27, a Special Forces communications sergeant assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Wash., died in an accidental drowning incident at Siet Lake while deployed to the Southern Philippines region near Panamao, Republic of the Philippines.

He was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Curreri was born and raised in the suburbs of Baltimore. He was a four year varsity letter winner in swimming and founded his high school water polo team. Upon graduation from high school, Curreri attended the University of Southern California. While at USC he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, was a fouryear varsity letter winner in swimming, and was the captain of the Trojans swim team during his senior year. Additionally, he served as the Executive Vice President of USC’s StudentAthlete Academic Council in 2000-2001. After graduating from USC, Curreri worked as a history tutor, swim coach, and recruiting coordinator for a recruiting agency in El Segundo, Calif.

Curreri’s military education include the Warrior Leader Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Airborne Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course; Special Forces Qualification Course, and the Combat Diver Qualification Course.

In 2000, he began a nearly three-year stint as a force protection officer at Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany.

Awards: Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, and the Special Operations Divers Badge.

Curreri is survived by his wife, Athena, of Los Angeles, Calif.; mother, Karen, and sister, Shannon, of Redondo Beach, Calif.; father, Frank, stepmother, Tricia, and stepsister Angelia of Parkville, Md.

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Missouri

CW2 Stanley Lorn Harriman | 2002 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 3rd Battalion ODA: 372 180A Date KIA: 2 March 2002 Location: Gardez, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

CW2 Stanley L. Harriman was a Special Forces Warrant Officer assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group(Airborne). He was killed in action on 2 March 2002 while leading his convoy through the Shahi-Kot Valley, near Gardez, Afghanistan.

He was born on November 1, 1967, in Springfield, Missouri. Following his graduation from Strafford High School in 1986, he joined the Army, attending Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following AIT he was awarded the MOS of 12B – Combat Engineer in the United States Army.

Harriman’s initial assignment was with the 82nd Engineer Battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. It was here that he began his Airborne career. While serving with the 82nd, CW2 Harriman deployed in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Iraq, and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

Following his six-year tour with the 82nd, he was reassigned to the 8th Armored Division in Germany where he served for a three-year tour. He departed Germany in 1991 to attend the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course and was then selected for the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Following graduation, he remained at Fort Bragg to serve with ODA 366, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). After spending 38 months on ODA 366, he left for Fort Rucker, Alabama to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School. In November of 1988, he pinned on the rank of Warrant Officer, attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course, and then returned to Fort Bragg the following year.

He was next assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he was a member of ODAs 375 and 372 within Company A. While serving with Company A, Harriman deployed in support of operations Joint Forge in Bosnia, Desert Spring in Kuwait, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

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Harriman’s military education includes Airborne school, Jumpmaster School, the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Anti-Terrorism Instructors Qualification Course, French and Spanish Language Training, the Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, Warrant Officer Candidate School, and the Warrant Officer Basic Course.

Awards: Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (3rd Award), the Humanitarian Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, the United Nations Medal, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Saudi Arabian Defense Medal, the Joint Service Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Tab, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

Harriman is survived by his wife Sheila, and his children Darbi, Stanley, Christopher and Jessica.

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SFC Obediah J. Kolath. OIF | 2005 Assignment: USASOC ODA: 18 Date KIA: 28 August 2005 Location: Husaybah, Iraq Action: Non-Hostile

Assigned to Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg died Aug. 28 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, from wounds sustained Aug. 25 in Husaybah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position.

Sgt. 1st Class Kolath served with the 4th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). His last assignment was as a team member assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

He is survived by his children, Vivian Schondelmeyer, Autumn and Mariah Kolath, and mother, Mary Kolath.

Sgt. 1st Class Obediah J. Kolath, 32, died of injuries from an IED blast that resulted in the death of three other USASOC Soldiers whose deaths were announced on Aug. 27.

Kolath entered the U.S. Army Mar. 10, 1992, as a fire support specialist. After completion of initial entry training, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment in Germany.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Ribbon, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, and the Parachutist Badge.

Kolath was posthumously recommended for the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Purple Heart.

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SFC William B. Woods, Jr. | 2009 OEF 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 16 August 2009 OEF Location: Ghazni Province, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31, died Aug. 16, 2009, in Landstuhl, Germany from wounds he received Aug. 14, 2009, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, in support of combat operations while serving with 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces senior medical sergeant.

Woods was a native of Hermann, Mo., and enlisted into the military in 1996 as a rifleman. After his initial Marine Corps enlistment, he later enlisted into the U.S. Army.

He attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003 and earned the coveted “Green Beret.” He was then assigned to 2nd Bn., 20th SFG (A).

Wood’s military education includes the Basic Infantryman’s Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Linear Infighting Neural-Override Engagement Instructor Course, Ranger Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Woods is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Lilian and Ella, of Chesapeake, Va.; mother Pamela, and father William, of Pacific, Mo.

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Ohio

MSG Joseph J. Andres Jr. | 2005 Assignment: USASOC ODA: 18 Date KIA: 24 December 2005 Location: Baquoba, Iraq / KIA Action: Hostile

MSG Andres died in Balad, Iraq, on Dec. 24, of injuries sustained earlier that day in Baqubah, Iraq, when his unit was attacked with enemy small arms fire during combat operations in central Iraq.

Master Sgt. Joseph J. Andres, Jr., 34, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Special Operations Command here, died of injuries he sustained during the attack.

A native of Garfield Heights, Ohio, Andres graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio, and enlisted in the Army Reserve as a combat medic on Feb. 18, 1992. On April 21, 1993, he volunteered for active duty service and was assigned as a combat medic to the 42nd Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, Wiesbaden, Germany. He later served as a medical noncommissioned officer in A Company, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, and as a Special Forces communications noncommissioned officer in A Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash. Andres has been assigned to USASOC since Dec. 2003. His military training includes the U.S. Army Airborne Course, the U.S. Army Ranger Course, the Military Freefall Course, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Static Line Jumpmaster Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

Andres’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, three Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Field Medic Badge, the Military Freefall Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Driver/Mechanics Badge. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of master sergeant.

Andres is survived by his parents, Joseph and Sandra Andres, of Seven Hills, Ohio.

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SFC Nathan Ross Chapman | 2002 OEF

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion ODA: 194 18 E Date KIA: 4 January 2002 OEF Location: Khost, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Sgt. 1st Class Nathan R. Chapman was a Special Forces Communications Sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). He was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom on Jan. 4, 2002, near the town of Khost in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Chapman was born into a military family at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on April 23, 1970. As with most military children, he called several places “home” during his childhood.

While growing up, he balanced his time between his academic studies, the wrestling team and an active social life. In 1988, he graduated from Centerville High School in Ohio.

Nathan entered the Army in July 1988, completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Ga. After that, he also completed his parachutist and Ranger training there.

Following his initial training at Fort Benning, he was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash. In December 1989, he participated in his first combat action when he took part in the 2nd Ranger Battalion’s airborne assault into Panama during Operation Just Cause. In January 1991, while assigned to 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, he participated in his second combat action when he deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Storm.

In September 1991, Sgt. 1st Class Chapman volunteered for Special Forces training. In December 1992, he graduated from the Special Forces Communications Sergeants Course at Fort Bragg, N.C., and went on to complete the Basic Military Language Course for Tagalog in June 1993.

In July 1993, he returned to Fort Lewis, Wash., where he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Here, he served on Operational Detachment A-185 and Operational detachment A-195. In 1995 he deployed to Haiti as part of Operation Uphold Democracy.

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In 1998, Sgt. 1st Class Chapman was reassigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), in Okinawa, Japan. He served there for three years as a member of Operational Detachment A-125 and Operational Detachment A-135.

In June 2001, he returned to 3rd Battalion and became a member of Operational Detachment A-194. In November 2001, Sgt. 1st Class Chapman volunteered for a special mission in Afghanistan, where he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Awards: Bronze Star with “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with arrow head, the Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Joint Meritorious Service Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Combat Infantryman Badge second award, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Parachutist Combat Badge with bronze service star, the Special Forces Combat Divers Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, and the Royal Thai Army Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Renae, his daughter Amanda, his son Brandon and his parents Will and Lynn Chapman.

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SFC Daniel B. Crabtree | 2006 OIF 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 8 June 2006 Location: Iraq Action: Hostile - IED

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel B. Crabtree, 31, was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to the Ohio Army National Guard’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Columbus, Ohio.

He died June 8, 2006, in Iraq after a roadside bomb exploded next to his vehicle during a combat patrol. He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

In civilian life, Crabtree worked as a police officer first in his native hometown of Hartville, and then as a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, unit.

After initially entering military service with the Army Reserve in 1992, Crabtree joined the Army National Guard in 1993 as an administrative specialist. He later retrained as a military policeman and served with the 135th Military Police Company in Brook Park, Ohio. He joined the 19th SFG in March 2002, and in 2003 he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. He earned the coveted green beret when he graduated from the course in May 2004.

In Iraq, the work of Crabtree and his Special Forces operational detachment focused primarily on training members of the Al Kut SWAT, an Iraqi police force. Crabtree himself developed and implemented a comprehensive training curriculum for the Iraqi SWAT volunteers, which included advanced marksmanship training, offensive and defensive driving instruction, and urban assault training. As the police force’s lead trainer, Crabtree drew on his own experiences as a police officer and SWAT team member to prepare his Iraqi officers to counter both local criminal and insurgent forces. He also assisted the Al Kut SWAT in more than 35 real-world missions as a combat advisor — including six large-scale air assault operations — which resulted in the capture of over 100 known insurgents.

Crabtree’s military education also includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

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Awards: Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Crabtree is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Mallory, of the City of Green. He is also survived by his father, Ronald Crabtree and his mother, Judy Ann Crabtree.

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CPT Benjamin Tiffner | 2007 OIF 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 A Date KIA: 7 November 2007 OIF Location: Baghdad, Iraq Action: Hostile Capt. Benjamin Tiffner, 31, was killed in action when his vehicle encountered an IED in the course of conducting a ground convoy in Baghdad. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha team leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula. This was his second deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Tiffner, a native of Ohio, graduated from the United States Military Academy as an infantry officer in 2000. In 2006 he earned the coveted “Green Beret.”

Tiffner’s military education includes; Infantry Officers Basic Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course; Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Course, and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab.

Tiffner is survived by his parents, Timothy and Judith of Soldotna, Alaska.

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Pennsylvania

MSG Arthur L. Lilley | 2007 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 Z Date KIA: 15 June 2007 OEF Location: Shkin, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Master Sgt. Arthur L. Lilley, 35, a Special Forces team sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, N.C., died June 15 of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire during combat operations in the Paktika Province, near Shkin, Afghanistan.

Lilley, a native of Smithfield, Pa., enlisted as an infantryman in 1990. His first assignment was with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) where he served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He then transferred to 1st Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy in September 1992, where he served for just over two years. In 1995, he volunteered to become a Special Forces Soldier.

Lilley graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1996 and was assigned 1st Bn., 7th SFG, as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. In 2000, after serving four years in 7th SFG, he was assigned to the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he served as an engineer sergeant and then first sergeant. In August 2005, Lilley was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG and served there as an Operational Detachment – Alpha team sergeant until his death.

His military education also includes the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Civil Affairs Qualification Course, Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, Air Assault Course, Spanish Language Course, and the First Sergeants Course.

Awards: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) , Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait),

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Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Special Forces Tab.

Lilley is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter, Mackenzie and son, Cole of Spring Lake, N.C.; parents Arthur and Elizabeth Lilley of Smithfield, Pa.; brother Michael Lilley and wife Katya half-brothers Bruce Sanford and wife Mary and James Sanford and wife Beth; halfsisters Sandra Horton and husband Rick and Jessica Barnett; grandmother Evelyn Barrett; grandparents Arthur and Edith Lilley, Ralph and Louise Barrett, and Jerry and Sondra Tate.

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SSG Patrick F. Kutschbach | 2007 OEF 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion ODA: 021 18 Date KIA: 10 November 2007 OEF Location: Tagab Valley, Afghanistan Action: Hostile Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach, 25, was killed in action on Nov. 10, while conducting combat operations in the southern end of the Tagab Valley while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 021 of Company B, 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007 as a member of the International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan. He had deployed to various locations in support of the Global War on Terrorism and this was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Kutschbach, a native of Pennsylvania, volunteered for military service and enlisted into the Army in Oct. 2003 as a Special Forces candidate. In 2004 he earned the coveted “Green Beret.”

Kutschbach’s military education include? the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, ISAF NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

Kutschbach is survived by his wife, Ginger, son, Bastian, of Atoka, Tenn., father, David, of Pittsburgh, Pa., mother, Debbie Huffner, and brothers David and Andrew, of McKees Rocks, Pa.

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MSG Thomas D. Maholic | 2006 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 Z Date KIA: 24 June 2006 Location: Ghecko, Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, a Special Forces team sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died June 24 in the Kandahar Province, near Ghecko, Afghanistan when he was fatally struck by enemy small arms fire during a cordon and search mission.

Maholic, a native of Bradford, Pa., enlisted as an infantryman in 1991. His first assignment was with the Pennsylvania National Guard where he was an infantryman for five years. In July of 1991, he transitioned to active duty and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Battalion at Fort Kobbe, Panama where he served for two years. In 1993, he volunteered to become a Special Forces Soldier.

Maholic graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1995 and was assigned 1st Bn., 7th SFG, as a Special Forces medical sergeant. In 2003, after serving more than seven years in 7th SFG, he was assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he served as an Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course instructor. In April 2005, Maholic was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG and served there as an Operational Detachment – Alpha team sergeant until his death.

His military education also includes the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Combat Diver Supervisor Course, Advanced Special Operations Techniques Course, Basic Instructor Training Course, Air Assault Course, Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, Spanish Language Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course and both the winter and summer mountain warfare schools.

Awards: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Field Medical Badge, Special Operations Dive Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Bronze Star Medal for service, Purple Heart, Meritorious

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Service Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous Gallantry in Action in Afghanistan on 24 June 2006, his order was signed on 14 April 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and son, Andrew of Ft. Bragg, N.C. He is also survived by his mother Dorothy Maholic of Bradford, sister, Ann Davis of Bradford, brothers David of Cleveland, Ohio, John and Michael of Bradford, and Robert of Bellefonte, Pa.

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SSG Ryan D. Maseth | 2008 OIF 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company D, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 Date KIA: 2 January 2008 OEF Location: Baghdad, Iraq Action: Non-Hostile

Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Maseth, 24, died as a result of a nonbattle death accident on Jan. 2, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operation Task Force Arabian Peninsula. This was his second deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror. Maseth, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, volunteered for military service and enlisted into the Army in June 2001 as an infantryman. In 2007 he earned the coveted “Green Beret.”

Maseth’s military education includes the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Unit Armor Training Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Ranger Course, Air Assault Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.

Awards: Two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, Army Superior Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge

Maseth is survived by his mother Cheryl A. Harris, of Cranberry Township, father, Douglas, and brothers', Brandon and Adam, all of Allison Park, Pa.

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SSG Marc J. Small | 2009 OEF 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 13 February 2009 OEF Location: Afghanistan Action: Hostile - Small Arms

Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.

Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces medical sergeant.

Small’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.

Small is survived by his mother mother and step father Mary and Peter MacFarland of Collegeville, Penn.; father and stepmother - Murray and Karen Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; his siblings Matt Small, Megan MacFarland, Heather Wellock, Jennifer MacFarland; Travis and Tyler Baney; and his fiancé, Amanda Charney.

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MAJ Jeffrey P. Toczylowski | 2005 OIF 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 1st Battalion ODA: 18 A Date KIA: 30 August 2004 Location: Al Anbar, Iraq Action: Hostile

Maj. Jeffrey P. Toczylowski, 30, a Special Forces detachment commander assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Panzer Kaserne, Germany, died Nov. 3, 2005, while in hostile enemy territory in the Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was seriously injured as a result of a fall from a helicopter during a combat infiltration. Toczylowski was airlifted to a military treatment facility, where he was pronounced dead.

A native of Upper Moreland, Pa., Toczylowski was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1995 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Valley Forge Military College in Valley Forge, Pa. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas in 1997.

Later that year, Toczylowski began his first assignment as a platoon leader with the 554th Military Police Company in Vaihingen, Germany. His two years with the company included a deployment to Bosnia in support of Task Force Eagle. In 2000, he began a nearly three-year stint as a force protection officer at Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany.

Toczylowski attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003 and was assigned that year to 1st Bn., 10th SFG, as an SF detachment commander, where he served until his death. His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Military Police Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and promoted to the rank of major.

He is survived by his parents, Philip and Margret Toczylowski, of Upper Moreland. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela and niece, Mikell of McDonald, Pa.

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SFC Michael J. Tully | 2007 OIF 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 23 August 2007 OIF Location: Al Aziziyah, Iraq Action: Hostile Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Tully, 33, a Special Forces medic assigned to the Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Lewis, Wash., died Aug. 23 from fatal wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Al Aziziyah, southeast of Baghdad, Iraq.


Tully was born and raised in Pa. After initially entering military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he transferred to the U.S. Army in 1997. Tully was assigned as an infantryman in Company E, 313th Military Intelligence Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Tully then served as a Long Range Surveillance Detachment assistant team leader in the same unit one year later.

In 2004, he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg to become a Special Forces medic. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” and was assigned to the 1 st SFG(A) at Fort Lewis, Wash., in Dec 2006.

Tully’s military education also includes the Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Airborne Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, Ranger Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course, and Special Forces Diving Supervisors Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation , Good Conduct Medal Second Award, National Defense Service Medal Second Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

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He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Tully is survived by his wife, Heather of Columbus, Ga., and his son, Slade of North Port, Fla. He is also survived by his father and stepmother, Jack and Marilyn Tully of Falls Creek, Pa., mother Dolores Newman of Glendale, Ariz., brother John Tully of Anchorage, Alaska (currently serving in Iraq), and his sister Heather A. Farkas of Northampton, Pa.

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Utah

SFC Nathan L. Winder | 2007 OIF 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 D Date KIA: 26 June 2007 OIF Location: Diwaniyah, Iraq Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Nathan L. Winder, 32, was a Special Forces medic assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Lewis, Wash.

Winder died June 26, 2007, from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations outside of Diwaniyah, Iraq. He was killed by small arms fire while assisting another U.S. Army element as a member of a U.S. Special Forces Quick Reaction Force.


Born in Seoul, South Korea, SFC Winder was raised in Utah. After entering military service in 1993, Winder was assigned as an Infantryman to 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment at Fort Riley, Kan. He later served as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle section leader with 1st Bn., 9th Infantry Regiment at Camp Hovey, Korea, and as a dismounted squad leader with 1st Bn., 5th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas.

In 2003, he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, N.C., to become a Special Forces medic. He earned the coveted Green Beret in 2006 and was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis.

Winder’s military education also includes the Warrior Leader Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.

Awards: Army Commendation Medal, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 4 Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Korean Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Driver/Mechanics Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

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He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Winder is survived by his wife, Mechelle, of South Africa, and his son, Logan, of Herkimer, N.Y. He is also survived by his parents, Tom and Terri Winder of Blanding, Utah.

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West Virginia

SFC Jamie S. Nicholas | 2008 OEF 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion ODA: 18 Date KIA: 29 September 2008 OEF Location: Yakhchal, Afghanistan Action: Hostile

Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, was killed Sept. 29 while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Yakhchal, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of combat operations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2008 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and second deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha senior weapons sergeant.

Nicholas, a native of Maysel, W.Va., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in Aug. 1994 as an infantryman. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to Co. A, 2nd Bn., 327th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Ky. In 1997 he became a team leader when he moved to Co. C, 1st BN., 508th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) at Camp Ederle, Italy. He volunteered for recruiting duty in 2001 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh, Pa. Recruiting Bn. Upon successful completion of that tour, he was assigned as a squad leader when he moved to Co. B, 2nd Bn., 1st Infantry Regiment at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He began the Special Forces Qualification Course 2005 and he earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2006 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha weapons sergeant.

Nicholas’ military education includes the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Northern Warfare Course, Recruiting Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

Awards: two Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct

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Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, U.S. Army Recruiter Badge (gold), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

Nicholas is survived by his wife, Michelle, stepson, Brenton Troup and stepdaughter, Sharise Troup, of Hope Mills, N.C., mother Karen Nicholas, and father Burke Nicholas, both of Wallback, W.Va.

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SFC Duane A. Thornsbury | 2009 OEF 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Assignment: Company A, 2nd Battalion ODA: 18 B Date KIA: 12 September 2009 OIF Location: Baghdad, Iraq Action: Non-Hostile Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury died from injuries as a result of a non-hostile vehicle rollover during a combat mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2009. He was medically evacuated to the 10th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad where he was pronounced dead.

Thornsbury, 30, assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colo., was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

Thornsbury, a native of Clinton, Md., grew up in Bridgeport, W. Va., enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves April 1996 as a 92Y, Supply Specialist and came onto active duty service September 2002. He later attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning his Green Beret in 2006, as a Weapons Sergeant.

Thornsbury’s military education includes the Combat Life Savers Course, Warrior Leader Course, Air Assault Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, & Escape (High Risk), Special Forces Qualification Course, Ranger Course, and Jumpmaster School.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Parachutists Badge, Parachutists Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

Thornsbury is survived by his brother Dana of Marysville, Pa.

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