Saturday, April 30, 2011

US 10th Mountain Div. soldier Preston Dennis

US Army 10th Mountain Division Spc. Preston J. Dennis, aged 23, was killed by a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on 28th April 2011. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment at the time.

Spc. Dennis was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, arriving in country on 18th March 2011. His first tour of duty there was from 2009 to April 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Heather, son Richard, step-father retired Modoc County Sheriff, Bruce Mix and mother Maria, sisters Angie and Amanda Dennis-Mix, all from Redding, California.

US Army Pfc. Jonathan Villanueva

On 28th April 2011, 19 year old US Army Private first class Jonathan M. Villanueva was killed in Wardak province, Afghanistan while serving with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division.

Pfc. Villanueva died while engaging enemy forces in a gun battle.

US Army Sgt. Matthew D. Hermanson

On 28th April 2011, 22 year old US Army Sergeant Matthew Hermanson was killed in Wardak province, Afghanistan while serving with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Sgt. Hermanson died while engaging enemy forces in a gun battle.

He enlisted in the army in 2007. He served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan last year.

Friday, April 29, 2011

US Marine Lance-Corporal Ronald Freeman

US Marine Lance Corporal Ronald D. Freeman was killed on 28th April 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while serving with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the 2nd Marine Division.

L-Cpl. Freeman, aged 25, was from Plant City, Florida.

A minesweeper, L-Cpl. Freeman got off a truck to search an area when a roadside bomb exploded, killing him, according to his family.

USAF Major Jeffrey Ausborn

USAF Major Jeffrey O. Ausborn, aged 41, from Gadsden, was one of eight US military personnel killed by an Afghan Air Force pilot on 27th April 2011 in Kabul. He was assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron based at Randolph Air Base in Texas.

Major Ausborn, a 19-year veteran of the Air Force, had volunteered to go to Afghanistan last year to teach new Afghan pilots how to fly the C-27 aircraft.

In addition to his wife, Suzanna, he leaves five children: Emily, 15; Eric 12; Shelby, 10; Mitchell Maloy, 21; and Summer Maloy, 17.

USAF Master Sgt. Tara Brown

USAF Master Sergeant Tara R. Brown, aged 33, from Deltona, Florida, was one of eight US military personnel killed by an Afghan Air Force pilot on 27th April 2011 in Kabul.  She was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

M-Sgt. Brown was deployed to Afghanistan in January to train Afghan airmen on computer and networking skills. She was posthumously promoted from technical sergeant.

USAF Captain Charles Ransom


USAF Captain Charles A. Ransom, aged 31, from Midlothian, Virginia, was one of eight US military personnel killed by an Afghan Air Force pilot on 27th April 2011 in Kabul.  Capt. Ransom was assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Capt. Ransom was a Virginia Military Institute alumnus and was vice president of the Class of 2001. He was a computer science major, and a cadet corporal platoon sergeant.

USAF Lt. Col. Frank Bryant


USAF F-16 pilot, Lt. Col. Frank Bryant was one of eight US military personnel killed in the much publicised Kabul shooting by an Afghan Air Force pilot on Wednesday 27th April 2011.

Lt. Col. Bryant had served in Iraq, where he piloted an F-16 on more than a dozen bombing missions in Baghdad and helped support a surprise raid aimed at Saddam Hussein and his sons.

USAF Major David Brodeur

USAF F-16 pilot, Major David Brodeur was one of eight US military personnel killed in the much publicised Kabul shooting by an Afghan Air Force pilot on Wednesday 27th April 2011.

Major Brodeur’s father told several news outlets that Brodeur, an F-16 pilot, had been in Afghanistan for about three months.

Brodeur was a 1999 graduate of the Air Force Academy and the father of two children, his father told the Telegram & Gazette of Worcester, Mass.

“David was a wonderful and caring father, husband, son and brother who was committed to the service of his country,” Lawrence Brodeur told the newspaper. “Words are inadequate to express how much we miss him.”

USAF Captain Nathan Nylander

USAF Captain Nathan Nylander, aged 35, was killed when an Afghan military pilot opened fire during a meeting at Kabul airport, his family told The Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, Illinois.

Captain Nylander, from Fairbury, Illinois  was a flight commander with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing base in Kabul.

His wife and two sons and daughter live in Tucson.

Third Kabul base shooting victim identified

Major Raymond Estelle, Jr., aged 41, with 20 years service in the US Air Force was one of nine Americans killed 27th April 2011 during a meeting in Kabul by an Afghan Air Force pilot.

The Afghan pilot killed eight U.S. military personnel and an American contractor at Kabul airport after they had argued at a meeting, officials said. An Afghan pilot who spoke on the condition of anonymity identified the gunman as Ahmad Gul from Tarakhail province.

The other two victims identified are US Air Force Academy professor, Major Phil Ambard (not officially confirmed) and Private Military Contractor, James McLaughlin

US Air Force Academy professor, Phil Ambard

Major Ambard
US Air Force Academy professor, Major Philip D. Ambard, aged 44, was killed on Wednesday 27th April 2011 in an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was a foreign-language professor.

Major Ambard, from Edmonds, Washington, was serving with 460th Space Communications Squadron, based in Colorado.

Major Ambard, a fluent French and Spanish speaker, served as an instructor in both languages and was consistently rated as one of the top faculty members at the Academy.

In 2007, Major Ambard was sponsored by the Department of Foreign Languages for a Ph.D. program at Denver University, which he completed in 2010. He was scheduled to return to the Department of Foreign Languages after a 365-day deployment to Kabul.

US Military Contractor, James McLaughlin

US Private Military Contractor, James McLaughlin, aged 55, was killed on Wednesday 27th April 2011 along with eight U.S military personnel by an Afghan Air Force pilot.

The shooting occurred during a morning meeting between American and Afghan officers. Nine Americans were killed and five Afghan soldiers were wounded.

The incident happened in a compound at Kabul airport which was widely covered in the world press.

Mr. McLaughlin, a retired US Army Lieutenant-Colonel with 25 years service, began working for L-3 MPRI in Afghanistan in 2008 training helicopter pilots.

Polish soldier, Pawel Staniaszek

Polish Army Private First Class, Pawel Staniaszek, aged 29, died on Wednesday 20th April 2011 at the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw from wounds he received in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb was detonated near his patrol.

Pfc. Staniaszek, serving with the 2nd Mazowiecka Sapper Brigade, was seriously injured during the incident on 9th October 2009. The attack took place in Wardak province, about 40km from Ghazni when the patrol stopped to check their vehicles. The explosion occurred when they returned to the vehicles.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

US Marine, Corporal Adam Jones

US Marine, Cpl. A Jones
US Marine Corporal Adam D. Jones, aged 29, from Germantown, Ohio, was killed on 27th April 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. 

Cpl. Jones joined the Marine Corps in November 2006 and served two tours of duty in Iraq in 2007 and 2009. He also served in Haiti in 2010, Afghanistan in 2010 and again this year.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

US Marine Lance-Corporal Joe Jackson

On Sunday 24th April 2011, US Marine Lance Corporal Joe M. Jackson, aged 22, was killed whilst returning to base from a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan. A roadside bomb was detonated near his unit.

L-Cpl. Jackson, a Gila River Native American from White Swan, Washington, served with the 1st Btn., 5th Marine Regiment based at Camp Pendleton, California. He had lived in White Swan since his childhood and enlisted in the Marine Corps two years ago. He deployed to Afghanistan in March this year.

He comes from a long line of servicemen. His father and grandfather were Marines and his great grandfather parachuted into Normandy during World War II.  L-Cpl Jackson is now a decorated war hero; he has been awarded five medals including the Purple Heart.

8 Foreign troops killed in Afghan shootout

Eight foreign soldiers and a contractor have been killed in Afghanistan after an Afghan army officer opened fire at the air force headquarters at Kabul airport.

The Afghan defence ministry said violence broke out between an Afghan air force pilot and US troops following an argument on Wednesday inside a facility used by the Afghan Air Force.

General Mohammad Zahir Azimi, a ministry spokesman, said the gunman was killed in the shooting.

"For the past 20 years, he has been a military pilot. An argument happened between him and the foreigners and we have to investigate that," he said.

A statement from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said eight of its troops had been killed, but did not immediately disclose the nationalities of the victims.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

US Army Sgt. Bradley Hughes

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Bradley S. Hughes, aged 41, from Newark, Ohio, died on 24th April 2011 as a result of a non-combat incident, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 528th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.

A graduate of Newark High School, Sfc. Hughes first enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1989 and enlisted in the Army in February 1994. He was stationed in Germany several times and spent some time in Korea. He also served two tours in Iraq. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

US Marine Sergeant David Day

Marine Sgt. Day
US Marine Sergeant David P. Day, aged 26, from Gaylord, Michigan, died on 24th April 2011 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan.  

He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Monday, April 25, 2011

US Special Forces Sergeant 1st Class Benjamin Bitner

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Benjamin F. Bitner, aged 37, from Greencastle, Pa. was killed on 23rd April 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan when insurgents detonated a bomb against his patrol unit.

Sgt. Bitner, who had served in the military for 18 years was with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Throughout his military career, Sgt. Bitner had served in various hot spots around the world, including four deployments to Afghanistan.

He leaves his wife, April and sons, Gunner and Rogue.

US Marine Sean Callahan

US Marine Sergeant Sean T. Callahan, aged 23 from Warrenton, Virginia died 23rd April 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan when the his four-vehicle convoy was hit by a roadside bomb.

Sgt. Callahan was an anti-tank missile operator serving with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He had served two tours of duty in Iraq and deployed to Afghanistan in December 2010.

His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

In the same incident another Marine, Lance-Corporal Dominic Ciaramitaro lost his life.

US Marine Dominic Ciaramitaro

US Marine Lance-Corporal Dominic J. Ciaramitaro, aged 19 from South Lyon, Michigan, was killed on 23rd April 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

L-Cpl. Ciaramitaro served with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. He was a gunner in a four-vehicle convoy which was struck by a roadside bomb.

L-Cpl. Ciaramitaro spent much of his life in South Lyon. He graduated from South Lyon High School in 2009 and joined the Marines the following day.

In addition to his mother and grandmother, L-Cpl. Ciaramitaro is survived by his father, John Ciaramitaro; brother Sam, sisters Holly and Lucy.

US Army Captain Joshua McClimans

Capt. McClimans
US Army Reserve, Captain Joshua McClimans, aged 30, from Pennsylvania was killed Friday 22nd April 2011 near Kabul, Afghanistan.

His grandmother, Esther McClimans, told reporters in Jamestown that her grandson had been shot be a sniper. She said that Army officials came to the town about 75 miles northwest of Pittsburgh to notify Michael McClimans, the soldier's father. 

The Army says Capt. McClimans was on his way to work at an Army hospital when he was shot.

He would have turned 31 on 12th May.

McClimans graduated in 1998 from Jamestown High School, near the Ohio border. In recent months he lived near Akron, where he has a 6-year-old son and had planned to continue schooling to become an anesthetic nurse.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

US Army helicopter pilot killed is identified

CWO Varnadore
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Kapisa, eastern Afghanistan on Saturday 23rd April 2011, has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer Terry L. Varnadore, aged 29, from Mills River, N.C.

He was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, serving with 1st Attack Reconn Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. He had served a tour in Iraq and was deployed to Afghanistan last year, his pastor the Rev. Paul Thompson told press.

He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 and enlisted in the Army in 2005.

His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Army Aviator Badge and the Combat Action Badge.

CWO Varnadore is survived by his wife and child, mother and father.

US Army Staff Sgt. James Justice

US Army Staff Sgt. James A. Justice, aged 32, from Grimes, Iowa died on 23rd April 2011 in Kapisa province, Afghanistan from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. 

He served with 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, based at Le Mars, Iowa.

Staff Sgt. Justice enlisted as an Infantryman in the Iowa Army National Guard in September 1998 at Denison, Iowa and completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia in May 1999.  

He previously deployed to Operation Desert Spring (Kuwait) in 2001, the Multinational Force Observer peacekeeping mission (Sinai Peninsula, Egypt) in 2003-2004, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006.  Prior to his mobilization, he was employed full-time by the Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa.

He leaves a wife and child.

US Army Sgt. John Castro

US Army Sgt. John P. Castro, aged 25, from Andrews, Texas died on 22nd April 2011 in Paktika province, Afghanistan from wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy insurgent small arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Sgt. Castro joined the military in October 2004 and arrived at Fort Campbell in January 2006.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, step-son, and parents.

NATO/ISAF soldier killed in southern Afghanistan

KABUL (24 April, 2011): a NATO/ISAF service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today 24th April.

No further detailas are available at the moment.

Three other fatalities have been confirmed this weekend involving NATO troops in Afghanistan.

Two more NATO troops killed

KABUL: Two NATO/ISAF troops died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan yesterday 23rd April 2011. Another service member died in eastern Afghanistan.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

ISAF/NATO soldier killed in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL: An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today, 23rd April 2011.

No further details available at the moment.

Friday, April 22, 2011

French Marine, Corporal Alexandre Rivière

Cpl. Rivière
French Marine Corporal Alexandre Rivière, aged 23, was killed on Wednesday 20th April 2011 in Kapisa province, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Rivière served with the 2nd Marine Infantry Regiment since 2007. His patrol unit was hit by an improvised explosive device before Taliban militants opened fire. Nine French soldiers were injured in the attack.

Cpl. Rivière was married with one child.

A spokesman for the French Defence Ministry in Paris said ‘he was a remarkable and exemplary marine.’

Thursday, April 21, 2011

US Army Spc. Sonny Moses

US Army Spc. Sonny J. Moses, aged 22, from Koror, Palau, died 18th April 2011 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered as a result of a grenade attack at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan on 16th April. 

Spc. Moses was assigned to the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

More information to follow

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

U.S Military Contractor, Paul Almryde

US Military contractor, Paul Almryde, aged 46 was killed in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan on 16th April 2011. A Taliban suicide bomber dressed as an Afghan soldier infiltrated a joint US-Afghan Army base.

Mr. Almryde was working for military contractor MPRI in Afghanistan as part of the Afghan National Army Corps support battalion. He was working as a mechanic teaching Afghan troops how to repair vehicles.

He had served in the military for 21 years, with 12 years of active service in the Army and 9 years in the National Guard, before retiring in 2010 as a Master Sergeant. He joined MPRI in May 2010 and was planning to sign another year-long contract with MPRI.

The attack also claimed the lives of five American soldiers of the 101st Airborne, and four Afghan soldiers.

French marine killed and 9 wounded

PARIS - The office of French President Nicolas Sarkozy says that a marine corporal was killed in Afghanistan and nine others were wounded in an explosion in the Kapisa region on Wednesday 20th April 2011.

They were patrolling in armoured vehicles when a bomb was detonated near by.

British Army Captain Lisa Head

British Army Captain Lisa Jade Head from 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron, 11 EOD Regiment RLC, died on 19 April 2011, in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, of wounds received in Afghanistan.

Captain Head deployed to Afghanistan on 27 March 2011 as an Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEED) (Neutralise) Operator with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force. She was based in Patrol Base 4 in the Nahr-e-Saraj District of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

On 18 April 2011, Captain Head deployed with her team to dispose of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) found by B Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), in an alleyway frequently used by Afghans and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops alike. After rendering safe the initially identified IED, Captain Head was severely injured while dealing with a second IED.

Immediate first aid was provided and a helicopter Medical Emergency Response Team recovered the casualty to the military hospital in Camp Bastion. 

Surgeons stabilised Captain Head sufficiently for a Critical Care Air Support Team to conduct a medical evacuation from Camp Bastion to the Queen Elizabeth NHS Hospital in Birmingham, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Click here to view other female military and civilian fatalities in global war zones

US Army Pfc. John Kihm

U.S Army Pfc. John F. Kihm, aged 19, from Philadelphia, died on 19th April 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Kihm joined the Army in March 2010. After completing training at Fort Benning, Ga., he transferred to Fort Drum in August. 

Kihm's awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. 

He is survived by his mother and father.

British soldier killed during bomb disposal mission

The British Ministry of Defence has announced the death of a soldier from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, on Tuesday 19th April 2011.

The soldier had been deployed on an operation to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) District of Helmand Province on Monday 18th April and was injured when one of the devices detonated. 

Updated: It has been confirmed that Captain Lisa Head was the soldier involved

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

US Army Captain Charles Ridgley

US Army Captain Charles E. Ridgley Jr., aged 40, from Baltimore, Maryland, died on 16th April 2011 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, along with four colleagues. An Afghan National Army soldier threw grenades at the group in a suicide attack.

Capt. Ridgley was assigned to the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska.

He had two weeks left to serve in Afghanistan.
He enlisted in the army in November 1990. He served for several years and then left, but re-enlisted.

He was commissioned a quartermaster officer in January 2007 and was assigned to Fort Richardson. While there, he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in global logistics from the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Relatives said he was working on his master's degree when he was deployed to Afghanistan about a year ago.

US Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles L. Adkins

US Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles Lewis Adkins, aged 35, from Sandusky, Ohio, died on 16th April 2011 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, along with four colleagues. An Afghan National Army soldier threw grenades at the group in a suicide attack.

He was a maintenance supervisor, serving with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He joined the Army in November 1995 and transferred to Fort Campbell in June 2002. 
His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq 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; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal; Combat Action Badge; Pathfinder Badge; Air Assault Badge and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

He is survived by his wife Sarah, son Garrhett, daughters Makayla, Mackenzie and Gabriella.

US Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Taylor

US Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia R. Taylor, aged 39, from Columbus, Ga., died on 16th April 2011 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, along with four colleagues. An Afghan National Army soldier threw grenades at the group in a suicide attack.

SSgt. Taylor was a wheeled-vehicle mechanic, serving with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

She joined the Army in November 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in April 2004. 

Her awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal; Combat Action Badge and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

SSgt. Taylor is survived by her daughter Maggie, son Joseph and mother Judy.

US Army Sgt. Linda Pierre

US Army Sgt. Linda L. Pierre, aged 28, from Immokalee, Florida, died on 16th April 2011 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, along with four colleagues. An Afghan National Army soldier threw grenades at the group in a suicide attack.

Sgt. Pierre was a human resources specialist, serving with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

She joined the Army in November 2006 and transferred to Fort Campbell in September 2009.

Her awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army 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 Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Action Badge.

She is survived by her father, Jean Lamour and mother, Elvina Pierre, both from Immokalee, Florida.

US Army Spc. Joseph B. Cemper

US Army Spc. Joseph Brian Cemper, aged 21, from Warrensburg, Montana, died on 16th April 2011 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, along with four colleagues. An Afghan National Army soldier threw grenades at the group in a suicide attack.

Spc. Cemper was a transportation management coordinator, serving with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He joined the Army in September 2009 and transferred to Fort Campbell in February 2010. 

His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Spc. Cemper is survived by his daughter, Liam, and his parents Eugene and Angela.

US Army Spc. Charles J. Wren

US Army Spc. Charles J. Wren, aged 25 from Beeville, Texas, was killed 16th April 2011 while on patrol in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. A roadside bomb was detonated near his unit.

He served with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

Spc. Wren joined the Army in 2008, and after completing training at Fort Benning, transferred to Fort Drum in June 2008. This was his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Among his awards and decorations are the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. 

Spc. Wren is survived by his wife and brother.

US Army Spc. Paul J. Atim

US Army Spc. Paul J. Atim, aged 27 from Green Bay, Wisconsin, was killed 16th April 2011 while on patrol in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. A roadside bomb was detonated near his unit.

He served with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

Spc. Atim joined the army in November 2006. He transferred to Fort Drum, NY in December 2010. He had previously deployed to Afghanistan from April 2009 to April 2010. This second deployment begain in March this year.

His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He also completed the army’s Warrior Leadership and Combat Life Savers courses.

US Army Pfc. Joel A. Ramirez

US Army Pfc. Joel A. Ramirez, aged 22 from Waxahachie, Texas, was killed 16th April 2011 while on patrol in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. A roadside bomb was detonated near his unit.

He served with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

Pfc. Ramirez joined the Army in 2009. After completing training at Fort Benning, he transferred to Fort Drum in January 2010. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

He is survived by his 2-year-old daughter, his parents, two sisters and a brother.

Five US soldiers killed named

Five U.S soldiers were killed 16th April 2011 at FOB Gamberi, Nangarhar province when an Afghan National Army soldier attacked them with grenades.

They are:

Captain Charles E. Ridgley Jr., aged 40 from Baltimore, Maryland. Capt. Ridgley served with the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, based in Alaska.

Sergeant 1st class, Charles L. Adkins aged 36 from Sandusky, Ohio
Staff Sergeant Cynthia R. Taylor, aged 39 from Columbus
Sergeant Linda L. Pierre, aged 28 from Immokalee, Florida
Specialist Joseph B. Cemper, aged 21 from Warrensburg, Montana

All four served with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Three US soldiers killed by IED named

Three U.S Army soldiers are confirmed killed on 16th April 2011 in Nimroz province, Afghanistan, from the blast of an improvised explosive device. All were serving with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York.

They are:

Specialist, Paul J. Atim, aged 27 from Green Bay, Wisconsin
Specialist, Charles J. Wren, aged 25, from Beeville, Texas
Private First-class, Joel A. Ramirez, aged 22, from Waxahachie, Texas


Saturday, April 16, 2011

US Army Spc. Joseph Kennedy

US Army Specialist Joseph A. Kennedy, aged 25, from St. Paul, Minn. died on 15th April 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained while engaging enemy forces after they attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Spc. Kennedy was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

As family and friends pay tribute to him, his mother said of her son, "He is our hero. He lived life with the volume turned up full blast. We are extremely proud of him and his service to our country. He will be missed by many that loved him dearly." 

Spc. Kennedy received several military awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Since his death, he has been awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart.

Five NATO/ISAF troops killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan: five International Security Assistance Force service members died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today 16th April 2011.

No further details available at present.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Coalition service member killed in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan: an ISAF/NATO service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan 15th April 2011.

No further details available at the moment.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

U.S Army Spc. Donald Nichols

U.S Army Spc. Donald L. Nichols, aged 21, from Shell Rock, Iowa, died on 13th April 2011 in Laghman province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when a road mine exploded directly beneath the vehicle he was in.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, Waterloo, Iowa.

Spc. Nichols was born on 3rd September 1989 in Waterloo, Iowa and graduated from Waverly (Iowa) High School in 2009. Prior to his mobilization, he worked at the Walmart store in Waverly, Iowa.

Spc. Nichols enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in March 2008. Following graduation from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry as an Infantryman.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

U.S Army Pvt. Brandon T. Pickering

U.S Army Private, Brandon T. Pickering, aged 21, from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, died on 10th April 2011 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire and a rocket propelled grenade in Wardak province, Afghanistan, on 8th April 2011. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.

Pvt. Pickering enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2009, and after completing training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was stationed at Fort Polk as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, according to the Army.

His awards inclide a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

ISAF soldier killed in Afghanistan

KABUL - An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in eastern Afghanistan today 13th April 2011.

Updated : click here

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

U.S Army Spc. Brent Maher

Brent with his wife, Brenna
U.S Army Spc. Brent Maher, aged 31, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, died 11th April 2011 near the Pakistan border in Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Spc. Maher was a gunner on the vehicle.


He was serving with the Iowa National Guard 1st Btn, 168th Infantry Regiment, stationed Combat Outpost Dand Patan in eastern Afghanistan.

He leaves his wife, Brenna, of Council Bluffs; stepfather Mick Tyner, and three children from a previous marriage, Kaitlyn, 9; Matthew, 8; and Hannah, 4, who live with their mother in Michigan.

Monday, April 11, 2011

U.S Army Sgt. Jose M. Caraballo Pietri

U.S Army Sergeant Jose M. Caraballo Pietri, aged 32, from Yauco, Puerto Rico, died 10th April 2011 in Badghis province, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Baumholder, Germany.

Sgt. Caraballo’s unit was establishing defensive positions to conduct a dismounted patrol in Badghis province when the soldiers received small arms fire from about five enemy fighters, said Captain Royal Reff, the brigade’s spokesman in Afghanistan. No other soldiers were wounded, Reff said.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

U.S Army Spc. Keith T. Buzinski

Spc. Buzinski
U.S Army Specialist Keith T. Buzinski, aged 26, from Daytona Beach, Florida, was killed on 7th April 2011 in the Charkh district of Logar province, Afghanistan from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

Spc. Buzinski had been on leave in Florida and returned to his unit in Afghanistan recently.

The 10th Mountain Division was in Charkh along with Afghan forces, constricting insurgents and searching for hidden weapons during "Operation Charkh Resolution." For several days, the Third Army reported soldiers were "attacked regularly" by fighters using a nearby river for cover. 
 
His funeral service will be in Trenton, New Jersey, where he was born.

British Army Colour-Sergeant, Alan Cameron

CSgt. Cameron
Sergeant Alan Cameron from 1st Battalion Scots Guards died on 31 March 2011 as a result of wounds he received in Afghanistan on 13 April 2010.

CSgt. Cameron received serious head injuries when he was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device while on foot patrol north of Lashkar Gah on 13 April 2010.

He succumbed to his wounds and died suddenly at home in Livingston, Scotland on 31 March 2011. He was aged 42. 

Colour Sergeant Cameron, or 'Cammy' as he was known, had been making a good recovery from his wounds after undergoing a number of difficult operations. The post mortem found that his death was directly attributable to the injuries he suffered last year.

U.S Marine, Staff Sgt. Jason A. Rogers

SSgt. Rogers
U.S Marine Staff Sergeant Jason A. Rogers, aged 28, from Brandon, Miss., died 7th April 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. 

SSgt. Rogers was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

More information to follow.

Friday, April 8, 2011

U.S Navy Seaman Benjamin D. Rast

Seaman Rast
U.S Navy Seaman Benjamin D. Rast, aged 23, from Niles, Michigan died 6th April 2011 while conducting a dismounted patrol northeast of Patrol Base Alcatraz, Helmand province, Afghanistan.  

Seaman Rast was assigned as a hospitalman to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division.  He was stationed at the Naval Medical Center, Expeditionary Medical Force Detachment, in San Diego, California.

Seaman Rast joined the Navy in 2009 and was assigned in November 2010 to a Marine unit bound for Afghanistan. He left his job at the San Diego Medical Center, where he had worked in the medical and surgical nursing department until November, when he joined the reserve battalion for the scheduled combat deployment, medical officials said.

His medals and awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

Update: it has been reported that Seaman Rast was killed by a U.S drone attack in a 'friendly fire' incident: Click here to read report from NBC

Thursday, April 7, 2011

U.S Marine, Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Smith

SSgt. Smith
U.S Marine, Staff Sergeant Jeremy D. Smith, aged 26, from Arlington, Texas, died 6th April 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  

SSgt. Smith was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based at Houston, Texas. He enlisted in June 2003, and had completed three combat tours to Iraq.

SSgt. Smith had received numerous awards and medals, including two Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Update: it has been reported that SSgt. Smith was killed by a U.S drone attack in a 'friendly fire' incident: Click here to read report from NBC

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

U.S Army Sergeant Michael S. Lammerts

Sgt. Lammerts
U.S Army Sergeant Michael S. Lammerts, aged 26, from Tonawanda, New York was killed on 4th April 2011 by small arms fire while engaging enemy forces in Faryab province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Lammerts was part of the 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Baumholder, Germany.

He had been in Afghanistan just over a month and had previously served in Iraq twice.

He leaves his wife, Melissa, and two children, Savannah, 3, and Michael, one and a half. He is also survived by his parents, a brother and a sister.

U.S Army Sergeant Scott H. Burgess

Sgt. Burgess
U.S Army Sergeant Scott H. Burgess, aged 32, from Franklin, Texas was killed on 4th April 2011 by small arms fire while engaging enemy forces in Faryab province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Burgess was part of the 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Baumholder, Germany.

More information to follow.