Music tribute to fallen US Army Spc. Douglas Green

Richard Shine, uncle of fallen US Army Spc. Douglas Green - who was killed in action in Kandahar on 28th August 2011 - has written a song in tribute to his nephew. Listen to it here:

Dougie Green was a son, brother, nephew, comrade and friend to many. He gave his life in Afghanistan for us all. This is a tribute with a song written by his uncle, Richard Shine. He will be remembered as Our Hero, Our Friend. A memorial foundation has been developed in his honor: The Douglas Green Memorial Foundation.

Gurkha Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung killed in action

British Gurkha, Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung, serving with the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27th January 2012.

L-Cpl Gurung was on a foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand when he was shot and died from the wound. Born in Majthana, Nepal, in October 1985, he joined the Brigade of Gurkhas in December 2004. After he completed training in the UK, he joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and served both in Brunei and Britain.

Known as 'Gaj' to his friends, L-Cpl Gurung served three times in Afghanistan. First in 2006 with 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, and again in 2008. Major Spiro Christopher Marcandonatos, Officer Commanding D (Delhi) Company, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "I have known Lance Corporal Gurung for nearly three years. An extraordinary individual, he made an impression from the very first time I met him. Bright and well-educated, he was most definitely a 'people person' who abided by all the right values; a true Gurkha at heart, with a Western twist."

He leaves behind his wife Manisha, father Gum Bahadur, mother Lekh Maya, his brother Buddha and sister Junu.

US Marine Captain Joshua Pairsh

US Marine Captain Joshua C. Pairsh, who was supporting Afghanistan's Operation Enduring Freedom, died in the United States on 22nd January 2012 from a non-combat related illness.

29-year-old Captain Pairsh, from Illinois, was assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve, based in Washington, D.C.

Note: we have included Capt. Pairsh on this website because he was actively supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

US Army 1st Lt. David Johnson

US Army 1st Lieutenant David Johnson was killed in action in Afghanistan on 25th January 2012, according to a news release by Evangel University, Springfield, Missouri.

Last fall, 1LT Johnson had been given command of an infantry platoon in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division. He deployed to Afghanistan in December last year.

"The Evangel University family is sad to announce the loss of a 2010 graduate, First Lt. David Johnson, killed in action earlier today in Afghanistan."

"Our entire community joins David's family in mourning the loss of this outstanding young man who distinguished himself as a student and as a campus leader," said President Robert H. Spence.

"David was a leader in the ROTC program, which Evangel shares with Missouri State University, serving as the commander of the Bear Battalion during his senior year," Spence added.

Read the full report here.

British Army Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones

British Army Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and 200 Signal Squadron died on 24th January 2012 at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

21-year-old Signaller Sartorius-Jones, from Cheshire, joined the Royal Corps of Signals in February 2007. Following basic training, he attended the Royal School of Signals, Blandford, and began a career as a Communications Systems Operator.

The former British national Taekwondo champion had previously served in Iraq and had volunteered to extend his time in Afghanistan.

Signaller Sartorius-Jones leaves behind his wife Kellyanne and young son Dylan as well as his parents Robert and Amanda Sartorius-Jones and brother, Alan.

US Marine Corporal Christopher Singer

23-year-old US Marine Corporal Christopher G. Singer, from California, was killed during combat operations in Helmand province on 21st January 2012.

Cpl. Singer, a combat engineer, served with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California. He joined the Marine Corps in September 2007. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

British soldier dies at patrol base in Helmand

A British soldier serving with 200 Signal Squadron died at an ISAF patrol base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Tuesday 24th January 2012.

The British Ministry of Defence declined to give further details about the incident saying the death was under investigation.

The soldier has been named as: Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones.

US Marine Captain Nathan McHone

US Marine Captain Nathan R. McHone, 29, was killed in a helicopter crash in Helmand province on Thursday 19th January 2012. Five others were killed in the same incident.

Captain McHone, one of the helicopter's pilots, served with the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363. He joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and joined the squadron in October 2009. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

More information to follow.

US Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard

25-year-old US Marine Corporal Kevin J. Reinhard was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province. He joined the Marine Corps in the spring of 2008, interrupting his college studies to do so.

"He felt he needed to do something more, something better with his life than what he felt he was doing," his sister told the Daily Record. "He wanted to serve his country, so he left school and enlisted."

He joined the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 in September 2009 and deployed with the unit to Afghanistan in August last year. This was his second combat tour.

Corporal Reinhard's awards include Air Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and NATO ISAF Medal.

US Marine Corporal Jesse Stites

23-year-old US Marine Corporal Jesse W. Stites, was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2008 and had served with the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 since March 2009.

He deployed to Afghanistan (his second tour) in August 2011 and was due to return home in March this year.

Cpl Stites leaves his mother Carol, his wife and two sisters. He was predeceased by his father, John Stites.

US Marine Corporal Joseph Logan

22-year-old US Marine Corporal Joseph D. Logan, from Texas, was one of six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed in Helmand province.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2008 and joined the Hawaii-based Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 in May as an aerial observer. This was his second deployment.

Cpl. Logan's awards include an Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO ISAF Medal.

He leaves his wife, parents, siblings and other close relatives.

US Marine Master Sergeant Travis Riddick

US Marine Master Sergeant Travis Riddick, 40, was killed in a helicopter crash in Helmand province on Thursday 19th January 2012. Five others were killed in the same incident.

He joined the Marines Corps in 1990 after graduating from Centerville High School in Iowa. He had previously served three tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, prior to this deployment.

His father, John, told the Des Moines Register that Travis had been promoted to Master Sergeant on 1st January and that he had "just four or five weeks remaining on this tour of duty." He went on to say that his son had previously served on the president’s helicopter squadron. "He flew President Clinton and President Bush."

US Marine Captain Daniel Bartle

US Marine Captain Daniel Bartle was among six Marines killed on 19th January 2012 when the helicopter he was in crashed while on operations in Helmand province.

He served with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

27-year-old Captain Bartle, a congressional page and a United States Naval Academy graduate, was one of the pilots of the aircraft. He grew up in Missoula, Montana and decided to serve his country while working as a congressional page in Washington, D.C.

Captain Bartle leaves his parents, John and Sandra, a brother and sister.

6 US Marines killed in helicopter crash identified

Six US Marines were killed on 19th January 2012 when their helicopter crashed during an operation in Helmand province. The six, all serving with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii were identified as:


Capt. Daniel B. Bartle (27) from Washington.
Capt. Nathan R. McHone (29) from Illinois.
MSgt. Travis W. Riddick (40) from Iowa.
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites (23) from Maryland.
Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard (25) from New Jersey.
Cpl. Joseph D. Logan (22) from Texas.


More information to follow.

French Army CWO Fabien Willm

43-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Fabien Willm was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Willm joined the French Army in 1986 as a student NCO, he was assigned the following year at 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (93e RAM) where he began his career as a gunner.

Since August 2009, he served as Senior Technician in the same regiment. He was married with one child.

More information to follow.

French Army CWO Denis Estin

45-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Denis Estin was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Estin had served with the French Army for over 28 years. Born in December 1966, he joined the Parachute Artillery Regiment in November 1984. He quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader with highly professional qualities. he was promoted to Sergeant in May 1987. He attended the national school for non-commissioned officers and was appointed Sergeant 1st Class in July 1988.

In 1993 he was posted to 68 Artiller Regiment of Africa as a Warrant Officer.

August 2009 he joined the elite 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment as a communications specialist. During his long career he served in Central African Republic in 1986 and 1994, Chad in 1996, Martinique in 1999, Bosnia in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2004 and 2009. He deployed on this mission to Afghanistan in September 2011.

He was married with two children.

French Foreign Legion Staff Sergeant Svilen Simeonov

34-year-old French Foreign Legion Staff Sergeant Svilen Simeonov was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

SSgt Simeonov, a Bulgarian national, joined the Foreign Legion in September 2001 and completed his intial training with the 4th Foreign Regiment at Castelnaudary. At the time of his death he was serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineers Regiment. He was trained as a Firefighter, a combat Engineer and Minesweeper.

Promoted to Corporal in 2004, he quickly rose through the ranks becoming a Sergeant in 2005 and Staff Sergeant in 2009. He served in French Guiana in 2004, Cote d'Ivoire and Afghanistan in 2007 and also served in Djibouti three times. He deployed to Afghanistan on this mission in September 2011.

He leaves his wife and one child.

French Army Sergeant Geoffrey Baumel

27-year-old French Army Sergeant Geoffrey Baumel was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier in Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

Sgt. Baumel joined the Army in September 2006 and served with the 93rd Regiment of Mountain Artillery (93e RAM) as a mechanic. He was born in Echirolles in November 1984. During his service, he deployed to Guyana in 2008 and was promoted to Brigadier (Sergeant) on 1st October 2010.

He deployed to Afghanistan in September 2011 as part of a Mentoring and Advisory team involved in training the Afghan Army. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa.

He leaves his partner and one child.

US Marine Corporal Phillip McGeath

US Marine Corporal Phillip D. McGeath, died on 18th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

25-year-old Cpl McGeath, from Glendale, Arizona, served with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

More information to follow.

US Army Specialist Keith Benson

US Army Specialist Keith D. Benson, aged 27, died on 18th January 2012 in Paktika province, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

Spc. Benson, a combat medic, served with the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, based at Grafenwoehr, Germany.

More information to follow.

Italian Army Lt. Colonel Giovanni Gallo

49-year-old Italian Army Lieutenant Colonel Giovanni Gallo died in his sleep in Farah province from a stroke on 13th January 2012.

Lt. Col. Gallo, from Alghero in Sardinia, served with the Regional Command HQ and had been in Afghanistan for a few months. He leaves a wife and teenage son who both live in Alghero.

US Contractor James Scott Ozier killed in helicopter crash

30-year-old US Contractor James Scott Ozier was one of three aircrew members killed on 16th January 2012 in a helicopter crash in Helmand province. Mr. Ozier was employed by AAR Airlift, a US company contracted to work in Afghanistan for the US Department of Defense.

Mr. Ozier, a graduate of Northport High School in Northport, Alabama, was a helicopter mechanic with the company.

He leaves behind his wife Lauren, parents Charles and Sandy, two brothers Allen and Eric, sister Martha Ann and many other relatives and friends.

British Army tribute to L-Cpl Lee Foley

A soldier who died after a collision with a taxi on New Year's Eve will be buried later with full military honours.


Lee Foley, 26, from Merthyr Tydfil, served in Afghanistan as a lance corporal in the Royal Engineers. L/Cpl Foley died in hospital following the incident at 22:10 GMT on 31st December 2011 at the junction of the eastern by-pass and Church Street.


Read full story at BBC News


Note: we have included L-Cpl. Foley on this website because he had been serving in Afghanistan.

US Contractor Todd Walker killed in helicopter crash

48-year-old US Contractor Todd Walker was one of three aircrew members killed on 16th January 2012 in a helicopter crash in Helmand province. Mr. Walker was employed by AAR Airlift, a US company contracted to work in Afghanistan for the US Department of Defense. He had flown helicopters for 27 years all across the world.

His parents talked about their son to local news. "He loved the Lord and that was first in his life. After that, his wife and his three kids. He adored his family," his mother Jan said. "He lived on the edge. That's what I always tell everybody. He lived on the edge all his life."

His father Darrell said "He liked people. He liked to travel. He wasn't afraid to do anything."

Todd Walker leaves behind a loving wife, three kids, a sister, and his parents.

US Contractor Michael Clawson killed in helicopter crash

51-year-old US Contractor Michael Clawson was one of three aircrew members killed on 16th January 2012 in a helicopter crash in Helmand province.

Mr. Clawson was employed by AAR Airlift, a US company contracted to work in Afghanistan for the US Department of Defense.

According to a local news report, Mr Clawson leaves behind his wife and five children.

More information to follow.

US Marine Corporal Jon-Luke Bateman

22-year-old US Marine Corporal Jon-Luke Bateman, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was one of two Marines killed in action on 15th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province.

Cpl. Bateman served with the California-based 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He joined the Marine Corps in February 2008. This was his first combat deployment.

His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and NATO Medal for International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

The other Marine killed was Lance Corporal Kenneth E. Cochran.

US Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth Cochran

20-year-old US Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth E. Cochran, from Idaho, was one of two Marines killed in action on 15th January 2012 during combat operations in Helmand province.

L-Cpl Cochran served with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Okinawa, Japan. He deployed to Afghanistan in November 2011.

L-Cpl. Cochran is survived by his father, former U.S. Marine George Cochran of Wilder; his mother, U.S. Army Captain Julia Cochran; sister, U.S. Army Specialist Joyce Cochran; brother George (Geo) Cochran; and sister Michael Cochran.

The other Marine killed was Corporal Jon-Luke Bateman.

US Special Forces Sergeant Benjamin Wise

The US Department of Defense has announced the death of Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin B. Wise, who was injured in combat operations in Balkh province on 9th January 2011.

34-year-old Sgt. Wise died on 15th January 2011 at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany where he had been medically evacuated to following the incident. His unit had been attacked by enemy forces with small-arms fire.

Sgt. Wise, from Little Rock, Arkansas, served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Three US Contractors Killed in Helicopter Crash

Three American private contractors working for the US Department of Defense were killed when their helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan on Monday 16th January 2011, their company said.

The contractors' company, AAR Airlift, said that there were no other passengers on the helicopter and that the cause of the crash was not yet known. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the crash, but Marjan Haqmal, the chief of police of the Nad Ali district of Helmand Province, where the crash took place, said the helicopter had technical problems.

The aircrew have been named as James Scott Ozier, Michael Clawson and Todd Walker.

Two troops dead in southern Afghanistan from non-battle related injuries

Two International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members died as a result of a non-battle related injury in southern Afghanistan today, 15th January 2012.

More details to follow.

Funeral of US Army Specialist Pernell J. Herrera

US Army Pfc. Neil Turner

US Army Private 1st Class Neil Turner, from Tacoma, Washington, died in a training accident in Afghanistan this week. 

His father, Leland Turner, posted on Facebook 12th January: "My son, Neil, was killed during a training exercise yesterday in Afghanistan. When I get all the findings, I will post them."

The announcement rippled through a community of east Tacoma families who watched Neil grow up. He was the oldest of four brothers, and neighbors saw him keeping an eye out for his siblings.

Click here to read more at The News Tribune

US Army Pfc. Michael Pyron

30-year-old US Army Pfc. Michael W. Pyron, from Hopewell, Virginia, died in Parwan province on 10th January 2012. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, said Major Carla Debro, an Army spokeswoman. She could not elaborate, but did say that he was not killed in combat.

Pfc. Pyron, who joined the Army in May 2010, was a radio and communications security specialist serving with the Georgia-based 25th Signal Battalion, 160th Signal Brigade, 335th Signal Command Theater.

More details to follow.

US Army Pfc. Dustin Napier

20-year-old US Army Private 1st Class Dustin P. Napier, from Kentucky died on 8th January 2012 after being shot by an Afghan Army soldier at a military base in Zabul province.

Pfc. Napier graduated from South Laurel High School in London, Kentucky two years ago and joined the Army shortly afterwards. He married in October 2011.

Pfc. Napier served with the Alaska-based 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

US Army Specialist Christopher Patterson

Indiana National Guard Specialist Christopher A. Patterson, age 20, from Illinois, was one of four US soldiers killed in action in Kandahar on 6th January 2012 from the blast of an enemy bomb.

Spc. Patterson graduated from West Aurora High School in 2009. He was studying music at Valparaiso University and took leave to deploy to Afghanistan with his National Guard unit last November. Scott Ochander, the University’s vice president for marketing communications said that Spc. Patterson had the "potential to become an excellent music educator," and that "he will be sorely missed by his peers and his professors."

Spc. Patterson came from a military family. His father is retired from the Navy, his mother is a Navy reservist and his brother is at Marine Boot Camp.

Also killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Metzger, Spc. Robert Tauteris Jr and Spc. Brian Leonhardt

All were members of the 713th Engineer Company, assigned to 81st Troop Command.

US Army Staff Sergeant Jonathan Metzger

Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, age 32, from Indianapolis, was one of four US soldiers killed in action in Kandahar on 6th January 2012 from the blast of an enemy bomb.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Metzger had spent eight years in the Marine Corps. He planned on a military career and was studying for the rank of Master Sergeant. He was six weeks into a nine-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. This was his second overseas combat deployment, having previously served in Iraq for one year.

Also killed were:

Spc. Christopher Patterson, Spc. Robert Tauteris Jr. and Spc. Brian Leonhardt

All were members of the 713th Engineer Company, assigned to 81st Troop Command.

US Army Sergeant Brian Leonhardt

Indiana National Guard Sergeant Brian J. Leonhardt, age 21, from Merrillville, Indiana, was one of four US soldiers killed in action in Kandahar on 6th January 2012 from the blast of an enemy bomb.

Sgt. Leonhardt's three brothers also serve with the Indiana National Guard and have all previously to Iraq though not Afghanistan. Spc. Leonhardt deployed to Afghanistan last October and had secretly married his girlfriend before he left, his father told the Chicago Tribune.

Brian is survived by his wife Dianne, his parents Marie and Robert Leonhardt, two sisters and three brothers.

Note: Spc. Leonhardt was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Lesley Newport said in a statement made on 11th January. "Army regulation and tradition allow a soldier who is in line for promotion to receive the honor." Newport said.

Also killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Metzger, Spc. Christopher Patterson and Spc. Robert Tauteris Jr.

All were members of the 713th Engineer Company, assigned to 81st Troop Command.

US Army Specialist Robert Tauteris Jr.

Indiana National Guard Specialist Robert J. Tauteris Jr., age 44, from Hamlet, Indiana, was one of four US soldiers killed in action in Kandahar on 6th January 2012 from the blast of an enemy bomb.

Spc. Tauteris, who grew up in North Judson, was called "Bobby" by his family. Before joining the National Guard, he often worked 7 days a week to provide for his two sons, Robert III and Matthew. He had been in Afghanistan since October and was scheduled to come home on two weeks leave in May.

Also killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Metzger, Spc. Christopher Patterson and Spc. Brian Leonhardt

All were members of the 713th Engineer Company, assigned to 81st Troop Command.

US soldier killed by Afghan Army soldier - 8 January 2011

A US soldier was killed on Sunday 8th January 2011 when a man in an Afghan army uniform opened fire on a group of Americans at a base in southern Afghanistan, an Afghan military spokesman said today.

Spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi said the gunman was also killed in the shootout on Sunday. "Right now, an investigation is going on to determine whether he really was a soldier or someone using an army uniform." Azimi said.

ISAF issued a statement saying that a coalition soldier had been killed on Sunday but did not release the nationality or the identity of the victim.

The soldier has been named as Pfc. Dustin Napier

Four Indiana National Guardsmen killed in action

Four soldiers from an Indiana-based National Guard unit were killed in Afghanistan and a fifth was injured when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb as they were working to clear a supply route, Guard officials said Saturday.

Indiana Adjutant General Martin Umbarger said the four members of the Valparaiso-based 713th Engineer Company died Thursday morning in southern Afghanistan. He said all of the men were combat engineers who specialized in clearing major supply routes.

The blast occurred as their vehicle traveled along a road, scouting for signs of roadside bombs and other potential problems convoys might encounter, Umbarger said.

The four men killed were identified as: Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt, Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr., and Spc. Christopher A. Patterson

USAF Senior Airman Bryan Bell

23-year-old USAF Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, from Erie, Pennsylvania, was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Sr. Airman Bell, a bomb-disposal technician serving with the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, was a volunteer firefighter. He graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 2006 and joined the Air Force the same year.

He leaves behind his father, mother, wife and sister.

Also killed were: Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler and Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz.

USAF Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler

24-year-old USAF Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, from Westminster, Maryland was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Afc Seidler was serving with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Also killed were: Senior Airman Bryan Bell and Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz.

More information to follow.

USAF Tech. Sgt. Matthew Schwartz

34-year-old USAF Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, from Michigan, was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on 5th January 2012 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand.

Sgt. Schwartz was a bomb-disposal technician serving with the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. His family told local news that this was his sixth combat mission and that he had also served in Iraq. He had served in the US Air Force for 12 years.

Sgt. Schwartz leaves his wife, Jenny, and three daughters.

Also killed were: Senior Airman Bryan Bell and Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler.

Georgian Army Corporal Shalva Pailodze

Georgian Army Corporal Shalva Pailodze from the 31st Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Brigade, was killed in action on 6th January 2012 during an enemy attack on his patrol unit in Helmand province. A Georgian Ministry of Defense statement said he "was killed as a result of a fatal injury during an attack by Taliban insurgents."

Corporal Pailodze, who joined the Georgian armed force in 2008, had the Medal for Participation in International Operations, according to the MoD.

This is the second Georgian Army fatality in a week and the twelfth one since Georgia joined the NATO-led operation in November 2009.

The 31st infantry battalion is now in Helmand province for its second, six-month deployment.

Three USAF servicemen killed in action

Three USAF servicemen were killed while on patrol in Helmand province on 5th January 2012. Killed were:

34-year-old Technical Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz

23-year-old Senior Airman Bryan Bell

24-year-old Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler

8 NATO troops killed in action

Eight NATO troops have been killed in action in a series of bombings targeting troops in southern Afghanistan, ISAF has announced.

The first attack happened on Thursday 5th January when an insurgent bomb killed three troops. A fourth soldier died early Friday 6th January in a separate insurgent attack.

Later Friday 6th January, four more troops were killed in another bombing in southern Afghanistan.

ISAF did not release the nationalities of the eight troops. Details about the incidents and identities will be released by the troops' home countries.

More information to follow.

Repatriation to UK of Private John King

The repatriation of Private John King, from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in action in December, will take place on Thursday 5th January 2012 at RAF Brize Norton.

The plane will land at approximately 14:00 and the cortege will pass by the Memorial Garden at around 16:00 arriving at the John Radcliffe Hospital around 17.00.

Norton Way will be closed from approx 11.45am, whilst Station Road, Brize Norton, will be closed for approximately 10 minutes once the cortege leaves Britannia Gate at RAF Brize Norton.

Gurkha Rifleman Sachin Limbu

Gurkha Rifleman Sachin Limbu, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, died from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Monday 2nd January 2012.

Rifleman Limbu, a machine gunner, deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and during a patrol in Walizi on 24th June 2010 he was caught in the blast from a hidden bomb. He was evacuated to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan before being flown back to the UK.

Rifleman Sachin Limbu, aged 23, was born on 3 October 1988 and came from Rajghat, Morang in Nepal. His father was a Gurkha Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Rifleman Sachin was brought up in the life and community of 7th Gurkha Rifles and later 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong and Brunei.

He passed the rigorous selection for the Brigade of Gurkhas in 2007 and after the combat infantryman course in Catterick, joined 1RGR in Brunei where he conducted extensive jungle warfare training before moving with the battalion to the UK and undertaking training for deployment to Afghanistan.

Mr Dillisher Limbu, Rifleman Sachin's father and a retired Gurkha soldier, said: "My wife and I are immensely proud of our only beloved son who has sacrificed his life for the good of others. Sachin was our only son and we both extend our sincere thanks to all the staff at The New Queen Elizabeth hospital and Brigade of Gurkhas who have supported us all so closely."

US Navy Petty Officer Chad Regelin

24-year-old US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad R. Regelin, from California, was killed in action during a combat operation in Helmand on 2nd January 2012. He died after being caught in the blast of an insurgent bomb.

PO Regelin served as a bomb disposal technician with Marine Special Operations Company Bravo. He was stationed at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, California.

PO Regelin's family told local news that he was killed just an hour after he’d spoken to his family by telephone. His parents, Shirene and Scott Regelin of Anderson, were notified of his death shortly after 2 p.m.

"He called us while he was on watch," PO Regelin's brother, Justin, said. "He was really upbeat because he had just gotten his orders to come back stateside on Feb. 15. He told us that he had about a week to go (in Kandahar) before they could helicopter in the replacement team."

British Gurkha dies from bomb injuries

A soldier from the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on 2nd January 2012, from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan in June 2010. The soldier was wounded when he was caught in the blast from an insurgent bomb.

Lieutenant Colonel David Robinson, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "It is with great sadness that I must confirm the death of a Gurkha soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, who had previously been seriously injured in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."

The soldier has been named as Rifleman Sachin Limbu

British Army Lance Sergeant Dan Collins

Dan Collins, a British soldier who survived a tour of Afghanistan which killed his two best friends, committed suicide by hanging himself in a quarry near his home in Cardigan, Wales, on 1st January 2012. His girlfriend, Vicky Roach said that he had never come to terms with the guilt of out-living his friends. She told news reporters: "The only comfort I've got now is that Dan is at peace with two of his best friends that died out in Afghanistan."

Lance Sergeant Collins, aged 29, had cheated death fighting the Taliban when his own his life was saved by his body armour. But the Welsh Guardsman could not come to terms with returning home safely without his friends Dane Elson, 22, and Tobie Fasfous, 29.

He was shot in the back by a sniper in May 2009 but survived because of his body armour which took the bullet. He was also caught up in two roadside bombings. He served with the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

Read the full story here at The Telegraph

NOTE: we have included Lance Sergeant Collins on this website because he had served in Afghanistan and also because he is one of many unreported victims of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

US Army Specialist Pernell Herrera

US Army Specialist Pernell J. Herrera, age 33, from Espanola, New Mexico, died from injuries suffered in a non-combat incident on 31st December 2011 in Helmand province.

Spc. Herrera served with the 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, based at Santa Fe.

More information to follow.

British Army Private John King killed in action 30 December

19-year-old British Army Private John King of 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in action on 30th December 2011 during an operation in Helmand province.

While on a foot patrol, his unit came under fire from enemy forces. During the firefight Private King was caught in the blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and was killed, despite the best efforts of medics at the scene. The incident occurred near the village of Llara Kalay, in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

Private King, from Darlington, joined the Army in 2009 and served with B(FAMARS) Company of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan as part of Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (North), commanded by the Danish Battle Group, in October 2011.

After joining the Army Private King attended the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, before joining 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment in May 2010, based in Oxford Barracks, Münster, Germany.

The family of Private King said: "John was a tremendous son, brother and boyfriend. He was a devoted grandson, a loving family member, and a proud soldier who died doing a job he adored. He will be sadly missed by all his family, friends, and loyal German Shepherd dog Rex."

Private King leaves behind his mother Karen, father Barry, brothers Ian and Stephen, and girlfriend Kelly. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him.

Georgian Army Corporal Besik Niniashvili

Georgian Army Corporal Besik Niniashvili, was killed on 31st December 2011 when a road mine exploded near him during a combat mission in Helmand.

Corporal Niniashvili served in the 31st Light Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Brigade. He had been a member of the Georgian Armed Forces since 2007. During his service, he had been awarded the Medal for Outstanding Combat Service, Honorary Certificate, Medal for Combat Wound and Medal for “Participation in International Operations.

More information to follow.

French Foreign Legion Sergeant Damien Zingarelli

French Foreign Legion Sergeant Damien Zingarelli, age 27, was one of two Legionnaires killed by an Afghan soldier on 29th December 2011 in Kapisa.

The two non-commissioned officers, serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment (2e REG), belonged to a French Mountain Commando Group. The attack took place during a joint French-Afghan operation in the Alassa Bedraou valley. A rogue Afghan National Army soldier shot and killed the two French Legionnaires.

Sergeant Zingarelli joined the Foreign Legion in 2005. After his initial training with the 4th RE he joined the 1st REC. Highly motivated, Sergeant Zingarelli applied to join the selection Mountain Commando Group (GCM) and joined them in January 2008. In 2010, he served in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

His identity and personal details were made public by his regiment on 30th December 2011.

The other Legionnaire killed was: Chief Warrant Officer Mohammed El Gharrafi

UK Military Fatalities 2011

British military fatalities in Afghanistan - 2011

Date	Name	Rank	Age	Unit	Cause
30-Dec	King, John	Corporal	19	1st Btn. Yorkshire Regiment	IED attack
23-Dec	Downing, Anthony	Sq. Ldr.	34	Royal Air Force	IED attack
22-Dec	Jennings, Tom	Captain	29	Royal Marines	IED attack
08-Dec	Bond, Elijah	Sapper	24	Royal Engineers	IED attack
27-Nov	Steel, Sheldon	Rifleman	20	5 RIFLES	IED attack
20-Nov	Lake, Thomas C.	Private	29	Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment	IED attack
17-Nov	Boyce, David	Lieutenant	25	1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards	IED attack
17-Nov	Scanlon, Richard	L-Cpl	31	1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards	IED attack
16-Nov	Eustace, Peter	L-Cpl	25	2 RIFLES	IED attack
09-Nov	Thornton, Matthew	Private	28	4 YORKS	IED attack
03-Nov	Haseldin, Matthew	Private	21	2 MERCIAN	Hostile fire
15-Oct	Rai, Vijay	Rifleman	21	2 Royal Gurkha Rifles	Hostile fire
19-Sep	Fairbrother, David	Marine	24	42 Commando Royal Marines	Hostile fire
14-Sep	McKinlay, Jonathan	L-Cpl	33	1 RIFLES	Hostile fire
30-Aug	Weston, Barry	Sergeant	40	42 Commando Royal Marines	IED attack
12-Aug	Clack, Daniel John	Lieutenant	24	1 RIFLES	IED attack
05-Aug	Wright, James Robert	Marine	22	42 Commando Royal Marines	Hostile fire
18-Jul	Palin, Mark Anthony	Corporal	32	1 RIFLES	IED attack
16-Jul	Watkins, Paul	L-Cpl	24	9th/12th Royal Lancers	Hostile fire
04-Jul	McLaren, Scott	Rifleman	20	4 SCOTS	Hostile fire
18-Jun	Bellingham, Gareth	Private	22	3rd Btn, The Mercian Regiment	Hostile fire
16-Jun	Newell, Lloyd	Corporal		Parachute Regiment (SAS)	Hostile fire
16-Jun	Found, Andrew	Craftsman	27	REME	IED attack
05-Jun	Lamb, Martin Jon	Rifleman	27	1 RIFLES	IED attack
05-Jun	Gill, Martin Joseph	L-Cpl	22	42 Commando Royal Marines	Hostile fire
03-Jun	Pike, Michael	Corporal	26	4 SCOTS	Hostile fire
27-May	Augustin, Oliver	Lieutenant	23	42 Commando Royal Marines	IED attack
27-May	Alexander, Samuel	Marine	28	42 Commando Royal Marines	IED attack
23-May	Fortuna, Kevin Charles	C-Sjt.	36	1 RIFLES	IED attack
15-May	Mead, Nigel Dean	Marine	19	42 Commando Royal Marines	IED attack
19-Apr	Head, Lisa J.	Captain	29	Royal Logistic Corps	IED attack
31-Mar	Cameron, Alan	CSgt.	42	1 Scots Guards	IED attack
23-Mar	Collins, Matthew	Major	38	1 Irish Guards	IED attack
23-Mar	Burgan, Mark Terence	L-Sgt	28	1 Irish Guards	IED attack
18-Mar	Prior, Daniel	Private	27	2 Parachute Regiment	IED attack
09-Mar	McKee, Stephen	L-Cpl	27	1 Royal Irish Regiment	IED attack
01-Mar	Tasker, Liam Richard	L-Cpl	27	Royal Army Veterinary Corps	Hostile fire
14-Feb	Marshall, Kyle	L-Cpl	21	2 Parachute Regiment	IED attack
14-Feb	Hutchinson, Dean	Private	23	Royal Logistic Corps	Accident
14-Feb	Wood, Robert	Private	28	Royal Logistic Corps	Accident
09-Feb	Lewis, Conrad	Private	22	4 Parachute Regiment	Hostile fire
09-Feb	Hendry, Lewis	Private	20	3 Parachute Regiment	Hostile fire
05-Feb	Beckett, Colin	WO2	36	3 Parachute Regiment	IED attack
04-Feb	Dalzell, David	Ranger	20	1 Royal Irish Regiment	Accident
25-Jan	Bell, Martin	Private	24	2 Parachute Regiment	IED attack
01-Jan	Vatubua, Joseva	Private	24	5 Royal Regiment of Scotland	IED attack

The following is a list of 2011 British military fatalities outside Afghanistan

Date	Name	Rank	Age	Unit	Cause	Place
2011
14-Sep	Griffiths, Dean	Fusilier	21	Royal Welsh	Accident	UK
20-Aug	Egging, Jon	Flight Lt.	33	Royal Air Force	Accident	UK
19-Aug	Candlish, Jamie	Fusilier	20	Royal Highland Fusiliers	Accident	UK
04-Jun	Armstrong, Grant	WO2	37	Light Dragoons	Cancer	UK
14-May	Connolly, Mark	Private	24	Black Watch	Homicide	Germany
02-May	Arnold, Allan	Rifleman	20	The Rifles	Suicide	UK