Memorial Day 2008 - In Memory of all Fallen Heroes - My Tribute to the Fallen of the 173rd ABCT

As the Memorial Day weekend closes in on all of us I hope everyone will make the time to stop, remember and honor all of our Fallen Heroes throughout time.  You may not know them by name but stop and honor their sacrifice and service.  Without our military throughout time our nation wouldn't be what it is today.  We have much to be thankful for and MANY to be thankful of.

This Memorial Day I want to use my blog to specifically honor and remember the Fallen Heroes of the 173rd ABCT currently deployed to northeastern Afghanistan, the Sky Angels, who gave their lives in defense of our nation on this deployment.  Twelve months in, three to go.  May God protect all of those who are still fighting the good fight in Afghanistan and return them home to Italy and Germany safe and sound.  To the families and friends of the Sky Angels, you and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers every day.

To Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski, thank you for allowing me into your lives as you have; for sharing so much about Matt with me; for allowing me to help honor his life as you have.  Most of all, thank you for such a gift, for such a special man, for Matt.

SFC Matthew Blaskowski - KIA 23 Sept 07 - Fire Base Vegas

SFC Matthew Blaskowski.  KIA 23 September 2007

Fire Base Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Silver Star

Bronze Star

2 Purple Hearts

At the memorial ceremony in Afghanistan on 28 Sept 2008 Matthew's platoon leader, 1LT Bradley Winn Said, "He was the mentor and platoon sergeant that I had always dreamed of - leading from the front and being an everyday hero that all of the Soldiers, including myself, looked up to. Sergeant Ski was the epitome of a professional Soldier that will forever set the bar for Battle Company, Chosen Company and the whole Rock family."

Matt is survived by his wife Daniela, his parents Terry and Cheryl and his brother Dan Stan as well as many other family members and friends.

We love you and we miss you Matt

I will also remember and honor these Fallen Heroes.  May their families and loved ones know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.  Rest in Peace Brave Warriors.

2 June 2007 - PFC Jacob Michael Lowell, B Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

5 June 2007 - PFC Timothy R Vimoto, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

5 July 2007 - PFC Joseph A Miracle, A Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

5 July 2007 - SPC Christopher S Honaker, A Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

22 July 2007 - PFC Juan S Restrepo, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

23 July 2007 - PFC Jessy S Rogers, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

23 July 2007 - PFC Adam J Davis, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

23 July 2007 - SGT Travon T Johnson, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

23 July 2007 - 1SG Michael S Curry, Jr., D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

27 July 2007 - SSG William R. Fritsche, B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT

27 July 2007 - MAJ Thomas G Bostick, Jr., B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT

31 July 2007 - 1LT Benjamin J Hall, D Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

27 August 2007 - PFC Thomas R Wilson, HHC 1/503 173rd ABCT

23 September 2007 - SFC Matthew Blaskowski, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

25 September 2007 - PFC Christopher Pfeifer, B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT

26 September 2007 - PFC Mathew D Taylor, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

23 October 2007 - SSG Larry I Rougle, HHC 2/503 173rd ABCT

25 October 2007 - SFC Hugh V Mendoza, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

25 October 2007 - SGT Joshua C Brennan, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

9 November 2007 - SPC Joseph M Lancour, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

9 November 2007 - SPC Lester G. Roque, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

9 November 2007 - CPL Sean K A Langevin, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

9 November 2007 - SGT Jeffrey S Mersman, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

9 November 2007 - CPT Matthew C Ferrara, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

12 November 2007 - SGT Adrian E Hike, A Co 91st CAV 173rd ABCT

12 November 2007 - CPT David A Boris, A Co 91st CAV 173rd ABCT

12 December 2007 - SSG Michael J Gabel, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

12 December 2007 - CPL Joshua C Blaney, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

31 December 2007 - PFC Brian Gorham, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT

26 January 2008 - SFC Matthew R Kahler, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT

Matt Burden at Blackfive has this story (which includes a link to Soldiers Angels German and a letter written by CPT Ferrara's mother).  Matt reposts the video of part of the 30+ hour recovery and rescue operation resulting from the ambush on 9 November 2007 when five Chosen Co 2/503 Soldiers gave their lives.

Matt also has this post which honors the 173rd in Vietnam and features the video from Big and Rich "The 8th of November"