From Cow Pastures to Kosovo

Remember Them-CPT Ferrera, SGT Mersman, CPL Roque, CPL Langevin, SPC Lancour & Marine SGT Bocks

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:47:37 -0600

Here's to the heroes

On 9 November 2007 five Soldiers of the 173rd, 2-503 "Chosen Few" and a Marine attached to them were killed while returning to Firebase Bella in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Please take a few minutes today to remember them; to pray for them and to honor them. And also pray for their families, brothers in arms and friends who miss them every day.

CPT Matthew C. Ferrara

14 October 1983 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPT Matthew C. Ferrara was born on 14 October 1983 in Torrance, California, and he graduated and was commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point on 28 May 2005 as an Infantry officer.

CPT Ferrara completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia and reported to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. Matt was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry as the Platoon Leader of First Platoon.

In May 2007, CPT Ferrara deployed with the company to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. On 22 August 2007, CPT Ferrara led his men to thwart a deliberate enemy attack on the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) by a numerically superior force. For his valorous and heroic actions that day he was submitted for the Silver Star.

CPT Ferrara’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPT Ferrera a graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point had an older brother who had graduated from the academy. At the time of Matt's death he had another brother attending the academy as well as a younger brother in ROTC at the Univerity of Souther California. He held dual citizens ship in the USA and New Zealand. Matt was the first New Zealander to die in combat in Afghanistan. Matt's mother wrote an article for the New Zealand Listener. I encourage you to take the time to read her article. Matt's family continues to work tirelessly in support of the wounded and deployed military personnel.

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman

11 May 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman was born on 11 May 1984 in Paola, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 January 2002.

SGT Mersman served in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Grenadier and Rifle Team Leader. While in this unit, SGT Mersman deployed three times in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM before reporting for duty at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.

SGT Mersman was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as a Rifle Team Leader in August 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDUING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During this deployment, SGT Mersman participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation point at Bella Combat Outpost in Nuristan Province providing surveillance and early warning of enemy activity.

SGT Mersman’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SGT Mersman had served three combat tours in Iraq prior to his tour in Afghanistan. His family remembers him here. The rescue pilots recount the night of the recovery of SGT Mersman in this article. SGT Mersman's father also comments in the article. I encourage you to take the time to read this article.

CPL Lester G Roque

4 December 1983 – 9 November 2007

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2dn Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Lester G. Roque was born on 4 December 1983 in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines where he spent most of his childhood. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 2 February 2005.

During his time in service, CPL Roque completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 10 October 2005, CPL Roque reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. After his arrival, he immediately joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VI where he was assigned as a trauma medic. Due to his maturity and leadership, he was assigned as the Chosen Company Senior Medic where he served with distinction. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Roque established two aid stations at Combat Outposts Bella and Aranas (Ranch House), conducted numerous combat patrols, and established a local national clinic to increase the healthcare for the surrounding populace.

CPL Roque’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

Photos from CPL Roque's memorial service can be viewed here. And in this blog tribute you can read more about CPL Roque including his love affair with is beloved wife Leikathryn.

SPC Sean K. A. Langevin

17 August 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Sean K. Langevin was born on 17 August 1984 in Walnut Creek, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georiga, CPL Langevin reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as an Automatic Rifleman. CPL Langevin deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.

During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Langevin went on numerous combat patrols. He was also involved in a violent firefight with enemy forces at the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) on 22 August 2007. For his heroic actions during the Ranch House attack, CPL Langevin was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

CPL Langevin’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Lagnevin was an Eagle Scout. He is survived by his wife Jessica who was expecting their first child, a daughter, at the time of his death.

PFC Joseph M. Lancour

26 June 1986 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Joseph M. Lancour was born on 26 June 1986 in Cadillac, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 8 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and attending Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, SPC Lancour arrived at Caserma, Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. SPC Lancour was immediately assigned as a Rifleman in Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

SPC Lancour conducted his first deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his service, SPC Lancour participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation post at Bella Combat Outpost providing security and observation of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

SPC Lancour’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge

SPC Lancour's family and high school staff talk about what great young man he was here and here.

Sgt Phillip Bocks

SGT Bocks was an only child. His family tells a little about his childhood and his service iin the Marine Corps in this article. Friends remember SGT Bocks here. There are two wonderful memorial videos of SGT Bocks here and here

I will never forget the first time I watched and listened to the following rescue/recovery video from the ambush near Aranas of the men who had been on patrol from Firebase Bella in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The rescue/recovery operation lasted over 24 hous. God Bless the helicopter pilots and medevac personnel who risk their lives every day for the wounded and fallen.

Dust-off medevac Aranas, Afghansitan 2007

All fine looking young Americans taken way too soon. Rest in Peace Brave Warriors. I will NEVER forget you.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

My Heart Is Breaking For All Of The Personnel at Fort Hood

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:22:38 -0600

The families of those killed are first and foremost in my thoughts and prayers. I am also keeping the wounded and all survivors in my prayers as well. The days ahead will be difficult for all of them.

There's really nothing more I should say at this time.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

173rd BCT Jumps at Aviano - SKY SOLDIERS!

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:29 -0600

Sky Soldier jump at Aviano November 2009

Can anyone point Remmel out to me? LOL

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Today Was A Happy Day. I LOVE Mail Stop Dates

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:39:00 -0600

This is a package going to a Soldier on his third deployment to Afghanistan (second deployment for me to send him a little love) who will be getting out of the Army to go to college. HOOAH!

I figured the last box should have something a little special on it. And I'm sure he'll get some razzing but probably not as much as he got when I sent him this. Interestingly (or disturbing) enough I get requests for this now. Is that a good reputation to have?

Last box

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Game Developer "n-Space" Donates Stained Glass Memorial Window Pane for 4-4 BDE at Ft Carson Chapel

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:02:39 -0500

I am proud to announce that the owner and employees of n-Space have asked to be the sponsor of all costs required in order to have a stained glass artist make a window and install it in the Chapel at Fort Carson in Memory of all Fallen Soldiers from 4-4 Brigade. 4-4 is newly flagged at Fort Carson after having recently been relocated there from Fort Hood and had no Memorial Window in the Chapel. Sadly we all know that the Brigade has had many of their Heroes Killed in Action on their current deployment to Afghanistan.

Jen from n-Space contacted me on behalf of the company a few days after we had issued the call for assistance in replacing the lost personal items of the survivors of the Battle at COP Keating. By the time I received Jen's email we had received all of the donations we needed for the Soldiers' personal items. I did have a couple of other projects I wanted to try to make happen. One was the Memorial window. I had sent out a handful of emails asking people and groups if they would be interested in donating towards that project when I received Jen's email.

Jen and I exchanged a additional emails and phone calls. She was so patient with me. I have no idea about gaming beyond Pong, Centipede and PacMan - yeah, I'm that old. So wrapping my brain around what n-Space does was way over my head beyond the basic concept that they design video games. LOTS of video games for LOTS of different systems.

I put Jen in touch with 4-4 Brigade Commander's wife. The two of them have worked together to iron out all of the details. I cannot tell you how much it means to me, to Jen and Dan and all of the employees of n-Space and to the Soldiers and family members of 4-4 Brigade that this has become a reality.

A HUGE HOOAH to n-Space's owners, management and employees for taking on such an important and meaningful task. Because of n-Space and their generosity the Fallen Heroes of 4-4 Brigade will forever be remembered in a meaningful way.

Thank you Jen, Dan and all of you great Americans at n-Space.

So all of you gamers out there (well and the non gamers, too) - go become a fan of and follow n-Space on their Facebook page. Go! Now! Leave a comment for them, too, please. Here are a few of the 100 employees you will be thanking. By the way, they are holding signs that say "I give a shit" and "n-Space gives a shit". AWESOME!

n-Space, inc from FL

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Remembering SGT Joshua Brennan, Battle Co 173rd 2-503, KIA 26 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:52:14 -0500

SGT Joshua Brennan was a beloved son, brother, nephew and cousin who is missed by all who knew him and loved him. SGT Brennan was shot multiple times on 25 October 2007 in an ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche. He succumbed to his wounds the following day.

SGT Joshua C Brennan

Josh's father, Mike Brennan, has told me about the day Josh and his Battle Buddies were ambushed. It is one of the most harrowing stories I've heard. During the ambush the Taliban attempted to drag Josh away. His fellow Soldiers immediately came to his rescue. SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza gave his life attempting to save Josh from the enemy. Others on his team continued to fight the enemy and were successful in getting Josh back. One of those men has been nominated for the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

A family member made this incredibly moving video to honor Josh. You'll need tissues to watch this.

Josh Brennan

My heart is very heavy today, on this second anniversary of Josh's death. Please take a minute to pray for Josh and his family. And say a special prayer for his cousin, PVT Joseph Brennan and his family, too. Joseph recently completed basic training and Airborne School. His family took him to the airport this morning (talk about timing) to board a flight to Italy where he will join Josh's unit, 173rd, 2-503, Battle Company and will deploy before the end of the year to Afghanistan.

So on this day of remembrance I send my love to the Brennan family. They are some of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know. Josh's father, Mike, and his mother, Janice, both served in the Army. Their son, Josh, gave his life defending our freedom. Now Joseph proudly wears the uniform of the US Army.

Rest in Peace Josh. Keep Joseph safe.

Josh Brennan in civies

SGT Josh Brennan OEF VIII

SGT Josh Brennan on last mission - Operation Rock Avalanche

Josh Brennan Mem Day 09 Billboard

Read more about Josh here, here, here and on his mother's MySpace page here

There is a story about his dad and one of his uncles here.

And go here to read about and see photos of Joseph Brennan's graduation from Airborne School.

Terry pinning Joshs wings on Joseph as Mike looks on

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Remembering SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza, Battle Co 173rd 2-503, KIA 25 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:55:13 -0500

SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza died of wounds sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during Operation Rock Avalanche combat operations on Oct 25,2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

SPC Mendoza's family recalls him as a very giving person; a man who treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated. SPC Mendoza planned to become a firefighter once he left the Army.

He was laid to rest at Fort Bliss, TX.

We will NEVER forget you "DOC". Rest in Peace brave warrior.

SPC Hugo DOC Mendoza

23 March 1978 – 25 October 2007

Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza was born on 23 March 1978 in California and spent most of his childhood in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 31 May 2005.

During his time in service, SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 6 March 2006, SPC Mendoza reported to his first duty station at Caserma, Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK. SPC Mendoza was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company. He immediately found his home among the combat warriors of 1st Platoon – The Celts. SPC Mendoza trained, deployed and fought side by side with his band of brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. SPC Mendoza distinguished himself in The ROCK as a heroic medic, charismatic Paratrooper, and an overall altruistic human being.

SPC Mendoza’s awards include: The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge. SPC Mendoza has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Service in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.

Please go here and read more about what SPC Mendoza's family and friends had to say about this great American Hero.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Remembering SSG Larry Rougle, Battle Company, 173rd 2-503, KIA 23 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:50:33 -0500

SSG Larry Rougle

SSG Larry Rouge was a husband, father, son, brother, nephew and friend to many. His father, Ismael Rougle is a Vietnam Veteran who served 25 years in the Army. SSG Rougle joined the Army in 1999 at age 17. He was killed by insurgent small arms fire on 23 October 2007 at age 25 during Operation Rock Avalanche. He was on his sixth deployment since joining the Army.

SSG Rouge was laid to rest on 8 November 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery. I encourage you to click on the link for Arlington National Cemetery to read more about SSG Rougle. A great American Hero who left those who loved him way too soon.

We will NEVER forget you SSG Rougle.

Additional links about SSG Rougle here and here.

Last night, on the second anniversary of his death, several of SSG Rougle's battle buddies joined together to remember him, SPC Hugo Mendoza and SGT Joshua Brennan (who I will post about tomorrow and Monday)

Battle Co remembering their Fallen Brothers Oct 09

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Medevac Teams - Nerves of Steel & First Rate Treatment in the Worst of Conditions

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:30:56 -0500

I can't say enough about the medevac teams, medics, Corpsman and all of those involved in treating and evacuating our wounded from the battlefield to the Combat Hospitals. I've had several Soldiers tell me about the unbelievable acts of courage the pilots and medics have done to get them out of harms way on on to those in the hospitals who are first rate, too.

God Bless them all and keep them safe.

Medvac Teams in Afghanistan

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored CAV Vietnam Veterans of Valor to FINALLY Receive Award

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:08:11 -0500

From The Washington Post

It was March 26, 1970. Location: A few Godforsaken acres of jungle, pocked by B-52 bomb craters, and now a stage where American tanks fired blasts of sharpened buckshot at an enemy who fought back from subterranean bunkers and could not be dislodged.

Tuesday in the White House Rose Garden, almost 40 years later, President Obama is scheduled to pay tribute to Gutierrez and about 80 other Vietnam veterans who fought in the savage, unnamed battle, which resulted in the rescue of a company of trapped fellow soldiers.

Gutierrez's outfit -- Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment -- has been awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry" in the fight, and the soldiers have been summoned to be honored.

Please go read the the entire article and join me in being thankful for ALL of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend