27 posts tagged “honoring the fallen”

The last Sunday in September is designated as Gold Star Mother's Day.  While it is not an "official" holiday in the United States it is a day we should all stop to remember the fallen from our wars and give support to the mothers (and other family members) of our Fallen Heroes.

From Army.mil

"Mothers of fallen service members began calling themselves “Gold Star Mothers” during the First World War, but the sorrowful bond they share reaches back to every woman who has lost a son or daughter in uniform since our nation’s revolution. The Army cherishes the mothers of its Soldiers as bedrocks of support and comfort, and honors the mothers of its fallen as resilient legacies of their children’s service. The United States began observing Gold Star Mothers Day on the last Sunday of September in 1936. This year, the Army joins the nation on September 27th in recognizing the sacrifice and strength of its Gold Star Mothers."

You can read a brief history of Gold Star Mothers here. 

I encourage you to visit the link at Army.mil to listen to audio from the President of the Gold Star mothers, Ruth Stonesifer, whose son, Kris, was an Army Ranger who died in Afghanistan.  There are additional stories at the site.  And I also encourage you to read Mrs. Stonesifer's message at the Gold Star Mother's website.

We can never do enough or say enough to show our respect, appreciation and gratefulness to those who have given their lives for our nation in any war or to their families.  Please take a minute today, and every day, to remember those who have given their lives so that we may continue to be free.

Proclaimation from the Army commemorating 2009 Gold Star Mother's Day

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It seems impossible that it has been two years since SFC Matthew Blaskowski was killed by the enemy during a firefight.  The emotion still runs so deep. 

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

Last September 23^rd (2008) I was walking across the US Army Post, Caserme Ederle, in Vicenza, Italy to the MP station to obtain my “permission slip” to be on post.  I knew the significance of the date.  I’d realized it from the moment I woke up – actually for many days prior – yet I was doing everything in could to distract myself.  As I walked along I looked to my right and saw Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski at the Memorial for the Sky Soldiers who had been Killed in Action.  I remember stopping in my tracks and watching them place a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers at the Memorial as Cheryl wiped tears from her eyes and Terry reach to touch the Memorial.   Then they hugged.

SFC Blaskowski - Center Section - Top Left Photo

I was finally able to move my feet again and continued on to the MP station so as not to be any more of an interloper than I already had been.  My heart was physically aching and tears were streaming down my face.  One year ago that day SFC Matthew Blaskowski was killed by a sniper’s bullet at Firebase Vegas, Afghanistan.  Even though another year has passed it all still seems so fresh; so painful; so unbelievable that Matt is not on this earth with us.

In some ways it was “easier” last year.  Cheryl and Terry were in Vicenza with Matt’s beloved widow, Daniela and all of his battle buddies.  They spent time together every day and night.  They were invited for dinners and lunches where they were continually regaled with stories about Matt from his fellow brothers in arms.  Stories about his leadership, his actions under fire with the enemy, his integrity and fairness, his ability to party with the best and his never ending sense of humor and ability to pull off the best practical jokes.  There was an abundance of laughter, tears and hugs.  It often felt as if Matt was with them.  And they remembered Matt with Daniela, the absolute love if his life, and her family.

Blaskowski wedding 2

Blaskowski wedding 3

This year it’s quieter.  Terry and Cheryl find themselves in the house where Matt grew up.  Every room full of memories of Matt.   The quiet is deafening and painful.  Even a walk out the back door is difficult because they see where, as a youngster, Matt played with his brother, cousins and friends.  As he grew older Matt would set up targets to blow up with his dad’s guns, ride the 4 wheeler into the woods, sit around a fire with family and friends or be the life of the party at a cookout.  The only connections with Daniela and Matt’s Battle Buddies this year are the phone and the internet.  The weeks leading up to today for Terry and Cheryl and for Matt’s brother Stan and his wife Becky have not been easy.  Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children.

Firebase Vegas high in the Hindu Kush Mountains in the Kunar Province of northeastern Afghanistan was a new firebase.  It was actually still under construction.  SFC Blaskowski had made many suggestions for the construction of the firebase and the Command was more than happy with his ideas.  By all accounts the morning of 23 September 2007 began as any “normal” day at the firebase.  Word came that COL Ostlund (then LTC Ostlund) was flying out to Vegas to promote then SSG Blaskowski to SFC.  Battlefield promotions don’t happen every day.  It was truly a special occasion.  Everyone began to prepare for their Battalion Commander’s visit.  Just after the helicopter landed LT Winn directed that a security sweep be conducted around the perimeter.  SFC Blaskowski could have instructed any number of Soldiers in his Platoon to make that sweep but he did it himself.

A firefight broke out and within seconds the call for “MEDIC” rang through the air.  SFC Blaskowski was down.  He’d been hit by a sniper’s bullet.  The Soldiers tried to get through the gun fire to SFC Blaskowski.  When they did they attempted to give him CPR until the doctor who had accompanied COL Ostlund that day could attend to him.  Nothing could be done to save Matt’s life.  He was promoted to SFC posthumously.

Matts memorial at Asadabad 1

At his memorial service in Afghanistan LT Brad Winn said, “It was hard to not get along with Sergeant Ski because his personality and humor were so infectious to so many people.”  He went on to say, “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.”

“Sergeant Ski passed away doing what he did best. Taking charge and being the great NCO that everyone knows him to be.”

SGT Brian Hissong shared these thoughts about SFC Blaskowski at the memorial, “He was always quick to greet you with a friendly insult and make you laugh.  He would go out of his way to help Soldiers with any problem they might have, spending his entire day fixing someone else’s problem because that’s how much he cared about his Soldiers,  He was the type of leader that elevated the Soldiers under him, and even the people around him to perform better. Not unlike a quarterback or great player in sports, he could help elevate his team to excellence. This was Sergeant Ski.”

SSG Jeremy Carey, one of Matt’s best friends and his grilling buddy added, ““He was the kind of man that would immediately light up a room with his presence and personality.  He was never the center of attention, but it wasn’t the same without him around.  He could bring something to a crowd that no one else could: a true, honest, take-me-as-I-am personality.  Matt loved being a Soldier. His unmatched leadership and professionalism is what non-commissioned officers in the United States Army should strive to match. He was a Soldier’s Soldier.  The magnitude of his life is a testament to the kind of man he was.  He will be missed greatly.”

SFC Blaskowski enlisted as an infantryman Nov. 17, 1998. His first duty station was at Fort Drum, N.Y., with the 10th Mountain Division. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, as a rifleman and a scout. He was later assigned as a team leader in 4th Bn., 31st Inf. in the same division.

After completing Airborne School in 2002, he reported to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, where he was assigned to the 2-503rd (Airborne).

SFC Blaskowski served in multiple leadership positions in “The Rock.” Those positions included team leader in Battle Company, Battalion assistant operations sergeant in Headquarter and Headquarters Co., 2-503rd, and rifle and weapons squad leader in Chosen Co. during Operation Enduring Freedom VI where he earned a Silver Star. His final leadership position was as platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon in Battle Co.  He had earned a college degree in Wildlife Forestry Management and aspired to teach at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Former Army Paratrooper Matt Burden of Blackfive published a two part story about SFC Blaskowski in his “Someone You Should Know” series.  In Part 1 he writes about the events of May 3, 2005 when SFC Blaskowski’s actions under fire saved the life of a Soldier.  SFC Blaskowski's platoon was ambushed and spent 5 hours in a firefight.  One of Matt’s Soldiers was wounded.  Matt ran through the bullets to pull his man to safety.  Matt was shot in the leg.  His actions earned him the Silver Star, American’s third highest military valor award.  SSGs Choay and Brannan also received Silver Stars that day for their actions in the same firefight.  They were the first Soldiers from “The Rock” (173^rd, 2-503) to receive Silver Stars since Vietnam.

Matt was medevaced to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany.  While there he was presented a Purple Heart.  Matt gave this interview from his hospital bed while at Landstuhl.

Just as he said he would Matt was back with his Soldiers three months after being wounded and completed the deployment with them.

In April 2007, before deploying to Afghanistan for the second time, Matt and his bride Daniela traveled to Michigan to spend time with his family.  A few days before they returned to Italy Matt, Daniela and Matt’s parents went to one of his favorite spots, Tacquamenon Falls, in Upper Michigan.  This photo is one of Cheryl’s favorites of Matt.

Matt at Tacquamenon Falls April 2007

Matt loved to ride motorcycles with his parents.  This photo was taken just hours before he and Daniela boarded a plane back to Italy.  It was his last ride with his parents.  As Terry, Cheryl, Stan and Becky drove away from the airport after seeing Matt and Daniela off on their flight back to Italy Stan told his parents that something just “didn’t feel right this time.”  It was foreboding to say the least.

May 2007 Last Bike Ride With Parents Hours Before Leaving for Italy

After Matt's and Daniela's visit his parents decided to have the bike to the left custom painted for Matt.  They were going to give it to him after the deployment. 

Cheryl and Terry and War Torn 1

Stan rides the bike in honor of his brother.  Every time he rides he goes by to visit Matt. 

In Part 2 of his "Someone You Should Know series about SFC Blaskowski, Matt Burden tells one hilariously funny story about Sergeant Ski bear hunting with his father and uncles, his marriage to Daniela and his time in Afghanistan prior to and including his death.  You really have to go read about the bear hunt.

Matt Blaskowski was taken from us way too soon.  He has left a void in the lives of so many that seems impossible to fill.

Matt’s Aunt Andrea compiled this video of the day he returned to Michigan for the last time.  Tissue Warning! 

Matt was welcomed home by hundreds of family members, friends and Patriots.  The route was lined for miles.

Final Ride Home

Matt’s funeral service was held at the high school gymnasium where over 3,000 people attended to say their final farewells to a man they loved and respected.

I wrote the following in a post at Tanker Brothers blog on October 4, 2007, the day Matt was laid to rest 

“Our prayers along with our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Matt’s wife, parents, brother, extended family and friends and to his comrades left behind. There is no way to adequately express our thoughts at this time. If one takes the time to read about SFC Blaskowski on the internet one finds story after story about the man he was. He lived his 27 years as a shining example of what humanity should be. It is apparent that Matt touched the lives of anyone who met and knew him in any capacity. He was the best of the best. He lived a selfless life in many ways – one of which was his choice to serve this nation as a member of the United States Army – to defend our freedom and continue to ensure our safety and security. Matt gave his all for us. This nation owes more to SFC Matthew Blaskowski than we could ever give. May his family know that we grieve with them in this time of sadness and loss and that we are thankful for the man he was. May they find comfort in remembering all that Matt was, all that he did and all that he gave throughout his life.

Rest in peace Matt. Our prayers are with you. I know the gates of heaven were standing wide open when you passed through and the angels were there to meet you.”

I’ve never visited Matt’s gravesite to say my farewell.  I guess I keep trying to convince myself that one day he’s going to pop out from somewhere in true Sergeant Ski style and say, “Gotcha” with that ear to ear smile.  His mom, Cheryl, laughed when I told her that.  She said it sound like something he would do.  But the reality is that Matt is in heaven and everyone who knew him misses him like hell.

Say a prayer for Matt today.  And say a prayer for his family. Most of all take a minute to remember Matt. 

Additional links here, here, and here. 

Sometime back I wrote about 5 year old Connor Love on the Team Room Blog at Warrior Legacy Foundation's website.  If you missed the story it's SO worth the read.  It will definitely warm your heart and make your day.

I received an email recently from Connor's grandpa, Howard "Papa" Conner.  I'd like to share it with you.

I take Connor for breakfast on Saturday mornings and there is a small cemetery nearby which he likes to visit
because it is quiet and peaceful. We happened on a grave of a young soldier that was killed in Iraq. His small flag was on the ground so Connor was very concerned and he decided we had to make a flag holder for him which you can see in the picture.I am humbled by this 5 year olds caring for our soldiers. ]

Howard

Connor

I, too, am humbled by Connor but am a firm believer that children learn by example.

THANK YOU Connor for honoring this beloved Fallen Hero. 

Composed by a very special lady and someone I'm honored to call friend, Joanne Lombardi:

On Monday my dear friend Lynn picked me up at my hotel then we scooted over to the Mologne House at Walter Reed to pick up three of the 173rd, 2-503 Chosen Few.  Our final destination was Arlington National Cemetery for a series of memorial events honoring the fallen from the 2-503 from Vietnam through OEF VIII.

We arrived at Arlington and made out way to the Welcome Center to secure a pass to drive in since we had Wounded Warriors with us.  As we walked back to the parking lot to get in the vehicle to make our way to the 173rd Brigade Memorial marker I spotted a few older gentlemen standing around drinking coffee and unfurling Battalion colors.  Suddenly one of them recognized the insignia of the Soldiers with us.  It turns out these older gentlemen were from the 173rd Bravo Bulls.  The bond and commaraderie was immediate.  Lynn and I just stood back and watched.  Nothing more of an honor than to be able to do so.

Generation of "The Herd" at Arlington

Unfurling the American Flag & Battalion Colors

Around 10:45 we began to make our way to the Memorial site where we waited for the 82nd Airborne Color Guard and Buglar to arrive.  From what I learned the 82nd Airborne Color Guard and Bugler travel to Arlington each year to participate in memorial services throughout Arlington beginning at the entrance and the Women's Memorial.  As we waited for them to arrive there was more interaction between the Vietnam Bravo Bulls and the OEF VIII Chosen Few.  So impressive and moving to see how the their is no gap in the generations when it comes to the military bond.

Standing By At the 173rd Brigade Memorial Marker

As we heard the bugler at a nearby memorial the men began to form up

Preparing For The Memorial Service

The Color Guard arrived.  They were so professional.

82nd Airborne Color Guard Arriving at 173rd Memorial

And joined with the 173rd Color Guard

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One of the Bravo Bulls (I apologize for not writing his name down) read and made some very touching remarks about the Fallen Heroes

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The LTC (R) Lombardo began reading names of the Fallen Heroes of "B" Company and the dates they were killed in action from the Vietnam War through OEF VIII.

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As LTC Lombardo read the names those of us in the crowd were invited to place a flag in honor of the Fallen Warrior. It was a great honor to personally place the flags for SFC Matthew Blaskowski and SGT Joshua Brennan.

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Taps was played by the bugler (photo courtesy of Lynn) as the Soldiers saluted and the civilians stood with their hands over their hearts.  A very moving, memorable and poignant time.

At Attention during playing of TAPS

After the Memorial Service a the 173rd Brigade Monument we (except for the 82nd Airborne) made out way to MG Ellis and Mrs Williamson's gravesite to have a memorial service and wreath laying there.  I wrote about MG and Mrs. Williamson as well as LTC Lombardo after my return from Italy here.  As we approached the Williamson's grave we noticed their daughter, Nan, standing nearby.  It was a special honor to have her there.  LTC Lombardo asked Nan to say a few words about her parents. Nan shared some very special memories of two great Americans who contributed so much to this nation and to our Army.

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Then we all recited the Lord's prayer and said TAPS while the Soldier saluted to show respect to the lives these two great people.

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It was a great honor to be a part of this remembrance.

From the Williamson's grave we continued our journey to that of SPC Sergio Abad.  SPC Abad died in the Battle of Wanat.  The three Soldiers who were with us Monday were all wounded in that battle.  One of the Soldiers with us told us about SPC Abad - that he was incredibly smart, a great Soldier and a good man.  I'm not going to lie, I was too emotional to remember everything that was said. 

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 Then the three men of Chosen Company stepped forward together to lay a wreath in memory of SPC Abad.

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We said a prayer for SPC Abad then had a moment of silence in memory and honor of the 8 men who also gave their lives in service to this nation on 13 July 2008.

It was a Veteran's Day like none other I have ever experience.  To say that it was an honor to be a part of the day seems too insignificant.  As we made out way through Arlington and held each memorial service I couldn't help but think about so many families through so many generations and wars and hope that they all know how grateful I am as an American for all that had been given on my account and on account of EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN who lives in this great nation.

Rest in Peace Great Warriors.  You ARE the true and ONLY Heroes to me.

Saying Good-Bye to Sgt John Penich~Viper Co. 1-26 INF Korengal Valley

http://longislandgirl.vox.com/library...

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sgt Penich, may he Rest in Peace. Sgt. John M. Penich, 25, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX, "Viper Company"of the United States Army, from Beach Park, IL, was killed in action on...

"Sgt. John M. Penich, 25, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX, "Viper Company"of the United States Army, from Beach Park, IL, was killed in action on October 16, 2008, while defending his country in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. John was born January 6, 1983, in Waukegan, IL. He was a proud soldier and a loving and selfless man. John put everyone before himself. He was highly decorated, including Soldier of the Year 2007 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry, Bronze Star with Valor and Single Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, and had been recommended for the Silver Star."

Rest in Peace Brave Warrior.  You will not be forgotten.

It's Labor Day Weekend.  One of those weekends that tradition dictates we celebrate the end of summer; one last weekend blast at the lake, with family and friends, cooking out, playing a friendly game of baseball, having a cold beer or two - generally having fun.  But on foreign soil around the globe our men and women in uniform don't have that option.  Instead they continue to work, sacrifice and put themselves in harms way on behalf of us and our great nation.  A friend of mine sent me the link to a story in today's "Honolulu Advertiser" that is a grim reminder of what our brave Warriors give and have given for us.  As you celebrate the end of summer this weekend PLEASE take time to celebrate the memories and lives of those who consciously made the choice to serve.  And don't forget those who are healing from wounds or those who served in past wars.  Keep them and their families in your hearts and prayers.

From the Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii Based Troops on Deadly Ground in Afghan Province

Monday Sept 1, 2008

By William Cole

Advertiser Military Writer

Full of pine-covered mountains and places to hide, feuding Islamic fundamentalists and Taliban influence, Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan is not a kind place for U.S. forces.

It's been equally treacherous for Hawai'i-based troops.

Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, of 'Aiea, was killed on July 13 in the village of Wanat along with eight other soldiers when several hundred enemy fighters attempted to overrun their vehicle patrol base.

It was the deadliest attack in Afghanistan in three years.

The area's bloody history includes the June 2005 deaths of five Pearl Harbor Navy SEALs in an ill-fated commando mission and the subsequent crash of a rescue helicopter in Kunar, two events in which a total of 19 lives were lost.

And last October, Hawai'i-based Navy corpsman Mark Cannon, who was in Kunar with a detachment of Kane'ohe Bay Marines, was fatally shot in a firefight as he rushed to aid a wounded corporal.

Cannon, 31, had told his father, "Dad, this is totally different than Iraq, and it's totally worse."

Hawai'i Marine Sgt. Luis Repreza, who fought alongside about 45 other U.S. troops and 24 Afghan soldiers in the July 13 Wanat firefight that claimed Brostrom, recently spoke with The Advertiser by phone from the much-bigger Camp Blessing, about a half-dozen miles away.

There were so many rocket-propelled grenades exploding during the battle that U.S. troops wondered how the enemy could have so many. Rounds struck the sandbags that shielded Repreza and two Marines who were out of Okinawa.

"Probably for the first 10 or 15 minutes, it seemed like it started raining on us with RPGs and small arms fire," said the 29-year-old Repreza, who's from California. "They were trying to take down the vehicles and trying to shoot our fighting positions."

About 18 Marines with the 3rd Marine Regiment out of Kane'ohe Bay are spread over Kunar province and work as "embedded training teams" to improve the proficiency of the Afghan National Army.

taliban bolder now

U.S. troops in Kunar routinely take fire, and increasingly that fire comes from organized forces who stand and fight.

"The Taliban are growing bolder in their tactics," Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway said last week.

The number of coalition forces killed in Afghanistan has outpaced U.S. deaths in Iraq for June, July and August, and the July 13 firefight added to Pentagon opinion that more more U.S. troops are needed in Afghanistan.

Repreza said for about the first hour of the firefight, the Marines and some of the Afghan National Army soldiers were completely pinned down in fighting holes by the volume of fire.

The attack had come at dawn as Repreza was preparing to head out with the Afghan soldiers on patrol.

"If we got out of (the fighting holes), we'd pretty much risk getting hit by the RPGs and the rounds that were impacting in and around us," Repreza said.

A nearby U.S. observation post also was being hammered. CNN reported that Brostrom and another soldier, Cpl. Jason Hovater, were killed when they ran through Taliban gunfire to carry more ammunition to fellow soldiers.

Repreza said he had heard radio reports that the observation post needed ammunition resupply and backup, and he sent the two Okinawa Marines to help while he stayed with the group of Afghan soldiers and marshalled their fire.

The U.S. observation post "is where they took most of their wounded," Repreza said. "Almost all of their wounded came from the observation post, and the soldiers killed."

One of the Marines was slightly wounded by shrapnel from an RPG, Repreza said. When it was over, about a dozen soldiers from Brostrom's unit, the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, out of Vicenza, Italy, also had been wounded.

remembering comrade

Repreza had met Brostrom, a 2002 Damien Memorial School graduate, at combat outpost Bela, an even more remote firebase beyond Wanat that later was closed because of the amount of fire it took.

"He would coordinate patrols with me and security," Repreza said. "He was a great officer to work with — I mean probably one of the better ones that I've actually worked with in the Army. Great sense of humor. He was all about trying to take care of his soldiers. He would bend over backwards to support me and my Marines out there at our isolated observation post at Bela."

Repreza said he didn't see Brostrom get hit.

Mountainous Kunar province is on Afghanistan's eastern border with Pakistan, and has long been a favored spot for insurgents. Over the past several years, that insurgency has grown in intensity.

Kunar abuts the Pakistani tribal area of North Waziristan, a region in which al-Qaida militants, including Osama bin Laden, are thought to have hidden out.

The Pech River and Korengal valleys of Kunar province have become legendary hotbeds of insurgent activity and a place where U.S. troops face formidable history, geography and opposition.

People in the area practice Wahhabism, a strict form of Islam, engage in timber smuggling with Pakistan, and have longstanding clan feuds. Al-Qaida pays foreigners and Afghans alike to fight the Americans.

Seals attacked

In 2005, a team of Navy SEAL commandos was discovered high on a mountain in the Korengal on a mission to hunt down an insurgent named Ahmad Shah.

More than 100 heavily armed fighters chased the SEALs down the mountainside. Five Pearl Harbor SEALs were killed in the initial Operation Red Wings and in the subsequent crash of an MH-47 Chinook helicopter sent in to rescue them when it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Altogether, 19 U.S. service members died. Lt. Michael Murphy, from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One at Pearl Harbor, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The last battalion-size deployment of about 1,000 Hawai'i Marines to Afghanistan ended in May 2006. Teams of 18 to 22 Hawai'i Marines still deploy as part of embedded training teams, and another team of Hawai'i Marines is north of Bagram, officials said.

Lt. Col. Kevin J. Anderson, a Marine reservist out of Massachusetts who commands the Kunar embedded training team, said the next group of Hawai'i Marines will arrive in November or December.

The Marines are co-located at eight bases throughout Kunar with U.S. soldiers, Anderson said from Camp Blessing.

Through economic development, the United States hopes to win the hearts and minds of the people — something the former Soviet Union didn't do when it occupied Afghanistan, Anderson said.

A paved road was put through the Pech River Valley last year, and a Provincial Reconstruction Team has been building clinics and schools, he said.

'we're making progress'

Outposts such as those at Wanat and in the Korengal Valley are meant to push out a "security bubble," Anderson said.

"As it's getting pushed out, the people will feel more secure and start participating in the government and getting the skills necessary to move this country forward," he said.

Anderson acknowledges the challenges the insurgency poses.

"We're making progress," he said. "I mean progress sometimes comes in inches, sometimes it comes in yards, sometimes it comes in miles."

The vehicle patrol base at Wanat was only several days old when it was attacked.

The troops had concertina wire, their vehicles, sandbags and some Hesco dirt-filled barriers for protection.

Some of the fire came from a few houses that were about 300 feet beyond the concertina wire, said Repreza, the Marine who was in the firefight.

"We weren't able to see (the fighters), but we could see the RPGs and small arms fire coming from that direction," Repreza said.

For a time, rocket propelled grenades were being fired two and three at a time every 30 seconds, he said.

Repreza was with one group of Afghan soldiers, while a second group manned a checkpoint.

"I tried to let them know they had to made sure they didn't just shoot all their ammunition at once. They needed to conserve it, because we didn't know how long the actual fighting was going to last," Repreza said.

At least four Afghan soldiers were wounded.

Repreza, who along with the other Hawai'i Marines has been in Afghanistan since early 2008, downplays the regular attacks that U.S. troops endure in Kunar province.

"It's just the job we have to do," he said. "Have to train the (Afghan) soldiers, and let them know, don't let the insurgents think we're going to hide. Just let them know that if you come at us, we're going to come back at you. We're going to fight you. We're not going to run away."

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Please click here and scroll down to see a tribute to the 9 men of 173rd, 2/503 Chosen Company who gave their lives at the Battle at Wanat on 13 July 2008.  Rest in Peace Brave Warriors.  You will NEVER EVER be forgotten for your courage and sacrifice.

This is the second of the documents I received from SSG Seitz's family

Sky Soldiers 173rd ABCT

Operation Enduring Freedom

May 2007 - July 2008

1Lt Brostom, Jonathan          C-2/503rd   

Sgt Gracia, Israel                  C-2/503rd

Spc Phillips, Matthew           C-2/503rd  

Spc Rainey Pruitt                  C-2-503rd

Spc Ayers, Jonathan             C-2/503rd

Spc Bogar, Jason                  C-2/503rd

Spc Abad, Sergio                  C-2/503rd

Spc Hovater, Jason                C-2/503rd

Spc Zwilling, Gunnar            C-2/503rd

Sgt Connolly, Ryan J             HHC, STB, 173rd

Sfc Kahler, Matthew R          C-2/503rd

Pfc Gorham, Brian                 D-1/503rd

Cpl Blaney, Joshua C            D-1/503rd

Ssg Gabel, Michael J            D-1/503rd

Cpt Boris, David A                 A-1/91st CAV

Sgt Hike, Adrian E                 A-1/91st CAV

Cpt Ferrara, Matthew C         C-2/503rd

Sgt Mersman, Jeffrey S         C-2/503rd

Cpl Langevin, Sean K A        C-2/503rd

Spc Rogue, Lester G              C-2/503rd

Spc Lancour, Joseph M         C-2/503rd

Sgt Brennan, Joshua C          B-2/503rd

Spc Mendoza, Hugh V           B-2/503rd

Ssg Rougle, Larry I                HHC 2/503rd

Pfc Taylor, Matthew D           D-1/503rd

Pfc Pfeifer, Christopher         B-1/91st 173rd

Sfc Blaskowski, Matthew D    B-2/503rd

Pfc Wilson, Thomas R            HHC 1/503rd

1Lt Hall, Benjamin J              D-2/503rd

Maj Bostick, Jr., Thomas G     B-1/91st

Ssg Fritsche, William R         B-1/91st

1sg Curry, Jr., Michael S        D-1/503rd

Sgt Johnson, Travon T           D-1/503rd

Pfc Davis, Adam J                  D-1/503rd

Pfc Rogers, Jessy S                D-1/503rd

Pfc Restrepo, Juan S              B-2/503rd

Spc Honaker, Christopher S   A-2/503rd

Pfc Miracle, Joseph A             A-2/503rd

Pfc Vimoto, Timothy R            B-2/503rd

Spc Lowell, Jacob M               B-1/503rd

Remember these brave Sky Soldiers.  Not as the Fallen but as Heroes.  They believed in what they were doing.  They believed in each other.  They were brothers not only in arms but in spirit who defended each other to the end.  They go forward in our hearts and our prayers.  Forever in our thoughts as they head out on their last patrol to the Sky Angels who will watch over them.

God Speed, Sky Soldiers

We love you one and All

And you will always be in our thoughts

Several weeks ago I received some very touching documents from the family of SSG Kyle N. Seitz (173rd, 1/503).  I've been trying to figure out how to scan and post them here with no success.  So, I'm going to type them out because they are all documents that need to be shared.

A Tribute to the 173rd Airborne

They are Airborne Soldiers

who have been put to the test.

There is no doubt in our minds

they stand above the rest.

They have fought in many countries and

they never did ask why.

They went without hesitation

and gave the Airborne battle cry.

They fought for our great nation

in the wind, the snow and rain.

And never once did they ever

bring their country shame.

173rd Airborne, you were put to the test.

You passed with flying colors

because you are the nation's best

and our country's true Warriors.

There are long roll calls

of past Heroes along the way.

And they still stand there with you

in every test along the way.

We know new challenges come

in many different ways.

But our hearts and minds are with you

each and every day.

The family of

SSG Kyle N. Seitz

B.Co 1/503rd ABN

173rd ABN Brigade

From theforthoodherald.com

12 August 2008

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins
1st Infantry Division public affairs

7 Aug 08 Memorial Service for SPC Mulvihill, PFC Badie, PVT Garcia, 2LT Girdano

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Amongst the bolder-ridden mountain slopes of the Kunar province, soldiers gathered at a forward operating base to pay their final respects to four fallen comrades on Thursday.

“Second Lt. Michael Girdano, platoon leader, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, Spc. William Mulvihill, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, Pfc. David Badie, combat engineer, Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, and Pvt. Jair Garcia, squad automatic gunner, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, died when the vehicle they were in struck an IED in the Kunar province in northeastern Afghanistan on Aug. 1.

“2nd Lt. Girdano, Spc. Mulvihill, Pfc. Badie and Pvt. Garcia’s actions are an inspiration to us all and their names will forever be etched in the history of the Big Red One,” Capt. Brian Corbin, Alpha Company’s commander, said.

One by one, friends and leaders stood before the crowd and spoke of the fallen soldiers’ life achievements within the Army and in their personal lives. The reoccurring theme was that of dedication and sacrifice.

Everyone has to make decisions in life and according to Corbin, the soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division who died Aug. 1 made the decision to sacrifice in order to protect others.

“There comes a time in our lives when we transition from childhood to adulthood, and once we make that transition we are faced with two paths. One path is a path in which freedom and security are provided by the blood, sweat and tears of others. The second is a world in which we make a stand and say: ‘Follow me, for I will protect you from those who mean you harm.’ It takes a special person to choose the second path and most shy away. Lieutenant Girdano, Spc. Mulvihill, Pfc. Badie and Pvt. Garcia not only accepted a challenge, but they embraced it,” Juranek, said. “These men, without hesitation, completed the most dangerous of missions. Their daily endeavors to save lives provided the Blue Spaders with freedom of movement through the most volatile province of Afghanistan.”

According to Corbin, not many people knew Girdano on a personal level because he arrived at the unit on a Thursday and deployed with them on the following Monday, but he said he was a good leader and a good man who was always willing to listen and accept advice from others.

Mulvihill is remembered by a friend as being a dedicated soldier who was ready for his mission and who was proud to follow his family tradition in the military.

“I asked him how he felt about going to Afghanistan, and he said to me that even though he was a little nervous that he was ready and willing to go do his job wherever he was needed. He also explained to me that his siblings were in the military and he was proud to be doing what he was doing.” Sgt. Holly Princevalle said.

Baddie was known by his friends as a caring person who touched the lives of those around him.

“He showed genuine care and concern for those around him,” Henderson said. “You will be missed. We will cherish the friendship. You have put a special mark in our hearts. All those who knew him will never forget him. The platoon will never be the same without him.”

Garcia will be missed by his fellow solders and friends, but he also left behind family that was near and dear to him.

“He was a very caring and loving son, father and husband,” said Pfc. Hessbroo. “He was the kind of person who knew how to brighten your bad day. If you knew Jair Garcia like his close friends did you knew his pride and joy was his 9-year-old son. Garcia instilled in his friends that when things go wrong you shouldn’t go wrong with them. He was an older guy who had a lot of wisdom about things and became a role model for many of us. Jair Garcia is now in a place where the grass is greener and at rest. He will be missed by many and missed by all.”

At the close of the service small groups of soldiers went to where the boots, weapons and identification tags of the fallen soldiers were displayed and they said their good-byes in their own, quiet way.

Even after the loss of their four comrades the soldiers of Duke Brigade are ready to finish what they’ve started.

“To the men of 1st platoon Alpha company, Special Troops Battalion: In my 11 years of service I’ve never met a braver group of men. You, like our fallen brothers, are warriors, guardians of freedom. Let’s remember these brave men by carrying on the work they have begun,” Corbin said. “Let us complete the mission.”