DOB/DOD: March 10, 1977 (Waterbury, CT) – November 18, 2004; 27 years old MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried LOCAL ADDRESS: Bateswood Road; Waterbury ENLISTMENT: April 25, 2000 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 98G20; Signal Intelligence Voice Intercept UNIT: B Company, 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division; Fort Hood, Texas
FAMILY: Born to Joseph P. [Vietnam veteran] (1949-) and Inga Martinson Nolan (1944-1992). One brother, Matthew (1973-). One sister, Martha (1980-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism (Expeditionary), Global War On Terrorism (Service), Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Military Intel Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Sergeant Nolan was killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his Humvee while his unit was on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq.
Wolcott High School Class of 1995. Joseph Nolan did not have a senior photo. He is in this photo, back row, 3rd from the right.
Photo contributed by David Jayne, Technical Services Assistant, Wolcott Public Library.
Photo contributed by CTHM (Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial).
From Saint Joseph’s University Magazine: Volume IX, Number Three, Spring 2005. Sergeant Nolan graduated in 1999 with a degree in International Relations. He didn’t sit for a photo for the yearbook. Contributed by Lesley Carey of Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH MICHAEL NOLAN ’99
The war in Iraq has claimed one of Saint Joseph’s own. Army Sergeant Joseph Michael Nolan ‘99 was killed while traveling in his vehicle on November 18 in Fallujah. Fluent in Arabic, Sergeant Nolan was a military intelligence expert assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion out of Fort Hood, Texas. He had been in Iraq since January 2004. Military service was somewhat of a tradition in the Nolan family — his father is a Vietnam veteran, his grandfather fought in World War II, and his great-grandfather fought in World War I. Sergeant Nolan majored in international relations at Saint Joseph’s, following older brother Matthew, a 1997 graduate, to Hawk Hill.
From The Boston Globe on November 26, 2004
CONNECTICUT NATIVE KILLED BY EXPLOSION IN FALLUJAH Served As Army Intelligence Officer
HARTFORD — A military intelligence specialist born in Waterbury, Connecticut, was killed November 18 in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device, military officials announced Wednesday. Army Sergeant Joseph Michael Nolan, 27, graduated from Wolcott High School, where he played football, said his uncle, John Nolan. He was one of three children. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, the military said, but Nolan’s uncle said he will be buried in Waterbury next to his mother, who died 12 years ago. Nolan had moved to Philadelphia to attend St. Joseph’s University, his uncle said. Named after his father, he was known to family members as “Joey.” A linguist, he began reading military books at age 10 and was fascinated with international affairs. “He speaks Arabic,” John Nolan said. “The Army sent him to school for a year and a half.” Brian Cleary, a longtime friend, told the Republican-American of Waterbury he remembered taking a trip to New York with Nolan before he left for Iraq. He had a successful conversation with an Arabic speaker, he remembered. “I can’t believe it works,” Cleary recalled him saying. “You’re dealing with somebody who had an unbelievable impact on people,” Cleary told the newspaper. Nolan was assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, First Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, the governor’s office and family said. Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered state flags to fly at half-staff until Nolan’s burial. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Nolan,” Rell said in a statement. “As we prepare to mark this most American of holidays, I ask everyone to pause and offer a special word of Thanksgiving for the men and women who risk their lives to guarantee our freedoms.” Nolan’s father, a former Marine, and his brother and sister were gathering in Philadelphia on Wednesday, John Nolan Said. He said his nephew’s body had arrived in the United States. He said family members had been traveling in Rome when the explosion happened. “It took some time to notify the next of kin,” said Lieutenant Colonel John Whitford, a spokesman for the Connecticut National Guard. Nolan was the 19th person with Connecticut ties to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
From FallenHeroesProject.org
Joseph Nolan, originally from Waterbury, Connecticut, was one of three children born to a devout Irish Catholic family. He played football in high school and was a voracious reader who was intensely interested in foreign cultures. Joseph began reading books on military history at 10, learning about the wars that were fought by his father (in Vietnam), grandfather (in World War II), and great-grandfather (in World War I).
Joseph moved to Philadelphia to attend St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he also studied Japanese.
He had an unquenchable curiosity about the world, which sometimes made him seem older than he was. But Joseph-Joey was also known for his great sense of humor, albeit at times politically incorrect. He was always fun to be around and was sought out for his company wherever he went.
Given his family’s history, it was no surprise when Joseph decided to pursue the Army. Joseph was fluent in Arabic after an intensive Army language program in Monterey, California.
He then went to Iraq. Matt, his brother, said he was “doing this to get his feet wet for later in life” and didn’t plan on “being a career military guy.” Matt was the last to speak to Joseph (a Sergeant) before his vehicle was hit by an explosive device in Fallujah, Iraq. Joey was working as a military intelligence expert.
From IraqWarHeroes.org in 2004
They Served in Silence The Sacrifice of Cryptologic Hero Sergeant Joseph M. Nolan, USA
Joseph Michael Nolan was born into an Irish Catholic family in Waterbury, Connecticut. According to his family, from his earliest days, young Joe (or Joey, as they called him) had exhibited an insatiable thirst to engage and influence the world around him. To those who knew him, there was little doubt that he was insightful and intelligent beyond his years. But scholarly pursuits were only a part of young Joe Nolan’s life. Despite his less than massive frame, Joe also spent a great deal of time playing defensive tackle for the Wolcott High School Eagles near his hometown.
The fall of 1995 found him at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. St. Joe’s is a Jesuit institution that revels in the idea that those with great gifts have an obligation to live their lives not only for themselves but also for the “greater glory of God.” Many expected Joe to follow in the footsteps of many of his fellow classmates by pursuing a career in the civilian world, but he had other ideas. Although educated in the Jesuit tradition, he was also part of another legacy – that of service to his country in times of war. Joe’s great-grandfather had served in WWI, his grandfather had served in the Navy during WWII, and his father was a Marine in Vietnam. In 1999, Joe joined the long line of Nolans who had answered the call to the colors when he enlisted in the United States Army. His interest in and aptitude for foreign languages would lead to his being chosen to attend a highly selective, 63-week course in Arabic at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. He would finish fourth in a class of eighteen. His training at Monterey began in the early summer of 2001. By late fall, the world had changed forever for Joe Nolan and for America.
Joe was assigned to the 312th Intelligence Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division. The fall of 2003 found him in Baghdad. In early November 2004, he was sent to Fallujah to provide critical language and cryptologic support to coalition troops in the area. Cryptologists must be versatile and skilled in the areas of language, technology, and mathematics. In times of war, these skills must be made available to those closest to the battle’s fray. Sergeant Nolan excelled in this kind of environment. Sometimes, he was a translator. On other occasions, he was involved in moving critical information to those in harm’s way. But in whatever capacity he served, his work was crucial in helping to save the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.
Life in the military is one of constant service and sacrifice. Sometimes, those who wear the uniform of our nation are called upon not only to endure hardship but also to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. On 18 November 2004, Sergeant Nolan lost his life when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. Joe Nolan died, never knowing that his sacrifice, and the sacrifices of thousands like him, had brought the possibility of freedom and liberty to a land that had known torture and fear for decades.
Back in Connecticut, the Waterbury Republican-American reported that a wooden placard greeted cars pulling into the parking lot at Wolcott High School for the annual Thanksgiving morning football game. The hastily scrawled message simply said: Game Canceled. That morning, Wolcott’s athletic director and head football coach, Joe Monroe, remembered his former player as someone who really just wanted to be part of the team. “He wasn’t a standout. He wasn’t a name or a face that a lot of people would remember, but he was the kind of kid who would do absolutely anything you asked him to do.” Coach Monroe’s words were meant to honor the late Sergeant Nolan, but in a larger sense, he was also describing the uncanny ability of common Americans to overcome uncommon challenges no matter what the cost. Let us hope that as our nation embarks on yet another long twilight struggle, we will always have Americans such as Joseph Michael Nolan to help us preserve freedom and liberty for generations to come.
From the Record-Journal (Meriden, CT) November 26, 2004 By Matt Apuzzo | Associated Press
Waterbury native AMONG LATEST IRAQ CASUALTIES
HARTFORD, Connecticut — A military intelligence expert born in Waterbury was killed November 18 in Fallujah when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device, military officials announced Wednesday. Sergeant Joseph Michael Nolan, 27, was born in Waterbury and graduated from Wolcott High School, where he played football, said his uncle, John Nolan. He was one of three children. Funeral arrangements have not been set, the military said, but Nolan’s uncle said he will be buried in Waterbury next to his mother, who died 12 years ago. From Connecticut, Nolan moved to Philadelphia to attend St. Joseph’s University, his uncle said. Joseph was known to family members as “Joey” because his father was also named Joseph. A linguist, he began reading military books at age 10 and was fascinated with international affairs. “He speaks Arabic,” John Nolan said. “The Army sent him to school for a year and a half.” Brian Cleary, a longtime friend, told the Republican-American of Waterbury he remembered taking a trip to New York with Nolan before he left for Iraq. He had a successful conversation with an Arabic speaker, he remembered. “I can’t believe it works,” Cleary recalled him saying. “You’re dealing with somebody who had an unbelievable impact on people,” Cleary told the newspaper. Nolan was assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, the governor’s office and family said. Governor Rell ordered state flags to fly at half-staff until Nolan’s burial. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Nolan,” Rell said in a statement. “As we prepare to mark this most American of holidays, I ask everyone to pause and offer a special word of Thanksgiving for the men and women who risk their lives to guarantee our freedoms.” Nolan’s father, an ex-Marine, and his brother and sister were gathering in Philadelphia on Wednesday, John Nolan said. He said family members had been traveling in Rome when the explosion happened. “It took some time to notify the next of kin,” said Lieutenant Colonel John Whitford, a spokesman for the Connecticut National Guard. “They were out of the country on vacation, and the notification took a little bit.” Nolan was the 19th person with Connecticut ties to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002.
Memorialized on an Interstate 84 bridge over the Mad River in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Photo by Jeff DeWitt
From FallenHeroesMemorial.com
“My son, Daniel, was the roommate of your son at DLI, Mr. & Mrs. Nolan. I haven’t known how to contact you to tell you how deeply Daniel and I experienced your loss. Your son was a very special person. The last time we spoke, he asked if the 94-year-old monk at St Joseph’s Abbey could put together a reading list of Cistercian authors. He and Daniel once said when this was all over with (the war), they would go to the abbey and “make jam” together for a year or more. I reminded Daniel of this today. It is his 27th birthday. He was deployed again 10 days ago. Praying for you and with you,”
— Dana Goetz of Spencer, MA
“Of all of the soldiers in our company, Joe was probably my best friend during my first tour in Iraq. He was the same age as me and studied the same thing in college. I can’t count how many hours I spent in his trailer talking about Iraq, politics, Che Guevara, languages, anything and everything. Joe was a great man, and it was an honor to have served with him. His name has been written on my shoulder for nearly four years now. I’ve thought of him often in the last few days, having just arrived back in Iraq only a few days before the anniversary of his death. He was a great soldier, a great NCO, a great friend.”
— Captain Jonathan Stitt of San Antonio, TX
Honored on the City of Waterbury (CT) Global War On Terrorism Memorial
On June 8, 2022, Sgt Nolan’s remains were reinterred to Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia; Section 60, Grave 11933.
DOB/DOD: April 20, 1960 (Willimantic, CT) – October 14, 2004; 44 years old MARITAL STATUS: Married to Tammy L. Garceau (1962-) CHILDREN: Two daughters, Audrey (1993-) and Emily (1995-). One son, Nicholas (1998-). LOCAL ADDRESS: Hartford Road; Brooklyn COMPANY: DynCorp
FAMILY: Born to Roger B. Miner Sr. (1908-1963) and Dorothe Tuthill Collins Miner (1919-1967). Eric was just 3 years old when his father died. He and his brother, Mark, were raised by a family friend and guardian, Lois B. Potter (1918-2015). One stepbrother, John Collins (-). Three stepsisters: Pamela Collins Barrea (1945-), Loretta Collins Zahansky (1946-2004), and Jaquelyn M. Collins (1948-). One sister, Patrice Miner (1956-1956).
CIRCUMSTANCES: Eric Miner was killed by a suicide bomber inside the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. Other DynCorp employees killed in the incident:
John Pinsonneault; North Branch, MN Steve Osborne; Kennesaw, Georgia Ferdinand Ibaboa; Mesa, Arizona
OTHER: From sister Jacque Collins, “My brother Eric was into cutting wood. One of his dreams was to have his own sawmill. He loved animals, especially his dogs. He always loved living in the country. He loved his family and his friends. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He lost both his parents when he was very young and was raised by a family friend and her husband. I think that’s why his family meant so much to him.”
He was a member of the Rhode Island National Guard at the time of his death. Assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group.
Graduated from Killingly High School in Danielson, Connecticut, Class of 1978. He did not have a senior picture. The photo below is from his junior year yearbook.
Photo contributed by his sister, Audrey Miner.
From The Hartford Courant on October 16, 2004 By Noreen Gillespie | Associated Press
BROOKLYN MOURNS CIVILIAN SLAIN IN IRAQ
BROOKLYN, Connecticut — Eric D. Miner spent more than a decade as a military man, serving his country as a Special Forces Green Beret with a Rhode Island National Guard unit. But when he left for Iraq last August, it wasn’t in uniform. He went to the turbulent region as a private citizen, working for State Department security contractor DynCorp. Miner, 44, and three others were killed Thursday when two bombs exploded in the tightly guarded area of Baghdad known as the Green Zone. He leaves behind a wife, Tammy, and 11-year-old Audrey, 9-year-old Emily, and 6-year-old Nicholas. “He had mentioned that there was an opportunity to make a great deal of money over there,” friend Andrew Carey told radio station WILI. “I think he liked the adventure that goes along with that sort of Life. He was an extremely capable individual, and we’re all very proud of him and what he stood for.” A stream of friends and neighbors showed up at Miner’s small country home Friday. The home had been decorated for Halloween with pumpkins on the stoop and a large wooden sign welcoming visitors. An American flag flew at half-staff on the well-kept lawn. Casualty officers from Rhode Island met with Miner’s widow. A woman who answered the decor said family members were too distraught to speak. Miner grew up in eastern Connecticut and graduated from Killingly High School. He was a cable technician with Southern New England Telephone, now SBC, for 20 years. His parents died when he was young, and a family friend, Lois Potter, raised then 4-year-old Eric and his 6-year-old brother. Eric Miner stayed in close contact and had sent an e-mail to Lois Potter earlier this week, her son, Judge Russell F. Potter, said. “They were like her own kids, Potter said. When Lois Potter’s husband died in the mid-1980s, Miner purchased their farm property in Brooklyn, and he has lived there ever since, Russell Potter said. “He loved the place,” Potter said. Miner was on leave from the Rhode Island National Guard, where he held the rank of Sergeant First Class with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 18th Special Forces Group. Military records show that he joined the National Guard in 1991. He was deployed to both Kosovo and, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, to Kuwait. He asked for a leave of absence in July to pursue the job with DynCorp, said Rhode Island National Guard Major General Reginald A. Centracchio. “No matter how you lose a soldier, it’s still not an easy thing, certainly, for any of us to be able to justify,” Centracchio said. Funeral arrangements were still being made Friday, but the Rhode Island National Guard said Miner would be buried in Connecticut with full military honors. Miner is the 16th person with Connecticut ties killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2002. DynCorp provides security and police training for the U.S. government and military in war zones Worldwide. It won a $50 million State Department contract in April 2003 to train Iraqi police and prison personnel. The firm is a division of Computer Sciences Corporation, based in El Segundo, California. “The management and staff of CSC and its DynCorp International business unit stand united in our sadness over the deaths and injuries of our employees,” CSC spokesman Mike Dickerson said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.” The blasts were reportedly the work of suicide bombers. Iraq’s most feared terror group, led by Jordanian military Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the twin blasts according to a site known for Islamic content. A fourth DynCorp contractor is missing and presumed dead, and a fifth worker was wounded. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Friday the terrorists were targeting “not just Americans, but scores of innocent Iraqis. We condemn these acts, and they will not succeed.”
From SeacoastOnline.com on October 15, 2004 By Alexandra Zavis | Associated Press
FOUR AMERICANS AMONG 10 DEAD FOLLOWING SUICIDE ATTACK AT CAFE
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Insurgents struck deep inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, setting off bombs at a market and a popular café that killed at least 10 people – including four Americans – and wounded 20 others in the compound housing foreign embassies and Iraqi government offices. The bold, unprecedented attack, which witnesses and a senior Iraqi official said was carried out by suicide bombers, dramatized the militant’s ability to penetrate the heart of the U.S.-Iraqi leadership even as authorities step up military operations to suppress Sunni Muslim insurgents in other parts of the country. Iraq’s most feared terror group, led by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the twin blasts and said they were suicide attacks, according to a statement posted on a website known for its Islamic content. Later Thursday, U.S. Marines launched air and ground attacks on the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, 40 miles west of Baghdad, after city representatives suspended peace talks with the Iraqi government over Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s demand to hand over al-Zarqawi. Residents described the bombardments as the most intensive shelling since U.S. forces began weeks of “precision strikes” aimed at al-Zarqawi’s network, though a senior military official in Washington said the latest fighting was not the major invasion that Allawi has threatened. The attack in the Green Zone was the first time bombers had gotten inside the 4-square-mile compound – surrounded by concrete walls, razor wire, sandbag bunkers, and guard posts – and was the deadliest attack within the area since the U.S. occupation began in May 2003. The U.S.-guarded enclave, home to about 10,000 Iraqis, government officials, foreign diplomats, and military personnel, spreads along the banks of the Tigris River in the heart of the capital. The area’s trees and other greenery present a sharp contrast to the rest of dusty and arid Baghdad. The zone is centered on Saddam Hussein’s mammoth Republican Palace, and there are dozens of smaller palatial buildings, houses, office buildings, and a hospital once used by high-ranking members of the old Baath Party regime. The bombings, which underscored that no part of Baghdad is truly safe, took place about 12:40 p.m. on the eve of the Islamic holy month, Ramadan. Last year, the start of Ramadan was marked by a major escalation of insurgent violence. Across the Tigris River, two U.S. soldiers were killed Thursday in eastern Baghdad – one when his patrol came under small arms fire, the other in a roadside bombing – the U.S. command said. Two more American soldiers were killed when their Humvee was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire during a raid in Ramadi, 70 miles west of the capital, the military said. Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem Dawoud said the Green Zone attacks appeared to be a “suicide operation” – as was claimed in the website statement. “This cowardly act will not go unpunished,” Dawoud said. “We will strike them wherever they are.” A waiter and restaurant patrons saw two men enter the Green Zone Cafe clutching large bags. One appeared nervous while the other seemed to be trying to reassure him, they said. The two men ordered tea and talked for about 20 minutes – a waiter thought they spoke with Jordanian accents. The more confident of the two then walked out and hailed a taxi, the witnesses said. Minutes later, a loud explosion rocked the compound. “It was then that the second bomber blew himself up,” said one Iraqi vendor, afraid to give his name. “I fell on the floor, then quickly gathered myself and ran for my life.” The blast left a gaping crater in the pavement where the canopied restaurant once stood. Splatters of blood and pieces of flesh were scattered among the twisted metal, shards of glass, and upended plastic chairs littering the scene. Thick, black smoke billowed from the compound. “People were screaming … stampeding, trying to get out, ” said Mohammed al-Obeidi, the owner of a nearby restaurant who was wounded by flying glass from the cafe blast. Six Iraqis were killed at the cafe, and several U.S. Embassy employees suffered minor injuries there, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in Washington. Four American employees of DynCorp security company were killed, and two State Department employees were wounded in the blast in a vendor’s alley near the U.S. Embassy annex. The outdoor bazaar caters to Westerners, selling everything from mobile phone accessories to pornographic DVDs. The Green Zone is a regular target of insurgents. Mortar rounds are frequently fired at the compound, and there have also been a number of deadly car bombings at its gates. Last week, a bomb was found in front of the Green Zone Cafe, but it did not explode. Al-Obeidi, the restaurant owner, said security in the zone has weakened since Iraqi police took a greater role with the June handover of power. “Before, it was really safe. They (the Americans) passed it over to the Iraqis … the Iraqi Police. When they see someone they know, it’s just, “Go on in.” They don’t understand it’s for our safety,” al-Obeidi said. Following Thursday’s attack, the U.S. military said intelligence reports indicated insurgents were planning more strikes to “gain media attention.” Security measures in the capital and surrounding areas would be “significantly increased for an undetermined period,” a military statement said. They include more armed patrols, intensified security at Baghdad airport and elsewhere, and air patrols. U.S. Embassy personnel were instructed to remain inside the embassy complex until further notice, Boucher said. The U.S. Embassy also “strongly encouraged” Americans living or working in the Green Zone to limit their movements, travel in groups, and avoid restaurants.
Eric Miner is buried in New Mansfield Center Cemetery, 31 Cemetery Road, Mansfield Center, Connecticut; Section A, Row D, Lot 45.
DOB/DOD: October 22, 1963 (Fort Campbell, KY) – November 27, 2004; 41 years old MARITAL STATUS: Married Jeanette M. Regan [West Point ’83; Colonel, retired] (1961-) on August 15, 1987, at West Point CHILDREN: Three sons, Michael Jr. (1990-), Thomas M. (1993-), and Dennis “Ricky” IV [West Point, Class of ‘25] (1999-). LOCAL ADDRESS: Howland Road; West Hartford COMMISSIONED: May 1985 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 15B; Aviation Combined Arms Operations Officer UNIT: 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light); Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
FAMILY: Born to Dennis R. Jr. [Lt Col, Army, retired] (1928-2022) and Elizabeth A. “Libby” Cook McMahon (1929-1986). One brother, Dennis R. III [Captain, Army] (1954-1982). Four sisters, Lezle M. McMahon Harris (1958-), Nora E. McMahon Boyer (1958-), Kelly J. McMahon Cook (1958-), and Stacie McMahon Ferry (1964-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with V device for Valor, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal with device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (Expeditionary), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (Service), Koren Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Emirate of Kuwait), Parachutist Badge (Basic), Air Assault Badge, and the Aviator Badge (Senior).
CIRCUMSTANCES: Killed when a Presidential Airways Inc. aircraft assigned to security contractor Blackwater USA, call sign Blackwater 61, crashed in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Others killed in this incident:
Presidential Airways Pilot, Noel English; New Orleans, LA Presidential Airways First Officer, Loren Hammer; Needles, CA Presidential Airway Flight Mechanic, Melvin Rowe; Bowling Green, OH Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Travis W. Grogan; Moore, OK Army Specialist Harley D.R. Miller; Spokane, WA
OTHER: The crash was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Army Collateral Investigations Board. The investigation showed that the cause of the crash was an inexperienced flight crew flying an unfamiliar route and the lack of adequate terrain clearance. In additional comments, it was noted that it’s possible the pilots had hypoxia, which impacted their decision-making due to the high elevation of the flight and lack of oxygen on board.
Conard High School (West Hartford, CT), Class of 1981
Memorialized with a monument in front of Conard High School, West Hartford. One of three people in this book who graduated from Conard High School; the other two being Paliwoda & Philippon.
West Point Class of 1985
Photo, above from Army.mil. Photo, just above, from FindAGrave.com and contributor Elizabeth Reed.
Photo from FindAGrave.com and contributor Elizabeth Reed.
From The Honolulu Star-Advertiser on December 2, 2004 By Curtis Lum and Mike Gordon | Advertiser Staff Writers
SCHOFIELD SERVICE HONORS 3 SOLDIERS Men Were Among Six Killed In Plane Crash In Afghanistan Mountains
A prayer service will be held this morning at Schofield Barracks in memory of the three soldiers who died Saturday when their aircraft crashed in Afghanistan. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light). The men, along with three American civilians, were killed when their private transport aircraft that was contracted by the U.S. Air Force, crashed in the mountains of Bamiyan province in central Afghanistan. The Army yesterday identified the soldier as Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. McMahon, 41, of Connecticut. McMahon, an aviation officer, enlisted in the Army in May 1985 and was assigned to Schofield Barracks in June 2002. McMahon is believed to be the highest-ranking military member with a Hawaii-based unit to be killed in the war and is one of the highest-ranking service members killed in Iraq or Afghanistan in the current campaign. Chief Warrant Officer Travis W. Grogan, 31, of Moore, Oklahoma. Grogan, an aviation logistics warrant officer, enlisted in August 1991 and was assigned to Schofield Barracks in August 2001. Specialist Harley D. Miller, 21, of Spokane, Washington. Miller, who repaired OH-58D Kiowa helicopters, enlisted in the Army in April 2002. He was assigned to Schofield Barracks in September 2003. This morning’s prayer service is not open to the public. McMahon was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Enchanted Lake. His wife, Jeanette, an Army Colonel at Fort Shafter, is an active member of the congregation, and their three sons are students in its school. “He was a very involved father,” said Principal Jane Quinn of St. John Vianney School. “Despite a busy military career, he was always present for parent conferences and school activities.” McMahon also was a Boy Scout leader and was involved in the community sports teams that his sons played on, Quinn said. His constant enthusiasm for life touched the boys and their friends, Quinn said. “Before he left, he was at church every Sunday with his family,” she said. “He was enthusiastic and interested in what they were doing and with the other school kids.” When he left for Afghanistan, the students in his oldest son’s class threw him a party. On Tuesday morning, they learned that he had died in the mountains of Afghanistan. “They have done a lot of praying about it,” Quinn said.” When the kids learned about it, the two classes where the two older children went to Mass right away. There is not much you can do, but you can pray.” The deaths bring to 12 the number of Schofield soldiers killed in Afghanistan since May. There are about 5,800 25th Division troops in Afghanistan. The cause of the crash is under investigation, although Army officials said there is no indication that hostile fire brought down the CASA 212. The plane went down Saturday while enroute from the U.S. military base at Bagram to Shinband.
From The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA) December 2, 2004
NO HOSTILE FIRE SEEN
SOLDIER’S REMAINS RECOVERED The Bodies Of Three U.S. Soldiers And Three Civilian Crew Members Killed In A Plane Crash In Afghanistan Are Found
HONOLULU – The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed that three U.S. soldiers, including a Spokane man who died in a plane crash in Afghanistan’s mountains, were from Schofield Barracks. The remains of Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. McMahon, 41, of Connecticut; Chief Warrant Officer Travis W. Grogan, 31, of Moore, Oklahoma; and Specialist Harley D. Miller, 21, of Spokane, were recovered along with those of three civilian crew members. The fixed-wing CASA 212 plane went down Saturday, but search efforts were complicated by bad weather and difficult terrain, said military spokesman Major Mark McCann. A plane carrying the bodies of the six plane crash victims back to the United States left Bagram late Tuesday, bound for Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, McCann said. “At this time, we have no indication this crash was caused by hostile fire,’ he said. The bodies were found amid the debris of the plane in the Hindu Kush mountains. “The indication we have is that it got into a valley and tried to gain altitude quickly,” said Major General Eric Olson. “The pilot apparently recognized that he was not going to be able to gain altitude quickly enough and tried to make a very dramatic turn, didn’t make it and crashed into a narrow valley.” The three soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry (Light). McMahon was an aviation officer who enlisted in the Army in May 1985. Grogan, an aviation logistics warrant officer, joined the Army in August 1991. Miller, a helicopter mechanic, enlisted in the Army in April 2002.
From The South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) By Rafael A. Olmeda | Staff Writer
FATHER MOURNS OFFICER SON KILLED IN AFGHAN PLANE CRASH
Dennis McMahon Jr. wasn’t crying on Thursday afternoon. He had held back the tears on Saturday when he learned that his son, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, was missing in Afghanistan. But they flowed freely two days later when his greatest fear, his son’s death, was confirmed. He cried for days. Finally, at his beachfront Pompano Beach condo on Thursday, he convinced himself to be strong for the rest of his family. Lieutenant Colonel Michael McMahon, 41, was killed in a plane crash in the snow-capped mountains of Bamiyan. He was returning from a meeting at Bagram Air Force Base, ready to rejoin the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. His troops. They were the ones he had served Thanksgiving dinner to just days earlier, smiling, and appreciative of their service. His father recalled him as a consummate soldier, determined to rise in the ranks of the military from a young age. Dennis McMahon knew the feeling. He, too, joined the military at an early age, serving at the end of World War II, in Korea, and Vietnam. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1969 at the age of 41. He and his wife had six children, two of them sons. Both boys graduated from West Point. Both are gone now. Dennis III, who was born nine years before Michael, died in a car accident in 1982. McMahon sensed his son was bound for Afghanistan shortly after September 11, 2001. The younger McMahon was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, at the time. “Mike called and said now would probably be a good time to visit,” said his stepmother, Melanie Crandall-McMahon. And they did. But the deployment never came. Instead, McMahon, a Desert Storm veteran, was assigned to lead the 3-4 Cavalry, based out of Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He missed Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, but the unit was finally called into Afghanistan in April. “He was not allowed to communicate his mission to anyone here,” his father said. He did contact the family as often as he could through e-mails and phone calls. In his final e-mail, which was sent November 23, he wrote about literally and figuratively disarming potential enemies. “If you can believe it, 99.5% of all Afghans have never seen juggling,” he wrote. “So, l am able to win the hearts of many through Yak, Du. Say (1-2-3), where three rocks make their way into the air, and somehow 200-plus former fighters decide they want to give me their weapons.” It was the kind of charm that typified the younger McMahon’s early life in West Hartford, Connecticut, where his father lived when he retired from the Army. Unable to find work with the area’s defense contractors, McMahon wound up selling candles with considerable success. With one son already in West Point, he encouraged his younger son to be a banker, with no success. “Mike saw that his father was an Army pilot, and all his friends were Army pilots,” said Crandall-McMahon. “Whenever they got together and talked, they looked like they were having so much fun, and Mike decided that’s what he wanted.” The McMahons visited family members in South Florida frequently, ultimately resulting in Dennis McMahon’s decision to move to Pompano Beach in the mid-1980s. From what little the family has been told, they are convinced Michael McMahon did not suffer. He was probably sleeping when the plane crashed on Baba Mountain, the elder McMahon said. Two other soldiers in McMahon’s unit also died, as did the pilot and two other crew members. In addition to his four sisters, Michael McMahon is survived by his wife, Jeanette, a fellow West Point graduate and Army Lieutenant Colonel who lives in Hawaii. They had three children. Three sisters, Lezle, Nora, Kelly, and Stacie, greeted his coffin at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Thursday. Michael McMahon’s funeral has not been scheduled, but he will be buried at West Point, not far from his brother.
From Army.mil on August 1, 2023 By Eric Bartelt | Pointer View Managing Editor
His voice cracked as his remarks were deliberately delivered to the attentive group of air assault trainees who were taking in every word intently about his father. The purpose of the speech was to remind the group of nearly 190 participants that attention to detail and meticulousness in their work to do it 100% accurately without room for error has life or death consequences for those who put their trust in them.
It was an eerily foggy morning on July 26 in the peacefully silent West Point Cemetery, minus a few random chirps from birds, where Class of 2025 Cadet Dennis Richard “Ricky” McMahon IV spoke about his father, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jerome McMahon, a 1985 U.S. Military Academy graduate, to the trainees of the fourth iteration of The Sabalauski Air Assault School (TSAAS) at the academy this summer.
From June 22 through August 6, TSAAS holds five 10-day sessions of its air assault school at West Point for about 250 participants, mainly cadets, per session. During this summer’s air assault detail, much like the other West Point summer details such as Cadet Field Training, it is named after a graduate who died in the recent era of the Global War on Terrorism.
This year’s air assault detail is named Task Force McMahon after Ricky’s dad, who died in a plane crash in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, in 2004. The black T-shirts that the air assault instructors and cadet cadre wear during the detail reads, “All For the ‘Ohana – Task Force McMahon,” as ‘Ohana is a Hawaiian term meaning “Family.”
McMahon, a Systems and Decision Sciences major, is the S-4 (Supply, Transportation, Logistics) of the air assault detail, which he said his job revolves around “Beans, Bandages, and Bullets.”
“When not fulfilling the various requests for supplies from incoming air assault trainees, I coordinate the preparation and movement of many bags of ice we use to facilitate training and treat heat casualties,” said McMahon, the self-proclaimed Army Brat who grew up in places like Hawaii, Fort Hood, Texas, and West Point. “However, with such a small staff for this detail, I often find myself helping my other S-shops in their duties, and they helped with mine. We created not just a ‘team’ but a ‘family’ to overcome the many challenges of supporting the rigorous air assault training.”
McMahon had to step up into the position of the S-4 since he was pegged to be the assistant S-4 due to his class year as a rising junior but was “surprisingly” promoted into the position.
“I was quite hesitant, having already been told by many of the long hours and difficult tasks I would be faced with as the assistant S-4, and now I had to help steer the ship,” McMahon said. “I was nervous. However, this detail has further cemented my belief that teamwork makes the dream work, and without the other amazing cadets, noncommissioned officers (NCOs), tactical officers (TACs), medics, and task force, and other cadets in other details who have helped us facilitate our training – I would have struggled exponentially more with my position.”
The detail has helped build his confidence and foundation as a leader, but he does come with plenty of life experience as he is a prior-service Soldier, a combat engineer (12 Bravo), who served in the Vermont National Guard while earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at Norwich University in Vermont.
“As my TAC NCO likes to say, I’m ‘Two Scoops of Hooah,’ and while my parents were both aviators, as a combat engineer, I was able to see the level of support required to enable combat arms,” McMahon said. “Boy, it’s no joke. I fought for this position so I could gain experience in supplying a fluid and dynamic force. Furthermore, it has only cemented my leadership philosophy on the pertinence of healthy attitudes and teamwork through the development of a familial unit or an ‘Ohana.” Following his parents’ legacy to West Point, thoughts about detail named after his father
While his two older brothers took different paths as a civilian mechanic and a civilian engineer involved in solar energy, McMahon was always intent on serving in the military and especially going to West Point since he was young. However, that path for the 24-year-old was not a straight one directly into the academy.
McMahon was unable to gain admittance to the academy during his first try-out of high school and decided to go to Norwich University, where he joined the men’s rugby team and participated in Army ROTC. He said he felt removed from the military, so he chose to enlist in the Vermont National Guard.
“During that time, I continued my studies, attended Mountain Warfare School, and was soon to be deployed,” McMahon said. “After finishing my bachelor’s degree in political science early, my unit was set to depart for Djibouti, Africa.”
Prior to his senior year at Norwich, he decided to submit one more application to West Point. He received the notification of his acceptance while at the range qualifying for the M249 Bravo machine gun, preparing for his deployment.
“I did not want to grow old and live to possibly regret never giving West Point the old college try,” McMahon said about submitting his final application.
However, there was a dilemma in his mind as the days crept closer before the deployment, so he had to make a final decision on what he wanted to do. West Point doesn’t offer deferments, and the deployment went about a month after he would have had to arrive at West Point for Reception Day. With the importance of family, he wanted to serve with his guys in Africa, which made the decision a hard one.
“I did not want to leave my squad and for them to go on the deployment without me – I was extremely conflicted and couldn’t make a choice,” McMahon said. “Part of me wanted to ensure I was with my team, and the other was inspired to follow my parents’ footsteps and earn the right to join the Long Gray Line. I eventually decided to attend the U.S. Military Academy and take on the challenge of living up to the legacy my mother and father left behind to create my own ‘Ohana at my new rocky mountain home.”
He credits his first sergeant for helping him make the decision to come to West Point; however, he did mention that at one point, he decided to do a coin flip. Using a quarter, with George Washington being the head of the coin and Washington Statue on The Plain being a major academy landmark, it signified going to West Point, or if it landed tails, he would lean toward going on the deployment with his unit. If you believe in coincidence, on how the coin landed, and that is how his destiny was meant to be. He now is following in his mother, Jeanette, a retired colonel who is a 1983 USMA graduate, and father’s footsteps at the academy.
“My mother, despite being a rabble-rouser and full of ‘Go Army, Beat Navy’ spirit, has never pushed me toward the military or West Point,” McMahon said. “I think it is a legacy I have slowly undertaken to carry onward. My father was remembered as an inclusive, joyful, and supportive officer whom I hope I can emulate one day.”
When you tie a small bow around everything within McMahon’s legacy, he is now experiencing the venture of being a part of a summer detail named after and honoring his father.
“I feel an intense burden on my shoulders to ensure the success of the detail and the actual growth of the trainees in the air assault course,” said McMahon, who earned his own air assault wings last summer. “My name is quite literally on the shirt. However, my father being honored by this summer detail is immeasurable in its impact on myself and my family. For each class that I have been in within our detail, we have an intro brief and a silent cemetery run. During both, I give a speech to the incoming air assault trainees about the history of my father, the events surrounding his death, what it means to me, and what it could mean to them.
“I emphasize that while our cadre staff want them to earn the badge and become qualified, we would rather them become individuals who have instilled the habits necessary to get their troops – their ‘Ohana – home,” he added. “I will admit that in each brief I have given, I have cried. However, my hope is that for at least one person, he or she will carry that conversation with them and just maybe they become the person to get that father, mother, brother, or daughter home to their family. Because in the end, that means everything; it certainly did for me.”
Jeannette McMahon, who is currently a development officer for Children of Fallen Patriots, is proud of her son for having the “foresight and energy to put together a proposal and submit it to the chain of command,” which led to the naming of Task Force McMahon.
“As a family, we feel honored to be able to have the opportunity to remember Mike’s legacy,” Jeanette said. “Mike and I met at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the home of The Sabalauski Air Assault School, where we met, fell in love, and got married while stationed there.”
Jeanette, who is also air assault qualified, will be the guest speaker at the graduation of the fifth and final iteration of air assault school on August 6. She said she would speak about some of the same things that Ricky talks about during the cemetery speech.
“I want to convey the emphasis that Ricky points out when he addressed the trainees at the cemetery at his dad’s grave with attention to detail and measuring risk, and that making appropriate decisions as leaders save lives and bring soldiers home to their families each night,” Jeanette said. “In the end, I am confident their training puts them in a position to help keep us safe and to protect the freedoms of our country.”
As for her son’s involvement in the detail, she is proud of his continuing development as a leader.
“I am glad he has been able to step up to this challenge and use it as a learning experience and add it as part of his lieutenant toolkit,” she said.
Then came the morning of the cemetery run by the fourth iteration air assault class, where McMahon got a chance to speak about his father to the remaining members of the class, which was down to about 190 from the day zero group.
McMahon started out by thanking the class for coming out and then proceeded to mention his dad and his uncle, who he is named after – Captain Dennis Richard McMahon III, a 1976 USMA graduate who was killed in a car accident in 1982, is laid to rest a few headstones apart from Ricky’s dad.
He prefaced to the group about getting choked up while speaking, so he needed his notebook to keep himself on point while telling the story of his dad.
“With respect to the life of an aviator, those who choose aviation often have an expectation of a life of adrenaline through air assault missions, gun runs, and medevacs of a hot LZ (Landing Zone),” McMahon said. “The reality can often be disappointing and even a little boring. Aviators like my father have to perform multiple inspections, long flight plans, and mountains of paperwork for just a short flight. They often find themselves becoming a simple means of transportation – moving cargo – or flying long hours in a straight line.”
Although life as an aviator can be boring at times, Jeanette did tell a remarkable story of Michael while in Herat, Afghanistan, in September 2004, where his whole cavalry squadron was on a scouting mission, and they came upon a huge compound fire on the ground.
Jeanette recalled that Michael realized there was an NGO, a non-governmental operation such as Doctors Without Borders, or something similar, in the compound, with about 85 civilians who were being attacked by green-on-green fighting, and Michael sensed “they needed to get these folks out of there, and they were now in danger.”
Jeanette said that Michael understood that with the way things were playing out, he needed to be on the ground to supervise the clearing of the area so they could bring in Black Hawks to evacuate.
Michael basically landed and jumped out of his OH-58 dual pilot aircraft so he could manage the ground operations because he had the ground troops there with Afghan National Forces and Afghan Police.
“They needed to be brought together so they could manage the situation,” Jeanette said. “They tried to push back the crowd so they could get the helicopters in.”
Jeanette said his unit successfully managed to get all the civilians out safely with no one killed, even though it was very tense at points, as Michael got hit in the head by some big rocks thrown by the crowd.
“One of the Special Forces guys who was on the ground called me (sometime) after Mike died (in the plane crash a couple of months later) and wanted to share some stories,” Jeanette said. “He said, ‘You know, Mike, he was always doing a hundred things at one time, and he was kneeling on the ground while bleeding all over his face. A Special Forces medic was trying to staple his head together so he could stop the bleeding while (Mike) was talking on two radios.”
After the incident, about a week later, Michael put his men in for awards because they acted bravely and calmly in a dire situation while completing the mission without casualties. The head of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan at the time, Lieutenant General David Barno, came to award the members of the cavalry unit. Michael earned a Bronze Star with a Valor Device and a Purple Heart from that mission.
In bringing the element of ‘family’ together and in a moment where the world was reduced to a small place when Barno was pinning Michael with his medals, he asked him, “McMahon, do you have a brother?”
“(Michael) said ‘Yes, Sir, my brother Dennis,’ and (Barno) goes, ‘Yeah, he was my roommate at West Point,’” Jeannette said. “David Barno was USMA Class of 1976, and Mike sent me these notes that he was worried about the general’s visit, and after he realized that he knew his brother, he wasn’t worried about the visit anymore.”
While life as an aviator isn’t always that dramatic, McMahon, during his speech, reminded people about the monotony of the job, which in turn can lead to “people letting standards slip, going through the motions and that becomes the new standard, and everything is fine until someone dies.”
“My father was an aviator, and that meant he didn’t always know who was in the back of his aircraft,” McMahon said. “But what separated him from the rest is he treated every passenger like they were his family – their safety was paramount. He sacrificed his time and his energy to perform those menial tasks that had become monotonous for others. Unfortunately, one person’s lack of responsibility can be a catalyst for tragedy.”
Two months after the compound incident in November, McMahon’s father left his headquarters for another base to meet with his boss. After the meeting concluded, with a desire to get back to his family – his squadron, his ‘Ohana – he boarded an earlier flight. As the flight was about to taxi, his father had to jump off to make a call to cancel a meeting with one of his other bosses, but the plane waited for him.
With a crackle in his voice, as he tried to compose himself through his obvious emotions, McMahon began by saying, “I know some of you might not be religious, and I’ve certainly been lost for a while, but I would like to think that someone or something was trying to get him home to his family.”
“My father’s desire to get back to the men and women he cared for was so great, he somehow managed to get them to stop the plane before it took off,” McMahon said. “Having listened to the last words my father spoke on the black box of that aircraft, I can tell you the pilots made numerous errors. They were undisciplined and cared more about the radio station they were listening to than planning a detailed route through their terrain. They did not sacrifice the time or energy to ensure the safety of their passengers like they were family.”
Due to the civilian contractor pilots’ errors, all six people on board died when the CASA-12 plane crashed into the snow-covered Hindu Kush mountains. This happened while McMahon’s father commanded Task Force Saber, which provided security and reconstruction efforts in the cities of Herat and Farah.
But the key in telling this story from McMahon’s perspective is to remind the air assault trainees that every little detail is important, whether it is attaching a sling-load properly without deficiencies or making sure a battle buddy is harnessed and attached correctly to a rope correctly before rappelling from a tower or a Black Hawk.
“I say this because it’s bigger than air assault, it’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than me,” McMahon said. “I hope as your cadre, and I like to think the hope of my father too, is not that you pass this course, but rather you build the habits that allow you to become the person who gets them home to their family.”
After his speech, he told everyone to take a breath and a moment of silence to reflect on what this meant to them because, to McMahon, “It meant the world to me.”
As for the class he spoke to, 185 of them ended up graduating on July 29. To McMahon, just like the recent participants, it was “fulfilling” to have earned his badge a year ago.
“My mom’s ear-to-ear grin throughout the ceremony made it worth all the Y-squats and eight-count push-ups,” said McMahon, who ran the 12-mile foot march in 1 hour, 52 minutes while earning the right to bear the colors during his graduation.
But the upcoming air assault graduation with his mother speaking will be very special for him, more so than his own graduation.
“I think opportunities such as this are once-in-a-lifetime and serve as a reminder that those lost are never forgotten,” McMahon said. “Living on in the deeds and thoughts of those who follow them, I like to think my dad will be in attendance, too.”
From The Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Search teams have recovered the bodies of six Americans who died when their plane crashed high in Afghanistan’s snow-covered mountains, U.S. military officials said Wednesday. “We regret to report that all six individuals on board the aircraft – the three U.S. civilian crew members and three U.S. soldiers – were killed in the crash,” said U.S. military spokesman Major Mark MacCann. He said their identities would be released later by the U.S. Defense Department and Florida-based Presidential Airways, which had contracted the CASA 112 transport plane to the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan. “An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the crash. However, at this time, we have no indication this crash was caused by hostile fire,” McCann said. The bodies were found amid the debris of the plane in the Hindu Kush mountains, southeast of Bamiyan. “They found pieces of the engine and the wheels scattered on top of Baba Mountain,” which rises to 5,060 meters (16,600 feet) and was covered in fresh snow, said Ghulam Mohammed, a senior police official in Bamiyan. McCann said the plane’s flight recorder had been retrieved, but it was not clear what it showed about the crash. He said the plane crashed en route to Farah, in western Afghanistan. However, a senior U.S. general said it was headed for Shindand, 60 miles further north. “The indications we have is that it got into a valley and tried to gain altitude quickly,” Major General Eric Olson told The Associated Press. “The pilot apparently recognized that he was not going to be able to gain altitude quickly enough and tried to make a very dramatic turn, didn’t make it and crashed into a very narrow valley.” The fixed-wing CASA 212 is designed to fly in and out of the kind of short, rough airstrips used to supply American forces deployed in remote areas of the country to search for Taliban and al-Qaida militants.
From FallenHeroesMemorial.com
“Mac, I mourn your departure far ahead of your time. It was my honor to serve with you. We from Osan gathered here in your memory both your ROK and US compatriots. Your impact and legacy live on. Would that we may someday be half the professional that you were… See you on Fiddler’s Green, my friend.”
— Colonel Steve Mullins of Seoul, Korea
From Defender.West-Point.org
Many years have passed since we both wore cadet grey. I wanted you to know that I still soldier on and continue to try and make some good come out of the two wars our nation finds itself in. I wanted you to know that for several years, I had your picture under the glass on my desk, you know, the one with that grin on it! It gave me strength. Thank you for serving and for the leadership that you provided to your soldiers and your family in the time you had on this earth. I wanted you to know that your sacrifice and others we have lost are why I continue to soldier on. Well done, Mike
— Colonel Dan Williams; Class of ‘85; D4
Memorialized on Route 218 in West Hartford from Route 44 north to the Bloomfield town line.
Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
Memorialized on the Connecticut Veterans Memorial, Farmington Avenue, and North Main Street, West Hartford, Connecticut.
Photo by Jeff DeWitt
Memorialized at the St. John Vianney School, 940 Keolu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii. Photos contributed by Annie Chee, Administrative Assistant at the school. She said, “The years 2003 and 2004 were very difficult ones for the class of 2005. Mike’s eldest son, Michael, had just begun his 8th grade year at St. John Vianney School when Mike was killed. He and his two younger brothers had been with us for several years. Another member of his class had lost her father the year before. He was a police officer for the Honolulu Police Department and was killed in the line of duty. As a gift to our school, the graduating class of 2005 unanimously agreed to erect a monument in honor of the two dads who they had all grown to love.” The name of the police officer was removed from the picture below due to the inability to find a surviving family member.
Lieutenant Colonel McMahon is buried in the United States Military Academy Cemetery, 329 Washington Road, West Point, New York; Section XVIII, Site F-55B.
DOB/DOD: February 22, 1983 (Caguas, Puerto Rico) – August 18, 2004; 21 years old MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried LOCAL ADDRESS: New London Turnpike; Norwich ENLISTMENT: February 17, 2000, at 17 years old MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 11B10; Infantryman UNIT: 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division; Fort Hood, Texas
FAMILY: Born to Jose W. Martir [Vietnam veteran) (1944-1995) and Olga Lydia Gutierrez (1944-). Siblings are Yesenia Rosas (-), Olgita Martir (1967-), Elizabeth Martir (1980-), Ismael Martir (1980-), and Jasmin L. Antonetty (1995-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary), Global War on Terrorism (Service), and the Army Overseas Ribbon.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Specialist Martir-Gutierrez was killed in action when his patrol came under small arms fire in Sadr City, Iraq.
Norwich Free Academy 1999 yearbook; freshman year
Photo from FindAGrave.com and contributor Serenity.
From The Waco (TX) Tribune-Herald August 21, 2004
FORT HOOD SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ
WASHINGTON — A Connecticut soldier has been killed in Iraq. Specialist Jacob Martir, 21, of Norwich, died Wednesday when his patrol came under enemy small arms fire in Sadr City, the Defense Department said
Friday. The youngest of eight children, Martir was a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Family members said he came to Connecticut as an infant and grew up in Willimantic and Norwich. ‘‘I remember him saying that he wanted to serve his country,” his aunt, Noemi Martir, told the Norwich Bulletin. “He was the kind of kid who when he said he was going to do something, he did it.” Martir was assigned to the Second Battalion, Fifth Cavalry Regiment of the First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. When he was 15, he told his family that he wanted to be a soldier. His oldest sister, Angelica, bought him an Army jacket and a few pairs of Army pants, which she said he wore constantly with a pair of white sneakers. “I can’t stop thinking about him. I can’t even sleep,” Angelica Martir told the newspaper. “I had a reunion planned, and now the eight of us are never going to be together again.” He attended Norwich Free Academy for one semester in ninth grade before transferring, said Kim Caron, the school’s assistant superintendent. Many of Martir’s family members live in Puerto Rico and Philadelphia but are returning to Willimantic for the funeral. Details of the ceremony are still being planned. Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-staff until sundown on the day of Martir’s interment. No funeral or memorial service arrangements were available. Martir joined the Army in early 2000 and had been stationed at Fort Hood for nearly all of his service, post officials said. Martir is the 14th member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2003.
From The Day (New London, CT) on August 28, 2004 By Megan Bard and Claire Bessette | Day Staff Writers
FAMILY LAYS NORWICH SOLDIER TO REST Martir-Gutierrez Killed In Baghdad Skirmish August 18
Army Specialist Jacob David Martir-Gutierrez was remembered Friday as a cheerful child with a mischievous grin and a big heart who was so dedicated to his military service that he decided to re-enlist for four more years last February. Martir-Gutierrez, 21, formerly of Willimantic and Norwich, was killed August 18 in the Sadr City section of Baghdad when his patrol came under enemy small arms fire while patrolling an area where heavy fighting has taken place in recent months. Martir-Gutierrez was buried with military honors Friday at the Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich after a funeral service at the Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic. During the service in Willimantic, the Army presented Martir-Gutierrez’s mother, Olga Gutierrez of Miami, with a Bronze Star Medal representing her son’s heroic and meritorious service and a Purple Heart Medal because he was killed in action. More than 100 family, friends, and local officials gathered around the soldier’s gravesite. The din of Interstate 395 in the background contrasted with the silence as soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, New York, carefully lifted the American flag from the casket and held it horizontally above the coffin. They remained in that position throughout the ceremony. “Give our brother Jacob peaceful rest in of the Connecticut National Guard, said in the opening prayer. Family members leaned against one another, hugged, and, at times, had to walk away, overcome with grief. None used the chairs set up beside the casket. After the traditional 21-gun salute, Specialist Thomas Bowen of Columbus, Ohio, stationed at Fort Drum, played Taps. The Honor Guard then carefully folded the flag into a triangle as members of the rifle salute group gathered the bullet shells to tuck them neatly into the folded flag. Brigadier General James R. Moran of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, presented the flag to Jacob’s mother. Martir-Gutierrez was born in Puerto Rico on February 22, 1963. The family moved to the United States when he was an infant. He attended the WB Sweeney School in Willimantic and Teachers Memorial Middle School in Norwich. He attended one semester of ninth grade at Norwich Free Academy before transferring to the Westover Job Corps Center in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Martir-Gutierrez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, which is based in Fort Hood, Texas. The 1st Cavalry Division is the largest in the Army, with more than 17,000 soldiers, and has sustained some of the heaviest casualties in the war. Nancy Ramos remembered her younger cousin Friday morning as a caring person who loved being with his family. Martir-Gutierrez was supposed to leave the Army in February, but despite Ramos’ advice, the 21-year-old soldier reenlisted for four more years. “He wanted to be in the Army. He wanted to fight,” Ramos said outside the Potter Funeral Home on Jackson Street in Willimantic after the 45-minute memorial service. Dozens walked quietly through the front doors of the brick funeral home, nodding their heads and clasping hands with family and friends as they passed by. Governor M. Jodi Rell, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Windham First Selectman Michael Paulhus, and Major General William A. Cugno, state adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard, were among the state dignitaries who attended the service. Norwich Mayor Arthur Lathrop and Assistant City Manager Robert Zarnetske represented that city at the burial. Outside the funeral home, Rell said the word “hero” is bantered about often but that the word can truly be used to describe Martir-Gutierrez. “It is a sad day for Connecticut, but I hope the family knows that our thoughts and prayers are with them,” she said. In her eulogy of the soldier, Rell said Martir-Gutierrez “is now a member of this nation’s new greatest generation. A generation of young Americans who, like their grandparents, selflessly and bravely give whatever their nation needs… even their very lives. “They ask little for themselves except the honor of serving and the opportunity to help others around the world,” Rell said. “We must honor Jacob by celebrating and preserving the freedoms he fought for and by treating each other with the kindness, respect, and generosity that he exhibited in his life.” Blumenthal said the service served as a reminder that “freedom is never free.” Blumenthal said during the service, he was reminded of another he attended at West Point. where the minister said, “God must love soldiers because he takes our best.” “That is the feeling today. Jacob was one of our best in Connecticut,” he said. Cugno said he had not known the soldier prior to his death but that “when I read his background, it struck me that this young man always said he wanted to join and he wanted to die as a soldier.” Don Primavera of Ledyard remembered Martir-Gutierrez as a “happy-go-lucky kid” who was “very proud, quite proud of his achievements. He was ready to be in the Army.” Days before departing for Fort Hood, Texas, more than a year ago, Martir-Gutierrez visited Primavera’s copy center business in New London to say goodbye and show off his uniform. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Primavera. “I’ve been to two funerals for people killed in Iraq in two months. It’s tough.” Primavera’s brother-in-law, Walter J. Zbrzyski of Florida, was killed in June when a truck he was driving for private contractor Halliburton traveled over a suspected land mine. Teachers Memorial School Principal William Peckham and Janis Sawicki, who was assistant principal at Teachers when Martir-Gutierrez was a student there, both said they could easily recall young Jacob as a middle school student. Sawicki remembered his impish personality sways with a big mischievous grin and a good sense of humor. “He wasn’t mischievous in a mean sort of way,” Sawicki said. “He was just a nice kid,” Peckham recalled seeing his mother three years ago at the school when she came to register Jacob’s stepsister for sixth grade. She told the principal that Jacob was stationed at Fort Hood. “She came in and told us how proud she was of him,” Peckham said.
Memorialized on a monument at the intersection of Washington Street and Williams Street, Norwich, Connecticut.
Front (left) and back (right) of the monument. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
Specialist Martir-Gutierrez is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut; Section 23, Lot 148 Northside.
DOB/DOD: October 21, 1986 (Taipei, Taiwan) – September 3, 2006; 19 years old MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried LOCAL ADDRESS: Signal Hill Road; Wilton ENLISTMENT: July 5, 2005 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 11B10; Infantryman UNIT: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division; Fort Carson, Colorado
FAMILY: Born to William J. (1949-) and Shalini Madaras (1972-). One brother, Chris (1996-). One sister, Marie (1989-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Died of injuries sustained when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq. Killed on the same date as fellow Connecticut native Lance Corporal Philip A. Johnson, USMC.
OTHER: The namesake of Private First Class Nicholas A. Madaras Home and Kick For Nick Foundation. The Private First Class Nicholas A. Madaras Home is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for Women Veterans experiencing homelessness and their young children. Housed at the Madaras Home, which opened in 2011, are ten beds for Women Veterans and four beds, when available, for their young children. Kick For Nick supports U.S. troops and volunteer efforts in fostering peace and stability across the globe by delivering to underprivileged children the joy of play through the gift of a soccer ball donated in honor of Private First Class Nicholas A Madaras.
Wilton High School Class of 2005; Soccer team and yearbook photo
Nick Madaras with his brother Chris
From The Hartford Courant on September 6, 2006 By David Funkhouser | Courant Staff Writer
BOMB CLAIMS “SON OF WILTON” He’s 3rd State Serviceman To Die In Iraq In 9 Days
WILTON — Nicholas A. Madaras had plans for college, but he thought a stint in the Army would be good for him. His hometown is mourning him now, remembering the young man as a leader on the soccer field, a sharp student, and a caring person. Madaras, 19, a private first class, was on foot patrol with his 4th Infantry Division unit Sunday during a combat operation in the Iraqi town of Baqubah when a bomb exploded, fatally wounding him, according to the Defense Department. He is the third serviceman from Connecticut to have died in Iraq in a nine-day period. Madaras was scheduled to finish his tour in Iraq on October 24, three days after his 20th birthday. “Everybody here is very deeply saddened,” said Bob O’Donnell, associate principal at Wilton High School, from which Madaras graduated in 2005. “He was a good student, a great kid. It really is a tragic loss.” Madaras was the son of William J. and Shalini Madaras of Wilton and the older brother of Marie, a senior at Wilton High, and Christopher, a fourth-grader. His father referred questions to a National Guard spokesman Tuesday. Lieutenant Colonel John Whitford said the Guard notified the family of Madaras’s death Sunday evening, but he had no other information. First Selectman William F. Brennan said he and his wife expressed their condolences to the Madaras family on Monday. Brennan said his wife is an acquaintance of Shalini Madaras. “This is a very sad day for Wilton,” Brennan said. He ordered the town’s flags flown at half-staff “in respect for a beloved son of Wilton.” Governor M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday ordered U.S. and state flags, already at half-staff in honor of Marine Corporal Jordan C. Pierson, 21, of Milford, to remain at half-staff for Madaras and Lance Corporal Philip A. Johnson of Enfield. Johnson, 19, was killed Saturday by a roadside bomb. “This is a tremendously sad day for Connecticut,” Rell said Tuesday in a statement. On Monday, friends and family attended a memorial for Pierson, a member of Plainville-based Charlie Company, part of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, who was killed on August 25 in Fallujah. He is to be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery. Guidance counselor Dann Pompa worked closely with Madaras for the last two years he attended high school. Pompa recalled Madaras as a creative young man. “He was very genuine. A person who cared a lot about people, who related to both adults and peers,” Pompa said. “He was very introspective. There was a lot of depth in him.” Pompa said he received an email from Madaras at the end of last year discussing his plans to attend college and pursue a career in nursing. Jim Lewicki, Wilton’s head boys’ soccer coach, said Madaras started for the team for three years under former head coach Jim Cook, and he worked as the team manager when he stayed on an extra year at Wilton High. Madaras “was a quiet but intense” soccer player, Lewicki said. “He was a warrior — he worked his ass off, and he led by example.” He left for basic training soon after graduating, Lewicki said, and was recently home on leave. O’Donnell said the tight-knit school community was pulling together behind Madaras’ sister and the rest of the family. He remembered Madaras as “a sharp young man who was very caring, who cared for his friends and family.” Brennan did not know of any funeral arrangements as of Tuesday evening but said he understood it would take eight to 10 days for Madaras’s body to be returned home for burial.
From The Norwalk Hour on September 7, 2006
COMMUNITY OFFERS LOVE, SUPPORT TO MADARAS FAMILY
To the editor:
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Madaras family on the tragic loss of Nicholas A. Madaras. Simple words of condolence are not sufficient, nor can they convey the depth of respect and support that is being expressed from everyone in Wilton and throughout the state. Though there seems little that one can say at this difficult time, so many good-hearted citizens, however, have asked me to pass on to you and your family their love and appreciation for Nick’s life and for the supreme sacrifice he has made for all of us. Nothing prepares you for the sorrow of learning that such a young member of our community is lost. It is still a shock, and there is widespread grief that Nick’s life was taken so early. So many share in your grief and the deep sense of loss. They appreciate that he answered the call to help his country and that he was willing to risk everything to defend our values and way of life. They understand that regardless of politics or personal beliefs, it is not up to the soldier who is in harm’s way to question what the mission is. He accepts it and moves forward. They understand that young people like Nick, who possess the courage and dedication to meet this enormous challenge, are truly remarkable. Please know that the entire community of Wilton mourns with you and that we are here for you and your family. And it is our hope that this outpouring of love and support will, in some small way, sustain you.
State Representative Toni Boucher 143rd District
From Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs August 24, 2018 By Maria Pinel
Kick for Nick: A wish that lives on
SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS – At the heart of a soldier lies true Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Private First Class Nicholas Madaras embodied the traits of a true soldier who left behind a legacy that survives his loss. Madaras, a native of Wilton, Connecticut, enlisted in the U.S. Army after his high school graduation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As an ardent soccer player and youth coach, Madaras, inspired by talented children who improvised with tin cans to play in the Iraqi streets, dreamt of sharing his passion for the sport by donating soccer balls for them to play with. While visiting his parents during leave, he spoke to them about the children’s enthusiasm and asked them to send him a few balls to distribute upon his return. At 19 years old, one month after his leave, Private First Class Madaras was killed in Baqubah when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol on September 3rd, 2006, ending his wish of handing the soccer balls to the children he shared laughs with himself. Though Madaras’ life was lost, his initiative was not. It inspired his parents and Mr. Ken Dartley, a fellow Wilton native, to continue his legacy without imagining how one soldier’s story could touch the lives of children worldwide. Together, they created the Kick for Nick Foundation, an organization that collects soccer balls and donates them to children around the globe in honor of Private First Class Madaras, generating smiles, friendship, and a memory of goodwill with every ball. Honduras is one of the many countries that receive donations from Kick for Nick and deliver them with support from the Joint Task Force Bravo Civil Affairs office. The Civil Affairs team participates in multiple community outreach programs throughout the country and Central America, using these engagements as an opportunity to deliver soccer balls in some of the most austere and remote locations in the region. “Civil Affairs is the face of JTFB in the community. What we have done through JTFB and the Kick for Nick Foundation is link all these donations for children in vulnerable locations with social programs carried out not only by the task force but also by the government of Honduras,” said Iris Medina, JTF Bravo civil affairs specialist. During an engagement in San Pedro Sula, located in the Department of Cortes, Honduras, Medina met a young boy named Kenneth Fernandez who, like Nick, had a strong passion for soccer and dreams about being a professional player. “When I met Kenneth, he was just a little boy. His mom told me he liked playing soccer, so I gave him one of the balls and told him Nick’s story. Since then, I’ve been getting calls from his mom, and she tells me how, even after many years, this story still has an impact on him,” said Medina. Kenneth’s mother recalls how her son, 8 at the time, suffered from depression at a very early age and how he started to put more effort into soccer after hearing the story behind the soccer ball he received. “With a simple gift of a soccer ball, you can help a child out of a bad situation. This was his motivation; it really helped him a lot,” said Dania Rivera, Kenneth’s mom. “He remembers the story and says someday he will also give out soccer balls and that he will never forget where he got his motivation from.” Kenneth, who is now 13 years old, feels strongly about becoming a professional soccer player and trains every day to achieve his dream. We met in the Northern Military School in San Pedro Sula, where he first met Ms. Medina five years ago and where he was introduced to the legacy of Nick Madaras. “It was here in this school where Ms. Iris saw me and gave me the soccer ball. I thought it was weird that it had a name on it, so I asked her what it meant, and she told me the story of Nick Madaras. She told me he was a soldier and that he was passionate about soccer. During his time in Iraq, he saw kids who were good at soccer but played with cans and bottles, so it became his dream to give those kids soccer balls to play with. I was inspired by his good heart and his passion for soccer,” said Kenneth. San Pedro Sula is a city with warm people, a beautiful landscape, and a strong industry, but known for its high rates of violent crimes. This makes its population vulnerable, especially adolescents, who are likely to be exposed to gang activity at a very young age. Playing sports can decrease the chances for youths at risk of getting involved in crime and helps to instill personal discipline and values. Kenneth has made it his mission to become a motivator and role model for his friends at school, sharing Nick’s story and encouraging them to play. He also hopes to be able to give soccer balls and uniforms to underprivileged children himself when he is older. “I would bring Nick’s soccer ball to school, and my friends would ask who that was. Some of them didn’t like soccer, but once I told them the story, they would start playing with me,” said Kenneth. “I think it’s important to tell his story because of his good heart. Many kids would like to play, but they don’t have a ball, so they go out and do bad things instead. Soccer helps kids stay busy and focused. I was very inspired when I heard his story, and it motivated me because, to me, he represents a man with a good heart.” Through this act of kindness, the Kick for Nick Foundation causes an immeasurable impact, not just in rural areas of Honduras but in urban regions with potentially at-risk youths as well. This gift of the heart brings the joy of play and teamwork closer to children who may otherwise not have the possibility. “This is one of the programs that I treasure in my heart and that I have made my own,” said Medina. “It is an act of love towards others, and it is a legacy that Nick has left for children. Seeing a child smile is the best response we can get for what we do,” she said. Through Nick Madaras’s motivation and inspiration, the Kick for Nick Foundation has distributed more than 52,000 balls, surpassing what Nick could have imagined, bringing smiles to children not only in Iraq but in 47 countries all over the world. Every soccer ball that is delivered carries Nick’s name, continuing with this young soldier’s wish and spirit through the lives he has touched with his legacy.
Memorialized at the Wilton Connecticut YMCA, 404 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
Private First Class Madaras is buried in Hillside Cemetery, 165 Ridgefield Road, Wilton, Connecticut; Dana Section, Plot 1717, Grave #4.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt
The inscription reads:
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning’s hush, I am the soft, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight, I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there.
DOB/DOD: November 23, 1990 (New Milford, CT) – September 5, 2013; 22 years old MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried LOCAL ADDRESS: Farmers Lane; New Fairfield ENLISTMENT: 2008 AIR FORCE SPECIALTY CODE: 3P0X1; Security Forces UNIT: His Air National Guard Unit was the 105th Security Forces Squadron, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. He was assigned to Reaper Team 7, Maneuver Flight, 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Group, 445th Air Expeditionary Wing; Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The team from the 105th was integrated with the 820th Base Defense Group from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.
FAMILY: Born to Todd J. Sr. (1968-) and Linda Strid Lobraico Rohatsch (1968-) [both members of the New York Air National Guard]. One sister, Jessika M. Lobraico Fernandez (1988-). One half-brother, Nicholas J. (2002-). One stepsister, Haley Rohatsch (1992-), and one half-sister, Alexa Lobraico (2005-). Stepfather, Dr. Ralph R. “Rob” Rohatsch III (1966-). Stepmother, Dianne Debetta Lobraico (1976-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V device for valor, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with device, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the New York State Humane Service Medal.
CIRCUMSTANCES: The unit was conducting patrols via Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPs). They are light tactical vehicles used by the United States military to protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, and small arms. The mission was to get dropped off to “infil” (enter the area), patrol, and then meet the vehicles in another location to “exfil” (leave the area). TJ interrupted an enemy team and prevented an ambush that would have devastated his team. During the ensuing firefight, TJ was shot by small arms fire. He was evacuated but didn’t survive the incident.
OTHER: He was the last person from Connecticut to be lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the subject of the movie Family Mission: The TJ Lobraico Story.
New Fairfield High School Class of 2008
Contributed by TJ’s mother, Linda Rohatsch.
Photo, top, contributed by CTHM (Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial). TJ’s mother, Linda Rohatsch, contributed all others.
Citation to accompany the award of the Bronze Star Medal
TO Staff Sergeant Todd J. Lobraico Jr.
FOR
Staff Sergeant Todd J. Lobraico Jr. distinguished himself by heroism as Truck Commander, Reaper 7, Maneuver Flight, 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Group, 445th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on 5 September 2013. On that date, Sergeant Lobraico volunteered to establish a listening and observation post eight miles from base in known hostile enemy territory. Despite the inherent risks, he volunteered to take the point position on this mission, scouting ahead and providing security for his fire team. Sergeant Lobraico discovered a large, numerically superior insurgent force in the midst of establishing a planned combined rocket-propelled grenade, improvised explosive device, and small arms complex ambush of his fire team. With total disregard for his own safety, he placed himself directly between his fire team and the insurgents, who unleashed a hellish barrage of rocket, grenade, and small arms fire. Sergeant Lobraico took immediate and decisive actions while braving this intense enemy fire and was mortally wounded while directing the maneuver of his fire team to covered positions from which they could effectively defend themselves and return fire on the enemy positions. His actions were instrumental in gaining fire superiority and the survival of his team. Sergeant Lobraico’s remarkable heroism, valorous actions, and selfless commitment to his fellow Defenders resulted in the removal of numerous insurgents from the battlefield at the cost of his own life. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty in the service of his country, Sergeant Lobraico has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
WEBMASTER NOTE: When awarded for acts of heroism, the medal is awarded with the “V” device.
From The Hartford Courant on September 7, 2013 By Kelly Glista
STATE MAN DIES SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN
NEW FAIRFIELD — A 22-year-old graduate of New Fairfield High School who was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan was remembered Friday by school officials as a kind and dedicated young man. Todd James “TJ” Lobraico, a resident of Sherman, was a 2008 graduate of New Fairfield High, said First Selectman Susan Chapman. Sherman has no high school; students attend schools in nearby towns. “It was this compassion and sense of honor and duty that led him to proudly serve his country,” said Chris Welter, Lobraico’s former social studies teacher at the school. “Our community and our country have lost an amazing young man.” Lobraico was a staff sergeant in the Air Force, serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the US. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. His remains are expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday. The circumstances of his death were not immediately available. A press release from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Lobraico, a member of the New York Air National Guard, was killed in action on Thursday. Malloy ordered flags in the state to half-staff in the staff sergeant’s honor. “This loss reminds us of the dangers Lobraico faced by our men and women stationed overseas,” Malloy said. “We should all be grateful for their service and sacrifices to our country.” Lobraico’s mother, Diane Lobraico, was the New Fairfield tax collector until July, when she resigned, Chapman said. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the town senior center before the town’s 9/11 memorial ceremony. “He will be remembered for his smile and support of school programs,” said Alicia Roy, New Fairfield’s superintendent of schools. “We are proud of students who choose to join the military to defend the United States. We are deeply saddened when that commitment costs the ultimate sacrifice. We will always remember and be thankful for TJ’s dedication to our country.” In a statement issued Friday evening, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Lobraico “courageous and patriotic.” “Staff Sergeant Lobraico’s service and sacrifice should be a source of pride and gratitude for all of us,” he said. “Our hearts and prayers go to his family and loved ones as well as to the brave, dedicated men and women who continue to serve.”
From The Hartford Courant on September 9, 2013 By Jesse Leavenworth and Nicholas Rondinone
FOR HIS SERVICE Slain Air Force Staff Sergeant Honored At Vigil In Hometown
NEW FAIRFIELD — At a ceremony planned to honor the 12th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, scores of people came out to honor a native who died recently while deployed in Afghanistan. At a vigil outside the town’s senior center, members of the armed forces joined family, friends, and others who came out to remember Air Force Staff Sergeant Todd James “TJ” Lobraico Jr, 22, of New Fairfield, and also to honor the victims of 9/11. “The recent passing of Staff Sergeant TJ Lobraico serves as a reminder to everyone that we should never forget the events of (September 11],” said New Fairfield First Selectman Susan Chapman. “Our community has paid a high price for the events of that day, and I ask that we all never forget.” Lobraico was on his second combat tour when he was wounded by small arms fire near Bagram Airfield, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Defense. He was the first member of the New York Air National Guard to die in a combat zone since September 11, 2001, according to the release. Lobraico’s remains were expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday. A friend of Lobraico’s, John Pastore of New Fairfield, remembered him as a person who never turned down a request for help. “He was one of those kids that never said no to anything. … He always was willing to do anything,” Pastore said. “He helped those around him,” Pastore said. He remembered one time when he asked a dozen or so friends, including Lobraico, to help him move out of his apartment, and Lobraico was the only one who showed up. Friends at the vigil wore tuxedo T-shirts, a personal favorite of Lobraico’s, to honor their fallen friend, according to a friend who didn’t wish to have his name in the paper. Lobraico, a 2008 graduate of New Fairfield High School, was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Chaplain Eric Wishmar of the Connecticut Air Guard told those in attendance that his team fought much like the Army. Lobraico was sent with a team to Afghanistan at the end of June. Lobraico also had served in Iraq from December 2010 to June 2011, according to the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. In remarks, Wishmar noted Lobraico’s many service awards and medals, including the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal. “Sergeant Lobraico now joins the nearly 1 million other men and women who have died defending America since our nation’s founding,” Wishmar said. “His name will join the roll call faithfully shared by our veterans each year and those … who have laid down their life in service of our country.” “This fine, young airman had already served in a combat zone once before and knew the risks he was facing,” Colonel Timothy LaBarge, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, said. “Despite that, he did his job professionally and with courage. He will be missed by all who served with him and knew him.” Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered flags in Connecticut to half-staff in Lobraico’s honor. “This loss reminds us of the dangers faced by our men and women stationed overseas,” Malloy said. “We should all be grateful for their service and sacrifices to our country.” Lobraico was remembered by teachers as a kind young man who was involved in many charitable causes while at the high school. “It was this compassion and sense of honor and duty that led him to proudly serve his country,” his former social studies teacher, Chris Welter, said. “Our community and our country have lost an amazing young man.” “He will be remembered for his smile and support of school programs,’ Superintendent of Schools Alicia Roy said. “We are proud of students who choose to join the military to defend the United States. We are deeply saddened when that commitment costs the ultimate sacrifice. We will always remember and be thankful for TJ’s dedication to our country.” Lobraico comes from a military family. His father, Todd Lobraico, is an Air Force master sergeant who also serves with the 105th Security Forces Squadron, according to a news release from the New York state military affairs office. The senior Lobraico is also a Stamford police officer. The slain airman’s mother, Major Linda Rohatsch, commands the 105th Medical Group, the release said.
From AFCENT.AF.mil on September 9, 2013 By Tech Sergeant Rob Hazelett | 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Deployed 105 SFS remembers Dominguez, serve during 9/11 anniversary
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – September 11 is never too far from the hearts and minds of the 105th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) deployed here from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Through mementos and each other, they remember one unit member who was killed during the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day when three passenger airplanes were hijacked and flown into the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., while a fourth airplane was hijacked and crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Among those killed at the site of the World Trade Center was Staff Sergeant Jerome Dominguez, 105th SFS.
When Dominguez wasn’t wearing a US Air Force uniform for the New York ANG, he wore the uniform of the New York Police Department’s elite emergency service unit while he served and protected the people of New York City. He was an initial responder to the World Trade Center attack and was killed while evacuating people from the interior of WTC Tower #2 when it collapsed.
While twelve years have passed since the attack of September 11, deployed members from the 105th SFS keep the memory of their comrade alive by carrying an encased folded flag with a picture of Dominguez. The flag has been flown by the security forces personnel as they deploy around the world in support of operations to prevent future attacks on America.
“In addition to the flag, the team carries a historical folder documenting this practice through the years and deployment locations,” said Master Sergeant Anthony Kavouras, 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Reaper 7 NCO in charge of the tactical operations center, who knew Dominguez personally. “We have not forgotten to carry his memory with us everywhere we go.”
The quest to carry the mementos is inspirational, considering there were others there from the squadron in harm’s way after the buildings had fallen.
“I was one of the first responders to ground zero along with about 18 others who went there looking to see if we could rescue him,” said Kavouras, a native of the Bronx.
Other security forces members here added why it was important to them to be here serving on a deployment during the September 11th anniversary.
Master Sergeant Shawn Knowlton, 755 ESFS Reaper 4 squad leader, deployed from the 105th SFS, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, and a 19-year veteran, said he remembers vividly where he was on that day twelve years ago.
“I was in the North Carolina Air National Guard at the time. I woke up and reported to base for activation,” said Knowlton, a native from Watertown, New York, on his fifth deployment, and works as a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, when not on military orders. “I feel proud to serve on this date in a deployed location, representing the Air Force, Air National Guard, and state of New York.”
Another security forces service member said it was with great honor to be here during this time.
“The 105th SFS stands strong together and on the war on terrorism due to our member that was lost on 9/11,” said Technical Sergeant Michael Pacenza, 755 ESFS Reaper 7 squad leader, deployed from the 105th SFS, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, and a 10-year Air Force veteran from Newburgh, New York.
Technical Sergeant Christopher Drews, 755 ESFS 2nd in charge quick-reaction team 4, deployed from the 105th SFS, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, is a 13-year military veteran who has served five years in the NY Air National Guard.
“Never forget, history always repeats itself, and if there is one thing I have learned about history is that men don’t learn from history,” Drews said.
Drews works as a police officer in New York and hails from Brooklyn, New York. He is on his sixth deployment, two of which have overlapped with the September 11th anniversary.
Another security forces member who is on his second deployment during the September 11 anniversary remembers his inspiration for serving and said it was bittersweet being here.
Senior Airman Adrian Torres, 755 ESFS gunner 240 B for QRT4, deployed from the 105th SFS, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, joined the Air Force a short time after the attacks.
“Nothing can bring back all that was lost, affected, and changed after that day, but being here with the 105th shows everyone the unbreakable resiliency and perseverance we as New Yorkers have acquired after that day,” Torres said, who is a police officer for New York State’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “We never quit and never stay down or depressed no matter what. We are here to win and are motivated to do something positive here.
“My father is a fire lieutenant in the New York Fire Department and responded to the attacks while off duty. His actions later instilled in me a sense of selfless service and inspired me to become a police officer in New York and join the Guard,” said Torres, a 3-year Air Force veteran who hails from Queens, N.Y.
Torres said he was a college student at the time of the attacks and saw the towers fall from his block in Queens.
“I knew my father was there before the buildings had collapsed and honestly thought he wasn’t coming back home, but thankfully, he returned home, covered in debris, later that night.”
Through it all, they have never forgotten Dominguez. He was their friend who gave his life doing a job he loved, and his legacy remains with them wherever they go, especially with the mementos their unit carries with them to ensure his memory lives on.
For more information on Staff Sergeant Dominguez, please see the video linked below on YouTube featuring fellow 105th Security Forces officer Master Sergeant Frank Berlanga, who was a close friend of Dominguez.
During the writing of this article, the 105th SFS lost another security forces member, Staff Sergeant Todd ‘T.J.’ Lobraico, during an outside-the-wire mission here on September 5, 2013. In keeping with their tradition, the 105th SFS will now carry a flag in his honor.
From a phone conversation between the webmaster and Tony Kavouras, TJ Lobraico’s team chief [used with permission].
Tony Kavouras was the team leader for TJ Lobraico. TJ was his favorite troop, and Tony mentored him to get promoted to Staff Sergeant, which TJ had “pinned on” just a few days before the incident that took his life.
TJ expressed concern about how far away the teams would get from the trucks when they were patrolling. Tony also expressed that concern up the chain of command, but the missions continued to the same area repetitively. Because of that, the enemy figured out their routine.
On TJ’s final mission, he was acting as the spotter for the dog handler. During the mission, the dog sat down, which is an indication that there was a bomb nearby. TJ looked over a mud wall and was fired upon by the enemy on the other side, so he returned fire. In doing that, he was struck twice. Tony requested another team, Reaper 9, to infil, and they took fire as well. Along the way, the trucks became stuck, so a “9-line” [air evacuation] was called to get TJ out of the area and to medical attention.
“It was a hairy night. I knew it was him, but all I could think was, ‘Don’t let it be him,’” Tony said.
The 105th Security Forces Squadron is well known as a group of great personalities. Two of the six 105th teams integrated with the 820th Air Base Defense Group from Moody Air Force Base. TJ’s bunkmate was an 820th asset who wasn’t happy being on a blended team. “He and TJ became good friends, and he was devastated when he found out TJ didn’t make it. He even spoke at TJ’s service in the field,” Tony said.
Tony Kavouras feels like he lost a brother. He has regrets because the cost of the mission was preventable.
From Moody.AF.Mil
A memorial for U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Todd Lobraico Jr., 823d Base Defense Squadron, rests on display during the 2015 Safeside Reunion on April 11, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Lobraico was killed in action in September 2013 after discovering an Afghan insurgent force heading for his fireteam during a contingency mission outside of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman/Released)
Memorialized with a street naming in front of The Sherman School, where he attended.
Staff Sergeant Lobraico is buried in North Cemetery, 6 Church Road, Sherman, Connecticut.
DOB/DOD: June 30, 1977 (Danbury, CT) – July 6, 2007; 30 years old MARITAL STATUS: Married Donna M. Tyransky (1975-) on November 17, 2001, in Brookfield, Connecticut CHILDREN: Two sons, Jack C. (2002-) and Max (2004-). One daughter, Grace C. (2006-). LOCAL ADDRESS: Shamrock Drive; Brookfield ENLISTMENT: July 20, 1997 NAVY ENLISTED CLASSIFICATION: SO-5326; Special Warfare Operator UNIT: Naval Special Warfare Group 2 (NSWG-2), Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC); Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Virginia
FAMILY: Born to Dale Lewis (1953-) and Jean Mariano (1952-). One sister, Jennie F. Lewis Schell (1974-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ device for Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Battle ‘E’ Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal w/ two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), Global War on Terrorism Medal (Service), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ two Bronze Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal – Afghanistan, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal.
CIRCUMSTANCES: PO1 Lewis died from wounds received in Iraq from a bomb detonation under a Humvee he was riding in. Also killed in the incident:
Navy Petty Officer First Class Steven P. Daugherty; Barstow, California Navy Petty Officer First Class Robert R. McRill; Lake Placid, Florida
The namesake of VFW Post 10201, 202 Candlewood Lake Road, Brookfield, Connecticut.
Photo from the post along Candlewood Lake contributed by John Kennedy of VFW Post 10201
The Plaque reads:
Jason D. Lewis Chief Special Warfare Operator Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 Post renamed on 13 December 2018 KIA: 6 July 2007 Baghdad, Iraq Remembered for his and his family’s sacrifice
Murdock High School, Winchendon, Massachusetts; Class of 1996
Photos above contributed by David Fredette, Principal, Murdock High School.
Photos contributed by Jason’s mother, Jean Mariano.
Citation to accompany the award of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Assault Team Leader for a highly sensitive Joint Task Force operation in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 6 July 2007. Petty Officer Lewis displayed heroic bravery in the face of the enemy. His team completed a direct action operation targeting high-value individuals with follow-on tasking to recover an unattended sensor. After completing actions on the objective and as the convoy evacuated from the objective area, the task unit was ambushed while entering a channelized area. The convoy was then struck by an explosive device that pierced the high mobility multi-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) cabin, sheared the .50 caliber machine gun barrel, and penetrated the troop compartment area where Petty Officer Lewis was located. Bravely exposing himself to enemy fire, Petty Officer Lewis was mortally wounded in a heroic attempt to provide additional security to his team. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Lewis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
From Legacy.com
Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Dale Lewis of the United States Navy SEALs of Virginia Beach, Va., formerly of Brookfield, beloved husband of Donna (Tyransky) Lewis, died of injuries sustained in combat. He was born in Danbury on June 30, 1977, the cherished son of Jean Mariano of New Milford and Dale Lewis. Jason lived in Brookfield for most of his life. He enjoyed fly fishing, rock climbing, cycling, and all outdoor activities. He was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family. In addition to his parents and his wife, Donna, he will be sadly missed by his three children: Jack, Max, and Grace; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Frances Mariano of Brookfield; his sister, Jennie Schell and her husband, Kenneth, of New Milford; his mother and father-in-law, Jack and Doris Tyransky, of Brookfield; his sister-in-law, Kerri Eannarino and her husband, Brett, of Brookfield. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at the First Assembly of God in Brookfield on Saturday, July 14, 2007, at 11 a.m. Burial in Center Cemetery, New Milford, with full military honors, will follow. The family will receive friends at the First Assembly of God on Friday, July 13, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Cornell Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorialized on Bridge #03929 on Silvermine Road and Route 7 in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Memorialized with a bench at Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, Connecticut.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt
Petty Officer Lewis is buried in Center Cemetery, 6 Poplar Street, New Milford; Section 5A, Lot 238.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt
This bench in another area of the cemetery was donated to the cemetery by Jeffrey McBreairty.
DOB/DOD: May 13, 1978 (Santa Clara, CA) – May 3, 2006; 27 years old MARITAL STATUS: Married Autumn L. Crane (1977-) on April 21, 2001, in Indianapolis, Indiana CHILDREN: One son, Dillon S. (2003-) LOCAL ADDRESS: Pendleton Road; New Britain ENLISTMENT: June 6, 1999 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0302; Infantry Officer
FAMILY: Born to Milton R. (1955-) and Nellie June Letendre (1956-). Two brothers, Justin P. (1979-) and Nicholas A. (1991-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V device for Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with V device for Valor, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with device, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with device, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Killed in Action when a suicide car bomber attacked his observation post in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
Potomac High School (Dumfries, VA); Class of 1996. He was voted “Best Personality” in his senior year.
Photos contributed by Melissa Bankert, Director of Student Activities, Potomac Senior High School.
Milligan College (Elizabethton, TN); Class of 2000
Photos are from FindAGrave.com and contributor Elizabeth Reed and CTHM (Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial).
From the Elizabethton (Tennessee) Star on May 10, 2006
MILLIGAN GRADUATE KILLED IN IRAQ
Captain Brian S. Letendre, a 2000 graduate of Milligan College, was killed May 3 when a suicide car bomber attacked his observation post in Al Anbar province, west of Baghdad, according to the Department of Defense. He was 27 and had just volunteered for his second tour in Iraq. Letendre grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia, and attended Milligan College from 1997-2000, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in communications. There, he met and married his wife, Autumn Crane Letendre, a 1999 Milligan graduate from Indianapolis. They married in 2001 and have a 3-year-old son, Dillon. Letendre was commissioned a lieutenant by the Marine Corps in May 2000 following his graduation from Milligan. He trained to become a military infantry officer and was part of the force that invaded Iraq in 2003. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Valor. After returning from Iraq in 2003, Letendre was assigned to be the inspector-instructor for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, a Marine Reserve unit headquartered in Plainville, Connecticut. His job was to prepare the unit’s members for deployment. When the unit was called up recently for its first Iraq duty, Letendre voluntarily joined them for a second tour. “Brian was an extremely hard worker. He was very determined in everything he did,” said Dr. Bruce Montgomery, associate professor of communications at Milligan and Letendre’s academic advisor. Montgomery, who will officiate at the funeral service and burial, got to know Brian and Autumn well through his role as chaplain of the Milligan soccer teams and through his speech and communications courses. Besides his wife and son, Letendre is survived by his parents, Milton and June Letendre of Woodbridge, Virginia, and two brothers, Justin and Nick. Letendre’s father-in-law, Larry Crane of Indianapolis, is a 1971 Milligan alumnus. His wife’s grandparents, Earl and Ann Griffith of Bluff City, Tennessee, are also Milligan alumni. Funeral services will be held next week in Woodbridge, Virginia, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery. At the family’s request, a soccer scholarship fund has been established in Letendre’s memory at Milligan College. Contributions may be sent to the Captain Brian S. Letendre Memorial Soccer Scholarship, Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682.
From The Hartford Courant on May 11, 2006
Captain Brian S. Letendre, USMC, 27, died in Iraq on (May 3, 2006) while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province. He was born on May 13, 1978, in Stanford, California, but spent his childhood in Woodbridge, VA. Brian attended Rippon Elementary and Middle School and graduated from Potomac High School in 1996. Brian was an excellent student, the captain of the varsity soccer team, and participated in other extracurricular activities. He continued to play soccer on scholarship while attending Milligan College in Tennessee, where he also met his future wife, the former Autumn Crane from Indiana. During the summer of 1999, Brian attended the Platoon Leader Course at Quantico Marine Base, Virginia. After graduating from Milligan in May 2000 with a degree in Computer Science, Brian was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, USMC. He then attended the Basic School and Infantry Officer Course at Quantico in 2001; he and Autumn were married that spring in Indiana. Brian was then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and served tours in Okinawa, Japan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Commander participating in the liberation of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The day before he crossed the border into Iraq, Autumn gave birth to their son, Dillon. Upon his return to the States, Brian was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve’s Inspector and Instructor active-duty staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Plainville, Connecticut, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on January 1, 2005. He then volunteered to join a newly formed elite unit to advise and instruct an Iraqi Battalion in combat operations. As the Infantry Tactics Instructor, Brian trained with this team for four months before returning to Iraq in April 2005. He was recognized throughout his military career as an exceptional leader and was awarded multiple citations and medals, including the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V,” the Army Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. In addition to his wife, Autumn, and their son, Dillon (3), of Indianapolis, Indiana. Brian is also survived by his parents, Milt and June Letendre of Woodbridge, Virginia; his brothers Justin Letendre and Nicholas Letendre; paternal grandfather, Milton Letendre and wife Colleen Letendre of Spencer Massachusetts; maternal grandmother Marie E. Letendre (1934-1978), Paternal grandmother Nellie Ryan of Ocala, Florida, paternal grandfather Joseph Ryan (1936 -2003), sister-in-law, Bonnie Letendre and a nephew Tristan Letendre, a niece Cadence Letendre and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends who will miss him dearly. Local memorial services will be held Friday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. at the West Hartford United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 14, at Mount Castle Funeral Home at 4143 Dale Blvd. Dale City, Virginia, from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15, at 7:30 a.m. at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge, Virginia, followed by burial at Arlington Cemetery with military honors. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Autumn Letendre, 5022 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46224. And Milt and June Letendre, 16013 Laconia Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22191. Condolences may be sent to Mount Castle Funeral Home (listed above). In lieu of financial contributions, donations can be made payable to the “Dillon Letendre Trust Fund,” The Law Office of Michelle Jackson, 155 E Market St, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or the “Brian S. Letendre Soccer Scholarship, Milligan College,” Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682.
Less than nine months after presenting a Purple Heart medal and certificate in Glastonbury on August 11 to the mother of a Marine killed in Iraq, Marine Captain Brian S. Letendre, third from left in this file photo, himself was slain on Wednesday in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Receiving the items was Anita Dziedzic, mother of Sergeant David J. Coullard; at left, her husband, Greg Dziedzic; at right, Staff Sergeant Darren M. Murphy. (Photo by Rick Hartford)
Memorialized at Field #1 Howison Homestead Soccer Complex, 14716 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia; article from WhatsUpWoodbridge.com on June 13, 2016
WOODBRIDGE SOCCER FIELD NAMED FOR FALLEN MARINE
Over the weekend, a soccer field in Woodbridge was named for a fallen Marine. Marine Captain Brian Letendre, a Potomac High School graduate and avid soccer player, was killed while fighting in Iraq in 2006, according to Prince William County Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Dianne Cabot Wahl. “Brian was killed in the line of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was one of the very first young people that we lost in service – service people that we lost – at the beginning of the war,” said Cabot Wahl. Letendre, who left behind a wife and young son, was involved with Prince William Soccer, Inc. in his childhood, and the field naming was a way for the organization to honor his service and love of the sport. After a long approval process, the regulation-size turf field No. 1, which is a part of the Howison Homestead Soccer Complex at 14716 Minnieville Road, was named the Brian Letendre Field. “The field that [we named] for him was actually one of the fields that he used to practice on,” said Cabot Wahl. During the dedication ceremony, Prince William Soccer Executive Director Mike Yeatts spoke about Letendre, and American Legion Post 290’s Color Guard performed.
Photos contributed by Amir from the office of Prince William County Parks & Recreation.
Memorialized at the Prince William County Complex’s Freedom Park at 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, Virginia.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
Memorialized on Bridge #04247 at High Street and Route 72 in New Britain, Connecticut.
Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
Memorialized at USMC Memorial Park, Sunnyslope Drive and Pendleton Road, New Britain, Connecticut.
Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
On a weathered plaque in the park, the following is written:
Captain Brian S. Letendre U.S.M.C. Memorial Park
In Memory of Captain Brian S. Letendre Killed in action while conducting combat operations against Enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on May 3, 2006 Dedicated the 8th day of March 2008 As Petitioned to the City of New Britain by Captain Letendre’s Neighbors and Friends In Honor of His charismatic leadership, his focused and motivational impact on civilians as witnessed in his inspirational 2005 Memorial Day Services Keynote Address in Fairview Cemetery honoring fallen veterans. And for his endearing nature and the strong connections he developed while living at 131 Pendleton Road in New Britain for the 18 months he was stationed in Plainville.
Achievements
Officer Candidates School, Quantico Graduate of Infantry Officer’s Course Served with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Completed three deployments:
Okinawa, Japan Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq
Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Graduate of Survival (SERE) School Sector Instructor for Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division at the Marine Reserve Center in Plainville January 1, 2005 – Promoted to Captain Re-Deployed to Iraq as Iraqi Tactics Instructor
Medal/Awards: Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Second Award), Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal & Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Third Award)
Survived by his wife, Autumn, son Dillon, parents Milton and June Letendre and brothers Justin and Nick Letendre Remembered by his peers as an exemplary Marine officer, as well as a great father, Brian followed his heart. Brian was a kind, compassionate young officer who loved his country and his family. He served his men and their families honorably during some of their most challenging times. He believed that being in Iraq was right, and that no one should resist the chance to liberate Another human being, even if it meant putting his life on the line.
He was a consummate Marine and a True American Hero
“SEMPER FIDELIS” “Always Faithful”
Faithful to Our Nation, To Each Other, To the Cause We Serve
Captain Letendre is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia; Section 60, Site 8328.
DOB/DOD: December 12, 1987 (Arecibo, Puerto Rico) – December 8, 2009 (San Antonio, TX); 21 years old MARITAL STATUS: Married Frances Figueroa (1988-) on May 29, 2007, in Waterbury, Connecticut. CHILDREN: One son, Javier (2007-) LOCAL ADDRESS: Hillside Avenue; Waterbury ENLISTMENT: June 28, 2005 [17 years old] MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0341; Mortar Man
FAMILY: Born to Daniel LaTorre Sr. (1958-) and Nicolasa Lasalle (1964-). One brother, Daniel Jr. (1986-). One sister, Nicole M. (1991-). His name is pronounced SAY-kob Lah-TOR-ay.
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with device, Iraq Campaign Medal with two devices, Global War On Terrorism Medal (Service), and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two devices.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Corporal LaTorre died on December 8, 2009, in Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, from wounds received by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on August 10, 2009, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
OTHER: Nicolasa Granados (mother): There are so many wonderful, positive memories about my son that I can’t decide which one to share. One thing is for sure, although his life was short, he has deeply touched many people during his short time with us. A memory of my son that I will never forget was one time when we all went together to eat at a local Mexican restaurant in Waterbury, CT. I can remember it as if it were now. (Lol.) As soon as we arrived at the restaurant and sat down at a table, Xhacob, who was only five years old at the time, started making jokes, making us all laugh. Next to us, there was a table with ten people. They listened to Xhacob’s jokes and laughed, too. The owner of the restaurant came to our table to see what was going on, and that’s when Xhacob looked at the owner and asked for a job. The owner looks at him and smiles, asking Xhacob, what kind of work could you do? Xhacob didn’t hesitate and responded by saying, “Oh, I can work as a comedian.” The owner looks at him like, “Are you sure?” Then, the owner made a proposal to Xhacob. He told Xhacob, “If you can make everyone at the next table laugh, I will think about getting you a job.” Of course, Xhacob, without feeling fear or hesitation, approached the next table and started making jokes, making everyone laugh out loud. Here comes the good part: a man who was sitting at the table told Xhacob,” For every joke you make that makes us laugh, I will give you a dollar for each of us.” Now, remember, there were ten people sitting at the table. What does that mean? Xhacob was able to earn ten dollars that night just for being a comedian. When Xhacob came to our table, the gentleman came with him and told us that we should bring Xhacob to New York for a stand-up comedy contest. He said Xhacob was very good at it. Xhacob was very happy with the great result. I had won ten dollars. I noticed Xhacob was looking around, so I asked him who or what he was looking for. He said, “Oh, I’m looking for the owner because I have a business proposal for him.” As soon as Xhacob saw the owner, he called him to our table. Then, Xhacob asks the owner, “Are you going to give me a job? I can be a very good comedian.” The owner looks at him, smiles, and asks Xhacob, “OK, how am I going to pay you if you’re just a kid?” Xhacob responds by saying, “Oh, no problem, sir, you can pay me back with food.” We all laugh. The owner told him, “You can come back when you are old enough to work, and in the meantime, I will think about it.” Xhacob got very excited because he thought he had a job waiting for him. Xhacob was very special. He had a touch that no matter how sad someone might be, he would find a way to make them smile or laugh somehow. When Xhacob was at BAMC in San Antonio, TX, after his legs were amputated, he was doing therapy. Suddenly, he started crying, and the nurses thought he was crying because of pain and said, ” We stop if it hurts so much?” Xhacob looked at her and said, “I’m not crying because I’m in pain. I’m crying because my brothers and sisters are dying abroad for us.” The nurse could not hold back her tears and cried along with him. He touched every person who works with him or who visits other patients on the same floor.
I want people to remember him as a beautiful person inside and out. Full of affection, passion, and love for others. Especially for those who had the great opportunity and were blessed to know him as a friend, brother, son, and father. Xhacob had a heart of gold. He was unique. He will be remembered forever.
From Carmen Lasalle (aunt): I was like a second mom to Xhacob. Two things that Xhacob was always: thanks Auntie so much for giving him the best holidays ever. Then we would hug. Then I planned his wedding. He had asked a month before if I could plan his wedding, and of course, I was not going to say no. So, my sister Jessica and I did all the planning. I thank God always for allowing me to be part of these special times with him. He was a very special young man and a blessing in our lives.
Crosby High School, Class of 2005
Photo on above from CTHM (Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial).
Javier LaTorre, son.Source is unknown
Marine Corporal Xhacob LaTorre, 21, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He died December 8, 2009, of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Xhacob LaTorre enjoyed making people happy. “You could be sad. You could be crying, but he would look for a way to make you laugh,” said his mother, Nicole LaSalle. The 21-year-old Marine corporal even joked around some in his hospital room after being severely wounded during combat in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in 2008. LaTorre, who was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, succumbed to his injuries in 2009. It was just four days before his 22nd birthday and one day after being awarded the Purple Heart. The Waterbury, Connecticut native joined the Marines three days after graduating from Crosby High School in 2005. He was deployed twice to Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan, where he sustained wounds so severe that his legs had to be amputated. LaTorre was married to his high school sweetheart, Frances LaTorre. They have a son, 1½-year-old Javier, whom family members say has a strong resemblance to his father. “To me, it’s like he never left,” said LaTorre’s brother, Danny LaTorre, also a Marine corporal. “Seeing his son is seeing him grow up all over again.”
From the Record-Journal (Meriden, CT) on September 27, 2015 By Bobby Martinez | (Waterbury) Republican-American
FALLEN MARINE TO RECEIVE TRIBUTE
WATERBURY (AP) — It’s been six years since Xhacob LaTorre was killed in a combat explosion in Afghanistan. After months of slipping in and out of a coma, LaTorre died on December 8, 2009, four days before his 22nd birthday. Later this month, LaTorre will be remembered at the 11th biennial Fallen Heroes Memorial Tribute at Indian Ledge Park in Trumbull. LaTorre graduated from Crosby High School in 2005 and was an active member of the school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Three days after graduation, he joined the Marines. LaTorre’s aunt, Carmen LaSalle of Waterbury, said her nephew is deeply missed, and she will never forget her memories of LaTorre. “He was a lovable, responsible, and caring young man,” LaSalle said. “He would do for others before he would do for himself. He was extremely family-oriented, and I can say he was the light of my eyes.” LaSalle recalled a time shortly before LaTorre returned to Afghanistan. LaTorre made a chilling prediction to Carmen. “The last time he came,” Carmen said, pausing. “He came to visit on May 10, 2009, which was the last time we saw him. He came and said his goodbyes before leaving. He had this feeling he wasn’t going to make it back. But he said it was his duty and it was what he had signed up for and knew the risk.” His wife and 6-year-old son live in Texas with LaTorre’s mother, Nicole LaSalle. In January 2010, LaTorre’s mother and his brother Danny spoke with The Associated Press. His mother said he was always positive and did everything he could to put a smile on someone’s face. “You could be sad. You could be crying,” Nicole LaSalle said. “But he would look for a way to make you laugh.” Danny, also a Marine, said, “To me, it’s like he never left. Seeing his son is seeing him grow up all over again.” LaTorre would have turned 29 on December 12. Mike Mastroni, president and founder of the Fallen Heroes Memorial, celebrates the work of fallen soldiers like LaTorre by honoring them in his biennial tribute, which is aimed to show respect and honor to the local soldiers who died in service. “To me, it is a great way to show respect to not only the families but also the soldiers who passed,” Mastroni said. Two other local fallen heroes who died in combat will be recognized: Private First Class Thomas E. Donovan of Norwich, who died March 23, 1968, and Lance Corporal Tyler O. Griffin of Voluntown, who died April 1, 2010. Also, six World War II combat heroes will be honored: Staff Sergeant Peter Butkevich, Staff Sergeant Dave Evans, Corporal Joseph Misinonile, Corporal Frank Pagliaro, Private First Class John Parlegreco, and Lieutenant Commander Chuck Standard.
In May 2010, Corporal Xhacob LaTorre was honored in his native country and hometown of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. His name was placed with honor on the “Monumento El Soldado Caido” (Monument to the Fallen Heroes). The monument is modeled after William Feliciano, who served in the 65th Infantry in Europe during World War II. Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he erected a monument to the fallen in the town of Lajas. The design of the monument was prepared by engineer Luis Rodríguez Detrés free of charge. It was agreed that the soldier would be placed at the top of the monument’s pedestal and would be its perpetual guardian. On February 7, 1955, the monument was unveiled in the Plaza de Recreo in Lajas with the participation of the entire town of Lajas. Upon unveiling it, it was handed over to American Legion Post No. 82 so that, in coordination with the Municipal Administration, whose Mayor that year was the Hon. Salvador Ramírez, they could be its custodians. In 1982, the monument was moved to Vivoni Park and remained there for 12 years. In 1994, the monument was moved to its original site in the Juan Ramírez Ortiz Recreation Plaza in Lajas.
Honored on the City of Waterbury (CT) Global War On Terrorism Memorial
Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
Corporal Latorre is buried in Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut; Section 78, Row A, Plot 1.
DOB/DOD: July 24, 1982 (Waterbury, CT) – October 10, 2007; 25 years old MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried LOCAL ADDRESS: Quarry Hill Road; Killingworth ENLISTMENT: November 2, 2004 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 74D; Chemical Operations Specialist UNIT: Company E, 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division; Fort Richardson, Alaska
FAMILY: Born to Karen M. Lantieri (1956-2003). Half-sisters, Rachael M. Durette (1975-) and Amy L. Durette Begnal (1976-). Foster parents, Jonathan (1946-) and Kathleen Miller (1949-). One foster sister, Sarah M. Miller Greenaway (1974-). One foster brother, David Miller (1972-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two devices, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Service), Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge (Basic), Chemical Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Sergeant Lantieri died from injuries suffered when he was pinned between two vehicles in Iskandariyah, Iraq, south of Baghdad.
OTHER: Sergeant Lantieri was a proud Paratrooper and a member of the Personal Security Detachment for the Explosive Ordnance Team. He also played a vital role in transporting detainees to the Brigade Detention Holding Area and in numerous combat Logistic Patrols throughout AO Eindhoven. He approached his job with eagerness and courage and was always quick to lend his assistance and knowledge to the mission at hand. Sergeant Lantieri always maintained the highest standards of integrity. He left a lasting impression on many lives. [GoldStarFamilyRegistry.com]
Photos contributed by Maryanne Lantieri Healy.
Left, Haddam-Killingworth High School Class of 2000; Junior year picture. Right, Western New England College Class of 2004. Photos contributed by Maryanne Lantieri Healy.
Photos contributed by Maryanne Lantieri Healy.
From the Associated Press By Dave Collins
SOLDIER FROM KILLINGWORTH DIES IN ACCIDENT IN IRAQ
HARTFORD, Connecticut — An Army paratrooper who grew up in Killingworth died in Iraq when he was accidentally pinned between two vehicles this week, his family said October 11. Sergeant Jason Lantieri, 25, joined the Army two years ago and was due home in December for a break, said his mother, Kathleen Miller of Clinton. She said a military official came to her home on October 10 morning to tell her that her son had died on October 9 in an accident. “We don’t have all the details,” Miller said in a phone interview. “Our family is devastated. He was a pretty special person, full of fun, full of life. He went into the service looking for an adventure.” Military officials said that Lantieri was injured during late-night vehicle maneuvers near Iskandariya, which is about 30 miles south of Baghdad. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to Echo Company, 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Richardson, Alaska. Lantieri was supposed to come home over the summer, but his unit’s deployment was extended, Miller said. Lantieri graduated from Haddam-Killingworth High School in 2000 and earned a business degree from Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. He was serving with the Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Baghdad, state officials said. Miller said her son’s body will be returned to the U.S. in five to seven days. She said the family tentatively plans a memorial service at Haddam-Killingworth High School. A date has not been set. Governor M. Jodi Rell ordered Connecticut and U.S. flags flown at half-staff until Lantieri is buried. “I ask that we unite as a state to honor the sacrifice that Sergeant Lantieri has made on our behalf,” Rell said in a statement. Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Charlie Macunas, who was also Lantieri’s middle school social studies teacher, said he held a solid “B” average while playing on the high school’s soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. “He worked hard academically, but you could always tell it was hard for him to sit still. He was a bundle of energy,” Macunas said of Lantieri, who also served on the school’s student council for two years. Macunas described Lantieri as outgoing and quick to smile and said his candor was disarming. “One of the things that I admired about him was that he didn’t try to hide anything. If he didn’t have his homework, he’d come right out and say, ‘I forgot to do it.’ As a teacher, I admired that honesty and integrity,” Macunas said. Lantieri was the 39th military member with Connecticut ties to die in Iraq and Afghanistan since the wars began in 2002. The last, Army Private First Class Andre Craig of New Haven, died in Iraq in June. Two Connecticut civilians have also died. Miller said Lantieri had a difficult early childhood with his biological family in the Naugatuck-Waterbury area. She did not want to elaborate. She and her husband, Jon, adopted him, and he grew up in the Miller family with a brother and sister. He worked a couple of jobs before joining the Army. His mother believes he enlisted because he was looking for adventure and wanted to see the world. “I think he was anxious to travel and explore,” Kathleen Miller said. After they learned of his death, Lantieri’s friends posted notes on his MySpace.com page, calling him a hero. In a MySpace posting in January, Lantieri described traveling around Europe during a 15-day break from Iraq. He said Europe was beautiful, and he raved about the Coliseum, the Louvre, and the food. He wrote: “Europe is a great place to just live for the day and the moment. For now, I will say Arrivederci, Auf Wiedersehen, and Au Revoir to Europe, but the next time around, I’ll be bringing Chuck Norris.”
From The Hartford Courant on October 14, 2007
Jason Lantieri, a young man from Connecticut and an Army sergeant, died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday (October 10, 2007) in an accident. He was 25. Jason was born in Waterbury on July 24, 1982. He spent his early childhood in Naugatuck and then moved to Killingworth, where he graduated from Haddam-Killingworth High School and played basketball, soccer, and baseball. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Western New England College in Springfield. Jason enlisted in the Army in 2005, and he was sent to Iraq in 2006. He was promoted to sergeant while in Iraq, and Jason was due to come home in December 2007. Jason’s vivid spirit and mischievous nature left their mark. Here’s one story told by Jason’s best friend, Steve Haeckel. One day, while playing golf with friends, Jason belly-flopped into a pond on the fairway of the eighteenth hole as a thunderstorm approached. “We’re going to get wet anyway,” Jason said. There was almost nothing Jason wouldn’t try, and there was no dare Jason wouldn’t take. Jason’s contagious smile and his permanent optimism pulled him out of plenty of scrapes. Throughout his short life, Jason always dreamed big and lived life to the fullest. Jason was an avid fan of many sports, but waffle ball had a special place in his heart. His waffle ball bats, customized with electrical tape and all sorts of gewgaws, were a perfect example of Jason’s tinkering. He always had a good idea of how to make things better, faster, and stronger. Jason is survived by a large family: his parents, Jon and Kathy Miller, and his brother and sisters, David Miller, Sarah Greenaway, and Rachel and Amy Durette. He was “Uncle Jay” to seven nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmothers. Jason’s mother, Karen Lantieri, died several years ago. Jason’s many friends around the world are devastated by the loss. The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, at the field house of the Haddam-Killingworth High School, 95 Little City Road, Higganum. Services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 18, at the High School, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Jason Lantieri Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Steve Haeckel, 134 Salem Drive, Cromwell, CT 06416. Swan Funeral Home Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
From The Hartford Courant on October 19, 2007 By Jesse Hamilton | Courant Staff Writer
KILLINGWORTH — Jason Lantieri was 25, but he lived two lives. Troubled youth and successful student. Ward of the state and beloved son. Soldier and charming rogue. The man who grew up in Killingworth was always of two worlds. Now, he’s in the granite garden of Evergreen Cemetery. And, for so many, he’s a prized memory. Sergeant Lantieri died last week after a trucking accident south of Baghdad. He was buried Thursday in the town that hosted his rebirth. The people of Killingworth came out, mixing with uniformed troops and veterans. The damp-eyed hundreds gave Lantieri the burial of a hero — a tragic and lofty day for a man whose childhood left him with so much to overcome. The native of Waterbury was 11 when the state took custody of him from his mother. He had a difficult start, a boyhood suspended in the state’s foster care system. But the Miller family of Killingworth soon took him in. They would have adopted the boy known as “Jay,” they said, but his mother was still alive then. So, before Lantieri was grown, he knew what it was to live on two sides of a rift. He was a Lantieri and a Miller. Through the years, he gave up neither. He called Jon and Kathy Miller mom and dad, but he still spent time with the family of his blood. His grandmother, Ann Lantieri, said she saw him often in his childhood, though mostly on holidays after his mother, Karen, died. “I loved him, loved him dearly,” Ann Lantieri said. But she said the Millers “did a wonderful job with him.” When she saw him excelling later in school and sports, she said, “I couldn’t believe this was our Jason.” Her daughter and Jason’s aunt, Maryanne Healy, called the Millers “an answer to our prayers.” He went to Western New England College and got a business degree, and Allyn Chase, who lived next door to the Millers and is an administrator at the college, said the school bears “quiet, subtle evidence that Jason contributed a lot.” But something else called Lantieri, and he decided to join the Army. Serious and goofy. Mischief maker and honor roll student. A son of Connecticut and an Alaskan, as he reported to a unit based in that state. He went to Iraq for a yearlong tour, which was extended. He was coming home at the end of this year. When news came to Connecticut of his death on October 10, two worlds crashed down. His flag-blanketed casket was rolled Thursday into the Haddam-Killingworth High School gymnasium, where he had sweated and fought on the basketball court. The huge room went silent. The casket was wheeled to the front of the crowd, and the ceremony began. Songs and prayers. Light jokes and sorrow. His sister in the Miller family, Sarah Greenaway, told how she thought of him as a modern Huck Finn. “Jason, too, never lost his boyhood spirit.” She said she pictured him on a raft in heaven. “Make the raft big,” she said. “Lots of us here are counting on a spot beside you.” Then, a sister from his other family spoke. For Rachael Durette, Jason was at her shoulder, telling her not to get so emotional. “I’m trying to remember that he doesn’t want us to cry.” Friends got on the stage and wept. Then Jon and Kathy Miller rose, and he spoke about his son’s constant reach for the next thing in his life. As they returned to their seats, Kathy Miller stopped at the casket and touched it for a moment with both hands. The funeral procession from the school to Evergreen Cemetery snaked through the ripened trees of fall, past white houses, and red barns. Mothers and children came to the ends of their driveways and waved flags. The fire and ambulance crews came out and stood at attention on Route 81. Two firetruck ladders crossed over the road, draping a giant American flag. The hearse passed Halloween decorations and kids playing soccer, as Lantieri had. Signs along the road read, “Thank you, Sergeant Lantieri.” At the cemetery, full military honors. A chaplain conducted the graveside service, and soldier pallbearers folded the casket’s flag to give to Kathy Miller. The crowd jumped as the rifle salute banged, and people wept to the notes of Taps. Friends and two families said goodbye and trickled away, leaving the funerary professionals to finish the burial. The Lantieri family went to dinner, gathering at the same restaurant they had taken Jason to before he headed to Iraq. That dinner more than a year ago saw Jason Lantieri doing what he often did, making one of his families feel as if he wasn’t split in two, working his way around the whole table, spending time with everyone. “It was just wonderful,” his aunt, Maryanne, said. “I think he wanted to please both sides so much,” she said of his families. “When we were together, he just made the most of it.” Thursday night, her family was there again, telling stories about him and raising glasses. But they still have one more goodbye. Today, as state flags return to the tops of their poles after his burial, Lantieri will be memorialized in another service at 11 a.m. His Lantieri family planned this one in their part of the state, at St. Francis of Assisi church in Naugatuck. They want this for their own Jason Lantieri, the unruly kid who found a steadiness. The man who was focused and a wanderer. Loved and lost. Two memorials for two lives.
From Legacy.com
I was lucky enough to know Jay – I graduated with him from Western New England College in 2004. Jay was in my circle of friends from the very beginning. Jay was just a great person. It’s so hard to describe how amazing he really was, and I’m sad I never had the chance to tell him. He always wore the biggest smile on his face and could make a room full of people laugh. He had the determination to succeed and never asked anyone for anything. Losing Jay seems unreal, and it won’t be real until we lay him to rest. I always said with pride that I had friends serving in Iraq but never fully comprehended the danger they were truly in. My heart goes out to those who have already lost a loved one and to those who still have loved ones serving. Jay will never be forgotten, and I have realized how many lives he has truly touched, including mine. RIP Jay.
— Kristen Roffi
Memorial at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Iskan, Iraq
Photo from Legacy.com.
Eulogy read by Maryanne (Lantieri) Healy at a memorial in St. Francis Church, Naugatuck, Connecticut. Used with permission.
I’d like to thank you all for coming to celebrate Jason’s life. Jason Michael Lantieri was brought into this world
on July 24, 1982. How do you sum up the quality of a person’s life in just a few minutes? With just two words — unconditional love.
Jason was born to my sister, Karen Lantieri, who unfortunately also left us too early four years ago. As Jason
said to me when we were at the hospital before she passed away, “At times, life was difficult, but I always knew that she loved me.” That love was also spread by my mom, Ann Lantieri, who used to take Karen and Jason on weekly outings to get groceries or clothes, and she always bought a small toy for Jason. In time, Jason started to ask for larger toys, but they were not to be had until his birthday or Christmas! My sister Lynn was like a second mother to Jason, often taking him on outings with my dad, and she introduced him to skiing. My sister Paula and I, with our husbands Bill and John, were in charge of soccer duty, which he attended with our sons, Billy and Kenny, a sport he later excelled at both in high school and at Western New England College. Jason’s sister Rachael took him under her wing with words of wisdom, and his sister Amy had the benefit of being the younger sister — with Jason, she was able to just have fun! Rachael is expecting a child and is due any day now, and I know that her daughter’s “Uncle Jason” is sending many blessings to his future niece.
Jason has three beloved cousins: Heather, Eileen, and Megan. He was also loved by Paula’s husband, Frank, and Heather’s fiancé, Lenny, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He had a special spot in his heart for his childhood friend Travis, whom I’m sure could tell us many stories about Jay.
When my sister Karen had unfortunate circumstances, the circle of love continued for Jason when he was brought at the age of 9 into the home of Cindy Maynard and Bill Albaitis, who were raising three beautiful young children. Their daughter Hope is also expecting, and I’m sure that Jason couldn’t help but smile knowing that two of his sisters were pregnant at the same time.
Through Cindy and Bill, Jason met Kathy and Jon Miller, who were immediately captured by his charm and graciously took him into their home. The circle of love then grew stronger as Jason was embraced not only by Jon and Kathy, but also by their children Sarah and David, who were in college at that time. Jason spent Christmas Eve with us several times while he lived with the Millers. On one of these occasions, when he was about 14 or 15, we brought him back home and pulled into the Miller driveway, and he said, “Aunt Maryanne, it feels like this is home; it feels like this is where I was always supposed to be.”
Jason was so proud of his many nieces and nephews that Sarah, David, and their spouses had entrusted him with. I’m sure that Jon and Kathy’s grandchildren have many stories to share as well, and were blessed to have had Jason in their lives. He was also proud of his cousins on our side, Tommy and Lia, my great-niece and great-nephew. When Lia was in first grade last Thanksgiving, the teacher asked the class to write down something for which they were thankful. Lia, with her wisdom of 6 years, wrote that she was thankful for her cousin Jason, who is in the Army in Iraq. I know that we all share her pride. Tommy, who is 10, had a special bond with Jason, and there were several occasions at the family parties when I had to tell the two of them to knock it off! Their playtime often escalated to a feverish pitch, and Jason was the best playmate for Tommy because he was just a big kid!
Jason has many friends, too numerous to mention, but we are very grateful to his friend Steve Haeckel from Killingworth. From what I understand, Steve and Jason were like brothers, and I would love to hear more of the stories that Steve has to tell. I can only imagine!
Where do we find comfort in the loss of a life that we feel was cut too short? If comfort is to be found for us at all, it is in knowing that Jason is with our loving God, being held again in the loving arms of his mother, Karen, and that he is also with my father, Walter “Art” Lantieri. Jason’s “Grandpa Art” was a Sergeant in the Army during WWII. There is comfort in the fact that Jason lived life to the fullest and always made the best of things, qualities which I know that he would want us to embrace. He lived more of life in 25 years than some people live in a lifetime, including a trip to Europe last January when he was finally able to live his dream of going to Italy. He also had a stint as a paratrooper.
The last I knew, he had made 12 jumps, and his height was measured after each jump to see what effect the landing had impacted upon him. He told me that he had lost ¼”!
I feel Jason would want us to pray for the men who were driving the trucks that took his young life. I’m sure that they are devastated. Perhaps our prayers can provide some comfort to them. May we also pray for the members of his unit, the E Company, 725th Support Battalion (Airborne).
I believe that Jason was sent to us to share his love with as many of us as possible. I feel that his message to us today would be to follow his example and to rise above any situation and find the good that can arise from difficult situations. He would want us to go through all of our stages of grief, the shock, denial, anger, and acceptance (which in this case might take a while). He would then want us to move forward and continue to spread the love that we were so blessed to have.
Thank you again for coming today to show your support and to honor Jason’s life. May our loving God bless all of you most abundantly.
Sergeant Lantieri is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, 280 Green Hill Road, Killingworth, Connecticut; Lot 113B, Grave 2.
