Fallen Heroes

Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II

2009-09-16T14:09:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II, 22, of River Falls, Ala.

Sgt. Gordon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 16, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from a noncombat-related illness, after becoming ill Sept. 11 in southern Afghanistan.

Enlisted straight out of high school
The Associated Press

Robert Gordon couldn’t enlist until he was 18, so he until then, he played out his dream of being a soldier with his G.I. Joes.

“If I had all the money we spent on G.I. Joes, I’d be set,” said his mother, Diane Gordon. “But it carried through until the age he could sign up on his own.”

Gordon, 22, of River Falls, Ala., died Sept. 16 at a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, after contracting an illness Sept. 11 while serving in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash., and had enlisted after graduating from Red Level High School.

His father died at a young age, and Gordon was raised by his mother.

“We always knew he was going into the military. He put on a tough front for his friends, but deep down, he was such a sweet, sweet boy,” Diane Gordon said. “His daddy was an infantryman, so that made up his mind.”

Diane Gordon said she was proud of her son for doing what he always dreamed of.

“That’s the kind of person he was,” she said.

“He had a mischievous streak, and when he made up his mind, that was it.”

Gordon is also survived by a brother and sister.

Army Sgt. Robert D. Gordon II died of a non-combat related illness on 9/16/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle

2009-09-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md.

SFC Bohle was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree, Ga., and Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas.

Was married, had three daughters
The Associated Press

As a child, Bradley S. Bohle could often be found woodworking with his grandfather. When the pair finished their work, “Pops” would shave the ice for a couple of refreshing milkshakes.

Those grandfather-grandson days are one of Ethel Bohle’s fondest memories of Bohle and her husband, Edward, who died three years ago.

Not too long ago, Brad Bohle’s father came to tell Ethel Bohle that her grandson had died.

“He said, ‘I guess Brad and Pop are having a milkshake,’ ” Ethel Bohle said.

Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., died Sept. 16 when the Humvee he was riding in hit a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., and had been in the military since graduating from North County High School in 1998.

His aunt Shirley Bohle recalled the last time she spoke to him, remembering Bradley Bohle as an “all-American kid” who loved playing with his children.

“We were eating crabs and talking about whether we liked them spicy or not and what beer goes well with them,” she said.

His sister, April Clark, said her brother was her hero.

“When I was upset he’d always hug me, and even if I wasn’t he would,” she said.

Bohle is also survived by his wife, three daughters and parents.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills

2009-09-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas

SSgt Mills was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., and Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree, Ga.

Had wide base of interests
The Associated Press

When Joshua M. Mills was young, he aspired to two careers.

“He wanted to be a paleontologist,” said his older brother, Quent. “He loved dinosaurs.”

But he also loved being a Green Beret. Mills graduated from the Silva Magnet High School in his hometown of El Paso, Texas, where he was a member of the Junior ROTC and was on the rifle team. He joined the Army in 2005 and was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.

Family was important to Mills, and despite training and deployment, he almost always made it home for Christmas, his brother said.

“He would always try to surprise you,” Quent Mills said. “He’d come into town, but he wouldn’t tell you. He would just show up on your doorstep.”

The 24-year-old died of wounds from a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 16, about two months after deploying to Afghanistan.

Quent Mills said his brother followed in the footsteps of their father, Tommy, who was an air defense soldier at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Joshua Mills is also survived by his wife, Magen; a son, Malaki; his mother, Celeste; and his brothers.

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey

2009-09-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, of Peachtree City, Ga.

SFC McCloskey was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Sept. 16, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle Sept. 15 with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md., and Army Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, of El Paso, Texas.

USASOC -- Sgt.1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device Sept. 15, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror. He also served on to deployments to Colombia. He was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant.

McCloskey a native of Hudson, New York, grew up in Peachtree City, Ga., enlisted into the U.S. Army January 2002 as a Special Forces candidate. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course May 2004 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. He was assigned to Co. B, 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).

McCloskey’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, Combat Diver Course, Special Operations Diving Supervisor Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, non-commissioned officer professional development ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Supervisor Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

McCloskey is survived by his wife Jessica, daughter Katie and son Collin of Raeford, N.C. and parents Patrick and Kathryn McCloskey of Fayetteville, Ga.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey was killed in action on 9/16/09.

Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void

2009-09-15T13:39:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void, 20, of Orangeburg, S.C.

Spc. Void was assigned to the 57th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas; died Sept. 15, 2009 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when a military vehicle struck him while conducting physical training.

Took part in family tradition of military service
The Associated Press

Demetrius Void was always focused on academics in high school: Teachers said he never shied away from asking for help and had a competitive nature.

“He kept at it until he figured out that calculus,” said math teacher Sharlene Foster.

But Void also always wanted to be different. He decided not to apply for college and instead chose to follow his family’s tradition of military service.

“He said he was tired of school,” said his uncle Keith Void. “He said he was tired of being smart.”

Void, 20, of Orangeburg, S.C., died Sept. 15 at Kandahar Air Field of injuries sustained when a military vehicle struck him while he was jogging. He was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. The military has said it is investigating the hit-and-run accident.

Void was disciplined before he joined the Army, being active in the JROTC at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

“He greeted students at the front desk and said, ‘You can’t go in there until you get your pants up. ... This is an order,’ ” recalled Angelia Fersner, the school’s guidance counselor, who called Void her “acting secretary.”

Void is survived by his mother and two brothers.

Army Spc. Demetrius L. Void was killed in a vehicle accident on 9/15/09.

Army Sgt. Mitchell Atchley

2009-09-14T14:19:00.001-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Funeral services for Mitch Atchley, 23, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at First Baptist Church in Teague. Brother Carl Clark of Corinth Baptist Church in Dew will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Dew Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Bowers Funeral Home, 900 U.S. Highway 84, Teague.

Mr. Atchley lost his battle with cancer on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at his residence in Dew. He was born in Fairfield, raised in Dew, and attended Teague and Fairfield High Schools and was homeschooled before he joined the U.S. Army. He served in the Texas National Guard and earned the rank of sergeant. During his service to the military, Mitch completed a 13-month tour of duty in Iraq.

He was a proud member of the Dew Volunteer Fire Department and had also worked with the Jewett Volunteer Fire Department. His dream was to become a paramedic and firefighter and had worked hard in training to achieve those goals. Mitch was training as a rope rescue specialist before his health failed. He was proud to have been able to ride with the Dallas Fire Department Station 41 on calls.

Mitch was active in numerous church youth events including the paintball ministry at First Baptist Church in Teague and was an active member of Corinth Baptist Church in Dew.

He is survived by his mother, Theresa Underwood and husband Kenneth of Marquez; his father, Monte Atchley and wife Tammy of Dew; one brother, Jordan Atchley of Dew; three stepbrothers, Jordan Witcher, Hayden Hardwick, and Colt Hardwick, all of Dew; five stepsisters, Mindi Wooley of Dew, Shelby Ryan and husband David of Watertown, N.Y., Stacy Myrick of Conroe, April Underwood of Groesbeck, and Kristen Underwood of Tyler; grandparents, Joseph and Charlene Little of Dew; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Mr. Atchley was preceded in death by his sister, Maegen Atchley; maternal grandparents, Lynn and Wanda Herrin; paternal grandparents, Dwight and Norma D. Atchley; aunt, Janice Corrigan; and cousin, Danny Corrigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Corinth Baptist Church, 105 FM 489 West, Teague, TX 75860; or the Dew Volunteer Fire Department, 112 FCR 477, Teague, TX 75860.

Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II

2009-09-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II, 26, of Moore, Okla.

1st Lt. Wright was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Sept. 14, 2009 in southern Afghanistan of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Sgt. Andrew H. McConnell.

Soldier remembered at funeral
The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — An Army officer from Moore who was killed in Afghanistan was honored Sept. 22 as a leader and a hero.

About 400 mourners packed a Norman church for the funeral of 26-year-old 1st Lt. David Timothy Wright II, who was killed along with another soldier Sept. 14 when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle while on patrol.

Dozens of police officers lined the sidewalk outside the church as a hearse carrying Wright’s flag-draped coffin left the church.

Wright’s father is a lieutenant with the Moore police department. Letters from soldiers who served with Wright were read during the service.

Parents received letter expressing pride in service after retrieving his body
The Associated Press

David Wright II didn’t let his football and track talent go to waste after graduating from Moore High School in his hometown of Moore, Okla. He went to the University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2006.

He didn’t let that training go unused, either. Wright enlisted in the Army and was chosen almost immediately to serve as a platoon leader at Fort Benning, Ga.

“It was 9/11 that did it for David,” the Rev. Randy Nail said at his memorial. “He wanted to do something about it, and he did.”

The 26-year-old was killed Sept. 14 by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, Wash.

After being deployed to Afghanistan in July, Wright wrote home about the honor he felt for his country and his fellow soldiers as they protected a village. He said he had no hard feelings toward the villagers, although some were angry with the soldiers.

“These people deserve a better existence,” he wrote, “and hopefully my efforts will help, in a small way, provide that to them.”

That letter was waiting for his parents, Tim and Michele, when they returned to Oklahoma after receiving his body

Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II was killed in action on 9/14/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen

2009-09-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, of Rochester N.Y.

SSgt Allen was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Sept. 12, 2009 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire. Also killed was Spc. Daniel L. Cox.

Relatives mourn soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — Mourners gathered Sept. 22 in a Rochester suburb for the funeral of a soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan after two tours in Iraq.

The parents, widow and three young children of Staff Sgt. Nekl Allen bid farewell to the soldier, who died Sept. 12 when his vehicle was hit by small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device in Wardak province.

Allen, 29, graduated in 1999 from Churchville-Chili High School, where he was a wrestler and played football. He joined the Army in 2002.

He was killed along with Spc. Daniel Cox, a 23-year-old from Parsons, Kan. Stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., they were deployed to Afghanistan in January.

Spent most of his free time with his children
The Associated Press

When Nekl Allen was home from the Army, he always found time to interact with his daughter and two sons.

Riding dirt bikes with 10-year-old Christopher. Roughhousing in the living room with 7-year-old Michael. Helping 5-year-old Grace learn to count.

“He was the most lovable person I know,” said his sister, Rana.

Allen, 29, of Rochester, N.Y., died Sept. 12 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when he and a fellow soldier were attacked with an explosive and small weapons. Both were assigned to Fort Drum, N.Y.

Allen, known also as Nick or Nicky, loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, bow-hunting and playing paintball. He was a 1999 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School, where he was a wrestler and played fullback and linebacker for the football team.

“He showed the signs of courage by taking on big tasks, even when he was young,” said his high school coach, Paul Dick.

Allen joined the Army in May 2002, prompted by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was deployed twice to Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan.

“He stepped up to serve his country because he knew it was the right thing to do,” said his father-in-law, Mike Meehan.

Allen also is survived by his wife, Amy Meehan-Allen.

Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Spc. Daniel L. Cox

2009-09-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Daniel L. Cox, 23, of Parsons, Kan

Spc. Cox was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Sept. 12, 2009 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device and small arms fire. Also killed was Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen.

State to honor soldiers by lowering flags
The Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for two days to honor two soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

The lowered flags will honor Cpl. Daniel Cox of Parson on Sept. 21 and Sgt. Tyler Juden of Winfield on Sept. 22. Both men were 23 when they died Sept. 12 in separate attacks.

Cox was killed in Wardak province when his unit came under attack from a roadside bomb and small arms fire.

Juden was killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire near Turan.

Parkinson says the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with the men’s families, friends and communities. He added that their “bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Stood out on football team with scout-team contributions
The Associated Press

Daniel L. Cox didn’t mind working hard to help others be better, whether he was with comrades at Fort Drum, N.Y., or playing the sport that stole his heart: football.

He started in the peewee league and worked his way up to the scout teams in practice at Parsons High School in Parsons, Kan.

“They would get knocked around a lot out there by the varsity pretty good,” assistant coach Mark Pound said. “Not a lot of freshmen wanted to get out there, but Daniel was always first to volunteer.”

The 23-year-old died Sept. 12 of injuries from an attack in Wardak province, Afghanistan, during his second tour of the country. He had joined the Army before graduating in 2005 and had special workouts to get in shape for boot camp.

Pound said Cox’s on-field attitude translated to his military work.

“He never worried about his own stats or glory for himself; it was always about the team,” Pound said, adding that Cox “wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself.”

In his downtime, Cox enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing, old trucks and cars and tinkering with things.

He is survived by his parents, Kim and Sharon, and two sisters, Jennifer and Shannon.

Army Spc. Daniel L. Cox was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury

2009-09-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W. Va.

SFC Thornsbury was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept.12, 2009 in Baghdad of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover.

‘A no-nonsense type of soldier’
The Associated Press

One of Duane “Tony” Thornsbury’s friends said it wasn’t often you meet a person who will make you stop and think, “there is just something about them.”

But “Tony was that guy!” Sgt. James Smith wrote in an online memorial.

Other friends recalled Thornsbury in a similar fashion.

“He was a go-getter, a no-nonsense type of soldier,” Tony Batts wrote in the same online message board, noting he served with Thornsbury in Iraq from 2003-04.

Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W.Va., died Sept. 12 in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo., and graduated from Grafton (W.Va.) High School, where he was on the wrestling team.

Holly Lane of Winchester, Va., recalled Thornsbury as “a part of our family” when he dated her older sister years ago.

“He was the one to teach me how to ride a horse and gave me riding lessons,” Lane wrote online.

He was on his third deployment to Iraq. Thornsbury had earned his Green Beret in 2006, becoming a weapons sergeant

Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury was killed in a vehicle rollover on 9/12/09.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky

2009-09-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky, 25, of Melrose, Fla.

SSgt. Berky was assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.; died Sept. 12, 2009 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from enemy fire while supporting combat operations.

Was interested in punk rock
The Associated Press

Bryan D. Berky had the focus to disarm bombs in faraway places like Afghanistan, but friends say he was also a dedicated punk rocker.

Berky and his high school classmates would often jam at Berky’s house, said former Bradford High School classmate John Moore. Berky would play guitar — the precursor to his band, My Friend the Artery, Moore said.

At school, he did what he had to for his video class: Berky would often burst into a classroom during lessons, and simply tell the teacher he had to do it for another class.

“He was really a charismatic person who got away with quite a bit,” Moore said.

Berky, 25, of Melrose, Fla., died Sept. 12 when he and other soldiers were ambushed near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Berky enlisted in 2003, a year after graduating from high school.

A former teacher, Christie Torode, said Berky always kept busy and focused, so it didn’t surprise her that he became a detonation specialist.

“He was good at paying attention to detail, but he didn’t like to sit still for too long,” she said.

Berky is survived by his wife, Erin, and his infant son, Harrison.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Berky was killed in action on 9/12/09.

Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek

2009-09-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek, 20, of DeKalb, Ill.

Pfc. Martinek was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 11, 2009 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds sustained in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device followed by a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire.

‘One of those clowns’
The Associated Press

Friends and family say Matthew M. Martinek had a sparkle in his eyes, maybe the seed of the smile he drew out of others.

“If you were in a bad mood, he always did something to cheer you up y’know, one of those clowns,” said Ryne Jones, who worked with him at a car care center in Martinek’s hometown of DeKalb, Ill.

Martinek, 20, died Sept. 11 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered earlier in a roadside ambush in Paktika province.

“He tried not to talk too much about what he was doing, but he said he liked helping people,” said his brother, Travis Wright.

The Bartlett High School football player graduated in 2007 and joined the Army the next year, following a family tradition that included his grandfather, uncle and two older brothers.

His stepmother, Char DeGand, said he loved the outdoors snowboarding, camping, all-terrain vehicles and had an impressive tan for someone stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

She said he was an organ donor, helping to save other soldiers even after his death.

Martinek also is survived by his father, Michael; mother, Cheryl Brandes Ferguson; and brothers Frank and Michael Jr.

Army Pfc. Matthew M. Martinek died 9/11/09 from wounds received in combat on 9/4/09.

Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten

2009-09-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten, 24, of Jonesboro, Ark.

1st Lt Parten was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 10, 2009 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.

Ark. soldier killed by insurgents in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Ark — The father of an Arkansas soldier who was killed in Afghanistan said Sept. 12 his son was a gifted leader who was dedicated to serving his country.

“He was one of the most incredible individuals a man could ever be,” Dave Parten told The Associated Press of his son, 24-year-old 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten.

The Defense Department said Tyler Parten was killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 10 after insurgents attacked his unit. The department said he died in Konar province after being wounded when insurgents attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

He had been stationed in Afghanistan since May and was a scout platoon leader on the mission in which he died. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Parten grew up in Marianna and graduated from Marianna Lee High School.

Dave Parten, 53, said his son was a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. “The top 10 percent of his class or something like that,” he said.

A second son, Daniel, is in his fourth year at West Point, he said.

Tyler Parten studied Arabic and wanted to be involved in conflicts targeting terror groups overseas, his father said.

“That was his reason for wanting to serve, to face the challenge and to serve others, serve his country,” Dave Parten said. “He wanted to lead other men.”

Tyler Parten’s mother, Lona Parten, told television station KAIT of Jonesboro, Ark., that her son loved the military and his country.

“He’s not just a U.S. soldier, he’s a man that took care of his troops,” she said.

Dave Parten said his son worked to excel in everything he attempted.

“He wrote music,” the father said. “He could pick up and play anything he wanted. He was just incredibly gifted.”

Tyler Parten, who was not married, also had a strong religious foundation and was a “wonderful Christian man,” his father said.

“He had a wonderful relationship with God,” Dave Parten said. “He affected everyone who ever shook hands with him.”

Tyler Parten’s body is expected to be returned to the U.S. over the weekend.

Mourners remember dedicated soldier
The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Ark. — Mourners remembered an Arkansas soldier Sept. 17 who killed in Afghanistan as a brave, dedicated man who knew what he was getting into when he enlisted in the Army.

Family and friends gathered in Marianna to honor 1st Lt. Tyler Parten, who was killed Sept. 10 in Kunbar province after insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, according to the Department of Defense.

“My brother died a hero,” his brother, Daniel, told mourners attending Parten’s funeral in downtown Marianna. “Tyler earned his military honors and he knew what he was doing. He knew exactly what he was doing when he signed up for the job he signed up for.”

Parten had been stationed in Afghanistan since May and was a scout platoon leader on the mission in which he died. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

He grew up in Marianna and graduated from Marianna Lee High School. He was 2007 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and his brother, Daniel, is now in his fourth year there.

Parten’s family remembered their son as a bright man who traveled the world and spoke Arabic fluently.

Parten’s service awards included a National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge, according to his mother, Lona Parten of Jonesboro.

“Ty right now is having the greatest adventure of his life. ... I don’t grieve for Tyler, I grieve for us, because a nation has lost a great man,” she told mourners.

‘Tough days make the good days that much better,’ he wrote
The Associated Press

Tyler E. Parten entertained the “kiddos” in Afghanistan with his harmonica, built a chicken coop and wrote warmly of the look on a man’s face “when you show his child a little compassion.”

Those are some of the war zone experiences he documented through photos and messages on Facebook.

“Tough days make the good days that much better,” Parten said in a mid-August posting.

The 2007 graduate of West Point was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo., and studied Arabic because he wanted to help target terrorist groups overseas.

“That was his reason for wanting to serve, to face the challenge and to serve others, serve his country,” said his father, Dave Parten. “He wanted to lead other men.”

The 24-year-old from Marianna, Ark., was doing just that when he died during an ambush Sept. 10 in Konar province.

His father said Parten’s talents went beyond those of a good soldier.

“He wrote music,” Dave Parten said. “He could pick up and play anything he wanted. He was just incredibly gifted.”

The Marianna Lee High School graduate is also survived by his mother, Lona; and a brother, Daniel.

Army 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten was killed in action on 9/10/09.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes

2009-09-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C.

LCpl Fowlkes was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Sept. 10, 2009 from wounds sustained Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Gaffney Marine dies from Afghanistan injuries
The Associated Press

COLUMBIA — A 20-year-old Marine from South Carolina has been killed while serving in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense said Friday that Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes died Thursday.

WYFF-TV reports that Fowlkes died at a military hospital in Germany, where he had been recuperating from injuries from an explosion earlier in the week. Family friend LeighAnn Turner told the station Fowlkes' parents had flown to Germany after their son was injured Sept. 3 in Helmand province.

Fowlkes was from Gaffney. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Turner said Fowlkes was a graduate of Gaffney High School.

Wanted to send friend off to boot camp
The Associated Press

Christopher Fowlkes had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, but it wasn’t too much to drive six hours so he could send off his buddy to Marine boot camp.

“His heart was just huge,” said friend Cameron Snuggs. “He was my brother.”

Snuggs said Fowlkes always wore his uniform with pride — whether it was a Little League jersey, his Gaffney Indians high school uniform, Marine dress blues or camouflage.

“No one wore that Gaffney High School uniform like Chris did,” Snuggs said.

Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C., died Sept. 10 at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. He had been seriously wounded a week earlier in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive detonated. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Rev. David Kite eulogized Fowlkes at his funeral.

“He gave laughter in situations that were really difficult to find humor,” Kite said.

“He gave friendship to those who needed a friend.”

Jessica LeMaster, who attended high school with Fowlkes, said it was clear in high school that he wanted to be a Marine. The two shared a love for University of Tennessee sports — and LeMaster said she had borrowed a pair of basketball shorts from him some time ago.

Now, she’ll keep them as something by which to remember him.

Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes died 9/10/09 of injuries received in the line of duty on 9/3/09.

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton

2009-09-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe Ga.

1st Lt. Helton was assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; died Sept. 8, 2009 near Baghdad of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Airman killed in Iraq IED attack
Staff report

An Air Force security forces officer died Tuesday near Baghdad when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

The victim was 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, of Monroe, Ga., the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

Helton was deployed from the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. He was stationed there in 2007 after graduating from the Air Force Academy, reports said.

“We’d like to express our deepest sympathy to family, friends and comrades of Lieutenant Joe Helton for their recent loss,” said Col. Lawrence Martin, commander of MacDill’s 6th Air Mobility Wing. “Joe was an amazing airman and defender who volunteered to lead our best in Iraq. We are deeply saddened by his loss and very proud of his service.”

Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton was killed in action on 9/08/09.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton

2009-09-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton, 22, of Riverbank, Calif.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Layton was assigned to an embedded training team with Combined Security Tranisiton Command in Afghanistan; died Sept. 8, 2009 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations.

Training team corpsman killed in Afghanistan
By Andrew Scutro
Staff writer

A corpsman was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan while serving with an embedded training team.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James Ray Layton, 22, of Riverbank, Calif., died in Kunar Province “while supporting combat operations,” according to a news release Thursday from the Defense Department.

At the time of his death Layton was assigned to Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan, which is responsible for training and equipping Afghan security forces.

Lt. Cmdr. John Daniels, a Navy spokesman at the Pentagon, said Layton deployed to Afghanistan with an element of the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Division.

Layton enlisted Dec. 20, 2007.

This spring, two Navy officers serving with the Combined Security Transition Command were killed by an Afghan national. Lt. Florence B. Choe and Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV died March 27.

Loved Japanese people, food, culture
The Associated Press

James Layton’s plan was to get an education in health care, see the world during eight years of military service, then become a radiology technician.

Before going to Afghanistan, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and told his family he loved the people and food while he was there.

“He was a very caring person, so it didn’t surprise me that he was looking at the healing profession,” his grandmother Kathy Anderson said.

Layton, a 22-year-old Navy corpsman from Riverbank, Calif., was killed Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while aiding a wounded U.S. Marine.

Layton enlisted in the Navy two years ago. One of his teachers at Vista High School in Escalon, Calif., recalled Layton saying several years ago that he was inspired by his grandfather’s naval service during the Korean War.

“I wouldn’t say he was a giant go-getter, but he recognized the need to do something with his life,” teacher Shane Bua said.

Layton earn his high school diploma in 2005.

He is survived by his grandmother; his mother, Nikki Freitas, and his father, Brent Layton; two younger brothers, Jonathan and Jesse; a stepsister, Andrea, and a stepbrother, Jason

Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James R. Layton was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr.

2009-09-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr., 31, of Columbus, Ga.

GSgt Johnson was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick and 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson.

‘Gunny J’ loved life in the Corps
The Associated Press

Edwin W. Johnson Jr. wasn’t known to many people as Edwin. To loved ones and friends, he was Wayne. To fellow Marines, he was “Gunny J.”

To his younger sister, LaToya Lowe, he was Superman.

“He always tried to help people do better for themselves,” Lowe said. “He was like the role model of the century. Everybody I know who knew my brother, they looked up to him.”

Johnson, 31, of Columbus, Ga., died Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from Columbus High School in 1996, and served in Korea and Japan.

His wife, Tasha, is a fellow Marine.

Johnson loved his life of discipline, though he was quite mischievous as a child. His cousin, Theopolis Ramsey, recalled a time the two were trying to get rid of ants they found in the house with broom straw they would set on fire. They ended up setting a bed on fire.

“That was one of the worst whippings we got,” Ramsey said, laughing. “We would still laugh about it.”

Johnson is also survived by three children: Jaron, Jalissa and Toren.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr. was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson

2009-09-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson, 25, of Virginia Beach, Va.

1st Lt. Johnson was assigned to 7th Communications Battalion, 3rd Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick and Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr.

Enjoyed outdoor activities
The Associated Press

Michael E. Johnson and his wife once made a deal: He would teach her to surf if she taught him how to snowboard.

That love for nature is what brought Johnson to Oregon for college and kept him there.

“He was all about doing stuff outdoors, traveling around, hiking,” said his uncle Greg Chase. He grew up in Virginia Beach, Va., working at surf shops and swimming pools. But Johnson eventually was lured to Oregon State University while visiting friends and family in the state.

His wife, Durinda, also loved to be active, and the two married in an outdoor ceremony in 2007. They moved to Okinawa when he was stationed there, setting up a home and adopting a couple of pets. Then he was sent to Afghanistan.

Johnson, 25, was killed Sept. 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, during an insurgent attack.

He had graduated from OSU in 2006, where he was in the Marine ROTC. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant the same day he graduated.

“He was just a hard-working, dedicated kid,” Chase said.

Johnson is survived by his wife; parents; a twin brother, Dan, and brother Steve.

Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick

2009-09-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, 30, of Roswell, Ga.

GSgt Kenefick was assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan; died Sept. 8, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr. and 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson.

Volunteered at VA hospital on Thanksgiving
The Associated Press

A few years ago on Thanksgiving, Aaron M. Kenefick asked his mom what time dinner would be served. He wanted to make sure he’d have time to visit patients at the Veterans Administration hospital.

“That’s where the true heroes are,” Kenefick told his mother, Susan Price.

“I just smiled and said, ‘That’s why I love you so much,’ ” Price recalled telling her son.

Kenefick himself was the recipient of a Purple Heart after he was wounded by shrapnel in Afghanistan. A fellow Marine died next to him; a sandbag saved Kenefick’s life, said his sister, Jade Myszka.

Two days later on Sept. 8, the 30-year-old from Roswell, Ga., was killed in an ambush in Kunar province. He had been stationed in Okinawa. He enlisted in the Marines immediately after high school.

He was twice named Marine of the Year during his 12-year military career.

“... He was a big part of our young athletic program, and our coaches viewed him as a leader, so I’m not surprised he took that role of leadership as a Marine,” said Kevin Lester, the athletic director at Williamsville South High School in New York. Kenefick went to school there for two years.

Kenefick is survived by his mother and father; two sisters; his girlfriend; and his young daughter, Landon.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith

2009-09-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith, 31, of Marion, Ohio

SSgt Smith was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons and Pfc. Zachary T. Myers.

Liked exploring the Alaskan wilderness
The Associated Press

Shannon Smith was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing, fishing and bowhunting for deer.

But those activities had to be squeezed in when he wasn’t defending his country.

Smith, 31, of Marion, Ohio, joined the Army in 1997 and had served tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia. He died in combat Sept. 8 after the vehicle he was in was bombed in Baji, Iraq. He was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Another Ohioan, Zachary T. Myers, also died in the attack. Myers thought highly of Smith, his mother, Tonya J. Latto, told the Columbus Dispatch.

“He talked about Shannon all the time and about what a great a guy he was,” Latto said. “He was a good friend who showed him the ropes.”

Smith was a 1997 graduate of Marion Harding High School, where he excelled in wrestling.

He and his wife, Cassie, liked to spend time sightseeing and photographing Alaska when they could find the time.

Smith also leaves behind a son, Steven.

Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons

2009-09-08T13:28:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons, 20, of Fernley, Nev.

Pfc. Lyons was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Zachary T. Myers and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith.

Flags at half-staff on day of burial
The Associated Press

FERNLEY, Nev. — A northern Nevada soldier killed Sept. 8 in Iraq has been laid to rest in Fernley.

Funeral services for Army Pfc. Thomas Lyons, 20, took place Sept. 14, with burial at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Lyons died when an enemy explosion hit the truck he was riding in north of Baghdad.

His wife, Delvin, is also an active duty soldier, and both were stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The Lyons had their first child this spring.

Lyons’ family and a military honor guard received his body Sept. 13 at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Flags at the Nevada State Capitol Complex were flown at half-staff Sept. 14 in honor of Lyons.

From rebellious teen to responsible soldier
The Associated Press

In the last years of his life, Thomas F. Lyons grew from a rebellious teen who once made off with his family’s car and wrecked it to a “good man” who was happy to be a father, his best friend said.

“He chose to go to Iraq,” Michael Coughlin said. “He didn’t go for blood or glory. He went to protect his family and freedom.”

Lyons, 20, of Fernley, Nev., died Sept. 8 when the vehicle he was in was attacked with an explosive device in Baji, Iraq. Three others also were killed. All four were based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

John Flint said his stepson was kind and giving, and sometimes unaware of his talents.

“He loved life and people,” Flint said.

Lyons grew up in a large family and he liked sports. He wanted to become a police officer when he returned from Iraq.

Earlier this year in Alaska, Lyons married his wife, Delvin, a military police officer. The couple’s son, Erik, was born in May.

Lyons was deployed to Iraq in July. He was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist.

“His sacrifice will not be forgotten by both his country and his community,” Coughlin said.

Army Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Pfc. Zachary T. Myers

2009-09-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Pfc. Zachary T. Myers, 21, of Delaware, Ohio

Pfc. Myers was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8, 2009 in Baji, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Thomas F. Lyons and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith.

Service gave Myers a sense of purpose

The Associated Press

As a kid growing up in central Ohio, Zach Myers got into a lot of mischief with his best friend, Jeffrey Naples.

“From playing in the mud behind our houses to shocking ourselves on a car battery to see if it has a charge and everything between,” Naples wrote in an online post.

After spending time in the Army, Myers changed — for the better, said Heather Betts, another friend.

“When he was in high school he didn’t care about life or anything, but he joined the service and his feelings changed,” Betts said. “He cared.”

Myers, 21, of Delaware, Ohio, died Sept. 8 after the vehicle he was in was bombed in Baji, Iraq. He was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Myers, a 2006 graduate of Delaware Hayes (Ohio) High School, was a husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Megan, and his 15-month-old daughter, Rowen.

Friends said they were proud of him for his growth and for serving their country.

“I’m going to miss you a lot!” Naples wrote. “You did your job and you did it well! Unfortunately you had to depart, but with honor.”

Army Pfc. Zachary T. Myers was killed in action on 9/8/09.

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey

2009-09-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas

SSgt Murphrey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died Sept. 6, 2009 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

News West 9 -- SNYDER- An update on the death of a West Texas Soldier NewsWest 9 told you about on Tuesday night.

25-year-old Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey from Snyder will be honored with a moment of silence at the next home football game in Snyder.

NewsWest 9 talked to Sergeant Murphrey's high school football coach.

He said he watched Murphrey grow up and become an outstanding, West Texas, All-American man.

Murphrey leaves behind a wife and two children

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey was killed in action on 9/06/09.

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney

2009-09-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney, 27, of Orlando, Fla.

Sgt. Haney was assigned to 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 6, 2009 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

Enjoyed working on his Honda Civic

The Associated Press

When Randy M. Haney got a care package filled with candy while serving in Afghanistan, he wasn’t the one who ate it. He gave it to Afghan children, his mother said.

“He was very proud of the fact that he helped people and that he was serving his country,” added his mother-in-law, Cindy Alexopoulos. “He cared a lot about the kids and trying to help people who were there.”

Haney, 27, of Orlando, Fla., was killed Sept. 6 when enemy forces attacked his unit. He joined the military in search of a stable job after he earned his GED and had trouble finding jobs. He was a military police officer assigned to Fort Carson, Colo.

Haney had served a tour in Afghanistan from 2005-06, and in Iraq from 2007-08. But he was ready to come back to civilian life with his wife and two young children. And he was especially excited to work on his speedy Honda Civic, which he was always taking apart and putting back together.

His family said he was also a jokester who decided he would be in charge of boosting morale in his military unit.

Haney is survived by his wife, Katie, and two children, 5-year-old Aubry and 18-month-old Austin.

Army Sgt. Randy M. Haney was killed in action on 9/6/09.

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows

2009-09-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, Texas

Capt. Meadows was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Sept. 5, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan.

MarSOC officer killed in Afghanistan
Staff report

A California-based Marine was killed Saturday in Afghanistan’s Farah province, the Pentagon reported Wednesday.

Capt. Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Bastrop, Texas, died from wounds sustained during a firefight, friends told the Elgin Courier, his hometown newspaper. A UH-1N Huey pilot, he was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces-Special Operations Command, out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He had joined MarSOC in May, Marine officials said in a statement.

Meadows enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996, and he served as a reservist while studying at Texas Tech University, the Courier reported. He and his wife were expecting the birth of their first child.

His military awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, officials said.

Marine Capt. Joshua S. Meadows was killed in action on 9/05/09.