Freedom Remembered

Birth: April 14, 1986 – Thailand
Died: November 5, 2009 – Fort Hood, Texas

Chor Xiong and his father Xia Soua Siong fought bravely against the Vietnamese Communist Forces, with the support of the CIA, in Laos during the Vietnam War. As a result of these actions they were forced to flee their homeland after US military forces withdrew from Southeast Asia in 1975. Kham Xiong came to the US as a toddler but even at a young age, he realized the commitment and sacrifices that his father and grandfather had made for their families and their people. Growing up, Kham told his father and grandfather about his desire to follow in their footsteps and serve his country. As he finished high school, married his high school sweetheart, and became a proud father; his desire to serve his country continued to burn. After talking to his younger brother Nelson, who was already serving in the Marines, Kham decided the time was right for him to enlist. Kham saw the military as a way to give back to his country, to help his family have a better life and to continue the legacy and tradition that started with his beloved father and grandfather’s commitment to freedom. Any short term suffering and separation from his family would be offset by the numerous opportunities that would open up as a result of his military service. On the day a disgruntled U.S. Army psychiatrist killed 13 people and injured more than 30 others before he was brought down, Kham was filling out paperwork to prepare for a deployment in Iraq around New Year’s. He was in line for a physical when the shooting broke out. Only moments before, his wife sent him a text message, telling him to come home for lunch and go back later. But Kham texted back, “No, I’ll stay. It’s almost my turn.”

Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota – Section V, Site 2095

Birth: August 1, 1971 - Eureka, California
Died: May 19, 2003 - Shatt Al Hillah Canal, Iraq

Capt La Mont was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron - 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. He died when his CH-46 Sea-Knight helicopter went down shortly after takeoff. It had been on a resupply mission in support of civil military operations. Andrew was born at Andrews Air Force Base, where his father James, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, was stationed. He was the youngest of nine children, and the only one to follow their father’s path into the military. For him, flying was a passion. Andrew was part of the helicopter detail that flew the first Marines into Afghanistan following the September 11 terrorist attacks. He was single and had served with the Marines since graduating from San Diego State University in 1994. Andrew served in Kosovo in 1999, helped in the rescue effort after an earthquake in Turkey last year and he also served in Afghanistan. He was known as “Sleepy” to his fellow soldiers. One said, “I don’t know exactly how he earned that call sign, but with his calm manner and laid-back attitude, it was quite fitting—not to mention he was as fond of logging rack-time as any of us. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit.”

Burial: St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, Eureka, California

Birth: March 21, 1981 - Kenbridge, Virginia
Died: July 31, 2003 - Baghdad, Iraq

Spc Lambert was assigned to 407th Combat Support Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as an ammunitions specialist. He was struck by a stray bullet fired during what was believed to be a celebratory event by local nationals. James graduated from Leesville Road High School in Raleigh in 1999 and joined the Army in August 2000. He was fun loving and happy and made a lot of people laugh. James wanted to serve his four years in the Army to prove a small-town guy could make something of his life. He then planned to start college at North Carolina State University next year and have a real wedding with his new bride. James was buried next to his mother and father.

Burial: Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Kenbridge, Virginia

Birth: November 16, 1983 - Massachusetts
Died: April 22, 2003 - near Al Kut, Iraq

Marine Lance Cpl. Lam was assigned to the 8th Communication Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was killed in a non-hostile accident with two other soldiers when a rocket-propelled grenade launcher they were firing for familiarization malfunctioned on a firing range near the city of Al Kut. Alan was a budding artist who enjoyed Shakespeare, wrote for his high school newspaper and liked to keep his friends and teachers laughing. Alan was very intelligent, funny and was a talented artist of detailed pen and ink drawings. He liked Shakespeare, loved Macbeth and did the scenes in class with the swords and the swashbuckling. As a senior project, he and a friend staged a demonstration of fitness techniques they would learn in basic training. Both later came back to school in their Marine uniforms. Neighbor Darlene Rios said Alan often helped her cut her lawn or plant flowers and when he was deployed to Iraq, he often sent greetings to her when he called home to his parents. He joined the Marines shortly after he graduated from Southern Alamance High School, Graham, North Carolina in 2001. Alan was the youngest of five children and the only son.

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia - Section 60, Site 7969

Birth: April 18, 1979 - Sunnyville, California
Death: March 30, 2003 - Iraq

Sgt Lalush was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Air Craft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, California. He was killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash. Michael graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in Lord Botetourt County, Virginia in 1997 where he played on the high school golf team and worked part-time at the Botetourt Country Club. He was a young man who enjoyed what he did, was proud to be a soldier and wanted to make a difference with skills he had – and he did. Over the years, Michael changed from a gangly youth to a mature, muscled young man, growing to 6 feet 4 inches and riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He liked to tinker. He could rebuild a lawn mower from a pile of bolts. He learned to weld and had a talent for woodworking. After he learned to drive, he rebuilt a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle so he’d have a car. But as good as Michael was with his hands, he was better with his heart. In a letter to home from Iraq, he was effusive about his work as a Huey helicopter crewmember helping evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield. “This is what it’s all about,” he wrote. “He was a wonderful child,” his mother, Becky Lalush, said. “He was going to be career military. He felt they were doing the right thing.” His mother, devastated by the death of her only child, said, “Right now, I can’t talk about him.”

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia - Section 60, Site 7866

Birth: April 25, 1963 – Vallejo, California
Died: April 23, 2004 - Iraq

Sgt Krause was assigned to 724th Transportation Company, Army Reserve, Bartonville, Illinois. He was unaccounted for in Iraq from April 9, following an ambush on his convoy with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire until April 23 when he was found in a shallow grave with four other men. While growing up, Elmer spent a lot of time with his great-aunt and great-grandmother. He was the neighborhood redheaded daredevil who would tear down the Virginia Street hill on his Big Wheel, wear out a pair of tennis shoes the same day he got them, and later skipped high school but earned his GED so he could join the Navy. The military was the defining factor in his life – it gave him discipline, direction and honor. After seven years in the Navy, Elmer got out and in February 1987 he enlisted in the Reserves. As a civilian, he worked as a painter and was living in North Carolina. He had repeatedly asked to serve in Iraq because of the desire to serve his country and so that someone else could come back home. Elmer was divorced but the greatest love of his life was his nine year old son. Shortly before entering Iraq, he had made sure his finances were in order so that his son would receive support all the way through. He loved the San Francisco Giants, Jeff Gordon winning a race, sitting by the ocean, thick chocolate milkshakes, Bob Marley and eating at Cracker Barrel. The young redheaded daredevil who grew into a humble, friendly man dedicated to military service would have been surprised at the number of people around the country who have supported his family and friends.

Burial: Skyview Memorial Lawn, Vallejo, California

Birth: December 2, 1981 - Poland
Died: May 12, 2003 - near Al Hillah, Iraq

Lance Cpl Kowalik was assigned to the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, based at Camp Pendleton, California where he worked as an amphibious assault vehicle mechanic. He was killed when the bunker he was working in caught fire and exploded. Jakub came to the United States from Poland in 1992 and was a permanent resident, though not yet a citizen. He enlisted in the Marines during his senior year at Maine East High School, Park Ridge, Illinois, just a few months before the September 11, 2001 attacks. Jakub played football in high school and loved to fish. He was a typical teenager who spent time on video games, fishing, football and parties. A warm, outgoing personality made him popular at school. He was a guy who didn’t care if a person was short, tall, skinny or fat; he was ready to be a friend. He’d talk to you whether you had something in common or not. But after boot camp, Jakub returned home to suburban Chicago standing straighter. His easy manner was now disciplined. He had a new focus.

Burial: Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, Illinois

Birth: May 19, 1974 - Scott, Iowa
Died: March 24, 2003 - Iraq

Sgt Korthaus was assigned to Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Peoria, Illinois. He drowned while attempting to cross the canal - ordered into water with full gear on by his Major. His body was recovered on March 25. He and another Marine were trying to set up weapons on the opposite bank to protect a water-purification team. Concerns about the incident also have been sparked in Korthaus’ hometown by an account of the incident from a Washington Times photographer embedded with his unit, who said the Marines tried to swim across weighed down by heavy equipment. “These two guys went into the water with full camouflage gear and rifles and sank to the bottom like a rock,” the photographer, J.M. Eddins, told his newspaper from Iraq. “Everyone is really … [angry] about this. It was just a needless, tragic accident.” Brad wanted to be a Marine since he was 10. He graduated in 1992 from Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa where he played football, soccer, tennis and was on the wresting team. He also played three band instruments. Brad picked up the nickname “Cruiser” because of an old ‘65 Dodge Dart. The vintage coupe was his first car. Other kids would come to school in their mom and dad’s Jags and Beemers, but they wanted to go cruising with Brad in that Dart. After graduation, he joined the Marines and served four years. He was stationed in various parts of the world including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Once he returned home, he missed the military and joined the Reserves. Brad was a special guy; he believed as a bachelor that it was his duty to risk his life before men with families.

Burial: Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa - Section U, Site 319

Birth: October 19, 1971 - Savannah, Georgia
Died: April 3, 2003 - 15 miles southeast of Baghdad, Iraq

Capt Korn was assigned to the 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. He was killed as he investigated the wreckage of an Iraqi T-72 tank destroyed by his unit in central Iraq. Edward came to live at the Bethesda Home for Boys at Christmas 1984, as a troubled 12-year-old suffering through his father’s second divorce. The rambunctious youth spent five years attending school and working the farm on Bethesda’s 500-acre campus overlooking the Moon River, and grew up to be an athletic 6′ 3″ Army captain. While at school, teachers remember him as a hard worker and a good boy who always wanted to help somebody. They weren’t surprised when Edward enlisted in the Army at 17 and made it a career – he liked the discipline. He campaigned to defer his officer training at Fort Knox and get a position with Central Command. He wanted to get to the front lines of the war in Iraq. “He’d come to me and say, ‘Sir, you’ve got to know someone, can you call someone?’ because he wanted to join the war effort,” said Maj. John R. Zsido, his supervisor at Fort Knox. He knew if he could get to Central Command, that he could work his way into a unit and work his way to the front, which is exactly what he did. Edward took the bull by the horns and accepted every mission he was given - he would have been a great battlefield commander. He earned a Bronze Star while serving in the Persian Gulf War. Somewhere in Iraq, a U.S. Army major and his unit are tormented by memories of gunning down one of their own after mistaking him for an Iraqi fighter. Edward was killed as his unit and others were attacking Iraqi positions on a two-lane road about 15 miles southeast of Baghdad. The convoy of American tanks and armored vehicles was stopped on the road when they spotted an Iraqi tank, a Russian-made T-72. They fired and the enemy tank exploded. As the vehicle burned, Edward and a sergeant apparently dismounted and walked to the tree line near the tank, searching for Iraqi positions said Major Kent Rideout, the senior officer on the scene. At some point, Edward spotted a second tank and sent the sergeant back for an antitank rocket before going on alone. He was wearing a brown T-shirt, a flak vest that was left open and no helmet, according to Rideout, who was scanning the tree line for more Iraqi positions. “Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw behind the tank what looked to be an old campfire,” Rideout said. “I could see tea or coffee steaming, sleeping bags, chickens. It had all the hallmarks of a place where people were living. I put 2 and 2 together that this was a place a tank crew was living. All of a sudden, we saw movement. Someone dropped down, like he was going to fire, and then stood up and got behind another T-72.” Rideout’s driver also indicated he saw an enemy. He leveled his M-16 and the major ordered him to fire. “He fired one shot,” Rideout recalled. “I’ll never get over it. It was 200 to 250 yards away. He dropped him. I slapped him [the driver] on the head and said, ‘That’s the greatest shot I’ve ever seen.’ “The shot had hit Edward, a Desert Storm veteran and Bronze Star recipient who had left Fort Knox, Kentucky, to volunteer for war duty in March. A Bradley fighting vehicle from his unit also opened fire on the second Iraqi tank, some of its 25-millimeter rounds striking the fallen soldier.

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia – Section 60, Site 7872

Birth: September 28, 1980 – Iowa
Died: February 5, 2004 – Baghdad, Iraq

Spc Knowles was assigned to the 1133rd Transportation Company, Army National Guard, Mason City, Iowa. He was in a military cargo truck when the convoy came under mortar attack at a military checkpoint outside the Baghdad International Airport – his vehicle sustained a direct hit by a mortar round. Joshua graduated in 1999 from Sheffield-Chapin-Meservey-Thornton High School in Sheffield, Iowa where he participated in football and track. Shortly after graduation, he decided to join the National Guard for financial reasons. But once in the Guard, he discovered that he had found his calling in the military and was proud to be a soldier serving his country. Joshua was studying criminal justice at a community college and working as a woodworker before he was called up. His unit arrived in Kuwait in April 2003 and spent four months there before moving to Iraq, mostly transporting equipment and supplies. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Joshua was one of the funniest people you could hope to meet. For one 4th of July parade, he dyed his hair blue and red and another time he ate 64 ounces of ketchup in two days with potato chips. He would also butcher the song “Friends in Low Places” when singing karaoke. Joshua enjoyed golfing, snowboarding, playing paintball, playing pool, throwing darts and spending time with his friends. He was full of life and lived it to the fullest. He packed more living in his short 23 years than a lot of people do in a lifetime. Joshua once sent his family a shirt that said, “U.S. Soldiers Never Die – They Just Take Cover Until the Next Mission.”

Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, North Rockwell, Iowa