Freedom Remembered

Born: November 28, 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Died: January 20, 2007 in Karbala, Iraq

Spc. Johnathan B. Chism of Prairieville, Louisiana graduated from St. Amant High School and was into sky diving and rock climbing. An LSU fan and Boy Scout, he had been in the service since June 2005, was due to come home for two weeks of rest and relaxation in February. He leaves his father and stepmother, Danny and Vanessa Chism, his mother, Elizabeth Chism, a sister, Spc. Julie Chism, stepbrothers, Eric and Dennis Bourg. The Army presented his family with posthumous awards of the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge. He died at age 22 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when his patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations. Also killed were, Lieut Jacob Fritz , Pfc. Shawn Falter, Pfc. Johnathon Millican and Capt. Brian Freeman. Hope Haven Garden of Memory in Gonzales, Louisiana
Army
2nd Battalion
377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment
4th Brigade Combat Team
25th Infantry Division
Fort Richardson, Alaska

Born: April 21, 1988
Died: October 15, 2012

Jenna G. Beno of Clarkston, Michigan was a 2006 graduate of Clarkston High School. She joined the United States Army in early summer of 2007, graduating from Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Her unit was deployed to Iraq in August 2009 where she suffered an injury which affected her vocal cords. Jenna received medical care and speech therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Her awards and decorations include, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal w/ service star and the Army Service Ribbon. She leaves her parents, William and Kristi Beno, a brother, Jacob, among several others and her beloved dog Harli-Bear. She was 24 years old. Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan – Sec 10 Site 1202

Born: June 20, 1986
Died: March 20, 2012 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Sgt Derrick J Kirkland of Indiana died at Fort Lewis, Washington. He joined the military in 2007. He had served one tour of duty in Iraq, and was 6 months into his second tour when he was sent back to Fort Lewis for treatment.

Burial is at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana – Sec 11 Row 2 Site 28

To be updated…

On Feb. 25, the armed forces positively identified the remains of Staff Sgt. Ahmed K. Altaie, of Ann Arbor, Mich. He was assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Divisional Training Center, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Altaie was kidnapped at gunpoint in October 2006 when he sneaked off base on a motorcycle to visit his Iraqi wife in central Baghdad. On Dec. 11, 2006, a casualty review board declared Altaie “missing – captured” after his disappearance in Baghdad, Iraq on Oct. 23, 2006. Altaie was the final missing soldier and casualty to be recovered from the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn mission.

Burial is at Arborcrest Memorial Park and Chapel Mausoleum in Ann Arbor, Michigan

To be updated…

Born: March 12, 1986 in Des Moines, Iowa
Died: December 31, 2006 in Baqubah, Iraq

Cpl Jonathan E. Schiller of Ottumwa, Iowa graduated from Ottumwa High School in 2004 where he was an actively involved student who also played basketball in the ninth and tenth grades. He was active in youth and other high school sports. Prior to joining the United States Army he worked at West Music and at Hibbett Sporting Goods. Jon was also a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Jon showed leadership skills even during high school, although they may have been of a typical teenagers practical joking leader qualities. But in time, those take charge skills began to serve him well as he got older, particularly as he progressed through the ranks of the military. By all accounts Jon was someone who anyone would have been proud to parent, befriend, or call a comrade in arms. He died at age 20 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a combat patrol. Also killed was Spc. Richard A. Smith. Schiller becomes the 49th Iowan killed in Iraq or Afghanistan from combat. He leaves his parents, William (Bill) and Elizabeth (Liz) Waddle Schiller and two brothers, Charlie and Max Schiller among others.
Army
1st Cavalry
215th Brigade Support Battalion
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team
1st Cavalry Division
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe, Iowa

To be updated…

Born: February 24, 1986 in Florida
Died: January 22, 2012

Spc Kevin M Hardin was medically retired from the Army due to combat injuries sustained during a patrol in Samarra, Iraq, Sept. 30, 2007. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medic Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal with Campaign Star and the Army Achievement Medal.

Burial is at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas – Sec 2 Row T Site 1084

To be updated…

Born: November 18, 1983 in Kennewick, Washington
Died: November 10, 2011 in Boise, Idaho

From a very young age David had a passion for serving his country to defend the freedom of all of us here at home. He was an Army Recruiter in Boise, Idaho, serving with the Boise Recruiting Company, Salt Lake City Recruiting Battalion, 6th Recruiting Brigade – North Las Vegas, NV.

David also served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving with the 671st Engineering Company and also with the 3rd Infantry Division. He received various awards for being an exemplary soldier and NCO of the Year. This included Army Recruiter awards: Recruiter of the Year, Recruiter Badge (three sapphire stars), recruiter ring, Glen E. Morrell award, and other unit citations.

David had kept in touch with his high school history teacher, Mr, Kiki, over the years and his teacher asked David one day if he would write about what the American flag meant to him. This is what David wrote. It has since been read at Veteran’s Day high school assemblies.

“I joined the United States Army at the age of 17. I was a junior at Central Valley High School when I joined. I wanted the privilege and honor to represent my flag in a foreign country. I have worn this flag for two years in Iraq. I have worn this flag with pride and honor. This flag has witnessed many wars, but the flag I wore saw only what I saw. It watched on the 15th of March 2003 when I walked into Iraq to bring freedom to a country. It watched on the 1st of July 2003, when I held 1SG Christopher Coffin in my arms as he died in combat bearing the same flag that I wore. It watched when I entered a torture room that held girls as young as 14 years of age, freeing them from their prison. It was a symbol for everyone around me during that time. It has always been a symbol and will always be a symbol. For some, when they witnessed me walk into their village or home wearing this flag, they were filled with hope and the emotion of relief from their fears. For some, when they witnessed this flag, they were filled with terror and fear because they themselves caused so much of same feelings in others. For me, this flag that “I wear” represents a light that pierces through the darkest of countries as a hope that there will be a better life. I have a privilege to represent you! You gave me the privilege to carry this flag into combat so that others will have HOPE. I will not fail you nor will I allow this flag to fall. I have made an oath to protect this flag against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so help me God!” signed SSG David Biehl

SSG Biehl received his promotion to the heavenly ranks on November 10, 2011. He passed away at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho, from complications resulting in a traumatic brain injury that occurred in July that same year. “You have fought the good fight,” were some of the last words spoken to David by his father shortly before David passed away to be with his Lord and Savior.

David was an avid outdoorsman. He loved his family, friends, and his Band of Brothers. His smile and laughter will always be remembered. He will forever be in our hearts.
Psalm 27

Laid to rest at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery – Boise, Idaho – Sec 2 Row D Site 87

Written and submitted by his mother, D. Biehl

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Born: February 3, 1989 in Escondido, California
Died: July 16, 2011 in Portland, Oregon

Spc Matthew M. Brennan attended Tualatin High School and graduated from the Oregon Youth Challenge Program in 2007. Matt enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard, then transferred to the Army National Guard about a year later. He served a tour of duty in Iraq. He is the son of Michael and Maria Brennan. In addition to his parents, he also leaves seven brothers and sisters, Scott, Jared, Christina, Ariel, Aiden, Sophia, and Isabella.

Burial is at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon – Sec EE3 Site 2533

To be updated…

Born: January 14, 1969 in Keokuk, Iowa
Died: June 28 2011 in Washington County, Iowa

Sgt Robert W Briggs of Hillsboro, Iowa, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa was employed by the State of Iowa Department of Transportation from November 1999 to April 2005. He served with the National Guard 224th Combat Engineers Co. C in Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant from September 1991 to December 2007 when he was retired due to injuries he sustained while serving in Ramadi, Iraq. Bob enjoyed staying active by hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing and helping other veterans and their families. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, meeting new people and experiencing new challenges. He was in the first GIVE (Golf for Injured Veterans) class in Riverside, IA, a member of the VFW Post 1797, American Legion Post 94, an advocate for the Wounded Warrior Project and a life time member of AM Vets. He was also the Vice President of English River Outfitters in Washington, IA, an organization “Designed by Veterans for Veterans” that offer a safe outdoor experience with other veterans to help promote healing and closure all at no cost to the veterans. Bob was very passionate about helping other veterans and their families. He and his wife spent many hours and traveled extensively to bring about the necessary changes to legislation on both the local and federal level in support of veterans and both were instrumental in the development of the recently passed “Caregiver Bill” and the passing of the “Iowa Injured Veterans Grant” of which he was very proud of. Bob was loved by many and has touched every person he met, never meeting a stranger and always offering his love and support to others. Bob was also extremely proud of his Native American heritage. He died at age 42 from injuries received on April 16, 2005 for which he received the Purple Heart Award, while serving his country in Iraq. He leaves his wife, Michelle, their children, Ashlea and Cody his parents, Bob and Sandra Steele Briggs, his sister, Brenda and her husband Terry Best.

Burial is at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa -

The above is from his obituary.

Born: July 11, 1986 in Landstuhl, Germany
Died: June 25, 2011 in Ormond Beach, Florida

Staff Sgt Robert S. O’Neill of Barksdale Air Force Base Shreveport, Louisiana, formerly of Florida graduated in 2005 from Flagler Palm Coast High School and immediately joined the United States Air Force for a six year enlistment. After basic training he entered a technical school for security forces. Robert became a dedicated Non-Commissioned Officer rising through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant. Robert worked various jobs within his security field, ultimately ending in law enforcement. He is credited with saving three lives in three years and making 23 arrests of poachers and other environmental criminals. He also did a six month deployment to Iraq. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He volunteered for blood drives, food banks, homeless shelters and handicap hunter access. Robert never stopped caring and did an outstanding job displaying character, faith and loyalty. A family statement reads: “Robert was a wonderful and considerate son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. Robert was a hero to some, a friend to many and will be greatly missed by all”. Robert is survived by his father, Steven M. O’Neill and Catherine M. Horecky, two brothers, Christian and Daniel Reusch, niece, Christina L. Giehl; grandmother, Hilde Elbeck and uncle Marvin Elbeck all of Landstuhl, Germany; Uncle Bobby O’Neill and wife Lynne of New York, NY; aunts, Christine Pageau of Port Orange, FL and JoEllen Pearson and her husband Mike of Norfolk, VA; several cousins, nieces and a nephew. Robert was predeceased by his mother, Elisabeth D. O’Neill and brother Jens Reusch.

Burial is at Craig Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens in Flagler Beach, Florida

The above is from his obituary.