Freedom Remembered

Born: October 12, 1968 in Gastonia, North Carolina
Died: June 17, 2005 in Qaim, Iraq

Master Sgt. Michael L. McNulty of Knoxville, Tennessee graduated from Larkin High School in Elgin, Illinois in 1986. Michael enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation from Larkin High School in Elgin, Ill., in 1986. After completion of initial entry training, he was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, Fort Lewis, Washinton. After a brief separation of service, he reenlisted April 1994. McNulty then served with the 327th Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Ky. and later served with the 27th Infantry Regiment and 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a rifle squad leader, an instructor, and a reconnaissance squad leader. His awards and decorations included the three Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor Device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, five Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Military Freefall Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Ranger Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, and the Purple Heart. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of master sergeant. He leaves his wife, Paula, four children, Cyle, Eric, Katie and Rebecca, his parents Davis and Ann Marie McNulty. He was killed at age 36 while conducting combat operations in Qaim, Iraq.
Army
Headquarters
Army Special Operations Command
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 8194

Born: March 29, 1985 in Ypsilanti, Michigan
Death: November 1, 2006 in Hadithah, Iraq

Cpl. Gary A. Koehler of Ypsilanti, Michigan was a Milan High School football and baseball star who later fulfilled his goal of joining the Marine Corps. He graduated in 2003 and had recently married. In football, he was named first team All-Huron League and was the second leading tackler on the team in his senior year. He was first team All-Region in football as well. Gary was a dedicated athlete who volunteered to be deployed to the war a second time even after suffering a gunshot wound 18 months before. He wanted to return to duty in Iraq because he didn’t want to let the guys in his platoon down. Plus, he wanted to do what he could for his country. He married Hilary Moss in a civil ceremony and was planning a formal wedding ceremony at a later date. He leaves his wife, Hillary, his parents, Ron and Mary Goodney Koehler and a brother, Rob. Gary was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor. He was killed at age 21 while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq.
Marines
1st Battalion
8th Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 8852

Born: March 2, 1986 in Mesa, Arizona
Died: April 29, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq

Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon of Bel Aire, Kansas was fun loving, the life of the party and an adventurous kid with plans of serving his community and/or his country. He seriously considered becoming a firefighter for his community. What he actually did was to become a hero to a nation. Growing up, Alex attended Allison Middle School and Heights High School and explored his youth while  riding his bike on the streets of Bel Aire with friends. A typical teenager, Alex and his friends loved to play the usual pranks, like ringing doorbells before hiding. During his formative years in high school, Alex began seeking a better understanding of things of a spiritual nature. He sought a clear understanding of God and wasn’t intimidated to ask questions on the subject. After deciding how best to pursue a life plan, he joined the United States Army. He knew the dangers of enlisting during wartime, and according to his father he wasn’t the John Wayne type, but Alex was set in his decision to perform his obligations while serving in the military. As a military man, he visited the students at Bostic Elementary, who kind of adopted Alex while he was deployed. They sent him care packages, and in turn he sent them emails of his experience. They learned almost firsthand some of the real dangers of what it was like to serve during war time. In Iraq, he was getting ready for a break and had planned to spend it in Germany, but he also promised his Mom he’d be home soon. Alex leaves his parents, Karen and Bob, and a sister, Gloria among others. He died at age 21 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an Iranian made bomb detonated near his unit during combat operations. Also killed were Army Pfc. Brian A. Botello and Army Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin.
Army
3rd Squadron
61st Cavalry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
2nd Infantry Division
Fort Carson, Colorado

Burial is at Kechi Cemetery in Park City, Kansas

Born: January 22, 1986
Died: October 23, 2006 in Al Anbar, Iraq

Lance Cpl. Richard A. Buerstetta of Franklin, Tennessee is a 2004 graduate of Franklin High School who was a leader with a positive influence on others. He was an energetic and athletic young man who was affected profoundly by the events of September 11th. Even as a young teenager, he knew he wanted to serve in the military. After joining the Marine Forces Reserve, he was a student at Middle Tennessee State University when he was called to active duty. He was killed at age 20 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Also killed was Lance Cpl. Tyler R. Overstreet. He leaves his parents, Madeline and Paul Buerstetta, a brother, a sister and his fiancée. A bridge in Williamson County on Highway 96 and Highway 100 in Fairview now bears the name of Cpl. Richard Buerstetta in his memory.
Marines
Forces Reserve
3rd Battalion
24th Marine Regiment
4th Marine Division
Nashville, Tennessee

Burial is at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee – Sec JJ Row 16 Site 31

Born: February 22, 1974 in Vallejo, California
Died: August 2, 2008 in Tikrit, Iraq

Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole of American Canyon, California is a 1992 graduate of Vintage High School before moving to Napa. While growing up, she was a familiar face at the race car track. She and her stepfather, former American Canyon Mayor Rick Mahanay, followed the race car circuits at Sears Point, Monterey, Oregon and Canada. She loved being part of a pit crew. She entered the Army in July of 2007 arriving at Fort Campbell in January of 2008. Prior to her enlistment she worked as a floral designer. Her Awards and Decorations include, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification, M4, Expert. She leaves her husband, Lamont C. Capers, her mother and stepfather, Candace L. Gholson and father, James M. Cole, II, three brothers James M. Cole III and Jeffrey Cole and Joey Cole. She died at age 34 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident.
Army
426th Support Battalion
1st Brigade Combat Team
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Burial is at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, California

Born: February 24, 1986 in Contra Costa County, California
Died: June 12, 2008 in Balad, Iraq

Sgt. John D. Aragon of Antioch, California was a 2004 Antioch High School graduate and entered the Army in March 2006 arriving at Fort Campbell in December 2006. The die hard Oakland Raiders fan had the team name tattooed above his heart. He entered the Army in March 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in December 2006. Although proud to serve in the military, he never harbored any romantic notions of war. While in Iraq, he purchased an Iraqi cell phone and a long-distance calling card and phoned home once a week. John also had a great passion and love for his dog Amy Sue and his 1964 Chevy Impala. But above all, his heart belonged to his momma. His Awards and Decorations include, Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert. He leaves his parents, Denise and John Sr, among others. He died at age 22 in Kadamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
Army
1st Squadron
75th Cavalry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Burial is at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch, California

Born: Mar. 4, 1979 in Sedalia, Missouri
Died: June 16, 2005 in AR Ramadi, Iraq

Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt of Hermann, Missouri joined the Marine Corps at age 24. He was a mature leader among his peers, and a man who could be counted on. Most knew him best as the comical Marine who possessed a bright personality and upbeat attitude that made any situation better. He would come back in from being out on a late mission, he’d be sweaty and tired looking but he’d give that slight smile of his and say, ‘I’m alright.’ He possessed a great sense of humor, a bright, upbeat personality and could make light of any situation, no matter how tough. He would make field operations and all-nighter missions seem more like camping trips. He made those who served with him feel comfortable and welcome. He was carefree but professional at the same time. He possessed a unique courage that allowed him to be just the way he wanted to be, self-expressive and nonchalant. He was a great mentor for junior Marines. He would always make them laugh with his playful charm while teaching them about the weapons system. His approach wasn’t one of the leadership traits, but it worked wonders for our machine gun section. His style made him totally approachable. A former varsity football and basketball player, Erik Heldt had been working in construction and coaching Hermann Middle School students in football before he reported to duty in January 2003. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Crystal, for almost two years when he was killed. He leaves his wife, Crystal, his parents, Gary L. and Patricia J. Heldt, a daughter, Taylor, two brothers, Matt and Chris Heldt. He was killed at age 26 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while he was conducting combat operations near Ramadi, Iraq. Also killed was Capt. John W. Maloney.
Marines
1st Battalion
5th Marine Regiment
1st Marine Division
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Pendleton, California

Burial is at Saint James Cemetery in Big Spring, Missouri

Born: September 9, 1978 in Vincenza, Italy
Died: July 30, 2003 in Belaruz, Iraq

Capt Leif E. Nott of Cheyenne, Wyoming grew up in Europe and graduated in 1996 from Hanau High School in Germany. He spoke five languages. When it was time for college, he came back to the United States to continue the family’s military tradition, enrolling at the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2000. After arriving at Fort Hood, Leif became involved with Young Life, a group that reaches out to high school youth to build a relationship with God and made a profound impact on the lives of the young kids. He leaves his wife, Melanie, whom he married in July of 2001, his parents, Leslie and Raffaella Nott and a brother, Eric. He died at age 24 of wounds received from friendly fire on July 30 in Belaruz, Iraq.
Army
A Troop
1st Battalion
10th Cavalry
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Born: September 12, 1986
Died: August 17, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq

Pfc James J Arellano of Cheyenne, Wyoming was a 2005 graduate of Cheyenne Central High School. James followed the path of his father, Jim Arellano, both in becoming a boxer and in serving in the Army. He lived his life and had his goals and he strived to meet every one of them. He wanted to box, and he boxed; he wanted to join the military, and he got into the Army; he wanted to be married, and he married the love of his life, Jaime Smith on March 11. She was finishing her senior year in high school when they married and for their wedding dinner, they went to the International House of Pancakes where he had chocolate chip pancakes and she had biscuits and gravy. He leaves a brother, Andrew Arellano, and a sister, Diana Arellano. He died at age 19 of injuries suffered when his patrol encountered enemy forces using improvised explosive devices and small arms fire in Baghdad.
Army
1st Battalion
67th Armored Regiment
2nd Brigade
4th Infantry Division
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Born: February 9, 1968 in San Bernardino, California
Died: June 15, 2005 in Al Anbar, Iraq

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez of Pomona, California grew up in Pomona and earned his diploma from Pomona Adult School and dreamed of being a doctor. The quiet, loving man who liked to cook joined the Navy in 1996 serving 10 years after serving four years in the Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995 where he liked the strict discipline. While away at war, Cesar got a care package with an item that would change his life: a blue baby bootie. The father of three young girls was going to have a fourth child in September. The three little girls had big brown eyes like their dad’s and now he was waiting for the birth of his first son. He died as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations in al-Anbar province, Iraq at age 37. Lesneski Mortuary, San Clemente.
Navy
Hospital Corpsman
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

Burial was Private