Freedom Remembered

Born: May 15, 1981 in Haleyville, Alabama
Died: September 29, 2010 in Uruzgan, Afghanistan

Senior Airman Mark Forester of Tuscaloosa, Alabama graduated in 2006 from Haleyville High School. Mark is also a University of Alabama graduate with a degree in finance. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served a two year mission in Oakland, California. He joined the Air Force in 2007 and was stationed at Pope Air Force Base in September of 2009. He had been deployed to Afghanistan since April of 2010. He leaves his parents, Ray and Pat Forester, three brothers, Thad, Joseph and David, and a sister, Terri. He died at age 29 in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations in the area. Mark was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his heroic actions during a previous battle, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. By all accounts, Mark was an extraordinary man, both as a serviceman and as a civilian.
Air Force
21st Special Tactics Squadron
Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina

Burial is at Winston Memorial Cemetery in Haleyville, Alabama

Born: August 20, 1980 in Anniston, Alabama
Died: March 10, 2008 in Iraq

Capt. Torre R. Mallard of Oklahoma grew up throughout the United States and Europe, due to his father’s military service. He attended Salmen High School in Slidell Louisiana his senior year, graduating in 1998. Torre received his nomination for West Point from the state of Louisiana and graduated with a degree in Computer Science and he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in June of 2002. while he was at West Point, he was a member of the football and boxing teams. Torre was deployed to Iraq for his first combat duty in March of 2003. He was promoted to Captain in 2005, where he assumed the duties of Battalion S-1 Administrative Officer. In April of 2007, he was selected for the Company Commander of Fox Troop. In November of 2007, he redeployed back to Iraq for a second tour. His Awards and Declarations include, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), Meritorious Service Medal (Posthumous), Army Accommodation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Medal, Combat Action Badge and Parachutists Badge. He was posthumously awarded, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Purple Heart. He leaves his wife, Bonita, two sons, Torre Jr, and Joshua, his parents, Mose and Robin Mallard and a brother, Terrence. His father is a well-respected military instructor in Spotsylvania County and was proud his son had followed him into the military. Torre died at age 27 in Balad Ruz, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Spc. Donald A. Burkett and Sgt. Phillip R. Anderson.
Army
2nd Squadron
3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at United States Military Academy Post Cemetery in West Point, New York – Sec XXXVI Site C-097D

Born: October 25, 1972 in Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Died: May 31, 2004 Baghdad, Iraq

Capt. Robert C. Scheetz Jr., of Dothan, Alabama is the son of Robert C. Scheetz Sr. and Joyce Ammerman Scheetz. He is a 1990 graduate of Shamokin Area High School. After high school he attended Alabama Aviation flight school and later went to the University of Alabama. Robert married the former Jennifer Vidalia on June 12, 1994. He entered the Army where he was serving in the First Armor. He had been stationed in Baumholder, Germany, before he was called to duty in Iraq. Robert enjoyed playing chess and loved flying and serving in the military. He was a Protestant by faith. In addition to his parents, he leaves his wife, Jennifer, two sisters, Michele and Hope. He was killed at age 31 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Musayyib, Iraq.
Army
1st Battalion
6th Infantry Regiment
Baumholder, Germany

Burial is at Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery in Fort Benning, Georgia – Sec J

Born: November 28, 1984 in Valdosta, Georgia
Died: July 24, 2010 in Qalat, Afghanistan

Spc. Andrew L. Hand of Enterprise, Alabama is a 2004 graduate of Enterprise High School where he played football as a wide receiver for the Wildcats, along with being a member of the Wildcat baseball and track team. Andrew entered active service on November 15, 2005. Following his initial term of active service, he re-enlisted Oct. 17, 2008. He reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The battalion deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October of 2009. He was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. His civilian and military education includes a high school diploma, and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Crewmember Qualification Course. His Awards and Decorations include, the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge. He leaves his wife, Amanda, his two boys, Tristen and Gavin, his father and stepmother, Kenneth and Renee Hand, his mother and stepfather Phyllis and Jerry Parris, a sister, Laura and a brother, Robert. He died at age 25 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Army
5th Battalion
3rd Field Artillery Regiment
17th Fires Brigade
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Burial is at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama – Sec 8 Site 662

Born: June 13, 1974
Died: May 3, 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq

Staff Sgt William J. Brooks of Birmingham, Alabama attended Scott Elementary, Daniel Payne Middle and learned to play the drums at Jackson Olin High School where he graduated in 1992. He joined the Army in October of 1995 to better take care of his daughters. Will liked silly sitcoms like Gilligan’s Island as a kid and he used to make everyone laugh. But when he joined the Army, his serious side emerged. He received several commodations while serving. He leaves his wife, Roxanne, his mother, Linda Brooks, and two daughters, Ayana and Aaryan. He was a member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Will was killed at age 30 when his unit was conducting a route security mission and an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad.
Army
1st Battalion
64th Armor Regiment
3rd Infantry Division(M)
Fort Stewart, Georgia

Burial is at Carver Memorial Gardens in Minor, Alabama

Born: August 4, 1983
Died: June 9, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. David C. Smith of Eight Mile, Alabama is the youngest of five children and a Satsuma High graduate. After graduation he waited a full year before making a decision to join the Air Force. He was known by several nicknames, either by his family, his friends, or his comrades, ‘Smitty,’ ‘Stuntman,’ ‘Cazzie’ or even simply ‘Dave’. He was very good with computers and electronics and could dismantle anything and put it back together again. He also had compassion for others and would stand up for the underdog, something that carried over to doing rescue missions in Afghanistan. While still in school he stood up for one of his peers who was being teased because he had learning disabilities. He loved stand up comedy and he himself had a dry sense of humor. Though he could be funny he also knew when it was time to be serious, and that was anytime he put on his uniform. He was intelligent, dependable, honest, humble, modest, tough and was respected by his peers. Dave wouldn’t want much fuss about him, he felt that he was just doing his job in the military. Others in his family also served. One sister is in the Coast Guard, and a brother is a Navy veteran. His maternal grandfather served with the Army’s Military Police in World War II. David was already making plans for his future, he had become engaged, was planing to continue his education, and would soon be buying a house, which he had been saving up for. He leaves his mother, Mildred Hardee, two brothers, Randall and Todd, two sisters, Tracey and Jamie and his fiancée, Meggan Eckersley, among others. He had previously served a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to return home in just ten days. David died at age 26 near FOB Jackson, Afghanistan, in a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash. Also killed were Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael P. Flores, Air Force 1st Lt. Joel C. Gentz and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin D. White. Capt. David A. Wisniewski died July 2 at National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., due to injuries suffered in the crash.
Air Force
66th Rescue Squadron
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Burial is at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Tillmans Corner, Alabama

Born: October 14, 1988
Died: June 7, 2010 in Jelawar, Afghanistan

Spc. Brendan P. Neenan of Enterprise, Alabama is a 2006 graduate of Enterprise High School. He is the son of Hugh Neenan and his stepmother, Lisa Neenan. His mother, Carol Elizabeth Neenan died when he was young. Brendan was moved by the events of September 11th. Though he was just a young boy, the impact of that fateful day cemented his future. So in joining the United States Army, Brendan was in good family tradition company. His father and his grandfather had both served as infantry paratroopers. After Brendan graduated from jump school, his dad gave him his grandfathers wings. He attended Enterprise State Community College until his deployment in August 2009. While deployed to Afghanistan he showed concern about the family that worried about him back home. He wanted to make sure his stepmother was doing ok while he was away, and he worried about his brother out in Los Angeles who was working to make a name for himself. Brendan stayed in touch through social media sites and phone calls home. He was just a one week away from being safe from the war. In addition to his parents, he leaves a brother, Timothy, a sister, Katie, his grandparents, Miggs Neenan, Charles Notter, Joyce Notter, and Betty Coon and his dog, Steak. He died at age 21 at Jelawar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Army
2nd Battalion
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
4th Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 8-MM Row 20 Site 6

Born: October 17, 1982 in Alabama
Died: May 8, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Capt. Kyle A. Comfort of Jacksonville, Alabama graduated from Riverside Military Academy in Georgia before graduating in 2006 from Jacksonville State University where he was commissioned to serve as an Army officer after taking part in the ROTC program. Born to be a soldier, he was the person every American should strive to be. Anyone who was around Kyle knew pretty quickly that he was a good man. As a leader, he knew how to bring out the best in his men, in effect making them better soldiers. He initially served as a company Fire Support Officer and Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, both of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He deployed to Iraq from October 2007 to November 2008 with the 101st. He then completed assessment and selection for assignment into the 75th Ranger Regiment in February 2010 where he subsequently served as a Fire Support Officer for Company D, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. His Awards and Decorations include, include the Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge. He has also been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with combat star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseason Service Ribbon. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Badge posthumously. He is the son of Ellen Comfort and the late Kenneth A. Comfort. He also leaves behind his wife, Brooke and a young daughter, a sister, Karena, and his two brothers, Kevin and Kenny. He died at age 27 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Army
3rd Battalion
75th Ranger Regiment
Fort Benning, Georgia

Burial is at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, Alabama

Born Jan. 13, 1977

Died Aug. 16, 2007 in Balad, Iraq

Paul grew up in a relatively small town, never getting into any trouble. He fished, played soccer and loved his family. He graduated from Holly Pond Alabama High School and enlisted in the Army afterwards. His mother, a factory worker, always told her kids she wanted them to have a better life than she had. Factory work was not a good life for her and she hoped her children would have easier careers. Paul served 3 tours of duty in Bosnia then spent some time in the Secret Service stationed at the Pentagon, leaving there just a few days shy of the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks. He went on to work at NATO Headquarters in Belgium, where he met his wife Eva. Paul switched jobs, thinking that a job as a military police officer would involve less travel. He was wrong. He and Eva moved to Germany in late 2002 and during that move, in Paul received news that his two sisters had been killed instantly in an automobile crash caused by a man under the influence of drugs. Paul came home for their funeral then left after telling his mother, with tears streaming down his face, “Mom, I’ve cried all the tears I can cry for my sisters. I got to go back and get my men ready to fight. Their lives depend on me, and I’ve got to be there for them. But know this. If something happens to me, the last thing that’s going to go through my head is you, my two dead sisters and my brother. And when they hand you that flag, you hold it high and be proud.” Paul went on to serve tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to the states. Separated from Eva, he never gave up his love and devotion to their daughter Isabella. She was the light of his life. Paul left for another tour of duty in Iraq just after father’s Day in 2007, assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, out of Fort Hood, Texas. He died from a non-combat related incident. Paul was survived by his wife; daughter; parents; brother and a grandmother. Besides his sisters, he was preceded in death by his two grandfathers and his other grandmother who died a few weeks after his sisters were killed.

Paul was buried in Welti Cemetery in Cullman, Alabama.

Born: March 9, 1988
Died: April 28, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Lance Cpl. Thomas E. Rivers Jr., of Hoover, Alabama was a 2007 graduate of Briarwood Christian School, and had wanted to be a Marine all of his life. He realized that dream when he joined the Marines in June of 2007 and was serving his second tour of duty in the Middle East. Thomas had previously served a tour of duty in Iraq. He was a mature, hard working, team oriented young man who was fun to be around, but knew when it was time to be serious. His Awards and Decorations include. the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal. He is the son of Dr. Tom and Charon Rivers and the brother of Rachel. He died at age 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Marines
1st Battalion
2nd Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial will be at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama – Sec 8 Site 663