Freedom Remembered

Born: January 24, 1986
Died: August 31, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia of Kenner, Louisiana is the son of Herbert and Teresa Bovia. He is a 2004 graduate of Bonnabel High School where he was a decorated ROTC cadet. His family is no stranger to serving in the military; his grandfather, granduncle and an uncle have all done their part. And Joseph was so eager to jumps start his own military career that he asked his parents to sign for him in his senior year of high school. He did his training at Parris Island, South Carolina, before shipping out to Japan. He was currently serving in Afghanistan and had previously served two deployments to Iraq. Joseph leaves his parents, Teresa Moorhead Bovia and Herbert Joseph Bovia, Jr., and a brother, Matthew Bovia. He died at age 24 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Army
3rd Combat Assault Battalion
3rd Marine Division
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Okinawa, Japan

Garden Of Memories in Metairie, Louisiana

To be updated…

Born: March 3, 1986
Died: July 18, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman of Jonesboro, Louisiana is the son of Joe Merritt and Kathy Webb. He and his sister were adopted by their paternal aunt and uncle, Connie and John Wrightsman. Joe spent his early childhood in Kitsap County, Washington, until age thirteen when he moved with his mom and siblings to Louisiana. He attended Jonesboro Hodge High School, where he ran track, cross country and played football for the Tigers. Joe was a leader among his peers and would always migrate towards the underdog. Just his presence was enough to keep the tougher kids from picking on those he befriended. He worked at K’s Food Market while in high school. Joe was thinking about his future when he decided to join in the Marines. With the lure of scholarship funding and the security of a better life, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 2005. He attended the School of Infantry in August of 2005 and had completed two previous deployments to Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in May of 2010 to conduct counterinsurgency operations partnered with Afghan National Security Forces. In spite of the risk, he loved his job and felt confident with his duties. He was the first to jump right in when something needed to be done. His Awards and Decorations include, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal and the NATO-International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Medal. He died at age 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Joe had been trying to help another man cross a rapid flowing river when both men were swept away. He leaves a son, Mcae, his parents, nine brothers and eight sisters, and his fiancee’, Kiara.
Marines
3rd Battalion
3rd Marine Regiment
3rd Marine Division
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Arlington National Cemetery

To be updated…

Born: October 6, 1985
Died: June 2, 2007 in AL Hadid, Iraq

Cpl. William J. Crouch of Zachary, Lousiana graduated from Starkey Academy in 2004 and enlisted in the United States Army during his senior year in high school. His desire to serve was influenced by his own father, who was a Baton Rouge policeman. His father, James Crouch, had wanted to serve in the military but never got the opportunity. He died when Jared was 13. Jared’s basic training was completed at Fort Knox, where he became a cavalry scout with the Stryker Division, earning a marksman badge. He then went to Fort Lewis, Washington to continue his intensive training for two more years. He was deployed to Iraq on April 8, 2007. Jared had almost completed his third year of military service and had planned to continue his armed forces career by joining the Louisiana Army National Guard after his active-duty assignment was up. He considered studying history and getting a job in government service when he finished. A movie buff, he loved science fiction, kickboxing and hanging out with his friends. He died at age 21 in Hadid, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He leaves his mother, Kathy Russell Rushing, his stepfather, James “Jimbo” Rushing Jr., his brothers, Jeremy R James, Spc. John W Crouch, stepbrothers, Matthew Tristan and Morgan Rushing. Jared was a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church.
Army
2nd Squadron
1st Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade
2nd Infantry Division
Fort Lewis, Washington

Burial is at Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana – Sec H Site 662

Born: October 26, 1987
Died: July 2, 2010 in Baghdad, Iraq

Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle of West Monroe, Louisiana graduated in 2006 from Ouachita Parish High School and was a student at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jordan was a gifted musician and it was through his music that he served as a member of the National Guard as a member of the 156th Army Band, where he played the trombone. The oldest of five siblings, Jordan grew up with relatives who served in the military. His father was in the United States Air Force and his stepfather was currently serving with the United States Army in Iraq. In fact, Jordan wanted to go over to Iraq on his second tour with his stepfather, Myron Turner. His first tour to Iraq was so he could go over and watch after his sister, Clara, who served in Iraq in 2008. During that 2008 tour, he made it a point to interact with the local population as best as possible. He took it upon himself to build relationships with the locals because he felt an overwhelming need to help them. Jordan was easy going, polite and compassionate, and was always the first one up from the table to help out any way he could. He leaves his mother and Stepfather, Annette and Myron J. Turner, his father, Brian M. Tuttle, his brothers, David Tuttle, Joseph Turner, Benjamin Tuttle, Reagan Garrett Turner and Lucas Turner, his sisters, Clara Tuttle Gumm, Iris Adelin Tuttle, and Julia Angelle Turner. He died at age 22 at Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was a member of the 156th Army Band in Bossier City.
Army
National Guard
1st Battalion
141st Field Artillery Regiment
256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
New Orleans, Louisiana

Burial is at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, Louisiana

Died: June 26, 2010 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq

Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes of Epps, Louisiana attended Ouachita Parish High School where he was known as “B.J.” to his friends, and was an athlete, playing wide receiver for the football team. He left the school during the 2007-08 school year before graduating to join the military. He also attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University pursuing a Criminal Justice degree. His Awards and Decorations include, the Humanitarian Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, LA War Cross, LA Emergency Service Oversees Service Bar. Bryant was also a member of St. John Baptist Church. He leaves his mother Linda (Toney) Collins, and father Fredrick Nichols, his fiancé, Lakeidra, nine brothers, and four sisters among others. He died at age 21 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.
Army
National Guard
199th Support Battalion
Alexandria, Louisiana

Burial is at Richwood Memorial Gardens in Monroe, Louisiana

Born: August 11, 1980
Died: August 3, 2005 in Barwanah, Iraq

Cpl. David S. Stewart of Bogalusa, Louisiana is the son of Sandra and Joey and was known to many as “Bear”. He was killed at age 24 when his amphibious assault vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device while he was conducting combat operations south of Hadithah, Iraq. Also killed were Marine Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Bell Jr., Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz, Lance Cpl. Nicholas William B. Bloem, Sgt. Bradley J. Harper, Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman and Cpl. David Kenneth J. Kreuter.

Marines
4th Assault Amphibian Battalion
4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve
Gulfport, Missississippi

Burial is at Lee’s Creek Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana

Born: April 13, 1983
Died: May 17, 2006 in Al Anbar, Iraq

Petty Officer Third Class Lee Hamilton Deal of West Monroe, Louisiana attended West Monroe High School where he played football, soccer, baseball and golf. As an All-State kicker on West Monroe’s national championship team in 2000, he hoped to continue playing football in college and went to LSU. He was quick with a smile and a joke, but also had a serious side that drove him to succeed. The biggest thing about Lee is he had compassion. He never wanted anybody to feel bad. You would be around him and you couldn’t help but feel better if you were down. He made friends easily and quickly became popular with classmates when he moved to West Monroe in junior high school, where he was elected president of the student council. Everyone seemed to love him. Lee experienced some disappointments and had some ups and downs after high school, but he grew up and made a decision to join the Navy where he found his passion. Known as “Doc” by his military peers, he was an outspoken, energetic, funny, caring man who once performed first aid on a cow because that was part of what he saw as his responsibility. His military education includes, training at Naval Hospital Corps School and later Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion, he was assigned to Reconnaissance Indoctrination Course at Camp Pendleton and then Reconnaissance Basic Course at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. Other training assignments included Marine Combatant Divers Course in Panama City, Florida, Dive Medicine Course at Naval Dive and Salvage Center in Panama City, Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Joint Special Operations Combat Medical Course at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Some of his Awards and Decorations include, the Purple Heart with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Lee died at age 23 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He is survived by his fiancée, Margaret, his grandparents, Charlotte and Nick Hamilton, his mother, Melanie Deal, his father, Harry B. Deal, and a brother, Justin.
Navy
Regimental Combat Team-5
I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
permanently assigned to
2nd Marine Division
Fleet Marine Force Atlantic
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial is at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, Louisiana

Born on April 28, 1966 in Louisiana

Died on May 24, 2010 in Numaniyah, Iraq

Maj. Culver was known by his middle name, Wayne. One of two sons born to Ronald and Betty Culver, he played baseball, was member in his church’s youth group, and was an active member in the Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Wayne graduated from Northwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1984 and joined the military in 1988 and graduated from Louisiana State University-Shreveport in 1989 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. Major Culver served a majority of his 22-year career with 1-156th Armor Battalion and 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Fort Humbug in Shreveport. He served one tour during Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991 and two tours in Iraq, the first from 2004-05 and again in 2010. Wayne also responded numerous times for State emergencies to include Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. Wayne was promoted to Major on August 28th, 2006. Wayne deployed to Iraq in January 2010, as an executive officer with the 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, from Shreveport. He never asked his troops to do anything he would not do himself and was considered a soldier’s soldier. His unit’s duty was to conduct force protection and convoy security throughout the multi-national coalition during the responsible draw down of U.S. Forces in Iraq. He died May 24 in Numaniyah, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Major Culver received numerous military honors and awards during his 22 years in the Guard, including the Combat Action Badge, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with campaign star, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, numeral three and bronze hourglass, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Louisiana War Cross with two fleur-de-lis, the Louisiana Cross of Merit, the Louisiana Commendation Medal, the Louisiana Emergency Service Medal with one fleur-de-lis, and the Louisiana Longevity Ribbon with three fleur-de-lis. Major Culver also was a member of the Order of Saint George and recipient of the Order of Saint George Medallion, which is the top award given to the most deserving of members of the Army’s mounted force by the United States Armor Association and the United States Army.

Born: December 11, 1985
Died: May 18, 2010 in Kabul, Afghanistan

Sgt. Joshua A. Tomlinson of Dubberly, Louisiana graduated from Lakeside High School in 2002, where he was a well liked, popular student. Artistic and creative and a an accelerated reader, he always seemed to be happy. He was also a talented musician and enjoyed fishing. Josh enlisted in the United States Army, a decision that surprised practically everyone. But he really wanted to serve his country in addition to providing a future for his family. He deployed to Afghanistan in September of 2009 for his first deployment to that country. He was expected to be back in the states in July 2010. He died at age 24 in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Also killed were Col. John M. McHugh, Lt. Col. Paul R. Bartz, Lt. Col. Thomas P. Belkofer, and Staff Sgt. Richard J. Tieman. He is survived by his wife Rowena, his father Carl and companion Adrienne Sanders, his mother Rebecca Jobe and companion Mickey Holtzclaw, his grandmother Dorothy Adams, two sisters Latha and Cynda, two brothers Carl and Jordan among others. He was posthumously promoted to Sgt. His son Jonas Tomlinson, preceded him in death.
Army
Special Troops Battalion
V Corps
Heidelberg, Germany

Burial is at Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana

Born: January 17, 1973 in Louisiana
Died: February 17, 2006, Djibouti

1st Lt Brandon R. Dronet of Erath, Louisiana was a 2002 graduate of LSU who was your typical good country boy who was trying to do the right thing and wanted to serve his country. He married his high school sweetheart from Henry High School, Summer Landry. They eventually had four children. Brandon loved being in the Marines and he enjoyed life. At his officers commissioning ceremony, Brandon was presented a key to the city of Abbeville. He is survived by his wife, Summer, their children, Dustin, Kourtnie, Cody, and Madeline, his parents, Catherine Montet and Gene Dronet and a brother, Clint Dronet. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Dronet. Brandon was killed at age 33 when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission in the Godoria Range area. Also killed were Marine Sgt. James F. Fordyce, Lance Cpl. Samuel W. Large Jr., Sgt. Donnie Leo F. Levens, Cpl. Matthieu Marcellus, Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley, Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Sovie and Capt. Bryan D. Willard; and Air Force Senior Airman Alecia S. Good and Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez Sanchez.
Marines
Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464
Marine Air Group 29
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
II Marine Expeditionary
New River, North Carolina

Burial is at Bancker Cemetery in Bancker, Louisiana