Freedom Remembered

Born: October 22, 1978 in Missouri
Died: September 28, 2011 in Landstuhl, Germany

First Sgt. Billy J. Siercks, 32, of Lincoln, Mo., died Sept. 28 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered Sept. 27 in Logar, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Bill is a 1997 graduate of Lincoln High School. He joined the Army in May 1997. After training at Fort Benning, Georgia he was assigned to Fort McNair, Washington D.C., Kelly Barracks in Germany, Fort Drum , New York, returned to Fort Benning, Georgia and was assigned to Fort Drum in May 2010. He deployed to Bosnia in April 2000 to October 2000, Kuwait from August 2002 to October 2002, Iraq from February 2003 to November 2003 and Afghanistan from February 2006 to November 2006. He deployed with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan in October 2010. Among his awards and decorations are, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Army Good Conduct Medals, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, three NATO Medals, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He completed the following courses: the Senior Leadership Course, the Combatives Level 1 and 2 Course, the Drill Sergeant School, Total Army Instructor Training, Advance Leadership Course, the Pathfinder Course, the Long Range Reconnaissance Course, the Jump Master Course, the Rappel Master Course, the Warrior Leadership Course, the Ranger Course, the Combat Life Savers Course and the Airborne Course.

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 9731

To be updated…

Born: March 26, 1974
Died: August 6, 2011 in Wardak, Afghanistan

Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, 37, of Kansas City, Mo., died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed. He was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. He enlisted in the United States Navy in October, 1999. After graduating Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois in June, 2000, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in Coronado, California. After graduating BUD/S in January, 2001, he reported to Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training in Coronado, California and completed the training in June, 2001. He then reported to a West Coast based SEAL Team in July, 2001. In June, 2006, he reported to his East Coast based SEAL Team. His awards include, the Bronze Star (2), Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device for valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2), Presidential Unit Citation (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6), Rifle Marksmanship Medal, and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 9932

To be updated…

Born: January 26, 1974
Died: June 18, 2011 in Uruzgan, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Edward F. Dixon III of Joplin, Mo., died at age 37 in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan of injuries suffered during a vehicle roll-over.  He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Baumholder, Germany. Also killed were, Sgt. 1st Class Alvin A. Boatwright of Lodge, S.C.; Sgt. Alan L. Snyder, 28, Worcester, Mass., and Specialist Tyler R. Kreinz of Beloit, Wis. SSgt. Dixon enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1992, and later transferred over to the United States Army.

Burial is at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri

To be updated…

Born: November 2, 1984 in Kansas City, Missouri
Died: June 14, 2011 in Paktika, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Jeremy A. Katzenberger of Weatherby Lake, Missouri enlisted in the United States Army in October of 2004, completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course, he was assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program also at Fort Benning. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in April 2005, where he served as a rifleman, automatic rifleman, team leader and Ranger squad leader. His awards and decorations include, the Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with one loop, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2 and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart. He died at age 26 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
Army
1st Battalion
75th Ranger Regiment
Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia

Burial is at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas – Sec I Site 258

To be updated…

Born: April 17, 1989
Died: June 8, 2011 in An Najaf, Iraq

Pfc. Matthew J. England of Gainesville, Missouri died at age 22 in An Najaf province, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Matt is a 2007 graduate of Lutie High School. His awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar.

Burial is at Fort Leonard Wood Veterans Cemetery in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri – Sec 5 Row 2 Site 17

To be updated…

Born: March 1, 1982 in Rolla, Missouri
Died: May 16, 2011 in Zabul, Afghanistan

Spc. Bradley L. Melton Rolla, Missouri graduated high school in 2000 and joined the United States Army the following October. His awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), the Army Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star (2 awards), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), Driver and Mechanic Badge (Bar, Driver-W, for wheeled vehicles), and the Overseas Service Bar (3 awards). He died at age 29 of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device in Zabul province, Afghanistan. Also killed were two others from the same unit, Pvt. Chelzray Pressley of North Charleston, S.C., and Pvt. Lamarol J Tucker of Gainesville, Fla, and Staff Sgt. David D. Self of Pearl, Miss. He leaves his mother and stepfather, Benita and Steven Beem, his father, John Cotner, two sons, Preston and Tristan, two sisters, Amanda and Amber.
Army
Brigade Troops Battalion
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team
25th Infantry Division
Fort Wainwright, Alaska

Burial is at Flat Grove Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri

To be updated…

Born: November 15, 1989
Died: April 16, 2011 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Spc. Joseph B. Cemper Warrensburg, Missouri formerly of Papillion, Nebraska died at age 21 at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an Afghan National Army soldier attacked with multiple grenades. He was assigned to the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He joined the Army in September 2009, arriving at Fort Campbell in February 2010. His awards and decorations include, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Burial is at Cedardale Cemetery in Papillion, Nebraska

To be updated…

Born: August 18, 1988 in Joplin, Missouri
Died: February 28, 2011 in Wardak, Afghanistan

Spc. Christopher G. Stark of Monett, Mo., graduated in 2007 from Monett High School. In August of 2008 he joined the United States Army. His awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with star device, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Basic Badge. He died at age 22 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.
Army
63rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion
20th Support Command
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Monett IOOF Cemetery in Monett, Missouri

To be updated…

Born: September 9, 1962 Independence, Missouri
Died: January 5, 2011 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Sgt. 1st Class Robert W. Pharris of Seymour, Missouri is a 1981 graduate of Mansfield High School. He first enlisted in the United States Army in 1981, and later in the Army National Guard. PHe had more than 14 years of service in a variety of assignments. Primarily serving as an infantryman, he has also served as a drill sergeant and recruiter. After leaving military service in 1997 and experiencing an 11 year break, he rejoined the Missouri Army National Guard in 2008 after he learned that an infantry unit was being formed. His awards include, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, 3rd Award, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, Non-commissioned Officer Proficiency Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon 2nd Award, Air Assault Badge and Missouri Expeditionary Ribbon. He died at age 48 of wounds suffered at Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He served as an agriculture specialist with Agri-Business Development Team IV. He leaves his wife, Pamala, four children, Cpl Benjamin J Pharris, serving in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps, and Robert W. Pharris, Jr, Susan C. Pharris, and Daniel A Pharris, two grandchildren, Noah and Stella, his parents, Alvin and Judy Pharris, a brother, Charles Floyd Pharris, four sisters, Debra Tripp, Ellen Henderson, Julie Hutson, and JoLynn Pemberton.
Army
National Guard
Agri-Business Development Team IV
Jefferson City, Missouri

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – Sec 60 Site 9399

To be updated…

Born: July 25, 1985 in Carbondale, Illinois
Died: December 31, 2010 in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Sgt. Michael J. Beckerman of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri died at age 25 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 2nd Brigade Support Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. He joined the United States Army in September of 2004 arriving at Fort Campbell in January of 2010. While serving in the Army, he received several awards and decorations, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, (2) the Army Achievement Medal, (2) Army Good Conduct Medal, (2) National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, (2) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M device, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar, (4), the Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert, Overseas Service Bar, (4). He was posthumously awarded the NATO Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He leaves his wife, Spc. Margaretta A. Beckerman, a daughter, Brianna, his father, Steve Beckerman, and his mother and stepfather, Lisa and Mark McGregor.

Burial is at Crestlawn Cemetery in Millers, Missouri

To be updated…