Freedom Remembered

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…

Born: April 25, 1990 in Kansas City, Missouri
Died: November 13, 2010 in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Cpl. Jacob R. Carver of Freeman, Missouri is a graduate of Cass-Midway school where he played football and track and was popular with both the staff and his peers. He joined the United States Army in September of 2008 arriving at Fort Campbell February of 2009. His awards and decorations include, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat and Special Skills Badge. He leaves his parents, Rosa M. Carver, and Arthur F. Carver, a brother, Tony, and a sister, Heather. He died at age 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when a suicide bomber detonated a vest bomb and struck his unit.
Army
2nd Battalion
502nd Infantry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Burial is at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, Missouri

To be updated…

Born: October 11, 1976 in Columbia, Missouri
Died: October 24, 2010 in Bethesda, Maryland

Sgt. 1st Class Charles M. Sadell of Columbia, Missouri is a 1995 graduate of Harrisburg High School That same year he enlisted in the United States Army. Known best as, ‘CJ’ he had previously been stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Dexheim, Germany, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. His previous deployments included a four-month tour in Saudi Arabia in 1997, a six-month tour in Kosovo in 2001 and a 12-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had been in Afghanistan since the spring of 2010. Among his awards are, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Basic Marksman Qualification Badge. Sadell had completed the Warrior Leaders Course and the Combat Life Savers Course. He leaves a wife, and two children among others. CJ enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley and playing poker. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Walter Sadell. He leaves his wife, Kristin, two sons, his mother, Jane Curry, two sisters Jessica Sadell, and Shannon Thornhill. He died at age 34 at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland of wounds suffered Oct. 5 at Arif Kala, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Army
1st Squadron
71st Cavalry Regiment
1st Brigade Combat Team
10th Mountain Division
Fort Drum, New York

Burial information is unknown at this time.

Born: September 3, 1986 in Ironwood, Michigan
Died: October 16, 2010 in Amarah, Iraq

Spc. Dylan T. Reid of Springfield, Missouri graduated in 2005 from Desert Technology High School in Arizona. Dylan enlisted in the United States Army in 2008 and deployed to Iraq on March 13, 2010. His awards and decorations include, the Army Commendation Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and an Army Service Ribbon. He was serving his first deployment. He leaves his daughter, Avery, who was one month old, his parents, Terry and Kelli Reid, his siblings, Shawna, Monica, Thomas and Erika. He died at age 24 in Amarah, Iraq in a non-combat related incident.
Army
1st Battalion
8th Infantry Regiment
3rd Brigade Combat Team
4th Infantry Division
Fort Carson, Colorado

To be updated…

Born: February 21, 1991 in Spokane, Washington
Died: October 13, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Lance Cpl. Phillip D. Vinnedge of Saint Charles, Missouri grew up the youngest of three boys and was involved in Boy Scout Troop 674. Phil had a deep desire to give back to his community, especially the children. He included the younger children in football games in the neighborhood, and gave his time freely in helping the Toys for Tots program. He graduated from Francis Howell Central High School in 2009 where he had perfect attendance and was an outstanding student. The following September he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, requesting to be in the infantry. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in September of 2010. Among his awards are, the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Phil leaves his parents, David and Julie Vinnedge, and two brothers, Corey and Jason, among others. He died at age 19 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Marines
3rd Battalion
5th Marine Regiment
1st Marine Division
I Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Pendleton, California

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, Missouri – Sec QQ Site 268

NOTE: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “St. Louis Toys for Tots” in Phillip’s honor. The family would like for Phillip to look down this Christmas and see kids opening gifts.

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: October 8, 1983 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Died: September 21, 2010 in Zabul, Afghanistan

Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Adam O. Smith of Hurland, Missouri entered the Navy in October of 2004 and attended aviation technical training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. In March of 2005, he was accepted to BUD/S. After SEAL qualification training, he excelled as a special warfare operator, making numerous deployments in support of overseas contingency operations. He graduated as a Navy SEAL in August 2007. In 2008 Adam deployed to Baghdad, Iraq and was deployed to Afghanistan in September of 2010. His Awards and Decorations include, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and SEAL Insignia. He leaves his mother and stepfather, Michele Jorgenson, and Dr. James Jorgenson, his father and stepmother, Eric Smith and Theresa, seven sisters, Amber, Audrey, Abigail, Aliana, Anna, Angel, and Lindsey, three brothers, Andrew, Austen and Zackary. Adam was a member of First Baptist Church of Bevier. He died at age 26 in a helicopter crash during combat operations in the Zabul province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Navy SEAL
East Coast-based SEAL Team
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Burial is at Oakwood Cemetery in Macon, Missouri

To be updated…