Freedom Remembered

Born on Sep. 10, 1987 in Omaha, Nebraska

Died on June 7, 2024 in Konar, Afghanistan

Spc. Blaine E. Redding was the eldest of two sons born to Teresa Redding and Blaine “Pete” Redding. Blaine was raised and educated in Plattsmouth. Nebraska, and was often seen fishing with his father. Growing up he and his brother Logan, who was very shy, maintained a strong bond. Blaine liked to bring out his brother’s personality by using him as his own personal crash-test dummy, finding all sorts of ways to put bumps and bruises on him. It was all in fun and the two brothers were always there for each other. Blaine grew into an impressive 6′ 4″ and 230 pound young man, with a desire to take the world on, his way. His family meant the world to him; he was honest, committed and fashioned himself after Robin Hood. After high school, Blaine worked for John’s Appliance in Plattsmouth before enlisting in the Army in September of 2007, the third generation of his family to serve. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008-2009. Stationed at Fort Campbell, Blaine found himself in a close knit group of friends from his unit. He also met the love of his life, Victoria “Nikki” Nichole Colwell, and they married on March 13, 2010, in Portland, Tennessee. Two months later he deployed to Afghanistan, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His younger brother Logan, also serving from Ft. Campbell, deployed at the same time. On June 7, 2010, a month into his deployment, Blaine was killed in action along with four other men in his unit when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. A couple of the other soldiers killed were close personal friends of Blaine and Nikki’s. Logan saw the explosion where he was only a few miles away. Logan did the hardest duty he would ever do, escorting his brother’s remains home to Nebraska. Blaine had wished to be buried in flip-flops, swimming trunks, and a t-shirt. Instead, many wore those items to his funeral in his honor.

Blaine’s other wish was to buried next to his grandfather in Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He was.

Born on May 7, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas

Died on June 4, 2024 in Baghdad, Iraq

Joshua was a son of LCDR John M. Hernandez and Marta G. Hernandez. A talented and gifted musician and singer, Josh touched every life he came in touch with. He loved children, laughter and his country. He served in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of corporal. Joshua served tours in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan during his career. He was wounded in an IED explosion during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq, in November of 2004, for which he received the Purple Heart. His father was also in Iraq during that time. Joshua left the Marine’s when his term was over begun working as a civilian contractor providing security for diplomats and the United States Ambassador to Iraq. Joshua apparently died from complications of the shrapnel that he was still carrying in his body. His father, now retired from the Navy, escorted Joshua’s remains home. Besides his parents his children; brothers, John and Moses; beloved grandmothers and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, survive Joshua. He was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in section 41, site 646.

Born on November 4, 2024 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Died on June 11, 2024 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

Spc. Christian M. Adams was raised in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where he was an alter boy in church. The son of a career Army father, Christian maintained strong feelings about God, country and family. He joined the military in June 2003, shortly after graduating from high school. He worked as a vehicle mechanic and deployed to Iraq from March 2004 until March 2005. After serving three years, left the military. Not happy with civilian life, he re-enlisted in the infantry and was based at Fort Hood, Texas. He came home to Arizona for Christmas 2009 before leaving for Afghanistan in March 2010. His military awards include, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon. He died June 11 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident.
Army
20th Engineer Battalion
36th Engineer Brigade
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at Fort Huachuca Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona - Sec 10 Site 0658

Born: May 25, 2024
Died: June 11, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Master Sgt. Jeremy Matthew Hougdahl grew up in Bovey, Minnesota, where his dream from an early age was to serve his country. He graduated from high school in 1989 and joined the Marine Corps in June 1989. He separated from the Marine Corps in 1994 and joined the United States Army in January 1997 as an infantryman. He earned his Green Beret in 2000 and became an 18B, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant. During his military service Jeremy was stationed in several places including Fort Bragg, N.C.; Stuttgart, Germany; Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Carson, Colorado. He deployed to Kosovo from March to June 2003, the Balkens in 2004 and once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2005 to March 2005. His military education includes Basic and Individual Training, Basic Airborne School, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Jumpmaster Course, Air Assault Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE-High Risk) Course, and the Special Forces Qualification Course. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. His decorations include the Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Campaign with Bronze Service Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, United Nations Medal, and the NATO Medal. Jeremy was currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson. He died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 39. He is survived by his mother and his children. Jeremy was buried in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota - Sec 30 Site 536

Born on October 16, 2024

Died on June 9, 2024 near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan

Senior Airman Benjamin D. White of Erwin, Tennessee, grew up in Johnson City and was a 2004 graduate of Science Hill High School. He went on to attend East Tennessee State University until enlisting in the Air Force in July of 2006. A man of Christ, Benjamin was serving as a medic. He faithfully stood by the Pararescueman’s oath “It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These Things I do So Others May Live.” Assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, his unit was responsible for casualty evacuation and he would parachute into danger zones to rescue the wounded. He asked his family and friends back home to pray for our troops, never letting on how dangerous a duty he had, he was always more concerned about others. Ben died in a helicopter crash. He was survived by his Fiancée, Ashley L. Stanley (pictured with Ben here); Father, Anthony Curtis White and wife, Jennifer Lynn; Mother, Brenda A. Shelton-Logozo and husband, Frank; Brothers, Mark Anthony, Zachary Luke and Anthony Evan White; Sister, Laura R. White; and Grandparents, Curtis Buford White, Jan Daye and Steven McCarty.

Benjamin was buried in Mountain Home National Cemetery in Tennessee.

Born on Oct. 21, 1978 in Austin, TX
Died on June 9, 2024 in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Tech Sgt Michael P. Flores of San Antonio, Texas, was a 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio in 1997 enlisted afterwards. Currently assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, he was serving his eighth deployment. He was one of four airmen who were killed June 9, 2010, near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan, when enemy forces downed their helicopter. Michael is survived by his wife, also serving in the Air Force; their 2 children; his parents and 2 siblings. During his service he earned several medals and awards, including 12 Air Medals and the Distinquished Flying Cross. Michael was promoted posthumously from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant. He leaves his wife of 5 years Technical Sergeant Marisa L. Flores, his daughter, Eliana, his son, Michael, his parents, Leopoldo and Emilia, a sister, Anna, and a brother, David.

Burial is at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas

Born: July 28, 2024 in Anderson, Indiana
Died: June 7, 2024 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan

United States Marine Sergeant John Rankel was from Speedway, Indiana. While growing up John played a variety of sports and as he grew he mentored and coached several kids. He was a 2005 graduate of Speedway High School where he was a star football player and many expected he would go onto play college ball, but John had a different plan for his life and that was to serve his country. He enlisted in the Marines after graduation. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, John served two tours of duty in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2010, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, from Camp Pendleton. Even after becoming a Marine, John touched many kids lives by visiting and speaking to children in their history classes about service to others. He constantly pushed himself and others to excellence and had said, “What man is a man who does not make the world better?” Passsionate about being a Marine, John served with distintction and was awarded several medals and awards during his five years of service. John was survived by mother ans stepfather; his father and stepmother; and two brothers. John’s father was 30 years older than his son. He thought that maybe people would think he was John’s hero. But it was not the case. Son was hero to father.

Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Born: February 14, 2024
Died: June 4, 2024 in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Joseph was from the Sag Harbor/Shelter Island area of New York. He grew up listening to the stories his grandfather told about surviving the attack on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor and other tales of WWII. Joseph grew up with a strong sense of patriotism; he was focused on achieving his goal of serving his country. His father was a firefighter for the city of New York, and at the age of 15 Joe watched the 9-11 terrorist attacks, knowing that many of his father’s friends were killed. On his 18th birthday he signed up for military service. He set his sights on attending West Point and was twice nominated for entry. But instead chose to attend college so he could be commissioned into the Army faster. He graduated from New York State University-Albany with a degree in history in 2008 and had also been in the ROTC program through Siena College. His summers were spent visiting WWII battlefields and cemeteries, which held the remains of the dead from WWII. One trip in particular was to Normandy, France. At the American Cemetery and Memorial, Joseph stopped at every grave to pay his respect. In his college photo album he wrote, “There is nothing glorious about war, but I will go to it to keep the people I love away from it. 9-11- never forget.” Commissioned as an Army officer in May 2008, he volunteered for a program in the National Guard that would have him serve three years active duty. People would stop him in the street to thank him for serving his country and Joseph would get a strange look on his face. He didn’t understand why. Assigned to 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), from Fort Drum, N.Y. He lived his dream when he put on the Stetson hat, cowboy boots and spurs associated with the division. Before his late spring 2010 deployment to Afghanistan he said he was going to keep the terrorists off American soil. It wasn’t about politics; it was to prevent what happened in New York City from happening again. To keep the fight on foreign soil. When asked if he was nervous about going to Afghanistan, he looked them right in the eye and said he was born for this. On June 4 he was leading his platoon of 20 men when they came under fire. An IED was found and Joseph had his men step back while he disabled it. When finished he found another and it detonated before he was able to disarm it. Joseph’s remains took one last ride through Sag Harbor and over the Jordan Haerter Bridge on the way to the island. Jordan was a Marine from Sag Harbor killed in Iraq in 2008. Joseph’s family stated he would have wanted to go across that bridge. It just seemed right. While some seemed angry about Joe’s death, his family was proud he led the life he dreamed. A quote by George Orwell was read by his eldest brother at Joseph’s funeral, “We sleep peaceably in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf.” That was Joe.

Burial was in Our Lady of the Isle Cemetery in Dering Harbor, New York, located on Shelter Island.

Born: October 6, 2024 in Conroe, Texas
Died: June 7, 2024 in Konar, Afghanistan

Spc. Matthew R. Catlett was raised in Houston, Texas and graduated from Cypress Ridge High School in 2005. An only son with three older sisters in the house, Matthew had talked of enlisting in the military from the age of 12. In October 2006 he entered the United States Army and arrived at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in February 2007.He soon deployed to Iraq, returning home in November 2008. In April 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was one of five soldiers in his unit who died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device June 7 in Konar, Afghanistan. He was awarded several awards and medals in his military career, including an Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (3 awards); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantry Badge and Weapons Qualification: M4 (expert). Matthew planned on making the Army his career, he loved the life, but the two things that mattered most to him in his life were his two young daughters.

He was buried in section F1, site 100 at Houston National Cemetery.

Born on June 25, 2024 in Michigan

Died June 6, 2024 in Colorado Springs, CO

Michael was a 2005 graduate of the Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. He continued his education in Georgia and in August 2007 enlisted in the United States Army. In 2008 he joined the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson and deployed with them to Afghanistan. He returned home to America on May 23 and was killed in an automobile accident 2 weeks later. His awards in include Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge and others.

He was buried in Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver in section 45, site 878.