Freedom Remembered

Born: August 29, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire
Died: July 12, 2024 in Switzerland

Maj. Jeremy J. Graczyk of Atkinson, New Hampshire is a 1995 graduate of Timberlane Regional High School graduating as Valedictorian. The son of James and Darlene Graczyk joined the Marines after graduating from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1999. Maj Graczyk was assigned to the Marine Corps Augmentation and Training Support Unit, based in Quantico, Virginia. He was deployed on several occasions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Graczyk earned three Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two National Defense Service Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, five Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Citation and seven Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. He died at age 33 in Switzerland during a month long leave. He leaves his parents, James and Darlene Shoop Graczyk, and a sister, Jennifer Sakash, among others.

Arlington National Cemetery - Sec 60 Site 9626

To be updated…

Born: August 20, 2024 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Died: June 25, 2024 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany

Spc. Nicholas P. Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, N.H., died June 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries suffered June 22 when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in Kherwar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La. He joined the Army in March 2008. After training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas in May 2008. He arrived at Fort Polk, Louisiana in April 2010 and deployed with his unit in October 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hia awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Medic Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. He leaves his father, Paul W. Bernier, his mother and stepfather, Tina M. and Jeffrey M. Clements, a sister, Brittany May, and two brothers, Bradley and Christopher.

To be updated…

Born: August 6, 2024 in Malden, Massachusetts
Died: December 8, 2024 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Lance Cpl. Michael E. Geary of Derry, New Hampshire is a 2009 graduate of Pinkerton Academy and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. He was currently serving his first tour in Afghanistan where he had been since August. His awards include, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Mike leaves his father, Timothy Geary and his mother Nancy M. Buiting Geary. He died at age 20 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Marines
2nd Battalion
9th Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial is at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire - Sec 4 Row O Site 817

To be updated…

Born: August 8, 2024
Died: September 7, 2024 in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Cpl. Philip G. E. Charte of Goffstown, New Hampshire spent much of his youth in Cambridge, New York, attending Cambridge Central schools through his freshman year. It was there that he began a wrestling career that saw him blossom into a New Hampshire State champ. He moved to Goffstown where he continued wrestling at Goffstown high school, graduating in 2007. He was a part of the school’s state championship wrestling team in 2006. Philip joined the Marine Corps in June of 2007 and was promoted to corporal June 1, 2010. His awards include, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He died at age 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Marines
2nd Battalion
6th Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial is at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire - Sec 4 Row N Site 769

To be updated…

Born: May 30, 2024 in Taunton, Massachusetts
Died: October 15, 2024 in Mosul, Iraq

Spc. Alan J. Burgess of Lisbon, New Hampshire is a 1999 graduate of Oxbow High School. Prior to that, he attended Lisbon Regional School through his Sophomore year. He enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard 2002 where he served as a Cannon Crewmember. Alan was known for his big heart, his generosity, and his honesty and he believed that one should have fun, because life was too short. In his leisure, he enjoyed outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing and also enjoyed computers. During his deployment to Iraq, he stayed in touch with his family as often as possible, and he was looking forward to getting back stateside to see his son and his family. Alan’s faith played a big role in his life, and he had begun study preparations in his goal to become a Military Chaplain. He enjoyed sharing his faith with the people of Iraq and would trade out Rosary Beads for Muslim Beads with them. During his visits to those Iraqis that he had befriended, he would bring along candy to give away. He shared a close bond with his comrades, and his death had a profound effect on all of them. He brought humor, dedication and respect everywhere he went. Alan leaves his mother, Karen Moore, his father, Edward J. Burgess, his son, Dakota, two sisters and a brother, Eddie. He was killed at age 24 when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol vehicle in Mosul, Iraq. The Salmon Hole Bridge on Rte 302 in Lisbon was dedicated on May 30, 2024 and was renamed the ‘Spc Alan J. Burgess Bridge’ in his memory.
Army
National Guard
2nd Battalion
197th Field Artillery Brigade
Woodsville, New Hampshire

Burial is at Landaff Center Cemetery in Landaff, New Hampshire - Sec D-132

Born: August 14, 2024 in Jacksonville, North Carolina
Died: November 7, 2024 in Al Anbar, Iraq

Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn of Manchester, New Hampshire was born in North Carolina, but his family moved a year later to Manchester where he was raised and educated in Manchester schools graduating from Central High School in 2005. While in high school, he participated in the drama club, and never had a problem doing what was asked of him. He joined the Marines during his senior year of high school. Ryan already had a sense of what to expect. After all, his mother had served briefly in the Army, and his father was a Marine. His older brothers served in the Air Force and Navy. Ryan had an incredible passion and he wanted to learn, challenged everything and questioned everything. He leaves behind his father, Thomas McCaughn, his mother, Nicole Cote, his stepfather and two brothers, Chris and Sean. He was killed at age 19 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
Marines
1st Battalion
6th Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Burial is at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester, New Hampshire

Born: February 7, 2024
Died: August 8, 2024 in Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan

Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol of Kensington, New Hampshire grew up in Kensington, and graduated in 2006 from Exeter High School, where he was co-captain of the school’s wrestling team. As a junior, he placed sixth in the state in the 130-pound weight class during the Division 1 championships. Andrew enlisted in the Army in July just after graduation serving as a rifleman and most recently as a team leader. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course, he was assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program also at Fort Benning. Following graduation from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program in March 2007, he was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, the U.S. Army Ranger Course and the Warrior Leader Course. Andrew was serving his fifth combat deployment, having previously deployed twice to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq. His Awards and Decorations include, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart. Andrew considered a firefighting career before joining the military. He leaves his parents, Roland and Patricia Nicol and a brother, Roland, among others. He died at age 23 at Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device.
Army
3rd Battalion
75th Ranger Regiment
Fort Benning, Georgia

Burial is at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire - Sec 4 Row N Site 771

To be updated…

Born: September 1, 2024 in Laconia, New Hampshire
Died: August 4, 2024 in Kunduz, Afghanistan

Master Sgt. Jared N. Van Aalst of Laconia, New Hampshire is a 1993 graduate of Plymouth Regional High School in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he was the captain of the Plymouth wrestling team. By his senior year he was one of the top wrestlers in the 160 pound class for the state. He enlisted in the United States Army as a signal support systems specialist on Aug. 17, 1995. After completing Basic Training, the Signal Support Systems Specialist Course, and Basic Airborne School, Van Aalst was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga., for the Ranger Indoctrination Program. After completion, he was assigned to HHC, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment, also at Fort Benning, where he served as a signal systems specialist. In the summer of 1997, he graduated from Ranger School and returned to 3rd Bn., where he continued his duties for another year before reclassifying into the infantryman military occupational specialty. In August of 1998, Jared attended Sniper School then returned to HHC, 3rd Bn., as a sniper team leader later transitioning to squad leader in August 1999. After serving for two years as a squad leader, he was selected as an instructor and a shooter in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning. He served in that position for two years before returning in September 2003 to HHC, 3rd Bn., as a sniper platoon sergeant. Shortly thereafter, he deployed on his first combat rotation to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, then to Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq before moving in 2005 to Co. A, 3rd Bn., to serve as a platoon sergeant. As a platoon sergeant, he deployed twice to Iraq in 2005 and again to Afghanistan in 2006. He returned to HHC, 3rd Bn., as the noncommissioned officer in-charge of the Reconnaissance, Sniper and Technical Surveillance Detachment. He deployed to Afghanistan again in 2006, for his fifth combat deployment. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals and five Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars and the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, among others. He was posthumously awarded a second Bronze Star Medal and a third Purple Heart Medal, as well as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He leaves his wife, Katie Van Aalst, two daughters Kaylie and Ava, and his parents, Neville and Nancy Van Aalst. He died at age 34 in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered while his unit was conducting combat operations.
Army
Special Operations Command
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia - Sec 60 Site 9259

Born: April 30, 2024 in Torrance, California
Died: July 29, 2024 in Tsagay, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Kyle R. Warren of Manchester, New Hampshire is a graduate of Marina High School, Huntington Beach, California. In 2003 he moved to New Hampshire and in October of 2004 he volunteered for military service and entered the Army as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in May of 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted ‘Green Beret’ in 2007 and was assigned to Fort Bragg, as a Special Forces medical sergeant. His military education includes, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course and Military Freefall Course. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2010 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, The NATO Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. Kyle died at age 28 at Tsagay, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He leaves his wife, Sandra, his mother, and stepfather Lynn and Ed Linta, his father and stepfather, Del and Jill Warren.
Army
1st Battalion
3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California