Freedom Remembered

Born: April 27, 2024 in Dover, New Hampshire
Died: March 29, 2024 in Balad, Iraq

Sgt. Jeremiah J. Holmes of North Berwick, Maine was born the son of Sheila Allard Holmes and Mark Keating. He graduated in 1994 from Noble High School where he was active on the swim team, the debate team, and the school band. Jeremy served in the Army before serving in the National Guard. He died at age 27 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device and fell from a bridge near Balad, Iraq. He leaves his wife, Kimberly and his son, Kaleb, his “mom and dad” who raised him, Sarah (Budd) and Richard W. Allard Sr., his father, Mark Keating, brothers, Michael and Kenneth Fazziola, and Richard Allard Jr., sisters, Selina Gately, Miranda Pratt, Cindy Allard, Nancy Allard, Nicole Allard, and Vanessa Turgeon; half sisters, Whitney and Kayce Keating. He was predeceased by his mother, Sheila Allard Holmes, in 1990.
Army
National Guard
744th Transportation Company
Hillsboro, New Hampshire

Burial is at Saint Mary New Cemetery in Dover, New Hampshire

Born: May 29, 2024 in Carmel, New York
Died: September 29, 2024 in Firebase Wilderness, Afghanistan

Sgt. Zachary D. Tellier of Manchester, New Hampshire attended Bedford schools beginning in fourth grade, and he considered New England his home. He graduated from Manchester West High School in Manchester, N.H., and American University in Washington, D.C., where he played rugby and studied communications and world history. He also enjoyed drama, skateboarding, and producing videos. He was an accomplished drummer in a rock band and a fan of rock artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and Dropkick Murphy’s. During high school, Zack worked in front of and behind the cameras at Manchester (NH) Community Television, which is where he developed his interest in democracy, his love for the people of the world, and his realization of himself and his lifelong goals. In the summer of 1993 Zack was chosen to participate in a small student exchange program in Poland where the students produced documentaries together in order to learn each other’s languages and cultures. He returned to Poland for two more summers to teach video production and American history. During his high school years, he taught children at the German Language School in Manchester. He lived for several years in Westford, before moving to New Hampshire in the mid 1980s. Throughout his life, Zach pursued an eclectic array of jobs and hobbies. He played drums in a high school band, helped produce segments for Manchester Community Television and taught German to children. He filled notebooks with short and long term goals, and checked them often to make sure he stayed on course. His perfectionism, which helped him advance quickly in the Army, hindered his ability to make a living at carpentry. He spent a great deal of time with each job and undercharged people for the labor. He joined the Army in September 2005, where he was a consummate soldier and able to relate to everyone. His military and leadership skills were noticed quickly when he arrived at the 82nd Airborne in April 2006. He always wanted to improve himself, and he took a lot of pride in what he did. He was a two-time recipient of the Bronze Medal and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. One of his Bronze Stars was awarded for valor when he pulled two paratroopers out of a burning vehicle in April 2007. His unit was conducting a mounted patrol when one vehicle ran over and detonated a bomb. His hands were severely burned, but he jumped onto the vehicle’s turret to return fire from its mounted gun until his fellow soldiers made him get out. His other awards and decorations include two Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist’s Badge. Zach died at Firebase Wilderness, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire at age 31.
Army
4th Squadron
73rd Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts - Sec 45 Site 54

Born: April 27, 2024 in Gardner, Massachusetts
Died: November 9, 2024 in Iraq

Staff Sgt Stephen L. Murphy of Troy New Hampshire is the son of Carol A. Murray Murphy and Steve Packard. Growing up in Troy and Jaffrey, he was a graduate of Conant High School. While attending high school he participated on the school’s ski team and on the track and field team. In his early childhood he was a member of the Marlborough, NH Cub Scouts and participated in the local 4-H Group for several years. He also attended Camp Fatima, and served as an altar boy at St. Joseph Church in Fitzwilliam, NH. He enjoyed playing his guitar, a prize possession, modeled after one played by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhodes. He especially enjoyed spending time with his many friends. He was an avid cross-country skier and while in the Marine Corp, he was training to hopefully one day participate on the Olympic cross country ski team. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in February of 1993. During his 16 years with the Marine Corp, he served in the United States European Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, US Forces Korea and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is survived by his mother, Carol A. Murphy, 3 sisters; Lisa Voisnet, Shelley Murphy and Christina Metcalf, an uncle, John Murray. He died at age 36 while serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Marines
2nd Intelligence Battalion
II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group
Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Burial is at Mountain View in Troy, New Hampshire

Born May 25, 2024 in Manchester, NH

Died March 22, 2024 in Helmand, Afghanistan

Corporal Michael W. Ouellette, 28, of Manchester, N.H. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1999 and then studied at the Manchester School of Technology. Michael joined the Marine Corps on June 15, 2024 and was trained as an infantryman. He deployed to Iraq from March 2006 to September 2006 and again from July 2007 to January 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan in November 2008, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died March 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was buried in New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Born: April 14, 2024 in Berlin, New Hampshire
Died: August 20, 2024 in Afghanistan

Spc Justin R. Pellerin of Concord, New Hampshire attended Rundlett Middle School where he joined the Air Force Civil Air Patrol. He graduated from Concord Senior High School and with a sparked interest in the military, he joined the Army in 2007. He left for a tour of duty to Afghanistan in January 2009 and was due to return the following December. Justin was married in July 2008 and the couple were planning to move to New York upon his return. He died at age 21 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Justin was very outgoing and fun-loving and enjoyed spending time with his family playing games, bowling and singing karaoke. He also loved exploring the outdoors, fishing and playing golf. He had a passion for music, electronics and cars and avidly pursued fitness and strived to be in top physical condition. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal. He is survived by his wife, Chelsey; parents, Dale and Melissa Farmer; sisters, Molly and Hannah.
Army
2nd Battalion
87th Infantry Regiment
3rd Brigade Combat Team
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
Fort Drum, New York

Burial is at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire - Sec 4 Row L Site 668

Born March 25, 2024 in Franklin, NH

Died Oct. 13, 2008 in Afghanistan

Cpl. Scott Dimond, of Franklin, N.H. As a small boy, Scott seemed to possess wisdom beyond his years. He grew up always wanting to serve others, always wanting to help. He believed in the principles of “God, family and country.” His belief in those principles were evident in the way he lived. A 1987 graduate of Franklin High School, he originally wanted to serve his country by joining the Marine Corps, but a football injury derailed those plans. Still holding onto his wish, he went to work at Webster Valve Company until 1988 when his application to the Franklin Police Department was accepted. Scott started working as a dispatcher for the department, moving up to special officer and then full time officer, which was from 1988 to 2006. Known for his sense of fairness, his ability to reach out to others, and standing up for the little guy, as an officer, Scott was treated with respect, by both citizens and the department. He retired as a sergeant after 18 years of service and began working on his registered nurse degree, joined the New Hampshire National Guard and also served as a member of the N.H. Guard Honors Team. Serving as a soldier with the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), New Hampshire Army National Guard, Milford, N.H., he deployed in January 2008 as part of a N.H. Army Guard embedded tactical training team. He died as a result of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device while traveling in a military convoy that came under enemy attack in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was buried in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin NH.

Born: June 20, 2024 in Methuen, Massachusetts
Died: August 1, 2024 in Orange County, California

Cpl Edmund K. Vandecasteele of Windham, New Hampshire graduated from Salem High School in 2006. He was a New England Patriots fan. He enlisted in the Marines on Sept. 18, 2006 where he was an ammunition technician serving with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. Edmund chose the Marine Corps over every other military branch because he thought it would be the biggest challenge. He trained with his recruiter every weekend in the lead-up to his departure to boot camp the September following his graduation. He spent the next two years stationed in Okinawa, during which his reputation as “unbreakable” was cemented. He was a disciplined young man who distinguished himself early in his career. Among his awards and decorations are the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon. He was killed in an auto accident at age 22.
Marines
1st Reconnaissance Battalion
1st Marine Division
Camp Pendleton, California

Burial is at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, New Hampshire

Born: January 26, 2024
Died: June 13, 2024 in Samarra City, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo of Salem, New Hampshire was a graduate of Salem High School in 2004 where he was a of the Air Force ROTC for two years as commander of the drill team, color guard and operations squadron, before choosing a career in the Army. Edmond declined an offer of a 3-year scholarship to Rochester Technical Institute, choosing instead to be a part of the military. His parents emigrated from Hong Kong and became United States citizens before starting a family. The youngest of six children in his family, he excelled in math and science and was regarded as a quiet and kind and young man. He was last home at Christmas 2008. Edmond was easy to get along with and very loyal and was incredibly respectful. During his second tour in Iraq, he died at age 23 in Samarra City, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device that his explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was acting to neutralize detonated.
Army
797th Ordnance Company
79th Ordnance Battalion
Fort Hood, Texas

Burial is at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, New Hampshire

Born: March 25, 2024 in Nashua, New Hampshire
Died: March 1, 2024 in Parkland, Washington

Randi, the daughter of of Robert A. and Shirley J. (Maniatis) Blanchard, was a 2000 graduate of Laconia New Hampshire High School and a 2004 graduate of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in Medical Labratory/Science. She had joined the Army during high school and reported for duty on July 6, 2000. She met her husband, Tim, while they were both stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and they both served together in Korea. They married five years ago and they had a daughter in 2007. Randi served a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006 and was currently stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, working at Madigan Army Medical Center. Randi was a scuba diver and an excellent photographer, taking very professional-like pictures. She liked to crochet, listen to rock music and hanging out with friends and family. Randi was a devoted wife and mother. Randi and her husband Tim were the victims of a homicide.

Burial is at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire - Sec 6 Row S Site 497

Born: Dec. 28, 1978 in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Died: Feb. 4, 2008 in Iraq

Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy of Durham, New Hampshire grew up in Kirkland, Wash., and Moon Township, Penn., before moving to Durham in 1988. He was a 1997 graduate of Oyster River High School. Through his years on the soccer and lacrosse fields in school he discovered and developed the fierce competitiveness and team-first mentality that would later serve him so well on his road to achieving that goal. He dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL at a young age. and so after graduating high school he enlisted in the Navy. In doing so he carried on a naval legacy from his grandfathers. Charles “Bucky” Harris served on the PT 109 with John F. Kennedy, and Dr. Irad B. Hardy served as a combat surgeon with the Fourth Marine Division on Tarawa, Saipan and Iwo Jima. Nathan graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in January 1998. The same month, he entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., Class 221. Following graduation from BUD/S in May 1998, and other than attending various schools, he served his entire career with East Coast-based SEAL Teams. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and the Sharpshooter Pistol Medal. The son of a University of New Hampshire professor was on his fourth deployment in Iraq. Nathan is the grandson of two World War II veterans. One grandfather served aboard PT-109 with John F. Kennedy, the young officer who would become president. He was predeceased by his older brother, Josh, who died of brain cancer in 1993 while a senior at Oyster River High School. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star. He died from wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations in Iraq at age 29. He leaves a wife and son his parents and a brother.
Navy
East Coast SEAL team

Burial is at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia Sec 60 Site 8567