Freedom Remembered

Born: October 1, 2024 in Comayaguela, Honduras
Died: December 12, 2024 near Tacoma, Washington

Capt. Anne M. Montgomery, 25, a native of North Dakota, had served on active duty since August 2008, arriving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord base a year prior. She was a 2008 graduate of the United States Military Academy and had not been deployed overseas. After years of home schooling and time in private schools overseas while her father worked for U.S. Agency for International Development, Montgomery received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She married another Army helicopter pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Aaron H. Montgomery, in May 2010. She was among four aviator who were on a routine night training flight in reconnaissance choppers when they crashed in the southwest training area of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Her awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Aviator Badge. She leaves her husband, Monty, her parents, Kurt and Kathleen Rockeman, brothers, Gus and Christian and a sister, Geneva Rockeman.

To be updated…

Born: July 12, 2024 in Morden, Manitoba Canada
Died: July 5, 2024 in Yakuta, Afghanistan

Spc. Keenan A. Cooper of Wahpeton, North Dakota is a 2008 Wahpeton High School graduate where he was an honor student and an active member of FFA. Growing up, he earned money as a paper boy, as a clerk at the Java n Juice, and detailing cars at Vision Ford. On August 12, 2024 he joined the Army, attending One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing training, he was stationed at Fort Bragg on February 25, 2009, where he was assigned to 4-73 Cav. Regt. Cooper deployed to Afghanistan in August of 2009. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, 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 Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge. The son of Dave and Heather Cooper was set to wrap up a year long deployment, after which he would be returning home to prepare for his upcoming marriage to April Travis in the fall of 2010. He also leaves, his siblings, Dawson, Twyla, Gabriella and Carly. Keenan loved bow and rifle hunting and looked forward to the 3D archery shoot in the summer and target shooting at the farm in Grand Forks. He died at age 19 in Yakuta, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.
Army
4th Squadron
73rd Armor Regiment
4th Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Fairview Cemetery in Wahpeton, North Dakota

Born: November 26, 2024 in Mitchell, South Dakota
Died: May 8, 2024 in Baghdad, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Gregory A. Wagner of Mitchell, South Dakota is the son of Velma and the late Charles Wagner who had also served in the armed forces as a sergeant with the United States Army. Greg graduated in 1989 from Hanson High School where he played offensive line and also was a linebacker for the Beavers. He worked full-time for the National Guard as a heavy mobile equipment repairer at the Surface Equipment Maintenance Complex in Mitchell. Greg started his military service during his senior year and reported to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood on June 1, 2024 and was called to active duty in support of OIF 05-07 on June 13, 2005. His leadership and medical skills were valuable assets to train subordinates while all the squad leaders and higher leadership were taking advance training at Fort Dix. After three months of intensive training at Fort Dix, Greg arrived in Iraq where he was assigned as a TC with 3rd Platoon, 1st Squad. He was tasked with training Iraqi Police and securing the safety of the Iraqi people. He lived the warrior ethos and was a top notch NCO who always placed his soldiers’ needs before his own. He had a tremendous sense of humor, an exceptional ability to forgive and care for others, and Greg had a strong belief in team work. He was a team leader for “Charlie” battery serving a one-year tour in Iraq. Charlie Battery’s mission involves training and evaluating the Iraqi Police Force in one of the city’s police districts. His Awards and Decorations include, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, The National Defense Service Medal with “M” Device, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the South Dakota Distinguished Service Medal with Four Oak Clusters, the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. He was also awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge posthumously. Gregory was a key to the strength management of A-Btry and had recruited his nephew Ryan. He was and active member of the American Legion and had carried on his late father’s duties of calling the roll during Memorial Day observances. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles on June 25, 2002. Greg died at age 35 of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised fire projectile struck his HMMWV during combat operation.
Army
Charlie battery
Army National Guard
1st Battalion
147th Field Artillery
Yankton, South Dakota

Burial is at Saint Marys Cemetery in Alexandria, South Dakota

Birth: July 21, 2024 – Williston, North Dakota
Died: November 5, 2024 – Fort Hood, Texas

Capt Gaffaney was a psychiatric nurse who worked for San Diego County, California for more than 20 years. John had served in the Navy and later the California National Guard as a younger man. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, he tried to sign up again for military service.
Burial: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California

Born: December 22, 2024
Died: February 11, 2024 in Kosovo

Sgt. Terry Rishling of Fargo, North Dakota enlisted in the Guard on July 13, 2001, joining C Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion in Bismarck. In September 2005, he joined the Headquarters Company of the 141st in Valley City. He transferred to A Company 231st Brigade Support Battalion in September 2006. Outside of the military, his job for the past three years was at the Fargo office of Jet-Way, which does industrial cleaning of agricultural facilities. He was expected to return home in August 2010. Terry was serving in Kosovo with the Army National Guard on peacekeeping duty. He was deployed to Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo with the Multi-National Battle Group-East. Terry was trained as a combat engineer and a petroleum supply specialist. He was a team leader in the third platoon of A Company, 231st Maneuver Task Force, a unit based in Valley City, N.D. A lot of younger guys really looked up to him, and he was always willing to take the extra time and give them a hand. He died at age 38 of natural causes. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and daughters, Sophie and Courtney, and his parents, John and Gloria Rishling. He was 38.

Burial is at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota - Sec J Site 87

Born: August 17, 2024
Died: November 15, 2024 in Mosul, Iraq

Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle of Eagle Butte, South Dakota is a 2001 graduate of Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School. He was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe and his family and fellow tribe members, knew him by his Lakota name, Wanbli Ohitika, Brave Eagle. He reportedly could trace his bloodline to two great Indian chiefs, Crazy Horse on his father’s side, and Sitting Bill on his mother’s side. After his parents both died when he was young, he went to live with an aunt and uncle. Sheldon was quiet and loyal, a mature young man who gave every decision careful thought. He was very meticulous and organized and didn’t jump into anything. He was also a talented artist who loved to draw and paint, and a classic car buff who could name every model he saw on the road. Sheldon also adored kids, considering a career in child psychology. In order to achieve that goal, he enlisted in the Army in 2002 to earn money for college. It turned out that the military suited him, and he was planning to make that a career instead. He was killed at age 21 when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq.
Army
1st Battalion
320th Field Artillery
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Burial is at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota - Sec A Site 237

Born: October 2, 2024 in Bismark,
Died: November 27, 2024 in Junction City, Iraq

Sgt. Thomas J. Sweet II of Bismarck, North Dakota is the son of Tom and Liz O’Connell Sweet and is a 1999 graduate of Bismarck High School. He enlisted in the United States Army getting his basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before being stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas. While at Ft. Riley, ‘TJ’ volunteered at the elementary school. In Iraq he was helping to restore local elementary schools so children could continue their education. He was preparing to work with a Maryland Eagle Scout to provide school supplies for students in those schools. Surviving TJ are his parents, Tom and Liz; his sisters, Laure and Susanne, and two nieces, Hannah and Margaret, and his grandmother, Hazel O’Connell. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Donnehau. Thomas had been in Iraq since September 8 and had just received word that he was being promoted to sergeant. He died at age 23 of non-combat related injuries in Junction City, Iraq.
Army
1st Battalion
5th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Infantry Division
Fort Riley, Kansas

Burial is at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota - Sec F Site 022

Born:October 27, 1982 in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Died: May 18, 2024 in National City, California

Cpl Riley E. Pape of East Grand Forks, Minnesota was the son of Ron and Shar Monk Pape. He graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School in 2000. Riley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 21, 2000. Upon graduation from Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Upon completion of Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton, he was assigned as a rifleman to 2d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. In July 2002 he deployed to the western Pacific in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2d Battalion, 4th Marines. Upon returning to Camp Pendleton in June of 2003, he was screened for service with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and by virtue of his superior physical and mental performance was accepted into the Advanced Reconnaissance Course. Upon completion of Advanced Reconnaissance Course he was assigned for duty to 1st Recon Battalion as a Reconnaissance Marine. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in February of 2004. In March 2004 he deployed to the Al Anbar Province of Iraq with A Company, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. While serving in Iraq he participated in combat operations in and around the cities of Fallujah, Karmah, and Ramadi. Riley was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with “”Combat V’ device for individual heroism during numerous engagements against the enemy and the Combat Action Ribbon between March and August of 2004. He redeployed with the 1st Recon Battalion to Camp Pendleton in September of 2004. Riley is survived by his parents; Ron and Shar Pape of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, brothers; Ryan Pape who later died at Camp Pendleton on December 3 2009, Spc Ross Pape stationed in Iraq with the United States Army, grandparents; Robert Jr. and Donna Pape, Herbert and Donna Monk, great grandparents; Robert Sr. and Henrietta Pape, and Gladys Useldinger. Riley died at age 22 in a motorcycle accident.

Burial is at South Bethany Cemetery in East Grand Forks, Minnesota

Born: July 18, 2024 in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Died: December 3, 2024 in San Diego County, California

Cpl. Ryan L. Pape, of Grand Forks, Minnesota graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School in 2005. Following graduation he worked on farm, until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps on October 17, 2005. Upon graduation from the School of Infantry, Private First Class Pape received the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 0311, Rifleman. His enlistment in the Corps came just after his older brother, Cpl. Riley Pape, was killed in a motorcycle crash near Camp Pendleton on May 18, 2005. On April 05, 2006, Ryan reported to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, where he was assigned to the Reconnaissance Training Platoon. In June 2006, he reported to the Basic Reconnaissance Course at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado. Ryan graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course on August 25, 2024 and received the Military Occupational Specialty of 0321, Reconnaissance Man. Upon graduation from the Basic Reconnaissance Course, he was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion as a Recon Scout. On December 01, 2024 he was promoted to Lance Corporal. While assigned to Bravo Company, he attended the Marine Corps Basic Scout Sniper Course at Camp Pendleton, and received the Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0317, Scout Sniper. On April 01, 2024 he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned to the United States on October 26, 2007. During the deployment, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned as an Assistant Team Leader for 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. During this period Ryan attended and graduated from the Marine Corps Urban Scout Sniper Course, the Marine Corps Mountain Scout Sniper Course, and the United States Army Basic Airborne Course. On October 14, 2024 he again deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned to the United States on May 14, 2009. Ryan was promoted to Corporal on April 01, 2009. Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned to the Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He was assigned to 1st Platoon and served as a Recon Scout. During this period, Corporal Pape attended the Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion Course, as well as a Mountain High Altitude Survival Course. His Awards and Decorations include the Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Certificate of Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star in lieu of second award, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy/ Marine Corps Parachutists Insignia Ryan was involved in a low-level, static line parachute training exercise. He is the son of Ron and Sharleen Pape. He is survived by his parents, a brother Ross, grandparents, Robert Jr. and Donna Pape, Herbert and Dona Monk, great grandparents, Robert Sr. and Henrietta Pape and Gladys Useldinger. He is preceded in death by his brother Cpl Riley Pape on May 18, 2005.

Burial is at South Bethany Cemetery in East Grand Forks, Minnesota

Born: February 12, 2024 in Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico
Died: October 25, 2024 in Afghanistan

Sgt. Eduviges G. Wolf of Hawthorne, California emigrated from Mexico along with her four sisters and their parents to California. In school, ‘Duvi’ was and A-B student and a member of the Junior ROTC. As a teenager, she signed up for the Hawthorne Police Department’s Explorer program where she worked for the department, fingerprinting children, working traffic control at parades and learning what it took to become a police officer. At the El Camino College academy, she graduated as a top ranking cadet. She joined the Army shortly after graduation wanting to do her part to protect the country and to help others. While stationed at Fort Bragg, Colorado, she met her husband is also serving in the Army. The couple have two daughters. Her Awards and Decorations include, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Duvi died at age 24 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked her vehicle with a rocket propelled grenade.
Army
704th Brigade Support Battalion
4th Brigade Combat Team
4th Infantry Division
Fort Carson, Colorado

Burial is at Saint Peter Cemetery in Farmer, South Dakota