Freedom Remembered

Born: August 21, 2024 in Lexington, South Carolina
Died: October 1, 2024 in Paktika, Afghanistan

Spc. Luther W. Rabon Jr of Lexington, South Carolina is known by most as Will. He enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard in February of 2007. Upon his Advanced Individual Training, he then trained with the 1221st Engineer Clearance Company out of Batesburg-Leesville. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan in July of 2010. Will loved to hunt, go boating on the lake, dirt track racing, riding motorcycles, shooting pool and playing golf. He leaves his wife, Catherine, his daughters, Summer, Grace and Trinity, a son, Noah, his parents, Luther W. Rabon, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Martin Rabon, his sister, Amy, half brother, Kyle Martin. Will died at age 32 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Army
National Guard
1221st Engineer Clearance Company
Graniteville, South Carolina

Burial is at Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, South Carolina

Born: May 15, 2024
Died: October 1, 2024 in Paktika, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Willie J. Harley Jr., of Aiken, South Carolina grew up in Aiken and is a 1981 graduate of Aiken High School. After graduation he immediately joined the National Guard and served three tours, including Afghanistan and Iraq. His oldest son, Christopher, served in the same unit. He leaves a daughter, Allison, four sons, Christopher, Calvin, Desmond and Willie III, a sister, Barbara, six granchildren, Ta’Mya, Ja’Mya, Aiyanna, Ta’Shun, Jayia, and Braylon. Willie died at age 48 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Army
National Guard
1221st Engineer Clearance Company
Graniteville, South Carolina

Burial is at Pinelawn Cemetery in Aiken, South Carolina

To be updated…

Born: August 30, 2024 in Seoul, Korea
Died: March 25, 2024 in Baqubah, Iraq

Pfc. Anthony J. White of Columbia, South Carolina attended Richland Northeast High School where he played Forward on the Cavaliers Varsity Basketball Team graduating in 2003. After high-school, he joined the military, following in his father’s footsteps. His father is a 30 year-veteran who spent much of his career at Fort Bragg with the 82nd. He also planned on going to master jump school, just like his dad. But he died two months short of his expected return. Anthony entered the Army on March 17 2005 and after attending Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, PV2 White graduated from 63B Advanced Individual Training on 9 August, 2005. Upon completion of Airborne School, PV2 White was assigned to Delta Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion in direct support of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry. PV2 White served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on August 9 2006. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Affectionately known as “Amp,” Anthony was a talented, outgoing, yet shy young man, whose warm personality and gentle smile instantly captivated your heart. To know him was to love him. Anthony loved life. He loved his family and his friends. Also, he was a devoted fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. He was passionate about the “blue and white.” He was a courteous and respectable individual to all that he met. He leaves his parents Harry and Kum White and his brother Randy White. He was was killed at age 21 while serving in Iraq.
Army
5th Squadron
73rd Cavalry Regiment
3rd Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Greenlawn Serenity Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina

Born: August 27, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina
Died: September 29, 2024 in Afghanistan

Captain Richie Cliff of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina is a 1997 Wando High School graduate where he was known as a disciplined athlete, a leader admired by his fellow students. While there, he was captain of the varsity wrestling team. After graduating from Appalachian State University he enlisted in the military in 2002. Richie was an avid surfer with his favorite local spot being Folly Beach. He traveled to Costa Rica, Hawaii and surf spots up and down the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. He enjoyed days spent on his boat, wakeboarding with friends, and hitting the slopes with his brother, Eddie. Richie also climbed to the summit of Mt. Rainier in Washington state while stationed at Ft. Lewis. Richie had an amazing sense of humor, always playing practical jokes on his friends. His laugh was so infectious and luckily for those around him, he laughed a lot. Richie made friends with ease, becoming friends with everyone he met. His friends describe him as loyal and kind, a born leader. He had great family support, a loving wife, a new home and had just earned a Green Beret in a promising military career, and a son born just three weeks earlier on September 4th. One week later he shipped out to Afghanistan on the 11th. He had previously served two tours of duty in Iraq. His Awards include, four Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, among others. He leaves his wife, Stacy, whom he married in August of 2003, a son, Richard, his parents Julie and Rich Cliff, Sr., and a brother, Eddie. He died at age 29 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas and Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez.
Army
1st Battalion
7th Special Forces Group
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Live Oak Memorial Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina

Born: August 25, 2024 in Georgetown, South Carolina
Died August 29, 2024 in Irag

Airman 1st Class Carl L. Anderson, Jr of Georgetown, South Carolina is a 2001 graduate of Georgetown High School where he was voted most popular in his senior class, and participated in several activities including ROTC. In his junior year, he was voted ‘Prom Prince,’ and ‘Prom King’, in his senior year. The popular, laid back student was also on the yearbook staff. Upon graduation he entered the Air Force and was deployed with the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group where he served as a transportation operator. His family wanted him to further his education by attending college, but Carl had his mind set on the Air Force. He even enlisted a month before graduation in May, and by December, he was active duty. Carl was a member of Greater St. Stephen AME Church. He is the son of Rev. Carl and Doris Anderson and also leaves, his sisters, Carletta and Ki’Maro. There’s no doubt that the well mannered, respectful young man had a bright future. He was killed at age 21 by enemy action near Mosul, Iraq after his convoy hit a roadside bomb. A street at Elmendorf Air Force Base was named in his honor.
Air Force
3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska

Burial is at Morning Glory Cemetery in Georgetown, South Carolina

Born: August 21, 2024 in Galax, Virginia
Died: April 6, 2024 in Ghazni, Afghanistan

Spc. Chrystal G. Stout of Travelers Rest, South Carolina is a 1999 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy where she played basketball as a forward on the girls’ basketball team. She also attended Greenville Technical College and was about to enter a curriculum at Liberty University when she was called to active duty. She had joined the National Guard a month prior to the events of 9-11. Chrystal had worked at banks and in the food service industry. In emails from Afghanistan, she told friends and family she looked forward to returning to hike through Europe and the Appalachian Trail. Chrystal was raised in Hillsville, and was the first woman from Western Virginia to die in the war on terrorism. She was a member of New Hope Bible Church in Greenville where she regularly volunteered. She leaves her parents, Tony Lee Stout and Julia Ann Shores a brother, Jeremiah and a sister, Sonya. Chrystal was killed at age 23 when the CH-47 helicopter in which she was riding crashed in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Army
National Guard
228th Signal Brigade
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Burial is at Robinson Memorial Gardens in Easley, South Carolina - Veterans Garden of Honor

Born: March 12, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida
Died: November 12, 2024 in Samarra, Iraq

Spc. Harry A. Winkler III of Hampton, South Carolina was known as ‘Buck’ by his family and friends. He lived in several places across the United States, Wisconsin, Florida and Missouri but he called South Carolina home. Buck enlisted in the military in early 2002, ten years after he left high school. Following the events of 9-11, Buck saw the opportunity to steer his life in a new direction. But first, he had to loose fifty pounds to qualify for basic training. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning. After fulfilling his first enlistment obligation, he thought that would be the end of that. However, Buck missed the Army, and soon found himself back where he thought he belonged. In late summer of 2006 he deployed for the second time to Iraq and would communicate with his family via phone or computer. He was always in a good mood after he talked with his wife and son. His comrades called him Wink, or Winky, and they respected him as a competent, mature family man who had a great sense of humor. His optimism and professionalism was felt by all who knew him. He leaves his wife, Charity, his son, Owen, stepson, Tommy, his mother, Debbi and a brother David among others. Buck died at age 32 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Samarra, Iraq. Also killed was 1st Lt. Michael A. Cerrone. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.
Army
2nd Battalion
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
3rd Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Burial is at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky - Sec 06 Site 0091

Born: August 17, 2024 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Died: December 9, 2024 in Iraq

1st Lt. Andrew C. Shields of Campobello, South Carolina and his twin brother, Philip, both graduated from Wofford College in 2001. The brothers were standout members of the Southern Guards Battalion and the ROTC program. In July 2001, Andrew, a senior majoring in chemistry at the time, was presented with the Distinguished Military Student Citation. The citation is awarded to cadets in the top third of their senior military science class. Both brothers earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry. The boys were very close, attending labs together and always working hard. Both were excellent students, though they could be difficult to tell apart, and were really highly respected young men. Andrew and Philip were both commissioned as second lieutenants in May of 2001. Both became pilots. Andrew went on to serve in the South Carolina National Guard for five years. He was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the AWT. He was also a consultant with Water Conditioning, Inc. Andrew never thought of himself as any kind of hero, and he shunned praise when it came his way. Before leaving for Iraq, he visited a group of second-graders and became the class’s pen pal, but he struggled to understand why the children thought so highly of him. Andrew was killed at age 25 in an Apache helicopter accident in Mosul, Iraq. Also killed was Army Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Leach. He is the son of Donald and Emily Burnett Shields. In addition to his parents, he leaves, two brothers, his twin, Philip and Donald, and a sister, Julie. Andrew was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. A portion of Spartanburg County’s Scenic Highway 11, between Interstate 26 and State 9, is dedicated as the 1st Lt. Andrew Carl Shields Memorial Highway.
Army
Platoon leader
1st Battalion
151st Aviation Regiment
National Guard
Columbia, South Carolina

Burial is at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery in New Prospect, South Carolina

Born: January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida
Died: August 21, 2024 in Baylough, Afghanistan

Sgt. Michael R. Lehmiller of Anderson, South Carolina attended Clearfield High School in Utah during his senior year and enlisted in the United States Army in 1999, three days after earning a degree at ITT Technical Institute in Greenville, South Carolina. Not long after that he was sent to Iraq for an 11 month tour of duty. When he returned, he immediately re-enlisted and was sent to Afghanistan. He had told family members on more than on occasion that “serving his Country was where he belonged”. Michael had told his farther that when he finished his second tour of duty in the Middle East, he would try his hand at becoming a Ranger. Once Michael had called his father while on a rooftop in Baghdad in the middle of a firefight and another time just before jumping out of a Chinook helicopter. Those phone call are what his father, Robert, said he will miss the most. He always called at exciting and random times. In September, Michael was due for a two week visit home, during which he had planned on attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game with his father and sisters. He was a big sports fan, having played almost every sport during his lifetime. He was killed at age 23 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during patrol operations, near Baylough, Afghanistan.
Army
2nd Battalion
503rd Infantry Regiment
173rd Airborne Brigade
Vicenza, Italy

Burial is at Floral Memory Gardens in Dade City, Florida

Born: December 24, 2023 in Hampton, South Carolina
Died: July 15, 2024 in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Sgt. 1st Class John H. Jarrell of Brunson, South Carolina is a 1996 graduate of Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina where he seemed to keep a smile on his face and had a laugh that was contagious to others. The avid Georgia Bulldogs fan enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was also a member of the National Rifle Association and of the Baptist faith. He had known at least since his school days that he wanted to serve in the military. He enlisted the United States Army in June of 1996 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February of 2010 serving as a rifleman. His long term plans were to make a career out of the Army. His Awards and Decorations include, Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver’s Mechanic Badge – with Driver – Tracked Vehicles, and Weapons Qualification. M4, expert. He died at age 32 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. He leaves his wife, Wendi, daughter, Emma, son, Brantley, his father and stepmother, Bobby and Pat Jarrell, his mother and stepfather, Maude and Larry Duff, brother, Dean Jarrell, sister, Lisa Winn, and half sisters, Jessica Jarrell and Casey Long.
Army
1st Battalion
502nd Infantry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Burial is at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky - Sec 15 Site 127