SHeDAISY Day -- Come Home Soon

George J. Howell, Army, Private 1st Class -- Rest In Peace

George J. Howell, 24

Army, Private 1st Class
Based: Ft. Drum, N.Y.
1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 21, 2007
Kirkuk, Iraq
Married, 2 children
Gender: Male
Hometown: Salinas
High School: North Monterey County High (Castroville)
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

As with many enlistees, Howell's attitude toward the Army varied. Some days he would tell his wife that he could not wait to get out and, perhaps, go to college. Other days he talked of making the Army a career and applying for one of the elite units.

But before he could pursue either course, his unit, the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, was deployed from Ft. Drum, N.Y., to Iraq...

On Dec. 21, Howell was killed when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb outside Riyadh, north of Baghdad. Four other soldiers were injured, two critically.

Howell's wife, Kristen, who is three months pregnant, was the first family member to be officially notified. She called her in-laws in California from her home in Watertown, N.Y.

"We're still in a state of shock," said Howell's sister, Chardell. "It doesn't seem real."

Howell's burial is scheduled for Jan. 25 at Arlington National Cemetery. It would have been his 25th birthday.

Read the entire LA Times article about Army Private First Class George J. Howell here. Find more about Private George J. Howell at Arlington Cemetery and at Army Times.

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, dedicate their new patrol base in Riyadh, Iraq, to Pfc. George Howell, who was killed Dec. 21 when a bomb went off near his vehicle during a combat patrol.

Shabbat Shalom

Fernando S. Tamayo, Marines, Lance Corporal -- Rest In Peace

Fernando S. Tamayo, 19

Marines, Lance Corporal
Based: Twentynine Palms, Calif.
3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 21, 2006
Ah Nahiya, Iraq
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Fontana
High School: Bloomington High (Bloomington)

On Thursday, Tamayo's father thanked neighbors, friends and local businesses for the food and gifts given to the family.

"Thank you for honoring my son. He was a very courageous young man who gave his life for this country.... We are honored by what he did," said his father, a truck driver who is trying to find the strength to return to work. "We have to get back on track somehow. We have to get back to work, to our lives, to honor his memory."

Tamayo will be cremated and his ashes will be saved for burial at "a sacred place" that will be selected later by his parents.

"Right now, they want to bring their baby home," his sister said. "He was the light of this house."

Do read the entire LA Times article about Lance Corporal Fernando S. Tamayo here. You will find Corporal Tamayo listed on this page.

California's 621 War Fatalities

The Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 621 California servicemembers who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Clifornia’s 621 War Fatalities

RECENT DEATHS      
Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., 21, San Diego Dec. 12
Derek T. Simonetta, 21, Redwood City Dec. 12
Vincent W. Ashlock, 45, Seaside Dec. 4
Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, Quartz Hill Nov. 29
Ardenjoseph A. Buenagua, 19, San Jose Nov. 24

A
Abad, Roberto, Bell Gardens, August 06, 2004
Acosta, Genaro F., Fair Oaks, November 11, 2003
Acosta, Steven, Calexico, October 26, 2003
Adams, Shawn G., Dixon, July 22, 2007
Adams, Thomas Mullen, La Mesa, March 22, 2003
Ahearn, James M., Concord, July 05, 2007
Ailes, Jeramy A., Gilroy, November 15, 2004
Albrak, Omar M., San Diego, May 09, 2009
Alcaraz, Raymond C., Redlands, August 31, 2010
Alexeev, Alexandre A., Wilmington, May 28, 2007
Allen, Aaron M., Buellton, November 14, 2008
Allen, John E., Palmdale, March 17, 2007
Almazan, David Jimenez, Van Nuys, August 27, 2006
Alvarez, Nicanor Angel, San Bernardino, August 21, 2004
Anderson Jr., Michael D., Modesto, December 14, 2004
Andrews, Harley D., Yuba City, September 11, 2006
Anzack Jr., Joseph J., Torrance, May 23, 2007
Apineru, Faoa L., Yorba Linda, July 02, 2007
Aragon, John D., Antioch, June 12, 2008
Arellano Pandura, Carlos, Rosemead, January 20, 2006
Argel, Derek, Lompoc, May 30, 2005
Arizmendez, Marc A., Anaheim, July 06, 2010
Arroyave, Jimmy J., Woodland, April 15, 2004
Ashcraft, Evan Asa, West Hills, July 24, 2003
Ashlock, Vincent W., Seaside, December 04, 2010
Axelson, Matthew G., Cupertino, July 10, 2005
Ayala, Alejandro, Riverside, November 18, 2007
Ayala, Luis G., South Gate, December 28, 2006
Ayon, Eric A., Arleta, April 09, 2004
Ayres III, Robert "Bobby" T., Los Angeles, September 29, 2007
B
Bachar, Salem, Chula Vista, April 13, 2006
Baez, Cesar O., Pomona, June 15, 2005
Ballard, Kenneth Michael, Mountain View, May 30, 2004
Balsley, Michael, Hayward, January 25, 2007
Bancroft, Matthew W., Burney, January 09, 2002
Barboza Flores, Pedro A., Glendale, July 11, 2009
Barnes, Rocco M., Los Angeles, June 04, 2009
Barnett, Scott G., Concord, January 28, 2010
Barnhill, Michael S., Folsom, May 28, 2005
Baro, Jeremiah A., Fresno, November 04, 2004
Baroncini, Jr., Lester Domenico, Bakersfield, October 15, 2006
Barraza, Ricardo, Shafter, March 18, 2006
Beckstrand, James L., Escondido, April 29, 2004
Bekowsky, Mick R., Concord, September 06, 2004
Bento, Anthony K., San Diego, September 24, 2007
Bertolino, Stephen A., Orange, November 29, 2003
Bisson, Jeffrey D., Vista, January 20, 2007
Bitz, Michael Edward, Ventura, March 23, 2003
Blanco, Joseph A., Bloomington, April 11, 2006
Blecksmith, James P., San Marino, November 11, 2004
Bocks, Phillip A., Truckee, November 09, 2007
Boelk, James D., Oceanside, October 15, 2010
Bolander, Bryan E., Hemet, April 29, 2008
Bolor, Kelly, Whittier, November 15, 2003
Bonifacio Jr., Jerry L., Vacaville, October 10, 2005
Borjas, Federico G., San Diego, October 16, 2008
Bosselmann, Kirk J., Napa, November 27, 2004
Bouchard, Nathan K., Wildomar, August 18, 2005
Bow, Jeremy D., Lemoore, October 30, 2004
Boyles, Aaron, Alameda, September 24, 2004
Brattain, Joel K., Yorba Linda, March 13, 2004
Brehm, Dale G., Turlock, March 18, 2006
Brewster, Bryan A., Fontana, May 05, 2006
Bridges, Michael P., Placentia, November 02, 2006
Bridges, Steven H., Tracy, December 08, 2003
Briones Jr., Pablito Pena, Anaheim, December 28, 2004
Brock, Sean Lee, Redondo Beach, February 02, 2005
Brown, Jeffery S., Trinity Center, August 09, 2006
Brown, Timothy W., Sacramento, November 14, 2006
Brummund, Gavin R., Arnold, June 10, 2010
Bryant, Todd J., Riverside, October 31, 2003
Buenagua, Ardenjoseph A., San Jose, November 24, 2010
Burdick, Richard A., National City, December 10, 2003
Butterfield, Anthony E., Clovis, July 29, 2006
Buzzard, Jason J., Ukiah, June 21, 2006
C
Cady III, Frank L., Sacramento, October 10, 2007
Cagle, Daniel P., Carson, May 23, 2007
Caguioa, Mark R. C., Stockton, May 24, 2007
Capra, Anthony L., Hanford, April 09, 2008
Carazo, Mario D., Carlsbad, July 22, 2010
Cardenaz, Michael David P., Corona, February 20, 2010
Carrillo, Alejandro, Los Angeles, January 30, 2007
Carrillo Jr., John, Stockton, September 23, 2010
Carter, Lawrance J., Rancho Cucamonga, December 29, 2006
Carter, Mark T., Fallbrook, December 11, 2007
Casanova, Jose, El Monte, October 13, 2003
Casillas, Justin A., Dunnigan, July 04, 2009
Castellano, Stephen A., Long Beach, January 28, 2005
Castro, Andrew J., Westlake Village, August 28, 2010
Castro, Jonathan, Corona, December 21, 2004
Catalan, Romel, Los Angeles, June 02, 2007
Causor Jr., Roberto "Junior", San Jose, July 07, 2007
Ceniceros, Manuel A., Santa Ana, June 26, 2004
Centanni, Rick J., Yorba Linda, March 24, 2010
Cervantes, Victor H., Stockton, June 10, 2005
Chao, Cornell C., Fullerton, January 28, 2007
Chappell, Jason K., Hemet, January 24, 2004
Chavez Jr., Javier, Cutler, February 09, 2006
Cherry, Marcus M., Imperial, April 06, 2004
Choe, Florence B., El Cajon, March 27, 2009
Chris, Andrew F., Poway, June 25, 2003
Clark, Arron R., Chico, December 05, 2003
Clark, Michael K., Sacramento, October 07, 2008
Clark, Ryan J., Lancaster, June 29, 2006
Coffelt, Ronald L., Fair Oaks, July 19, 2007
Cole, Jennifer L., American Canyon, August 02, 2008
Collins, Randy D., Long Beach, May 24, 2005
Colnot, Kyle A., San Dimas, April 22, 2006
Connolly, Ryan J., Santa Rosa, June 24, 2008
Contreras, Andres J., Huntington Park, July 15, 2006
Coon, James J., Walnut Creek, April 04, 2007
Cooper, Christopher M., Oceanside, October 30, 2009
Corlew, Sean M., Thousand Oaks, June 12, 2002
Corniel, Marcelino Ronald, La Puente, December 31, 2005
Corpuz, Bernard P., Watsonville, June 11, 2006
Cotting, Grant A., Corona, January 24, 2009
Cottle, Robert J., Yorba Linda, March 24, 2010
Coumas, Kyle A., Lockeford, October 21, 2009
Cox, Nathan W., Fremont, June 16, 2010
Creed, Matthew W., Covina, October 22, 2006
Crocker, Ricardo A., Redondo Beach, May 26, 2005
Cronkrite, Brud J., Spring Valley, May 14, 2004
Crowley, Kyle D., San Ramon, April 06, 2004
Crutchfield, Michael J., Stockton, December 23, 2006
Cruz, Joseph, Whittier, October 15, 2005
Cueto, Kevin A., San Jose, June 22, 2010
Cullins, Joshua J., Simi Valley, October 18, 2010
Cunningham, Jason D., Camarillo, March 04, 2002
Curreri, Joseph F., Los Angeles, October 27, 2007
Cutter, Brian K., Riverside, May 13, 2004
D
Daclan Jr., Edgar P., Torrance, September 10, 2004
Dahl Jr., Michael A., Beaumont, October 17, 2009
Daily, Mark J., Irvine, January 15, 2007
Dang, Andrew S., Foster City, March 22, 2004
Daugherty, Steven Phillip, Barstow, July 06, 2007
Davis, Zachariah S., Twentynine Palms, January 06, 2005
Davis Jr., Anthony J., Long Beach, April 23, 2005
Dayton, Kyle, El Dorado Hills, December 03, 2007
De La Paz, Armando A., Riverside, November 13, 2008
De la Pena-Hernandez, Esau I., La Puente, May 15, 2009
De Leon, Mario K. "Kawika", Petaluma, April 16, 2007
Delgado, George, Palmdale, March 24, 2008
De Solenni, Bruno G., Crescent City, September 20, 2008
Dew, Victor A., Granite Bay, October 13, 2010
Dewey, Brandon Christopher, Tracy, January 20, 2006
Diamond, Sean D., Dublin, February 15, 2009
Diaz Varela, Sergio R., Lomita, November 24, 2004
DiRaimondo, Michael A., Simi Valley, January 08, 2004
Dively, Duane W., Rancho California, June 22, 2005
Dix, William T., Culver City, April 27, 2008
Dominguez, Alejandro A., San Diego, June 25, 2008
Doria, Richwell A., San Diego, November 07, 2006
Dressler, Shawn E., Santa Maria, June 02, 2007
Duenas, Joseph J., Mesa, Ariz., March 30, 2006
Dunlap, Brian E., Carmichael, September 24, 2005
Dunn II, Clayton G., Moreno Valley, May 26, 2007
Duplantier II, Arnold, Sacramento, June 22, 2005
E
Eischen, Nicholas D., Clovis, December 24, 2007
Elias, Elias, Glendora, December 23, 2006
Elizarraras, Emigdio E., Pico Rivera, February 28, 2006
Emanuel IV, William River, Stockton, July 08, 2004
Escobar, Sergio H., Pasadena, October 09, 2005
Espiritu, Allan M. Cundanga, Oxnard, November 01, 2005
Estep, Adam W., San Jose, April 29, 2004
Estrella, Michael A., Hemet, June 14, 2006
Evey, Jason M., Stockton, July 16, 2006
F
Farr, Clay P., Bakersfield, February 26, 2006
Farrar Jr., William A., Redlands, May 11, 2007
Ferrara, Matthew C., Torrance, November 09, 2007
Figueroa, Gabriel J., Baldwin Park, April 03, 2007
Figueroa, Luis A., Los Angeles, November 18, 2004
Fisher, Sean P., Santee, August 14, 2007
Flores, Jr., Jesus O., La Mirada, October 15, 2009
Flores-Mejia, Jose Ricardo, Santa Clarita, November 16, 2004
Fontanilla, Victor M., Stockton, May 17, 2007
Fracker, Dale E., Apple Valley, November 24, 2004
Frampton, Gregory M., Fresno, January 30, 2003
Franco, Jason, Corona, October 31, 2006
Freeman, Brian Scott, Temecula, January 20, 2007
Freeman Jr., Walter, Lancaster, April 04, 2007
Fuhrmann II, Ray M., Novato, August 18, 2005
G
Gagarin, Greg P., Los Angeles, June 03, 2007
Gage, Joseph A., Modesto, November 02, 2006
Gannon II, Richard J., Escondido, April 17, 2004
Garcia, Israel, Long Beach, July 13, 2008
Garcia, Jair De Jesus, Porter Ranch, August 01, 2008
Garcia, Victor A., Rialto, July 01, 2007
Garcia-Arana, Juan de Dios, Los Angeles, April 30, 2005
Garcia Jr., Alberto, Bakersfield, March 13, 2007
Gardner, Derek L., San Juan Capistrano, September 06, 2004
Garibay, Jose Angel, Costa Mesa, March 23, 2003
Garoutte, Erik T., Santee, October 19, 2007
Gasper, Frank J., Merced, May 25, 2008
Gathercole, Christopher, Santa Rosa, May 26, 2008
Gautier, Bryce E., Cypress, April 10, 2009
Geiger, Wayne M., Lone Pine, October 18, 2007
Gelig, Ian T.D., Stevenson Ranch, March 01, 2010
George, Jason E., Tehachapi, May 21, 2009
Geurin, Cory Ryan, Santee, July 15, 2003
Gibson, Christopher A., Simi Valley, April 17, 2004
Gideon, Nicolas H.J., Murrieta, July 06, 2009
Gifford, Micah S., Redding, December 07, 2006
Gil Orozco, Carlos E., San Jose, September 10, 2007
Glimpse, Marcus S., Huntington Beach, April 12, 2006
Gomez, Billy, Perris, October 27, 2004
Gonsalves, Chad, Turlock, February 13, 2006
Gonzales, Tony J., Newman, December 28, 2008
Gonzalez, Benjamin R., Los Angeles, May 29, 2004
Gonzalez, Jesus Angel, Indio, April 12, 2003
Gonzalez, Jorge Alonso, El Monte, March 23, 2003
Gonzalez, Mario D. "Danny", La Puente, November 14, 2006
Gonzalez, Victor A., Watsonville, October 13, 2004
Gonzalez-Iraheta, Felix G., Sun Valley, May 03, 2007
Gonzalez-O'Malley, Aracely, Brawley, October 22, 2010
Granados, Cesar A., Le Grand, September 15, 2006
Graves, Joseph A., Discovery Bay, July 25, 2006
Griffin Jr., Darrell R., Alhambra, March 21, 2007
Grilley, Sean R., San Bernardino, October 16, 2003
Grochowiak, Casey J., San Diego, August 30, 2010
Gudino, Sergio, Pomona, December 25, 2005
Guerra, Ernesto R., Long Beach, July 29, 2005
Guerrero, Salvador "Junior", Whittier, June 09, 2006
Gutierrez, Agustin, San Jacinto, March 29, 2007
Gutierrez, David H., San Francisco, December 25, 2009
Gutierrez, Jose, Lomita, March 21, 2003
Gutierrez-Rosales, Luis E., Bakersfield, July 18, 2007
Guy, Shakere T., Pomona, October 29, 2005
Guzman, Gabriel, Hornbrook, March 08, 2008
Guzman, Miguel A., Norwalk, May 02, 2008
H
Hagy Jr., Guy Stanley, Lodi, September 13, 2004
Hall, Bryan E., Elk Grove, April 10, 2009
Hallett, III, John L., Concord, August 25, 2009
Hancock, Michael S., Yreka, October 24, 2003
Hannon, Fernando Baxter, Wildomar, August 15, 2004
Hansen, Daniel L., Tracy, February 14, 2009
Hardt, Joshua M., Applegate, October 03, 2009
Harrell, William M., Placentia, April 08, 2004
Harris-Kelly III, Leroy, Azusa, April 20, 2004
Hart, David J., Lake View Terrace, January 08, 2008
Hartman, David, Merced, February 03, 2010
Hayes, James F. "Fred", Barstow, November 06, 2005
Healy, James K., Hesperia, January 07, 2008
Hendrix, Jason R., Freedom, February 16, 2005
Henry, Raymond L., Anaheim, April 25, 2006
Heredia, Joseph J., Santa Maria, November 20, 2004
Heredia, Marisol, El Monte, September 07, 2007
Hernandez, Armando, Hesperia, August 01, 2004
Herrera, David L., Oceanside, January 28, 2006
Higgins, Andrew J., Hayward, June 05, 2007
Hill, Christopher K., Moorpark, March 11, 2004
Hill II, Raymond D., Turlock, October 29, 2005
Hiltz, Cory F., La Verne, June 28, 2007
Hines, Keicia M., Citrus Heights, January 14, 2004
Hodges, Erick J., Bay Point, November 10, 2004
Hogan, Donald J., San Clemente, August 26, 2009
Holguin Jr., Manuel J., Woodlake, July 15, 2006
Holke, Eric M., Crestline, July 15, 2007
Holley, Matthew J., San Diego, November 15, 2005
Hollopeter, Josiah W., San Diego, June 14, 2007
Hopkins, Ryan J., Livermore, January 08, 2010
Hopper, Lukas C., Merced, October 30, 2009
Horn, Sean, Irvine, June 19, 2004
Hornbarger , James R., Marysville, September 12, 2009
House, John Daniel, Simi Valley, January 26, 2005
Howard, Merideth L., Alameda, September 08, 2006
Howell, George J., Salinas, December 21, 2007
Howey, Blake H., Glendora, February 18, 2007
Hubbard, Jared P., Clovis, November 04, 2004
Hubbard, Nathan C., Clovis, August 22, 2007
Hunt, Justin T., Riverside, July 06, 2004
Hutchison, Steven, Long Beach, May 10, 2009
Hyde, Daniel B., Modesto, March 07, 2009
I
Idanan, Michael J., Chula Vista, November 19, 2005
Isshak, Daniel, Alta Loma, October 03, 2006
J
Jacobs, Morgen N., Santa Cruz, October 07, 2004
Jaenichen, Mary J., Temecula, May 09, 2008
James, William C., Huntington Beach, November 09, 2004
Jenkins, Troy David, Ridgecrest, April 24, 2003
Jimenez, Oscar, San Diego, April 11, 2004
Johnson, Allen C., Los Molinos, April 26, 2005
Johnson, Robert S., Seaside, December 21, 2004
Johnson, Stephen P., Covina, January 26, 2005
Johnson, Travon T., Palmdale, July 23, 2007
Johnson, Ty J., Elk Grove, April 04, 2006
Jones, Devon Demilo, San Diego, April 04, 2003
Jones-Huffman, Kylan A., Aptos, August 21, 2003
K
Kenyon, Rex C., El Segundo, January 16, 2006
Kim, Jang H., Placentia, November 13, 2006
Kim, Louis G., Hacienda Heights, February 20, 2007
Kim, Shin W., Fullerton, June 28, 2007
King, Janelle F., Merced, August 14, 2008
Kinser, Adam, Sacramento, January 29, 2004
Kiser, Timothy Craig, Redding, April 28, 2005
Klasno, Rhys W., Riverside, May 13, 2007
Knight, Marques I., San Juan Capistrano, September 06, 2008
Kowalczyk, Stephen M., San Diego, March 14, 2007
Kristensen, Erik S., San Diego, June 28, 2005
Kynoch, Joshua J., Santa Rosa, October 01, 2005
L
La Bouff, Douglas A., La Puente, January 07, 2006
LaMont, Andrew David, Eureka, May 19, 2003
Land, Brett W., Wasco, October 30, 2010
Landaker, Jared M., Big Bear City, February 07, 2007
Lane, Mitchell A., Lompoc, August 29, 2003
Langevin, Sean K.A., Walnut Creek, November 09, 2007
Larsen, Cole W., Canyon Country, November 13, 2004
Lau, Karina S., Livingston, November 02, 2003
LaWare, Casey M., Redding, April 09, 2005
Lawson, Isaac S., Sacramento, June 05, 2006
Layfield, Travis J., Fremont, April 06, 2004
Layton, James R., Riverbank, September 08, 2009
Lee, Bumrok, Sunnyvale, June 02, 2004
Lee, Roger, Monterey, July 06, 2010
Lee, Samuel S., Anaheim, March 28, 2005
Legg, Cody R., Escondido, June 04, 2008
Legrand, Damon G., Lakeside, June 12, 2007
Leon, Christopher D., Lancaster, June 20, 2006
Lim, Daniel, Cypress, July 24, 2010
Long, Bunny, Modesto, March 10, 2006
Lopez, Edgar Edelberto, Los Angeles, August 28, 2004
Lopez, Hugo R., La Habra, January 27, 2006
Lopez, Joseph C., Rosamond, October 14, 2010
Lu, Victor R., Los Angeles, November 13, 2004
Lucente, John A. "JT", Grass Valley, November 16, 2005
Lucio Ramirez, Angel De Jesus, Pacoima, November 11, 2006
Luna, Kevin M., Oxnard, January 27, 2005
Lusk II, Joe Fenton, Reedley, January 21, 2005
M
Madero, Vincent A., Port Hueneme, October 17, 2007
Madore Jr., Ronnie G., San Diego, February 14, 2007
Magnani, Patrick D., Walnut Creek, September 04, 2007
Manibog, Michael T., Alameda, February 08, 2008
Manzano Jr., Pablo, Heber, August 25, 2003
Marcus Jr., Lyndon A., Long Beach, May 03, 2004
Marenco-Reyes, Douglas Jose, Chino, May 18, 2003
Mariano, Jude C., Vallejo, February 10, 2004
Mariano, Robbie M., Stockton, January 05, 2006
Marin Jr., Atanacio Haro, Baldwin Park, June 03, 2003
Marshall, John W., Los Angeles, April 08, 2003
Martin, Timothy P., Pixley, February 08, 2008
Martinez, Jesse Jack, Tracy, July 14, 2004
Martinez, Michael J., Chula Vista, June 28, 2007
Martinez Flores, Francisco Abraham, Duarte, March 25, 2003
Martinez, Jr., Rafael, Spring Valley, October 14, 2010
Martinez-Luis, Trinidad R., Los Angeles, November 28, 2004
Martinez Salazar, Roberto L., Long Beach, February 04, 2006
Martino, Michael D., Oceanside, November 02, 2005
Mattero, Joshua P., Chula Vista, July 24, 2007
Mayhan, Ryan L., Hawthorne, December 21, 2006
McCaffrey Sr., Patrick R., Tracy, June 22, 2004
McCleery, Jeremiah P., Portola, May 02, 2009
McDowell, David L., Ramona, April 29, 2008
McFall, Thomas M., Glendora, May 28, 2007
McGee, Thomas P., Hawthorne, July 06, 2007
McKinney, Hannah L. Gunterman, Redlands, September 04, 2006
Melia, Anthony C., Thousand Oaks, January 27, 2007
Mendoza, Antonio, Santa Ana, June 03, 2005
Mendoza, Giann C. Joya, North Hollywood, June 28, 2007
Menusa, Joseph, San Jose, March 27, 2003
Menyweather, Eddie E., Los Angeles, November 23, 2003
Mercado, Raul, Monrovia, January 07, 2006
Merlo, Ivan E., San Marcos, January 08, 2008
Metzger, David E., San Diego, October 26, 2009
Meyer, Brandon A., Orange, January 28, 2008
Meza, Gilberto A., Oxnard, October 06, 2007
Mier, Eliu A., San Clemente, January 31, 2004
Mihalakis, Michael G., San Jose, December 26, 2003
Millard, Gregory N., San Diego, May 26, 2007
Milo, Avealalo, Hayward, October 04, 2007
Mitchell, Michael W., Porterville, April 04, 2004
Mitchell, Sean K., Monterey, July 07, 2007
Mizener, Jesse D., Auburn, January 07, 2004
Molina Bautista, Jorge A., Rialto, May 23, 2004
Moncada, Raul, Madera, April 13, 2009
Monsoor, Michael A., Garden Grove, September 29, 2006
Montes, Luis A., El Centro, September 07, 2006
Monzon Jr., Milton M., Los Angeles, July 24, 2005
Moore, Christopher Lee, Alpaugh, May 19, 2007
Moore, Jason William, San Marcos, May 19, 2003
Moore, Keith J., San Francisco, October 14, 2006
Mora, Conrad A., San Diego, July 24, 2010
Mora, Jose L., Bell Gardens, October 24, 2003
Mora, Michelangelo A., Arroyo Grande, May 14, 2004
Mora Jr., Arthur A., Pico Rivera, October 19, 2005
Morales, Jason M., Montebello, April 18, 2007
Morgan, Dwight J., Mendocino, January 19, 2002
Morrow, Jason W., Riverside, June 27, 2006
Morton, Cherie Lynn, Bakersfield, April 20, 2008
Muy, Veashna, Los Angeles, June 23, 2005
N
Nakamura, Paul T., Santa Fe Springs, June 19, 2003
Nason, Christopher G., Los Angeles, November 23, 2003
Navarro Arellano, Juana, Ceres, April 08, 2006
Necochea Jr., Kenneth E., San Diego, December 12, 2010
Neubauer, Paul C., Oceanside, September 23, 2005
Nguyen, Tung M., Tracy, November 14, 2006
Noble, Daniel S., Whittier, July 24, 2007
Nolasco, Marcos O., San Diego, May 18, 2004
Nunez, David, Los Angeles, May 29, 2008
Nurre, Joseph C., Wilton, August 21, 2005
O
Oceguera, Alex, San Bernardino, October 31, 2006
Ochoa Jr., Alfonso, Armona, October 10, 2009
O'Day, Patrick Terence, Santa Rosa, March 25, 2003
Odell, Robert D., Manassas, Va., December 21, 2004
O'Donohoe, Justin L., San Diego, May 05, 2006
Ojeda, Ramon C., Ramona, May 01, 2004
Olson, Nicholas P., Novato, September 18, 2007
Olvera, Javier, Palmdale, August 08, 2009
Ornsby-Adkins, Jay-D H., Ione, April 28, 2007
Orosco, Adrian N., Corcoran, December 09, 2005
Orozco, Osbaldo, Delano, April 25, 2003
Ortega, Elijah M., Oxnard, September 26, 2005
Ottolini, Michael C., Sebastopol, November 10, 2004
P
Packer, Steven M., Clovis, May 17, 2007
Padilla Aleman, Geovani, South Gate, April 02, 2006
Paine, Mark C., Lafayette, October 15, 2006
Pallares, Ronnie J., Rancho Cucamonga, October 23, 2010
Palmer, Christopher L., Sacramento, August 21, 2005
Palmer, Joshua M., Banning, April 08, 2004
Palmer II, Charles O., Manteca, May 05, 2007
Paniagua-Morales, Jose A., Bell Gardens, March 07, 2008
Parker, Daniel R., Lake Elsinore, August 12, 2003
Parkerson III, Harvey Emmett, Yuba City, August 18, 2004
Patino IV, Claudio, Yorba Linda, June 22, 2010
Paton, Jason L., Poway, August 22, 2007
Payne, Cameron K., Corona, June 11, 2007
Payton, George J., Culver City, November 14, 2004
Pedro, Brian J., Rosamond, October 02, 2010
Pena Medina, Abraham D., Los Angeles, April 27, 2004
Pena-Romero, Jorge Luis, Fallbrook, July 16, 2005
Peralta, Rafael, San Diego, November 15, 2004
Perez, Andres H., Santa Cruz, November 14, 2004
Perez, Geoffrey, Los Angeles, August 15, 2004
Perez, Jose R., Ontario, October 18, 2006
Perez Jr., Richard A., Las Vegas, Nev., February 10, 2005
Perkins, Adam L., Antelope, May 17, 2010
Perry, David S., Bakersfield, August 10, 2003
Perry, Joseph W., Alpine, October 02, 2006
Phillips, Anton R., Inglewood, December 31, 2009
Pickard, Joshua D., Merced, December 19, 2006
Piercy, Brian F., Clovis, July 19, 2010
Pineda, Carlos, Los Angeles, June 24, 2005
Pollard, Justin W., Foothill Ranch, December 30, 2003
Portell, Benjamin B., Bakersfield, December 26, 2007
Probst, Michael S., Irvine, February 14, 2006
Prosser, Brian Cody, Frazier Park, December 05, 2001
R
Ragimov, Mourad, San Diego, January 26, 2005
Ramirez, Eric U., San Diego, February 12, 2004
Ramirez, Rogelio A., Pasadena, August 26, 2007
Ramsey, Jacob I., Hesperia, April 10, 2009
Ramsey, Matthew W., Quartz Hill, November 29, 2010
Rangel, Jose C., Fresno, January 23, 2005
Rapp, Robert T., Sonora, March 03, 2008
Ravago IV, Rel A., Glendale, November 23, 2003
Razani, Omead H., Los Angeles, August 27, 2004
Reali, Regina C., Fresno, December 23, 2005
Regalado, Jose, Los Angeles, November 12, 2008
Retmier, Marc A., Hemet, June 18, 2008
Retzer, Thomas E., San Diego, June 25, 2003
Reyes, Daniel F., San Diego, July 31, 2007
Reynosa Suarez, Rafael, Santa Ana, May 29, 2004
Richardson, William D., Moreno Valley, April 03, 2005
Rimes, Garrywesley Tan, Santa Maria, April 01, 2005
Roads, Tyler A., Burney, July 10, 2010
Roberson, Jeffrey G., Barstow, November 28, 2006
Roberts, Derek T., Gold River, June 14, 2007
Roberts, Neil C., Woodland, March 04, 2002
Robinson, Fernando D., Hawthorne, October 02, 2006
Rodriguez, Jose F. Gonzalez, Norwalk, May 12, 2003
Rodriguez Jr., Jaime, Carpinteria, July 26, 2007
Roebuck, Omar G., Moreno Valley, December 22, 2009
Rojas, Michael M., Fresno, April 18, 2007
Romero, Ramon, Huntington Park, August 22, 2005
Roodhouse, Edwin William, San Jose, December 05, 2004
Roque, Lester G., Torrance, November 10, 2007
Rosacker, Randal Kent, San Diego, March 23, 2003
Rosales Lomeli, Victor A., Westminster, April 13, 2004
Rose, Christopher D., San Francisco, June 29, 2006
Rosema, Adam J., Pasadena, March 14, 2007
Rowe, Blue C., Whittier, May 26, 2009
Ruoff Jr., Michael L., Yosemite, July 01, 2007
S
Salas, Rudy, Baldwin Park, May 20, 2004
Salazar, William I., Canoga Park, October 15, 2004
Salazar Jr., Bruce C., Tracy, July 06, 2007
Salcido, Rudy A., La Puente, November 09, 2006
Sanchez, Oscar, Modesto, December 29, 2004
Sandoval-Flores, Felipe D., Los Angeles, April 02, 2006
Santee, Daniel J., Mission Viejo, April 14, 2007
Santos, Luis D., Rialto, June 08, 2006
Sare, Charles O., Hemet, October 23, 2006
Saxton, Stephen P., Temecula, May 03, 2005
Scheile, Daniel Ronald, Antioch, September 24, 2005
Schmidt, Peter W., Eureka, November 13, 2007
Seigart, Carl Leonard, San Luis Obispo, February 14, 2007
Sellen Jr., Dennis L., Newhall, February 11, 2007
Senft, David P., Grass Valley, November 15, 2010
Shea, Timothy M., Sonoma, August 25, 2005
Sheehan, Casey, Vacaville, April 04, 2004
Shuder, Brad S., El Dorado Hills, April 12, 2004
Shumney, Dustin M., Benicia, January 26, 2005
Sickels, Kenneth L., Apple Valley, September 27, 2004
Sigua, William M., Los Altos Hills, January 31, 2007
Silva, Alfredo B., Calexico, September 15, 2005
Silva, Eduardo S., Greenfield, June 09, 2009
Silva, Erik Hernandez, Chula Vista, April 03, 2003
Silva, Sean A., Roseville, October 09, 2003
Sim, San, Santa Ana, October 22, 2008
Simonetta, Derek T., Redwood City, December 12, 2010
Simons, Aaron William, Modesto, April 24, 2006
Simpson, Abraham, Chino, November 09, 2004
Sims, Kafele H., Los Angeles, June 16, 2009
Slocum, Richard Patrick, Saugus, October 24, 2004
Smith, Timothy M., South Lake Tahoe, April 07, 2008
Solorzano Valdovinos, Diego A., Huntington Park, October 29, 2010
Soltes Jr., Charles R., Irvine, October 13, 2004
Sonoda Jr., Mike T., Fallbrook, September 22, 2005
Soto, Joshua W., Avenal, June 16, 2009
Soukenka, Richard A., Oceanside, February 27, 2007
Spence, Joseph B., Scotts Valley, January 26, 2005
Spencer, Clarence T., San Diego, February 04, 2007
Spencer II , Ray A., Ridgecrest, April 16, 2009
Spencer Jr., Raymond N., Carmichael, June 21, 2007
Spivey, Curtis R., Chula Vista, April 02, 2007
Sprayberry III, Marvin R., Tehachapi, May 03, 2004
Stanley, Chase, Napa, July 14, 2010
Stanton Jr., Kenny F., Hemet, October 13, 2006
Steinbacher, Nicholas P., La Crescenta, December 10, 2006
Stets, Mark A., El Cajon, February 03, 2010
Stevens, Joseph W., Sacramento, January 24, 2005
Stewart, Carla Jane, Glendale, January 28, 2007
Stewart, Ian W., Lake Hughes, December 12, 2004
Steyart, Matthew P., Mount Shasta, November 22, 2005
Stinson, Shane M., Fullerton, June 23, 2007
Stokes, Sean A., Auburn, July 30, 2007
Strain, Adam J., Smartville, August 03, 2005
Suarez del Solar, Jesus Alberto, Escondido, March 27, 2003
Sun, Ming, Cathedral City, January 09, 2007
Sunsin-Pineda, Astor A., Long Beach, May 02, 2007
Suter, Jake W., Stevenson Ranch, May 29, 2010
Swanson, Justin J., Anaheim, November 10, 2009
Swanson, Matthew K.S., Lake Forest, August 08, 2009
Swink, James M., Yucca Valley, August 27, 2010
T
Tainsh, Patrick S., Oceanside, February 11, 2004
Tallman, Matthew L., Groveland, August 22, 2007
Tamayo, Fernando S., Fontana, December 21, 2006
Tayaotao, Michael E., Sunnyvale, August 09, 2007
Taylor, Keith Edward, Irvine, January 29, 2005
Taylor, Mark D., Stockton, March 20, 2004
Taylor, Mathew D., Cameron Park, September 26, 2007
Taylor III, Norman R., Blythe, October 17, 2006
Tejeda, Luis E., Huntington Park, September 30, 2006
Tello, Jhanner A., Los Angeles, December 10, 2009
Tessar, Jonathan, Simi Valley, October 31, 2005
Tetrault, Jason A., Moreno Valley, July 09, 2003
Thomas, Kristofer D.S., Roseville, February 18, 2007
Thrasher, Robert B., Folsom, February 11, 2007
Tillman, Patrick D., San Jose, April 22, 2004
Toledo-Pulido, Victor H., Hanford, May 23, 2007
Tollefson, Benjamin B., Concord, December 31, 2008
Toner IV, Francis L., Westlake Village, March 27, 2009
Toomalatai, David T., Long Beach, January 27, 2007
Torres, George D., Long Beach, April 11, 2004
Toves, Jacob J., Grover Beach, August 14, 2008
Townsend, Joshua R., Solvang, January 16, 2009
Tran, Du Hai, Reseda, June 20, 2008
Tran, Quoc Binh, Mission Viejo, November 07, 2004
Treber, James M., Imperial Beach, June 29, 2008
Trimble, Chad M., West Covina, May 28, 2008
Turner Jr., Thomas B., Cottonwood, July 14, 2006
Twyman, Wade Michael, Vista, March 04, 2005
Tynes, Marcus A., Moreno Valley, November 22, 2009
Tyson, Andre D., Riverside, June 22, 2004
U
Unger, Daniel Paul, Exeter, May 25, 2004
V
Vargas, Julio, Sylmar, July 20, 2010
Vaughn, Richard A., San Diego, April 08, 2008
Vazquez, Cristian, Coalinga, August 02, 2007
Vega, Michael W., Lathrop, March 20, 2004
Velazquez, Paul A., San Diego, November 02, 2003
Velloza, Jake R., Inverness, May 02, 2009
Venegas, Juan C., Simi Valley, April 07, 2005
Verdeja, Justin A., La Puente, June 05, 2007
Viglienzone, Caesar S., Santa Rosa, February 01, 2006
Villanueva, Joselito O., Los Angeles, September 27, 2004
Villatoro Jr., Ramon A., Bakersfield, July 24, 2005
Vue, Thai, Willows, June 18, 2004
W
Walberg-Riotto, Steven J., Paradise, April 15, 2007
Walker, Allan K., Lancaster, April 06, 2004
Walshe, Tyler R., Shasta, August 31, 2009
Walter, Rowan D., Clovis, February 22, 2007
Ward, Aaron J., San Jacinto, May 06, 2008
Warren, Kyle R., Manchester, N.H., July 29, 2010
Waters, David L., Auburn, October 14, 2004
Watkins, Glenn J., Carlsbad, April 05, 2005
Watkins, Timothy D., Yucca Valley, October 15, 2005
Webb, Christopher R., Winchester, March 07, 2007
Welch, Jonathan D., Yorba Linda, August 31, 2009
West, Jeromy D., Aguanga, November 25, 2006
West, Phillip G., American Canyon, November 19, 2004
Whitaker, Joshua R., Long Beach, May 15, 2007
White, Doonewey, Milpitas, May 29, 2007
Whitley, Dion M., Altadena, June 15, 2005
Whittle, Joshua R., Downey, June 06, 2009
Widner, Vernon R., Redlands, November 17, 2005
Willey, Cheyenne C., Fremont, December 23, 2005
Williams, Charles A., Fair Oaks, February 07, 2010
Williams, Jesse L., Santa Rosa, April 08, 2007
Wilson, Ivan I., Clearlake, July 21, 2008
Wilson, Jamie D., San Diego, January 22, 2007
Wilson, Stephen J., Brentwood, June 20, 2007
Wine, Trevor A., Orange, May 01, 2004
Wiscowiche, William J., Victorville, March 30, 2004
Wolf, Eduviges G., Hawthorne, October 25, 2009
Wolfe, Duane G., Los Osos, May 25, 2009
Wolverton, Brian M., Oak Park, August 20, 2009
Wood, Brian M., Torrance, April 16, 2004
Woods, Travis M., Palo Cedro, September 09, 2007
Wyckoff Jr., Charles E., Chula Vista, June 06, 2007
Y
Yelner, Jonathan A.V., Lafayette, April 29, 2008
Yoakum, Keith, Hemet, February 02, 2007
Young, Christopher D., Los Angeles, March 02, 2007
Young, Ryan C., Corona, December 02, 2003
Z
Zanutto, Adam O., Caliente, March 06, 2006
Zawaydeh, Angelo A., San Bruno, March 15, 2006
Zieske, Benjamin T., Concord, May 03, 2006
Search by: Age, Base, Branch, Cemetery, Date of Death, Country of Birth, Gender, High School, Hometown, Marital Status, Name, Number of Children, Theater of Operation, Place of Death
About this project
Sources: Times research and iCasualties.org data.
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California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 621 California servicemembers who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Richard A. Burdick, Army, Staff Sergeant -- Rest In Peace

Richard A. Burdick, 24

Army, Staff Sergeant
Based: Ft. Campbell, Ky.
C Company, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st AB Division
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 10, 2003
Mosul, Iraq
Married, 2 children

Gender: Male

Hometown: National City
High School: Palomar High (Vista)

Burial: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego

After six years in the Army and frequent overseas deployments, Staff Sgt. Richard A. Burdick worked out a plan to be close to his wife, Jeniffer, and their two children.

Upon his return from Iraq in February, the 24-year-old soldier from National City, Calif., would take his family to Korea for a yearlong assignment. After that, they would be based at Ft. Irwin, near Barstow, and he would not be deployed for five years.

"He wanted to be with his family," said his wife, who had been staying with relatives in Lancaster since Burdick left for Iraq in May. "He wanted to finally be together without going to any more wars, any more peacekeeping missions."

But Burdick was killed Dec. 10 in an ambush when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Mosul.

Burdick was stationed with his family at Ft. Bragg, N.C., as well as Ft. Campbell, but had to leave his family behind when he went on peacekeeping missions to Macedonia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. During Burdick's last visit home in November, the family visited his mother, Tari Burdick of Ridgecrest.

Jeniffer Burdick last heard from her husband by phone from Iraq the day after their sixth wedding anniversary, just hours before he was killed. In that conversation, she said, he described how insurgents attacked American soldiers by throwing improvised explosive devices at them.

"I told him to be safe," she said. "He told me to tell Angel that he would be here for her birthday."

Read the entire LA Times article about Army Staff Sergeant Richard A. Burdick here and go here for pictures.

1000 Words -- KinderBerg

Alright then, a word or two:

Afghan women with their children

wait for the distribution of food

by German humanitarian organization

"KinderBerg International"

to Afghan local residents in downtown Kunduz

December 14, 2010.

Michael D. Anderson Jr., Marines, Corporal -- Rest In Peace

Michael D. Anderson Jr., 21

Marines, Corporal

Based: Camp Pendleton

3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: December 14, 2004

Fallouja, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Modesto

High School: Peter Johansen High (Modesto)

Burial: Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr., 21, of Modesto withstood the bloody battle for the Iraqi town of Fallouja but was unable to survive its aftermath in violent, house-to-house combat against insurgents.

Anderson, a former member of the Marine Corps' terrorism-fighting team known as Fast Company, retired from the elite squad earlier this year to be closer to his family. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. He left for Iraq on Sept. 11.

The decorated Marine was killed Tuesday as his squad traveled from house to house on rooftops searching for enemy combatants, said his father, Michael Anderson Sr., who spoke with Marines from his son's squad...

The senior Anderson, who described his son as his best friend, said they last talked on the phone Dec. 11, when his son told him that "things were getting weird."

Read the entire LA Times article about Marined Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr. here and find more here and here.

Twelve Days Of Winter -- Heidi Harris

The Heidi Harris Show

on News Talk

720 KDWN

Las Vegas, NV

Marcelino Ronald Corniel, Army National Guard, Sergeant -- Rest In Peace

Marcelino Ronald Corniel, 23

Army National Guard, Sergeant
Based: Fullerton
1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 31, 2005
Baghdad (southern part), Iraq
Engaged
Gender: Male
Hometown: La Puente
High School: Bassett Senior High (La Puente)
Burial: Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Covina Hills

On both tours of Iraq, he spared loved ones the details of the violence he witnessed in war. Once, he woke up his mother with a phone call at 2:30 a.m. He sounded distraught, and she still wonders why. He asked her to sing him a lullaby -- "Lu, Lu, Lu" -- that she had sung to him when he was a boy. She did.


At her son's coffin at a viewing Thursday, she sang it to him again. "I'm sure there were tears on the flag, but I didn't care," she said.

One consolation for Lopez is that her son fell in love with Calderon, a makeup artist from Bellflower. "He learned to love a woman, and to be loved back," Lopez said.

The day before he died, his mother recalled, Corniel told his fiancee in an e-mail: "24 more days until the happiest day of my life."

"Why him?" his mother asked, "when he was so needed -- not by his country, but by us."

Do read the whole LA Times article about Army National Guard Sergeant  Marcelino Ronald Corniel here and find more here, here and here.

Sunday Battle -- Kathleen Files

House Of Flying Daggers

Ian W. Stewart, Marines, Corporal -- Rest In Peace

Ian W. Stewart , 21

Marines, Corporal

Based: Camp Pendleton

3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: December 12, 2004

Fallouja, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Lake Hughes

High School: Quartz Hill High (Quartz Hill)

Burial: Buried in Illinois

Stewart entered the Marines three days after he finished high school, on Father's Day 2001. He completed boot camp the week of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Coincidently, he deployed to Iraq on Sept. 11 of this year.

Last week, Marine Cpl. Ian Wesley Stewart was killed by small-arms fire while his unit was clearing houses in Fallouja. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.

"We were praying for his safety, but God moved differently. We trust God's judgment, but we don't care much for his time schedule," Stewart's father said. "But we have real peace.... We're confident we'll see him again, and that beautiful smile of his, in heaven."

Read the entire LA Times article about Marine Corporal Ian W. Stewart here, with more about Corporal Stewart at Military Times and find messages and remembrances here.

Ginger Rogers Interlude

Why not something, um,  pretty this evening?

Ginger Rogers and Doris Day, from the movie

Storm Warning.

Miss Rogers' musical accompaniment:
Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra.



Bonus Ginger Rogers:

Bowe Bergdahl -- Prisoner of the Taliban

Bowe Bergdahl, age 24, is the only known U.S. soldier currently held by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Bergdahl ... has been imprisoned for 18 months...appeared...looking thin but otherwise healthy alongside Taliban commander Maulawi Sangin who has previously threatened to kill him. It remains unclear when the video was shot or where he is being held.

Pte Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 while on duty in the eastern part of the country when he was aged 23 and is thought to be the only U.S. soldier in captivity.

Read the entire post from the Sanctuary of Mary and find more in the NY Daily News and more here, among many other places.

Those of us who live in safety would do well to remember him.

--Oregon Live

Mark T. Carter, Navy Seal, Chief Petty Officer -- Rest In Peace

Mark T. Carter , 27

Navy, Chief Petty Officer
Based: East Coast-based Navy SEAL
Navy SEAL
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 11, 2007
Balad, Iraq
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Fallbrook
High School: Fallbrook High (Fallbrook)
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

[Mark T. Carter] knew exactly what he wanted to do when he joined the Navy after graduating from Fallbrook High School in 1998. He wanted to be a Navy SEAL.
The son of a doctor, Carter graduated from boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., and then Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, Calif. More than half of SEAL students drop out, but not Carter, a stocky 5-foot-5 and outdoor athlete who loved physical challenges.

Once he was in the SEALs, his rise through the ranks was swift. He deployed during the U.S. campaign to topple the Taliban in Afghanistan and then during the early stages of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

His fellow SEALs gave him the nickname Badger after the small but ferocious animal. The name was bestowed after Carter beat a 6-foot-5 opponent in a wrestling match.


The facts behind his death and earlier service in Afghanistan and Iraq may never be fully known. Like other special forces units, the SEALs keep a tight hold on their identities and the facts behind their missions. His parents, Cindy and Dr. Thomas Carter, now of Council Bluffs, Iowa, have declined to speak to the media.

Although SEALs do multiple tasks, one of Carter's specialties was keeping team members in radio contact during missions. When team members cannot communicate with each other, high-risk missions can go awry.

"Without a good comm guy, you can't complete a mission," said Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Otten, who teaches at the SEALs school and will soon leave active duty. "Next to the officer in charge, the comm guy is probably the most important. Mark was one of the best."

Read the whole LA Times article about Navy Chief Petty Officer Mark T. Carter here and find more at the Arlington Cemetary site and at Military Times and visit Navy Seal Carter's Guest Book here.

Shabbat Shalom -- Zionist Shark Files

Hat Tip Israel Matzav

Via Israel Matzav

Via Above Top Secret

Oldie But Goodie

Stickerage we like:

Jhanner A. Tello, Army, Private -- Rest In Peace

Jhanner A. Tello , 29

Army, Private
Based: Ft. Hood, Texas
3rd Aviation Support Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Died: December 10, 2009
Baghdad, Iraq
Married, 2 children
Gender: Male
Hometown: Los Angeles
Foreign Country of Birth: Colombia

He was a very happy man.

— Lusin Mathews-Gezalyan, ex-wife

Jhanner Tello was a charmer, a sweet-talker and a man who loved to entertain, and when he was around, there was never a dull moment, those close to him say.

In July 2005, he took that energy and joined the Army, which soon posted him overseas.

Pvt. Jhanner A. Tello, 29, was on his second deployment to Iraq on Dec. 10 when he died in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a noncombat-related incident, according to the Department of Defense.

But his relatives said Tello always took pride in his military service and his family. "He wanted to be there for his two boys," Ashley Tello said.

Read the whole LA Times article on Army Private Jhanner A. Tello here and find more here.  

Nicholas P. Steinbacher, Army, Specialist -- Rest In Peace

Nicholas P. Steinbacher, 22

Army, Specialist

Based: Ft. Hood, Texas

2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: December 10, 2006

Baghdad, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: La Crescenta

High School: Crescenta Valley Senior High (La Crescenta)

It was the last parade for Army Spc. Nicholas P. Steinbacher of La Crescenta, an infantryman killed earlier this month by a roadside bomb in Iraq.

On Dec. 20, as his funeral procession slowly traveled from Crippen Mortuary to St. James the Less Catholic Church, thousands of people from his hometown lined the 2 1/2 -mile route.

They included veterans, firefighters, police officers, local merchants, former classmates, high school athletes and friends. Many held American flags. All stood in silence as the motorcade passed.

"It was phenomenal. In the middle of a Wednesday just before the holidays, people with plenty to do turned out to pay their respects," said Steinbacher's father, Paul. "It was a comfort for the family and a tribute to my son."

Steinbacher was killed Dec. 10 when a bomb exploded near his Humvee while he was on a night patrol in Baghdad. Just two days before, he had celebrated his 22nd birthday.

Steinbacher was assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. His comrades described him as the spirit of their unit.

Read the entire LA Times article about Army Specialist Nicholas P. Steinbacher here and find more about Steinbacher here, here, here and here.

Muslim Burns Another Christian

More news from the Religion of Peace  Perps:

A young Christian man was suddenly set on fire by a Muslim man in Egypt after a rumor circulated that the Christian man had a relationship with the Muslim man’s sister.

Yasser Ahmed Qasim approached 25-year-old Sabri Shihata and poured gasoline on the Coptic Christian and then set him on fire, reported the Voice of the Copts on Friday. The young Copt tried to put out the fire by throwing himself into a nearby canal, but the burns were too severe and he later died.

Sabri Shihata's brother was also attacked and his father also murdered. Now, let us quote some scripture: