As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, their courage, their commitment, and the immeasurable loss felt by those who loved them. When we reflect on the significance of this day, it is imperative that we learn who the fallen were, not just by name but by character and their stories.
Among those we remember are the servicewomen who made the ultimate sacrifice in the conflicts that followed September 11th. Their stories are less often shared, however, deserve to be told and kept alive.
Today we encourage you to learn their names, their stories, and their final resting places.
Read them. Share them. And if you are able, visit them and reflect on the true cost of freedom.
Servicewomen Lost in Service Following 9/11
Sergeant Jeannette L. Winters, U.S. Marine Corps, died January 9th, 2002, in Shamsi, Pakistan. She was killed when her KC-130 aircraft crashed into a mountainside while circling to land. Matthew W. Bancroft, Captain Daniel G. McCollum, Gunnery Sergeant Stephen L. Bryson, Staff Sergeant Scott N. Germosen, Sergeant Nathan P. Hays, and Lance Corporal Bryan P. Bertrand were also killed in the crash. Prior to her death, Sergeant Winters purchased Christmas gifts for her loved ones. According to the United States Navy Memorial, “Jeannette got a coat, gloves and a hat for a 2-year-old niece she had never met, and a guitar for her father, once a professional musician. He will never play duets with his daughter but he finds comfort in the knowledge that she loved what she was doing.” Sergeant Winters was 25. Sergeant Jeannette L. Winters is buried at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Indiana.
Staff Sergeant Anissa Shero, U.S. Air Force, died June 12th, 2002, in Sardeh Band, Afghanistan. She was killed when her MC-130 Combat Talon II crashed during an extraction mission. Technical Sergeant Sean Corlew and U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Peter Tycz were also killed in the crash. Before the crash, Staff Sergeant Shero made two Soldiers buckle their seatbelts, and they both survived. Days before Staff Sergeant Shero died, she sent her father Clyde Shuttleworth a card for Father’s Day. Her father described it as “. . . The last letter I’ll get from her. I’ll keep it close by. I’m just numb right now. It’s hard to believe this happened.” Staff Sergeant Shero was 31. Staff Sergeant Anissa Shero is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa, U.S. Army, died March 23rd, 2003, in Nasiriyah, Iraq. Her convoy was ambushed, and her Humvee was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Piestewa was then taken prisoner and died in captivity from her injuries. Specialist Piestewa was survived by her daughter and son, who were three and four at the time she died, and she was a member of the Hopi tribe. Hopi Tribal Chairman Wayne Taylor said of her passing, “She will be remembered as a daughter, as a proud mother of two, as a good friend able to comfort others in distress.” Specialist Piestewa was 23. Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa is buried at Tuba City Community Cemetery, Tuba City, Arizona.
Captain Tamara Long-Archuleta, U.S. Air Force, died March 23rd, 2003, in Ghazni, Afghanistan. She was killed in a non-combat HH-60G Pave Hawk crash during a medevac mission. Lieutenant Colonel John Stein, Master Sergeant Michael Maltz, Senior Airman Jason Plite, Staff Sergeant Jason Hicks, and Staff Sergeant John Teal were also killed in the crash. Captain Long-Archuleta was supposed to return to the U.S. the next day. Her father Richard Long said, “She was doing what she wanted to do and fulfilling her dreams and desires … A lot of people live long lives and don’t do half of what she accomplished.” Captain Long-Archuleta was 23. Captain Tamara Long-Archuleta is buried at Terrace Grove Cemetery, Belen, New Mexico.
Private First Class Analaura Esparza-Gutierrez, U.S. Army, died October 1st, 2003, in Tikrit, Iraq. She was killed when her convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades. Private First Class Esparza-Gutierrez planned to marry a fellow soldier the year after she returned from Iraq. Esparza-Gutierrez’s father said of her passing, “I want people to remember my daughter for what she was — a hero.” Private First Class Esparza-Gutierrez was 21. Private First Class Analaura Esparza-Gutierrez is buried at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Private First Class Rachel Bosveld, U.S. Army, died October 26th, 2003, in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. She was killed during a mortar attack on the Abu Ghraib police station. Private First Class Bosveld’s friend Krissy Beske said of Bosveld, “She was energetic and always laughing. When she first came to school, we just kind of pulled her into our circle and took her under our wing … She was really unique and had her own style and wasn’t embarrassed to show it.” Private First Class Bosveld was 19. Private First Class Rachel Bosveld is buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Berlin, Wisconsin.
Private First Class Karina Sotelo Lau, U.S. Army, died November 2nd, 2003, in Fallujah, Iraq. She and 15 other Soldiers were killed when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down with a shoulder-fired missile. The daughter of Chinese and Mexican immigrants, Lau would have been the first in her family to graduate from a four-year university. Lau had a four-year academic and music scholarship to the University of the Pacific Stockton, but after two months in school, decided she wanted to do more and enlisted in the Army. After her death, her mother Ruth said, “I prayed for her every day telling her to be careful … She said she was safe. We never expected that anything would happen to her.” Private First Class Lau was 20. Private First Class Karina Sotelo Lau is buried at Turlock Memorial Park, Turlock, California.
Specialist Frances M. Vega, U.S. Army, died November 2nd, 2003, in Fallujah, Iraq. She and 15 other Soldiers were killed when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down. Following her death, a gate at Fort Buchanan was named in honor of Specialist Vega. A spokesperson for her family said, “We feel overwhelmed by her loss but at the same time with pride that she was a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.” Specialist Vega was 20. Specialist Frances M. Vega is buried at Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Chief Warrant Officer Five Sharon T. Swartworth, U.S. Army, died November 7th, 2003, in Tikrit, Iraq. She was killed when her UH-60 Black Hawk was shot down by enemy fire. Five other servicemembers were killed in the crash. Chief Warrant Officer Five Swartworth had plans to move to Hawaii following the completion of her Iraq assignment. While on her way to Iraq, Swartworth told her brother Bryan that if anything happened to her, she could visualize a nice service in Arlington. Chief Warrant Officer Five Swartworth was 43. Chief Warrant Officer Five Sharon T. Swartworth is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Staff Sergeant Kimberly A. Voelz, U.S. Army, died December 14th, 2003, in Iskandariyah, Iraq. She was killed by an improvised explosive device while on explosive ordnance disposal duty. Nikki Puig, one of Staff Sergeant Voelz’s many friends, said of her, “You couldn’t be around her and not instantly want to be around her more and more. She made you feel good about yourself, about anything around you. You couldn’t be in a bad mood around her.” Staff Sergeant Voelz was 27. Staff Sergeant Kimberly A. Voelz is buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Captain Kimberly Hampton, U.S. Army, died January 2nd, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. She was killed when her OH-58 Kiowa helicopter was shot down. Her copilot was injured in the crash. Captain Hampton wanted to be a pilot since childhood. When she graduated Army flight school, Captain Hampton’s parents gifted her the paper she wrote in third grade discussing her desire to fly. Captain Hampton was 27. Captain Kimberly Hampton is buried at Robinson Memorial Gardens, Easley, South Carolina.
Specialist Holly Jeanne McGeogh, U.S. Army, died January 31st, 2004, in Kirkuk, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device struck her vehicle. Two other Soldiers were also killed in the blast. Specialist McGeogh taught Iraqi children how to play duck-duck-goose and her mother frequently mailed her Taco Bell hot sauce and candy. Specialist McGeogh was 19. Specialist Holly Jeanne McGeogh is buried at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Brownstown Township, Michigan.
Specialist Nichole M. Frye, U.S. Army Reserve, died February 16th, 2004, in Baqubah, Iraq. She was killed when her convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device. Specialist Frye intended to go to technical college to become a firefighter after her service. She was 19. Specialist Nichole M. Frye is buried at Saint Charles Cemetery, Lena, Wisconsin.
Specialist Tyanna S. Avery-Felder, U.S. Army, died April 7th, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq. She died from injuries sustained when her convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device April 4th, 2004. Sergeant Thomas Smith Jr., who was stationed with Specialist Avery-Felder, said of her, “Tyanna was my soldier and I knew her very well. She was a daughter to me. She even called me dad. She was respected and loved by her military family.” Specialist Avery-Felder was 22. Specialist Tyanna S. Avery-Felder is buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Specialist Michelle M. Witmer, U.S. Army National Guard, died April 9th, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed during an attack involving small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Charity, Specialist Witmer’s identical twin sister, said of Witmer, “Michelle was a loving, empathetic woman, more wonderful than words can describe. She loved the drama, she loved the cheese, she loved to tell stories … One of the last times I saw Michelle she gave me a big hug and kiss and said I love you. It was a gift from God. She was at such a good place when she left this world.” Specialist Witmer was 20. Specialist Michelle M. Witmer is buried at Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sergeant Isela Rubalcava, U.S. Army, died May 8th, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq. She was killed by a mortar strike. Hector Barragan, Sergeant Rubalcava’s cousin, said of her, “She was excited and happy because she was going to eventually come home and she was going to be stationed in Fort Bliss. She’s always been a happy person, always smiling. When she came back from boot camp, she was cheerful and told us about how great it was.” Sergeant Rubalcava was 25. Sergeant Isela Rubalcava is buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
Specialist Leslie D. Jackson, U.S. Army, died May 20th, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when her vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. According to Earl M. Pappy, Specialist Jackson’s high school principal, when she passed “The students [were] very upset because she was respected very, very much.” Specialist Jackson was 18. Specialist Leslie D. Jackson is buried at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, Red Oak, Virginia.
Master Sergeant Linda Ann Tarango-Griess, U.S. Army National Guard, died July 11th, 2004, in Samarra, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. Two other Soldiers were killed and three were wounded. Master Sergeant Tarango-Griess’s cousin, Linda Hernandez, said of her passing, “Sometimes I’m OK, and sometimes my stomach turns and I get nervous and want to cry out loud.” Master Sergeant Tarango-Griess is remembered as “someone who always had a smile and positive attitude” and an officer from an adjacent unit reflected after her passing that she was “always a true professional – not only a mentor, but also a friend. She served her country honorably.” Master Sergeant Tarango-Griess was 33. Master Sergeant Linda Ann Tarango-Griess is buried at Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, Nebraska.
Sergeant Tatjana Reed, U.S. Army, died July 22nd, 2004, in Samarra, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. Specialist Torey J. Dantzler was also killed in the explosion. Sergeant Reed was survived by her 10-year-old daughter. Her daughter, Genevieve, left a framed photo of herself in Sergeant Reed’s bag before she deployed which Sergeant Reed later excitedly found. Sergeant Reed was 34.
Sergeant Shawna M. Morrison, U.S. Army National Guard, died September 5th, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed during a mortar attack. Specialist Charles Lamb also died in the attack and fifteen other Soldiers were injured. Sergeant Morrison’s mother, Cynthia Morrison, said, that Sergeant Morrison “wore her heart on her sleeve a lot … She was very empathetic toward other people, other things. I was proud of her. I was proud of the way she grew up, because she always had a good attitude about life.” Sergeant Morrison was 26. Sergeant Shawna M. Morrison was originally buried at Edgar Cemetery, Paris, Illinois, but was reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, in August, 2025.
Sergeant Jessica L. Cawvey, U.S. Army National Guard, died October 6th, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy. Sergeant Cawvey’s fellow Soldiers said of her, “Any task she was given she would always get accomplished. She was an excellent battle buddy. She would do everything in her power to protect me. I will always remember her incredible laugh that would get everyone around her laughing. She knew the extent of the dangers that await us every night out there on the road; she had been through ambushes, she had IEDs go off near her, yet she did not hesitate to volunteer for any mission. If her fellow soldiers were there, she was there. No questions asked.” Sergeant Cawvey was 21. Sergeant Jessica L. Cawvey was cremated and her ashes were given to her family.
Sergeant Pamela G. Osbourne, U.S. Army, died October 11th, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when two rockets struck her camp. Private First Class Anthony W. Monroe was also killed in the attack. During Sergeant Osbourne’s last phone call with her husband, she said, “Hold your head up, baby. I’m coming home. Even if I come home in a box, you should know that I did it for you. Take care of the kids. Stay strong. And remember that I love you.” Sergeant Osbourne was 38. Sergeant Pamela G. Osbourne is buried at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, Hollywood, Florida.
Sergeant Cari Anne Gasiewicz, U.S. Army, died December 4th, 2004, in Baqubah, Iraq. She was killed when two improvised explosive devices struck her convoy vehicle. Sergeant Gasiewicz was fluent in Arabic and would teach Iraqi contractors English in exchange for them teaching her an additional dialect of Arabic. Gasiewicz’s aunt Barbara Funk said in a eulogy, “We will try to think of this as your last deployment. One more place you wish to serve, one more group of people you want to know, an additional foreign language you desire to learn. And Sergeant Cari Anne Gasiewicz, when you do master the language of the angels, and I know you will, remember to teach the rest of us.” Sergeant Gasiewicz was 28. Sergeant Cari Anne Gasiewicz is buried at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Cheektowaga, New York.
Sergeant Jessica M. Housby, U.S. Army National Guard, died February 9th, 2005, in Route Golden, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy. Sergeant Housby’s mother, Deborah Bundy, said of her daughter, “Someone who has never met her or talked to her would say, ‘Wow this was a good person.’ If there were hard times, she did her best to help.” Sergeant Housby was 23. Sergeant Jessica M. Housby is buried at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
Specialist Chrystal G. Stout, U.S. Army National Guard, died April 6th, 2005, in Ghazni, Afghanistan. She was killed when her CH-47 Chinook crashed due to low visibility from dust and debris being kicked up as it circled to land. Six Army Soldiers, one Marine, another Army National Guard Soldier, an Army Reserve Soldier, and three civilian contractors were also killed in the crash. Three other servicemembers were killed or unaccounted for. Specialist Stout’s friend Sergeant Leoreen Mackey said, “She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.” Specialist Stout was 23. Specialist Chrystal G. Stout is buried at the Robinson Memorial Gardens, Easley, South Carolina.
Sergeant Major Barbaralien Banks, U.S. Army, died April 6th, 2005, in Ghazni, Afghanistan. She was killed when her CH-47 Chinook crashed due to low visibility from dust and debris being kicked up as it circled to land. Five other Army Soldiers, one Marine, two Army National Guard Soldiers, an Army Reserve Soldier, and three civilian contractors were also killed in the crash. Three other servicemembers were killed or unaccounted for. Sergeant Christian Monk spoke of Sergeant Major Banks, “I hope to take what I have learned from her and pass it on to my soldiers.” Sergeant Major Banks was 41. Sergeant Major Barbaralien Banks is buried at Restlawn Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, Waggaman, Louisiana.
Specialist Aleina Ramirez-Gonzalez, U.S. Army National Guard, died April 15th, 2005, in Tikrit, Iraq. She was killed by a mortar strike. Specialist Ramirez-Gonzalez’s father, speaking about his daughter, said, “She was a brave one because it was the third time she went to Iraq.” Ramirez-Gonzalez planned to retire after spending 20 years in the National Guard. She passed after 14 years of service. Specialist Ramirez-Gonzalez was 33.
Private First Class Sam W. Huff, U.S. Army, died April 18th, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from injuries she sustained when her vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. Immediately prior to her death, Huff told a fellow service member to “tell [her] mom [she] love[d] her and tell [her] dad good luck with his album,” in reference to her father’s musical work. When he finalized his album, her father named it “Sun and Moon,” the first letter of each word spelling out his daughter’s name, Sam. Private First Class Huff was 18. Private First Class Sam W. Huff is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, with her mother, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Margaret Maggie Joyce Williams.
Corporal Carrie L. French, U.S. Army National Guard, died June 5th, 2005, in Kirkuk, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device struck her vehicle. Corporal French was described by her family as “a fun-loving young woman with a warm heart and a desire to serve. She was loved by everyone who knew her and she will be dearly missed.” Corporal French was 19. Corporal Carrie L. French is buried at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Idaho.
Lance Corporal Holly A. Charette, U.S. Marine Corps, died June 23rd, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle during a suicide car bombing. Five Marines and one Sailor were killed in the attack, and 13 other service members were injured, 11 of whom were women. Lance Corporal Charette’s aunt Charlene Wheetman said that “Holly was a happy girl and loved by all of us and everyone that she knew. Holly always looked at the positive side of everything. We are all missing a part of our hearts without her here.” Lance Corporal Charette was 21. Lance Corporal Holly A. Charette is buried at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, Rhode Island.
Petty Officer First Class Regina R. Clark, U.S. Navy Reserve, died June 23rd, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle during a suicide car bombing. Five other servicemembers were killed in the attack and 13 were wounded, 11 of whom were women. Her son Kenny recalls his mother reminding him, “I could leave for work on a normal day and not come back. We never have any guarantees.” One of Clark’s friends later reflected, “She is by far the strongest human I’ve ever known, not woman but human.” Petty Officer First Class Clark was 43. Petty Officer First Class Regina R. Clark is buried at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.
Corporal Ramona M. Valdez, U.S. Marine Corps, died June 23rd, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle during a suicide car bombing. Five other servicemembers were killed in the attack, and 13 others were injured, 11 of whom were women. Corporal Valdez’s sister, Fiorela, said of her sister, “She was always positive, always trying to keep Mom motivated. It was always, ‘Yeah, Mami, I’m going to come home, we’re going to be together.’” Corporal Valdez was 20.
Sergeant First Class Tricia L. Jameson, U.S. Army National Guard, died July 14th, 2005, near Trebil, Iraq. She was killed when a roadside explosive detonated near her ambulance when she was approaching Marines who had been wounded by another roadside bomb. Back home, Sergeant First Class Jameson kept a medical kit in her car in case of emergencies; she always wanted to be the one to help. Her friend Holly Freeman said, “She would call me and say, ‘I almost got to help someone but someone beat me there.’” Sergeant First Class Jameson was 34. Sergeant First Class Tricia L. Jameson is buried at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, Omaha, Nebraska.
Specialist Toccara R. Green, U.S. Army, died August 14th, 2005, in Asad, Iraq. She was killed by improvised explosive devices. Specialist Green and her best friend Specialist Nicole Coleman would call themselves “Batman and Robin” or “Pinky and the Brain.” Specialist Green loved to roller skate and work on cars. She was 23. Specialist Toccara R. Green is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
First Lieutenant Laura M. Walker, U.S. Army, died August 15th, 2005, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated beneath her vehicle. Sergeant Robert G. Davis also died in the blast. First Lieutenant Walker once qualified for the U.S.’s Olympic handball team, but chose to serve instead. In a eulogy, loved ones write that Walker loved cooking with her mother and talking on runs with her father, and that she “was a good friend and inspiration to all who knew her; we miss her terribly.” First Lieutenant Walker was 24. First Lieutenant Laura M. Walker is buried at the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York.
Airman First Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, U.S. Air Force, died September 28th, 2005, in Camp Bucca, Iraq. She was killed when her vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Airman First Class Jacobson aspired to one day have two sons and a career in law enforcement. She wrote in an email to family and friends, “I want to die happy, and have a productive life.” Her grandmother Sondra Millman-Cosimano said, “She stood up for her beliefs and made everyone around her be aware of them.” Airman First Class Jacobson was 21. Airman First Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, Pompano Beach, Florida.
Sergeant Julia V. Atkins, U.S. Army, died December 10th, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. According to loved ones, when Sergeant Atkins visited home the summer before she passed, she loved taking her nieces and nephews for rides in her car. Lieutenant Colonel Bob Taradesh, Sergeant Atkins’ battalion commander, said, “She’s part of my family. She’s a family member. It’s more than just a job. Most people wouldn’t understand.” At the time she passed, Atkins was slated to come home in two months. She was 22. Sergeant Julia V. Atkins is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Red Chute, Louisiana.
Sergeant Regina C. Reali, U.S. Army Reserve, died December 23rd, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. Loved ones wrote of Sergeant Reali, “She had the energy and enthusiasm that drew friends toward her, and a loving and caring quality that kept them near … Even at the tender age of 25 she was mature and was always looking out for the wellbeing of others, especially the two men in her life – her father Richard, and older brother Paul.” Sergeant Reali was 25. Sergeant Regina C. Reali is buried at Belmont Memorial Park, Fresno, California.
Sergeant Myla L. Maravillosa, U.S. Army Reserve, died December 24th 2005, in Kirkuk, Iraq. She died of injuries sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade attack on her vehicle. Maravillosa was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii in 1997. Sergeant Maravillosa’s mother Estelita said of her daughter’s passing, “This is a very bad Christmas. She is my only child. She is my only daughter.” For those who knew her, Sergeant Maravillosa is remembered as a kind, smart, young woman who was a “fine example of a true American.” Sergeant Maravillosa was 24. Sergeant Myla L. Maravillosa is buried in Bohol Province, Philippines.
First Lieutenant Jaime L. Campbell, U.S. Army National Guard, died January 7th, 2006, in Tal Afar, Iraq. She was killed in a non-combat UH-60L Black Hawk crash. Chief Warrant Officer Chester Troxel, Specialist Michael Ignatius Edwards, and Specialist Jacob Eugene Melson were also killed in the crash. First Lieutenant Campbell’s father Jeff Krausse said, “I never got to give her a hug goodbye.” Her mother Miki Krausse said of their last phone call, “She said she loved us and missed us and couldn’t wait to come home. She always told us she was safe, that she could take care of herself. She said not to worry about her.” First Lieutenant Campbell was 25. First Lieutenant Jaime L. Campbell is buried at Ephrata Cemetery, Ephrata, Washington.
Senior Airman Alecia S. Good, U.S. Air Force, died February 17th, 2006, in the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti. She was killed when her CH-53 Sea Stallion crashed during a training mission. First Lieutenant Brandon R. Dronet, U.S. Marine Corps; Sergeant James F. Fordyce, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Samuel W. Large Jr, U.S. Marine Corps.; Sergeant Donnie Leo F. Levens, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Matthieu Marcellus, U.S. Marine Corps; Sergeant Jonathan E. McColley, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Nicholas J. Sovie, U.S. Marine Corps; Captain Bryan D. Willard, U.S. Marine Corps; and Staff Sergeant Luis M. Melendez Sanchez, U.S. Air Force were also killed in the crash. Senior Airman Good’s colleague Dustin Heideman said, “I don’t think there was anyone in this world that your smile, your laugh, and your passion for life did not touch in some way. … Sometimes I weep a little, but mostly I just laugh, and smile because those were times I was lucky enough to be around such a wonderful person such as you.” Senior Airman Good was 23. Senior Airman Alecia S. Good is buried at Dixon Cemetery, Dixon, California.
Sergeant Amanda N. Pinson, U.S. Army, died March 16th, 2006, in Tikrit, Iraq. She was killed by a mortar round. Specialist Carlos M. Gonzalez was also killed. Sergeant Pinson planned to go to college after her military service and become an FBI or CIA agent. Her former middle school teacher Gail Bowman said, “After 31 years of teaching, there are certain children that come along that you see who already have purpose in their lives. She was one of those people.” Sergeant Pinson was 21. Sergeant Amanda N. Pinson is buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay Township, Missouri.
Lance Corporal Juana Navarro Arellano, U.S. Marine Corps, died April 8th, 2006, in Anbar Province, Iraq. She was killed by gunshot while guarding other soldiers on their mission. Former Congressman Jeff Denham said of Lance Corporal Arellano, “As an immigrant, Juana represents the brave spirit of those who risk everything to come to our country, and as a Marine, she stands as an inspiration for all who go above and beyond the call of duty,” when dedicating a post office in Arellano’s hometown of Ceres, California in her honor. Lance Corporal Arellano was 24. Lance Corporal Juana Navarro Arellano is buried at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, California.
Petty Officer Second Class Jaime S. Jaenke, U.S. Navy Reserve, died June 5th, 2006, in Anah, Iraq. She was killed when her vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Petty Officer Second Class Jaenke’s cousin Tifani Eisentrager said, “Jaime is without a doubt the kind of person the world will miss. Jaime’s life, without a doubt, was taken too soon. We mourn her death and will always remember her fondly.” Petty Officer Second Class Jaenke was 29. Petty Officer Second Class Jaime S. Jaenke is buried at Alden Cemetery, Alden, Iowa.
Sergeant Wakkuna A. Jackson, U.S. Army, died August 19th, 2006, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. Specialist Robert E. Drawl Jr. and Corporal Christopher F. Sitton were also killed in the blast. Sergeant Jackson’s mother said of her daughter, “I am going to miss her friendly attitude and her love for people.” Sergeant Jackson was 21. Sergeant Wakkuna A. Jackson is buried at Edgewood Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.
Sergeant First Class Merideth L. Howard, U.S. Army Reserve, died September 8th, 2006, in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was killed by an improvised explosive device that detonated near her vehicle. Sergeant First Class Howard worked as a firefighter, then as a fire safety worker and investigator before being activated. Her cousin Lorraine Stevenson said of Howard, “She was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I never heard her speak ill of anyone.” Sergeant First Class Howard was 52. Sergeant First Class Merideth L. Howard was cremated, and her ashes scattered with those of her parents in a fireworks display over Corpus Christi.
Second Lieutenant Emily J. T. Perez, U.S. Army, died September 12th, 2006, in Kifl, Iraq. She was killed when her vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Second Lieutenant Perez took her time to tutor other cadets at West Point and wrote letters encouraging cadets who wanted to leave the school to stay. According to Perez’s mother, Vicki, “In her diary, she wrote that people have taken care of her all her life and now she had the opportunity to take care of other people.” Second Lieutenant Perez was 23. Second Lieutenant Emily J. T. Perez is buried at the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York.
Sergeant Jennifer M. Hartman, U.S. Army, died September 14th, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from injuries sustained from an attack by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. In a memorial service, Staff Sgt. Angela Skillern spoke about Jennifer Hartman and remembered her as being brave, smart, determined and hard-working and that she was “a big sister to those in her unit.” Sergeant Hartman was 21. Sergeant Jennifer M. Hartman is buried at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
First Lieutenant Ashley Henderson-Huff, U.S. Army, died September 19th, 2006, in Mosul, Iraq. She was killed by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. First Lieutenant Huff’s father said, “Ashley was a happy person, a good leader. She was very caring about her soldiers – well respected by them and by her commanding officers. She had a promising career in the Army and whatever else she chose.” Huff was 23. First Lieutenant Ashley Henderson-Huff is buried at Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, Georgia.
Major Megan M. McClung, U.S. Marine Corps, died December 6th, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. She was killed by a roadside bomb. Captain Travis Patriquin and Specialist Vincent Pomante, III, were also killed in the blast. As a high school gymnast, Major McClung fought to join the boys’ weightlifting program to develop her athletics. In the Army, her slogan when training others on conducting media interviews was “Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.” Major McClung was 34. Major Megan M. McClung is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, U.S. Air Force, died January 7th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed by a car bomber. Technical Sergeant Timothy R. Weiner and Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller, Jr. were also killed in the blast. Senior Airman Loncki’s father Stephen said of his daughter, “She loved her family and her family loved her. We miss her so much.” Senior Airman Loncki was 23. Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki is buried at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Delaware.
Command Sergeant Major Marilyn L. Gabbard, U.S. Army National Guard, died January 20th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when her UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed. 11 other troops died in the crash. When Command Sergeant Major Gabbard was first deployed to Iraq, she noticed a rift between the enlisted and officers, which she decided to remedy by starting a “movie night,” a tradition that lived on after her death. Of her death, Command Sergeant Major Doyle Norris stated, “It’ll take us a while to recover from this.” Command Sergeant Major Gabbard was 46. Command Sergeant Major Marilyn L. Gabbard is buried at Fairview Cemetery, Madrid, Iowa.
Corporal Jennifer M. Parcell, U.S. Marine Corps, died February 7th, 2007, in Anbar Province, Iraq. She was killed by a suicide bomber she was searching. Corporal Parcell’s friend Michelle Wolff wrote on Parcell’s MySpace page following her passing, “Even though you can’t read this, I just wanted to say that I love you and I miss you like crazy. You are my bestest friend! I always remember the good times we had … You will always be in my heart and mind. R.I.P. Jen!!” Corporal Parcell was 20. Corporal Jennifer M. Parcell is buried at Bel Air Memorial Gardens, Bel Air, Maryland.
Captain Jennifer J. Harris, U.S. Marine Corps, died February 7th, 2007, in Anbar Province, Iraq. She was killed when the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter she was riding in crashed. 1st Lieutenant Jared M. Landaker, Sergeant Travis D. Pfister, Corporal Thomas E. Saba, Sergeant James R. Tijerina, Navy Hospital Corpsman First Class Gilbert Minjares Jr., and Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Manuel A. Ruiz were also killed in the crash. Anthony Macone, a spokesman for Captain Harris’s family, said, “Jennifer Harris exemplified the best of what this country has to offer. She had a passion for life and was a compassionate human being.” Captain Harris was 28. Captain Jennifer J. Harris is buried at Swampscott Cemetery, Swampscott, Massachusetts.
Sergeant Ashly L. Moyer, U.S. Army, died March 3rd, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near the fuel tank of her vehicle. Sergeant Brandon A. Parr and Sergeant Michael C. Peek were also killed in the blast. Sergeant Moyer’s cousin Samantha Staude said of Moyer, “She was supposed to come home. She wasn’t supposed to die there.” Reflecting on his daughter’s life, Moyer’s father reflected, “People say she’s a hero now, but to me she was when she decided to go in.” Sergeant Moyer was 21. Sergeant Ashly L. Moyer is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Private First Class Katie M. Soenksen, U.S. Army, died May 2nd, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her vehicle. Private First Class Soenksen’s father Ronald said of his daughter, “She was determined in everything she did in her life. She was determined to make a difference.” Private First Class Soenksen was 19. Private First Class Katie M. Soenksen is buried at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
Corporal Karen N. Clifton, U.S. Army, died June 21st, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade attack on her vehicle. Corporal Clifton’s sister Cindy Blackston said of her sister, “She loved her career. She cared about everybody. She said she had like a family over there. She was never down. She never cried. I love her, and I miss her.” Corporal Clifton was 22. Corporal Karen N. Clifton is buried at Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Illinois.
Sergeant Trista L. Moretti, U.S. Army, died June 25th, 2007, in Nasir Lafitah, Iraq. She was killed by indirect fire during a mortar attack. Dozens of others were wounded. Kenneth May, Sergeant Moretti’s former principal, said of Moretti, “Trista exuded enthusiasm and confidence and always gave 110 percent…she had such an energy level, a smile on her face that was infectious. You would have to smile back.” Sergeant Moretti was 27. Sergeant Trista L. Moretti is buried at Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery, Linden, New Jersey.
Corporal Michelle R. Ring, U.S. Army, died July 5th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained during a mortar attack. Ring was a tomboy at heart and had dropped out of high school before meeting her fist love, a soldier at Fort Richardson in Alaska. Tragically, her boyfriend was killed in a fight while she was pregnant with her first son. After her baby was born, Ring completed her GED and moved to Tennessee, where she married briefly, had her second son and worked two factory jobs to provide for her family. When she enlisted in the Army in August 2005, she was looking for a path to a better life for herself and her sons. She is remembered as someone who would do anything for her family: “She hid a lot of her hurt feelings, because she wanted everyone around her to be happy… She was always the one to be cheering you up.” At the time of her death, Corporal Ring was 26. Corporal Michelle R. Ring is buried at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.
Captain Maria I. Ortiz, U.S. Army, died July 10th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from indirect fire from a mortar attack. Captain Ortiz worked as a nurse at the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. A spokesman for the base, George Mercer, said of Ortiz, “She was very popular and very highly thought of. It’s just a terrible loss.” Captain Ortiz was 40. Captain Maria I. Ortiz is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Sergeant Princess C. Samuels, U.S. Army, died August 15th, 2007, in Taji, Iraq. She was killed by indirect enemy fire. After her passing, a friend of Sergeant Samuels posted on her MySpace page that Samuels “always made me see the good side of things [and] laugh at stuff that I didn’t think I could laugh at.” Sergeant Samuels was 22. Sergeant Princess C. Samuels is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Specialist Zandra T. Worthy-Walker, U.S. Army, died August 15th, 2007, in Taji, Iraq. She was killed by indirect enemy fire. Specialist Worthy-Walker’s sister, Charlita Worthy, said of her sister, “She knew what she was going into, and she went into proudly, bravely. I’m the big sister, and [my sisters are] supposed to look up to me. But at this point, I’m looking up to her.” Specialist Worthy-Walker was 28. Specialist Zandra T. Worthy-Walker is buried at Mount Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Chest County, South Carolina.
Corporal Rachael L. Hugo, U.S. Army Reserve, died October 5th, 2007, in Bayji, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Gwen Loveless, a former coworker of Corporal Hugo, spoke of Hugo’s home health aide work: “She was excellent with everybody. She worked so hard. I wish I had her drive.” Corporal Hugo was 24. Corporal Rachael L. Hugo is buried at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona, Wisconsin.
Staff Sergeant Lillian Clamens, U.S. Army Reserve, died October 10th, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from rocket fire. Spc. Samuel F. Pearson was also killed. Staff Sergeant Clamens was supposed to return home the following week. Clamens’ sister Dana Cobbin said of her sister, “She died doing what she wanted to do… I just wanted to see her one last time.” Sergeant Clamens was 35. Staff Sergeant Lillian Clamens is buried at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, Doral, Florida.
Second Lieutenant Tracy Lynn Alger, U.S. Army National Guard, died November 1st, 2007, in Shubayshen, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her vehicle. Second Lieutenant Alger’s mother said of her daughter, “She was such a good daughter. We spent a lot of time together traveling to barrel races. She was my right-hand person. We did everything together.” Second Lieutenant Alger was 30. Second Lieutenant Tracy Lynn Alger is buried at Saint Mary’s Czestochowa Cemetery, Junction, Wisconsin.
Staff Sergeant Carletta S. Davis, U.S. Army, died November 5th, 2007, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device that detonated near her vehicle. Staff Sergeant John D. Linde, Sergeant Derek T. Stenroos, and Private First Class Adam J. Muller were also killed in the blast. Davis’s mother Lavada Napier stated following her daughter’s death that her daughter had a sense of foreboding ahead of her third Iraq tour: “She visited people she didn’t normally visit, I think because she knew something.” Staff Sergeant Davis was 34. Staff Sergeant Carletta S. Davis is buried at Northern Lights Memorial Park, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Lance Corporal Casey L. Casanova, U.S. Marine Corps, died May 2nd, 2008, in Karmah, Iraq. She was killed by a roadside bomb. Corporal Miguel A. Guzman, Lance Corporal James F. Kimple, and Sergeant Glen E. Martinez were also killed in the blast. Lance Corporal Casanova’s grandfather John Carruth said of his granddaughter, “She was a kindhearted, gentle person. Didn’t have an enemy in the world. She made friends with everyone. She’s going to be missed for the rest of our lives. We’ll never forget her.” Lance Corporal Casanova was 22. Lance Corporal Casey L. Casanova is buried at Adams united Methodist Church Cemetery, Auburn, Mississippi.
Corporal Jessica A. Ellis, U.S. Army, died May 11th, 2008, in Baghdad, Iraq. She was killed when her vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Sergeant Bruce Hillway, a close friend of Corporal Ellis, said of her, “She was the type of person if she saw somebody who wasn’t smiling, she made them smile. She was that bright, friendly personality, and she made it her business to make people happy.” Corporal Ellis was 24. Corporal Jessica A. Ellis is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Sergeant Simone A. Robinson, U.S. Army National Guard, died March 1st, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas, from wounds sustained in Kabul, Afghanistan on January 17th, 2009 by an improvised explosive device. The night Sergeant Robinson deployed, she spent as much time playing with her two-year-old daughter as possible before telling her mother, who was to care for her child while she was deployed, to “Hurry and put her in the car.” Her mother, Regina Byther, said, “She tried to be tough, but she was hurt to leave her baby.” Sergeant Robinson was 21. Sergeant Simone A. Robinson is buried at Restvale Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Specialist Jessica Y. Sarandrea, U.S. Army, died March 3rd, 2009, in Mosul, Iraq. She was killed by shrapnel from mortar fire. Her husband Alejandro said, “I know what a wonderful person she was. I will always carry her memory in my heart.” Specialist Sarandrea was 22. Specialist Jessica Y. Sarandrea is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
First Lieutenant Roslyn L. Schulte, U.S. Air Force, died May 20th, 2009, near Kabul, Afghanistan. She was killed by a roadside bomb. First Lieutenant Schulte was supposed to return from her deployment in August of that year, and her boyfriend Captain Bruce Cohen spoke at her funeral of how he was going to propose when she returned. First Lieutenant Schulte was 25. First Lieutenant Roslyn L. Schulte is buried at New Mount Sinai Cemetery and Mausoleum, Affton, Missouri.
Senior Airman Ashton L. M. Goodman, U.S. Air Force, died May 26th, 2009, near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Lieutenant Colonel Mark E. Stratton and an unidentified third person were also killed. Senior Airman Goodman was training to become a biologist, after having volunteered at the Indianapolis Zoo. Captain Stacie N. Shafran said of Goodman, “Her vivacious spirit, zest of life, and eagerness to experience it all will forever be remembered by our team.” Senior Airman Goodman was 21. Senior Airman Ashton L. M. Goodman is buried at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sergeant Eduviges G. Wolf, U.S. Army, died October 25th, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Bostick, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Sergeant Wolf previously graduated from the South Bay Regional Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. Susie Martin of the Hawthorne Police Department in California wrote of Wolf, “Duvi was an example of what’s good in this life, she was honest, loyal, trustworthy, dedicated, loving, tough, (when she needed to be), quick to smile, tell a joke and make everyone feel at ease. She was one of those rare individuals that did what was right, because it was right, not because someone was watching her.” Sergeant Wolf was 24. Sergeant Eduviges G. Wolf is buried at Saint Peters Catholic Cemetery, Farmer, South Dakota.
Chief Warrant Officer Two Billie Jean Grinder, U.S. Army National Guard, died February 21st, 2010, in Qayyarah, Iraq. She was killed when her OH-58D Kiowa Warrior made a hard landing. Captain Marcus Ray Alford was also killed in the crash. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Grinder’s sister Melissa Smith said, “She was looking forward to helping me plan my wedding. We were going shopping for dresses in two weeks…She was the kind of person everyone looked up to and wanted to be like — even me.” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Grinder was 25. Chief Warrant Officer Two Billie Jean Grinder is buried at the Grinder Family Cemetery, Castalian Springs, Tennessee.
Sergeant Lakeshia M. Bailey, U.S. Army, died March 8th, 2010, north of Al Kut, Iraq. She died from injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover accident. Sergeant Brett Quinn said of Sergeant Bailey, “She had a way of lighting up a room when she walked in. It didn’t matter if everyone was in a bad mood or not, when Bailey walked in she was going to talk to everyone and she was going to make you talk to her.” Sergeant Bailey was 23. Sergeant Lakeshia M. Bailey is buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
Specialist Erin L. McLyman, U.S. Army, died March 13th, 2010, in Balad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from a mortar fire attack. Specialist McLyman’s family wrote of her, “She lived every moment like she didn’t have a second to spare.” Governor Ted Kulongoski said of McLyman, “We will miss her — our state and nation will never be quite as good without her.” Specialist McLyman was 26. Specialist Erin L. McLyman is buried at West Lawn Memorial Park, Eugene, Oregon.
Sergeant Faith R. Hinkley, U.S. Army, died August 7th, 2010, in Baghdad, Iraq. She died from wounds sustained from an insurgent attack. Brigadier General Jim Pasquarette said of Hinkley, “Faith stepped up when her nation needed her. Faith Hinkley was a cut above.” Sergeant Hinkley was 23. Sergeant Faith R. Hinkley is buried at Colorado State Vet. Center at Homelake Cemetery, Monte Vista, Colorado.
Private First Class Barbara Vieyra, U.S. Army, died September 18th, 2010, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from an attack involving an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Private First Class Vieyra’s parents took care of her daughter Evelyn when Vieyra enlisted in the Army. Private First Class Vieyra’s sister Guadalupe said of her sister, “She always said, ‘I’ll be able to come back and it won’t be like I’ve missed [Evelyn’s] whole life. I’ll just have missed a part of her life but I’ll be able to give her a better life.’” She is remembered as quiet but incredibly kind and artistic. Private First Class Vieyra was 22. Private First Class Barbara Vieyra is buried at the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona.
Private First Class Jaysine P. S. Petree, U.S. Army, died September 24th, 2010, at Combat Outpost Carwile, Afghanistan. She was killed by an improvised explosive device that struck her convoy. Private First Class William B. Dawson was also killed and two other Soldiers were injured. Private First Class Petree’s brother Jam said, “It was our goal together that we were going to have a big house in the mainland and bring our family there…We just wanted to be successful in life. That was our main goal together.” When the news of Petree’s death arrived he said, “My uncle called me because my mom couldn’t speak. She was in shock.” Private First Class Petree was 19. Private First Class Jaysine P. S. Petree is buried at the Guam Veterans Cemetery, Piti, Guam.
Sergeant Zainah C. Creamer, U.S. Army, died January 12th, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. She died of wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device attack. Sergeant Creamer’s friend Cameron Paige Young said, “When I said goodbye to Caye late last year, I never thought I would be saying goodbye forever. Just after the new year started, she wrote to me and wanted me to send her some things she needed. Then I read her last words, ‘Miss you. Love, Caye.’… After I heard what happened to her a few days later, I kept telling myself that this can’t be real.” Sergeant Creamer was 28. Sergeant Zainah C. Creamer is buried in Maria, Siquijor, Philippines.
Private First Class Amy R. Sinkler, U.S. Army, died January 20th, 2011, in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Sergeant Allen Patterson, Private First Class Sinkler’s squad leader, said, “Pfc. Sinkler was that Soldier you would love to have in your squad, because she never complained about the job or the long hours that came with it. She was always joking and in a good mood that impacted all those around her.” Lieutenant Colonel Charles Russell, Sinkler’s commanding officer, said, “Her untimely passing leaves us with an emptiness that will never go away. She will live in all of us forever.” Private First Class Sinkler was 23. Private First Class Amy R. Sinkler is buried at Butler Branch Cemetery, Fair Bluff, North Carolina.
Sergeant Linda L. Pierre, U.S. Army, died April 16th, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained in a suicide grenade attack. Captain Charles E. Ridgley, Jr., Sergeant First Class Charles L. Adkins, Specialist Joseph B. Camper, and Staff Sergeant Cynthia R. Taylor were also killed. Before leaving for her deployment, Sergeant Pierre was nervous. Her sister Cindy Lamour Watson said, “[S]he was a little worried, a little apprehensive. She talked to my brother, and she prayed, and then she was OK. She was going to go, and she’d be back in a year.” Sergeant Pierre was 28. Sergeant Linda L. Pierre is buried at Lee Memorial Park, Fort Myers, Florida.
Staff Sergeant Cynthia R. Taylor, U.S. Army, died April 16th, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained in a suicide grenade attack. Captain Charles E. Ridgley, Jr., Sergeant First Class Charles L. Adkins, Specialist Joseph B. Camper, and Sergeant Linda L. Pierre were also killed. A fellow soldier commented on her obituary, “I have never lost a fellow soldier during combat that was so close to me before. I remember when I took over running the class for military vehicle licensing from you. All the soldiers were so calm and relaxed when you taught the first few classes. To them you were like a big sister who gave them mentorship and guidance at all cost. I will surely miss you.” Staff Sergeant Taylor was 39. Staff Sergeant Cynthia R. Taylor is buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Charleston, Missouri.
Master Sergeant Tara R. Brown, U.S. Air Force, died April 27th, 2011, in Kabul, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from gunfire. Lieutenant Colonel Frank D. Bryant Jr., Major Philip D. Ambard, Major Jeffrey O. Ausborn, Major David L. Brodeur, Major Raymond G. Estelle II, Captain Nathan J. Nylander, and Major Charles A. Ransom were also killed in the attack. Brigadier General Kevin Jacobson, the commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, said, “Tara wasn’t silent, she choose to serve…she chose to stand tall and be counted. She pledged unwavering support, and committed herself to a life of service, no matter the time, location, or circumstance… and no matter the sacrifice—Tara understood the risk and the love of her country outweighed any fear of personal harm.” Master Sergeant Brown was 33. Master Sergeant Tara R. Brown is buried at Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens, Rockville, Maryland.
Sergeant Devin A. Snyder, U.S. Army, died June 4th, 2011, in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device attack. Specialist Robert L. Voakes Jr., Sergeant Joshua D. Powell, and Sergeant Christopher R. Bell were also killed in the attack. Sergeant Snyder’s mother Dineen said of her daughter, “She gave 110 percent. She was somebody who never quit. Never. She always wanted bigger, better, and to do much more than she was already doing. I don’t know how it’s possible, but that’s how she was. She loved with her whole heart. I’m going to miss her a lot.” Sergeant Snyder was 20. Sergeant Devin A. Snyder is buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Cohocton, New York.
First Lieutenant Ashley White, U.S. Army National Guard, died October 22nd, 2011, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan where she served as a member of the Cultural Support Team attached to a Joint Special Operations Task Force. She was killed when her assault force triggered an improvised explosive device. Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, who authored a book on First Lieutenant White and the women she served with, wrote of White, “I think the thing that people remember about her so much was she never talked to you about what she could do … she let her actions speak for themselves. And I think she showed the power of character in action. She never had to tell you how good she was and, in fact, never would.” White’s mother Deborah said, “My daughter was very, very humble.” First Lieutenant White was 24. First Lieutenant Ashley White is buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Randolph, Ohio.
Specialist Sarina N. Butcher, U.S. Army National Guard, died November 1st, 2011, in Paktya province, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Specialist Christopher D. Galley was also killed. Specialist Butcher’s grandfather Clayton Mills said of his granddaughter, “She was fun-loving. She would make a joke out of anything to get people to laugh.” Specialist Butcher was 19. Specialist Sarina N. Butcher is buried at Friendship Cemetery, McCaskill, Arkansas.
Specialist Erica P. Alecksen, U.S. Army, died July 8th, 2012, in Maidan Shahr, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from a roadside improvised explosive device. Staff Sergeant Ricardo Seija, Specialist Clarence Williams, III, Specialist Trevor B. Adkins, Specialist Alejandro J. Pardo, and Specialist Cameron J. Stambaugh were also killed. Alecksen’s grandfather Harold Huggins shared, “I lost my brother in World War II, and I felt the same void. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire life, and that was in 1945. This was like déjà vu. You can cry, and you do cry, but it doesn’t change anything.” Recalling memories with Alecksen, family members reflected on when she decided she wanted to be a military police officer: “That’s what I want to do,” she had said. “I want to protect people.” Specialist Alecksen was 21. Specialist Erica P. Alecksen is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Specialist Krystal M. Fitts, U.S. Army, died July 17th, 2012, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from indirect fire. Specialist Fitts’ stepfather said, “Krystal touched many lives, she was tough like her mother and I’m sure she went down swinging. I ask that ALL my friends pray for our family in this time of loss.” The day she died, Fitts posted on Facebook, “Remember so many have given of their lives that we have the privilege and the duty to make the most of ours. Let us do our best to live worthy of this freedom they fought and gave their all for us to enjoy.” Specialist Fitts was 26. Specialist Krystal M. Fitts is buried at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery and Mausoleum, Pflugerville, Texas.
Chief Warrant Officer Two Thalia S. Ramirez, U.S. Army, died September 5th, 2012, in Logar province, Afghanistan. She died from injuries sustained in a non-combat OH-58D Kiowa crash. Army Chief Warrant Officer Two Jose L. Montenegro Jr. was also killed in the crash. Lieutenant Colonel Landy Dunham said of Chief Warrant Officer Two Ramirez, “Thalia never failed to set the perfect example of a confident and competent warrior. She was fearless, and loved her job. She selflessly risked everything, on a regular basis, in defense of her brothers and sisters in arms.” Chief Warrant Officer Two Ramirez was 28. Chief Warrant Officer Two Thalia S. Ramirez is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Staff Sergeant Donna R. Johnson, U.S. Army National Guard, died October 1st, 2012, in Khost, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained in a suicide bombing. Sergeant Jeremy Hardison and Sergeant Thomas Butler, IV, were also killed. Staff Sergeant Johnson’s wife National Guardsman Tracy Johnson said, “That day, I had a bad feeling. I immediately started scouring the news websites, and it said that … three U.S. soldiers were killed in Khost, Afghanistan, and I knew, obviously, that’s where she was stationed.” National Guardsman Johnson spoke of the honor of escorting her wife home: “Honestly, I can’t tell how great of an honor it is to escort a fallen hero home, and when that hero’s your wife, it means a lot more.” Staff Sergeant Johnson was 29. Staff Sergeant Donna R. Johnson is buried at Raeford Cemetery, Raeford, North Carolina.
Specialist Brittany B. Gordon, U.S. Army, died October 13th, 2012, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Specialist Gordon’s close friend Specialist Cansas Wallace said of Gordon, “So many of Brittany’s friends benefited from what they have learned from her. I learned to love myself no matter what and never give up hope. I learned the ability to find the good in any situation and that all it takes is a smile to brighten someone’s day. Brittany has left a handprint on our hearts for eternity … There shall be a hello again after this goodbye.” Specialist Gordon was 24. Specialist Brittany B. Gordon is buried at Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, Florida.
Captain Sara M. Knutson Cullen, U.S. Army, died March 11th, 2013, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She was killed when her UH-60 Black Hawk crashed in inclement weather during a training mission. Staff Sergeant Steven P. Blass, Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Henderson, Staff Sergeant Marc A. Scialdo, and Specialist Zachary L. Shannon were also killed in the crash. According to loved ones, Captain Cullen “was a fun-loving young woman. She had a hilariously goofy laugh and her smile could light up a room. She loved chocolate, ice cream and never finished a meal without dessert. She loved traveling, was a prolific song writer, and enjoyed writing poetry and fiction.” Captain Knutson Cullen was 27. Captain Sara M. Knutson Cullen is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Captain Victoria A. Pinckney, U.S. Air Force, died May 3rd, 2013, in Chon-Aryk, Kyrgyzstan. She was killed when her KC-135 Stratotanker exploded and crashed during a combat aerial refueling mission. Technical Sergeant Herman Mackey III and Captain Mark T. Voss were also killed in the crash. Captain Pinckney’s friend Deputy Brianne Furman said of Pinckney, “The last couple of months, everything that she’s talked about in social media has been her baby boy. Her whole Facebook page is just covered with baby pictures. … She was so family-oriented, and yet so driven with the Air Force. I know that was what she loved to do, but that doesn’t make (her death) any easier.” Captain Pinckney was 27. Captain Victoria A. Pinckney is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Lieutenant Colonel Jaimie Leonard, U.S Army, died June 8th, 2013, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. She was killed when a man disguised as an Afghan soldier opened fire on American servicemembers. Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark and civilian Joseph Morabito were also shot and killed. Lieutenant Colonel Leonard once wrote in her hometown newspaper for Memorial Day, “Remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country in war, but also honor others who sacrifice in other ways to make this country great—law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, volunteers, etc. Please honor them in deed and not just giving thanks, parades, or planting flowers or flags on graves. Take measure of what you have done for your country and ask yourself if you could do more.” Lieutenant Colonel Leonard was 39. Lieutenant Colonel Jaimie Leonard is buried at United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York.
Specialist Ember Alt, U.S. Army, died June 18th, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan. She was killed by indirect fire from a rocket attack. Sergeant Justin R. Johnson, Specialist Robert W. Ellis, and Specialist William R. Moody were also killed in the attack. In Specialist Alt’s obituary, her loved ones wrote, “She was a vibrant and loving person who left a lasting impression on everyone she came into contact with.” Specialist Alt was 21. Specialist Ember Alt is buried at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Specialist Hilda I. Ortiz Clayton, U.S. Army, died July 2nd, 2013, in Jalabad, Afghanistan. She was killed in a non-combat mortar explosion accident while training Afghan soldiers in combat photography. Four Afghan soldiers were also killed in the accident. In her final moment, she captured the explosion on her camera which survived the blast. Clayton was the first combat documentation and production specialist to be killed in Afghanistan. At a time when the U.S. military was prioritizing training Afghan soldiers and the Pentagon had allowed women to serve in combat roles, Clayton’s role was significant in documenting both important initiatives. Today, the 55th Signal Company’s annual Combat Camera Competition is named in her honor. In 2024, one of the participants in the competition reflected, “She lives on through us, and inspires us to go harder and farther for the generations ahead of us.” Specialist Clayton was 22. Specialist Hilda I. Ortiz Clayton is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Augusta, Georgia.
Sergeant Caryn E. Nouv, U.S. Army, died July 27th, 2013, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. She was killed by an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire attack on her vehicle. Sergeant Eric T. Lawson was also killed in the attack. Sergeant Melissa Raposo said, “Nouv had this contagious laugh that would just light up the room. She was a great noncommissioned officer who knew her job well and would stop just about anything she was doing to help someone out.” Sergeant Nouv was 29. Sergeant Caryn E. Nouv is buried at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, City of Suffolk, Virginia.
Captain Jennifer Moreno, U.S. Army, died October 5th, 2013, in Zhari District, Afghanistan. She was killed when a suicide bomber attacked a compound she was entering and Captain Moreno attempted to save another soldier from the subsequent blasts. Four other Soldiers were killed. Jessica Vailencour, who worked with Captain Moreno at Madigan Army Medical Center, said, “Even at the end, Jenny was driven by her need to help, and the training she had as a nurse to help those in her unit at the end. We miss her and her beautiful smile.” Captain Moreno was 25. Captain Jennifer Moreno is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Senior Airman Kcey E. Ruiz, U.S. Air Force, died October 2nd, 2015, at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. She was killed in a non-combat C-130J Super Hercules crash. Also killed in the crash were Captain Jordan Pierson, Captain Jonathan Golden, Staff Sergeant Ryan Hammond, Senior Airman Quinn Johnson-Harris, and Senior Airman Nathan Sartain. Senior Airman Ruiz planned on becoming a nurse after leaving the military. Her mother Kyhia said of her, “She was so uniquely special in so many ways. She was an intelligent, beautiful, kind, witty, generous, thoughtful, and loving spirit that was a blessing to everyone she brought into her life.” Senior Airman Ruiz was 21. Senior Airman Kcey E. Ruiz is buried at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia.
Major Phyllis J. Pelky, U.S. Air Force, died October 11th, 2015, at Camp Resolute Support, Afghanistan. She was killed in a non-combat crash involving a British Helicopter. One other unnamed U.S. troop, two British service members, and a French civilian contractor were also killed in the crash. Major Pelky’s close friend Captain Eydie Sakura recalled spending time together in the morning the day Pelky died: “I actually said, ‘This was a great morning! We should do this more often!’” When Captain Sakura saw what she suspected was Major Pelky’s helicopter crash, “Tears welled-up in my eyes and in a matter of seconds, I was weeping as I walked across the HQ RS compound. I knew it … I just knew Phyllis was on that flight and I knew I’d never see her again.” Major Pelky was 45. Major Phyllis J. Pelky is buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Major Adrianna Vorderbruggen, U.S. Air Force, died December 21st, 2015, near Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. She was killed by a suicide bomber. Special Agent Michael Cinco, Special Agent Peter Taub, Special Agent Chester McBride, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm, and Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa were also killed in the attack. Chief Master Sergeant Chris VanBurger, command chief of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations where Major Vorderbruggen worked, said, “‘Major V’ was an officer who led by example and led from the front. It was what she did every day, day-in and day-out, that makes her a hero.” Major Vorderbruggen was 36. Major Adrianna Vorderbruggen is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent, U.S. Navy, died January 16th, 2019, in Manbij, Syria. She was killed in a suicide attack. Three other Americans, Jonathan Farmer, a Green Beret; Scott Wirtz, a civilian intelligence officer; and Ghadir Taher, a Syrian-born contractor, were also killed in the attack. Senior Chief Petty Officer Kent survived thyroid cancer in 2016, and despite being accepted to the Navy’s Ph. D. program at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, she was advised that she could not be commissioned as an officer due to her previous cancer diagnosis. Kent was not able to get the regulation overturned before being deployed to Operation Inherent Resolve. After Kent’s death, the regulation was amended in her honor. Duchess County state legislature Chair Gregg Pulver described Kent as a “Brilliant mind and a small-town hero.” Senior Chief Petty Officer Kent was 35. Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, U.S. Marine Corps, died August 26th, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was killed in a suicide attack while supporting evacuation operations at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Sergeant Nicole Gee, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Hunter Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Daegan W. Page, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, U.S. Marine Corps; Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, U.S. Navy; and Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, U.S. Army, were also killed. Sergeant Rosario Pichardo was close to her graduation from Columbia College in Missouri when she was killed, and the college honored her at the ceremony by allowing her sister Rosie to walk in her place. Sergeant Rosario Pichardo’s posthumous human service degree was also conferred. Pichardo’s commanding officer, Capt. Pascal DeMeo, remembers Pichardo’s final words before she attempted to help the women on the ground: “They need me, sir.” Sergeant Rosario Pichardo was 25. Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo is buried at Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Sergeant Nicole Gee, U.S. Marine Corps, died August 26th, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was killed in a suicide attack while supporting evacuation operations at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Hunter Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Daegan W. Page, U.S. Marine Corps; Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, U.S. Marine Corps; Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, U.S. Marine Corps; Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, U.S. Navy; and Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, U.S. Army, were also killed. Sergeant Gee served on a Female Engagement Team to help evacuate Afghan women and children. Shortly before her death, Gee posted on social media a photo of her holding an Afghan infant with the caption, “I love my job.” Her close friend, Sergeant Harrison, commented at Gee’s memorial service, “She lost her life so others may live and without a doubt, she died proud. Proud of who she was, proud of what she was doing and proud to be a United States Marine.” Sergeant Gee was 23. Sergeant Nicole Gee is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Sergeant Kennedy L. Sanders, U.S. Army Reserve, died January 28th, 2024, at Tower 22 in Jordan. She was killed in a drone attack. Sergeant Breonna A. Moffett and Sergeant William J. Rivers were also killed in the attack. Sergeant Sanders coached children in basketball and soccer and was training as an X-ray technician. She was posthumously promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. Sergeant Sanders’ mother Oneida said of her death, “Whenever you deal with this, you are in disbelief and shock for a long time. But every now and then, you know, something happens that makes you realize that it’s really real, and she is really gone.” Sergeant Sanders was 24. Sergeant Kennedy L. Sanders is buried at Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia.
Sergeant Breonna A. Moffett, U.S. Army Reserve, died January 28th, 2024, at Tower 22 in Jordan. She was killed in a drone attack. Sergeant Kennedy L. Sanders and Sergeant William J. Rivers were also killed in the attack. Sergeant Moffett was posthumously promoted from Specialist to Sergeant following her death. Her mother Francine said, “Whenever you think of Bre, because we call her Bre, just smile and laugh because that’s her. That’s her personality. She’s going to smile. She’s going to laugh even when things are just tough.” Sergeant Moffett was 23. Sergeant Breonna A. Moffett is buried at New Zion Cemetery, Bay Springs, Mississippi.
Master Sergeant Nicole M. Amor, U.S. Army Reserve, died March 1st, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. She was killed in Iran’s unmanned aircraft system attack on a U.S. facility. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, and Sergeant Declan J. Coady were also killed in the attack. Master Sergeant Amor was due to go home in a matter of days, and she spoke with her husband hours before her death. Her husband Joey said, “She was almost home. You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.” In her obituary, she is remembered as having “a way of being everyone’s mother and best friend at the same time.” Master Sergeant Amor was 39. Master Sergeant Nicole M. Amor is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Major Ariana G Linse Savino, U.S. Air Force, died March 12th, 2026, near Turaibil, Iraqi-Jordanian border. She was killed when her KC-135 crashed. Major John A. Klinner, Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons were also killed in the crash. Major Linse Savino’s family said, “We take comfort in knowing that Ariana died doing the one thing she loved the most—flying. Her smile would brighten every room she walked into, and her energy and laughter were nothing short of contagious.” Major Linse Savino was 31. Major Ariana G Linse Savino is buried at Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Puerto Rico.
Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, U.S. Air Force, died March 12th, 2026, near Turaibil, Iraqi-Jordanian border. She was killed when her KC-135 crashed. Major John A. Klinner, Major Ariana G Linse Savino, Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons were also killed in the crash. Technical Sergeant Pruitt’s husband said of her in an interview, “I’ll give you something brief: in a word, radiant. If there was a light in the room, she was it.” Technical Sergeant Pruitt was 34. Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt is buried at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, New Salem, Kentucky.
