Iraq blast kills Alamogordo soldier

Sgt. Caleb Martin of Grants injured in the blast that killed Sgt. Gary Willet


"ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Pentagon says another New Mexico soldier was killed in Iraq in the same incident that wounded a Grants GI.
Sergeant Gary Willet, 34, of Alamogordo died last Friday when a roadside bomb hit his armored vehicle in the city of Taji.
The same bomb wounded Sgt. Caleb Martin, 22, of Grants. In all four soldiers died and seven were wounded by the blast that destroyed the vehicle.
The Pentagon today identified the other three who were killed as Spc. Michael T. Manibog, 31, of Alameda, Calif., Sgt. Timothy P. Martin, 27, of Pixley, Calif., and Staff Sgt. Jerald A. Whisenhunt, 32, of Orrick, Mo.
The soldiers were members of the Army's 25th Infantry Division based in Hawaii.
KRQE Web Producer: Bill Diven"

KRQE - Albuquerque, New Mexico - News, Video, Weather Forecast, Sports, Community, Health, Homes KBIM - KREZ Iraq blast kills Alamogordo soldier:

Cancer-Survivor Soldier Joins Unit in Iraq

"Face of Defense: Cancer-Survivor Soldier Joins Unit in Iraq
By Pfc. Monika K. Smith, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service


CAMP STRIKER, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2008 – They call him “Tiny,” and as with many nicknames, the moniker inaccurately describes Sgt. Jared Squires’ stature. At 6 feet, 5 inches tall, the crew chief with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, more than snugly fits into the space allocated for crew chiefs in the Black Hawk helicopters he flies in.

Squires, from Los Lunas, N.M., doesn’t mind his nickname. He’s just happy to be flying again. In July 2006, Squires learned he had skin cancer. An Army surgeon estimated he had just six years to live. “When I first found out, I went to the doctor’s office and my wife went with me,” Squires said. “The doctor came and said, ‘I’m sorry to let you know you have malignant melanoma.’ I thought, ‘I’ve got two kids. I’ve got my wife.’ … I wanted to do everything I could right away, because in six years, I might not be there for my boys.” "

More...DefenseLink News Article: Face of Defense: Cancer-Survivor Soldier Joins Unit in Iraq:

Domenici & Limbaugh: Two Good Men

By Rich Galen
Anchor
"US Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has announced he will not run for re-election because he is suffering from a disorder known as Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration which is a disorder of the brain leading to a 'group of progressive dementias that result from decline in brain cells which control behavior, thinking and communication.'
Pete Domenici was first elected to the US Senate in 1972. Just to remind us how long ago 1972 is; here is an entry from the 'Information Please' website:"
"Five men are apprehended by police in attempt to bug Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C.'s Watergate complex-start of the Watergate scandal (June 17)."

..." The Senate, which is receding in support among Americans under the leadership of men like Harry Reid (D-Nv) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), will be weakened by the loss of Pete Domenici - a man of principal, courage, intelligence, and above all patriotism."...


More... Townhall.com::Domenici & Limbaugh: Two Good Men::By Rich Galen -- Anchor:

Blue Stars mean something in New Mexico

The News-Bulletin: Blue Stars mean something:
"Father and son
New Mexico Air National Guard Master Sgt. Rick Carbajal and his oldest son, Marine Cpl. Ricky Carbajal II, are being deployed to Iraq soon. An entire community's prayers and best wishes are going with them. While it's difficult for a family with one member serving in Iraq, it must be tremendously difficult to have two loved ones serving in harm's way. So many men and women in our area have volunteered to put their lives on the line; as usual, the people of Valencia County stand up to be counted when their country calls.
There's a new Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County group that held its first meeting recently. It's an organization that dates back to World War II to support the troops and their families. Folks who don't have a child serving in the military may join as associate members. 'As we get started, we will be asking for donations of time, money and items that can be sent in care packages for our soldiers,' the group said in a pamphlet.
'Support for families includes emotional, financial or repairs around the house.' If you'd like to help, call the group at 217-1806. The Blue Star Mothers meet at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at the First Baptist Church of Bosque Farms. Officers are Jean E. Casey, president; Ruth Vollmer, vice president; Gwen Gordon, secretary; and Lisa Agan, treasurer. You can e-mail the group at jbcasey@ hotmail.com or rs.vollmer @comcast.net. It's a good way to help. We've been touched way too closely by this war, with seven Air Force and Army members from the county or with ties to it having been killed. We need to support these families."

Home on R&R

Since this blog was intended to be about my son I suppose I could update on him. He's HOME. Not for very long, just 18 days, but he is here and its been good having him home.
I picked him up at the airport in Albuquerque on Monday and, had he been on the earlier flight as scheduled he would have been welcomed in high style by the Albuquerque Rio Grand Valley moms.
If he had been on his earlier flight as scheduled we would have made it back to Farmington earlier and been welcomed in a big way by the Farmington, Four Corners Blue Star Moms. We made it back at Midnight and were surprised at the wonderful decorations on our deck.
The following evening the crowd all came back and we had a proper welcome home ceremony and a huge cake with the Blue Star Mothers and several other friends.

Honorable homecoming

"Soldier returns home to enthusiastic welcome
By Dorothy Nobis
The Daily Times
Article Launched: 09/08/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

FARMINGTON — The tears and hugs of a mother, the obvious pride of a father, the excitement of a sister — and the cheers of countless friends and relatives greeted Spec. Jeffrey Rogers when he entered the terminal at Four Corners Regional Airport on Friday afternoon
Rogers, 21, arrived home after being wounded June 12 south of Baghdad. The Army vehicle Rogers was in was hit by six explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). Rogers' injuries were serious and included the loss of his right arm. He also had shrapnel hit his right leg.
Rogers was flown to Germany, then to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he has undergone treatment for his injuries, said his parents, Barbara and Read Rogers.
...
Members of the Aztec VFW; the Blue Star Mothers; Sgt. Jerald Tryhane, the local Army recruiter; Mike Colson, the local Navy recruiter; and representatives from the city of Farmington and San Juan County were on hand to celebrate Jeffrey's homecoming.
"It's important he understand how much the entire community appreciates him and is proud of his sacrifice and service," said San Juan County Commissioner Tony Atkinson."

More... Farmington Daily Times - Honorable homecoming: Soldier returns home to enthusiastic welcome:

New Mexico Army National Guard

U.S. Army Soldiers of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry Battalion, New Mexico Army National Guard provide cover fire as another Soldier manuvers over an obstacle during individual movement techniques as part of mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J., Aug. 7, 2007.The unit is preparing for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika) http://www.army.mil/



U.S. Army Soldiers of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry Battalion, New Mexico Army National Guard fire their weapons during individual movement techniques as part of mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J., Aug. 7, 2007.The unit is preparing for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika) http://www.army.mil/



A New Mexico Army National Guardsman maneuvers around an obstacle during individual movement techniques training at Fort Dix, N.J., on Aug. 7, 2007. Guardsmen of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 200th Infantry Battalion, are at Fort Dix as part of mobilization training for an upcoming deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, U.S. Army.

Bryan David Kynast

"Staff Writer Article Launched:
08/19/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT
FARMINGTON
Bryan David Kynast Sept. 3, 1977 - Aug. 16, 2007

Bryan David Kynast, 29, of Farmington, passed from this life Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. He was born Sept. 3, 1977, to Richard Andrew and Virginia K. (Armitage) Kynast in Farmington. Bryan graduated from Farmington High School in 1996. He served his country in the Navy for eight years, earning 2nd Class Petty Officer with the Seabees. He is an Iraq War Veteran. Bryan is survived by two sons, Issac Alan Kynast and Isaiah Andrew Kynast; mother of his sons, Heather Britt; parents, Richard and Ginna Kynast; sisters, Jennifer White and Dawn Kynast; grandmother, Roselle Armitage; and numerous family and friends that will always love and miss him. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Karl and Doris Kynast, and James H. Armitage. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at St. Jude's Catholic Church, located at 4200 College Blvd. in Farmington, with Very Rev. Fr. James Moore, O.S.F. as celebrant. "

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Christopher C. Johnson

"Thursday, August 16 2007 @ 07:08 PM EDT
Contributed by: River97 Views: 105
The Detroit News -- ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher C. Johnson had looked danger in the eye many times before as a Green Beret, but it was his dream of flying for the armed services that led him to train to become part of a helicopter crew. The 31-year-old pilot, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. and graduated from Tri-Unity Christian School, accomplished his goal and was doing what he loved when he was killed Tuesday near Anbar province in Iraq. His CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed during a routine post-maintenance test flight, killing all five on board. Charles and Mary Johnson of Gallup, N.M., were informed of their son's death Wednesday morning. 'I found out a helicopter crashed yesterday when I was on the computer and saw a news flash. I clicked on it and saw that it was a Chinook and it was about the area that we knew he was in,' Mary Johnson said in a telephone interview Wednesday. 'He always promised to call or e-mail when there was a crash so that we knew he was safe,' she said. 'After a whole night of not hearing from him, we knew something was wrong.' Johnson, a member of Task Force Dragon, had been in Iraq for less than a month, his mother said. "

More... The Iraq Page - Christopher C. Johnson:

Half of NM Guard could be in Iraq in 2010

"The Associated Press Article Launched: 08/11/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT
Staff and wire report
SANTA FE
Half of New Mexico's National Guard is slated to be sent to Iraq in 2010 well above the deployments agreed on by the Guard Adjutant Gen. Kenny Montoya and Gov. Bill Richardson. The Department of the Army plans for New Mexico's Guard deployments to total 1,600 members in 2010, or half the force, Montoya said. Montoya and Richardson have said only 25 percent of the Guard should be deployed overseas because troops might be needed to deal with natural disasters in the state. 'It's not the best situation,' Montoya said. 'If the Army tells us to do it, we will follow orders and do it. ... But we are taking a risk back here at home.' Richardson said he's concerned the deployment level will affect the ability to respond to emergencies at home. Nearly 2,000 members of the New Mexico National Guard have deployed since 2001, but officials said 75 percent of the Guard has always remained in the state despite that. By this fall, about 600 members of the state Guard will be deployed or be preparing to deploy to Iraq, said Maj. Ken Nava, Guard spokesman."

More... Silver City Sun-News - Half of NM Guard could be in Iraq in 2010:

World War II Navajo Code Talkers Visit Pentagon

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, meets with five Navajo Code Talkers and their family members at the Pentagon, Aug. 10, 2007. The Navajos served as U.S. Marines in World War II and helped develop a communications code based on their language. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen


"By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today met here with a group of Marine veterans who used their native Navajo language to baffle the Japanese during World War II. "

DefenseLink News Article: World War II Navajo Code Talkers Visit Pentagon, Meet With Pace:

Ignacio soldier killed in Iraq

"By Nick Martin
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 08/07/2007 02:50:41 PM MDT


Corporal Jason K. Lafleur, from Ignacio, was killed in a car bombing in Iraq. (U.S. Army)



Corporal Jason K. Lafleur of Ignacio and two other paratroopers were killed Aug. 4 in Iraq when a make-shift bomb exploded near their vehicle.
Lafleur was on patrol with Sgt. Dustin S. Wakeman and Specialist Jaron D. Holliday near Hawr Rajab, Iraq.
The three were stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska with the 25th Infantry Division.
Lafleur, 28, was a Cavalry Scout who joined the Army in May 2005. "


The Denver Post - Ignacio soldier killed in Iraq:

Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23, of Bismarck, Ark., died July 5, 2007 inBaghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23, of Bismarck, Ark., died July 5, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.
Originally uploaded by verbatim2006

Soldier who died in Iraq planned to make home here

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer;

Los Chavez, NM

Cpl. Jeremy L. Stacey lived in Valencia County for only a few months before joining the Army, but his grieving mother says he was planning on making it his home once he left the military.

His dream of one day living near his mother, Betty Click of Los Chavez, was lost on Thursday, July 5, when he was killed in Baghdad, Iraq. Stacey, 23, died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.

"It's been rough for all of us," said Click of her son's death. "It's been hard on me too. Every few minutes, I remember something about him, and I just can't believe he's gone."

Stacey joined the Army in September 2003, a few months after his family moved to Valencia County. He spent much of his youth in Amarillo, Texas, and later moved to Bismarck, Ark., where he graduated high school.

Click said her only son enlisted in the Army right after high school. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team and 1st Cavalry Division.

Stacey was an armor crewman and had been a decorated soldier. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously laterally appointed to the rank of corporal and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Click said the last time she spoke to her son was in mid-June when he called her a few days before his sister Jessica was to be married.

"He just called to let me know that he was OK, but that things were getting a little rough," Click said. "I always worried about him."

More...

N.M. Soldiers dies in Germany

In this undated photo provided by the Byrd family, Army Pfc. Henry G. Byrd III is shown. Byrd, 20, a soldier from this Socorro County, N.M., community has died from a non-combat related illness while serving in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Tuesday, June 26, 2007. Byrd was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. (AP Photo/Byrd family)

N.M. soldier dies of apparent heatstroke - Military News, Army News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Army Times: "N.M. soldier dies of apparent heatstroke

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 27, 2007 6:27:06 EDT

VEGUITA, N.M. — A New Mexico family is mourning the loss of a 20-year-old soldier who died from a non-combat-related illness while serving in Iraq.
The Department of Defense said Army Pfc. Henry G. Byrd III died Sunday in Landstuhl, Germany, after becoming ill last week. The Defense Department gave no details, but Byrd’s family said the soldier died after collapsing from apparent heatstroke.
Family members said they had been praying since last Wednesday, when they learned that the young soldier had been taken to a hospital in Germany. His parents traveled to Germany to be with him as a priest gave him last rites.
Byrd was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga."

More...:

Standing Strong

Soldier's widow gives birth less than a week after his death in Iraq
By The Associated Press


Article Launched: 06/29/2007 01:23:15 PM MDT





ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A young woman whose husband was killed in Iraq last week has given birth to the couple's first child. Alia Dahl, 19, of Los Lunas, went into labor Thursday and gave birth to a boy, Kaiden Anthony, Thursday evening. Doctors had planned to induce labor on Friday. Her husband, Army Sgt. Joel Dahl, 21, of Los Lunas, was killed June 23 during small arms fire south of Baghdad. He had been scheduled to leave Iraq on July 2. Alia Dahl was trying to plan his funeral and prepare to give birth to their baby when thieves made off with her 1998 Honda on Tuesday. Inside the car were pictures of her husband, a CD he had made for her and things she needed for the baby, including a quilt the soldier's grandmother made. When the car was recovered Thursday morning from the parking lot of a private school, the photos, CD and quilt were missing. "The things that were inside were what was really important," Alia Dahl said. The report of her stolen car prompted an outpouring of offers from people who offered to provide cars to her and sent or pledged thousands of dollars, said Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who is heading a fundraising effort. He said the money would still go toward a new car

War widow welcomes baby Dahl -- Video

Los Lunas Iraq war widow's stolen car to be replaced
Tribune staff and wireThursday, June 28, 2007


Bernalillo County sheriff's deputies are raising money to replace a car stolen from the pregnant widow of a soldier killed in Iraq.
Alia Dahl's 1998 Honda Civic was stolen on June 27 at night while the 19-year-old Los Lunas resident was staying in Albuquerque. She's overdue to give birth and her doctor wanted her close to the hospital.
Her husband, Army Sgt. Joel Dahl, 21, was killed on June 23. He was scheduled to leave Iraq next week.
U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici said in a release, he called Dahl to offer condolences. When he learned her car had been stolen, he called Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who volunteered to lead the purchase effort.


More ...

KOB.com - Los Lunas soldier killed in Iraq: "Los Lunas soldier killed in Iraq ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Another New Mexico soldier has died in Iraq. Twenty-one-year-old Army Corporal Joel Dahl died Saturday south of Baghdad. His stepfather, Joe Aragon, says Dahl died during a small-arms fire attack. Aragon says Dahl had been scheduled to return home just days after the birth of his son, Kayden. He says doctors are planning to induce labor on Dahl’s wife, Alia, on Friday. Dahl was to leave Iraq on July Second. Aragon says Dahl’s wife, Alia, had wanted to suprise her husband with the new baby boy. Dahl graduated from Los Lunas High School and joined the military soon after. Aragon says Dahl had wanted the experience to jump-start a career in law enforcement. Aragon says his son always enjoyed helping other people.

Carry the Flame

"Carry The Flame, Inc. conducts an annual coast-to-coast motorcycle ride to raise money in support of Veterans' families, Veterans' issues and to increase awareness about America's POW/MIAs from all wars.

The 2007 Run will begin in Long Beach, CA and joins Rolling Thunder® XX in Washington, DC for Memorial Day Weekend activities. Rolling Thunder® is the largest one day motorcycle event in the world.
Pictures from Cuba, NM

2007 Itinerary
May 12-14 – Friday-Monday - Long Beach, CA
May 14 - Monday - Barstow, CA
May 15 - Tuesday - Kingman Flagstaff, AZ
May 16 - Wednesday - Tuba City and Kayenta, AZ
May 17 - Thursday - 5th Annual Navajo-Hopi Honor Run - Window Rock, AZ
May 18 - Friday - Cuba, Bernalillo, Angel Fire, NM
May 19 - Saturday - Texline, Amarillo, TX
May 19 – Saturday – Armed Forces Day “Celebrating Freedom & Honoring Service”, Amarillo, TX
May 20 - Sunday - El Reno, OK
May 21 - Monday - Muscogee Creek Nation, Conway, AR
May 22 - Tuesday - Bumpus H-D , Memphis, TN
May 22 - Tuesday - RT®TNV, Memphis, TN
May 23 - Wednesday - Knoxville H-D West, TN
May 24 - Thursday - Shenandoah H-D, Staunton, VA
May 25 - Friday - Candlelight Vigil at Vietnam Memorial Wall - Washington, D.C.
May 27 - Sunday - Rolling Thunder® Ride for Freedom XX

RTAA/OCTF Riders begin Memorial Day Weekend events by escorting participating members of American Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Wives of America and Blue Star Mothers of America to The Wall during the Candlelight Vigil on Friday evening. On Saturday, a variety of patriotic activities are available throughout the Nation's Capitol and surrounding areas. Rolling Thunder® XX begins at dawn on Sunday when motorcycles stage in the Pentagon Parking Lot for the Rolling Thunder® Demonstration."

Operation Carry The Flame and Rolling Thunder roared through Window Rock in 2005
for the annual Navajo Hopi Honor Run, taking bikers across the Navajo Nation.

Veteran - Shawn Lee Malueg

Farmington Daily Times - Shawn Lee Malueg:

"FARMINGTON

Shawn Lee Malueg
June 14, 1982 - May 2, 2007

Shawn Lee Malueg, 24, of Farmington, passed from this life Wednesday, May 2, 2007, in Gunnison, Colo. He was born June 14, 1982, in Grand Junction, Colo. He moved to San Juan County in 2005 and attended San Juan College. Shawn was employed by Sakura Engineering.

He was in the Army from 2001 to 2004, HHC 1st 36th ARMD Inf/1st ARMD Div EU. During his stay in the Army he received Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge (Driver-w-Bar), Army Lapel Button, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. His rank was Specialist E4.

Shawn's hobbies were snow boarding, video gaming, repelling, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, boating and running.

He is survived by Fiancee, Jodene R. Bailon; his dog, Peaches; the Bailon family; all of the staff of Sakura Engineering; many friends at San Juan College; and all of his Army family.

Services will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 11, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington. He thenwill be laid to rest at Memory Gardens Cemetery with military honors by his unit in Iraq and VFW Post 2182.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Sakura Engineering Company and the Martins for all their support during this time. "

Soldier in Heroic Battle to Receive Silver Star

"By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

BAGHDAD – “Men, you have one second in your life where you can decide if you are going to be a coward or if you are going to fight. The time to decide is now.

That sentence is something that Maj. James “Jim” Gant, who serves as the chief of the Iraqi National Police, Quick Reaction Force Battalion Transition Team, tells his policemen all the time, encouraging them to fight for what they believe in.

Though most the time he was talking in generic terms, this time he knew the fight was waiting for them. For six weeks his patrol of three armored high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles and 23 “soft-shelled” national police pick-up trucks had been getting in fire fights with an organized insurgent force in an area between Balad and Baghdad. On Dec. 11, his patrol was finally on their way back home. Gant knew there would be a grand finale.

“We took frequent trips back and forth in the area and the engagements kept getting bigger,” the Las Cruces, N.M., native said. “They knew that we were going to leave. They are a determined enemy force. They wanted to give us a going away present, and we definitely wanted to receive it.”

His actions, during that gift, resulted in him earning the Silver Star, which will be awarded on May 3 at a Iraqi National Police station near Forward
Operating Base Prosperity. The Silver Star is the third highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy. It is given to American heroes.

Gant knows four Soldiers who have earned Silver Stars; two died for them. He said heroes are everywhere, it just depends on if they get the chance to show it.

“There are a lot of very good Soldiers, very brave Soldiers that have never had the opportunity to show it,” he said. “As good as you are, you don’t control the enemy. I have been blessed since 2001, since our nation has been at war to fight with incredible warriors and heroes.”

More... Soldier in Heroic Battle to Receive Silver Star:

We made the News

At the End of the Desert...: Yellow Ribbons, Tied with Love

'Til the troops come home

Today the 4 corners Blue Star Mothers were hanging ribbons for our troops.
I was talking to Dallas just before I headed out and he mentioned he was letting the other guys know. So for him and all the troops -- here's some photos of us -- for you -- and we'll keep it up 'til the troops come home.