7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company C, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 B
Date KIA: 16 January 2009 OEF
Location: Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan
Action: Non-Hostile
Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Townsend, 30, died Jan. 16, from a non-battle death incident at U.S. military Fire Base Ripley, Tarin Kowt district, Uruzgan province, Afghanistan while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2008 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and second deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha weapons sergeant.
Townsend, a native of Solvang, Calif., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in Aug. 2003 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C. in Jan. 2004 for Special Forces training. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2005 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces weapons sergeant.
Townsend’s military education includes; the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Townsend is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Pinehurst, N.C.; mother Linda Townsend, of San Jose, Calif.; father, Daniel, and brother, Jordan, of Solvang.
3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion
ODA:
18 D
Date KIA: 13 February 2009 OEF
Location: Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - Small Arms
Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small, 29, died of wounds sustained from enemy fire during a combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Small, a native of Collegeville, Penn., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2004 as a Special Forces trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. His medical training was with John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Joint Special Operation Medical Training Center. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Small’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.
Small is survived by his mother mother and step father Mary and Peter MacFarland of Collegeville, Penn.; father and stepmother - Murray and Karen Small of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; his siblings Matt Small, Megan MacFarland, Heather Wellock, Jennifer MacFarland; Travis and Tyler Baney; and his fiancé, Amanda Charney.
3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion
ODA:
18 E
Date KIA: 20 February 2009 OEF
Location: Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Staff Sgt. Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, was killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a mounted combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team communications sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and first deployment to Afghanistan.
Bessa, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, volunteered for military service and entered the Army in April 2002 as a combat medic trainee. After basic and advanced individual training and Airborne School he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., in January 2003. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom September 2003.
Bessa attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection prior to being assigned to John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 2005 for Special Forces training. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in March 2007 and was assigned to 1st Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces communications sergeant.
Bessa’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
In June 2001, he returned to 3rd Battalion and became a member of Operational Detachment A-194. In November 2001, Sgt. 1st Class Chapman volunteered for a special mission in Afghanistan, where he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Awards: Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Medics Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Bessa is survived by his wife Lindsey and their son Carson of Fayetteville, N.C.; parents Ted and Julie Bessa of Whispering Pines, N.C and brother Christopher L. Bess, Fort Carson, Colo.
3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 1st Battalion
ODA:
18 Z
Date KIA: 20 February 2009 OEF
Location: Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Master Sgt. David L. Hurt, 36, died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device during a mounted combat reconnaissance patrol. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha operations sergeant assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his fifth deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.
Hurt, a native of Oak Park, Ill., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in November 1992, as a Combat Engineer trainee. After basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he was assigned to Co. C, 307th Engineer Bn., 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. from the rank of private to Staff Sgt. He then was assigned to Co. C, 37th Engineer Bn., 20th Engineer Brigade at Fort Bragg.
Hurt completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection prior to being assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., in August 1999 for Special Forces training. He earned the coveted “Green Beret” in May 2000 and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 3rd SFG(A) at Fort Bragg, N.C., as a Special Forces engineer sergeant.
Hurt was then assigned to the USAJFKSWCS Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. He served as a Small Group Leader at the Basic Noncommissioned Officer and Warrior Leader Course from March 2005 to March 2008. Hurt returned to the 3rd Special Forces Group and was assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., as an operations sergeant in March 2008.
Hurt’s military education includes the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Sniper Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Pathfinder Course, Ranger Course, Jumpmaster Course, Sapper Leader Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Special Forces Advanced Recon and Target Exploitation Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leaders Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one OLC, the Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a three OLC, Joint Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal with four OLC, the Combat Infantry Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drivers Badge, the Valorous Unit Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
Hurt is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Avery and son Wyatt, all of Grays Creek, N.C.; mother Bonnie Hurt of Hope Mills, N.C. and father Joe Hurt of Memphis, Tenn.
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company A, 1st Battalion
ODA: 0114
180A
Date KIA: 29 July 2009 OEF
Location: Kabul Province, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas M. Vose III, died from wounds received while conducting combat operations in the Kabul Province of Afghanistan July 29, 2009, while serving as the Special Forces Assistant Detachment Commander with Operational Detachment Alpha – 0114, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in Stuttgart, Germany.
Vose, 38, was killed by intense direct small arms fire while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) – Afghanistan.
Vose, born in Roseburg, Ore., enlisted in April 1989 as a 19D, Transportation Soldier. He later attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating in 1999 as an 18E, Communications NCO and was assigned to 3rd Bn., 10th SFG (A). He was reassigned to 1st Bn. in March 2002 and in 2006, he completed the Warrant Officer Basic Course, returning to 1st Bn. in Germany.
Vose’s military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Special Forces Communications Sergeant Course, Special Forces Operations and Intelligence Course, Warrant Officer Basic Course, Special Forces Warrant Officer Basic Course, Basic Airborne Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, and Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Parachutist Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and two oak leaf clusters in lieu of third award, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).
NOTE: Vose also earned the Airborne Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Vose is survived by his wife Nicole and sons, Aidan and Connor, who reside in Stuttgart, Germany. He is also survived by his daughters, Sharon and Noel, who reside in Germany; as well as his mother Paulette, sister Kellie and brother Jason of Oceanside, Calif.
20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion
ODA: 2236
18 E
Date KIA: 2 August 2009 OEF
Location: Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado, died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2009, while serving as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in Jackson, Miss.
Granado, 42, was killed when a command wire improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Granado, born in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, enlisted in January 1988 as a 13B, Cannon Crewmember. He later attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating in 2002 as an 18E, Communications NCO and was assigned to 2rd Bn., 20th SFG(A).
Granado is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield with the 3rd Armored Division and also deployed with the 20th SFG in support of both Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
Granado’s military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Special Forces Intelligence Analyst Course, Special Operations Interdiction Course, Air Assault Course and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Course.
Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Southwest Asia Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, NATO Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Ribbon, Mississippi War Medal. Granado also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Granado is survived by his daughter Amanda and sons, Hasson and Alejandro, who reside in Longview, Texas.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: 1st Battalion
ODA: 2236
18 A
Date KIA: 2 August 2009 OEF
Location: Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Capt. Ronald G. Luce died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2009, while serving as the Special Forces Team Commander with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered in Jackson, Miss.
Luce, 27, was killed when a command wire improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Luce, born in Julian, Calif., enrolled in ROTC at Valley Forge Military Academy and became a commissioned officer in 2002. In 2005 he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating May 2008 as an 18A and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG (A) as a liaison officer. He was reassigned to Co. C, 2nd Bn., 20th SFG (A) as a detachment commander.
Luce’s military and civilian educations include a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He also attended the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Ranger School, the Special Forces Qualification Course and Airborne School.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Luce also earned the Combat Infantry and Parachutist Badges as well as Special Forces and Ranger tabs.
Luce is survived by his wife Kendahl and daughter Carrie of Fayetteville, N.C.
20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion
ODA:
18 C
Date KIA: 2 August 2009 OEF
Location: Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III died while conducting combat operations in the Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2009, while serving as a Special Forces Engineer with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered at Jackson, Miss.
Summers, 43, was killed when a command wired improvised explosive device struck his vehicle while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Summers, born in Lafayette, La., enlisted in 1989 as an 11B, Infantryman. He later attended the SF Qualification Course, graduating in 2002. Summers then joined 2nd Bn., 20th SFG (A). After graduating U.S. Army Ranger School successfully, he was assigned to ODA 2065, the SCUBA team. He then volunteered for the Special Operations Combat Diver Course in Key West, Fla.
Summer’s military and civilian education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, Ranger School, Special Operations Combat Diver Course, and Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course. He also received his Bachelors of Science from Louisiana State University.
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Medal. Summers also earned Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Military Free Fall Badge and the Ranger and Special Forces tabs.
Summer’s is survived by his wife Tammy Fraser and his daughters Jessica, Shelby & Sarah.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: 1st Battalion
ODA:
18 A
Date KIA: 12 August 2009 OEF
Location: Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
CPT. Tinsley deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror and first deployment to Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha team commander.
Tinsley was a native of New Jersey, and was commissioned in August 2002 after graduation from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla. He was assigned to the 1st Bn., 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo. He was then later assigned to the 1st Bn., 3rd Infantry Regt., at Fort Myer, Va. as a member of the “Old Guard” in 2004. In 2006 he was deployed to Iraq as a member of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. He began the Special Forces Qualifications Course January 2007 and earning the coveted “Green Beret” in January 2009.
Tinsley’s military education includes the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Commander’s Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.
Tinsley is survived by his wife, Emily, and daughter, Isabella, of Fayetteville, N.C.; mother Debra, and father John Tinsley, of Jacksonville, Fla.
20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company A, 2nd Battalion
ODA:
18 D
Date KIA: 16 August 2009 OEF
Location: Ghazni Province, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
Sgt. 1st Class William B. Woods Jr., 31, died Aug. 16, 2009, in Landstuhl, Germany from wounds he received Aug. 14, 2009, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, in support of combat operations while serving with 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces senior medical sergeant.
Woods was a native of Hermann, Mo., and enlisted into the military in 1996 as a rifleman. After his initial Marine Corps enlistment, he later enlisted into the U.S. Army.
He attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003 and earned the coveted “Green Beret.” He was then assigned to 2nd Bn., 20th SFG (A).
Wood’s military education includes the Basic Infantryman’s Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Linear Infighting Neural-Override Engagement Instructor Course, Ranger Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.
Woods is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Lilian and Ella, of Chesapeake, Va.; mother Pamela, and father William, of Pacific, Mo.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company C, 2nd Battalion
ODA: 535
18 D
Date KIA: 22 August 2009 OEF
Location: Yakhchal, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, was killed Aug. 22, 2009, while conducting a dismounted patrol in the vicinity of Yakhchal, Afghanistan, in support of combat operations while serving with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. He was a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Lobosco a native of Somerville, N.J., enlisted into the U.S. Army January 2004 as a Special Forces candidate. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course January 2007 and earned the coveted “Green Beret.”
Lobosco’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Lobosco is survived by his mother Bonnie Lobosco, father Robert Lobosco and sister, Lisa Lobosco of Bridgewater, N.J.
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company A, 2nd Battalion
ODA:
18 B
Date KIA: 12 September 2009 OIF
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Action: Non-Hostile
Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury died from injuries as a result of a non-hostile vehicle rollover during a combat mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2009. He was medically evacuated to the 10th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad where he was pronounced dead.
Thornsbury, 30, assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colo., was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.
Thornsbury, a native of Clinton, Md., grew up in Bridgeport, W. Va., enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves April 1996 as a 92Y, Supply Specialist and came onto active duty service September 2002. He later attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning his Green Beret in 2006, as a Weapons Sergeant.
Thornsbury’s military education includes the Combat Life Savers Course, Warrior Leader Course, Air Assault Course, Basic Airborne Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, & Escape (High Risk), Special Forces Qualification Course, Ranger Course, and Jumpmaster School.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Parachutists Badge, Parachutists Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
Thornsbury is survived by his brother Dana of Marysville, Pa.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 D
Date KIA: 16 September 2009 OEF
Location: Ghur Ghuri, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Sgt.1st Class Bradley S. Bohle, 29, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror. He also deployed twice to the Philippines. He was a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Bohle, a native of Baltimore, Md., enlisted into the U.S. Army 1998 as an Information Systems Operator. He was assigned to 2nd Bn., 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He later served with 112th Signal Battalion (Airborne) and 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) before deciding to pursue the goal of becoming a Special Forces Soldier in 2006 by attending the Special Forces Selection and Assessment. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course March 2008 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces medical sergeant. He was assigned to Co. A, 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).
Bohle’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Bohle’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Driver and Mechanics Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Bohle is survived by his wife Elizabeth and three daughters Jocelyn and Braelyn of Sanford, N.C., Breanna, of Clinton, Conn. and parents Donald and Linda Bohle, of Marydal, Md.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 F
Date KIA: 16 September, 2009 OEF
Location: Ghur Ghuri, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Sgt.1st Class Shawn P. McCloskey, 33, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror. He also served on deployments to Colombia. He was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant.
McCloskey a native of Hudson, N.Y., grew up in Peachtree City, Ga., enlisted into the U.S. Army January 2002 as a Special Forces candidate. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course May 2004 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. He was assigned to Co. B, 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).
McCloskey’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, Combat Diver Course, Special Operations Diving Supervisor Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Supervisor Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
McCloskey is survived by his wife Jessica, daughter Katie and son Collin of Raeford, N.C. and parents Patrick and Kathryn McCloskey of Fayetteville, Ga.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company A, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 E
Date KIA: 16 September 2009 OEF
Location: Ghur Ghuri, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Mills, 24, died on Sept. 16, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Ghur Ghuri, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom July 15, 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces communications sergeant with his unit at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Mills, a native of El Paso, Texas, enlisted into the Army in 2005 as a Special Forces candidate. He attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in March of 2005 and earned the coveted “Green Beret.” He was then assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).
Mills’ military education included Basic Airborne Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Air Movement Operations Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, and the Special Forces Sniper Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and NCO Professional Development Ribbon.
Mills is survived by his wife, Magen, and son, Malaki, of Raeford, N.C.; mother Celeste, and father Tommy, of El Paso, Texas.
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18
Date KIA: 29 September 2009 OEF
Location: Jolo Island, Philippines
Action: Hostile - IED
Staff Sgt. Jack Mayfield Martin III, 26, of Bethany, Okla. died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device Sept. 29, 2009 on Jolo Island, Philippines.
Martin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines. This was Martin’s first deployment in support of OEF-P; he was a veteran of Operation Iraq Freedom.
Martin, the youngest of five children was born in Maquoketa, Iowa and spent his childhood and teen years growing up in Iowa and Bethany, Okla.
He entered military service in 2001 and was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2004. Upon completion of SFQC, he was assigned to 3rd Bn., 1st SFG (A) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Martin’s military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leader Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon, the Special Forces tab, the Parachutist Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Note: He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Martin is survived by his wife Ashley of Tacoma, Wash. He is also survived by his father and mother Jack and Cheryl Martin of Bethany, Okla; and his brother, Abe, and three sisters Mandi, Amber and Abi.
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: 3rd Battalion
ODA: 18
Date KIA: 29 September 2009 OEF-P
Location: Jolo Island, Philippines
Action: Hostile
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, 37, of Natchez, Miss. died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device Sept. 29, 2009, on Jolo Island, Philippines.
Shaw was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines. This was his second deployment in support of OEF-P.
Shaw enlisted in the U.S. Army reserve Nov. 22, 1994, while attending Texas Southern University in Houston on a track and field scholarship. In May 1995, he decided to join the active-duty Army as a forward observer.
Upon completion of basic training, advanced individual training, and the U.S. Army Airborne School, Shaw was assigned as a fire support specialist to 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
In 1997, Shaw volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course and completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in March 1999. Shaw was then assigned to 1st SFG (A) at Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Wash. He later served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course at Camp Mackall, N.C. and subsequently returned to 1st SFG (A) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Shaw’s military education includes the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S. Army Ranger Course, U.S. Army Jumpmaster Course, Basic Instructor Training Course, Advanced Non-commissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course. Shaw also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, N.J.
Awards: Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medals National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit citation. Shaw earned the Special Forces tab, Ranger tab and the Parachutist Badge.
Note: He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Shaw is survived by his wife Attina and their children Darian Shaw, Erielle Smith, Jalyn Smith, Dante Shaw and Cydney Shaw of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. He is also survived by his mother and step-father Camille and Willie Felton of Chicago, Ill.; his father Walter Owens of Port Wentworth, Ga.; two brothers, Orlando Shaw of Chicago, Ill. and Maurey Owens of Jackson, Miss.; and two sisters Kenya Shaw of Chicago, Ill. and Gwen Owens of Atlanta, Ga.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 B
Date KIA: 26 October 2009 OEF
Location: Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
Staff Sgt. Keith R. Bishop, 28, died on Oct. 26, 2009, when the helicopter he was aboard crashed while conducting a combat mission in the city of Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan while serving with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the War on Terror.
Bishop a native of Medford, N.Y., enlisted into the U.S. Army in April 2003 as an Infantryman. He was assigned to 1st Bn., 506th Infantry Regiment, Camp Grieves, Korea. He later served with 1st Bn., 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division before deciding to pursue the goal of becoming a Special Forces Soldier in 2007 by attending the Special Forces Selection and Assessment. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course October 2008 and earned the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces weapons sergeant. He was then assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).
Bishop’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Bishop is survived by his wife Margaret of Flagler Beach, Fla. and parents Robert and Suzan Bishop, of Carlisle, Pa.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 3rd Battalion
ODA:
18 E
Date KIA: 26 October 2009 OEF
Location: Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile
Sgt. 1st Class David E. Metzger, 32, died on Oct. 26 when the helicopter he was aboard crashed while conducting a combat mission in the city of Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan while serving with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom July 2009 as a member of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of the War on Terror.
Metzger, born in San Diego, Calif., enlisted in September 1996 as an Ammunitions Specialist. He later attended the SF Qualification Course, graduating in 2007, as an 18E Special Forces Communications Sergeant and was assigned to 3rd BN, 7th SFG (A).
Metzger’s military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Special Forces Communications Sergeant Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Air Movement Operations Course, Basic Airborne Course and Jumpmaster Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal. Metzger also earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Metzger is survived by his sons, David and Grant, who reside in Fort Bragg, N.C. He is also survived by his parents David Metzger and Lisandra Holstein, as well as his grandmother Dolores of San Diego, Calif.
20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Assignment: Company B, 2nd Battalion
ODA:
18 E
Date KIA: 23 November 2009 OEF
Location: Pashay Kala, Afghanistan
Action: Hostile - IED
Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, died on Nov. 23, 2009, after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting a mounted patrol in the Afghan city of Pashay Kala, in support of combat operations while serving with, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his third deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. He also served on a deployment to Iraq with 5th SFG (A). He was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant.
Pucino a native of Boston, Mass., and enlisted into the U.S. Army 2002 as a Special Forces candidate. He then went on to complete the Special Forces Qualification Course and earn the coveted “Green Beret” as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. He was assigned to 5th SFG, Fort Campbell, Ky., before leaving active duty to become an Army National Guard Soldier assigned to 2nd Bn., 20th SFG, Glen Arm, Md.
Pucino’s military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, non-commissioned officer professional development ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.
Pucino is survived by his parents Katherine and Albert Pucino of Orlando, Fla., and sisters Lisa Haglof, Sagamore, Mass., and Melissa Pucino, Plymouth, Mass.
.png){kind=small}
© 2011 Green Beret Foundation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
The Green Beret Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt, national non-profit charitable foundation.
Tax ID # 27-1206961