Hero Stories for February 2009

Sgt. Joshua A. Ward, 30, of Scottsville, Kentucky, died February 9, 2009, in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Sgt. Ward was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.<

I served in Viet-Nam with the 138th Aviation Company (RR). On March 4, 1971, one of our aircraft, call sign "Vanguard 216" was lost to hostile fire. The five crew are listed as Missing, BNR (Body Not Recovered). The name are Michael Marker, Harold Algaard, Richard Hentz, Rodney Osborne, and John Strawn. My question is - some 60 former members of the 138th keep in touch with each other, and have reunions every couple of years. I was wondering if it would be possible to get bracelets honori...

Spc. James M. Dorsey, 23, of Beardstown, Illinois, died February 8, 2009, in Kamaliyah, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. Spc. Dorsey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.<

FORT RILEY, Kan. (Army News Service, April 4, 2008) - A little more than a year after he was killed during his third tour of duty in Iraq, a former Fort Riley Soldier has been awarded a posthumous Bronze Star with Valor for his courage under fire more than two years ago. Christi Waterbury, wife of Spc. Forrest "John" Waterbury, accepted the award on her husband's behalf from Maj. Gen. Robert E. Durbin, commanding general of Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, March 27 at Riley's Confer...

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 12, 2008) - In one of the largest awards ceremonies since the Vietnam era, the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) awarded 19 Silver Star Medals, two Bronze Star Medals for Valor, two Army Commendation Medals for Valor and four Purple Hearts here at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Dec. 12. Col. Gus Benton II, the commander of the 3rd SFG(A), said the men of the 3rd SFG(A) have distinguished themselves by taking the f...

Two Soldiers injured in Afghanistan received Purple Hearts during a ceremony Jan. 30 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Secretary of the Army Pete Geren pinned the medals on the uniforms of Sgt. Justin Smith and Pfc. Quinterra D. Peake before giving their family members pins in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to the nation as well. Smith, who during a previous ceremony at WRAMC was awarded the Bronze Star for "exceptional meritorious service" in support of Operation Enduring Free...

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii -- Six-year-old Gianette Toro held up her "Welcome Home" sign, wearing an Army Combat Uniform patrol cap, showing no lack of energy given the late hour. Gianette, her brother Yaddiel, and mother, Yessirel were waiting patiently for the 12:45 a.m. ceremony start time so they could unveil a special surprise for Sgt. Jaime Toro, returing from a 15-month deployment to Iraq. "I'm nervous and I can't wait to see him," said Yessirel Toro. More than 180 Soldiers from t...

I saw your story on Fox a couple days ago and felt I should write. I think the HeroBracelet idea is wonderful. A very close friends son is currently in Iraq and I know she aches for him every day. She talks about every letter he sends and every call. I know she'd really love to have a bracelet with his name to wear while he's there. I'm going to order several of your HeroBracelet. One for her and her husband and daughter, and one for myself. I think it'll mean the world to her! Thanks HeroBra...

WASHINGTON - The United States hopes to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said toda

Seth Allen Miller, United States Army, In Loving memory of a brave Soldier. Always remembered never forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Rest In Peace. 4-14-2008 The day God gained an Angel. From Rach