WALL OF THE FALLEN

Spc. Adam G. Kinser was a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 304th Psychological Operations Company, an Army Reserve unit based in Sacramento, California.

He was killed Jan. 29, 2004 when a weapons cache prematurely exploded near the town of Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Kinser, a resident of Sacramento, California, was born on Jan. 16, 1983. He graduated from Rio Vista High School there in 2001.

Following graduation, Kinser joined the 304th POC and attended the Psychological Operations Specialist Course during advanced individual training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Kinser is survived by his wife, Tiffany, and his parents, Paul and Terri Kinser.

Sgt. Danton Kyle Sietsinger was born October 4, 1974. He was a Civil Affairs Non-commissioned officer assigned to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was killed when a weapons cache prematurely exploded near the town of Ghazni, Afghanistan January 29, 2004. He was a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Seitsinger entered the military in 1993 and served as a mortarman in the Marine Corps and left active duty in 2000. He joined the Army Reserve after completing his Active Duty tour and served with the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion.

His military training includes the Civil Affairs Specialist Course and the Primary Leadership Development Course. While in the Marine Corps he attended the mortarman course, the 81-millimeter mortar course, the Marine Security Guard School and the range coach course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, and Marine Security Guard Ribbon.

Seitsinger is survived by his sister, Karla of Oklahoma City, and his parents Daniel and Jo, also of Oklahoma City.

Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Mancini was born Dec. 12, 1960, and was a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was assigned to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was killed when a weapons cache prematurely exploded near the town of Ghazni, Afghanistan on Jan. 29, 2004.

Mancini joined the Army Reserve in 1981 and attended the Reserve Officer Training Course and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1984. He transferred to the Florida National Guard in 1987 and served with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) until being reassigned to the Army Reserve’s 487th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, Florida.

His military training includes the Basic Infantry Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Dignitary Protection Course, Long Range Reconnaissance Course and Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

Mancini’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. His state awards include the Rhode Island Star Medal, the Florida Commendation Medal and the Florida State Active Duty Ribbon.

In his civilian life, Mancini was a 16-year veteran of the Davie, Fla. Police Department. He graduated from Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida. in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in public administration.

He is survived by his parents, John and Erika Mancini, and his children, Mikel, Sara and Kristen.

Spc. Nichole M. Frye was born on April 10, 1984. She was a civil affairs specialist assigned to the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Frye was killed on Feb. 16, 2004 when her convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device near the town of Baqubah, Iraq. She was a resident of Lena, Wisconsin.

In April 2002, she joined the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was transferred to the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion prior to her mobilization for Operation Iraqi Freedom in November 2003.

Her unit deployed in January 2004 to support operations in Iraq.

Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Frye was the first female Army special operations Soldier to be killed in combat.

In her civilian life, she worked as a waitress and was planning to attend North East Wisconsin Technical College to train to be a firefighter after redeploying from Iraq.

Frye is survived by her parents, Lisa and James Frye; her sister, Crystal; and her brother William, of Oconto, Wisconsin.

Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Barnhill, 50, battalion command sergeant major of the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, died of an apparent heart attack May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq after he was found unconscious in a hallway at the Coalition Provincial Authority headquarters building there.

A subordinate element of the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, the 431st CA Bn. was mobilized in February 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As the battalion command sergeant major, Barnhill served as the unit’s senior enlisted advisor.

The 431st is in Iraq supporting the 358th CA Bde. in Baghdad.

Barnhill, a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana., enlisted in the Army Reserve in January 1972. While assigned to various Reserve units over the course of his career, he served in a number of military occupational specialties, including armored crewman, infantryman, logistical specialist, finance noncommissioned officer and drill sergeant. He served with Army Reserve units in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana and Arkansas. Barnhill became the 431st CA Bn. command sergeant major in May 2002.

His civilian education includes a diploma from Huntingdon High School in Huntingdon, Tenn., and a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies from Regents College in Albany, New York.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Expert Marksmanship Badge for both pistol and grenade.

As a civilian, Barnhill worked as an engineering technician for the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Design in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Barnhill is survived by his wife, Paula, and his two sons, Marcus and Jason.

Spc. Joseph A. Jeffries was born Feb. 1, 1983. He was a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 320th Psychological Operations Company, an Army Reserve unit based in Portland, Oregon.

On May 29, 2004, Jeffries was fatally wounded in southern Afghanistan when the vehicle he was traveling in hit an improvised explosive device while trying to avoid another landmine in the road. Three other U.S. service members were killed during the explosion.

His unit was attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jeffries enlisted in the Army Reserve in October 2001 and completed the Psychological Operations Specialist Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

His awards include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy, of Beaverton, Oregon. and his parents, Mark and Linda Jeffries, also of Beaverton.

Spc. Julie R. Hickey, 20, was born Jan. 17, 1984. She was a civil affairs specialist assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve special operations unit based in Whitehall, Ohio.

On July 4, 2004, Hickey died at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany from a non-combat related illness. The previous week she lost consciousness while on duty at Asadabad, Afghanistan and was transferred to Bagram Air Base. She was later transferred to LRMC for treatment.

Hickey deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, Webster, N.Y. She was assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Asadabad, Afghanistan.

Provincial Reconstruction Teams serve in regions across Afghanistan and act as clearing-houses for assistance to the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for the Afghan government to begin providing basic services to its people.

She enlisted in the Army Reserve in October 2001 and completed the Civil Affairs Specialist Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2002.

Her awards include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Hickey graduated from Westland High School in Galloway, Ohio in 2002.

Her mother, Melody Hickey, and her father, Terry Bruce, survive her.

Maj. Charles R. Soltes, Jr., 36, was killed on Oct. 13 when his convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve special operations unit based in Upland, California.

A native of Irvine, California, Soltes joined the 426th CA Bn. in February 2004 and served as a preventive medical officer. He deployed with the 426th in August 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990 and received his doctorate in optometry from the New England College of Optometry in 1994.

Soltes joined the Army Reserve in 1990 and served on active duty as an optometrist from July 1994 to September 1999. His assignments during that time included Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; the 168th Medical Battalion, Camp Walker, Korea; and Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, New York.

He was later assigned to the 7214th Medical Support Unit, Garden Grove, California, while serving in the Army Reserve.

Soltes’ awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon. In his civilian life, Soltes was self-employed as an optometrist in Garden Grove, California.

Soltes is survived by his wife, Sally; his sons, Ryan and Brandon; and his parents, Charles and Nancy Soltes.

Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan, 44, was a civil affairs officer assigned to the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve special operations unit based in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Phelan was killed on Oct. 13, 2004, when his convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq.

Phelan, a resident of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, deployed with the 416th Civil Affairs Bn. in January 2004 to support operations in Iraq. He had recently extended his tour in Iraq to work with the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit based in Warwick, Rhode Island.

He graduated in 1983 from West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania., with a degree in criminal justice. Phelan entered the Army in May of that year and was commissioned an armor officer. His previous assignments include: intelligence officer with the 157th Support Battalion; maintenance officer, headquarters, 79th Army Reserve Command, company commander, Company C, 157th Support Battalion; and vessel operations officer, executive officer and operations officer, 1185th Transportation Terminal Brigade.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. 

Phelan is survived by his wife, Brenda; his stepdaughter, April; and his brother, Michael.

Cpl. Jonathan Santos, 22, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), an Army special operations unit based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On Oct. 15, 2004, Santos was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device while conducting vehicle-mounted loudspeaker operations with the 1st Marine Division in Karabilah, Iraq.

Santos, a native of Bellingham, Washington, served as a psychological operations specialist on a three-man tactical PSYOP team. His unit deployed in September 2004 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Prior to OIF, Santos deployed to Haiti in March 2004 in support of a U.S.-led, U.N.-authorized Multinational Interim Force.

He entered the Army in July 2001 and completed the Psychological Operations Specialist Course at Fort Bragg in 2002. He was assigned to the 9th POB in May 2003.

Santos had also graduated the Modern Arabic Language Course at Fort Bragg in 2002.

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Kent, of Bellingham, Washington, and his father, Les Santos, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Staff Sgt. Michael G. Owen, 31, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), an Army special operations unit based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On Oct. 15, 2004, Owen was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device while conducting vehicle-mounted loudspeaker operations with the 1st Marine Division in Karabilah, Iraq.

Owen, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, served as the team leader of a three-man tactical PSYOP team. His unit deployed in September 2004 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Prior to OIF, Owen deployed to Haiti in March 2004 in support of a U.S.-led, U.N.-authorized Multinational Interim Force.

He joined the Army in November 1992 and completed the Psychological Operations Specialist Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2002. He had previously served as an automated logistical specialist before retraining as a PSYOP specialist at Fort Bragg.

Owen completed the French Special Operations Language Training Course in January 2004.

His previous assignments include: the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 82nd Engineer Battalion, Warner Barracks, Germany; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

His awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Senior Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Crystal, and his parents, Howard Owen and Kay Hutchinson of Arizona.

Spc. Bryan L. Freeman, 31, was a civil affairs specialist assigned to the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve special operations unit based in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Freeman died Nov. 8, 2004, from wounds sustained earlier that day when he came under small arms fire while conducting a vehicle search in Baghdad, Iraq. He was a resident of Lumberton, New Jerset.

The 443rd CA Bn. mobilized in August 2004 and deployed to Iraq in September 2004 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Freeman entered the Army in 1993 and served as a cannon crewmember with Battery E, 7th Field Artillery, Fort Drum, N.Y. He left the active Army in 1997 and joined the New Jersey Army National Guard and served with Battery D, 112th Field Artillery, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

He joined the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 2003 and trained to be a civil affairs specialist. He was transferred to the 443rd CA Bn. before the unit’s deployment.

His military training includes the Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion Course, Air Assault Course, Combat Lifesaver Course and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Course.

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

In his civilian life, Freeman worked as a clinical case manager with Family Service of Burlington County in New Jersey.

He graduated from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, in 2001 with a degree in law enforcement. He graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly, New Jersey, in 1991.

Freeman is survived by his mother, Darlene Freeman; his father, Bryan Freeman; and his fiancée, Jackie De Carlo.

Lt. Col. Albert E. Smart, 42, was born June 3, 1963. He was a civil affairs officer assigned to the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, an Army Reserve special operations unit based in San Antonio, Texas.

On May 28, 2005, Smart died at an Air Force hospital in Doha, Qatar, from a non-combat related illness. 

In May, 2005 Smart deployed to Afghanistan with the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas, in May 2005, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Smart graduated in 1981 from John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in May 1983 and was commissioned an infantry officer. He graduated in 1983 from the New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, New Mexico, with an associate’s degree, and Wayland Baptist University, San Antonio, Texas with a bachelor’s degree in 2002.

Smart’s assignments included positions as an information management officer and assistant commerce officer, 321st Civil Affairs Brigade. He also held numerous assignments as the assistant defense movement coordinator, headquarters STARC, Austin, Texas; and battalion air operations officer, battalion personnel officer, company commander, executive officer and rifle platoon leader with the 141st Infantry Regiment, Corpus Christi, Texas.

His awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, three Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, both the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medals, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. He also received the Texas Faithful Military Service Medal in 1988 and again in 1993.

Smart is survived by his wife, Natalie Smart and stepson Justin Young, both of San Antonio; his parents, Albert and Gernell Smart also of San Antonio.

Maj. Gregory J. Fester died Aug. 30, 2005, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol in Iraq by known enemies of the United States of America.

He was born March 12, 1964, in Ohio, and graduated from Westerville North High School, Westerville, Ohio, in 1982. 

A native of Ohio, Fester entered the Army as an administrative specialist in the Ohio National Guard on March 29, 1984.

Fester received his Army ROTC commission in 1987, graduating from Ohio State University. As a second lieutenant, Fester served on active duty with the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. He was promoted to first lieutenant in May, 1989, when he served with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment.

In 1996, Fester served as a tactical intelligence officer with the New York Air National Guard Engineer Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division.

He began his service with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in December, 1999 when he was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He completed the Civil Affairs Officer Advanced Course in 2001, and was then transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.

Fester was ordered back to active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism in March, 2005. He was stationed near Iskandariyah, Iraq as a Civil Affairs officer supporting the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade.

Fester’s military education includes Administrative Specialist Course, Basic Airborne Course, ROTC, Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Multiple Launch Rocket System Cadre Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School and the Civil Affairs Advance Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, one Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.

Fester was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.

Fester is survived by his wife, Julie Fester, children Jennifer, Megan and Peyton Fester, and his mother Ginger.

Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence E. Morrison was born on March 28, 1960 in Middletown, Ohio. He was a trained health care specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He died from injuries sustained when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee there while on patrol in Taji, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2005. Morrison deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

A resident of Yakima, Washington, Morrison began his Army career May 16, 1979, as a private first class after graduation from high school in Lexington, Kentucky.

After completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Morrison’s first duty station was at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served with the 47th Field Hospital until 1983. He was also promoted to specialist in this time period while serving with the 560th Med. Co., Korea.

In February 1984, Morrison, while serving with the 377th Medical Company, Yongsan, Korea, was promoted to sergeant and served as both an air ambulance attendant and a flight medic. He earned his aircraft crewman badge and was trained as a qualified ammunitions specialist as a secondary skill identifier.

After departing Korea, Morrison was stationed at Fort Ord, California. He served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment as a medical supply non-commissioned officer, an emergency medical technician and an aid evacuation non-commissioned officer.

In 1988, Morrison completed Air Assault School before he transferred to the 25th Medical Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii, where he served as a platoon sergeant in a medical company for a light infantry battalion.

He was promoted to staff sergeant in 1989 and served as a battalion plans non-commissioned officer, and an ambulance platoon sergeant with the 325th Forward Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii.

At age 30, Morrison graduated from the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and served as a clinic non-commissioned officer in charge at the Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington.

In February 1994, he was promoted to sergeant first class and served as the clinic noncommissioned officer in charge at the U.S. Army Health Clinic, Yakima Training Center.

In April of 2005, Morrison received orders to support Operation Iraqi Freedom with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as a medical sergeant for a civil affairs team.

Morrison’s military training included the Field Sanitation Team Training Course, the Medical Specialist Course, the Medical NCO Course, the Combat Medic Proficiency Course, the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Course, Light Leader Course, Jungle Warfare, Basic NCO Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Advanced NCO Course, and both the Basic Airborne and Air Assault Schools.

His awards included the Soldier’s Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3), the Army Achievement Medal (6), the Army Good Conduct Medal (5), the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral two, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbons (3), the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, the Expert Field Medical Badge, the Aircraft Crewman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar.

He was awarded posthumously the Purple Heart (2), the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Becky, and son, Lawrence, both of Yakima, Washington; and father, Kenneth L. Morrison.

Spc. Scott J. Mullen was born on May 27, 1983, in Tucson, Arizona. He was a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 5th Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Mullen died Oct. 14, 2005, from injuries sustained after falling in a non-combat related accident Oct. 13 while deployed to the Philippines in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

A resident of Tucson, Arizona, Mullen began his Army career October 30, 2003.

He graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After completing advanced individual training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a psychological operations specialist, Mullen then successfully completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

His first and only duty assignment was 5th Battalion, 4th POG beginning in November 2004. In September 2005, Mullen deployed to Southeast Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines.

He was advanced to the rank of specialist while serving in the Philippines.

His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, and the Parachutist Badge.

Mullen is survived by his mother and father, Wanda and Harold, of Bayfield, Colorado; and his brother, Carl, of Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Cpl. Benjamin D. Hoeffner was born on Dec. 16, 1983, in Denver, Colorado. He was an Army Reserve psychological operations specialist assigned to the 324th Psychological Operations Company, Aurora, Colorado., a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Hoeffner died Oct. 25, 2005, from non-combat injuries in Ali Al Saleem, Kuwait.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Hoeffner began his Army career March 31, 2003.

He graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After completing advanced individual training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a psychological operations specialist, Hoeffner then returned to Colorado for his first duty station. He was assigned to the 324th Psychological Operations Company, Aurora, Colorado, beginning January 2004. Later that year, he served in Korea with his unit in support of an overseas training mission.

In spring of 2005, Hoeffner deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

He was promoted to the rank of specialist in January 2005.

His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification badge.

In his civilian career, Hoeffner was a customer service representative for UPS.

Hoeffner is survived by his mother and father, Irene and Rene, of Arvada, Colorado; his brother, Christopher and nephew Michael, both of Wheatridge, Colorado.

Sgt. Regina C. Reali was born on Dec. 18, 1980, in Denair, Calif. She was a trained civil affairs noncommissioned officer assigned to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, Mountain View, California.

She died from injuries sustained Dec. 23, 2005, when an Improvised Explosive Device near Baghdad, Iraq struck her vehicle. Reali deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

A resident of Fresno, California, Reali began her Army career July 28, 2000.

After completion of Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Reali went on to study for her Advanced Individual Training as a civil affairs specialist at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Her first and only duty station was with the 351st Civil Affairs Command, Mountain View, California.

Shortly after being deployed to Iraq this past summer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Reali was promoted to sergeant Nov. 11, 2005.

Reali’s military training included graduation from Basic Combat Training and the Civil Affairs Specialist Course.

Her military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, the Army Service Ribbon and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

She was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

She is survived by her father, Richard Reali of Atwater, California; her brother and sister in law, Paul & Priscilla Reali, her nephew Michael and her niece Julianna of San Diego, California. 

Sgt. Cheyenne C. Willey was born on July 4, 1969, in Red Wing, Minnesota. He was a trained civil affairs specialist assigned to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, Mountain View, Calif.

He died from injuries sustained Dec. 23, 2005, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Baghdad, Iraq. Willey deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

A resident of Fremont, California, Willey began his Army career June 23, 1995.

After basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Willey’s first duty station was at Fort Bragg, N.C. where he served with Company Bravo, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment until Jan. 1999.

During his time with the Regiment, he served in the Persian Gulf.

In June 2004, Willey reenlisted with the Army for a second term of enlistment, serving at the 351st CACOM. Shortly thereafter he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was promoted to sergeant October 1, 2005.

Willey’s military training included the Basic Infantryman Course, Civil Affairs Course, the Combat Lifesaver Course, and the Driver’s Training Course.

His awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, Army Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

He was recommended for the following posthumous awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Willey’s civilian education included attendance at Ohlone College, California, from Jan. 1999 to June 2000 and DeVry University, California, from Jan. 2001 to Aug. 2002.

He is survived by his mother Patsy Miller of Fremont, California.

First Sergeant Tobias C. Meister was born on Nov. 24, 1975, in Remsen, Iowa. He was a trained civil affairs non-commissioned officer assigned to the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas.

He was killed in action south of Asadabad, Afghanistan, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee during combat patrol operations Dec. 28, 2005.

A resident of Jenks, Oklahoma, Meister entered the Iowa Army National Guard on a split-option enlistment in 1992, two years before graduating from Remsen-Union Community High School, Remsen, Iowa. 

After both basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in August 1994, Meister’s first duty assignment was with Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 133rd Infantry, Iowa National Guard. One month later, he was promoted to corporal.

In 1996, Meister completed the first of many military professional development courses at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, when he graduated from the NCO Professional Leadership Development Course. Later that same year he was promoted to sergeant and participated in an overseas training event between his unit, the 3rd Battalion (mechanized), 144th Infantry Regiment, and the German 5th Company, Panzergrenadierbataillon 152.

Meister transferred to the Texas Army National Guard in 1998 before joining the 1st Battalion, 355th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 95th Division (Institutional Training), Fort Worth, Texas, where served as an Army Reserve drill sergeant.

Immediately after graduation from the University of Texas in 1999, Meister was accepted into 95th Division’s Drill Sergeant School, Okla. City, Oklahoma. During this six-month school, Meister’s perseverance earned him the Excellence in Fitness Award when he scored 356 points – out of a possible 300 – on the Army Physical Fitness Test.

Additionally, he successfully completed the Master Fitness Trainer Course and graduated in the top 20 percent of his drill sergeant class, placing him on the commandant’s list. By graduation in January 2000, he had earned a promotion to staff sergeant. 

Meister served as a drill sergeant for the next four years with the 95th Division. He attained his senior drill sergeant status, enlisted for a second term, and graduated from several Army courses, including the Army Combatives Course, two non-commissioned officer professional development courses and the Army Combat Lifesaver Course.

In 2002, he was promoted to sergeant first class and was awarded the U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year award.

In early 2004, Meister transferred to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he served as a civil affairs team sergeant. He graduated from both the Civil Affairs Reclassification Course and the Army First Sergeants Course.

He arrived at the 321st CA Brigade, San Antonio, Texas, February 2005, where he was promoted to master sergeant, and then accepted the position as first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. He deployed shortly thereafter in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the summer of 2005.

Meister’s military training included the Basic Infantryman Course, the Air Assault Course, Drill Sergeant Course, Professional Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, First Sergeant’s Course, the Civil Affairs Reclassification Course, the Master Fitness Course, the Army Combatives Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course.

His awards included two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, three Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three device, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge and the German Marksmanship Badge. Meister also earned the Ralph Haines Jr. Award for his drill sergeant achievements.

His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and 10-year Bronze Hour Glass Device, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Meister’s civilian education included a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas, and in his civilian occupation, he worked for Horizon Natural Resources, an independent oil and gas company, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A former middleweight Golden Gloves champion in Dallas, Texas, Meister also had an undefeated career in kickboxing.

First Sergeant Meister is survived by his wife, Alicia and his son, William of Jenks, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his parents, David and Judy, of Jenks, Oklahoma.

Cpl. George A. Lutz II was born on Dec. 12, 1980, in Suffolk, Virginia.

He was a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 9th Psychological Operations Battalion of the 4th Psychological Operations Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

He was killed in action northwest of Fallujah, Iraq, when he was struck with small arms fire during a combat patrol Dec. 29, 2005, there.

A resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Lutz enlisted into the Army in Richmond, Virginia, in 2004 as a private. 

Lutz completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and then went on to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he graduated from the Psychological Operations Specialist Course at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. 

Following his assignment at Fort Bragg, Lutz attended the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga., where he earned his Parachutist Badge in September 2004. Upon completion of the Basic Airborne Course, Lutz returned to the schoolhouse at Fort Bragg, where he graduated from the Tagalog Special Operations Forces Basic Military Language Course. He was promoted to private 1st class March 2005.

He arrived at his first and only duty station with the 9th POB later that year. In the wake of the destruction left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in September 2005, Lutz served as a member of a public information team who provided U.S. Army support to the hurricane relief efforts. He deployed shortly thereafter in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in fall 2005.

Lutz’s military training included the Basic Combat Training Course, the Psychological Operations Specialist Course, the Basic Airborne Course and the Tagalog Special Operations Forces Basic Military Language Course.

His awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutists Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

In addition to his posthumous promotion to the rank of corporal, Lutz’s posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Lutz’s civilian education included studying at Atlantic Shores Christian School, Chesapeake, Virginia, from 1995 to 1999 and Shenandoah University from 1999 to 2002.

Lutz is survived by his wife, Tiffany, his son, George III, and his daughter, Ava of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his parents, George Sr. and Patricia of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Staff Sgt. Clinton T. Newman was born on July 5, 1979, in Midland, Texas. He was a trained civil affairs noncommissioned officer assigned to the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas.

He died north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee Feb. 13, 2006.

A resident of San Antonio, Texas, Newman entered the U.S. Army as a private ithe Delayed Entry Enlistment Program in July 1996, one year before graduating from Pleasanton High School in Texas.

After his assignment at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he completed both basic training and advanced individual training as a Bradley fighting vehicle infantryman in the fall of 1997, Newman’s first duty assignment was with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, Baumholder, Germany. In the summer of 1998, he earned his Combat Lifesaver Qualification.

Upon completion of his overseas service in the fall of 1999, Newman had been promoted to private first class and specialist before beginning his short term in the Individual Ready Reserve. However, in October 1999, he re-entered the Army becoming qualified as an infantryman. Newman was assigned as an operations sergeant to the 1st Armored Division, Bad Kruetznach, Germany, where he served for approximately 15 months and completed his Primary Leadership Development Course.

Newman returned to the IRR in April 2001, and two months later, re-entered the Army Reserve. He graduated from the Civil Affairs Specialist Reclassification Course and was assigned to an Army Reserve special operations unit, the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas. He deployed with the unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in June 2003 and was promoted to sergeant during this rotation. He returned from Afghanistan in February 2004.

In March 2005, Newman completed the Basic Airborne Course and then redeployed shortly thereafter to Afghanistan with the 492nd Civil Affairs Bn. in Phoenix, Ariz. He was promoted to staff sergeant in June 2005.

Newman’s military training included the Driver’s Training Course, Infantryman Course, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Infantryman Course, Basic Infantryman Course, Basic Airborne Course, Professional Leadership Development Course, the Civil Affairs Reclassification Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course.

Newman’s awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals (3), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon and
the Parachutist Badge.

His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” mobilization device and the numeral “2” device, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Newman was awarded Army Reserve Soldier of the Year 2000.

His civilian education included attendance at the University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, where he studied criminal justice.

He took great pleasure in running, camping, fishing and spending time with his fellow Soldiers.

Newman is survived by his mother and stepfather, Deborah and Bill Agnew of Pleasanton, Texas, and his father and stepmother, Fred and Deborah Newman of Big Spring, Texas.

Spc. Teodoro Torres was born on Jan. 11, 1977, in Monroe County, New York. He was a trained civil affairs specialist assigned to the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, Abilene, Texas.

He died May 5, 2006, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device near Al Hillah, Iraq, struck his vehicle during combat operations in Iraq.

A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, Torres began his Army Reserve career Jan. 1, 1998, in Rochester, New York.

After Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Torres’ first duty station was at the 401st CA Bn., Webster, New York. Before his six-year enlistment contract expired, Torres was reassigned to the Individual Ready Reserve.

In February 2005, Torres received orders to report for duty to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in preparation for deployment overseas with the 490th CA Bn, Abilene, Texas.

On July 23, 2005, Torres married Yarissa Diaz-Baez in Cumberland County, North Carolina. He deployed to Iraq shortly thereafter and was killed in action at the age of 29 by known enemies of the United States of America.

Torres’ military training includes Basic Combat Training and the Civil Affairs Specialist School.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

Torres’ civilian education included attendance at Bishop Kearney High School, Rochester, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Yarissa, parents Carmen and Teodoro Sr., and his sister, Melissa, all of Rochester, New York.

1st Sgt. Carlos N. Saenz was born on Jan. 29, 1960, in Mexico. He was a trained civil affairs noncommissioned officer assigned to the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, Abilene, Texas.

He died May 5, 2006, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device near Al Hillah, Iraq, struck his vehicle during combat operations in Iraq.

A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, Saenz worked as a lieutenant in a local security company.

Saenz entered active duty through the Delayed Entry Program in 1978 and became an Army trained armored crewman with Company Bravo, 2nd Battalion, 508th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Between 1984 and 1994, Saenz was assigned to such units as Company Bravo, 1st Battalion, 221st Armor, Las Vegas, Nevada, the 72nd Military Police Company, Henderson, Nevada, Company Bravo, 1864th Transportation Company, Henderson, Nevada, and the Individual Ready Reserve. During these years, he served as military policeman in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He earned the rank of first sergeant in 2001.

In spring of 2005, he was ordered to active duty with the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion and was killed in action by known enemies of the United States of America.

Saenz’s military training includes Basic Combat Training, Anti-armor Advanced Individual Training, Basic Airborne Course, Jungle Warfare and Survival Course, Canadian Parachute School, Battle School (Canada), Basic Amphibious Training, Anti-armor Leader’s Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Total Army Training System Group Instructor Training Course, Motor Transportation Operator Course and the Civil Affairs Specialist Course.

His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, two Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with both the “M” device and numeral two, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Canadian Parachute Badge. His other awards include two Nevada National Army Meritorious Service Ribbons and the Nevada State Commendation Medal.

He is survived by his spouse, Nanette, and his son, Juan, both of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his father, Jose Tarin, of Mexico, his mother, Joaquina Chores, of Henderson, Nevada, his sisters, Maria Palacios , Elva Espinosa, Frances Ramirez-Castro, and his brother, Daniel Scott, all of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Dickinson II, a U. S. Army Special Operations Command Soldier died July 17, 2006, from wounds sustained while engaging enemies of the United States in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Dickinson, 26, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005.

A native of Michigan, Dickinson graduated from Harper Creek High School, Battle Creek in 1998.

Dickinson entered the Army in June of 1998 and completed initial entry training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After completing advanced individual training as a psychological operations specialist, he was assigned to the 9th POB., 4th PSYOP Group. During his Army career, he served in various positions with the 6th and 9th POBs. In August 2005, his last assignment took him back to 9th POB, as a team leader. He was a French linguist.

Dickinson’s military training includes the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Airborne Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, and the French Language Course.

Dickinson’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist badge.

His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Dickinson is survived by his wife, Glorygrace of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and children, Genesis, Juan, Jennifer, Angel and Abigail. He is also survived by his mother, Vicki Dickinson, of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Paul, was born on Aug. 8, 1963, in Hammond, Indiana. He was a trained civil affairs non-commissioned officer assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, Portland, Oregon.

While deployed to combat, he died in northeastern Afghanistan, when a vehicle bomb detonated near his up-armored Humvee during a patrol Sept. 8, 2006.

A resident of The Dalles, Oregon, Paul enlisted into the Army Reserve April 1, 1997, at the rank of specialist two years after graduation from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in urban planning and economic development.

Later in 1997, he completed his basic combat training and attended advanced individual training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from the Psychological Operations Specialist Course there and was immediately assigned to the 320th Psychological Operations Company, an Army Reserve Special Operations tactical PSYOP unit located in Portland, Oregon.

On Sept. 1, 2000, Paul was promoted to PSYOP team sergeant and then to staff sergeant in 2003. He was given greater responsibilities when he assumed the duties of PSYOP platoon leader and PSYOP team chief.

In 2003, Paul returned to the USAJFKSWCS and completed the Civil Affairs Reclassification Course. He was immediately assigned to the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, Santa Barbara, California, and deployed shortly thereafter to Iraq where he served as a CA team sergeant focusing on urban planning – his chief civilian skill.

Paul returned to the Middle East in spring of 2006 as a staff sergeant with the 364th when he mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military training included Basic Combat Training, Professional Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Office Course, Psychological Operations Specialist Course, Civil Affairs Specialist Course, Combat Lifesaver Course and the Equal Opportunity Representative Course.

His military awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and numeral two, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral two, Army Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with “W” (wheeled) Bar and the Marksman Weapons Qualification Badge.

In his civilian career, Paul worked for Wasco County, Oregon, as the senior land use planner. His civilian education included a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in Community Planning and Economic Development from the University of Maryland.

Paul is survived by his mother, Esther, of Chicago and father, Sheldon. He is also survived by his daughter, Ilena, and her mother, Bonnie, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and his sisters, Monica and Debra, of Chicago and Portland, Oregon.

Sgt. Adam L. Knox was born on January 26, 1985, in Ohio. He was a trained psychological operations non-commissioned officer assigned to the 346th Psychological Operations Company, Columbus, Ohio.

He died in Baghdad, Iraq, when his patrol encountered enemy small arms fire Sept. 17, 2006, while deployed to combat supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

A resident of Hilliard, Ohio, Knox entered the Army in Columbus on July 23, 2003, as a PSYOP specialist after his graduation from Westland High School, Ohio.

Knox began his military career at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he attended Basic Combat Training. He then went on to attend 13 weeks of advanced individual training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he studied to be a Psychological Operations Specialist.

In June 2004, Knox completed the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. Three months later, he completed the Air Assault Course at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Knox also earned his Polish Parachutist Badge in December of the same year during Operation Toy Drop, a joint, combined airborne operation held at Fort Bragg.

Knox’s military training included Basic Combat Training, Psychological Operations Specialist Course, Professional Leadership Development Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course.

Prior to this assignment, Knox was employed by S P Richards Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, he was working toward a career in contracted force protection. In 2005, he graduated from the Blackwater Training Center’s Force Protection Personal Security Course.

His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Polish Parachutist Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

Knox is survived by his mother, Deborah, of Hilliard, Ohio, and his brothers, Tony and Tommy, both of Columbus, Ohio.

Staff Sgt. Carlos Dominguez was born on Aug. 31, 1949, in Los Angeles. He was a trained civil affairs non- commissioned officer assigned to the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, Utica, New York.

He died in Taji, Iraq, when his patrol encountered an enemy emplaced roadside bomb Sept. 23, 2006, while deployed to combat supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

A resident of Savannah, Georgia, Dominguez was drafted into active duty in Jacksonville, Fla., in April, 1969. He attended basic combat training at Fort Ord, California. Throughout his active-duty enlistment, Dominguez held positions as rifleman, rifle team leader, squad leader, grenadier, personnel carrier driver, flight operations coordinator, chemical specialist and emergency action center operator.

His active duty overseas service included assignments to the U.S. Army Pacific, Republic of Korea, the U.S. Army South, Panama, the 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea and the 3rd Armored Division, Germany.

On Dec. 13, 1984, Dominguez’ transitioned from active duty to civilian life and settled in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife whom he married during June of 1972.

In September 2001, Dominguez voluntarily enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserve as a chemical operations specialist assigned to the 366th Chemical Company, Fort Stewart, Georgia, a subordinate unit of the 81st Regional Readiness Command. During his time with the 81st RRC, Dominguez mobilized with the 414th Chemical Company from Orangeburg, South Carolina, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In December 2005, Dominguez was transferred from the 81st RRC into the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) where he was trained as a civil affairs specialist. He deployed shortly thereafter to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Dominguez’ military training included Basic Combat Training; Professional Leadership Development Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Recondo Course; Jungle Warfare Course; Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Course; Mass Casualty Decontamination Course; Hazardous Materials Course; Aviation Operations Course; Civil Affairs Reclassification Course and the Combat Lifesaver Course.

His military awards included the five Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Marksman Qualification Badge.

In his civilian career, Dominguez was employed by United Distributors Inc., Savannah, Georgia, as a heavy truck driver.

Dominguez is survived by his wife, Kim Hye-Kyo, and his children, Marcella, Lisa and Richard Esteban, all of Savannah, Georgia.

Staff Sgt. Ronald L. Paulsen was born on May 13, 1953, in Portland, Oregon. He was a trained civil affairs sergeant assigned to the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, Utica, New York.

He died in Tarmiya, Iraq, when his patrol encountered a roadside bomb Oct. 17, 2006, while deployed to combat supporting the Global War on Terrorism. 

A resident of Vancouver, Washington, Paulsen entered the Army National Guard through the Army Delayed Entry Program in Portland, Jan. 19, 1977, just five years after he earned his GED from Portland State University.

Upon completion from advanced individual training as a material storage and handling specialist in 1982 at Fort Lee, Virginia, Paulsen’s first active-duty assignment was with the 2nd Infantry Division, Korea. For two years, Paulsen served in Korea and was then reassigned to the 539th Maintenance Company, Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was promoted to sergeant shortly thereafter and served as an assistant supply sergeant.

In 1985, Paulsen was reassigned to the 586th Maintenance Company, Germany, where he served for three years as a material storage and handling supervisor as well as a platoon sergeant. He earned his promotion to staff sergeant in 1986.

In the summer of 1988, Paulsen was assigned for two years to the 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas, where he served in several positions such as a range and ammunition non-commissioned officer, material storage and handling supervisor and a Class Eight supply yard non-commissioned officer.

Paulsen completed a six-month tour in support of the Persian Gulf War between 1990 and 1991, and then he returned to Germany to serve with the 1st Armored Division. In 1992, he entered into the Voluntary Early Transition Program and was assigned to the Inactive Ready Reserve until called to active duty in the fall of 2005 to support the Global War on Terrorism.

Paulsen’s military training include Basic Combat Training, Field Communications Electronic Equipment Repairman Course, Supplyman’s Course, Unit Supply Specialist Primary Technical Course, Small Arms Maintenance Course, Material Storage and Handling Specialist Course, Prescribed Load List Procedures Course, General Supply and Accountability Course, Watercraft Engineer Course, Hazardous Cargo Instructor Course, Wheeled Accident Avoidance Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-commissioned Officer’s Course, Advanced Non-commissioned Officer’s Course, Army Precommission Course, Equal Opportunity Representative Course, U.S. Army Europe Headstart Orientation Program, Headstart Command Language Program (German) and the Civil Affairs Specialist Course.

His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, one with combat distinguishing “V” device, three Army Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Driver and Mechanic Badge with “W” bar, Expert Weapons Qualification Badge and the German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge, Bronze. Paulsen’s posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

In his civilian career, Paulsen worked as a warehouse loadman for a railcar and barge manufacturer. He also enjoyed fishing and relaxing with his family on the Paulsen family boat.

Paulsen is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Vancouver, Washington. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry and Christopher, of Deer Island and Fairview, Oregon.

Sgt. Thomas E. Vandling was born on April 27, 1980, in Pittsburgh. He was a trained psychological operations specialist assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pennsylvania.

He died from injuries sustained when an Improvised Explosive Device near Babil Province, Iraq, struck his vehicle. Vandling deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

A resident of Pittsburgh, Vandling began his Army Reserve career Aug. 10, 2001, in the same city.

After completion of Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Vandling went on to study his Advanced Individual Training as a psychological operations specialist at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

His first and only duty station was with the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pennsylvania. While assigned to the 303rd, Vandling mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. He was attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, where he received the Guadalcanal patch.

Upon completion of his mission overseas in summer 2003, Vandling returned to collegiate life, attending The University of Pittsburgh. He doubled majored in both psychology and philosophy.

Three years passed before he answered the call to duty again in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vandling was promoted to sergeant and entered the prestigious non-commissioned officer corps during summer 2006.

Vandling’s military awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and numeral two Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Expert Weapons Qualification Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his parents Thomas and Dianne, of Pittsburgh. Vandling is also survived by his brothers and sister, James, Michael and Elizabeth, of Pittsburgh.

Capt. Brian S. Freeman was born on June 13, 1975, in California. He was a trained civil affairs officer assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, Whitehall, Ohio.

He died from wounds sustained when his team encountered both mortar and small arms fire near Karbala, Iraq. Freeman deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism Jan. 20, 2006.

A resident of Temecula, California, Freeman began his Army career Aug. 21, 1995, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Upon graduation in spring of 1999, he received both his baccalaureate degree in economics and his commission as a second lieutenant.

Freeman joined the active-duty Army for a five-year tour, serving as an armored scout platoon leader assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 2002, he was accepted into the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, Fort Carson, Colorado, with satellite duty at Lake Placid, New York, where he trained with other Olympic hopefuls from the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

Freeman began as a brakeman on the America’s Cup Bobsledding Team in 2002, and in the following year, he began sliding skeleton – a single-man, head-first luge. Two of his notable achievements earned him a 3rd in the America’s Cup for bobsledding at Lake Placid, New York, Dec. 10, 2002. He later placed 7th in U.S. BSF Lake Placid Skeleton Club Jan. 19, 2003.

In May of 2004, Freeman separated from active duty and joined the Inactive Ready Reserve where he remained until September 2005. Freeman answered his nation’s call to duty and mobilized and deployed with the 412th CA Battalion in April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His military education included the Armor Officer Basic Course, Scout Platoon Leader Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Air Assault Course, Basic Airborne Course and the Civil Affairs Course.

Freeman’s military awards include two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Weapons Qualification Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and his two children, Gunnar and Ingrid, all of Temecula, California. Freeman is also survived by his father, Randy, and step mother, Kathy, of Bakersfield, California, his mother, Kathy Snyder and step father, Al, of Mendon, Utah. Lastly, Freeman is also survived by his grandmother (paternal) Dottie, of Bakersfield, California, and his grandparents (maternal), Dwight and Irene Pound, of Solana Beach, California.

Maj. Alan Johnson was born on Dec. 30, 1962, in North Dakota. He was a trained civil affairs officer assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, New York.

He died Jan. 26, 2007, from wounds sustained when his team encountered an improved explosive device near Muqdadiyah, Iraq.

Johnson deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism in 2006.

A resident of Yakima, Washingon, Johnson graduated from Montpelier High School, North Dakota. Upon graduation, he entered into a five-year tour with the North Dakota. Army National Guard Oct. 31, 1980, specializing in engineering. Then Staff Sgt. Johnson earned his commission as a second lieutenant in 1986.

His first unit of assignment as a newly-commissioned officer was Company Alpha, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Jamestown, North Dakota, where he served as an engineer platoon leader. He commanded the platoon for approximately one year before he sought reassignment to the Washington state Army National Guard’s 303rd Armor Regiment. Johnson held various positions within several of the Regiment’s units such as scout platoon leader, air operations officer, tactical intelligence officer, executive officer and company commander.

In February 1999, he assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Kent, Washington. One year later, he transferred to the 420th Chemical Battalion, Yakima, Washington, to become the operations officer and then eventually the detachment commander.

Johnson returned to the 303rd Armor Regiment December 2000, where he served as a battalion supply officer before transferring to the 81st Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Seattle, Washington, to work as a logistics officer. After 23 years of serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, Johnson transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve’s 70th Regional Readiness Command, headquartered in Fort Lawton, Washington. He was assigned to the 476th Chemical Battalion, Seattle, Washington, as a chemical officer.

Near the end of 2005, Johnson was reassigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, New York, a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne). He mobilized and deployed to Iraq in April 2006 with the 402nd CA Battalion in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

His military schools include the Combat Engineer Course, North Dakota Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, Engineer Officer Basic Course, Tank Commander’s Course, Scout Platoon Leader’s Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Abrams Tank Transportation Training Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School and the Civil Affairs Course (Mobilization).

His military awards included two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, six Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver “hourglass” device (20 years) and “M” device (mobilization) Army Service Ribbon, pistol qualification badge, North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon, National Guard 20-year Service Ribbon and the Washington State Disaster Relief Ribbon.

Johnson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

In his civilian life, Johnson was employed by the Yakima County Department of Corrections as a shift sergeant. His civilian education included a bachelor’s of science degree in work force education from Southern Illinois University.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Victoria, and his step-daughter Megan, both of Yakima, Washington. He is also survived by his father, Wilfred Johnson, of Montpelier, North Dakota; his mother, Mary Ann Hansen, of Sanborn, North Dakota; his brothers, Wayne Johnson, of Brookville, Maryland, Bryan Johnson, of Bozeman, Montana, Jeremy Hansen, of Eckelson, North Dakota; and his sisters, Marilyn Waddington, of Harrah, Washington, and Susan Roemmich, of Spiritwood, North Dakota.

Sgt. Charles B. Kitowski III was born on Aug. 10, 1976, in Gulfport, Mississippi.  He was a trained psychological operations non-commissioned officer assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Company, Dallas. 

He died in eastern Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded next to his military vehicle during a patrol Aug. 12, 2007.

A resident of Farmers Branch, Texas, Kitowski graduated from St. Thomas High School, Houston.  He entered into the Army at the rank of specialist in Dallas, Jan. 5, 2005, upon graduation from the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.  Kitowski then graduated from the Army Automated Logistics Specialist Course at Fort Lee, Virginia.  He served in this duty position for one year before being reassigned as a Psychological Operations Specialist.  He attended the course of the same name, graduating Nov. 16, 2006, in Parma, Ohio.

In less than one month, Kitowski was called to active duty and mobilized with his unit of assignment to Afghanistan Dec. 1, 2006. 

His military training includes Basic Combat Training, Army Automated Logistics Specialist Course and the Army Psychological Operations Specialist Course. 

His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” (mobilization) device, Army Service Ribbon and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

Kitowski’s civilian education included a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

He was employed by Southwest Airlines, working in the finance department of the company’s headquarters in Dallas.

Kitowski is survived by both his parents, Chuck and Theresa Kitowski, of Katy, Texas.

Sgt. Michael R. Sturdivant was born March 9, 1987, in Mission Viego, California.  He was a trained civil affairs sergeant assigned to the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, North Little Rock, Arkansas. 

He died Jan. 22, 2008, from wounds sustained when his vehicle rolled over during convoy operations in Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

A resident of Conway, Arkansas, Sturdivant received his high school education through the home school program.  In 2004, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.  However, he chose to enlist into the U.S. Army Reserve for six years while concurrently attending Pulaski Technical College, Little Rock, Arkansas.  Two years later, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas where he studied mathematics.

His first and only unit of assignment was the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, North Little Rock, Arkansas, a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He was mobilized in November 2006 and deployed with the battalion shortly thereafter.  He was scheduled to return home to the United States in less than two weeks.

Sturdivant’s military schools include Basic Combat Training, Civil Affairs Specialist Course, Warrior Leadership Course, Combat Lifesaver Course and the IED Defeat Course. 

His military awards included the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.

In his civilian life, Sturdivant was studying as full-time college student and was an active participant in the Boy Scouts where he earned his Eagle Scout merit. 

He is survived by his parents, Victor and Cheryl, of Bonner, Montana. 

Maj. Scott A. Hagerty was born on Sept. 1, 1966, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  He was a trained civil affairs officer assigned to the 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, Pasadena, Texas. 

He died in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded next to his military vehicle during a patrol June 3, 2008.

A resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Hagerty graduated from Stillwater High School, Stillwater, Oklahoma.  He entered into the Army at the rank of specialist in Oklahoma City, during the fall of his senior year of high school in 1983.

Upon graduation in 1984, he entered into active-duty service to be an infantryman.  Three years later, into his second enlistment, Hagerty changed his military occupational specialty to be a crewman in air defense artillery, serving as a newly promoted corporal.

At the turn of the next decade, he departed active duty and began his 16-year Army Reserve career as an infantry drill sergeant.  After nearly three-and-a-half years as an ROTC cadet at Oklahoma State University, Hagerty earned his commission in the spring of 1993, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  In the same year, he completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

While assigned to the 1st Battalion, 291st Regiment in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Hagerty held such positions as executive officer and executive training officer.  He then transferred to the Shawnee, Oklahoma based Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 291st Regiment in 1995, where he served as a company commander twice and a battalion S4.  He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in 1996 and to rank of captain in 2001.

Just after he completed his commissioned officer’s advance course as a military policeman in 2004, Hagerty began his civil affairs career.  He transferred from the 291st Regiment to the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion located in Danbury, Connecticut, deploying with the battalion to Iraqi for one year.  In 2006, he transferred to the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion, Lubbock, Texas, in order to deploy in support of the Horn of Africa mission in Djibouti, Africa.  He returned to U.S. soil in the summer of 2007 and was promoted to the rank of major Nov. 4, 2007.

In February of 2008, Hagerty was assigned to the 451st CA BN, Pasadena, Texas, and shortly thereafter he deployed with the unit to Afghanistan.

His military training includes Basic Combat Training, NBC School, Field Artillery Basic Officer’s Course, Security Management Course, Company Supply Course, Military Police Advanced Officer’s Course and the Civil Affairs Officer Course. 

His military awards included two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medal, three Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” (mobilization) device and numeral “2,” the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Tracked Vehicle Bar and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

Hagerty’s civilian education included a Bachelor of Political Science from Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma.

He was employed by National Standard, an industrial wire products headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, working as a 29-line operator.  He was also a member of the Church of the Nazarene.

Hagerty is survived by his wife, Daphne, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and their two sons, Jonathan Barrett and Samuel Aren.  He is also survived by both his parents, Don and Shirley of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Maj. Dwayne M. Kelley was born on May 25, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. He was a trained civil affairs officer assigned to the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Tactical), Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

He was killed in action in Iraq Jun. 24, 2008, from a bomb blast while deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Sadr City, Iraq. 

He entered the Army in February 1978, and served for three years as a light wheel vehicle mechanic until February 1981.  From 1982 to 1985, Kelley completed his studies at Rutgers University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  He graduated in May of 1985 from the ROTC program, earning his commission as a U.S. Army Reserve second lieutenant in the Ordnance branch.  

Kelley served as an ordnance officer from his graduation until 1999, when he changed his military occupational specialty to military police. He served as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander for the 2nd Battalion of the 309th Regiment, Fort Dix, New Jersey, from April 1999 until April 2001.

He was mobilized as a military police officer in October 2001 shortly after Sept. 11, 2001 in support of Operation Noble Eagle.  He served two years, with the 2^nd Battalion of the 309th Regiment, 5th Brigade, 78th Division (Training Support) at Fort Dix, New Jersey. 

Kelley became a Civil Affairs officer in October 2004 and was reassigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion at Fort Dix, New Jersey, serving as the unit’s executive officer.  In 2005, he became the assistant operations officer assigned to the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, Staten Island, New York.  Kelley served in this position until his second mobilization in November 2007 with the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was serving as their Civil Affairs Team Chief.

His military training includes Basic Combat Training, Ordnance Officer’s Basic and Advance Course, Military Police Officer Advance Course, Civil Affairs Qualification Course, and is a Command and General Staff College graduate.

His military awards included two Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass and with “M” (mobilization) device and the Army Service Ribbon. 

He was employed by the New Jersey State Police as detective sergeant first class. 

Kelley is survived by his wife and daughter, both of South Orange, New Jersey.  He is also survived by his mother of Willingboro, New Jersey.

Sgt. Federico G. Borjas, 33, was a trained U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs non-commissioned officer, assigned to A Co, 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, located in San Diego, California. The 416th CA Battalion is part of the 351st Civil Affairs Command, in Mountain View, California.

Borjas died on October 16, 2008, from wounds sustained when his Civil Affairs team encountered small arms fire near their base in Afghanistan.

He first entered military service in 1993, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps as a motor transport operator, where he served for eight years until March 2001. 

Borjas joined the U.S Army Reserve in 2007 and was assigned to “A” Company, 416th Civil Affairs Battalion in San Diego, Calif. That same year he graduated from the civil affairs specialist course and became a civil affairs non-commissioned officer for his unit. He attended several U.S. Army schools before his deployment to Afghanistan in 2008.

U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Timothy Jones said he was one of the most professional individuals he has ever known, and regarded him as an outstanding Soldier and citizen.

“We got to know each other well because he was a former U.S. Marine like me, so we became the best of friends, he was so dedicated in everything he did, to his daughter and family, to his profession as a San Diego Police Officer and to serving his country,” said Jones.

His military schools included U.S. Marine Corp Recruit Training (Boot Camp), USMC Motor Transport MOS Course, Marine Corps Combat Training, U.S. Marine Reconnaissance Course, NCO Basic Non-Residential program, USMC Corporals Course, U.S. Army Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic Airborne School, Civil Affairs Specialist Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, and Army Combatives Course (Level-1). 

Sgt. Borjas’ military awards included Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass and with “M” (mobilization) device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. 

He was employed by the San Diego Police Department where he served for over nine years. 

Borjas is survived by his daughter, his mother and father, and his brother.

1st Sgt. Blue C. Rowe, a U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs Soldier died May 26, 2009, from injuries sustained in an improvised explosive device attack while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom near Panjshir, Afghanistan. 

Rowe, 33, was a civil affairs noncommissioned officer assigned to Company D, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) (Special Operations), stationed in Upland, California. 

Rowe entered the active Army in May of 1994, and served as a military policeman until 2002.  From 2002 to 2009, he served in several positions with the U.S. Army Reserve, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, Upland, Calif., to include Civil Affairs Noncommissioned Officer, Civil Affairs Team Leader and First Sergeant.

In May of 2008 Rowe received an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California. Rowe was also a graduate of the Primary Leadership Development Course, and the Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses.

While on active duty Rowe served as a military policeman in Korea, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was mobilized in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2004 through July of 2005. He returned to the Ready Reserve where he was mobilized in July of 2008 for duty in Afghanistan.

1st Sgt. Rowe’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and numeral “2” device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Third award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Superior Unit Award, Parachutist Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Expert Marksman Badge.

Posthumous awards include the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.

He was employed by Northrop Grumman.

Rowe is survived by his wife and son, both of Whittier, California.  He is also survived by his parents, both of Arkansas

Pfc. Alan H. Newton, a U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs Soldier died Oct. 2, 2009, from injuries sustained in an attack while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom near the village of Murcheh, Afghanistan. 

Pfc. Alan H. Newton, 26, was a civil affairs specialist assigned to Company A, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion (Tactical), stationed in Greensboro, North Carolina.
 

Pfc. Newton started his military career in 2003 as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Fire Direction Specialist in the North Carolina National Guard and in 2007 transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.

Newton is a 2002 graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro, North Carolina.

His military training includes the Multiple Launch Rocket System Fire Direction Specialist Course and the Civil Affairs Specialist Course.

His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze “M” Device, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. Posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Pfc. Newton is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Riley, and his mother, Joyce Woodell, all of North Carolina.

Capt. Benjamin Sklaver, a U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs Soldier died Oct. 2, 2009, from injuries sustained in attack while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom near village of Murcheh, Afghanistan. 

Capt. Benjamin Sklaver, 32, was a civil affairs officer assigned to the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion (Tactical), Company A, stationed in Greensboro, North Carolina.

From 1995 to 1999, Sklaver attended Tufts University earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.  He went on to complete a master’s degree from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy also at Tufts University.

He first entered military service in August 2001 via an ROTC scholarship, earning his commission in 2003 as a U.S. Army Reserve second lieutenant in the military intelligence branch. Sklaver became a civil affairs officer in May 2006 and was reassigned to the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, in Greensboro, North Carolina

.

His military training includes Military Intelligence Officer’s Basic and Advance Course, the Civil Affairs Qualification Course, and the U.S. Army Airborne School.

His military awards include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Numeral “2” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “2” Device, Parachutist Badge.

Posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

He was employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Manhattan, New York. 

Capt. Sklaver is survived by his mother Laura and father Gary Sklaver of Hamden, Connecticut, his brother Samuel and his sister Anna.

Spc. Steven Jesse Bishop, 29, of Christiansburg, Va., died March 13, 2010 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher in northern Iraq from a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to Company C, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion (Tactical), stationed in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Bishop joined the U.S. Army Reserve in April, 2008, attending basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. and civil affairs advanced initial training at Fort Bragg. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June, 2009. As a civil affairs specialist, Bishop’s responsibilities included engaging key leaders, gathering atmospherics, conducting interviews with
the Iraqi populace and coordinating the commander’s emergency relief program.

Bishop graduated from Floyd County High School in 1999. He is survived by his parents, Clyde and Cleo Bishop, of Floyd, Virginia.