Remembering 1LT Benjamin Hall, Killed in Action 31 July 2007

1LT Benjamin Hall

28 December 1982 – 31 July 2007

Laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Secton 60 Site 8648

1LT Hall was a platoon leader of Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, which is based in Vicenza, Italy during Operation Enduring Freedom VIII (OEF 8). He had been in Afghanistan only 70 days when he was killed in action

"Everything he knew was the military," John Hall said. "His mother told him to be anything other than a soldier he said he wanted to serve his country."

The military is in the Halls' blood. John Hall is a retired Army colonel. Both of Hall's grandfathers served in World War II; his great-grandfather in World War I; and his great-great-grandfather was a Union soldier in the Civil War.

The 2005 Michigan Tech University graduate was a mentor to the cadets who served under him. Professors and cadets at MTU remember him as "a solid foundation like a rock that everyone could depend on." 1LT Hall graduated at the top of his class and in the top 5% of all ROTC graduates nationwide.

"When the moment of truth came he was found out in the front exposed and leading his men" said LTC Todd Johnston said in 2007 during 1LT Hall's memorial service at Caserma Ederle in Italy.

Please take a minute to click on the two links at the bottom of this post to read more about what 1LT Hall's family, battle buddies and friends have to say about this amazing young man taken way too soon.

1LT Benjamin John Hall was born 28 December 1982 in Texas. The son of an Army Officer, 1LT Hall frequently moved from station to station living in both Europe and the United States. One of Ben’s greatest accomplishments as a child was earning the right to be an Eagle Scout.

After graduating from high school in 2001, he went on to higher education at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan earning his degree in International Relations in 2005. In June of the same year, 1LT Hall was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry.

In April 2006, Ben Hall arrived to Vicenza, Italy and to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, where he was assigned to 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry. He was then assigned to be the Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon, Destined Company.

While serving as Platoon Leader, 1LT Hall participated in three Germany training deployments, multiple local training area deployments and he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.

1LT Ben Hall’s awards include the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge. 1LT Hall has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.
SOURCES for blog post:

Fredericksburg dot com
ArlingtonCemetery dot net

Remembering PFC Juan Restrepo, Killed in Action 22 July 2007, Kunar Province, Afghanistan

I apologize that this didn't post on 22 July.  I thought I had set the "auto post" up to post on 22 July while I was away for a few days but I didn't.

PFC Juan Sebastian Restrepo

7 October 1986 – 22 July 2007

Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

PFC Juan S. Restrepo was born 7 October 1986 in Neiva, Columbia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 22 February 2006.

During his time in service, PFC Restrepo completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia; Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 22 November 2006, PFC Restrepo’s reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy with the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team with assignment to 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry – The Rock. PFC Restrepo was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company. He immediately found his home among the combat tested Soldiers of 2nd Platoon – The Spartans. PFC Restrepo trained, deployed, and fought with his Battle Hard brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. PFC Restrepo distinguished himself as an exemplary medic and as one of the finest Soldiers in the Battle Hard ranks.

PFC Juan S. Restrepo’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge and the Combat Medical Badge

Rest in peace brave warrior.  We will never forget you or your sacrifice.

Remembering SSG James Christen, KIA Kunar Province, Afghanistan 19 July 2011

I apologize that this didn't post on July 19th.  I thought I had set this up to auto post while I was away for a few days.

SSG James Christen

10 July 1982 - 19 July 2011

SSG Christen was killed in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Christen was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. This was Christen’s third deployment overseas. He previously served two tours in Iraq.

James was married to Lauren Christen.  They had been married for 8 years.  Although known as a quiet guy he was also known by all who loved him as one with a keen sense of humor.  More so he was known as a man who would give the shirt off of his back to his friends.  Soldiers who served with James say that he was a stand up guy who they all respected because he respected them.

Christen's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (both posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Star, Iraq Campaign with Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Profession Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

SSG Christen is sorely missed by those who knew him in both civilian and military life.  His smile, laugh, love and compassion made all those around him feel at ease.

Rest in peace brave warrior.  Will will never allow you or your sacrifice to be forgotten.

Remembering SSG Michael Schafer Killed in Action 25 July 2005, Afghanistan

SSG Michael Schafer

16 August 1979 to 25 July 2005

From Memory of dot com:

"Michael was born August 16, 1979, in Waukegan, Illinois. He moved to Spring Hill, Florida, from Crown Point, Indiana, when he was in the fifth grade.

Michael played Little League at Deltona Park. He liked the scariest rides. He sat with the cool kids in the back of the bus in middle school.

He won the Iron Man trophy playing eighth-grade football for coach Bill Vonada. The trophy's still in the attic at his parents' home here.

Basketball was his favorite sport, and Michael Jordan was his favorite player. He had posters of him all over the wall in his room and even a life-size cardboard cutout in the corner. He once told his mom he was going to name his first child Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan Schafer. In driveway pickup games, his best move was straight to the hoop: full speed, straight ahead. When he played for the school, he dived for loose balls and cheered the loudest from the bench.
As a senior at Springstead High School, he had off campus lunch, and he and his friends would eat at Taco Bell or Subway on the corner of Mariner and Spring Hill. "He wasn't popular because he was flashy," Coach Vonada said. "He was popular because he was genuine."

Once, at the corner of Mariner and Linden, he got into a bad car wreck in his two-door Ford Escort. He had to be taken away in a Bayflite helicopter. He got baptized after that at Spring Hill Baptist Church. God was looking after him, everybody said.

He graduated from Springstead in 1998. He worked as a lifeguard at Weeki Wachee's Buccaneer Bay and then the Innsbrook resort in Palm Harbor.

He enlisted in the Army in January of 1999 at the storefront recruiting office behind the Applebee's near the junction of State Road 50 and U.S. 41.

He did basic training and Airborne school in Fort Benning, Georgia, then was in the 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, N.C. He reupped after his first three-year tour. He was currently serving with Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy. He would have gotten out in January 2007.

He was married on December 30, 2000 to the former Danielle Daye - their honeymoon was in a hotel room on Clearwater Beach. He had to be in Kosovo within the week.

One day in Kosovo, one of his fellow soldiers on the peacekeeping mission dared him to eat a grub for five bucks. Mike ate two.
He was one of the first paratroopers to jump into Kirkuk, Iraq, in March 2003. He helped secure a landing strip. He did nine months there and was awarded the Bronze Star. While serving in Iraq, two of his good friends were killed. One friend was killed when Mike, who was given the chance to come home for two weeks, turned it down so his friend could go home instead and meet his newborn child. After getting on a bus to take leave, his friend was killed, leaving Mike crushed. Before being deployed to Afghanistan, Mike went to see his friend's parents.

He got a tattoo on his leg. It had a cross, a star and dog tags that were red, white and blue. "My Fallen Brothers," it said.

The last time Mike was home was Christmas 2004.
Mike talked about being a paramedic, a police officer, a firefighter - maybe even a Secret Service agent - but he went back to his home base in Vicenza, Italy, in January, then left for Afghanistan in April. He was to be there for a year. He had time off scheduled for October.

He was a member of a quick-response unit dispatched to help fellow soldiers under fire. He was killed around 6:00 a.m. Afghanistan time Monday, July 25, 2005. He was on a patrol near Kandahar, in a town called Oruzgan when he was shot once. He was up front as a squad leader. He told his squad to run, which is when he was shot again.

Michael is survived by his wife, Danielle; a son, Devin, Fredericksburg, Va.; his mother and step-father, Karen and Daniel Barr, Spring Hill, FL; his father, Mark Schafer, Virginia; two brothers, Timothy Barr, Spring Hill, and Mark Schafer, Williamsburg; a sister, Sarah Schafer, Williamsburg; his maternal grandfather, Ronald Forbes, Spring Hill; his paternal grandparents, Ed and Toni Schafer, Crown Point, Ind.; Standish and Loretta Barr, Spring Hill; his maternal great-grandmother, Inez Rose, Hobart, Ind.; his paternal great-grandfather, Howard Barr, Crown Point; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews."

Here is a memorial video with both still photos and videos of Mike that his widow, Danielle, posted on her facebook:



Rest in peace brave warrior.  Will will never allow you or your sacrifice to be forgotten.

Four Years Ago Today 9 Brave Men Gave Their Lives For Our Nation at Wanat, Afghanistan. Many other lives were changed forever.

In the early morning hours of 13 July 2007 all hell broke loose on a group of American Soldiers at Wanat, Afghanistan.  Nine American Heroes died that day.  Nine men who had given so much for this nation and had so much more to give and so much more life to live.  Please take time to honor and remember these men.



My heart still aches for these American Heroes, their families, friends and their comrades in arms.

They haven't been honored enough.  May they be allowed Rest In Peace for eternity and may their families always know that their sacrifice is not and will never be unnoticed or forgotten nor will these men ever be forgotten.

One thing I can tell you - any news report you may have read about this battle doesn't even begin to depict the intensity. To the men who survived and allow me to be a part of your lives - I've never known love the way I do when I am around you. To the medevac teams - God Bless you for the bravery you showed that day. I'm told it's almost impossible for you to fly and land the birds the way you did.

Today the 2-503d is back in Afghanistan.  I'm told some of the Chosen Few are firing illumination rounds into the night sky to honor their fallen brothers.  Intensely fitting and moving.

1LT Jonathan Brostrom

22 AUGUST 1983 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

1LT Jonathan P. Brostrom was born on 22 August 1983 in Stuttgart, Germany. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army on 15 May 2006.

1LT Brostrom participated in the ROTC program at the University of Hawaii and while a cadet, he attended Airborne School, Air Assault School, and the U.S. Navy Scuba Divers Course. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources in 2006, he received his commission as a U.S. Army Infantry Second Lieutenant.

1LT Brostrom graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School prior to reporting to Vicenza, Italy on 26 June 2007. Shortly afterward, 1LT Brostrom deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Leader.

1LT Brostrom served for eight months in Afghanistan as Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon. During his deployment, 1LT Brostrom led countless combat patrols and was responsible for the defense of Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

1LT Brostrom’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Ranger Tab.

SGT Israel Garcia

19 JANUARY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SGT Israel Garcia was born on 19 January 1984 in Nayarit, Mexico. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 October 2002.

After completing One Station Unit Training and Airborne School, SGT Garcia was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Rifleman and later as a Rifle Team Leader. SGT Garcia deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.

In July 2006, SGT Garcia was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Team Leader. He deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his deployment to Afghanistan, SGT Garcia participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

SGT Garcia’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Jonathan Ayers

4 MAY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jonathan R. Ayers was born on 4 May 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 26 April 2006.

After completing One Station Unit Training and graduating from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Ayers reported to Vicenza, Italy and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M249 Machine Gunner.

CPL Ayers deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. While serving in Afghanistan, CPL Ayers participated in numerous combat patrols and air assault operations. He also helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Ayers’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Jason Bogar

19 FEBRUARY 1983 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jason M.C. Bogar was born on 19 February 1983 in Washington State. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard on 12 September 2001.

After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Bogar was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 161 Infantry Regiment (National Guard) as a Rifleman. CPL Bogar deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before transferring to Active Duty and PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.

CPL Bogar was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in November 2007 and joined Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Bogar participated in numerous combat operations to include combat patrolling from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Bogar’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.

CPL Jason Hovater

10 AUGUST 1983 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Jason D. Hovater was born on 10 August 1983 in Tennessee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 9 February 2006.

After completing One Station Unit Training, CPL Hovater attended Airborne School and was subsequently assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as an Automatic Rifleman. While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Hovater deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.

In Afghanistan, CPL Hovater participated in numerous combat patrols as an M203 Grenadier. On one such patrol on 8 March 2008, CPL Hovater’s element came under heavy enemy fire from multiple locations. For his bravery that day CPL Hovater was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/ Valor.

CPL Hovater’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Matthew Phillips

13 APRIL 1981 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Matthew B. Phillips was born in 13 April 1981 in Florence, Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 22 November 2005.

After enlisting, CPL Phillips completed One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon completion of Airborne School he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner.

CPL Phillips deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Phillips participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan. For his outstanding service throughout the deployment he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

CPL Phillips’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Pruitt Rainey

21 FEBRUARY 1986 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Pruitt A. Rainey was born on 21 February 1986 in Rockingham, North Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 10 August 2005.

CPL Rainey graduated from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program before being assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment on 28 February 2006. CPL Rainey most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner in 2nd Platoon.

CPL Rainey deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his deployment, CPL Rainey participated in countless combat patrols and air assault operations. He also defended and conducted patrols from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.

CPL Rainey’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Gunnar Zwilling

29 APRIL 1988 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Gunnar W. Zwilling was born on 29 April 1988 in Fountain Valley, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 February 2006.

CPL Zwilling attended One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After earning his Airborne Wings, he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Grenadier and later as an Assistant Machine Gunner.

While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Zwilling deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. Throughout his deployment, CPL Zwilling participated in numerous combat patrols and air assaults that disrupted enemy operations. His actions brought security to the Afghan population in Kunar Province.

CPL Zwilling’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SPC Sergio Abad

15 MARCH 1987 – 13 JULY 2008

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Sergio S. Abad was born on 15 March 1987 in Miami, Florida. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 17 January 2006.

SPC Abad completed training as an 11C Mortarman from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program, 75th Ranger Regiment before being assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in August 2006.

SPC Abad deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. He served with HHC for 10 months before being assigned to Chosen Company as a 120mm Mortar Gunner. During his time with Chosen, SPC Abad participated in countless fire missions in support of friendly troops on the ground.

SPC Abad’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/ combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

For their acts of Heroism and Bravery on 13 July 2008 the Fallen Soldiers from the Battle of Wanat were awarded the following posthumously:

LT Brostrom - Silver Star
SGT Garcia - Silver Star
CPL Ayers - Silver Star
CPL Bogar - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Hovater - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Phillips - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Rainey - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Zwilling - Army Commendation Medal w/V
CPL Abad -Army Commendation Medal w/V

REMEMBER AND HONOR THEM ALWAYS

Former Army SGT Daniel Rodriguez Triumphs Against All Odds

Daniel Rodriguez didn't grow up yearning to be in the military. As a matter of fact, despite his small stature, he set his goals on playing Division I college football.  In his senior year of high school he was captain of the football team.  The team had a 6-4 record and won a share of the district championship.  It was the first time in a decade that his school's football team went to a state playoff game. 

However, not unlike many youth in our nation, during his teens his parents split. In his junior year of high school his mother had left the family and moved from Virginia to Texas.  A year later his father died unexpectedly from a heart attack. Within three weeks of his father's death Dan was at a recruiter's office signing up to join the Army.  Any plans he had to play college football were put on hold if not forgotten.

SGT Rodriguez had previously served a year long tour in Iraq during the surge of 2007. In that deployment he lost twenty of his friends to war. Dan returned from his tour in Iraq with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by being in the vicinity of a plethora of roadside bombs/IEDs.

Thirteen months after returning from his deployment in Iraq, SGT Rodriguez was deployed to Afghanistan with 4th BDE, 4th ID, 3-61 CAV - the Black Knights.  In the early morning hours of October 3, 2009 Soldiers from his unit were, mostly, asleep when all hell broke loose on OP Fritsche and COP Keating (Kamdesh) in Nuristan province of eastern Afghanistan along the Pakistani border.  Twenty one year old SGT (at the time PVT) Daniel Rodriguez was awake and was checking his email when the first rockets hit COP Keating where he was.   

The Battle of COP Keating raged for 24 hours.  During the battle, SGT Rodriguez saw one of his best friends, PVT Kevin Thomson, killed.  SGT Rodriguez was able to recover his body as the battle raged.  SGT Rodriguez, himself, was hit in the shoulder by a bullet and was in close enough proximity of several RPG rounds hitting.  He sustained shrapnel in both of his legs and his neck from the blasts of the rockets hitting the combat outpost.

When the battle was finally over COP Keating was little more than a smoldering heap.  The majority of the COP had burned during the battle.  All 45 of the survivors lost everything except what was on their backs.  Many had fought for two days in t shirts, boxer shorts and body armor.  Eight American Soldiers died in the battle.  Twenty two were wounded.  For his efforts that day, SGT Rodriguez was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor.  He was also awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds.  Many others of his comrades were decorated for their valor that day.  There are still at least two awards (neither for SGT Rodriguez) working through the process.

Many of you who read this blog as well as hundred, if not thousands, of Americans joined together to replace the non military person items the survivors lost.  You can read about that effort here.  Additionally, Mark Seavey spearheaded a drive by the American Legion to aid in assisting the survivors to get back on their feet.  Their amazing efforts can be read about here.

It wasn't until October 6th (three days after the battle began) that the survivors were airlifted out to FOB Bostick.  Once there they were met by CPT Katie Kopp, the brigade psychologist.  I've spoken with some of the men who survived COP Keating and they all credit CPT Kopp with, not only being a huge source of support and comfort for them in the days after the battle but for her continued support even to this day.  CPT Kopp has since returned to Afghanistan.  From all that the men have spoken about her I can never thank her enough for what she does.  I hope to have the privilege of meeting her one day to thank her.

Upon his return from Afghanistan he was diagnosed with both TBI and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).  The demons were constant and fierce.  SGT Rodriquez's sister worried about him and what his future would be.  SGT Rodriguez left the Army when his enlistment was up.  He remembered his dream of playing Division I football and began to work out like a beast.  He was doing this for himself and for his fallen brothers.

I urge all of you to watch this video of Dan.  He more than inspires me.



I also urge you to read this article (where I grabbed the video). 

This past Friday, Dan was given permission to walk on to play college football at Clemson University.  He will us his GI Bill to pay for his college.  Dan may only stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and weight 175 pounds but to me he is a giant among men.  I'm not sure how his heart fits inside his chest.

Here is the original video that was made in Dan's efforts to play college football:



You can read more about Dan here, here and here.

I'm not a football fan but I assure you I will be rooting for Dan and for the Clemson Tigers.  GO DAN GO!!!  I wish you all the best and cannot wait to read that you have made the team.  Regardless of where this goes from here you inspire me.  You inspire all those who know you.  There is no better role model for anyone in this nation.

One last note for those who follow this blog.  Please go to this link to read about and remember the eight Heroes who died at COP Keating on October 3, 2009.  Dan, we will NEVER forget your fallen brothers.

Remembering SPC Christopher S. Honaker and SPC Joseph Miracle

SPC Christopher S. Honaker and SPC Joseph Miracle died July 5, 2007 of wounds sustained from enemy small-arms fire and indirect fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan.  Both men were members of Able Company, 2nd Battaltion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment based in Vicenza, Italy.

Please take a minute from your day to read about and remember these two American Heroes who gave their last full measure for our nation.  It is the very least we can do to ensure that their lives and their sacrifice are never forgotten. 

May God continue to rest their souls and to bring comfort to their families, battle buddies and friends,

SPC Christopher S. Honaker

25 September 1983 – 05 July 2007

Able Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Christopher S. Honaker was born 25 September 1983 in Havelock, North Carolina. He enlisted in the US Army on 5 January 2006.

During his time in Service he completed Basic Infantry Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. SPC Honaker then joined the ranks of the 2D Battalion 503D (Airborne) and the 173D Airborne Brigade Combat Team. He immediately found his home among the combat tested Soldiers of Able Company, 2-503D and he deployed with his Warlord brothers to combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.   SPC Honaker distinguished himself as an exemplary M249 Gunner and as one of the finest Soldiers in the Spartan Ranks.

SPC Christopher Honaker’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with V device for Valor, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

SPC Joseph Miracle

06 November 1984 – 05 July 2007

Able Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Joseph Miracle was born 06 November 1984 in Ortonville, Michigan. He enlisted in the US Army on 18 April 2006.

During his time in Service he completed Basic Infantry Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.  SPC Miracle then joined the ranks of the 2D Battalion 503D (Airborne) and the 173D Airborne Brigade Combat Team. He immediately found his home among the combat tested Soldiers of Able Company, 2-503D and he deployed with his Warlord brothers to combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.   SPC Miracle distinguished himself as an exemplary rifleman and as one of the finest Soldiers in the Spartan Ranks.

SPC Joseph Miracle’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal  with V device for Valor, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Earlier this year (2012), SPC Honaker's sister, SSG Charlene Honaker Navarrette was deployed to Afghanistan and visited COP Honaker Miracle, named in memory of SPC Honaker and SPC Miracle, to pay her respects.