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.