Remembering PFC Timothy Vimoto who was Killed In Action on June 5, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afganistan

2 August 1987 - 5 June 2007

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

PFC Timothy R. Vimoto was born 2 August 1987 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He enlisted in the US Army on 2 November 2006.

During his time in Service he completed Basic Infantry Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. PFC Vimoto then joined the ranks of the Southern European Task Force (Airborne) and the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. He immediately found his home among the combat tested Soldiers of Battle Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry and he deployed with his Battle Hard brothers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII. PFC Vimoto distinguished himself as an exemplary rifleman and as one of the finest Paratroopers in the Battle Hard ranks.

PFC Vimoto’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 Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. PFC Vimoto has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal with V device for valor during combat operations in the Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

So many hearts are extremely heavy today as the Soldiers of the ROCK remember their fallen Hero.   Rest in peace PFC Vimoto.  You are never forgotten.

Army Names Fort Bliss Soldier Family Care Center In Memory of SPC Hugo V. "Doc" Mendoza

On Thursday April 12, 2012 the Army held a Memorial Naming Ceremony at Fort Bliss/Biggs Airfield, TX to rename the Soldier Family Care Center to the "SPC Hugo V. Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center" in memory of SPC Hugo "Doc" Mendoza. SPC Mendoza was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 25, 2007.  The 143,000 square foot clinic is the largest free standing clinic in the Army.

SPC Hugo V. Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center

It could not have been a more beautiful day for the ceremony.  As you can see from the photo above, the sky was blue.  The temperatures were moderate.  There was a bit of a breeze from time to time.

SPC Mendoza was killed in action on October 25, 2012 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan while tending to his wounded battle buddies during an ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche. 

SPC Hugo Mendoza in Afghanistan during OEF VIII

SPC Mendoza enlisted in the U.S. Army on 31 May 2005.  During his time in service, he completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 6 March 2006, SPC Mendoza reported to his first duty station at Caserma, Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK.   SPC Mendoza was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company.   He immediately found his home among the combat warriors of 1st Platoon – The Celts.   SPC Mendoza trained, deployed and fought side by side with his band of brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.   SPC Mendoza distinguished himself in The ROCK as a heroic medic, charismatic Paratrooper, and an overall altruistic human being.

On October 25, 2007 as the paratroopers were making their way back to the KOP (Korengal Outpost) when they were ambushed by the enemy (use right and left arrows to see more about the ambush).  The enemy had set up a classic "L" shaped ambush in anticipation of the paratroopers.  SPC Mendoza, while not shown in the slides at the link above, was wounded almost immediately but continued to both return fire and treat the wounded until he succumbed to his wounds.

As the Army band and the high school choir played and sang the Nation Anthem a huge gust of wind came barreling through the venue.  The wreath in front of the speaker's podium slammed face first into the ground. Then the tents were lifted off the ground. The poles came loose from the tents in a couple of places. Some Soldiers ran to secure the tents to keep them from slamming down on the crowd. No one (other than the Soldiers securing the tents) seemed to move and the choir never missed a note. I have to confess that the hair on my neck stood up. The ceremony continued with a few much less strong gusts from time to time. After the ceremony was over all of the paratroopers were in agreement that the blast of wind was Hugo checking in to say "all is well". An incredibly poignant moment.

COL (Dr) Bruce Adams, the outgoing chief of medical staff at William Beaumont Army Medical Center spoke at the ceremony.  He said,

"Soldiers join the Army to serve the nation," Adams said. "Medics join the Army to serve soldiers. It's a sacred bond." It took a year and a half to get this honor for Mendoza approved by the Army, Adams said.  Three criteria had to be met to have the clinic named after him -- display distinguished service, have a local connection and be a doctor, nurse or medic." 

COL Adams also said about SPC Mendoza, "The El Pasoan exemplified what it means to be a combat medic."

COL (Dr) Bruce Adams

After COL Adams spoke SSG Sal Giunta, who served with SPC Mendoza and was in the ambush that fateful day, spoke about Hugo.  In part, Sal said, "I promise you he was an honest-to-goodness hero," said Salvatore Giunta, a former Army staff sergeant and a Medal of Honor recipient who attended the ceremony. "And he was a great man.  Seeing Mendoza have a medical clinic named after him is "bittersweet," said Giunta.

"He was the type of man who wanted to do good things for other people," said Giunta.   "He's no longer here to do that, and we'll now have to step up and live our lives by helping others out and treating people with respect like he did."

SSG (r) Sal Giunta - Medal of Honor Recipient for his actions on the same day that SPC Mendoza was killed by the enemy

After COL Adams and SSG Giunta finished their remarks they accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza and SPC Mendoza's two brothers to the beautiful garden in front of the Soldier Family Care Center to unveil the plaque honoring SPC Mendoza.

Mendoza family unveiling the plaque

The plaque located in the garden outside the center

Plaque in the garden

Then the Soldiers in attendance who had served with SPC Mendoza unveiled the wall in the garden.

SSG Sal Giunta, Chris Izell, John Michem, Chris Shelton and Kyle Zaski unveiled the wall

The crowd was invited to move into the lobby of the center for the remainder of the ceremony.  Once inside the following collage was unveiled:

Collage of portraits and replica of the plaque in garden outside in the lobby of the SPC Hugo V Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center

During the reception held afterwards there were many interviews by the media with SPC Mendoza's family and battle buddies.

Hugo's oldest brother, Carlos, talking to the media

Some of what the media quoted Carlos as saying about Hugo:

"Even though he didn't have a family of his own, he was very family-oriented," Carlos Mendoza said. "He treated my three kids like they were his own. He never missed a birthday, a holiday, a Christmas -- not until 2007."

His brother wanted to be a firefighter, and he joined the Army to get medical training, Carlos Mendoza said.   "He thought that was one path to do that," he said.

Hugo Mendoza was also a man of tremendous faith, his brother said. "He believed in God, had his Bible and always read it," Carlos Mendoza said.

The Mendoza family didn't pursue this honor, he added. "It was presented to us by the military," he said. "They must have seen something in him, too."

A couple of Hugo's battle buddies had this to say about him:

Former SGT Kyle Zaski of Grand Rapids, Mich., said Mendoza was "fearless" and "never hesitated to do his job, even when under fire."

Former SPC Chris Izell of Austin said Mendoza was a "good guy" whom everybody liked. "I never heard anyone ever say anything bad about him," Izell said. "He had a great sense of humor, very down to earth. He's still one of the best soldiers I've ever known."

The program:

Cover of Program

Inside front

Inside back - so touching and poignant

Back Cover

The 2-503d Battalion OEF VIII Paratroopers sent this wreath in honor and remembrance of SPC Mendoza.  After the ceremony his family, accompanied by his battle buddies, took the wreath to his grave site.

In Remembrance from the ROCK

It was such an honor and privilege to be present for this.  The Mendoza family is one of the most loving and accepting families I have ever met.  I am happy for them that some of the Soldiers who were with Hugo that fateful day were able to attend as well as the large number of the Mendoza's family and friends from California, Arizona and Texas.  Most of all I am happy that the Army chose to honor SPC Mendoza by naming the Soldier Family Care Center in his memory so that his name will live on forever even to those who didn't know him.

Rest in Peace Hugo.  You will certainly never be forgotten

Remembering PFC Juan Restrepo

We will NEVER forget!

Today Juan's family is together in Columbia, South America to mourn his loss and to remember his life. 

Today Juan's battle buddies, their families and friends mourn his loss and remember his sacrifice for our nation.

Rest in Peace brave Warrior.

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

Italy - Lunch at the PX with "The Boyz"

After a wonderful couple of days with the Nestells they dumped me onto Ranger Iles and the Chosen Few.  Ranger Iles and his lovely special lady, Carlisa, were kind enough to give me Ranger Iles house all to myself for the remainder of my time in Italy.  Aside from having NO HOT WATER for showers it was a fabulous pad.  Ranger Iles was kind enough to have the HOT WATER fixed AFTER I left.  Guess it was a bit more of that Ranger "training" going on.

On Tuesday Angela Nestell deposited me at Camp Ederle.  I was hanging out at the PX waiting for Ranger Iles when....some of the guys began showing up.  They heard I was on post and came over to say hello.  Aw man!  See, how could I not love these guys.  So...being the big spender that I am I treated them to lunch in the food court.  Yeah, I know, way over the top.

Chosen Co (with the exception of Eckrode, Jr.)

Eckrode, Jr. (barely in the shot), Whitney, Diaz de Leon, Ooley, Unknown (sorry) and Ranger Iles

I had to break things off with Ooley.  He and Diaz were just too tight of a couple.  *sigh*

See?

Battle Co in the house!  Gallardo and Eckrode, Jr.

As I was leaving the PX I ran into Michael Cunningham! 

Cunningham and me

After lunch we took a strole over to Chosen Company looking for Remmel.  MISSION FAILURE!  Remmie no where to be found.  And since the Army doesn't think it's "safe" for me to wander about post un-escorted, SSG Gallardo was kind enough to walk me back to the PX where Ranger Iles picked me up.  Awesome!

Thanks for coming over guys.  Meant the world to me!

SSG Sal Giunta Will Receive The Medal Of Honor Today

Today, 16 November 2010, SSG Sal Giunta will receive the Medal of Honor at the White House.  He will do so surrounded by his brothers in arms, his wife, parents and other family members, friends and Vietnam era "B" (Bravo Bulls) Company Soldiers who traveled to DC to support and honor him.

Most of America will go through their "normal" daily routines today oblivious to what is happening at the White House at 2:00 :PM eastern time when the ceremony begins for SSG Giunta to receive the Medal of Honor.  Most of America has no idea what the Medal of Honor is and the circumstances under which it is presented.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.  It is not "won" as many often say.  It is EARNED.  My friend Jo wrote the following today.  She is spot on, "The Medal of Honor is NOT awarded, it is EARNED. Earned by spilling blood, sweat & tears on the battlefield; for VALOR, for conspicuous GALLANTRY, for service above and BEYOND the call of DUTY. The Medal of Honor is PRESENTED to its recipient by the President IN THE NAME of Congress. And i would bet that most recipient...s of any Medal for VALOR would gladly trade it for the lives of their fallen brothers."

One of the Soldiers who served in the ROCK (173rd, 2-503) with SSG Giunta posted this on facebook:

"Giunta you may never be comfortable with the path that has been given to you. But know that you have given a voice to all of us who were there in those damn valleys who thought no one would ever know what sacrifices we made and the ultimate sacrifice that some of our brothers made. Carry the torch brother. The Rock is proud of you."  David Camarillo

There have been many interviews aired and published with SSG Giunta. 

Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, who spent months in eastern Afghanistan with Battle Company during OEF VIII traveled to Italy for the following interview with SSG Giunta.  Of all of the interviews I have watched this was the most difficult one due to SSG Giunta learning new things about that day that he had never heard before.  Understandably so since there was so much going on in such a short amount of time.  Also understandable so since men who are entrenched in battles such as the ambush on 25 October 2007 don't often talk about the most horrific parts.


The Sal Giunta Story from Sebastian Junger on Vimeo.

Interview after interview SSG Giunta has repeatedly said that he feels uncomfortable accepting this award for himself - that he is accepting it for all who were with him that day; those who survived and those who gave their lives for this nation, SGT Josh Brennan and SPC Hugo "Doc" Mendoza".  He speaks about the fact that he has never gone into battle alone; that he always has his buddies on his right and on his left.  I whole heartedly respect SSG Giunta for choosing to accept the Medal of Honor on behalf of all of those men.  It is yet another testament to the Soldier and man that he is.

It seems apparent to me, from the interviews, that SSG Giunta and his wife, Jenny, would much rather not have the spotlight on them yet through this entire process they have both risen above the accolades, media attention, people coming out of nowhere claiming to be their "best friends" and a  plethora of other demands on their time and lives.  They are two great Americans that make me proud and to whom I look up to.  I am grateful that our nation has them as an example of humility, dignity and grace under immense pressure.  I pray that one day soon they will find peace and normalcy in their lives.  They more than deserve that.

The official narrative for SSG Giunta's Medal of Honor reads:

On Oct. 25, 2007, Spc. Giunta’s platoon was conducting a movement to contact to interdict enemy forces on the Gatigal Spur, in order to provide over watch for 2nd and 3rd platoon’s exfil back to Combat Outpost Vimot, and the Korengal Outpost. While conducting their exfil from the platoon’s blocking position, Spc. Giunta’s platoon was ambushed by 10 to 15 enemy personnel who utilized an “L” shaped, near ambush that was within 10 meters of the platoon’s main body. The enemy fired 10 Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and three PKMs (machine guns) from the apex of the ambush and additional AK-47s from throughout the ambush line.

The enemy initiated the contact with an RPG and a burst of PKM (fire), which immediately hit and wounded two members of the lead team, Sgt. Brennan and Spc. Eckrode. Another RPG in the initial volley hit extremely close to Spc. Giunta’s position. While Staff Sgt. Gallardo moved back to his Bravo Team to get situation reports, Spc. Giunta provided covering fire by leading his team in suppressing enemy positions, assigning sectors of fire and commanding his M-203 gunner to engage close targets. While advancing toward Spc. Giunta’s team, Staff Sgt. Gallardo was struck in the helmet by an AK-47 round, which caused him to fall to the ground. Despite being under heavy fire by PKM, RPG, and small arms, Spc. Giunta immediately left his covered position in order to render aid to his squad leader. As he moved to provide assistance, Spc. Giunta was struck by two bullets; one of which impacted his chest area but was stopped by his Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (E-SAPI) plate, and one round which impacted the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon-D (SMAW-D) rocket he was carrying across his back. Without hesitation, Spc. Giunta recovered from the impacts and ensured his squad leader was not injured. He then began bounding his team forward in an attempt to maneuver on the enemy.

Spc. Giunta and his fire team were quickly pinned down by effective enemy machine gun and small arms fire from multiple positions at close range. Spc. Giunta, along with Pfc. Clary and Staff Sgt. Gallardo, quickly prepared fragmentation grenades and continued the assault by throwing two volleys of them at enemy positions that were approximately 15 meters to their west. They then assaulted forward through those positions, secured Spc. Eckrode, and began treating his wounds. Realizing that Sgt. Brennan was missing, Pfc. Clary and Spc. Giunta continued to push forward along the enemy’s ex-filtration route, despite taking small arms fire from enemy personnel who were attempting to cover their withdrawal. Moving in the lead and rapidly closing with the enemy, despite receiving effective fire, Spc. Giunta overtook two enemy combatants attempting to drag off Sgt. Brennan, who had been incapacitated by his wounds. Spc. Giunta engaged one enemy combatant at close range and killed him, which cause the other enemy combatant to drop Sgt. Brennan and flee. Spc. Giunta then began immediate first aid on Sgt. Brennan, and also helped his squad leader to adjust security, further consolidate casualties, and prepare for Medical Evacuation operations.

Spc. Giunta’s selfless actions and personal courage were the decisive factors in changing the tide of the battle, ensuring that Sgt. Brennan was not captured by the enemy, and preventing the lead fire team from being destroyed by the enemy’s near ambush. Despite bullets impacting on and around himself, Spc. Giunta fearlessly advanced on the enemy and provided aid to his fallen comrades. His actions saved the lives of multiple paratroopers and changed the course of the battle in his platoon’s favor.

For exceptionally valorous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom VIII while assigned as a rifle team leader in Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry. Spc. Giunta’s unwavering courage, aggressiveness, selfless service, and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were decisive in his platoon achieving fire superiority, defeating an enemy near ambush, and preventing the capture of a fellow paratrooper by the enemy. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Rock Battalion, the Bayonet Brigade Combat Team, Combined Joint Task Force-82, and the United States Army.

CBS 60 Minutes has an interview here with additional links to footage that didn't make the show.

USA Today has an article at this link with stories of people from SSG Giunta's hometown.

CNN has an interview here that also includes interviews in Afghanistan with SGT Frank Eckrode, Jr and SSG Erick Gallardo

There are many more interviews both in print and video.  MANY MORE.  Please take the time to find them via google or your preferred method.  The men of Battle Company deserve for you to know who they are.

Mike Brennan Speaks About His Son SGT Josh Brennan & Medal Of Honor Recipient SSG Sal Giunta

I've written about SGT Joshua Brennan on several occasions on my old blog.  Here is one story.  I've mentioned what a wonderful father, Mike, his step mom and sisters in Wisconsin are.  I've never met his mother, Janice, or his step father and siblings in Oregon but Josh's dad, Mike, speaks of them often and fondly.  Mike Brennan is an amazing man.  I am fortunate to call him my friend.


Over the past three years I have gotten to know Mike and his extended family well.  We all traveled to Italy in September 2008 not long after the 173rd returned from their 15 month deployment to Afghanistan in OEF VIII.  It was during that deployment that Josh was mortally wounded by the Taliban in an ambush on 25 October 2007 and succumbed to his wounds hours later on 26 October 2007.  We all had many reasons for traveling to Italy.  One of Mike's reasons was to be able to meet many of Josh's battle buddies who were with him that fateful day and to find out "first hand" what happened.  He just wanted and needed to know everything possible.  I am so grateful to Josh's battle buddies and friends for all they have shared with Mike and his family and for becoming such an integral part of their lives. 


Mike and I talk often.  His is always open, honest and candid.  The sorrow never goes away.  Mike inspires me by the way he (and the whole family) choose to honor Josh's life and memory.  Mike never talks about the day Josh was wounded without reminding anyone that SPC Hugo "Doc" Mendoza also gave his life in service to our nation during that ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche.  


One fact goes without question - Josh's family and friends are grateful to all the men of Josh's platoon for what they did that day to save Josh from the enemy and to keep each other safe.  There are many stories of Valor.  The most poignant story of that day is that of SSG Sal Giunta who ran through enemy fire thinking he was going forward to assist SGT Brennan only to find out that Josh had been shot multiple times and was being dragged away by the enemy.  Among many acts of Valor SSG Giunta killed one of the enemy while the other ran away.  SSG Giunta then pulled Josh to the safety of other men of the Platoon.  If not for the actions of SSG Giunta that day one can only speculate whether Josh's family would have ever had him home so they could say good bye.

I've heard SSG Giunta say he doesn't think he's a hero - that if he's a hero then every man with him that day was, too.  I respect that.  I've heard some specifics of what happened that day from Mike Brennan, parents of another Soldier, SGT Frank Eckrode, Jr. who was there, was shot twice and is deployed to Afghanistan again.  We've also heard stories from that day recounted by other members of Battle Co, 2-503.  As a civilian I don't feel heroic is close enough to what those men did that day.  I am grateful for each of them and for Congress making the right decision in awarding the Medal of Honor to SSG Giunta.


The following article was published today.  Take a few minutes to read it.  I think you will be touched by the positive spirit in Mike Brennan. A spirit Josh's whole family seems to embrace even when they miss him so much.

From JSOnline - Milwaukee

Dead soldier's family ready to honor rescuer who did his best
Medal of Honor recipient saved soldier from enemy, but soldier died later

By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel

Sept. 30, 2010

McFarland - Mike Brennan wears his son's dog tags around his neck.

He wears the St. Christopher medal he gave his son to keep him safe in battle. He sometimes wears his son's T-shirts. Every morning he shaves with his son's shaving gear. On his wrist he wears a bracelet inscribed with his son's name.

It's not exactly a conscious effort to keep his son Josh close, it's just something Mike Brennan does.

And, of course, he thinks about his oldest child every day.

Sgt. Josh Brennan, 22, was mortally wounded in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley three years ago in a firefight so fierce some of his fellow paratroopers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team would earn Silver Stars and one would eventually earn the military's highest honor - the Medal of Honor.

When Josh Brennan's family heard Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, 24, of Iowa was named the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War, they felt honored and proud. Giunta tried to save Josh Brennan's life, and in fact, rescued him from Taliban fighters who were trying to drag Brennan away.

Under heavy fire, Giunta emptied his M-4 rifle at the enemy and managed to pull Josh Brennan to safety. But Josh had been severely wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire, and though he was stabilized and medevaced out of the Korengal Valley, he died several hours later. Also killed in the battle - which happened on the last day of what was called Operation Rock Avalanche - was the unit's medic, Spc. Hugo Mendoza.

"I was thrilled to hear he got it," said Mike Brennan, 47, a Madison police officer who lives in McFarland. "It's not just about him running up there to save Josh. But it's such an honor for all of the people who fought with him."

Giunta is stationed in the unit's home base in Vicenza, Italy, while the unit is deployed in Afghanistan until later this fall. Though no date has been set for Giunta to receive the Medal of Honor at the White House, Mike Brennan and his family hope to be there to congratulate Giunta when the ribbon bearing the Medal of Honor is placed around his neck by the president.

Mike Brennan learned of his son's death in a phone call from Josh's mother in Oregon after the military knocked on her door. The next day, soldiers knocked on his.

"I said 'It's all right. I already know.' He said 'no sir, I have to read this.' The guy was just sobbing. I was comforting him," recalled Mike Brennan, who served in an Army military police unit that guarded Iraqi prisoners during the first Gulf War.

Though Josh Brennan grew up in Oregon with his mother, he spent summers with his father in Wisconsin and attended school in McFarland between the ages of 8 and 10. He ran track and played football at Ontario High School in Oregon and enjoyed water skiing, tubing and wake-boarding on Lake Monona. He was seldom without an iPod filled with rock and country music. In his free time he watched DVDs on his laptop. Before he left to join the 82nd Airborne Division, (Blogger's note:  SGT Brennan never served in the 82nd.  He joined the 173rd) he and his dad watched the "Band of Brothers" series about World War II paratroopers.

Josh was five months into his second tour of Afghanistan when he was killed. He earned three Bronze Stars, including one for valor, and two Purple Hearts.

When Josh's possessions were returned to his family after his death in September 2007, they were surprised to see he had kept a journal. Among the words Josh scribbled in the small notebook were these: "I don't think I will be on this earth very long."

"I was shocked to see that and to see that it was something he thought about," said his father. "Things like that, he never really discussed with me."

Members of Josh Brennan's family traveled to Italy in 2008 to visit soldiers in his unit. The Brennans and family members of other soldiers raised money to throw a big party for the unit and even flew some of the unit's injured members undergoing treatment in the United States to Italy for the gathering. When Mike Brennan met his son's comrades, he said, some were initially wary and worried Josh's family might be angry.

"To their surprise, we really accepted Josh's loss. In the biblical sense there's a day to be born and a day to die, and that was Josh's day. It was his destiny," said Mike Brennan.

Also traveling to Italy in 2008 was Mike Brennan's older brother, Terry, and Terry's son Joseph. In a strange twist, Joseph Brennan joined the Army after his cousin's death and was assigned to Josh's unit. Not just the regiment or battalion but the same platoon and squad. He's in Afghanistan now.

Three days before Josh died, a Marine recruiter was in Joseph Brennan's living room in Mequon. Even though he signed up for the Marines, the 2008 Homestead High School graduate changed his mind and joined the Army.

"We didn't want him to do it because we didn't want to go through all of this again in case something happened to him," said his mother, Laurie Brennan. "But eventually he said it was in God's hands."

It wasn't out of a sense of revenge or vengeance, Terry Brennan said of his son's decision. Joseph Brennan joined the military because he was proud of Josh's service and sacrifice. Joseph Brennan, now 19 and recently engaged, flew out of Mitchell International Airport to head to war exactly two years after Josh died. Everyone serving in the company knew he was Josh Brennan's cousin.

Last Christmas in a phone call from Afghanistan, Joseph Brennan mentioned something that shocked his father. 

"Joe said 'Tell Uncle Mike, we got the guy.' I said 'What are you talking about?' " said Terry Brennan.

Though official military sources will not confirm it, Terry Brennan said his son told him the unit had captured a high-value target believed to be the planner of the ambush that killed Josh Brennan and Mendoza.

"If it's true, it's almost full circle for Josh's cousin to get the guy who planned the ambush," Terry Brennan said.

Blog Owner's note:  You can read more about SSG Giunta here at Blackfive, here in Stars and Stripes and here

Take a few minutes, about 30, to watch this video of SSG Giunta and his wife Jenny.  Two incredibly humble Americans.  I can't get the video to embed so click on this link to watch.