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

Remembering 1LT Ferrara, SGT Mersman, CPL Langevin, CPL Roque, SPC Lancour and SGT Bocks, KIA, Afghanistan 9 November 2007

Four years ago tomorrow (9 November 2007) six American Warriors were killed in an ambush in eastern Afghanistan.  Six family's lives were changed forever.  Their battle buddies lives were changed forever.  Legions of friends learned the news that these men had become American Heroes - Heroes to whom we owe so much we can never repay them.

Please take a few minutes to read about these men.  Honor them.  Remember them.  Be grateful for them.  It is the very least we can do.
Rest in peace brave warriors.  We will never forget you.

Memorial Service in Afghanistan 2007

1st Lt. Matthew C. Ferrara, 24, of Torrance, Calif.

14 October 1983 – 9 November 2007

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

1LT Matthew C. Ferrara was born on 14 October 1983 in Torrance, California, and he graduated and was commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point on 28 May 2005 as an Infantry officer.

1LT Ferrara completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia and reported to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. Matt was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry as the Platoon Leader of First Platoon.

In May 2007, 1LT Ferrara deployed with the company to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. On 22 August 2007, 1LT Ferrara led his men to thwart a deliberate enemy attack on the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) by a numerically superior force. For his valorous and heroic actions that day he was awarded the Silver Star.

1LT Ferrara’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

Sgt. Jeffery S. Mersman, 23, of Parker, KS

11 May 1984 – 9 November 2007

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

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman was born on 11 May 1984 in Paola, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 January 2002.

SGT Mersman served in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Grenadier and Rifle Team Leader. While in this unit, SGT Mersman deployed three times in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM before reporting for duty at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.

SGT Mersman was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as a Rifle Team Leader in August 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDUING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During this deployment, SGT Mersman participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation point at Bella Combat Outpost in Nuristan Province providing surveillance and early warning of enemy activity.

SGT Mersman’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Sean K.A. Langevin, 23, of Walnut Creek, CA

17 August 1984 – 9 November 2007

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

CPL Sean K. Langevin was born on 17 August 1984 in Walnut Creek, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georiga, CPL Langevin reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as an Automatic Rifleman. CPL Langevin deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.

During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Langevin went on numerous combat patrols. He was also involved in a violent firefight with enemy forces at the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) on 22 August 2007. For his heroic actions during the Ranch House attack, CPL Langevin was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Cpl Langevin’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Lester G. Roque, 23, of Torrance, CA

4 December 1983 – 9 November 2007

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2dn Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Lester G. Roque was born on 4 December 1983 in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines where he spent most of his childhood. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 2 February 2005.

During his time in service, CPL Roque completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 10 October 2005, CPL Roque reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. After his arrival, he immediately joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VI where he was assigned as a trauma medic. Due to his maturity and leadership, he was assigned as the Chosen Company Senior Medic where he served with distinction. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Roque established two aid stations at Combat Outposts Bella and Aranas (Ranch House), conducted numerous combat patrols, and established a local national clinic to increase the healthcare for the surrounding populace.

CPL Roque’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SPC Joseph M. Lancour, 21, of Swartz Creek, MI

26 June 1986 – 9 November 2007

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

SPC Joseph M. Lancour was born on 26 June 1986 in Cadillac, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 8 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and attending Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, SPC Lancour arrived at Caserma, Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. SPC Lancour was immediately assigned as a Rifleman in Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

SPC Lancour conducted his first deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his service, SPC Lancour participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation post at Bella Combat Outpost providing security and observation of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

SPC Lancour’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Marine Sgt. Phillip A. Bocks, 28, of Troy, Mich.

From Marines dot mil Bocks’ journey to MWTC began when he enlisted in the Marine Corps May 9, 2000. That same year, he graduated from basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. He then reported to the School of Infantry East at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he graduated and became a Marine Corps rifleman. He later served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch from Sept. 1, 2001 to Feb. 3, 2002. Sgt. Bocks then deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 5 to Aug. 15, 2003, according to his service record book.

In his short life, Sgt. Bocks contributed more to his fellow man, fellow comrades-at-arms, and to the units he served in, said Cooling. “He touched more people in more ways than many of us could in a lifetime,” he said. “The evidence of that is why we are all here today.”

Please go to the link above to read more about Sgt Bocks. 

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Remembering the Fallen of the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan & Sending Much Love to the Survivors

I've been on the phone off and on today talking with several of the survivors of the Battle of Wanat.  Tomorrow will mark three years snce that awful day.  I honestly think of the Fallen from that battle every single day.  I think of their families, friends and battle buddies.  But tonight I have them laying extra heavy on my mind.

I hope you will join me in remebering and honoring these brave American Heroes.  They gave their lives that day not just defending our nation but in order that those who survived might do so.  They were heroic in their actions and honorable in their lives.  None of these men have been remembered enough for their valor.

1LT Jonathan Brostrom - Silver Star
SGT Israel Garcia - Silver Star
CPL Jonathan Ayers - Silver Star
CPL Jason Bogar - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Jason Hovater - Silver Star
CPL Matthew Phillips - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Pruitt Rainey - Bronze Star w/V
CPL Gunnar Zwilling - Army Commendation Medal w/V
CPL Sergio Abad -Army Commendation Medal w/V

Last year I wrote this post about the fallen heroes who died at Wanat that fateful day.  I hope you will take the time to click on the link and read about each of them. Google each of their names to read about what incredible men they were. They deserve to be remembered every day but especially on this very sad anniversary.

May each of them rest in peace for eternity.

CPL Jason Hovator's Award For Valor & Bravery During The Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan Upgraded to Silver Star

CPL Jason Hovater was one of many brave and valorous American Heroes who fought in the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on the morning of 13 July 2008. Although a tactical victory, as occurs in war, CPL Hovater was one that "lived his life for others" and was felled in the battle defending his fellow Paratroopers and his nation.

CPL Hovater was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his actions that day but it was recently announced that the award had been upgraded to a Silver Star, the Nation's third highest award for valor. The Silver Star will be presented to his family at a ceremony over the Memorial Day weekend.

Much incorrect information (distracting information) has been written about the Battle of Wanat, the men, and the unit. It is rewarding to many to see the story be told of camaraderie, sacrifice, and valor that characterized those great men and that great unit.

CPL Hovater was a rifleman with Chosen Company of the 173rd, 2-503rd ABCT

Details of the event are:
Date:  28 May 2011
Time:  10:00 AM
Place:  World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN.

Corporal Hovater's Silver Star Citation reads as follows:

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963), has awarded the SILVER STAR to CORPORAL JASON HOVATER, 173D AIRBORNE COMBAT TEAM. For Gallantry: in action on 13 July 2008 at Wanat, Afghanistan while assigned as a Rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Hovater volunteered to reinforce an isolated platoon observation post and moved with his platoon leader to that position while under heavy direct fire from insurgent forces in nearby buildings. After arriving at the observation post, Corporal Hovater engaged the enemy with his personal weapon while also assisting in the emplacement of a mounted weapon. Corporal Hovater's actions ensured that the position was defended from enemy fire and helped prevent it from being overtaken by enemy forces. Corporal Hovater demonstrated courage and unparalleled dedication in the face of imminent and mortal danger. Corporal Hovater's actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team and the United States Army."

Please take the time to read more about CPL Hovater here and here.

The other eight American Heroes who died that fateful day were:

1LT Jonathan Brostrom
SGT Israel Garcia
CPL Jonathan Ayers
CPL Jason Bogar
CPL Matthew Phillips
CPL Pruitt Rainey
CPL Gunnar Zwilling
PFC Sergio Abad

You can read much more about all of these men here.  Pleaes take a few minutes to read, remember and honor them.

May God rest their souls and continue to give comfort to their families, brothers in arms and friends.

I've had the honor of listening to stories told by many of the men who served with CPL Hovater and the other Heroes listed above.  All were stories told with so much love.  The stories were about the honor and valor of those men.  And there were comical stories, too.  I am thrilled for the Hovater family and for the Chosen Few that so many of them will be able to attend this ceremony.  I know there will be many laughs, tears and hugs.  What a fitting tribute during the Memorial Day weekend.

Italy - Thursday Night Cookout With The Chosen Few Then Off To William Wallace

Thursday night began with a cookout at Zeamer and Vega's casa.  Zeamer is quite the chef.  Steaks, skewered beef marinated in a tasty concoction, pasta salad, etc.  Oh, and beer.  Not sure the loud rap music was my thing but, hey, I can "hang" with the younger generation.  OK, it was easy to avoid the music by "hanging" out on the wrap around balcony.

Chef Zeamer

Lovely ladies - in every respect

Ranger Iles didn't like leaving me alone with Remmie - phfffft

Speaks for itself!

The CHOSEN FEW presented this flag to me.  It was in their TOC during the deployment.  They all signed it and also wrote many very touching messages on it.  It is something I will treasure always just as I will them.

Van Esch and Diaz

'

See?  There's Ranger Iles AGAIN.  So annoying since he has a fabulous lady of his own.  Vega and I pretended he wasn't even there.

Bring on the Irish Car Bombs!

SO FUN!

I had to break things off with Ooley a couple of nights later.  Just wasn't working out.  LOL (Inside story and joke there folks)

I think that was one of several Jaeger Bombs

Irish Car Bomb #???

Jaeger Bomb #???

They are so awesome!

One of a FEW "tender" moments.  LOL

Jameson

Those lovely ladies again!

Battle Co had a dinner that night but a couple of the guys dropped by after.  YAY!  Michael Cunningham in the house

A fabulous night all the way around!  Yes, we drank but we also enjoyed each other's company to the max.

Italy - Tuesday Night Dinner Out With, Mostly, Some of The Chosen Few

Ranger Iles, my "landlord" for most of my time in Italy, lives outside of Vicenza in a lovely village.  I enjoyed hours of sitting outside listening to church bells, a running water source, neighbors calling out to each other and a myriad of peaceful sounds.  All of this while either drinking morning coffee or enjoying an evening glass of wine and/or scotch. 

This particular night my evil landlord, Ranger Iles, and I were enjoying some wine and shots of honey grappa.  Just relaxing and letting the world go by.  And then......the party started.  Vega and Zeamer, their ladies, Diaz, Whitney, Remmel and Ranger Iles' lovely lady arrived.  We lit a fire in the fire pit, drank some more wine and shared tons of laughs.

Then it was off to dinner:

I'm not really sure what Zeamer (head of table) and Diaz (standing to the left) are doing but I AM sure that whatever it was it was entertaining.

While the guys were doing their darn best to order in Italian it turns out the owner spoke perfect English.  He finally let the cat out of the bag and it was hysterical.  He was wonderful to us.

There is no life/fun/party without Remmie!

Vega, Iles and Carlisa, me and Remmie, John Whitney, Diaz

Gotta have a "back up" in case Remmie's not around.  Love you, too Vega!

Christina and Zeamer

Ummmm....it wasn't man love Thursday

Silly kids

After a wonderful dinner and tons of great conversation and laughs a few headed back towards post and their home while I ensconced myself back on Ranger Iles' patio.  Ahhhh  I could get used to this.

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 Daniel Schaffer Awarded The Soldier's Medal for Rescuing Fellow Soldier From Raging River

The Soldier’s Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of a friendly foreign nation who while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguished him/herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.

From Stars and Stripes article "Vicenza NCO receives Soldier's Medal for river rescue" by Kent Harris on 4 Feb 2011:

"It was Aug. 7, 2010, and a patrol led by Staff Sgt. Daniel Schaffer was returning to Combat Outpost Conlon. In order to get back, they had to cross a river that, under normal conditions, wasn’t much more than a stream. But several days of rain had added a lot of swift-flowing water.

I lost my footing, maybe four feet from the other bank,” Paquet said in an interview Thursday. “There are some parts I don’t remember after that.”

“He went down for a long time and when he came back up, he was obviously not himself, probably in shock,” Schaffer said.

So while most of the patrol manned security — waiting for another attack they thought was likely — Schaffer handed off his rifle, dropped some gear and went after his struggling soldier.

With a combination of swimming and sheer determination, he reached a half-conscious Paquet, who was being carried away by the water.

“At that point, I was so exhausted, I couldn’t do anything,” Paquet said. “I think I would have died if he wouldn’t have grabbed me when he did.”

It took Schaffer a while to steady himself and Paquet. Other soldiers were eventually able to help them out of the water and back onto the same bank they had started from. They rendered aid to Paquet and got him back on his feet."

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a copy of the award citation but below are SSG Schaffer's comments made the day he was awarded the Soldier's Medal in Vicenza, Italy:

"MG Hogg, Distinguished guests, and Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne:

No mention of what happened on 7 August 2010 is complete without recognition of the exceptional professionalism and bravery of the men of 3rd Platoon, Chosen Company. Their resolve and discipline were essential to the successful completion of our mission that day.

I am honored to serve with each of you, and all the Paratroopers of the Chosen Few and the Rock Battalion.

Without their force of character, the circumstances dealt with that day would have been met on much less favorable terms.

Nothing that was done would have been possible without the devotion of past leaders to the development of these qualities. It’s on us to ensure that they continue to characterize our approach to this work well into the future.

Thank you for your time."

I had the privilege of meeting SSG Schaffer during my recent trip to Italy. Heck, we even tossed back a few in friendship and as a salute to his valor. What an honor and privilege to be in the company of men such as SSG Schaffer.

What the article doesn't tell you is that those men had been working for days helping to rescue survivors and recover bodies from massive mudslides due to days and days of hard rain.  The article also doesn't tell many of the chilling details of the event.  One of the Soldiers told me last week, "It was the scariest day of my life in the Army."  That Soldier is a SFC and has seen a lot so his statement speaks volumes.

I am eternally grateful that SSG Schaffer did what he did without thought for his own life to save the life of SPC Paquet.

Some photos from last week:

Me hugging SSG Schaffer after the CHOSEN FEW gave me the awesome signed flag

SSG Schaffer (on left) at Vega and Zeamer's cookout

At William Wallace Pub, Vicenza, Italy.  SSG Schaffer is second from right