Tuesday, August 21, 2012

R.I.P. - CWO Hornsby, CWO Krause, PO1 Carson, PO1 Feeks, SGT Essex, SGT Galbreath, PO2 Warsen

DOD Identifies Seven Army and Navy Casualties in a Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan

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  DOD Identifies Army and Navy Casualties

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of seven service members who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died Aug. 16 in a helicopter crash northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

            Killed were:

            Chief Warrant Officer Brian D. Hornsby, 37, of Melbourne, Fla., assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii;

            Chief Warrant Officer Suresh N. A. Krause, 29, of Cathedral City, Calif., assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii;

            Explosive Ordnance Disposal Petty Officer Technician 1st Class Sean P. Carson, 32, of Des Moines, Wash., assigned to an explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit in San Diego;

            Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick D. Feeks, 28, of Edgewater, Md., assigned to a West Coast-based naval special warfare unit;

            Sgt. Richard A. Essex, 23, of Kelseyville, Calif., assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii;

            Sgt. Luis A. Oliver Galbreath, 41, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and

            Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class David J. Warsen, 27, of Kentwood, Mich., assigned to a West Coast-based naval Special warfare unit.

            For more information on Hornsby, Krause, Galbreath, and Essex contact the 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs at 808-655-4756 or 808-551-1722.

            For more information on Feeks and Warsen, media may contact the Naval Special Warfare Group One public affairs office at 619-537-3184.

            For more information on Carson, media may contact the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command public affairs office at 757-374-0995.
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Brian D. Hornsby
from hawaiinewsnow:

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hornsby's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hornsby joined the Army September 15, 1998 and became a UH-60 Pilot March 11, 2003.

This was Hornsby's second deployment. He was married with two children.

Suresh N. A. Krause
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krause's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Army Aviator Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krause joined the Army February 1, 2007 and became a UH-60 Pilot June 22, 2009.

This was Krause's second deployment.


Luis A. Oliver Galbreath
Sergeant Oliver Galbreath's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Army Aviation Badge.

Sergeant Oliver Galbreath joined the Army January 25, 2003 and became a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer December 4, 2003.

This was Oliver Galbreath's second deployment. He was married with three children.


Richard A. Essex
Sergeant Essex's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Aviation Badge and the Drivers Badge.

Sergeant Essex joined the Army July 1st, 2008 and became a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic November 23, 2008. This was Essex's second deployment.

"Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes," said Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division. "Although the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade family has suffered a huge loss, they still continue their mission with the utmost courage and resolve."

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from grandhaventribune

David J. Warsen
One of the Navy SEALs killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Thursday was a Grand Rapids-area native engaged to be married later this year.

Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees posted on his Facebook page that his grand-nephew David “Davey” Warsen was killed in Afghanistan.

“Our hearts are hurting,” Voorhees wrote.

Warsen, 27, grew up in the Grand Rapids area, was among seven Americans who died in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Aug. 16.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for shooting down the chopper.

Warsen's fiancée, Karlyn Deveau, was notified of his death in San Diego, where they lived before his deployment. They were to get married Dec. 8, and he planned to return back to the states Oct. 1 when his deployment ended.

Warsen was one of two Oahu troops killed in the crash. Eleven total were killed in the crash. Seven were Americans.

Friends of the Warsen and the family are posting condolences on Facebook. According to Warsen's page, he was a graduate of East Kentwood High School and studied at Hope College and Aquinas College.

Adam Shumaker, a Grand Haven resident, helped spread the word about this tragic loss, and said it’s time for the people of West Michigan to get their flags ready.

“West Michigan loses another brave American Hero,” he wrote in a Facebook post Friday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Sailor down, Kickstands up.”
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from wtop:

Patrick D. Feeks
BALTIMORE - A Navy SEAL from Maryland was among those killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter crashed during a firefight with insurgents in a remote area of southern Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said.

Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Patrick D. Feeks of Edgewater was among seven Americans and four Afghans killed in the helicopter crash northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Feeks was one of two Navy SEALS to die in the crash; the other was Special Warfare Operator Second Class David J. Warsen of Kentwood, Mich. Both were assigned to a Special Warfare unit located in Coronado, Calif.

Capt. Collin P. Green, Naval Special Warfare Group One's commander, praised Feeks and Warsen in a statement as "great warriors, teammates and friends to many of us in the Naval Special Warfare community."

Feeks enlisted in the Navy in 2006, and then completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and advance training. He had served with a West Coast-based SEAL unit since May 2008.

A Navy news release says his awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He previously served in the Iraqi war.

He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Virginia, and by his wife, Emily.
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from komonews:

Sean P. Carson
SEATTLE  - The Defense Department says a 32-year-old sailor from Des Moines was among seven Americans killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter crashed during a firefight with insurgents in a remote area of southern Afghanistan.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Petty Officer Technician 1st Class Sean P. Carson died Aug. 16 in the crash northeast of Kandahar.

He was assigned to an explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit in San Diego.

Navy officials say Carson enlisted in May 1999 and graduated from boot camp at recruit training command in Great Lakes, Ill. in August 1999.

His awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Battle Efficiency Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
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R.I.P. - Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Darrel L. Enos

DOD Identifies Marine and Navy Casualties

            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two service members who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died Aug. 17 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Copes, 36, of Lynch Station, Va., and

            Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Darrel L. Enos, 36, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information, news media representatives may contact U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-440-0770 or 910-440-0771.

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from Denver.CBSLOCAL:
August 19, 2012 11:57 PM

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) – A Colorado Springs family is mourning the life of a loved one killed in action in Afghanistan.

Serviceman Darrel Enos died just before he was scheduled to return home. He was fatally shot by a man he was training.

Enos was a husband, father, twin brother and son to his mother Patricia Loren.

“Darrel was very proud to be serving his country always, always, but it’s such a needless loss,” Loren said.

Enos was killed by an Afghan he was working to train. He was in the Navy, working on a Marine battalion training Afghan police recruits. The official report states that one of those recruits turned his gun on his trainers, killing Enos. It was his fifth tour.

“I think that nobody should have to deploy that many times,” Loren said.

“I just hate that he’s gone. I never thought it would happen to Darrel,” brother Dale Enos said.



Enos’ family in Colorado Springs had high hopes of seeing him return home soon. He was heading back in just one week. Instead he died doing what he loved.

“Darrel always loved to help people. That’s what he thought he was doing over there,” Dale Enos said.

Stories like Enos’ are happening more and more in recent days in Afghanistan. His family just wants him remembered as the hero he was, killed in action.

Loren is headed to Delaware to meet his casket. He’ll be honored at Marine Corps Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and then later in Colorado Springs.
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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Copes

DOD Identifies Marine and Navy Casualties
            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two service members who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died Aug. 17 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

            Killed were:

            Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Copes, 36, of Lynch Station, Va., and

            Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Darrel L. Enos, 36, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

            This incident is under investigation.

            For additional information, news media representatives may contact U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-440-0770 or 910-440-0771.

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from WSET:
Posted: Aug 20, 2012 5:27 AM  
Reporter: Parker Slaybaugh 

Lynchburg, VA - Family and friends of an Altavista Marine killed in Afghanistan are grieving, after Staff Sgt. Greg Copes was one of two Marines killed Friday.

"He knew it was dangerous, but it was part of what he did, and part of what he was," said William Copes, Greg Copes's younger brother.

It happened in the western Afghan province of Farah, when an Afghan police officer turned his gun on the two Marines, according to the Associated Press.

Having deployed in January, Copes, 36, was set to come home next month.

His brothers say they had already began planning a get-together when their brother returned to the States. They say they hope their brother's death causes people to realize that freedom comes with a price.

"Freedom isn't free, it does come with a price. I am thankful that men and women out there, like my brother, choose to serve, said Earl Copes, Greg Copes' older brother.

Earl Copes works as a firefighter in Lynchburg and volunteers at a fire department in Altavista. Friday morning on his way to work, he heard about a shooting in Afghanistan on the radio.

"To myself I said a little prayer, hoping that he was safe and okay, not knowing that later on that day I would receive the call," said Earl Copes.

WSET.com - ABC13

Greg Copes graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1994 and Longwood University in 1999. He was an avid outdoorsman and also loved music and sports.

"He always loved to go out and throw the football and stuff," said Earl Copes.

William Copes, much like his two older brothers, makes a living serving others. He says his brother knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in the military.

"Growing up we played Army running through the woods," said William Copes.

The events of September 11, 2001 caused the staff sergeant to officially enlist in the Marine Corp. He served all over the world, including tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He wanted me to come see him when he got home. He wanted to get together with everybody in the family. He was a great man and he will be greatly missed," said William Copes as he recalled his last conversation with his brother.

Greg Copes also leaves behind a wife and four kids, ranging from six months to six years old.

He will be buried in Altavista with his mother, but service arrangements have not yet been made.
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Aug. 21., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in Watahpur district, Kunar province, yesterday.

During the operation, the security force conducted a precision airstrike against a group of insurgents. The strike killed several insurgents including Mutaqi, an al-Qaida associated Taliban leader in the province.

Mutaqi, also known as Mullah Amir Muhammad or Malik, was responsible for passing critical information between the senior al-Qaida associated Taliban leaders in Kunar province.

Prior to his death, Mutaqi was involved in planning suicide bombing attacks in the region. A post-strike assessment conducted by the Afghan and coalition security force confirmed no civilians had been harmed and no civilian property had been damaged during of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

East

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an al-Qaida-associated Taliban insurgent responsible for coordinating attacks in Gelan district, Ghazni province, today. The arrested attack coordinator assisted in the movement of al-Qaida fighters throughout the region and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his arrest, the Taliban attack coordinator was attempting to acquire explosives for future attacks. During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized bomb-making materials.

The Crisis Response Unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested multiple insurgents during a security operation in Sayyid Abad district, Wardak province, August 19. The arrested insurgents are responsible for recent attempts to abduct Afghan interpreters working for the International Security Assistance Force. At the time of their arrest, they were planning to kidnap Afghan and civilian employees of ISAF.

An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The leader plans and executes attacks against coalition patrols in Baraki Barak.

Capital

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested the insurgent leader responsible for the improvised explosive device attack that killed Hanifa Safi, the Afghan Minister for Female Affairs, in Kabul district, Kabul province yesterday. The IED attack that killed Safi occurred in Mehtar Lam district, Laghman province, July 12.

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Aug. 21., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Aug. 21, 2012) - Afghan and coalition forces killed four insurgents and cleared an improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Aug. 20.

Kunar province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces killed an insurgent during an engagement in Nari district.

Wardak province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Chak-E Wardak district.

A coalition airstrike killed three insurgents in Chak-E Wardakr district in response to Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces receiving small arms and indirect fire.

Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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Car bomb kills 9, injures 68 in SE Turkey

Districts of Gaziantep
Districts of Gaziantep (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
ANKARA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The car bomb hit a police station late Monday in Turkey's southeastern Gaziantep province has killed nine and wounded 68 others, local Hurriyet Daily News reported Tuesday.

Unknown militants remotely detonated the explosives laden in a car on Monday evening after parking the car at a bus stop near Karsiyaka Police Station in Sehitkamil district of Gaziantep province, the report said.

Two buses and one car were set ablaze and nine people were killed, the report said, adding that paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene and tens of wounded were taken to hospitals.

Security forces have launched an investigation to apprehend the militants.

Earlier figures from the Gaziantep Governor's office said at least eight people were killed and 60 others injured.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

Some government officials said the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) are behind the deadly attack. But the group said in a statement on Tuesday that they are not responsible for the blast.

from XINHUA
2012-08-21 16:14:19

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Nigeria: Gunmen Attack Primary School, Police Station

Despite the repeated entreaties by religious leaders for a peaceful Sallah celebration, suspected gunmen Monday attacked Damagum Central Primary School, as well as a police station in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the town's police station, which had been previously razed by the sect, was again torched by members of the group Monday.

The witnesses, who could not ascertain the number of casualties, said several gunfire exchange was heard during which residents scampered to safety.

It was also gathered that the sect attacked a primary school in the town and destroyed part of it with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Confirming the incident to THISDAY, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toyin Gbadegesin, said a mischievous fire gutted Damagum Central Primary School, at about 2030hours on Sunday.

He said the fire, which was from fireworks, destroyed part of the school, while attempts to get the fire service to put off the fire proved abortive.

He noted that no one or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Gbadegesin also disclosed that in the same town at about 0105 hours attacks were launched against the police division and a Catholic church.

He claimed that the attack were successful repelled by the police, who drove the assailants away while no casualty was recorded on the side of the police.

The police spokesman also revealed that normalcy had since returned to the town.

from allAfrica/This Day
By Michael Olugbode, 21 August 2012

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US military chief's plane hit by rockets

Militants have fired rockets into an American base in Afghanistan, damaging the US joint chief of staff's plane while he was on a visit, a military official said today.

The American military chief was not near the aircraft at the time of the attack and no-one was injured.

NATO spokesman Jamie Graybeal said the attack at Bagram Air Field outside Kabul last night did not affect US Army General Martin Dempsey's mission in Afghanistan.

He said Gen Dempsey left this morning, though it was unclear if he went on the same plane.

The chief was in Afghanistan to discuss the state of the war after a string of disturbing killings of US military trainers by their Afghan partners.

So far this year, 40 coalition troops have died in green on blue incidents, including seven British soldiers.

from BFBS
21 August 2012

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ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force can confirm that shrapnel from an indirect fire round at Bagram Air Field damaged the military aircraft that brought Gen. Martin E. Dempsey to Afghanistan. The round was one of two that impacted Bagram last night. An ISAF helicopter was also damaged.

Gen. Dempsey, the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in Afghanistan visiting senior ISAF and Afghan officials. The chairman was in his room at the time of the incident and was unharmed.

Due to some exterior damage to Gen. Dempsey’s aircraft, he left Afghanistan on a different military plane.
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