Brotherhood in Arms

We signed closing papers on our new home on September 6th, finally, after almost 20 years of marriage, becoming official home owners.

I can’t begin to tell you what an impact something so simple can have on one’s outlook on life. Without belaboring the boring personal details, I will say that 5 months ago I never would have considered it as even an option. Raising a family on an enlisted man’s salary devestated our credit and financial history to the point I thought achieving even an “average” credit rating to be an impossible goal. Thank the stars for second chances and perserverance, eh?

Unfortunately, between the house, family, work and the other vagaries of life I’ve found it more and more difficult to come close to having enough time to run this site as it deserves. I will not shut down Brotherhood In Arms. The comments people have left in rememberance of fallen soldiers are worth preserving. But I cannot keep up with casualty listings - there are just too many.

If anyone would be willing to help author tribute and casualty postings I would gladly share the role and open up BIA to become more of a community-run operation instead of a one man show. Just leave your contact info in a comment to this post and I’ll get in touch with you and we can go from there. Until then, however, I’m afraid BIA is going to continue to be rather static.

No we didn’t drop off the face of the Earth. Mrs T and I are (hopefully) putting the finishing touches on closing the deal for our new home and it has occupied literally 100% of my spare time; thus the lack of recent updates.

Rest assured, as soon as this business is over I’ll get posting caught up and get back into the daily update routine.

Thank you all so much for your patience.

There are so many ways and means an online publisher now has at his disposal, it isn’t always easy to decide where best to expend his energy. For example, in addition to the blog portion of Brotherhood In Arms, I’ve also now added community forums and an image gallery.

Where I am concerned, however, is that I want to ensure I’m devoting my full time and efforts on areas that will be most useful to you, the visitors, the readers, and RSS subscribers.

What do you like about Brotherhood In Arms? Where are your dislikes? What do you find most important? Would you like to see us sponsor projects such as care packages for deployed soldiers? Services for the families left behind? More or less coverage of the Long War details?

The primary focus of Brotherhood In Arms will always be towards generating support, respect, and honor for our hero warriors, but I would like it to be more tangible - to have some meaning for those serving in uniform.

I have some ideas of my own in mind, but before I share them I’d really like to get a feel for what you think to make sure I’m on the right track. Please, if you appreciate this site, drop a comment or two - let your opinion be heard so this can be the most useful resource it can be.

The forums and gallery are both now officially online and integrated into Brotherhood In Arms.

Give ‘em a peek, eh?

Many articles have already been written about the revolutionary role the Internet has played in the War on Terror. It helps soldiers stay in contact with family members, allows troops to act as citizen correspondents in the field, and provides downtime entertainment between mortar attacks on the FOB and hazardous patrols in the streets.

One of these online entertainment sources, EscapePod.Org, has agreed to work with Brotherhood In Arms to extend the value of the internet to our soldiers even further. Escape Pod, a science fiction and fantasy podcast, releases new short fiction episodes each week. These audio stories last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour in duration - every episode wonderfully entertaining. Escape Pod’s publisher and host, Steve Eley has exceptional production values and surprises listeners each week with guest readers from across the rising celebrity of podcasting.

If you are a soldier, sailor, airman or marine serving in a forward deployed region and have internet access, I highly recommend you head on over to www.escapepod.org and subscribe to the podcast. If you cannot download the episodes for some reason or don’t have a digital music player that supports MP3 files, such as an iPod, you can still get in on this great entertainment medium. Mr. Eley has generously offered to donate archive CDs of past episodes for our troops. All you need to do is contact me through this site, let me know if you need either MP3 or standard audio format, and I’ll make sure they get mailed to your APO/FPO address free of charge.

If horror stories are more your thing, Escape Pod’s sister podcast, Pseudo Pod, uses the same format to share weekly horror short stories with the world. This offer to get CDs into soldiers’ hands stands for either of these top quality audio productions.

Both Escape Pod and Pseudo Pod are released under a Creative Commons license which allows you to share these files with as many people as you like as long as you do not modify them or make money off them.

How cool is that?

As always, if there is a particular need for those of you in the field, or for your families, let me know and we’ll crank up the milblog and podcast communities and see what we can do to get it to you.

The following was released regarding a French soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Warrant Officer Pascal Correia, 40, died July 25 in Jaghato, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he came under rocket attack by enemy forces. He was assigned to Groupement des Commandos Parachutistes, 1st Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes, French Army.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• iCasualties

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

1st Sgt. Michael S. Curry Jr., 37, of Dania Beach, Fla., died July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Sgt. Travon T. Johnson, 29, of Palmdale, Calif., died July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Pfc. Adam J. Davis, 19, of Twin Falls, Idaho, died July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Pfc. Jessy S. Rogers, 20, of Copper Center, Alaska, died July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The following was released regarding a Norwegian soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Lieutenant Tor Arne Lau-Henriksen, 33, of Rørvik, Norway, died July 23 in Logar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was attacked by enemy forces. He was assigned to an undisclosed unit of the Norwegian Army.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• iCasualties

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Pfc. Zachary R. Endsley, 21, of Spring, Texas, died July 23 in Arghendab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

Pfc. Juan S. Restrepo, 20, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died July 22 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 661 coalition casualties in support of Operation enduring Freedom.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Sgt. William R. Howdeshell, 37, of Norfolk, Va., died July 26 in Saqlawiyah, Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Spc. Charles E Bilbrey, Jr., 21, of Owego, New York, died July 26 in Saqlawiyah, Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Spc. Jaime Rodriguez, Jr., 19, of Oxnard, Calif., died July 26 in Saqlawiyah, Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Pfc. Cody C. Grater, 20, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy direct fire. He was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Pvt. Michael A. Baloga, 21, of Everett, Wash., died July 26 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 6^th Squadron, 9^th Cavalry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Staff Sgt. Joshua P. Mattero, 29, of San Diego, died July 24 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 749th Ordnance Company, 63rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Spc. Daniel A. Leckel, 19, of Medford, Ore., died July 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Note for Spc. Leckel’s family - I’m originally from Medford and have many friends and family members in the Rogue Valley. If there is anything you need done to help the family please let me know and we’ll try to get it done.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a sailor killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Hospitalman Daniel S. Noble, 21, of Whittier, Calif., died July 24, as a result of enemy action while conducting security operations in the Dilaya Province, Iraq. He was permanently assigned to 1^st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a marine killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Lance Cpl. Robert A. Lynch, 20, of Louisville, Ky., died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Diyala province, Iraq. Lynch was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 12^th Marine Regiment, 3^rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a marine killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Cpl. James H. McRae, 22, of Springtown, Texas, died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Diyala province, Iraq. McRae was assigned to 3^rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3^rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a marine killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Cpl. Matthew R. Zindars, 21, of Watertown, Wis., died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Diyala province, Iraq. Zindars was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 11^th Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release

The DoD has released the following regarding a soldier killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Sgt. Courtney D. Finch, 27, of Leavenworth, Kan., died July 24 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 714th Maintenance Company, Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka, Kan.

The incident is under investigation.

Rest with dignity and honor, Brother.

As of this writing there have been 3,652 U.S. casualties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those, 3,647 have now been confirmed by the DoD.

Related Links:

• DoD news release