The following are stories, accounts and photos from the brave men and women of Illinois who are proudly serving our country. Their sense of duty, honor and commitment are outstanding. Take the time to look through and appreciate what these brave warriors have done for us.

If you know or are a member of the armed forces and would like to have a story or picture included, please send it to DanRutherford@DanRutherford.com . Please have them be 'first person' and from the soldier personally along with their hometown in Illinois. 

 The Official Department Of Defense Site For News About Our Troops

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Family and Friends: their stories

Veterans: their stories

East Coast ET Takes First Step in Quest for Sailor of the Year

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32791

Navy.mil

Story Number: NNS071025-04
Release Date: 10/25/2007 9:24:00 AM
 

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Dollar, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs

DAM NECK, Va. (NNS) -- An electronics technician assigned to Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Unit Great Lakes was named the 2007 CSCS Sailor of the Year on Oct. 16.

Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW) John Dudek, representing the East Coast, was selected for the award during a head-to-head competition with Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class (SW) Michael Durel of Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center in San Diego.

"What started out as a nomination by my command evolved -- to my surprise and delight -- into Sailor of the Year for CSCS," said Dudek.

Dudek, a native of Canton, Ill., enlisted in the Navy in 1999. After attending Electronics Technicians "A" School in Great Lakes, Dudek served aboard USS Valley Forge (CG-50) until her decommissioning in 2004. Currently, Dudek is an apprentice technical training instructor at CSCS Unit Great Lakes.

CSCS SOY begins with a competition at the local level and the selectees from the detachments compete for CSCS SOY East and West by sending their packages to CSCS Unit Dam Neck to be reviewed by a board, explained Command Master Chief Charles Hardin, CSCS. The board chooses two Sailors to compete as the CSCS SOY East and West for the opportunity to be the CSCS SOY.

The selectees go through a rigorous process of performing basic military drill and answering a series of questions in front of a board of master chiefs.

"After all the interviews and before the individual scores are shown to the board, a vote takes place to see how well the board thought each Sailor did," said Hardin. "It was amazing to see how well the votes reflected the scores."

Dudek and Durel were selected from a group of 11 finalists that also included Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) Tere Patterson of CSCS Detachment West, San Diego; Mineman 1st Class (SW) Brandi Jimenez of CSCS Ingleside, Texas; Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Chris Witkemper of CSCS Detachment Pearl Harbor; Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Raymond Graves of CSCS Detachment Yokosuka, Japan; Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Christopher Rowan of CSCS Detachment Mayport, Fla.; Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Alan Middeker of AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, Dahlgren; Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Mikel Grandey of CSCS Detachment Wallops Island; Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Kwon Johnson of CSCS Detachment East, Norfolk; and Operations Specialists 1st Class (SW) Edward Suders of CSCS Unit Dam Neck.

Dudek is scheduled represent CSCS at the Naval Personnel Development Command level in December.
 

Rod Hieronymus

Hi,

I’m not a soldier, but instead an Air Traffic Controller doing contract work helping to train Iraqi controllers to take back their own control towers and Air Traffic Centers. I retired from 25 year at O’Hare this past June.

I can’t hold a candle to what these true soldiers are doing over here, although I did just live through my first few rocket attacks yesterday. I would not want to take away anything from the real soldiers over here who are putting their butts on the line for me.

You’re more than welcome to use any image of me but be sure to mention that I’m not with the military.

I can probably get a better picture in the next few days … one that has a clearer shot of my “No Hillary” collection of shirts. (I’ve got a few!)

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From Sen. Rutherford

In the Chicago Tribune, I recently discovered a couple of websites about U.S. service members. I think that you will find them of great interest.

The first website allows you to watch the soldiers from Bonecrusher Troop’s 3^rd Platoon, who are serving in Iraq’s most dangerous area.  Click on the following link to watch:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/iraq/chi-iraqsurge-flashshell-0708,0,2146958.htmlpage

Unfortunately, one of the realities of war is that brave men and women die. At this website, you can learn more about the men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms and this great country. The address is:  http://www.legacy.com/chicagotribune/Soldier/Home.aspx?track=ctpromobar

I hope you find the stories about these heroic men and women informative.

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Chris Winslow

Hello everyone,

This little excursion to Djibouti in support of Enduring Freedom is almost complete.  The plane arrives Friday to take several of us back to Norfolk where we will begin Active duty outprocessing. 

I want to thank each of you for your support throughout this period.  The e-mails, letters, packages, and phone calls to Kim have been most welcome.  During this deployment, I have developed a high regard for what members of active duty go through every day to protect us at home.  I also can appreciate that those of us here in Djibouti do our part so that those on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan can do theirs.  After all, Djibouti is full of activity, but daily mortar and IED attacks simply don't happen here at this time.  The hardest decision we face around here is what kind of ice cream to go with following chow.

Working as an information analyst has been extremely rewarding out here.  While some guard the perimeter and others work to supply the base, I've been able to explore the stories behind the story here on the Horn of Africa and for that I'm grateful. 

As you may know, I've been working the "country" of Somalia, just 15 miles south of where we are in Djibouti.  The political, economic, and health crises so pervasive there really were'nt on my radar before, but are now old hat.  Enclosed is a picture taken yesterday with Admiral Hart, the one-star I've been briefing three times a week on the various tales of woe coming out of Somalia.  As an aside, nothing has really changed in Somalia in 17 years so a case could easily be made for eliminating a few of them for this poor man!  But it is his unrelenting interest in topics large and small that has made working under his command so enjoyable.  Also, a side project I managed resulted in a greater understanding of the 'insurgency' or 'insurgencies' in the country and served as the impetus for an intel sharing program with the Ugandans on the ground in Mogadishu.  The poor Ugandans have been the only country in the African Union to have peacekeeping forces on the ground since early this year.  The Burundians are expected to deploy next but they have been delayed several times due to shortfalls in funding and equipment. 

Kim and I will be taking a little vacation in the coming weeks and then it's back to the bar exam.

Again, I can't begin to express my appreciation enough for your support on this deployment.  I hope to talk to each of you soon.

Chris

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Streator Guard Unit coming home in September

Daily Pantagraph

Patti Welander

STREATOR -- Families of Central Illinois National Guard members serving in Iraq have gotten some good news. About 170 soldiers from the 1744th Transportation Co., Streator, are expected home in mid-September from their year-long deployment in Iraq, said Guard spokesman Stacey Rieger.
 

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Adam

Hello,

This afternoon our executive officer asked me three questions.  He asked, “Is the war winnable?  Are we winning?  Is it worth winning?”  So I answered him . . .

When our team arrived in Baghdad, we decided that our efforts needed to focus on achieving the following objectives.  First, the community needed to be secure, dominated by combined forces (Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces) and free of enemy control.  Second, the community needed to be able to conduct daily routines.  And third, Task Force Patriot needed to be fully combat ready and prepared to assume a different mission.  In my mind, for our team to “win” the war in Iraq, we are responsible for accomplishing these goals.

Yarmouk and Hateen are relatively secure, dominated by a significant and capable combined force and compared to other parts of Baghdad, free of enemy control.  The winning stops here.

To win the war in Iraq, Iraq must transform a populace, oppressed by decades of dictatorship and years of war, into a functioning, committed and selfless community led by a legitimate government capable of providing for basic needs and economic growth.  That is a hell of a leap!  The average Iraqis that our men meet on patrols everyday are good individuals who want to take care of their families and achieve some acceptable quality of life.  Despite tribal ties and religious affiliation and an acknowledgement that life in Baghdad is NOT GOOD right now, there is little incentive or desire for individuals to unity the masses.  We regularly comment, “Where is their George Washington?”  We are searching for men to write newsletters, control work forces, join neighborhood watches and report criminal / extremist activity.  We cannot find a single man ready to fairly help other individuals form a united community. 

American Soldiers are tired.  Tired of deployments away from home and family, tired of political leaders pointing fingers rather than creating solutions and tired of Iraqi people complaining about their problems, but doing little to improve their plight.  Our Army is equally tired.  Equipment is worn.  Specialty skills, like those of our artillerymen, are lacking.  Units continue to operate in one of three phases of service . . . preparing to deploy, deployed or redeploying.  The deployed phase grows longer while the other two phases continue to lose predictability and length.  I acknowledge that soldiers in previous wars served longer tours, in harsher conditions, with fewer resources.  They served in a different Army . . . different size, different demographic, different society and different global threat.

Ultimately, the United States Army possesses the manpower, skill and equipment to secure our area of operations and train the Iraqi Security Forces to prevent enemy domination in Baghdad.  Without the full compliment of American Might involved in the war in Iraq, we simply come up short on the greater effort.  Other elements of national power, especially from the diplomatic realm, and kings of industry, experts in business and veteran civil servants owe this war effort their talents, skills and experience.  Finally, a serious look at our future war fighting and defensive structure demand serious thought and revision.  So yes, this war is winnable.  And no, we are not winning . . . “we” needs to mean more than just the Army.

This war is completely worth winning!  Our nation’s reputation, security and future are at stake.  Additionally, the fate of this part of the world and the evolution and expansion of the extremist agenda everywhere hinges on us winning or losing the war in Iraq.  This problem demands a solution developed, resourced, implemented and executed by the full force of AMERICA.

Without a solution that leads to the growth of a community capable of conducting daily routines and a long term plan to defend our nations interests worldwide, this winnable war, will be lost at great cost to everyone.

Jill and I enjoyed a terrific vacation in early July.  After a couple of days in Washington DC visiting LTC Gadson and his family, we flew to Chicago and saw family and friends at my parent’s Fourth of July party.  We spent a week in Riviera Maya, Mexico pretending to be big shots at a wonderful all-inclusive resort before ending the trip at our house doing little projects.  What an incredible break!  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  I am a lucky kid.

Woj

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JAG Officer Erin Zweigart

Zweigart commissioned JAG Officer in USAF

Erin Zweigart was sworn in as a First Lieutenant Wednesday July 25 to the USAF Judge Advocate General's Corps. She will be stationed in Charleston, SC.

"I'm honored and grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country in the Air Force JAG Corps," Zweigart commented.

Zweigart also announced her engagement to Michael Dixon on Saturday July 28.

"What an exciting week," she stated.

Erin and Michael celebrating their

engagement and her commission

at Crown Valley in St. Genevieve,

MO.

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Cpl. Jerry D. Costello

Dear Senator, 

I am writing to you about a young man that was killed in action June 2,2007, he was 22 and left behind a 4 yr. old daughter, a mother, brother and many friends, all who which are having a very hard time dealing with his death. We are so very proud of him, he was doing what he thought was right, he wanted to make a better future for his daughter Lilian. He is dead now and she has a future with no daddy. I don't know much about politics nor this war other than it is killing our young people and our future. I have great pride for what our men and woman are doing and fighting for. Why can't we protect them better, like the trucks or something that can detect these roadside bombs. I just don't understand, he was like a son to me, he called me mom, and believe me it hurts as if he were of my blood. 

He was full of life, enjoyed every moment of it, he was my son's best friend and bro, they did everything together, when Jeremy was home in Feb,2007 he and my son went and got matching tatoos, they were gonna get brothers but decided to get friends. Please help us to understand and give us hope that this will be over soon. Also he has a brother in Iraq, Joel.            

Sincerely,

Chris

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Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhart, of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group at Balad, Iraq, cradles a young girl as they both sleep in the hospital.  The girl's entire family was executed by insurgents; the killers shot her in the head as well.  The girl received treatment at the U.S. military hospital in Balad, but cries and moans often.  According to nurses at the facility, Gebhardt is the only one who can calm down the girl, so he has spent the last several nights holding her while they both sleep in a chair.

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Tom from DuPage County 

I have been home and am already back in Iraq. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to do every thing that I wanted to do. I didn’t even get to T-off, fish, or go see the Sox loose. The entire time was running the miles up on my truck and Harley trying to see the family. 

Don’t know if I told you or if you already found out but our Unit did get extended. 

Thank you again for everything Senator and I look forward to seeing you when we ALL return. 

God Speed,

 Tom

Anaconda, Balad, Iraq

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Drew Veeneman

Dan,

These are a couple pics of me with my Iraqi friends when I did my tour in 2004.

-Drew

PS I was happy to hear you’re leading the Romney effort in IL. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help!

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Tommy Kelly

          Tom Kelly (left) and his buddy Harris                             Tom Kelly (bottom left) and his platoon

Dan Rutherford,

My name is Specialist Tommy Kelly and i am a Paratrooper in the 27th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Bragg North Carolina. My unit just got back from a year deployment in Afghanistan and are stateside now. My job is a Combat Engineer and over there we did route clearance, which is clearing the roads for bombs. I have alot of pictures if you would like them. Attached are my favorites because they were taken after long missions.

I am from Chicago in the neighborhood of Beverly and my Parish is St. Cajetan. It is a very Patriotic neighborhood and there are alot of young men who serve that live there. A lot are my close friends and twin brother who is in the Marines. Our Priest also joined to be a Chaplain and is in Iraq now on his second tour of duty.

Thanks,

Tommy Kelly

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Legislator re-enlists with Corps

June 16, 2007

Springfield Journal Register

Buford Green 

JACKSONVILLE - State Rep. Jim Watson announced Friday that he has re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

"I thought about two decisions - about doing it (re-enlisting), and announcing it without making it a bigger deal than it is. I thought I needed to let my constituents know," the Jacksonville Republican said.

Watson, a veteran of the Gulf War, re-enlisted in May as an E-6 staff sergeant, USMC Reserves, attached to the Civil Affairs Group (CAG) at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He is attending one weekend a month there.

"We are at an important point in our nation's history," he said. "The war on terrorism is being fought on many fronts. My old unit is currently serving its third tour of duty. There is a general sense of duty that does not end when you take the uniform off. For some time now, I have felt the call to again serve my country."

Watson was a member of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve from 1985-1991, and served in war zones in Iraq for seven months during Operation Desert Storm 1990-91. "My experience in the first Gulf War and as a legislator give me a unique skill set which can help the CAG," he said. "Right now, the same individuals are being asked to carry the water over and over again. I believe I can make a difference and help support our troops that have already given so much."

Watson, who is divorced, has three children, ages 8, 12 and 15. He said the decision was not an easy one for his family, either.

"It was tough on them, for my children, my mother and brother. But, again, it's not any different than any other soldier, Marine or airman," he said.

Watson said he does not feel his military duty will adversely affect his legislative obligations.

"It's one weekend a month," he said. "If something should happen and we are mobilized again, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. My job right now is to get a budget passed and take care of my constituents' needs."

Watson has been a member of the legislature since 2001.

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Jeremiah David "Jeremy" Costello 

Grandson of Barry and Donna Lakin

EL PASO, Texas - Cpl. Jeremiah

David "Jeremy" Costello, 22, of Fort

Bliss, El Paso, Texas, formerly of

Greenfield and Carlinville, died

Saturday, June 2, 2007, in Qayyarah,

Iraq.

He was born June 28, 1984, in

Jerseyville, the son of Larry and Debra

Wilson Costello.

Jeremy decided to enter the service his junior year of high school. He felt that this could be a stepping stone to becoming an Illinois State Police officer. His daughter, Lilly, was born in October of 2005. Jeremy worked at Jerseyville Wal-Mart and attended school. He later worked for a telemarketing firm in Alton and then at Rent-A-Center for one year. It was then he decided it was time to join the military and wanted to make a career of the Army. He was a truck driver in the U.S. Army. His hobbies included pool and basketball. He played football his freshman year in Carlinville. He was a member of Vaughn Hill Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his father in January 1999.

Surviving are his daughter, Lillian Angel Costello of Alton; mother, Debbie Costello (fiance, Bob Hughes) of Bunker Hill, and Steve Springman of Tishamingo MS;  four brothers, Joel (Terrie) Rhodes of Colorado Springs, Colo., Darrell (Tina) Titus of Marshall, Yancy Costello of Carlinville and Ken Costello, formerly of Carlinville; grandparents, Amelia Burger of Greenfield and Donald and Mary Jane Wilson of Hamburg, Barry and Donna Lakin of Carlinville and several aunts and uncles; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Remains are at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville, where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2007. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2007, at Carlinville Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Coy Siddall officiating. Burial will be in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Garden of Valor, in Carlinville.

Memorial contributions may be made to a trust fund for his daughter's needs.

FROM SENATOR RUTHERFORD: My deepest condolences to Barry and Donna Lakin.  My prayers are with the family.

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Robert Freitag

By Robert Freitag ISU ‘84 

     As and undergraduate political science major in 1983-84, I recall participating in discussions of the then-pending Iraq-Iran war at Global Review events. Never in my wildest imaginings did I suspect that some 21 years later I would find myself in the midst of another war in Iraq.  But on the 4^th of July in 2005, after being called from my civilian job as an associate judge in Bloomington to active duty with the Army Reserve, I was deployed to Abu Ghraib, Iraq.  I served as a Judge Advocate officer assigned to Task Force Medical344 (TF MED 344).   

     My duty in Iraq was to serve as the Army’s legal officer overseeing medical treatment of detainees throughout the country.  I was responsible for advising the medical command on issues such as confidentiality of records, medical ethics and end-of-life issues, and standard of care issues for detainees.  I advised our medical staff on all issues relating to their care of detainees, as well as providing legal services to all soldiers housed at Abu Ghraib.  I had the opportunity to meet with and advise the presiding judge of the Saddam Hussein trial on due process issues, as well as come face-to-face with Hussein himself on several occasions. 

      I am extremely proud of the small contributions I made to the success of the very difficult mission given to TF MED 344 in Iraq.  I am convince that the development of a reputable court system and respect for the rule of law is fundamental to eventual peace in that country.  But perhaps the most gratifying experiences I had there had no connection to my legal assignment.  With the help of my wife, Traci (Skelley) ’86, and children back home, box loads of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items were sent to me.  I, along with other soldiers in my unit, regularly distributed these items to impoverished children in the area around Abu Ghraib. 

     The environment at Abu Ghraib was harsh and dangerous.  The heat was oppressive, the accommodations Spartan, and the installation was frequently attacked by rocket and mortar fire.  The separation from my wife and children was almost unbearable.  Having now safely returned home, and being able to sit in the stands again and watch the Redbird football and basketball teams, has truly taught me to appreciate the many blessings in my life.

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Camp Le Monier is the base of operations for U.S. forces in the Horn of Africa.  Chris Winslow will be giving us periodic updates while stationed there. I truly appreciate his contributions.

Chris Winslow

Dear Senator Rutherford,

Greetings from the Horn of Africa.

Terri Winfree, whom you know through Community College and Chamber
lobbying, was recently married to my Uncle Rick Seeley.  Below is an e-mail from her suggesting I include you on my distribution list for a bi-monthly e-mail I
send out regarding my experiences etc. here at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.

As I understand from your website, you have been to some of the better
areas in Africa.  Djibouti is not among those so luckily dubbed.

I am a graduate of Mary Washington College and Thomas Jefferson Law and
between those degrees worked as Rob Bell's campaign manager and then
Delegate Bell's (R-Albemarle) legislative assistant in Richmond, VA.

Please feel free to use any portion of the distributed e-mail as you wish.

Thank you for your service.  It seems as though Illinois needs it more
than ever.

Sincerely,
Chris Winslow

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SPC Ron Gebur

SPC Gebur was killed in action while serving in Iraq, the following are letters from friends and pictures of Ron, his wife Bethany, and his son Gage:

Mrs. Boswell,

My name is Craig Osborne and I was Ron's Battalion Commander in Iraq. My friend Bob Babcock forwarded me your recent email to him and I felt compelled to write you. I hope that you do not think that a response via email is impersonal - it truly is not meant to be.

I cannot fathom the depths of your loss, but can only tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you and will always be. There isn't a day that passes that I don't remember Ron, Bethany, and Gage and pray for them. His picture is on the wall in our headquarters and I see him over and over each day. I know he will never be forgotten.

When he was killed, I went to the hospital in Baghdad to be with him but arrived too late. I knelt next to his body and prayed for God to comfort you and your family in the days ahead and to take care of Bethany and Gage, in particular. When the time came, I personally escorted his body to where it needed to be. It was where I was supposed to be that morning and nothing was more important to me. I then went to the site where the IED detonated and I walked about attempting to comfort those who were with him and knew him best. More than anything, we shook hands, put our arms around each other and hugged one another, and nodded as tears filled our eyes. Words were inadequate.

I called Bethany the day after Ron died but she was already on a flight back to you. We were able to speak the following day and I told her how special Ron was to us and how sorry I was for his death. I am sure she only vaguely remembers talking with me but it was important to me that I call her. When I confirmed where you lived, I wanted my family to represent me at Ron's funeral since I could not be there myself. I was fortunate enough that some were able to attend. Ron was one of us and I wanted to pay our respects in an appropriate manner and ensure that you knew we had not simply forgotten him when he left our midst. I also know that my wife Lois was at the service at Fort Hood that honored Ron. When I return to Decatur after the deployment, I will visit Ron's grave and pay my respects.

I felt many emotions that day and have felt even more since. I felt a great sense of sorrow for having lost one of our own, I felt proud of him for never shirking his duty for his nation and brothers here, I felt selfish for feeling the loss while knowing how much it would effect you and your family even more, and I felt like I had let your family down for not bringing him back alive with us. I will always be sorry that I was unable to do so. Unfortunately, we have lost men both prior to and since the day Ron passed away, but none have been so widely mourned as Ron. He was unique - but you already know that.

I am old enough to have teenage children and many of our Soldiers are not much older than my own daughters. In so many ways, I view our Soldiers as my own sons and daughters. When something happens to one of them, it is very personal to me. I am certain that the loss I have felt and continue to feel for Ron pales in comparison to the devastation that you have endured, but please know that countless people also grieve with you. I wish that there was something I could say or do that could ease your pain. I would eagerly do it if I could or knew how.

You and your family remain and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. You have sacrificed for the nation just as other families have done and I want you to know that Ron and his life will never be forgotten. He was too important to us for that to ever happen. As long as I live, I will always be there for you, your family, Bethany, and Gage. I owe that to you and to Ron.

May God bless you and give you comfort in these days and the days ahead.

Craig Osborne

Message by Dr Kevin Marsh - Battalion Surgeon 1-22 Infantry

To the family of SPC Ron Gebur,

As the battalion surgeon, I do not always have the opportunity to meet every soldier in the battalion. For SPC Gebur, I had met him a few times when he came to the aid station and I noticed how he had an upbeat attitude. I did not know it at the time, but I later learned that this was an extension of his faith in God. Occasionally, I would hear his name in conversations and learned that he had become a good friend with one of our medics (and that he was a good example of model behavior).

On May 8th, I was beginning a 4 day class designed to teach more medical skills to the line soldiers. I was pleased to see that Ron was in the class, knowing that he was a leader amongst the men. After a few lectures, he informed me that there was an upcoming mission and that he might not be able to finish the course. I let him know that he would be welcome at future classes, but to let me know what the decision was. He expressed a desire to be with his unit, and let me know that he would rather finish the course another time. The next day, he left with his men.

In the early morning hours of May 13th, I was informed that our battalion had suffered casualties. When the hospital called me for an update, my heart sank to learn that it was Ron. This information was passed to the men in the operations center and everyone stopped what they were doing when they heard his name. We all knew that we had lost a great man.

It is a lasting tribute to a man's character when it can consistently be said of him that he was a leader, kind, and dedicated. Everyone that I have talked to has said this of him. In a wartime environment, he exuded an attitude that only comes from a Christian faith.

For his wife and family, I pray that you will find comfort with the LORD during this time. For his son, Gage, you can be proud that your father was a man of courage and character. Know that all the men who served with him loved and respected him.

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Raymond Holzhauer

Dwight

‘Always one to serve'
Holzhauer honored Monday for a life of service and faith

By Jo Ann Hustis
Herald Reporter

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 3:00 PM CDT  

DWIGHT - From the church to the cemetery, hundreds of people showing American flags lined up Monday in tribute to the life of the late Marine Lance Cpl. Raymond James Holzhauer.

“The thoughts and prayers of the people of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and the people of Dwight, are with you,” church pastor, the Rev. Jim Rickey, said to the family during the funeral for the 19-year-old Marine.

“We are all here because we have faith.”

He recognized Illinois Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, who arrived about 20 minutes before the service began at 11 a.m. Monday.

“We're honored he is here,” said Rickey. “We know of the great work he does in respect to those who died in the service of our country.”

The son of Lori Fraher and Raymond Holzhauer, the Marine was found dead on Thursday, March 15, in the Armory in Al Anbar Province in Iraq where he was assigned to duty.

The military announced he died from what was described as a non-hostile incident. The death remains under investigation.

Placing a white pall on the coffin in remembrance of the baptismal garment, the pastor prayed for “Your son Raymond, whom You have called from this life, welcome him into the company of Your saints, in the kingdom of light and peace.”

During the eulogy, the pastor recounted the story of the rabbi whose son was murdered.

“He knew the Bible well,” said Rickey. “He said, ‘Always be grateful to the One who gave you the gift of the Lord. We repay the loan when it is demanded.'

“The rabbi's wife said, ‘Today, God called our only son.' The rabbi said, ‘The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.' We thank God for the gift of Raymond James Holzhauer.”

The pastor recalled the Marine's vibrant, yet quiet personality, and his willingness to help others.

“You could count on Ray. He listened, and he cared. He loved cars, racing, and fishing. He loved his country. It's called service,” Rickey said. “He went to serve all people. He was a Marine - always faithful.”

The pastor recounted the serviceman's early life, from his first communion at St. Patrick's Church, to his graduation from the local grade and high schools, and his enlistment in the Marine Corps.

“He was always one to serve,” said Rickey.

His gaze on the flag-draped casket before him, the pastor spoke to Holzhauer.

“Thank you for your generosity to all of us,” Rickey said. “You returned your life to the Lord through your service to us.”

“He was there. And then when the Lord called him, let it be said, ‘The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.' Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Rickey told the congregation to live, and cherish and respect life, giving of it generously and freely in service to others.

“Semper Fi,” he said, quoting the Marine Corps motto to be ever faithful. “Always be faithful and be ready for when the Lord calls. Jesus said, ‘Love one another.' The people who are important to you, show them by your actions you love them.”

Lastly, the pastor reminded the congregation to not forget the wake for the Marine, and his funeral and burial.

“The family will need your help and support,” Rickey said. “Share his memory - keep him alive. And help us be ready to go home whenever You call us.”

The communion bread and wine were the gifts of the Marine's godparents at baptism, Rick Stevenson and Bonnie Kelly.

Internment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at Dwight. The service was conducted with full military honors by members of the United States Marine Corps, who also served as pallbearers at the cemetery.

Pallbearers at the church service were Jonny Biswell, Sean Cleveland, Zach DeLong, Kristen Feddersen, Elliot Gernantz, Scott Oswald, Rick Stevenson, and Garret Tripp.

About 50 members of the Patriot Guard Riders were present to protect the services from a Wichita, Kansas, church group which demonstrates at military funerals.

Arrangements were by Martin-Burke Funeral Home of Pontiac, and Hager Memorial Home in Dwight.

Patriot Guard Riders page on LCPL Holzhauer

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Senator Rutherford, I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put a place on your website  to show special recognition to those who are working hard to protect our  great nation. I grew up in Fairbury, IL, graduated Prairie Central in  2002, and I'm currently a Junior at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

 After graduation, I went to Monterey, CA and went through the defense language program there to learn Arabic. Afterwards, I applied to the  Academy, and to all of you interested, the process isn't as challenging as it may initially seem. Congressman Johnson was very helpful in getting the  Congressional recommendation, and it turned out to be a surprisingly  smooth process. I've never regretted my decision to attend the Academy, even though it's not even close to the normal college experience. The classmates and company mates I've been lucky enough to have are closer than any fraternity brother anyone could ever have. We do a lot together,  whether it's traveling across the world or working together to organize the Saturday morning training regiment for the Plebe (freshmen) class.

 As a junior, things are a little better, because I can finally have a car,  wear 'civilian' clothes, and have at least one weekday evening free to enjoy in town (Tuesday evening). I usually have weekends free, so I can explore the DC/Baltimore area, and go back home or up to NYC and  elsewhere. I was just accepted to go to the early interview for the nuclear engineering program for my post-graduation career selection. While getting the early interview doesn't ensure me to get into the program,
 it's still an exciting prospect. If I get accepted, I'll spend a year and  a half in Charleston, SC to go through the Navy's nuclear power school after my graduation and commission in May 2008. Afterwards, I'll be assigned to a submarine in either Kings Bay, San Diego, or Hawaii.

 

 I want to take a moment to recognize those who are on the front lines  servicing our great country at this time. While I'm at the Academy, we're often required to wear our uniforms into Annapolis, at airports, and other locales throughout our nation. As a freshman and sophomore, we aren't  allowed to wear normal clothes at all, and this leads to many  opportunities to wear our uniforms into public. We hear a lot of 'thank yous' as we walk around in our uniforms, and as a student at the Academy, I feel this distinction is misleading. What they mean to thank is the  service of those who do wear our uniform all over, and hopefully someday I'll have a chance to really deserve their thanks. But for now, when they thank me, I remember their thanks is an expression of appreciation to  everyone who serves the United States. So, I want to forward all those thanks to everyone serving--whether you're spending long hours on watch in the desert, time on a ship's bridge in the Pacific, protecting our coast lines, or flying sorties against enemy targets, your efforts are kept in the minds of Americans everywhere, as I'm constantly reminded of our nation's appreciation.

 If any of you are interested in the Academy (whether Navy, WestPoint, or Air Force), please email me at m082118@usna.edu and I'll be happy to answer any questions. I've made friends at each of our sister academies, and the rigorous lifestyle and regimency has changed me in ways I never imagined. This is an oft-felt sediment by cadets and midshipmen at each of  the three service academies, and most will agree it's a highly rewarding and worthwhile experience. It's been a great ride, and I look forward to finishing up my time here as I prepare to go lead the best our country has
 to offer.

 Senator, thanks again for the opportunity to share my story to everyone  out there. I wish you a successful Spring and look forward to seeing you on my next trip home.

Very respectfully,
 Ben Fehr
 

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Tod Stephens

Greg Cueto

Ron and Lisa's son in law, Army Spc. Greg Cueto currently stationed in Afghanistan. As a married college graduate, he was spurred to join the military after witnessing the 9/11 attack on our citizens at the World Trade Center. He considers it an honor to serve and his duty  for his generation.

Representative Stephens is a veteran himself see him on our veterans page

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SPC Jason Zwettler

SPC Zwettler, son-in-law of Donna and Victor Linas, was recently awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Zwettler also just recently re-enlisted.

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Airman First Class Julie Chattler

Chicago

She wasn’t deployed to Iraq. She didn’t fight in Afghanistan. The battles she waged left a different kind of scars. She died at age 27 while in the service of her country. She was my daughter, Airman First Class Julie Marlene Chattler.

In the spring of 2000, Julie called me and said “Mom, sit down. I’m joining the Air Force”. To say I was struck speechless is an understatement. Since no one in recent history except her paternal grandfather who fought in World War II and passed away before she was born, has served in the military, enlisting in any branch of the armed forces was a very foreign concept. I had very serious concerns because in my estimation, my beautiful daughter, whom I loved dearly, was the laziest young woman on the planet when it came to the mundane of daily life. Making her bed or washing, drying and putting away a dish didn’t even approach her list of 1,000 top priorities. I just hoped that her paradoxically strong work ethic would carry her through.

Just as there “must have been some magic in that old top hat” that Frosty the Snowman put on, the BDU’s that Julie donned, likewise had mystical powers. Much to my surprise and extreme pride, Julie’s star shined ever so brightly during her tenure in the Air Force. In basic training, her flight was honored at graduation and she personally received recognition for leadership and commitment. In October, after basic, she was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where she worked at the Family Advocacy Center. During her first months at Sheppard, Julie was required to study for her Career Development Course to become a mental health technician. This involved 10,000 pages of independent study in the mental health field. She took her exams and passed on her first attempt. with an exceptional score of 90 and was recognized with two separate certificates for this achievement. Shortly thereafter she was promoted to Airman First Class and was then selected as Airman of the Quarter of the 82d Medical Operations Squadron, then Airman of the Quarter of the 82d Medical Group and finally the Airman of the Quarter of the 82d Training Wing. She was Number One out of 3,500. Could I have been more proud of my little girl? It is my understanding that immediately following her promotion to Airman First Class, the package was being compiled for her promotion to Senior Airman.

Sadly, this promotion was never to happen. On Wednesday, May 23rd, 2001 Julie woke up feeling ill, achy, dizzy and had a rash. She did not go to work but did go in to sick call at Sheppard. She was seen by a physician’s assistant who gave her a shot to relieve her achiness and sent her home to recuperate. When I spoke to her on Thursday, she sounded groggy but coherent which I assumed was due to the Benadryl she was taking for the rash. Friday I called and could not reach her at all. I contacted her office to see if she had gone to work but she had not. Sgt Pat Dwyer went to her apartment to check on her and found her unconscious on the floor and immediately called an ambulance. I was on the first flight I could get to Dallas where I rented a car and drove to Wichita Falls. When I got to the hospital at about midnight, there were at least a dozen officers and friends, both civilian and military, that Julie worked with, standing vigil. Julie was comatose and in intensive care. She briefly responded to my voice when I walked into her room and said “Julie, honey, I’m here now and everything is going to be ok”. She opened her eyes and they quickly darted around the room looking for me. I will never know if she saw me but I am certain and grateful she knew I was there.

So, for the next 4 or 5 days, I spent 100% of my time between the hospital and the few hours I slept, at the local Holiday Inn. During the waking hours, I was never alone. Julie’s friends and superiors made sure I had the support I didn’t know that I needed. Miraculously someone would just show up at lunchtime or dinner to make sure I ate. I could not have been less interested in eating but they knew the importance of my being able to keep my strength up. Major Kirk Martin of Julie’s chain of command, was a very frequent visitor as was Colonel Dennis Marquardt. Major Martin and his wife both had great affection for my daughter. It seemed that at any hour of the day or night, there was someone there to stand vigil with me. The friendship and respect she had garnered was very gratifying for me as her mom. In the middle of the week, probably Wednesday, it all sort of runs together in my mind, Julie and I were flown by Med-evac plane to San Antonio where she would be cared for at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base. It was there on Saturday, June 2, 2001, almost exactly one year after her entry into the Air Force (May 25th, 2000) Julie was removed from life support and quietly slipped away. It would be months before I would ever know that encephalitis was the villain that took her life. I will never know for sure how she contracted it.

We brought Julie’s remains back to Chicago where she grew up and her funeral was planned by the Air Force. Julie was buried at Shalom Memorial Park in Palatine where she was honored by the Air Force with an honor guard, color guard and 21 gun salute. She was also presented, posthumously, with an Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. The accomplishments listed on the certificate read as follows:

Airman First Class Julie M. Chattler distinguished herself by meritorious service as Mental Health Technician, Family Advocacy Program, 82nd Medical Operations Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. During this period, 10 October 2000 to 2 June 2001, exemplary diligence and devotion to duty increased customer satisfaction to an astonishing 99.4 percent ; her superb actions aided in achieving a 30 percent reduction in family violence and significantly contributed to Sheppard Family Advocacy receiving the best Health Services Inspection rating in over 6 years. Airman Chattler, in completion of her Career Development Course testing, achieved one of the highest scores in her field. Frequently assuming the role of Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Family Advocacy, Airman Chattler easily exceeded the most challenging performance expectations of that position, ensuring continuous care for as many as 60 family members per week. In recognition of her leadership, energy, and dedication to duty, Airman Chattler was selected as the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron Airman of the Quarter, the 82d Medical Group Airman of the Quarter and the 82d Training Wing Airman of the Quarter. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Chattler in the dedication of her service to her country reflect credit upon herself and The United States Air Force.

This medal was awarded by General Sharla Cook who personally told me that my baby girl had been “the finest troop” she had ever seen.

The story of my daughter does not end there. Because of the respect she received for her obviously amazing achievements, the Family Advocacy Center at Sheppard Air Force Base underwent a name change. On Friday, January 18, 2002 a dedication ceremony, which I attended as a guest of the Air Force, took place. I am proud to say that the center is now known as the Chattler Family Advocacy Center. Her picture is on the wall along with a brief bio. The extraordinary number of people that she touched, the families that she helped to stay together, the domestic violence she helped to stem, the children who will grow up in healthy families may not remember her and the role she played in their lives, but I know the extent of her dedication and accomplishments . For sure she is an unlikely hero but in my eyes, a hero still.
 

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Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom

Courtesy of Illinois State University

 The following individuals are Illinois State University graduates who have served or are serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

1st Lt. Trevor Conrad, M.S. '04; Missouri Army National Guard
1st Lt. Joe "Friday" Barker, '01; U.S. Marine Corps
1st Lt. Terence Bacon, ’99, U.S. Army

Capt. Doyle Bedwell, ’04, Illinois Army National Guard

Sgt. Joseph E. Bierbrodt, ’00, Illinois Army National Guard

1st Lt. Matthew Buck, ’01, U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Jame Buol, current student, Illinois Army National Guard

1st Lt. Jeff Burchfield, ’98, U.S. Army

Lt. Michael A. Cap, ’01, U.S. Marine Corps

2nd Lt. Nicholas A. Carbone, ’02, U.S. Army

2nd Lt. Michael J. Cotovsky, ’03, U.S. Army

IS2 (SEAL) Ryan P. Crowley, ’00, U.S. Navy

Maj. Eric Dailey, ’90, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

1st Lt. Nicole Danca, ’03, U.S. Army

Capt. Terrance D. Deuel, ’98, U.S. Army

Maj. Kelly P. Donna, ’91, U.S. Army

Maj. Austin Elliott, ’91, U.S. Army

Maj. Norman Emery, ’89, U.S. Army

Lt. Ryan L. Francis, ’01, U.S. Army

Maj. Robert Freitag, ’84, U.S. Army Reserve

Maj. Marvin Fuller, ’75, U.S. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Michael Galassi, ’00, Illinois Army National Guard

Maj. Donald Gardiner, ’89, U.S. Army Reserve

Lt. Col. David R. Gault, ’81, U.S. Army

Sgt. Joseph D. Goff, ’03, Illinois Army National Guard

Sgt. David B. Goode, ’92, U.S. Army

Sgt. Benjamin T. Gracey, ’94, U.S. Army Reserve

Lt. Col. Anthony E. Haager, U.S. Army

1st Lt. James D. Hannigan, ’03, U.S. Army

Capt. Denise Hatcher, ’99. U.S. Army

Sgt. Mark Hocker, current student, Illinois Army National Guard

Cpt. Jason Horn, ’95, U.S. Army Reserves

Lt. Col. William B. Hughes, ’87, U.S. Army

Lt. Col. Mark Jackson, ’87, Illinois Army National Guard

Capt. Erik Jaspers, ’94, U.S. Army Reserve

2nd Lt. Cory M. Jones, ’02, Illinois Army National Guard

Capt. Nicholas Karch, ’99, U.S. Army

Maj. Kelly Kilhoffer, ’89. U.S. Army Reserve

Capt. Robert Kus, ’02, U.S. Army

Maj. Thomas M. Lawicki, ’80, U.S. Air Force

Lt. Col. Timothy R. Lemmons, ’86, U.S. Army Reserves

Lt. Comdr. Chris Long, ’89, U.S. Navy

Capt. Michael Mannion, ’97, U.S. Army

Airman 1st Class Daniel E. Maslowski ’02, U.S. Air Force

Maj. Shawn McConnell, ’89, U.S. Army Reserve

Spec. Alan M. McCubbin, ’02, U.S. Army

Maj. Robert McGuire, ’89, U.S. Army

Lt. Col. Raleigh Meiser, M.S. ’93, U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Chris Murdoch, M.B.A. ’01, Illinois Army National Guard

Col. Yvette Nonte, ’83, U.S. Army

Capt. Troy O’Donley, ’02, Illinois Army National Guard

Maj. Timothy J. O’Neil, ’84, U.S. Army Reserve

Sgt. Christopher J. Ohlsen, ’92, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Lt. Col. Craig Osborne, ’89, U.S. Army

Capt. David A. Peterson, ’94, M.S. ’98, U.S. Army Reserve

Capt. Glen R. Petersen, ’93, Illinois Army National Guard

Spec. Michael Pyburn, ’01, Illinois Army National Guard

Maj. Cory K. Reid, ’94, U.S. Air Force

2nd Lt. Stephen Rice, ’02, Illinois Army National Guard

Lt. Cdr. Suzette Robinson, ’85, U.S. Navy Reserve

Lt. Col. Turner A. Rouse, ’80, U.S. Army Reserve

1st Lt. Christopher Rozhon, ’00, U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Michael F. Sass, ’03, Illinois Army National Guard

Lt. Col. Charles Schlom, ’84, U.S. Army, Afghanistan

Spc. Megan Schukar, ’02, Illinois Army National Guard

2nd Lt. Lynn Scott, ’04, U.S. Army

Sgt. Joni L. (Snyder) Sefton, ’96, U.S. Army Reserve

Sgt. Michael R. Sharrard, ’96, U.S. Air Force

Capt. David O’Neil Singley, ’94, U.S. Marine Corps

Nathan Slider, ’95, Lt. U.S. Navy Reserve

Lt. Col. Dirk Spanton, ’82, Illinois Army National Guard

Lt. Cmdr. Linda M. (Choe) Szot, ’89, U.S. Navy Reserve

Lt. Col. Mark Talkington, ’86, U.S. Army

Capt. Troy Temple, ’99, U.S. Army

1st Lt. Philip Thompson, ’00, U.S. Army

Capt. Dan Tingwall, ’87, U.S. Air Force

2nd Lt. Caprice A. Vargas, ’02, U.S. Army

Capt. Jeffery David Walden, ’87, Illinois Army National Guard

Sgt. Robert White, ’04, Illinois Army National Guard

2nd Lt. Ginger Wietholder, ’02, U.S. Army

Maj. William John Wilson, ’87, U.S. Army

Cpt. Anthony Zimmerman, ’94, U.S. Marine Corps  

Illinois State faculty and staff: 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor S. Brown, U.S. Navy Reserve

Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew K. Frank, U.S. Navy Reserve

Spc. Michelle R. Hall, U.S. Army Reserve

Maj. Jack L. Howard, Illinois Army National Guard

Sgt. Rod Nathan Repp, Illiniois Army National Guard  

IN MEMORY

 Jessica L. Cawvey, Specialist, Illinois Army National Guard

Jessica Cawvey, a 21-year-old Illinois State University student, was killed in October of 2004 while serving in Iraw. A member of the 1544th Transportation Company of the Illinois Army National Guard, Cawvey was a junior at Illinois State. She studied accounting and sociology prior to being activated. She was traveling in a cargo truck convoy along a supply route near Fallujah when an improvised bomb exploded.

Jeremy L. Ridlen, Specialist, Illinois Army National Guard

Jeremy Ridlen, a 23-year-old Illinois State University student, was killed in May of 2004 while serving with the United States Army in Iraq. A member of the 1544th Transportation Company of the Illinois Army National Guard, Ridlen was a sophomore general studies major before being activated. He was killed when a suicide bomber drove a dump truck rigged with an explosive device into an American military supply convoy traveling near Fallujah.  

Timothy L. Ryan, Capt., U.S. Marine Corps

Timothy Ryan, a 1997 graduate, was killed in May of 2003 when his helicopter crashed during a resupply mission in Iraq. Ryan was a music major who played in the Big Red Marching Machine, Pep Band, and Wind Symphony while at Illinois State. He enlisted in the Marines shortly after graduation to pursue his long-held dream of joining the elite, 80-member U.S. Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corps. He performed at military functions across the United State and Europe. Ryan also discovered a love of flying during his military training and pursued this dream as well. He graduated from the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, and was deployed to the Persian Gulf in early February of 2003.  

Christopher E. Zimny, Corp., U.S. Marine Corps

Christopher Zimny, ’00, died in January of 2005 from hostile action in Iraq’s Babil Province. The 27-year-old School of Social Work alumnus enlisted in the Marines one month after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He served with the 1st Battalioin, 2nd Marine Regiment, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He had been awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries received in earlier battles.  

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CPT Wojcik

Tinley Park

My name is Adam Wojcik. My Dad recently informed me of your desire to
post notes from Soldiers to share a first hand account of the war effort
with the rest of America. If it is alright, I will add you to the distro
list I keep and include you on updates I plan to share with my family and
friends throughout the year.

I am a field artillery captain originally from Chicago currently serving a
second tour in Baghdad, Iraq. My parents live in Orland Park and my wife
and I own a home in Tinley Park. I will leave the military immediately
upon redeployment. Continued service to our nation is something that
drives me. Although I have never considered myself political, I believe
our nation's current situation demands stronger leaders and selfless
commitment. Where do I look for my spot in the political machine in order
to serve?

Looking forward to knowing more about you and your service.

Respectfully,
Adam Wojcik

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Christian Motorcyclists Association sent their support to our troops in Afghanistan.

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LTC Michael Haerr

Senator Rutherford

First, I want to thank you for your service to our state as a Senator, and for the courage to run your campaign for Secretary of State in spite of the overwhelming popularity of Mr. Jesse White. I respect you both, inspite of your differences in parties. Secretary White and I have a common bond in that he and I both served in the 101st Airborne Division at points in our military careers (his much earlier than mine!). I also want to compliment you on the fact that you get the concept of "priviledge" of service, in that I truly feel that you are a servant leader for the residents of Central Illinois. I appreciate your adherence to conservative fiscal principles while remembering that our government was established as the most liberal of governments, providing each citizen the opportunity to pursue happiness in a manner he or she wishes, economically, spiritually and politically, under a common approved set of laws designed to protect both the individual and the state.

I was mobilized in November 2007 as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard's Joint Headquarters Embedded Training Team-1, missioned to support the Afghan National Army. After training in Fort Riley for 60 days, we began movement to Afghanistan. Here is a picture looking south over Camp Clark, which garrisons over 1/2 of the 1st Brigade, 203rd Afghan National Army Corps and provides security for Khowst Province. As well, we have an outstanding team of Guardmen from through out the United States, Active and Reserve Navy Garrison Mentors, and a support team from the Air Force. We also have the Corps of Engineers here helping adminster projects to improve the lives of Afghan citizens in this province. I am priviledged to serve here, and feel personally that we are making progress against the forces that oppose the spread of liberty and freedom, and that with each passing day, we are getting closer to where we need to be.

Picture number two is one of MAJ Doug Bogenhagen (on the right), myself in the middle, and LTC Jim Selchert (on my left). Both Jim and Doug are from the South Dakota National Guard, and have been working out of the Camp we are at since it opened in November 06. They have been in various duty positions, ranging from advising battalions to our higher headquarters, the 203rd, since June 06. Due to their efforts advising the Afghans, the camp is much more secure than it was when it opened. I sent this photo back to my wife in Eureka during the height of the storm last week. Jim and I just finished a three mile run around the Camp prior to the picture, in the atire we are wearing. Every place on earth has it's advantages.

Michael W. Haerr
LTC, IN, IL ARNG
1-203 RSAC SR MENTOR
Rough Rider Six
 

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Joseph Graham

Ashkum

Hi. My name is Joseph Graham. I’m currently stationed in Yorktown, Virginia. In 2005 I went on a 6 month deployment to the Middle East. I went to Greece, Bahrain, United Arab Emerits, and Kuwait. In 2006 I went up to Annapolis, Maryland at the naval academy to relieve the marines that were standing post at the gates. Currently I’m doing harbor security in Newport News, Virginia. I've only been in three years so I don’t have to much to write about but I just thought I would tell you and everyone else who reads this that there are huge variety of places military people can go to in a short period of time. I have enjoyed every place that I’ve been with the exception of Kuwait due to the heat but other than that it was a great experience.  My home town is Ashkum, Illinois.

FROM DAN: Joe, thanks for sharing and highlighting that there are many places our military goes. The photos are great!

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FROM DAN: Joan Bullard, from Odell, shared a story of her son, 1SG James Schultz, (posted on the Family & Friends site) and in it she writes:

“Jim has a young private soldier named Dillon Cannon from Texas that was shot in the neck right after Christmas.  I wish everyone would go into his website at http://dilloncannon.com/DillonCannonSite/Home.html and read every article on the site.  It tugs at your heart strings.  We owe so much to these young men and women.”

Thank you, Joan, for sharing your son and the link to Dillon’s website. I have looked at the site and it is definitely touching. I encourage others to visit it also.

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James M. Schultz

Originally from Odell

Son of Joan and Bob Bullard

In Iraq, James M. Schultz and his company commander coming off of mission. To read comments from the family, please go to the Family & Friends page.

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Robert

Peoria

While serving in Iraq as a Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Team Leader, I supported the USMC.  After the invasion of Fallujah, my team was re-assigned to the town of Karmah, about 10 miles NE of Fallujah.  We arrived in that town in early December 2004.  We arrived at night and noticed that the entire town of about 70,000 people was completely dark.  The main power lines that supplied power to the region were damaged by insurgents during the invasion.  The following morning I met with some local townsmen who worked in the area.  They explained the problems they had been having since the invasion started with not only the power, but with the water as well.  The water facilities ran off electricity and although they had diesel generators to keep them running, the generators could only provide about 6 hours of running water each day to the town.  The diesel was hard to get and very expensive because much of the diesel fuel was controlled on the black market.  I told these townsmen to bring the city water and power manager to my post and I would meet with them to see what could be done.  Although this was more of a Civil Affairs (CA) responsibility, there had not been a CA team assigned to the town at this point.  The water manager met with me later that morning and gave me a descriptive diagram outlining the problem areas and what lines needed to be repaired to restore power.  This man asked for nothing from the American Forces but our support.  After clearing this with the Company Commander of the Marine element I was supporting, the water manager was cleared to do what he needed to get the power running as long as he allowed the Marines to inspect his equipment and his personnel and inform me where he would be working that day prior to beginning the repairs.  (This was necessary both the Marines safety and the workers.) A few of the Iraqi police from that town even accompanied the water manager to provide some security for the workers.  Within 72 hours of my team’s arrival on the ground, power had been restored to 75% of the town.  Within two weeks, 95% of the town had power AND water.  By serving as a liaison between the local Iraqi government and the Marine Commander, I was able to help these townspeople get their lives back and greatly improved the relationship between the Iraqi people and the American forces in the region.  Many of the people saw me as a friend, not a soldier.   Once the locals realized that we were there to help, they started reporting suspicious activity to the Marines, which ultimately helped reduce insurgent activity in that town and saved countless American and Iraqi lives.

The attached picture was taken at a feast that was made by a local in the town of Karmah to thank us for our work.  I am at the far left.  My interpreter is wearing the black jacket.  I would not have been able to do my job without him.  He was a native of Iraq.  Many people think I am crazy when I tell them I want to go back to Iraq, but it was moments like this that made it all worth it and make me want to go back to help.  Two members of my 60 man company lost their lives their and many more were wounded, some so severely that they had to be medically retired from the Army. 

SSG Robert A. Hajny

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the following is a reprint from the summer edition of the  Illinois State University Alumni Magazine

Support our troops

Eight men with Illinois State connections served together in the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Iraq. The battalion is a part of the Illinois Army National Guard and was mobilized in January of 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion trained four months in Georgia and California before arriving in Baghdad in May of 2005. The first task was patrolling the Abu Ghraib Market area of western Baghdad. In September the battalion began patroling Radwaniya, southwest of Baghdad. Enormous weapons caches were found in Radwaniya, where there was fierce insurgent resistance. In November the 2-130th moved out of the Baghdad area and headed west to Al Taqaddum, a logistics outpost in the Al Anbar Province. The battalion took over the base defense mission. In late April of this year, the 2-130th returned home, thankful for having completed a successful deployment to Iraq.

Redbirds who proudly served in the 2-130th include, front row from left, Sergeant Mark Hocker, a current student; Staff Sergeant James Buol, a current student; and Captain Doyle Bedwell ’04. Back row from left, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jackson’87, Specialist Michael Pyburn ’01, Sergeant Robert White ’04, Staff Sergeant Michael Galassi ’00, and Major Glen Petersen ’93.

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Major Jerry Clarke

Champaign

A great American and a personal friend of Dan.

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CPT Benjamin

Barrington

I stepped off the C-130 airplane in August 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq to what I can only describe as oppressive heat.  I had been in Afghanistan in 02-03 and dealt with heat before but wasn’t quite ready for the dry heat I encountered in Iraq.  The best way to describe is to imagine having a hair blower in your face almost constantly.  To this day I still don’t grasp why anyone would have lived there prior to air conditioning, ice, and oil.

I was a Company Commander for Golf Company, 10^th BSB, 1^st BCT, 10^th Mountain Division and I had the responsibility and privilege to command 91 Soldiers.  It was the most rewarding thing that I have done in my professional life.  I say professional life because the most rewarding thing I have done in my personal life is become a father.  It prepared me for treating my Soldiers like my sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. 

We were responsible for base defense and the maintenance of 3/6 FA Battalion.  We manned towers, entry control points, conducted patrols, recovered damaged vehicles and fixed non-mission capable equipment.  There was no time off we were always vigilant.  Everyone in my company came home but we had lost family from other batteries and companies.  It was the most difficult time of my life but also allowed me to see what is important in my life.  I would never trade the time in Iraq or Afghanistan for anything.  I will always be grateful for the chance to serve with and command the Soldiers that I have met.

CPT David J. Benjamin III

Barrington, IL

Graduate of Loyola University of Chicago

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Army Reserve SPC Jeremy Church

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2LT Loyd

Marion

Dan,

It's probable not what you were looking for and it's a little long for a
website but it really shows the support and respect that the average person
has for the Soldiers. The experience inspired me to stay in the military
past my retirement and now I plan to stay in the military in some fashion till I
am 62. At a time this late into the War I applaud you for bringing the
Soldiers and their sacrifices to the attention of your followers. My wife
and I are both in the military...she's AF and I'm Army, and I am all too aware
of the many sacrifices that Soldiers give on behave of this county; Everything
from long separations from their young children that need their attention to
long term financial, marital, and in some cases mental problems. There's a
strong brotherhood between members of the military and I know that most
would die for each other just because of that connection alone.

Thanks Again Dan

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Hugh

Sullivan

Sir,

Thank you for emailing my step father and pledging your support to my fine marines and other brave sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am a Sullivan, Illinois native currently serving on my third tour in Iraq. I willfully and gladly volunteered to come over here the past two tours to ensure that my marines receive the best training and are well taken care of. I am very thankful for all of the support that the American Public and Government has shown in these trying times. It shows in the quality of life that I am receiving while overseas.
 

Once again, thank you for your email.

"Semper FI"
Ssgt Elsea, Hugh D
Company Gunnery Sergeant
Company C 4 Combat Engineer Battalion

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Sgt. First Class Randy Henk is a former Elgin resident and stationed with the US Army in Iraq. He writes a column for the Elgin Courier about his experiences. Senator Rutherford has been in contact with Sgt. Henk. Randy has sent photos and comments…he will send more, on a regular basis.

Dear Senator Rutherford,
 

Thank you Sir, for your words of support and respect. I am happy to hear that you enjoy my weekly writings which have been a sort of hobby of mine during each of my four deployments through the years, just to try to paint a picture for everyone back home to better understand through a soldier's eyes.

 

I will be attaching some of my writings as well as some pictures over the course of the next few days, as our internet time is limited here to 30 minutes and moves like "pondwater" (smile) I deeply appreciate that you want to honor all of us on your website.
 

Thank You for your support Sir!

 

Respectfully,
Randy A. Henk
SFC, USA

A little girl, a grenade and an awful choice

January,  2007

Al Hit, Iraq

'A child," I thought to myself after hearing the recitation of Spc. White's mission within the city.

He had been out over a week and had endured various attacks, most of which had been children around the ages of 8 to 14, including one lobbing a grenade over a wall. He is one of our combat engineers I frequently see in passing.

"How the hell could I shoot at a kid, Sgt. Henk?"

"You did the right thing, man," I replied, thinking to myself how crazy it is, an 8-year-old girl lobbing a hand grenade over a wall, the difficult decision to fire and live with that or not fire, risking the lives of soldiers. Either way, one has to live with the outcome and the choice you make.

For me, I was happy to hear that he did not fire.

I can remember my first few days entering Kosovo, seeming like yesterday although eight years already have passed. We were the first ones in, the spearhead as the Serbian Army retrograded out of the province. We had entered a small village outside of Urosevac, and were conducting our initial sweep of the village, an assessment of displaced families: if they needed food, numbers of inhabitants, the usual data we would collect.

We were guided to a compound that had served as a headquarters for the paramilitary police. I will never forget what we found that day.

One room had served as an interrogation room, littered with primitive and inhumane means of intelligence gathering: car battery, vices, bolt cutters. I can remember rummaging through a mound of pictures. One to this day still in my mind of a little girl, maybe in her pre-teens, clad in a white dress, one probably worn for a church event, a little girl's formal dress. In the next room piles of clothing, most with blood spatter -- that very same dress and the question that still is a burning ember in my mind, whether or not that little girl is alive.

That experience later would attribute to my focus back then to help the children, even spending my own income to purchase paint and school supplies for the schools in the villages under my tank crews' control -- many of you reading my writings of today helped impact the lives of three villages through your donations of school supplies, toys and clothing for those children back then.

Here, it is different.

It is not uncommon for a 14-year-old boy to be an IED (improvised explosive device) emplacer, a little girl lobbing a hand grenade, a 16-year-old boy firing an AK-47. Here I do not wave or pass out candy. I watch them and try to look at their faces. Some smile and are children, as children are, but there also are those who have the look and the air about them that, given the chance, they would surely relish the thought of our death.

"Yeah man, it's a crazy world. You did right," I reassured him as he parted.

The week had been mostly uneventful, at least for us. That was sort of evident by Scott's pacing from time to time, the amount of cigarettes smoked and daydreaming of what it will be like to finally get out of here. How awkward civil life is going to feel: wearing a pair of jeans, sitting on a toilet, normal food, feeling clean. We finally began packing.

Dust. Mounds of dust on bags and things we even forgot we had brought with us. Some of the gear I never even used. As we moved a dormant bag or box, a mouse would scurry from one corner to the next.

Question: Do I still need this? Unpack. Pack. Unpack. Cigarette. Pack.

Post Deployment Health Survey: Have you entered a destroyed vehicle? Have you witnessed death? Check all that apply -- coalition forces, enemy, civilian. Have you had diarrhea? Muscle aches and pains? Nightmares? Trouble sleeping? Chronic cough?

Hey, was that incoming?

In between packing. The guys' more frequent topic of the "I can't wait to's..." "I can't wait to walk around my room barefoot ... have a beer ... sleep ... wear civilian clothes ... go to Ireland ... Mom, Dad, Wife, Son, daughter. I can't wait ..."

Now, the complex task for me is to keep us all in check, not to allow complacency to set in, as our time is still ample here.

Daydreaming. Door opens, "EOD (explosive ordnance disposal)!"

Randy A. Henk, SFC, USA

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CAPT Matthew Smith

Oak Park

Senator Rutherford:

            Thank you for taking an interest in our unit.  We are Charlie Battery, 2^nd Battalion, 4^th Field Artillery based out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Including myself, we have (8) Soldiers in the Battery that are Illinois residents; which equals just about 10% of the unit.  Each of them is anxious to provide you with first account information on their experiences here in Iraq, and to thank those Illinois residents that have been continuously showering us with care packages throughout our first 100 Days. 

Who are we? Well, currently we are the only Multiple Launch Rocket System in the Iraqi theatre.  Our Battery was hand selected by the Department of the Army and specifically task organized to deploy in support of the Global War on Terrorism.  Our primary responsibility is to engage time sensitive targets, targets of opportunity and high payoff targets with a precision guided rocket that is ideally constructed and specifically tailored for urban warfare.  The success of our mission thus far has played a key role in bringing validity back to the Field Artillery as well as offering our senior commanders with another precision weapon for their arsenal.  Additionally, due to the varying weather conditions in Iraq, which have proven to be problematic for the Air Force, our Battery is becoming the first choice to use in direct support of U.S. Forces that are in contact with the enemy.

Unlike other Field Artillery Batteries, whose Soldiers have primarily one specialized skill; our Battery is a combination of over 100 Soldiers with 9 different specialties.  Our Illinois Soldiers are as diverse in their backgrounds as they are in their job descriptions, and each of them plays a specific role to the collective success of our unit.

Sergeant Michael Gray is from Brookfield, Illinois, and a 1991 graduate of Riverside/Brookfield High School.  He is one of the (2) Fuelers we have in the Battery.  He is responsible for ensuring all 33 of our vehicles are fueled, and ready to roll out on a moments notice.  He asked if you could give him a “Shout Out” to all of his classmates from Riverside/Brookfield High School, and of course he wants to send his cheers for the Chicago Bears. 

Specialist Craig Landfair is from the Southside of Chicago vicinity 71^st and Ashland.  Coincidently, he is the other fueler in the Battery.  He reports to SGT Gray, and together they form the Illinois tandem that is directly responsible for ensuring the readiness of the most lethal battlefield asset in Southwest Asia. 

Specialist Michael Sipin, is from Naperville, Illinois, and Private William Klier is from Algonquin, Illinois.  Private Klier is a 2002 graduate of Jacobs High School.  They are 2 of the 12 Soldiers in the unit responsible for Fire Direction and are responsible for the technical fire direction of the Battery.  When our Battery receives a Fire Mission, SPC Sipin and PVT Klier are responsible for notifying our Launchers and directing them to the firing location, as well as computing the mission data in the fire direction computer in order to send a firing solution to the Launchers.  Pretty technical stuff, especially when you’re dealing with precise target locations!  Their margin for error is just above 0.

Specialist Ryan Long is from Oregon, Illinois and a 1999 graduate of Oregon High School – he also just celebrated his 26^th birthday on 23 January.  SPC Long is an ammunition specialist and his primary responsibility is to ensure the pods that hold our rockets are on hand, safeguarded, stored, transported and loaded when needed.  This is a very detailed task that requires an alert, trained, and physically fit crew.  SPC Long is also interested in attending Devry University and hopes to become a designer of video games after his tour of duty is complete. 

Specialist Jacob Klein is from Carpentersville, Illinois and a 2003 graduate of Dundee Crown High School.  SPC Klein manages our Battery’s training room and ensures all of our files and training documents are up to date and that our Senior Leaders have the most current situational awareness of operations within our battle space.  Although this job is normally reserved for a senior Noncommissioned Officer, SPC Klien has proven to be just as adept and proficient handling these tasks himself.  His attention to detail has been very important for our whole unit.

Specialist Matthew Meadows is from Bradley, Illinois and a 2002 graduate of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School.  SPC Meadows is a combat medic and he is responsible for the physical readiness of the whole unit and for providing immediate care and triage to Soldiers if the need arises.  He is an absolutely spectacular Soldier, and one of the greatest young Americans I’ve had the privilege to serve with.  He has the highest physical fitness score in our unit and he carries himself with the poise and discipline of our most senior leaders. 

As for me, I’m a 1994 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Norwich University.  I have been a commissioned officer since 1999. I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this organization at this critical juncture in our country’s history.

Thank you again, Senator Rutherford for your interest in us and for your support of our brothers in arms.       

Top row from left to right:

 SPC Michael Sipin, SPC Matthew Meadows, SPC Jacob Klein, SPC William Klier 

Front row from left to right:

 CPT Matthew Smith, SPC Craig Landfair, SGT Michael Gray, and SPC Ryan Long

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Hayward

Chicago

Senator Rutherford,

I wish you would have asked me last year.  I just returned from Iraq with my Naval Reserve battalion.  Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 was mobilized January 9, 2006.  We deployed in March from Port Hueneme, CA.  Our battalion headquarters is at Fort McCoy, WI.  However, more than half of our members are from Illinois. 

Seabees handle contingency construction for the Marine Expeditionary forces and Marine air bases.  Our jobs include road repair, bridge repair, rapid runway repair and water-well drilling in more remote camps just to name a few. 

If you want more info I can give it to you.  However, as I mentioned we all returned last October.  I don't know of anyone who is still over there from Illinois. 

We lost three great people while we were over there and had two others with near fatal injuries.  Two of the deceased are from Illinois.

Navy Equipment Operator 1st Class (Petty Officer 1st Class) Gary T. Rovinski, 44, of Roseville, Ill.; was killed June 5 as a result of enemy action when his Humvee was struck by an IED in Anbar Province, Iraq.

Navy Builder 1st Class Jerry A. Tharp, 44, of Aledo, Illinois; assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25, Rock Island, Ill; killed July 12 as a result of enemy action when his dismounted patrol was struck by an IED while operating in the Anbar province of Iraq.  His wife's name is Gail and she still lives in Aledo.

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Charles

1SG Charles Walters, the green zone, Iraq

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Tom

Wood Dale

Senator Rutherford,

Currently with the1744th Transportation Company at Camp Anaconda, Balad, Iraq

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Jason

Marengo 

 Husband of Rebecca and

son in law of Donna and

Victor…in Iraq.

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Geetanjali

Arlington Heights 

When I retire in July I will have served 25 years in the Army, both Active and Reserve.  I am once again on Active Duty, this time I am actually serving near my home in Schaumburg, IL at Headquarters, 85th Division (TS), Arlington Heights, IL.  The Army is ever changing and our command is in the midst of a transformation to a new entity, Regional Support Group West.  It will be exciting to see its birth, but I won't be a part of its birth, I will be back in the 'real world.'  I have raised four children while in the military and these 'GI Issue' children have turned out to be fine contributions to our society though they were required to travel more then their civilian friends.  So, 'we' were in the Army as a family.Over the years, my military service has caused me to miss birthdays, plays, ball games, recitals, party and even one graduation.  I am grateful that my four 'Army brats,' Rockelle, Erik, Heather and Sagirah were understanding of why I couldn't be there for them during those times.  They would say things like "Mom is out saving the Army, one soldier at a time."  It's true, my focus was on being an extra right hand to soldiers and making sure their personnel records were correct and assuring the forward movement of their career.  I was so busy helping others career management that I fooled around and let my own slip, thereby missing even making it to SFC. I never stopped being a person who smiled and was playful, even through the hectic pace and the dirt while wearing these ugly military glasses, also know as military birth control devices.  My children have been good sports even when I made them wear T-shirts with a picture on it of a very curvy uniformed female soldier toting a rifle, with the saying, "My Mommy wears combat boots."   Or the T-shirt from Fort McCoy with a bicycle built for four with the mommy bird in the lead and her baby birds on seats behind, on which I labeled all of our names.  Those were difficult times, but good. 
And I am very proud of my son, Erik who followed me into the corp.  One of our best photos in our family album is of both Erik and I in uniform on his graduation day from Boot Camp at Fort Jackson, SC, a place I swore I would never return to once I escaped my own Boot Camp there!  But a parent will do anything for the ones they love.  And that's why I'm in the Army and protecting the country that I love!

God bless the families that support us soldiers back home and are stronger that most families are called upon to be.  It is they who deserve a lot of credit for keeping us "ARMY STRONG."

FROM DAN: Geetanjali, thank you for sharing and all the best to you and you children. Thank you for giving so much!

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Kenny Mitzelfelt

Chenoa

A great young man, a friend of mine and a true American that makes us proud; Kenny sent these photos from Iraq. God Bless you Kenny and your fellow soldiers. We are happy to welcome you home!