TAPS

FALLEN HEROES OF THE 22^nd INFANTRY REGIMENT

THEY ARE GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

"Deeds Not Words" 

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Specialist Justin Antisdel

Spc. Justin Antisdel of Easley, South Carolina lived in Texas until about age 4, when the family moved to South Carolina. He attended Wren High School in Piedmont before joining the Army in September 2005. After training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to Camp Casey in South Korea. He was assigned to Fort Drum in January 2007. He was wounded in Iraq and had been at Walter Reed Hospital since February 2008. His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Combat Service, the National Defense Service Medal and the Purple Heart. He attended Lighthouse Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Heather; son, Curtis; parents, Mac Laverne and Paula Annette Miller Antisdel; and grandparents, James and Anna Bizzle, Walter and Esther Antisdel. Justin died at age 25 at Walter Reed Medical Center. He was injured in Iraq in October 2007 when a roadside bomb exploded

Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett

From FOX 7 News Watertown, NY

A violent day Sunday left one U.S. soldier dead and 18 other soldiers wounded in Northern Iraq and all were from Fort Drum’s First Brigade Combat Team.

The U.S. military says a suicide car bomb exploded near an American patrol base outside of Kirkuk.

Killed in the attack was Tyler Pickett of Antwerp.

He was a staff sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, or “Triple Deuce”.

Tyler lived in Antwerp with his family.

His wife, Kristy Pickett, is an Antwerp Village Trustee and is Deputy Elections Commissioner for Jefferson County Republican Committee.

7 News spoke to Jefferson County Republican Committee Chair Sandy Corey, who said she knew Tyler and his family and is also a resident of Antwerp.

“He wasn’t here long, but he made a lot of friends,” Ms. Corey said.

The village of Antwerp lowered its flags to half staff Monday.

Residents lined the streets with American flags.

Mike Cook, owner of Mike’s Tavern, was Tyler’s best friend.

He said Tyler was supposed to be home on leave at the time of his death, but his homecoming was delayed until June 30.

Cooke said Tyler was originally from Wyoming and bought house in Antwerp about a year ago.

Tyler was the recipient of the Medal of Valor for stopping a suicide bomber in Iraq.

Three other 10th Mountain Division soldiers were killed in Iraq last week.

See Andrea Friedman’s report:

The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died April 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Details on Cpt. Andrew. R. Pearson, 32, of Billings, Mont and Spc. Ronald J. Tucker, 21, of Fountain, Colo.

Cpt. Andrew R. Pearson

Cpt. Andrew R. Pearson, 32, of Billings Montana, an Infantry Officer, entered the military in June 1998. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division since February 2007.

Captain Pearson’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

 

Tucker, a 2005 graduate of Foun- tain-Fort Carson High School, joined the Army in 2005 and was trained to be a mortarman. He was assigned to Fort Hood in August 2006 and went to the Middle East this year.

    "Ronnie had a passion to be successful," said Fountain-Fort Carson dean of students Mitch Johnson, who had known Tucker since he was a first-grader. "He was a hard-working student."

    Johnson said Tucker was the kind of kid most school administrators don't notice, because he worked so hard and kept his nose clean.

    But Ronnie stood out for the right reasons, including his sense of humor.

    "If there was a good practical joke to be played, you could count on Ronnie having that grin on his face," Johnson said.

    Johnson said it was no surprise that Tucker joined the Army after high school.

    "He was a young man who had been around the military influence here the whole time he was in school."

    Tucker is the third Fountain-Fort Carson graduate to die in Iraq.

    Johnson said Tucker, the 58th Colorado native killed in the Iraq war, is survived by his mother and two sisters.

    Tucker's death came as fighting raged in Baghdad between Shiite militiamen loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Army forces. This week, Fort Carson's 3rd Brigade Combat team suffered six wounded soldiers during a four-hour firefight in Baghdad's Shiite slum, Sadr City.

    Fighting continued Friday with several attacks on the Fort Carson soldiers while they built barriers to close off Sadr City. Just before 6 p.m. soldiers from Fort Carson's 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment were ambushed with rifle fire from a building in Sadr City.

    A news release from the Army's Baghdad headquarters said the soldiers called in air support, and the building was destroyed by a pair of Hellfire missiles.

Specialist Tucker’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

PFC Jack T. Sweet

Sgt. Timothy Van Orman

Timothy R. Van Orman July 14, 1983 - February 5, 2008 Sergeant Timothy R. Van Orman, 24, formerly of Port Matilda, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, in Balad, Iraq. Born on July 14, 1983, in Williamsport, he was the son of Randy L. and Kelly M. McGee Van Orman, who survive in Port Matilda. He was a 2002 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. Timothy was of the Protestant faith. On Aug. 5, 2006, he married Catherine Van Vleet, of New York. He was a Sgt. serving in the United States Army. Timothy was assigned to the 2nd. Batt Regiment, 1st. Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. During his military career he was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation emblem, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Air Assault Badge Timothy was a member of the NRA, and enjoyed hunting and music and was an avid NASCAR fan. In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by his daughter, Halie E. Van Orman of New York; brother, W. Michael Van Orman of Ft. Knox, Ky.; two sisters, Cynthia M. Shouey, of State College, and Tonya L. Konachik, of Kileen, Texas. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at the Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home. Also from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at the Bald Eagle Baptist Church, Martha. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at the church, with Rev. David R. Spaugh officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Taylor Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children , 1645 W. Eighth St., Erie, PA 16505. Arrangements are under the direction of Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, Milesburg. Published in the Centre Daily Times on 2/12/2008.

By ROB CAROLUS Staff Writer WWW.TYRONEPA.COM February 7, 2008         Another area soldier died this week during operations in Iraq, according to U.S. Army officials. Media relations officer Benjamin Abel at Fort Drum, N.Y., reported this morning that Army Sgt. Timothy Van Orman, 24, formerly of Port Matilda, was killed in action Wednesday. No further information regarding his death was released.       Van Orman, a 2002 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, was well-liked and very musical, participating in the district’s instrumental music program, according to Bald Eagle Area School District superintendent Daniel F. Fisher.       “He was a good student, a solid student, very active in the school’s band program,” Fisher said in a telephone interview Thursday. “He played in jazz band and concert band; he’ll be missed by a lot of people.”       Scott Sheehan, Van Orman’s former band director who now directs the Hollidaysburg Area School District’s music program, said it was a pleasure working with and knowing Tim.       “Tim was the kind of student who poured his whole heart into everything,” Sheehan said. “He was an excellent trombone player and participated in jazz band, symphonic band and marching band. He took it very seriously but at the same time, he knew how to have fun with it.       “He set a good example for other students and had a great drive about him as a person. He enjoyed being around other people and had a really great spirit. He’s the type of person the Bald Eagle Area School District is very proud of, both as a former student and for serving his country.       “All of us who knew him are deeply saddened over his loss but at the same time it’s comforting to know he was making a difference in this world defending our country.       “I’m very proud of what he did.”       Van Orman was an infantry soldier with the 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum. He joined the Army in 2003 shortly after graduating from high school, his mother, Kelly Van Orman, said Wednesday.       Van Orman grew up in Port Matilda and moved to Fort Drum upon enlistment where he lived with his wife, Cadie, and their daughter, Halie.

Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker

Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker, 18, of Greenbrier died Friday, October 12, 2007, near Kirkuk, Iraq.

Pvt. Thacker enlisted in the Army in March 2007 and completed his training at Fort Benning, GA. He served as an infantryman in the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y.
He received the Purple Heart.

He was born November 18, 1988 in Little Rock.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald Thacker and uncle, Roy Thacker.

He was an uncle who loved to play with his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Darlene Thacker of Greenbrier; brothers, Stephen Thacker, Jr. of Conway, Thomas Thacker of Vilonia, Christopher Thacker of Vilonia, Travis Thacker of Greenbrier; sisters, Kimberly Collier of Guy, Sabrina Black of Guy; grandmother, Peggy Thacker of IL; grandfather, Alton Holley of Clinton.

Graveside services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday at Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery, N. Little Rock with full Military Honors.

.

Pfc. Kevin J. Ellenburg

The Department of Defense announced 8NOV06 the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
Pfc. Kevin J. Ellenburg, 20, of Middleburg, Fla., died Nov. 1, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- A Clay County soldier has died in Iraq from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, the Department of Defense said Tuesday. Pfc. Kevin J. Ellenburg, 20, of Middleburg, died on Nov. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, the department said. He had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. A friend said Ellenburg was expected home in December, but planned to re-enlist when his tour was over. While in Iraq, Ellenburg responded to an online survey that he wanted to die "doing something for my country." Services for Ellenburg will be held this weekend in Birmingham, Ala.

CPL RUSSELL GRANT Culbertson III
Age 22, of Amity, died Tuesday, October 17, 2006 while serving with the United States Army in Iraq. He was born August 31, 1984 in Pittsburgh, a son of Russell G. II and Denise King Culbertson of Lone Pine. CPL Culbertson was a 2003 Trinity High School graduate. He loved fast cars, which he also loved working on, was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed anything outdoors, especially hunting. He was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Washington. In May of 2003 Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army. While serving his country CPL Culbertson was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and the Weapons Qualification Badge- Expert Rifle. In addition to his parents, also surviving are his paternal grandparents, Edward R. and Nellie Loring Culbertson of Monroeville; his maternal grandparents, William and Mildred Wilson King of Port Charlotte, FL; a brother, Will J. Culbertson of Amity; a sister Elizabeth Culbertson of Henderson, NV and an aunt, AnnaMarie King of Boca Raton, FL. Deceased is a brother who died in infancy. Friends will be received Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 in the PIATT & BARNHILL FUNERAL HOME, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. The funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, October 27, 2006 in the Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, with Reverend Daniel Hrach officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, One Intrepid Square, New York, NY 10036. Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 10/24/2006.

 

By MARK MARONEY - mmaroney@sungazette.com   PHOTO PROVIDED Slain U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon and his wife, the former Jacey Laidacker, are seen the day Loudon graduated from Ranger training. An Army soldier with ties to Sullivan County was killed Tuesday in Iraq, and his family is mourning his loss. U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon, 23, of Brockport, near DuBois, will be sorely missed for his dedication as a husband and father and as a soldier fighting terrorism, his wife and mother-in-law said from their Muncy Valley-area residence Wednesday night. Loudon’s widow, the former Jacey Laidacker, 24, who lives with her mother and father, Suzanne and Larry Laidacker, described her husband as a “soul mate” and “best friend.” “Chris was the most caring, kind, strong person that I know,” she said. “I’m going to miss him every day.” Loudon, who was attached to the 4th Infantry Division based in Fort Hood, Texas, was killed by a roadside bomb that exploded as he was riding by in a Humvee on patrol in Baghdad, Suzanne Laidacker said. Three soldiers with Loudon also died in the blast, she said. She did not give their names. Army personnel declined to comment when contacted by the Sun-Gazette. The Department of Defense Web site, which lists casualties, had not posted information on Loudon as of Wednesday night. “He was looking for snipers, improvised explosive devices and knocking doors down,” Suzanne Laidacker said. Loudon was scheduled to return in December having left in July, she said. “I have two sons and a daughter and he was my third son. If I could trade places I would give up my life.” Loudon’s parents, Randy and Suzanne, live in Brockport. His brother, 1st Lt. Nicholas Loudon, 25, is a member of the 82nd Airborne and is also serving in Iraq, Suzanne Laidacker said. The distraught mother-in-law spoke about how the couple met. “He fell in love with our daughter at college and we fell in love with him,” she said. Jacey graduated from the Sullivan County School District in 2001, where her father, now retired, worked as an elementary teacher and guidance counselor. She and Loudon attended Slippery Rock University, where they met. It was “love at first sight,” Suzanne Laidacker said. Loudon enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in high school and college. While in high school he always thought about a military career. The two graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2005 and Loudon received his commission as a second lieutenant. He also took the rigorous Ranger training, passing the test on his initial try, Suzanne Laidacker said. She described her son-in-law as a “warrior” who “wanted to do his duty for his country.” Loudon leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter, she said. Burial is expected to include full military honors. “He will no doubt receive the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and several other medals,” Laidacker said. Friends, family and members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Turbotville, where Jacey and her mother and father worship, are providing an outpouring of community support, Laidacker said. So have employees at Kay Jewelers in the Lycoming Mall, where the widow works as a seasonal sales associate. “”We’re all pretty upset,” said Judy Coup, Kay Jewelers assistant manager. “We’re all very close here.” A special account for Loudon’s family has been set up at Sovereign Bank, and donations may be made at any branch, according to Kate Pacacha, Lycoming Mall’s director of marketing. “It is a savings account for Jacey that people can donate to,” she said. Section: News    Posted: 10/19/2006

Cpl. Chase A. Haag, 22, of Portland, Ore., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Oct. 1 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Haag was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

HAAG, SGT. CHASE ARMSTRONG 1984-2006. Our son, brother, grandson and nephew, Sgt. Chase Armstrong Haag, born June 11, 1984, lost his life in the service of his country Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq. Chase was an engaging young man with a quick smile and ready encouragement for everyone who knew him. He had great love of family, friends and community. His honesty and integrity were beyond reproach. He possessed a selfless sense of duty, often placing the needs of others above his own. Chase was totally committed to job at hand and was a born leader. His goal beyond his military duties was to obtain his criminal justice degree and join local law enforcement. He was committed to service to his community and his heart was set on making a difference wherever he could. His death is a devastating loss to his parents, siblings and friends. Chase leaves his mother Bonnie Gilkison; father, Frank Haag; brother, Cpl. Taylor Haag, USMC and his wife, Jessica; brother, Brandon Haag and his wife, Kristen; sister, Ana Haag; and grandparents, Bonnie Dukes and William Furgason. Chase is also mourned by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers and fellow soldiers. Funeral services to be held at New Hope Community Church, 11731 SE Stevens Rd., Portland, at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2006. Interment at Willamette National Cemetery.

Published in The Oregonian on 10/14/2006.

Sgt. Luis A. Montes

 22, of El Centro, Calif., died on Sept. 7 in Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries suffered on Sept. 1 in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Montes was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

 

Soldiers remember Sgt. Luis Montes By DARREN SIMON, Staff Writer Young U.S. Army Sgt. Luis Montes was remembered by those he served with as a man who “had an incredible impact on his soldiers and his company.” In a draft eulogy prepared for a memorial held for Montes by his unit, he is honored as a young man who even as he was injured showed great concern for his men and fellow soldiers. “He was mentally strong, energetic, confident and ready for anything,” Montes’ company commander, Capt. Drew Conover writes in an excerpt from the eulogy. “He had the balance of having absolute focus on the well-being of his soldiers.” Montes’ platoon leader, Lt. Brian Johnson, said Montes was the youngest noncommissioned officer in the platoon, “yet his actions and leadership were an example for all the rest of the soldiers to follow.” The eulogy also addresses the day Montes suffered the critical injuries in Iraq that two weeks later would cause his death. “After his vehicle had struck and caught fire, Sgt. Montes’ concerns were for the well-being and safety of the rest of his platoon” kicked in. “He spotted the wires leading to where the IED was detonated from and warned the rest of the platoon. “While showing no pain, he refused to board the helicopter until his two crew members were properly loaded,” Johnson said. According to the military eulogy, the last thing Montes told Johnson was: “Don’t worry, sir, I’ll take care of these guys.” >> Staff Writer Darren Simon can be contacted at dsimon@ivpressonline.com or at 337-3445.

Copyright © 2006 Imperial Valley Press.

Cpl. Bobby R. West

Cpl. Bobby R. West, 23, of Beebe, Ark., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 30, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during dismounted patrol operations. West was

 assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

A Tribute to one of our "Regulars"

1st Lt. Robert A. Seidel III

Visitation will be from 1400-1600 and 1900-2100, Sunday, 28 May 2006 at the
Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main St, Thurmont, MD 21788
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, 29 May 2006 at 1100 hours at the St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church and Cemetery, South Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD
21727
The Seidel Family invite all to attend a reception at the St. Joseph’s Provincial
House (location same as above) immediately following the internment.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Rob Seidel Scholarship Fund,
C/O Catoctin High School, 14745 Sabillasville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Spc. Ronald W. Gebur

By ANDY KRAVETZ

of the Journal Star

"He was a great guy . . . morals and ethics all right there," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Koslowsky, who served with Spc. Ronald Gebur in the 733rd Quartermaster Battalion, based in Delavan.

Gebur, 23, died Saturday when an explosive device blew up near his Humvee during a patrol in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon.

He leaves behind a wife, who is also in the U.S. Army, and a 9-month-old son.

"He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us," his father, Larry Gebur, said Monday while fighting back tears.

Koslowsky remembered Gebur as someone who enlisted in the National Guard after graduating from Delavan High School in 2002. While with the 733rd, he was a cook, but he had higher aspirations.

"All I know, he wanted to go active duty the minute he came in," Koslowsky said. "He wanted to be infantry."

So in 2004, Gebur transferred to the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. There, he was a platoon leader and a sniper. His unit had just arrived in Iraq for a tour of duty in December.

Master Sgt. Jason Burris was also in the 733rd with Gebur. He remembers him as a friendly guy who always seemed happy. He would volunteer for extra duty and loved the Army.

Deborah Gebur said her son joined the military to follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers, who both served in Korea.

"He was very talented. He grew up learning to hunt with his grandfather, so that's how he learned to shoot. He was just so talented. He was a strong man. That's how I remember him," his mother said.

Koslowsky, 34, said he considered Gebur not just another soldier under his command but a close friend as well. They would hang out together after drill sessions. The death has been tough for the sergeant.

"I will miss him greatly," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andy Kravetz can be reached at 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com

PFC Sean Tharp

GOLDENROD -- The bikers standing outside the south Seminole County church Thursday morning looked out of place. Most were outfitted in well-worn boots and leather jackets adorned with patches. Caps and bandanas covered hair that hung over their collars, sometimes gathered in a ponytail. Many carried large American flags. Standing beside them, outside the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, was a small contingent of soldiers. Their uniforms were perfect. Highly polished shoes reflected the sun, and berets covered military haircuts. Both groups snapped to attention, then offered salutes, as a hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin of Army Pfc. Sean Tharp passed in front of them. Tharp, 21, was killed March 31 when he was hit by small-arms fire while on foot patrol in Baghdad. He was posthumously promoted to private first class. On Thursday, soldiers carried the coffin inside a chapel at the church, stopping in the lobby to remove the flag so it could be replaced with a religious funeral pall. Inside, military officials joined about 50 friends and family for a service in which Tharp was remembered as a hero. Tharp had been in the Army for less than a year, but wanted to go "where the action is," the Rev. Clyde Bonar said. "These soldiers are heroes. We must remember we live in a free nation because of this young soldier." The question everyone is asking, Bonar said, is why Tharp had to die. "The only answer is: We don't know." Tharp enlisted in May, against his family's wishes. "But that was his choice, his enthusiasm, his dream," Bonar said. Tharp dropped out of Edgewater High School in Orlando in the 10th grade, but he went back and got his General Educational Development diploma, Bonar said. He hoped to use his military bonus to go to college. For the most part, the bikers waited outside, though about a dozen entered the service after it started and stood along a back wall until Bonar asked them to sit in the pews. They were members of the Patriot Guard Rider and were there both to honor Tharp and to shield his family from any military protesters who might show up, said Clayton Murphy of Tampa, captain of the group's Florida chapter. The vast majority of the group's members are veterans. Fliers from a small fundamentalist church in Kansas that has organized pickets at other funerals encouraged protesters to show up Thursday. Church members believe soldiers were struck down by God because they are fighting for a country that harbors homosexuals and adulterers. But there was no sign of opposition at the service for Tharp. Murphy said protesters often stay away when large numbers from his group show up. "It's a good cause," said Bill McCabe, who rode in from Jacksonville. This was the second funeral he has attended as part of the group. After the service, the U.S. flag was returned to the coffin, and soldiers carried it to the hearse. Behind the hearse and family cars, 36 bikers lined up for the procession to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Army National Guard Gen. Tim Sullivan, who represented the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the funeral, looked straight ahead as he crossed the driveway in front of the double row of bikers, many of whom were revving their motors. Then, suddenly, he stopped, faced the bikers and gave them a brief but respectful salute Gary Taylor | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted April 7, 2006

Staff Sgt. Dwayne P.R. Lewis

 Spc. William S. Hayes III, 23, of St. Tammany, La., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 5 2006 of a non-combat related injury.  Hayes was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

.     http://ondemand1.cv.net/news12/GL320SKT.asx      

story from Yonkers newspaper on SSgt. Lagman.

Pfc. Ervin Dervishi

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion

Pfc. Ervin Dervishi, 21, Fort Worth, Texas, died Jan. 24 in Baji, Iraq, during a combat patrol when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in which he was traveling.  He was evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital where he later died.  Dervishi was assigned the Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

FORT WORTH - For Ervin Dervishi, escaping poverty in Tirana, Albania, was the easy part. All his family had to do was win a lottery at the U.S. Embassy, qualifying for visas to America.Escaping Iraq proved more difficult.On Saturday, just weeks after being present for the capture of Saddam Hussein, Pfc. Ervin "Vinnie" Dervishi, 21, was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was riding in on a road in Baji, Pentagon officials said.Tuesday, as friends and family prepared memorial services, they remembered a good-natured kid who loved soccer and dreamed of becoming a police officer. He hoped that signing up for the Army after graduating in May 2002 from Western Hills High School would lead to a career in law enforcement. He was ecstatic after he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood."Everybody is crying for him," said Dervishi's younger brother, Saimir, 19. Much of the outpouring came from back home in Albania."The Albania government is calling our home, sending their best wishes. The vice president is calling, ministers from the embassy," Saimir Dervishi said. "Even though we were simple people over there, they respected the idea that we came here and tried to make a better living for ourselves."Dervishi joined the Army in November 2002 and was deployed to Iraq. He was scheduled to return to Fort Hood in April, family members said. While in Iraq, he saw action in several battles while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. He was present when Saddam Hussein was arrested Dec. 13, according to Kim Beebe, the family's U.S. sponsor.The Dervishis moved from Tirana, the capital of Albania, to Waxahachie in April 1999. Dervishi took English classes and enrolled at Waxahachie High School as a sophomore, Beebe said. He joined the soccer team and was voted most valuable player by his teammates."He was a true leader," said Robert Woodhouse, who was the Waxahachie soccer coach. "He was excellent as a player, had a way of making people around him better."Maureen DeSerio, who lived in the same apartment building as the Dervishi family in Waxahachie, remembered Dervishi as a funny, open-minded guy."Vinnie -- nobody called him Ervin -- Vinnie was always talking and he liked to flirt with girls, but he didn't know how until he learned English," DeSerio said. "And his family, they were such wonderful people. His mother made baklava, and we'd always talk."Vinnie was Muslim," DeSerio said. "But he went to many other people's churches, even Christian churches. He wanted to go for the experience of it. He was not limited in his views."The family moved to Fort Worth before Dervishi began his senior year in high school. At 19, he was too old to play on the Western Hills High School soccer team, but that did not keep him away from practices and games."He was a big fan of our team, our No. 1 fan in fact," said Chuck Green, the soccer coach at Western Hills. "No matter how cold it got, he was always there. He was always yelling for us. If we'd lose, he'd get upset, and when we'd win, he'd be happy."Green said the soccer team was to commemorate Dervishi before its game against Carter-Riverside on Tuesday night with a posting of the colors by the ROTC program.Other school officials who had known Dervishi had fond memories as well."It's just shock and sadness," said Michael Kaprelian, who was one of Dervishi's teachers at Western Hills. "He was a very well-rounded, well-adjusted, personable young man. He got along with everybody."Survivors include his parents, Kujtim and Shpresa Dervishi; his younger brother, Saimir; and his grandmother, Zenepe Ilia, Beebe said.Memorial services were still being planned late Tuesday, Beebe said.

Chaplain and Founder Dr. Bill Boice

Born: 12-21-15  Died: 12-23-03

Dr. (Chaplain) Bill Boice, veteran of the 22nd Infantry Regiment and 4ID in WWII died on Tuesday night.  He taught his Sunday School class on his 88th birthday last Sunday, December 21 and was driving around looking at Christmas lights when he died.  Bill was a veteran of the D-Day landing and was with the 22nd Infantry Regiment and 4ID all through the war in Europe.  Upon returning to the States in 1945, he founded the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society.  Because of Dr. Boice's tireless work with veterans over the years, we have a very strong organization that encompasses all 22nd Infantry Regiment veterans from WWII, Cold War, Vietnam, and today's veterans in Iraq.  Among many, many accomplishments in his lifetime, he wrote the "History of the 22nd Infantry Regiment in WWII" and was named a "Distinguished Member of the Regiment" by the Secretary of the Army.

Dr. William S. Boice, 88, of Phoenix, AZ, went to heaven on December 23, 2003. He was born in Blackfoot, Idaho on December 21, 1915. He graduated from Cincinnati Bible Seminary, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Harvard Chaplain's School. He received Honorary Degrees from Southwest Christian Seminary-Doctor of Divinity; Kentucky Christian Bible College-Doctor of Theology; Pacific Christian College-Doctor of Divinity. He served his country in the U. S. Army, 4th Infantry, 22nd Regiment. First wave, Utah Beach, D-Day Landing, 1943 through Wing Chaplain, Perrin Air Force Base, 1951. He was Minister of the Christian Church, 1939-2003. He was the Founding Minister of First Christian Church, Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Boice was the Religious News Commentator for Radio KOY for 24 years. Family and a host of loving friends shall miss our dear friend. Services will be held on Sunday, December 28th at 2:30 PM at the Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chaparral Christian Church-Prayer Garden, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/27/2003

Bill Boice will be sorely missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.  He was truly a man who lived our 22nd Infantry Regiment motto - "Deeds not Words". 

Spc. Donald L. Wheeler 

Charlie Company, 1st Battalion

Spc. Donald L. Wheeler, 22, was with the Army  Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. He died on October 13, 2003 in Tikrit, Iraq. Wheeler was searching for a possible improvised explosive device when his unit came under attack from a rocket-propelled grenade.

Spc. James Powell 

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion

Spc. James Powell, 26, of Mark Center, Ohio, was killed Oct. 12 near Beiji, Iraq, north of Tikrit, when his Bradley armored vehicle struck an anti-tank mine.

Powell was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

RADCLIFF, Ky. (AP) — Ruby Powell had been expecting her husband to return from duty in Iraq. Instead, a chaplain and a sergeant arrived on her doorstep to tell her Army Spc. James E. Powell was dead.

Powell, 26, was killed Oct. 12 near Beiji when his Bradley armored vehicle struck a land mine. He had called his 23-year-old wife on Oct. 4 at their Fort Hood, Texas, home to say he'd be back six days later.

She says it was the only promise he ever broke.

"When I found out he died, I died," she said. "I'll never tell another man 'I love you' and be able to mean it."

At a memorial service in Iraq, company commanders recounted how Powell had volunteered for a combat mission even though he was due for home leave within days.

Powell served with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. The unit is part of the Fort Hood-based 4th Infantry Division, which controls a large swath of northern Iraq and is based in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown.

The Columbus, Ohio, native served in the Navy from June 1997 to June 2000. During that time, a fellow seaman introduced him to his sister.

"It was what people don't believe in anymore — love at first sight," Mrs. Powell said. "It was to the point where we couldn't be out of the same room. Everything was ablaze inside us."

He proposed six months later, and they married in October 2000. In another four months, he enlisted in the Army while they lived in Radcliff, Ky.

Powell also leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, Lauren Mkinsey (cq).

"Having her means I can look at him every single day," Mrs. Powell said. "I feel like our little girl got robbed so much."

Mrs. Powell had recently suffered a miscarriage. She said they were planning to try for another child when her husband returned.

Instead, he will be laid to rest in his wife's hometown of Lebanon Junction, Ky. this weekend. Mrs. Powell was still making arrangements with Kappel Funeral Home in Lebanon Junction on Wednesday. She said the funeral will be on Sunday, but she did not know what time.

1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco 

First Battalion casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Charlie Company, 1st Battalion

1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco of Army C Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, was killed April 25 in an accident near Tikrit, Iraq.
(Christian Parley / The Fresno Bee)

EARLIMART,CA -- More than 350 people crowded inside St. Jude's Catholic Church while another crowd of about 500 waited outside Wednesday for the funeral of Army 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, the Valley's first fatality in the war with Iraq.

Mourners stood in the parking lot. They stood across the street. They sat in chairs off to the side.  Mexican and American flags flew outside as yellow ribbons dotted the pews and aisles. Some people carried red and white flags of the United Farm Workers Union in homage to his family's farmworker past.

Orozco, 26, died April 25 when his Bradley fighting vehicle rolled over, crushing him under its weight. His unit was rushing to help others under attack near Tikrit, according to the Pentagon.

College football teammates stood next to farmworkers, reflecting two of Orozco's many roles: husband, son, brother, soldier, athlete, son of immigrants.

During the service, friends remembered him as the one who quickly patted them on the back. He thrust out his hand to offer help. He swiftly kicked them in the butt when they needed that, too.

"Animal gente," they said. The gentle animal.  At 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, Orozco wasn't afraid of much. But, friends said, he was also kind. He picked up hitchhikers, often bringing them home and giving them a meal.

His academic adviser at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, remembered him as the first student in 15 years to invite her over for dinner.

He was a star linebacker at Delano High School, named to The Bee's 1994 all-star football team. He attended Cal Poly on a football scholarship.

"Baldo was wild," said Cal Poly teammate David Kellogg. "He was always yelling and screaming at us, trying to motivate us. He always painted his face, either camouflage or tiger-striped. He'd yell at us in Spanish and English, even though most of us didn't know what he was saying.

"By the end of his college career, he had racked up 300 total tackles (No. 3 all-time at Cal Poly), five sacks and three interceptions. He earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and fans.

And he earned the admiration of the children of Earlimart and Delano, who would ride a bus for hours to Cal Poly just to see the local boy hit someone on Saturdays.

Andre Patterson, Orozco's former college coach, said he was ready to play from the day he arrived on campus.  "He was a tremendous kid," Patterson, who now coaches defensive line with the Cleveland Browns, said in an interview by telephone. "He had no fear, but he was so much a people person. Everyone looked up to him. I wasn't surprised to learn that he had joined the Army."

Serving his country was higher on his list than chasing professional football dreams, his friends said. He was proud to be a soldier. Proud to be fighting for freedom.

"We get a lot of students without physical training," said Maj. Paul Buechner, an Army ROTC instructor at Cal Poly. "And Osbaldo would help every one of them, yelling encouragement and pushing them hard. He led by example."

"It's difficult to lose a soldier," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Bostick, assistant division commander of the 1st Cavalry, which shares Fort Hood with Osbaldo's 4th Infantry Division. "But I never expected to see so many people show up here. I knew he was well-liked in his community, but I am overwhelmed with the amount of people here."

An American flag draped the silver and chrome casket holding Orozco's body as it sat at the front of the church, surrounded by flowers and pictures.

After the ceremony, seven ROTC cadets stood at attention as Orozco's brothers -- dressed in gray shirts and black pants and wearing white gloves -- carried the coffin out of the church.

A line of cars more than a mile long formed as the procession made the 10-mile journey to Delano. The cars wound through a landscape of green grapevines and orchards where he had worked alongside his family while growing up.

At the Delano Cemetery, the seven cadets raised their rifles and fired three shots in unison -- a 21-gun salute. A lone trumpeter played taps. A Kern County firetruck hung a gigantic American flag from its ladder. A flag at the Veteran of Foreign Wars memorial, near where Orozco is buried, flew at half-staff.

Mayra Orozco wore her husband's dog tags next to a cross around her neck. She stood solemn, hiding her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses.

Cadets took the flag off the casket and slowly folded it, gently handing it to the widow.  She sat facing her husband's casket, clutching the flag.
Orozco's mother, Reyes, sat next to her.

Orozco's four brothers took off their white gloves and white carnations. They folded the gloves and placed their flowers on top. One by one, they placed them atop the casket.

Mayra and Reyes stood up and gently held two white doves. They tossed them into the air.

A Marine in full dress saluted. An Army general wept.

The reporter can be reached at jplemons@fresnobee.com or 622-2409.

(04-28) 00:13 PDT BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) -- She had thought her husband, 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, was safe since the fierce fighting had subsided. Then the Army chaplain delivered the news to Mayra Mendez Orozco that her husband of two years died in the war with Iraq. The chaplain went to her parents' home in Delano late Saturday afternoon to inform her that Orozco died when the Bradley fighting vehicle he was riding in rolled over, family members said.
       The Bakersfield Californian reported in Monday's newspaper that Orozco, who was deployed with the 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, was rushing to help out at a checkpoint under fire in Tikrit, Iraq, when his vehicle rolled over. His Bradley was one of two that flipped over as they maneuvered into position to return fire. A soldier friend of Orozco's also was injured.
       "That's all we know right now," Mayra Orozco told the Californian. "We'll know more when the casualty specialty teams get here." The Department of Defense as of late Sunday night had not released Orozco's name as being among the war dead, but his family has been notified.
       Mayra Orozco, 26, spoke with pride of her husband and his love for her, his parents, his country and his cat, "Estrellita," which is Spanish for "little star." "He loved that cat so much," his wife said. "He found her at (an animal shelter) and bought her a bow and a little bell to wear."
       Her 26-year-old husband was a star linebacker at Delano High School and later played football at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he attended on a full football scholarship. He was a captain for the Mustangs in 1999 and was named the team's Most Inspirational Player. He enrolled in Cal Poly's ROTC program and was commissioned as an Army officer on June 16, 2001, the same day that he graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor's degree in social science. He was the second of five sons of Mexican immigrants and the first in his family to graduate from college.
       "After the Army, he thought he would go into the FBI or the CIA," Mayra Orozco said. "He had a real leadership quality." Her husband, an Earlimart native, believed in the cause that he fought and died for, she said. "He thought we needed to stop terrorism and (Saddam) Hussein and what he was doing to his people," she said.
       The only thing that frightened him was that he would miss the war and not be able to serve as platoon leader and Bradley commander. "He commanded four Bradleys and he loved it," she said. "His men adored him and respected him. He was ready to go and do his job. They all were."

Colonel Tom Reid, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Distinguished Member of the Regiment

Tom Reid, Colonel US Army (Retired) of Marietta, GA died on Thursday, February 13, 2003 at the age of 83.  Colonel Reid served as an infantry officer in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  He was a proud member of the "Greatest Generation" and was a highly decorated veteran.  He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for valiant action from Normandy through the Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge, and on into Germany.  He joined the paratroopers before his service in Korea in 1953.  Colonel Reid served in Vietnam from 1966 through the Tet offensive in 1968.  He retired as Deputy Post Commander of Fort McPherson, Georgia in 1973.  Colonel Reid led several veteran's organizations and is a past treasurer of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society and Distinguished Member of the Regiment. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 17, 2003 at 1:00PM in the H.M. Patterson & Sons Chapel at 1020 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA.  Interment will be at Georgia Memorial Park in Marietta.  On line memorials may be posted at www.mem.com  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 672648, Marietta, GA 30006.

The above was in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution on Saturday, February 15.

====================

I will be representing our 22nd Infantry Regiment Society and National 4th Infantry Division Association at the funeral.

All of us Vietnam vets owe a great debt of gratitude to Tom Reid - he was the link that MG Ruggles assigned as the leadership of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society was passed from the WWII generation to us younger guys.  Tom always proudly signed his monthly financial reports with "Last CO of Company I, 22nd Infantry Regiment, WWII".  Tom told me that there is nothing he wouldn't do for our Regiment.  He is the one who gave us the "Ruggles Torch" which you have seen at reunions and he is the one who had the idea and made the first donation to our Vietnam Memorial which will become a reality this year.   Tom always volunteered - he wrote more stories for our newsletters than anyone else and he was the volunteer who was the subject of my first veteran's interview for the Veterans History Project.

Tom Reid will be sorely missed by me personally and by all the members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society.

 Colonel Lawson W. Magruder, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.)

    Long time Waco resident and highly decorated career soldier, Colonel Lawson W. Magruder Jr, passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s in Waco on 1 Feb 2003. We celebrate his unconditional love for his family and friends, his lifetime of service to our Nation in peace and war, and his commitment to his faith and community.

    Lawson was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on 6 Oct 1917 to Minnie Crawford and Lawson W. Magruder. His family moved to Waco in Aug 1925 where Lawson attended schools in the Waco School District graduating in 1934 from Waco High. He lettered in football and baseball and quarterbacked one of the great Paul Tyson teams in 1933. A devoted Longhorn, he attended the University of Texas at Austin graduating with a business degree in 1942 and an Education degree in 1978. While at UT, he was President of Kappa Sigma fraternity and played on the golf team.

    At the outbreak of World War II, Lawson voluntarily enlisted in our Army and went on to serve honorably for over 31 years. He retired on 1 Feb 1973 as a highly decorated Colonel of Infantry. His combat service spanned ten campaigns in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Some of his career highlights were: landing at Utah Beach on 6 Jun 1944 with his beloved 22d Infantry Regiment, 4^th Infantry Division; company command at the breakout of St Lo; battalion command in the 7^th Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during the counteroffensive of 1951; and the Inspector General for Gen Westmoreland’s command in Vietnam in 1966-1967. His peacetime assignments included tours in Great Britain, France and the Philippines. His awards included the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Bronze Star (4 awards) with Valor device, Purple Heart (three awards), and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2 awards).

   Throughout Lawson’s distinguished career, he was loved and devotedly supported by his spouse, Mary Anne Windrow Magruder of Dallas. She preceded him in death on 25 Jan 1985 after 45 years of marriage. They are survived by three daughters: Anne W. Magruder of Waco, Sallie C. Wood and her husband, Charles G. Wood of San Rafael, Ca, and Mary Lynne Collins of Huntsville; a son, LTG Lawson W. Magruder III (US Army, Retired) and his wife, Gloria; ten grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Lawson shared the last 16 years of his life in Waco with his wife and childhood friend, Virginia “Jinx” Turner Harriss.

    Lawson was an avid, scratch handicap amateur golfer. He represented the Army in Inter-service Championships and won many military club championships. He also played in the British, French and Phillippine Amateur championships.  His love of the game was nurtured by his mother, Minnie Crawford, who was a Texas State Women’s Champion.

   In “retirement” from the Army, Lawson devoted his time to his family, his community and his church. In Austin he was master fund-raiser for the first Vietnam Veteran’s memorial in Travis County, life member of the NW Kiwanis Club, substitute high school teacher, and a layperson at St Theresa’s Catholic Church. In Waco, he was the founder of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, a lay reader at St Louis Catholic Church, a volunteer for over nine years at the VA Hospital and at Parkdale and Lake Waco Elementary Schools. His most gratifying volunteer activity was serving as a math tutor daily in Mrs. Elsinger’s 2nd grade class at Lake Waco Elementary.  Lawson was honored as a Distinguished Member of his beloved 22d Infantry Regiment. In this role, he was instrumental in perpetuating the memory of his fallen comrades and the legacy of one of our Army’s most historic units.

  Lawson’s remarkable life will be celebrated with a memorial mass followed by reception at St Louis Catholic Church in Waco at 1:00PM on 6 Feb with Monsignor Mark Deering presiding. A graveside military honors ceremony will be conducted at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00PM on 7 Feb with Chaplain (Col) Robert Hutcherson presiding. In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The WWII Memorial, PO Box 96766, Washington DC, 30090-6766. Please state: “In Honor of Col (Ret) Lawson W. Magruder, Jr.

  The family extends deep felt gratitude to the Veteran’s Administration, the staffs of St Catherine’s and Hillcrest Community Hospice and Dr David Gogulski for their compassionate care of Lawson over the years.

BG Vincent Carrozza, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Brigadier General Vince Carrozza passed away 21DEC02. He was the first S-3 of the Triple Duece in Vietnam . Vince is survived by his wife, Kaye. BG Carrozza was a life member of our society.

Larry Link A/2/22

Larry M. Link, A/2-22 Vietnam passed away on 08-25-02 of a heart attack. At the time of his death Larry was living in Mojave California which is about 100 miles north-northeast of Los Angeles. Larry served in Alpha Company from 05-67 to 09-67. Notification of Larry's passing was received from his sister Patty Diaz.

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