Remains of Seven U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Returned Home

American Forces Press Service ^ | Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey

[Dubya]

Remains of Seven U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Returned Home

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey Special to American Forces Press Service DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., July 8, 2009 - The remains of seven American troops killed July 6 during combat operations in Afghanistan returned to their nation during a dignified transfer this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Today's dignified returns were of the following seven servicemembers:

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph, of Henryetta, Okla., assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight, Sigonella, Italy.

U.S. Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, of State Road, N.C., assigned to Company B, 1-4th Infantry Battalion, Hohensfels, Germany.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, of Glenwood, Ill., assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., Illinois Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, of Bulloch, Ga., assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, Americus, Ga., Georgia Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford, of Hastings, Minn, assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., U.S. Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Spc. Issac L. Johnson, of Columbus, Ga., assigned to Company A, 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Statesboro, Ga.

U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif., assigned to the 40th Armored Squadron, Fort Richardson, Ark.

(Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey is assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center Public Affairs)

[Dubya]

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph, of Henryetta, Okla.

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, of State Road, N.C.

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, of Glenwood, Ill.

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, of Bulloch, Ga.

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford, of Hastings, Minn

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Spc. Issac L. Johnson, of Columbus, Ga.

Requesting prayer for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif.

SOLDER REST GENTLY PRESSED
TO THE CALM MOTHER EARTHS WAITING BREST
DUTY DONE LIKE THE SUN GOING WEST

SEMPER FI SOLDER, GOD BLESS

[Danae]

God bless them. They have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

[TrishaSC]

May they rest in peace.

[ExTexasRedhead]

God Bless these brave soldiers and their families. They now walk with God.

[Royal Wulff]

Where’s the media clamoring to photograph their caskets?

[Fu-fu2]

Prayers and condolences to their families. God Bless them!

[Doe Eyes]

Where’s the media clamoring to photograph their caskets?

Are you ashamed they are returned home in caskets?

[Royal Wulff]

WTF? Bush in office the MSM wanted pictures of fallen soldiers being returned. Obama, not so much.

[denydenydeny]

We just spent eight years with news organizations clamoring—going to court!—for the right to photograph caskets for no other purpose but to embarrass the Bush administration.

You don’t have even the slightest curiosity why they’re not doing that now?

[Rodebrecht]

Where are the protesters calling Obama a war-mongering baby killer?

[Doe Eyes]

... to photograph caskets for no other purpose but to embarrass the Bush administration.

I guess I don't get the embarrassing part. Those soldiers should be honored, not ignored.

[two23]

We are humbled by their sacrifice.

[SandRat]

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph, of Henryetta, Okla.

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, of State Road, N.C.

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, of Glenwood, Ill.

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, of Bulloch, Ga.

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford, of Hastings, Minn

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Spc. Issac L. Johnson, of Columbus, Ga.

Prayers for the family, friends, and loved ones of U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif.

[Steve Van Doorn]

I am wondering how many are dieing needlessly?

The other day it took 2 hours to call in air support, two guys died in that fight. How can it take that long for any kinda of support?

[OldCorps]

I pray for the souls of these soldiers who have departed this life.

[freekitty]

Prayers being said.

[PERKY2004]

Prayers up.

[ottbmare]

None of this is important. Only the death of a dancing homosexual pedophile is important and worthy of news coverage, apparently. < /s>

[JudyinCanada]

It could very well be that the new directive - being hyper careful to avoid civilian casualties - could cause the death of American heroes. When you are engaged in war, and only ONE side is concerned about the death of innocents, it certainly gives the other side the advantage. Political correctness has no place in battle.

Obama’s fault.

[Dubya]

An Army carry team loads into a transfer vehicle a transfer case containing the remains of Pfc. Nicholas Gideon Wednesday July 8, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif., died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

[12Gauge687]

They’re too busy with the late child molester Michael Jackson.

[Dubya]

[DirtyHarryY2K]

God bless these brave souls. Prayers for their family and friends.

[rlmorel]

(SALUTE)

Rest in Peace, Men. I will keep you all and your families in my thoughts and prayers.

[BlessedBeGod]

Prayers for their eternal rest, and for the comfort and consolation of their friends and families.

[unkus]

Amen.

[RockerMom2MyHero]

May these Heroes rest in peace. Many thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones.

[freekitty]

God Bless their souls.

[Dream Warrior]

The media could not even stop the Michael Jackson party long enough to pay homage to the brave heros.

God bless them and their familes forever... Amen.

[Eagles6]

Prayers up for all of these men and their loved ones.

[MediaMole]

The current rules give the families the right to keep the media out of Dover. If one family objects, there will be no photos.

[martinidon]

“Where’s the media clamoring to photograph their caskets?”

They are too busy worshiping the pedophile and drug addict in LA!

[supportourtroops4]

Nick, you were an amazing person.
in our hearts always. you made us proud
RIP

[jackv]

O dear. God bless them. God bless their families.

Everyone watch the dvd, “Taking Chance”.
Bringing our troops home is a seriously reverent and touching exercise. I thank the military for the way they respect the fallen.

Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice.

[repubmom]

My son served briefly under Capt Garner at Hohenfels before he got out of the army. Said he would have gladly followed him to A-stan - he was a good man and one Matt respected highly. Prayers for the families of these fallen and also for the family of Sgt. David, who was a fellow soldier with my son, currently serving in Iraq.