Posted on 02/09/2007 8:26:11 AM PST by lovecraft
Barnwell native killed in Iraq
Kara Gormley on Barnwell native killed in Iraq
An Army soldier from Barnwell was killed in a helicopter shoot-down in Iraq.
The family of Army Warrant Officer Jason Garth DeFrenn says he was killed on Friday and family members were informed by the Defense Department over the weekend.
Defrenn's father Garth DeFrenn says the 34-year-old soldier was a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 227th Aviation Regiment, of Fort Hood, Texas.
"I was just selfish. I just didn't want to lose my son," says Garth Defrenn. Defrenn says from the day his son Jason told him he wanted to fly Apache helicopters, he knew in his heart this day would come.
The family says he was due to be home in a week or so. His Apache helicopter was shot down while flying in formation north of Taji, Iraq.
But Defrenn says that wasn't before his son and a co-pilot did something heroic. Jason's dad says they placed their helicopter in the line of fire, diverting another helicopter from being shot down, "You can say he was admired and loved, but the most important thing he ever did was to lay his life down for someone else."
But that is only part of the story. Army warrant officer Defrenn was just days away from returning home to Barnwell and the love of his life, his wife Jenny, who is supposed to give birth to their son at the end of the month.
But the news was too much, says Defrenn's father, "It really, really threw her body into a major shock."
Jenny's blood pressure skyrocketed. She was rushed to Palmetto Baptist. Doctors decided to induce labor. Garth says, "Jenny needed to have the child now so she could deal with the death of her husband."
Tuesday afternoon, Jenny gave birth to a healthy son.
Jason's father tells WIS, "At first, Jenny thought maybe she might want to call him Jason Garth Defrenn, Jr. But she felt like she should go along with her husband's wishes and call him what he wanted to call him. That was Christopher."
"Upstairs is a very remarkable young lady," says Garth. "She is just as much of a patriot as my son. She has given everything for this country. She loved him dearly and her heart is broken."
The soldier leaves behind three children and a spouse who was pregnant with their fourth child.
Reported by Kara Gormley with AP
Posted 8:53pm by Chantelle Janelle
Thank you. I'm sure Jason and his family will appreciate the Patriot Rider's presence. You guys have a lot of fans in Barnwell, myself included. It should be a big turnout by Barnwell standards at any rate.
I'm so very sorry for your loss..
You will now find an extended family in the Patriot Guard..
It is the most significant thing I have ever done..
My husband is a State Captain back East..
It never gets easier...
Please be comforted and know we are with you in spirit..
Ms.B
PR will protect the family and Jason very well. They do a great job.
God Bless you all and thank you for all your kind words and support.
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