Barnwell native killed in Iraq

WIS TV & AP ^ | February 6, 2007 | Kara Gormley

[leadpenny]

I have a special place in my heart for Army Aviators. I was one, and I was a Warrant Officer. I also identify with Jason's dad. My dad and sister drove from Michigan to Ft. Rucker for my graduation in 1966. They pinned on my wings and my W1 bars. My dad had not been in the military but he burst his buttons any time he bored people with the story of his son, the helicopter pilot. My heart also goes out to Garth for another reason - I have a son in Iraq. Please let the family know they are not alone and that Jason's story has touched an untold number of Americans

[fieldmarshaldj]

That sounds more worthy of a Congressional Medal of Honor !

[Diana in Wisconsin]

God Bless You. As an Army Vet, I've lost a lot of friends over the years, too. It NEVER gets any easier.

Do what you can for his family. They'll appreciate it. :)

[leadpenny]

Or at least a SS or DFC or, at a minimum, a "v" on the Bronze Star.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Barnwell is in Congressman Joe Wilson's district. Could he not be petitioned to submit Jason DeFrenn's name to be awarded the MoH ? I don't know the procedure for doing so. Surely one of our FReepers is knowledgeable on that ?

[leadpenny]

There are probably any number of ways an individual could be awarded the MOH, including congressional action. But, usually documentation of an act of heroism begins with first person, eyewitness accounts. From what I know about the crash of Jason's Apache, there was at least one other Apache in the flight. The accounts of the two pilots in that aircraft probably are key. There also may have been coalition eyewitnesses on the ground and there could have been radio traffic that is documented.

[lovecraft]

Another update:

Well, Mark Sandford, the Governor is supposed to be there and I have gotten word of a rumor that those bast*rds from Kansas may be intending to protest Jason's funeral. There has also been a confirmation that the Patriot Riders will be there to counter-protest.

Barnwell is a very small town, and I am worried my friend's funeral will be turned into some kind of media circus. Those "people" from Kansas will not be welcome there and their presence will not go over well. I pray they will stay underneath their rocks.

[Chgogal]

An American Hero Family Needs Help (((Ping)))
The Patriotguard is wonderful. MS. Behavin is a member and may be able to help you.


Try:
www.patriotguard.org

More info at this posts:
America Supports You: Bikers Demonstrate Nation’s Patriotism, Compassion (VROOM! VROOM!)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1701115/posts?page=6#6

I do so hope it will all work out.

[lovecraft]

I have already been on their website and read through the 4 page thread of condolences for Jason. It was very touching. I will be heartened by their presence and glad to know they are on Jason's side.

Here is the link to the thread on Jason. You'll have to copy and paste, I've forgotten how to imbed a link.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/414980/view/topic/Default.aspx

[lovecraft]

I have already been on their website and read through the 4 page thread of condolences for Jason. It was very touching. I will be heartened by their presence and glad to know they are on Jason's side.

Here is the link to the thread on Jason. You'll have to copy and paste, I've forgotten how to imbed a link.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/414980/view/topic/Default.aspx

[leadpenny]

Those "people" are askin' for an a$$ whoopin'.

[lovecraft]

Sorry about the double post.

[leadpenny]

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/414980/view/topic/Default.aspx

Probably because you used html elsewhere in the post, but it's beyond my expertise.

[lovecraft]

An a$$ whoopin would be too kind.

[lovecraft]

The God hates Fags people have Jason's funeral listed on their site. They do plan on coming, though there is no mention of numbers. I won't post it so as not to give them any credence.

[Chgogal]

"Those "people" are askin' for an a$$ whoopin'."

The Patriot Guard has everything under control.

"All dates should be considered TENTATIVE at this time.

The mission to honor Chief Warrant Officer Jason Garth DeFrenn is now a two part mission.

Patriot Guard Riders will be present on Thursday, 15 February for visitation at Dyches (pronounced DIKES) Funeral Home in Barnwell. Time for visitation has not been announced. We will hold a flag line throughout the visitation so that members of the community will know as they enter that they are about to visit an American Hero.

Patriot Guard Riders will honor Chief DeFrenn at his funeral service on the afternoon of Friday, 16 February in Barnwell and will escort the chief and his family to his final resting place. Prepare for a ride of 16 miles to the cemetery.

Staging areas and times will be announced later.

Ride Captains in Charge will be announced later.

Please do not cease in praying for the DeFrenn family. They need the strength that only prayer can bring.

Tell the people of Barnwell to listen................listen for the rumble of the Patriot Guard."

[Chgogal]

From what I have seen they are usually just a handful of bitter nasty people there. With the Patriot Guard present, Jason's family and you won't even notice them. Instead you will see the Patriot Guard honoring your dear friend. And that is as it should be. You will be in my thoughts and prayers on the difficult days ahead.

[lovecraft]

Thank you again for your support. If there is anything you ever need......

[Chgogal]

The last post is very touching. The Patriot Guard will shield Jason's family and you on a most difficult day.

"CWO DeFrenn, Thank You. It seems so insufficient...two words. Thank you. You were the ground soldier's best friend. Your skill and the awesome power at your fingertips were surely the salvation for many. You were an Army aviation professional. A CWO in the Profession of Arms. A man with awesome responsibilities. A man who wouldn't quit. A man of honor.

I offer nothing less than my deepest respect and most sincere condolences to your family, your friends and your fellow soldiers. I can't begin to know the pain they feel right now. May God wrap them in His tender mercies and comfort, strengthen and guide them as only He can. May the pain be tempered by the knowledge that CWO Jason DeFrenn will forever be remembered as a true American hero.

On Friday we will come from every direction and assemble into one. The rumble will be low, almost imperceptible at first. It will grow louder. Stronger. Like distant thunder getting closer. The rumble is strong. Steady. Unwavering. Just like America's defenders. The rumble is the voice of the warriors, the soldiers who can't be there in person to honor CWO DeFrenn. It is the voice of Americans who mourn the loss of one of South Carolina's sons. When the thunder rolls in Barnwell, people will know we have lost a Patriot and a Hero. And they will remember. Patriot Guard Riders from all over will be honored to stand for a hero who stood for the things that make America the greatest nation the world has ever known.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

RIP Chief Warrant Officer Jason Garth DeFrenn..
The Patriot Gaurd will bring you home..
If you need anything lovecraft, please don't hesitate to let me know...