DOD ANNOUNCES NAMES OF SERVICEMEMBERS KILLED

DefenseLink ^ | 10/21/01 | n/a

[2Jedismom]

No. 530-10
October 21, 2001

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOD ANNOUNCES NAMES OF SERVICEMEMBERS KILLED IN HELICOPTER ACCIDENT

The Department of Defense announced today the names of two servicemembers killed in Friday's helicopter crash in Pakistan. Killed were Spc. Jonn J. Edmunds, 20, of Cheyenne, Wyo. and Pfc. Kristofor T. Stonesifer, 28, of Missoula, Mont.

The two Army Rangers were passengers in a Blackhawk helicopter that crashed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Hostile fire has been ruled out as a cause of the crash, which remains under investigation.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered his condolences to the families of those killed.

"They and all who are participating in Operation Enduring Freedom are heroes. They put their lives on the line on behalf of freedom and on behalf of America, and they do it each and every day. I'm so very proud of them and their comrades in arms," he said.

"As the president has said," added Myers, "they did not die in vain."

[FreeReign]

The Department of Defense announced today the names of two servicemembers killed in Friday's helicopter crash in Pakistan. Killed were Spc. Jonn J. Edmunds, 20, of Cheyenne, Wyo. and Pfc. Kristofor T. Stonesifer, 28, of Missoula, Mont.

Last nights concert honored the hero WTC rescue workers, which is a good thing. But no mention was made of our heros serving in the armed forces. Somebody should tell Richard Gere that these hero servicemen did not die seeking revenge.

Thanks 2J for posting their names.

[EuroFrog]

My husbands words....(Oh, and he is a soldier)...

Why would you be insulted to be called a WarFighter since you were in the Army for over 20 years knowing what the Army's goal is? ...Which is "To deter war and when deterrence fails to have a combat ready force that is physically and psychologically prepared to fight and win global war." ...Hense WarFighter.

[KLT]

Because Jedismom, it's obvious our military men aren't important enough to our liberal stinky press!

[EuroFrog]

Plainly speaking pussies are the ones that get upset over two of our servicemembers getting called servicemembers. Its petty, get over it.

[cubreporter]

Now they answer the role call in Heaven. Lord Rest their souls and give peace to their families. I am a PROUD newcomer to Free Republic. It has done more to help me understand so much of what was going on prior to the election as well as during and after the election. Because of everything I learned from all of you...I was able to stand tall, armed with the proper information to confidently defend President-Elect and now President Bush. God Bless America and our fight to the finish!!!

[ken5050]

Give the more than one billion that has been raised for the victims of 9//, and their families..does anyone have info as to the current DoD benefits for families of KIA in wartime. I assume that applies to the Pentagon victims as well?

[xzins]

The article said they were passengers. Rangers generally do not "crew" helicopters. By that I mean current members of Ranger Regiments. The crew of a helicopter, however, could be sporting Ranger Tabs.

Other possibilities are that they were "security" or "medics" or "guides."

[FrogMom]

I was in the army for over 20 years and it is insulting for you to call me a warfighter.

Well, Love, sorry you are insulted. I work in a Joint Service Command, and that's what they call them, Warfighters, covers ALL branches of Service.

P.S. Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

[FrogMom]

Welcome new FReeper, and yes, God bless America.

God bless every man and woman wearing a uniform, civilian or military, whose job it is to defend all of us.

[xzins]

"pilots....experience."

The pilots in spec ops units must have over a thousand to be considered. They then go into a rigorous training phase where they acquire many more hours rapidly and most of them on NVG's. These are simply NOT inexperienced pilots. They're the nation's best and MOST experienced.

The difficulty is that Pakistan is of questionable friendliness. My guess is that the SAR bird had to stay on the deck (35-50 feet) to avoid possible anti-air, stinger, etc.

And that AT NIGHT. This is an extremely hazardous gift these crews make to our nation.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

To Jonn and Kristofor. May God rest and bless your souls. You will not be forgotten and you will not die in vain. My family will be vigiliant in this fight so freedom will live on forever, and in your honor.

[Disgusted in Texas]

May God rest their souls and comfort their families.

[Mrs. P]

You think FrogMom doesnt know that? Her husband and son are both veterans with proud military careers that covers three of our services. Her son-in-law is currently in the military. She and her husband work with the military every day on a military base. Get your flag out of her nose, hers is bigger than yours.

Obviously I wrote something bad, but for the life of me, I don't know what it is. I simply observed that the guys who died were some mother's baby. I assumed someone with the name MOM was a mother, too, and someone with the name 'Frogmom' was significant. If I offended frogmom, I am truly sorry, but you, eurofrog, need to learn some manners.

A simple observation is not grounds for being such a snot, especially since you have no idea who I am.

Grow up, grow a brain, or take a pill, but don't ever blast me off like that again.

[newzjunkey]

Spc. Jonn J. Edmunds, 20, of Cheyenne, Wyo.

Pfc. Kristofor T. Stonesifer, 28, of Missoula, Mont.

Thanks for posting the names in breaking news.

One of my study partners in college went on to the Army as a chopper pilot, was from Missoula and probably went to school with Kirstofor back home.

My thoughts are with the families.

[freekitty]

Bless these two brave men and their families.

[mcollins]

Conservatives have lost a lot of battles because they viewed them as unimportant and petty. We tend to the business of running and defending the country. The liberals take advantage of our practical focus. They gain a little here, a little there. Now, the liberals control the schools and the media and much more. In one sense, the word used in a headline does not matter. But it reminds me of how the liberals have sneaked up on us and stolen the country. PC language offends me and I will say so.

bonsoir mon ami

[2Jedismom]

EuroFrog, I don't believe Mrs. P. meant any offense when she posted that about these boys being killed being someone's son. The way I understood the post, no matter what label we put on them, they were first some poor woman's child. I took it as a reminder to keep these admirable women in our hearts, because they are suffering now.

I feel as if I know your family a little, I prayed for little Thomas when he was in the hospital. I rejoiced when he came home and was weighing in at 6lbs! But before Thomas becomes anything in life, he'll first and always be Chris and Dora's son. And that's what I took from Mrs. P.s post...A reminder to keep families such as yours in our hearts and prayers at all times and to be eternally grateful for the sacrifices given to ensure our freedon.

[FrogMom]

EuroFrog - Thanks for your support, bless you and your husband. I don't think Mrs. P was being abusive, maybe just a little abrasive. Think thicker skin, although that's hard when you percieve your Mom being attacked. I love you.

Mrs. P - You've nuked THIS mother's child. I will refrain from responding in kind.

2Jedismom - You are, as always, calming and wise. Thank you for this mediation AND for your prayers.

Now, ladies - back to the purpose of this thread before it went off on a tangent. Prayers for the young men, their families, and the United States of America.