Army Staff Sgt. Zachary R. Wobler

Died February 6, 2005 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

24 year old Zachary Wobler, of Ottowa, Ohio; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; killed Feb. 6 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy forces using small-arms fire in Mosul, Iraq.

Soldier killed in Iraq during second tour of duty

Associated Press

GATE CITY, Va. — A Scott County woman is mourning the death of her son who was killed in Iraq on Feb. 6 during his second tour of duty.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Wobler, 24, was killed by insurgent fire in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday morning. He was a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, N.C.

Jeanette Poston said her son still called the southwest Virginia town of Snowflake home, although he had moved with his father to Ottawa, Ohio, before entering high school.

“He told people he was a southern boy from Virginia,” Poston said.

While the Army provided no official details on the circumstances surrounding Wobler’s death, the soldiers under his command told the family he was shot three times during a firefight with insurgents. Medics had to sedate an angry Wobler, who demanded he be taken back to his troops while he was being transported for surgery.

“He was just so mad they had got him,” Wobler’s stepfather, Tim Poston, said. “He was wanting to get back out there. Now, if the U.S. doesn’t understand the kind of men they’ve got, that’s it right there. That’s a hero.”

Wobler had served an 11-month tour of duty in 2003, when he injured his knee. Jeanette Poston said doctors told her son in November he needed knee surgery, but he refused, opting instead to return to Iraq the next month.

Wobler had joined the Army full time in 2000 after serving in Ohio’s National Guard. In 2002, he was selected as the 82nd Airborne’s paratrooper of the year.

In an interview in May 2002 with The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer about his selection, Zachary Wobler discussed his feelings about deployment.

“Nobody knows ‘til it comes down to it whether you are ready or not,” he said.

He attributed his success in the Army to his father.

“My father was big on honesty when I was young,” he said in 2002. “That’s one thing that was drilled into our family when I was young.”

Wobler had been legally separated from his wife, Corissa, for about two years. They have a 3-year-old daughter, Trinity.

His family said Wobler will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Marine Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz

Died February 5, 2005 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

22 year old Travis Wichlacz, of West Bend, Wis.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Milwaukee, Wis.; killed Feb. 5 by enemy action in Babil province, Iraq.

West Bend Marine killed in Iraq

Associated Press

WEST BEND, Wis. — A 22-year-old Marine from West Bend who was killed in Iraq during the weekend had been excited about going there, his high school wrestling coach said.

“He was pretty proud of it. He took his job pretty seriously over there,” Bob Kopecky said of Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz, a 2002 graduate of West Bend West High School.

“He was a pretty tough person. He was competitive. He wasn’t afraid of anyone.”

The rifleman died Saturday in a bomb explosion in Babil province, the U.S. Defense Department said.

He was assigned to the Milwaukee-based Fox Company of the Marine Reserves’ 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, of Chicago, and he had been serving in Iraq since June 2004, the agency said.

Several other Marines were injured in the attack, said Sgt. Cecil Goodloe, a spokesman for Wichlacz’s unit.

Goodloe said Wichlacz had “helped support getting the region stabilized for elections.”

The 33rd death of a Wisconsin soldier in Iraq came barely nine months after Wichlacz was married to Angela Coakley, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Coakley, a former West Bend resident, left Wisconsin for active duty with the Army in Norfolk, Va., four days after their wedding in May, said Wichlacz’s stepmother, Virginia Wichlacz.

Travis Wichlacz, a Marine reservist, reported for Marine Corps infantry training in San Diego two weeks later.

“They hardly had any time together,” Virginia Wichlacz said Monday.

Travis’ father, Dennis Wichlacz, said his son loved being a Marine and had considered a military career

“He always tried so hard to make everyone proud of him,” Dennis Wichlacz. “He was nothing but good. He just tried so hard to follow the rules.”

Virginia Wichlacz remembered her stepson as being extraordinarily brave.

“He was kicking down doors. They were going into the houses and finding weapons caches and dismantling the bombs,” she said.

West principal Pat Gardon said Wichlacz, who had participated in football and track as well as wrestling at the school, returned several times after joining the Marines to visit with teachers and other staff members.

“He was very, very proud of the uniform that he wore,” the principal said.

“He was a committed, loyal and hardworking man. He always had this radiant smile and this twinkle in his eye that would light up any room he walked into.”

Family mourns Marine killed in Iraq

WEST BEND, Wis. — Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz was remembered as a newlywed who had boundless energy and passion during his weekend funeral.

“It was as if love spontaneously spilled from his heart,” Father Jeffrey Haines said before a crowd of hundreds packed inside St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church for the Saturday service.

The 22-year-old West Bend native died Feb. 5 while on patrol in Babil province, a region of Iraq known for its lawlessness and violence.

Wichlacz married Angela Coakley, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student, nine months ago. The two parted just four days after their wedding so Coakley, also in the military, could report for active duty with the Army in Norfolk, Va.

Wichlacz’s energy could be overwhelming, Haines said. Some people refused to compete against him in judo classes, for instance, fearful that he might hurt them unintentionally.

But “there was more to Travis than mere action or enthusiasm. There was a reason behind his passion: love for people,” Haines said.

Wichlacz, a 2002 graduate of West Bend West High School, was a wrestling, football and track star. He joined the U.S. Marine Reserves in April 2002. He always sought the most action-packed assignments, Haines said.

“He wanted to be active, not sitting behind a desk or ensconced in a hangar somewhere,” Haines said.

Before Jan. 30, Wichlacz and other Marines in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, helped to stabilize the region for elections. Wichlacz was a member of the Milwaukee-based Fox Company and is the fifth Wisconsin Marine from the company to die in action in Iraq. He is the 33rd member of the military from Wisconsin to die in Iraq.

Sheena Wichlacz, the 20-year-old sister of Travis, represented the family during the service. With her red hair tied back in braids, she read aloud two poems written in memory of him. The first hours after the news of his death were spent in shock, “waiting for you to reappear,” Sheena said.

“I need to face one of my biggest fears: your absence,” she read. “I would give you the world, my life . . . if it would bring you home. But since it won’t, I give you my words.”

Later, Sheena Wichlacz and Coakley embraced and wept. After the service, family members released red, white and blue balloons, which floated up into a clear, sunny sky.

— Associated Press

Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy

Died February 4, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

29 year old Nathan Hardy, of Durham, N.H.; assigned to East Coast-based SEAL team; died Feb. 4, from wounds sustained from small-arms fire during combat operations in Balad, Iraq. Also killed was Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch.

Navy son of UNH professor dies in Iraq

The Associated Press

NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy son of a University of New Hampshire professor and administrative assistant has been killed in action in Iraq.

Navy SEAL Nathan Hardy and fellow SEAL Michael Koch of State College, Pa., died Feb. 4 after being wounded by small-arms fire, the Defense Department said. Both men were stationed in Norfolk, Va.

It was Hardy’s fourth deployment in Iraq, according to his father, Stephen Hardy, a professor of kinesiology. His mother, Donna Hardy, is an administrative assistant in UNH’s psychology department.

Nathan Hardy grew up in Durham and was a 1997 graduate of Oyster River High School. He joined the Navy after graduation.

Other family members include his wife, Mindy, and their 7-month-old son, Parker; and a brother, Ben, of Middlebury, Vt.

Another brother, Josh, died in 1993 while a senior at Oyster River High School.

“Our hearts go out to Steve and Donna Hardy, and their son, Ben, at this incredibly difficult time,” UNH President Mark Huddleston said in a statement. “We know it was Nate’s dream to become a U.S. Navy SEAL when he graduated from high school, and he pursued that dream and excelled at it. His death has stunned all who knew him, and all who know his parents, who both are so much a part of the UNH community.”

Koch leaves behind his parents and a fiancee. He enlisted in July 1998 and entered SEAL training in January 1999, according to The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. He received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Family, friends remember sailor’s dedication, kindness

The Associated Press

Math teacher Ginny Tagliaferro said Nathan H. Hardy was defined by his kindness.

“As a student, classmate and teammate, Nate was honest, committed and kind to those around him. He was a caring individual who supported his friends, his teachers and his community.”

Hardy, 29, of Durham, N.H., died Feb. 4 from wounds suffered from small-arms fire. He was a 1997 high school graduate and was assigned to Virginia Beach, Va.

It was Hardy’s fourth deployment in Iraq, according to his father, Stephen Hardy, a professor at the University of New Hampshire. His mother, Donna Hardy, is an administrative assistant at UNH.

Martin Brewer, his former English teacher and soccer coach, said: “Nate was a great player who relished physical challenges. Whether defending like a lion in the heart of our defense or being part of my backup plan to attack the opposing goal, he always came through.”

Brewer added: “If he tackled any endeavor, you had better believe it was with every fiber of his being — Nate attacked life with vigor.”

He is survived by his wife, Mindy, and their 7-month-old son, Parker.

Navy SEAL remembered in N.H. hometown

The Associated Press

DURHAM, N.H. — Nearly 1,000 people packed into a University of New Hampshire gym to remember a Navy SEAL who died in Iraq.

Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan Hardy, who grew up in Durham, died February 4 at age 29. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery later that month but his family did not have a local memorial service for him until Saturday.

Members of Hardy’s SEAL team who just returned from Iraq two weeks ago were among the mourners, as was Gov. John Lynch.

“We owe his family a debut we can never repay,” Lynch said.

Friends said Hardy’s short life must be measured not in years but accomplishments. He was married to the love of his life, had a beautiful baby son, loved his job and was the “elite of the elite” in his profession, said Amos Goss, Hardy’s childhood friend.

“Never has a life so short been so complete,” he said.

Others recalled Hardy’s passion for his job, his commitment to serving his country, his immense love for his family and his penchant for practical jokes.

Hardy enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school in 1997. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf and Kosovo and was killed in Iraq during his fourth deployment.

His brother, Ben, said his Hardy’s last moments were spent trying to drag a fellow SEAL to safety.

“Nate’s death was a good death. It was an honorable death. It was a warrior’s death,” he said.

Army Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders

Died February 3, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

26 year old Ronnie Sanders, of Thibodaux, La.; assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 3 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Fort Bragg-based soldier from Louisiana killed in Iraq

The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Fort Bragg-based soldier who was on his third tour of duty in Iraq died over the weekend fighting in the country, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders, 26, of Shreveport, La., died Saturday of wounds he suffered when a bomb went off near his vehicle near Taji, Iraq, according to a military statement. Sanders was a platoon sergeant with Company A, 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

“He was the model paratrooper and leader. He was revered and trusted by his soldiers and made sure they were always trained and ready,” said Lt. Col. Thomas J. Rogers, commander of the 407th Brigade Support Battalion.

Sanders joined the Army in November 1999 and reported to the 82nd Airborne Division in May 2006. Sanders previously deployed to Iraq from Fort Bragg with the 126th Transportation Command.

Sanders is survived by his wife, Rachel, and twin daughters, Ra-onnie and Re-onnie, of Raeford, N.C. His mother, Ruth Manley, lives in Kennedale, Texas.

“My husband was looking forward to completing the mission, to return and continue to raise his two beautiful daughters that meant everything to him,” Rachel Sanders said in a written statement.

Army Capt. Daniel Whitten

Died February 2, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

28 year old Daniel Whitten, of Grimes, Iowa; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device Feb. 2 near Forward Operating Base Sweeney, Afghanistan. Also killed was Pfc. Zachary G. Lovejoy.

Captain’s star continues to shine

By Michael Futch

The Fayetteville Observer via Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The U.S. flag that draped Capt. Daniel Whitten’s coffin is carefully folded away in a shadow box that sits on one end of the living room table. The case also holds his military awards and decorations.

Whitten was scheduled to return home Aug. 26 from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. The following day, he and his wife would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.

His death changed all that, leaving his wife, Starr, a widow at the age of 27.

“We’re a growing number,” she said, “and I wish that weren’t the case.”

Starr Whitten and members of her husband’s unit — Company C of the 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division — will remember Whitten on Sept. 11 during a paver stone dedication at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum downtown.

“That’s kind of the reason I picked the day — because the boys are going to be back,” she said. “Sept. 11 is a big day in history to begin with. So, I thought, what better way to honor Dan than on Sept. 11.”

Soldiers with the Army Wounded Warriors program are expected to bike from the Iron Mike statue on Fort Bragg to the original Iron Mike statue that keeps sentry in front of the museum, arriving in time for the ceremony.

Whitten was a cadet, in school at West Point Military Academy, when the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington crippled this country on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Dan’s philosophy was always to complete the mission,” she said. “So, since 2001, part of our mission has been to protect our nation from something like this ever happening again. His death, I guess, was part of the mission.”

It has been more than seven months since Starr Whitten heard the knock on the couple’s front door the evening of Feb. 2.

“I didn’t answer the door,” she said. “I knew who it was.”

Whitten had been killed that morning in the Zabul province of southern Afghanistan. A homemade bomb, the Pentagon reported, hit his Humvee.

Whitten and Pfc. Zachary Lovejoy, a soldier in his company, were up front. Both were killed by the blast from the improvised explosive device. Another soldier, Cpl. LeGrand Strickland, ended up losing both legs.

For security reasons, Starr Whitten said she learned only that they were on a mission near the Pakistan border.

“The details of the mission, I don’t know,” she said from her Fayetteville home. “I don’t know that I would ever know.”

The couple last talked on Jan. 28, less than a week before the accident. “He said he was going to be ‘off grid,’ “ she recalled, tears glazing her blue eyes. “He used to say his Ranger tab made him invincible, and I shouldn’t worry.”

Daniel Preston Whitten was 28.

On the dashboard of her car, Starr keeps another Ranger tab that he gave her. “He said I earned it, too,” she said softly. “Yeah, so it made me invincible.”

Pictures of the two together grace her home. He loved to read, and a collection of his books fills a couple of bookshelves. Even her two dogs, Copper and Nilla, were picked out by her husband.

The occasional tear trickles down a cheek, and she sometimes smiles as she weeps.

“I like to go down memory lane,” she said.

It was Starr’s older brother, Rick, who introduced her to her future husband.

Six years ago, as Starr was beginning her senior year at the University of Georgia in Athens, Rick brought Daniel along to help her move into her apartment. The men had both graduated from West Point in 2004, but had become close friends during infantry officer basic course at Fort Benning, Ga.

“I remember first thinking, ‘Beautiful. He’s a really good-looking man.’ For some reason we got to talking about Harry Potter,” she said. “I had read all the Harry Potter books, and Dan had read them all, too. My roommate pulled me into the bedroom and she was like, ‘Starr! That one! That one’s a Starr boy. You go get him.’ “ They married a year later, on Aug. 27.

Six days after that, Daniel shipped out on his first deployment, to Iraq.

“Dan loved the 82nd. That’s where he wanted to be,” she said. “Dan was doing exactly what he loved.”

Though she has no family here, Starr said she’s fortunate to have a circle of close friends. Last month, she started her second year teaching at Seventy-First Classical Middle School.

“Everything I’ve done since Dan’s death is — what I like to think — would be Dan’s decision for me had he been able to make them,” she said. “I think he would be pleased I stayed in Fayetteville. Pleased that I bought this house.”

The paver stone bearing his name will be placed on the entrance to the museum, where 1,437 other inscribed bricks have been installed. Most, but not all, are dedicated to fallen soldiers.

Three years ago, Daniel took Starr to a similar paver stone dedication at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum for Maj. Larry Bauguess Jr., a soldier who was killed in Pakistan.

The Whittens didn’t know him.

“He wanted to go pay his respects,” she said. “I remember how strong his wife seemed.”

Marine Lance Cpl. Michael L. Freeman Jr.

Died February 1, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

21 year old Michael Freeman, of Fayetteville, Pa.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 1 while supporting combat operations in Shpee Valley, Afghanistan.

Marine from central Pa. killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A Marine from central Pennsylvania has been killed in Afghanistan, military authorities said Feb. 2.

Lance Cpl. Michael Freeman Jr., 21, of Fayetteville, Pa., died Feb. 1 during what military authorities called a “hostile incident” while conducting combat operations in Helmand province in the southern part of the country.

Freeman was a machine gunner assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., authorities said. The 2008 graduate of Chambersburg Area High School deployed to Afghanistan in October. His awards included a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

His wife, Stephanie, 18, told The Herald Mail of Hagerstown, Md., that the couple married in October and were planning a June 12 ceremony for family and friends.

“He just wanted to come home and be with us,” she told the paper, adding that he was conflicted because he also wanted to serve his country.

Her grandmother, Lenora Short, said Freeman was expected to return from his deployment in April.

“He was a sweetheart,” she said. “He was very polite and mannerly.”

Freeman was an outdoorsman who enjoyed target shooting, fishing and visiting Caledonia State Park, and coming from a military family developed a commitment to the Marines at an early age, his wife said. She said she suspects he would want to be remembered as “a crazy, goofy Marine.”