Navy Reserve Cmdr. Christopher Kalafut Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar (2014)

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Cmdr. Christopher Kalafut, US Navy Reserve

Navy Commander Christopher Kalafut, 49, of Oceanside, California died of a non-combat related incident on October 24, 2014 at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. He was found dead in his room. Cmdr. Kalafut was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on behalf of the Naval Amphibious Liaison Element, Combined Forces Air Component Center at U.S. Central Command. Cmdr. Kalafut graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy in 1987 and entered active duty as an E-2C Hawkeye pilot. He spent some time on the USS Abraham Lincoln and spent six years in the service before leaving and entering the Navy Reserve. He had a civilian job as a pilot for Delta in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of the DoD press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

He flew with the reserves less often in recent years. The July deployment, a non-flying position, was seen as a final step before retirement. –Steve Kalafut (father)

Related Links:
Obituary: Cmdr. Christopher “Chris” Edward Kalafut
Navy Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
Navy officer dies in Qatar
Navy pilot from Acworth dies in Qatar
Navy commander from Oceanside killed overseas
Navy Officer And Father Of Five Dies In Qatar
San Diego Naval Officer Dies in Qatar
Naval Commander From Oceanside Who Died in Qatar Identified
Navy officer found dead at Qatar air base was pilot nearing retirement, dad says
Navy Officer Found Dead in Qatar Was Pilot Nearing Retirement
Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers – US Navy Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, 49, of Oceanside, CA


Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, US Navy

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sean Neal Died from a Non-Combat Related Incident in Baghdad, Iraq in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve (2014)

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Lance Cpl. Sean Neal, US Marine Corps

Marine Lance Cpl. Sean Neal, 19, of Riverside, California died from a non-combat related incident on October 23, 2014 in Baghdad, Iraq. Lance Cpl. Neal was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, whose headquarters element deploys from Camp Pendleton, California. At the time of the DoD press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: Marine Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal
Marine Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
Marine dies in Baghdad in noncombat incident
19-Year-Old Marine Is First Soldier to Die Fighting ISIS in Iraq
DOD: Marine’s death 1st in Iraq, 2nd since start of US campaign against Islamic State
Riverside Marine dies in Iraq, second to die in Islamic State mission
Marine, 19, becomes second U.S. military death in campaign against ISIS just one month after deployment to Iraq
Marine’s death in Iraq under investigation
Marine Is Reclassified as First to Die in Operation Inherent Resolve
California Marine is first service member to die in Iraq on mission against Islamic State
Marine becomes first U.S. military serviceman to die in Iraq while fighting ISIS, officials say
Riverside Marine, 19, Dies in Iraq; Is Second Military Member to Die in US Mission Against ISIS
First US military death announced since Isis offensive started in Iraq
In Memory Of Us Marine Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal


In Memory Of US Marine Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal

PSYOPS Army Major Jonathan Walker Died of Non Combat Related Incident in Qatar in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve (2014)

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Major Jonathan Walker, US Army

Army Major Jonathan Walker, 44, of Merriam, Kansas died of a non-combat related incident on October 1, 2014 at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. At the time of the DoD press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: Jonathan D. Walker
Army Maj. Jonathan D. Walker
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Fort Bragg soldier dies in Qatar
Army Loses Two: A PSYOPS Major And a Green Beret Sgt 1st Class
Interview with MAJ Jonathan Walker
Violent Crime, Non Combat Death & Suicide at Fort Bragg

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (August 31, 2014)

Department of Defense

08/24/2014:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Christopher Mulalley, 26, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/21/2014:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Matthew Leggett, 39, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/13/2014:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Samuel Hairston, 35, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/06/2014:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Harold Greene, 55, Afghanistan, Combined Security Transition Command

08/04/2014:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Girard Gass Jr, 33, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Related Links:
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2002)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2003)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2004)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2005)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2006)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2007)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2008)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2010)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2011)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2012)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2013)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2015)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2016)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2017)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Iraq)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Afghanistan)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Other Areas)

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Christopher Mulalley Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Gardez, Afghanistan (August 22, 2014)

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Sgt. Christopher Mulalley, U.S. Army

Army Sgt. Christopher Mulalley, 26, died as the result of a non-combat related incident on August 22, 2014 in Gardez, Afghanistan. Sgt. Mulalley was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on behalf of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. At the time of the Department of Defense press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Honor the Fallen: Army Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley
3rd Cav soldier dies in Afghanistan
Fort Hood soldier dies in Afghanistan from “non-combat” related incident
An Army Sergeant with two young sons
Soldier from Eureka dies in Afghanistan
Soldier from Northern California dies in Afghanistan
Army Sgt. Christopher Mulalley of Eureka dies in Afghanistan
Eureka Man Christopher W. Mulalley Killed in Afghanistan, Death Under Investigation
Death Of California Soldier In Afghanistan Under Investigation
Sergeant’s Death Under Investigation
Sergeant’s death in Afghanistan under investigation
Body of Eureka soldier returns home through Travis
California soldier’s remains brought home through Travis Air Force Base
3d Cavalry Regiment troops hold memorial for fallen
August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers – US Army Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, California

Prevent Sexual Assault, Rape, Suicide, and Murder in the Military

Military Sexual Assault

When I got involved in the ‘movement’ to end violence in the military, it was after serving fourteen years in the military. I went from one mission to another, and much like the military the purpose was clearly defined but those in charge swayed greatly from what was in writing. No matter what the job is whether it be in the military or in a movement, you need those in charge to be loyal to those who they are fighting for. Much like Community Planning, you need your ‘customer’ to have buy-in. Who are we fighting for? Our active duty military ultimately so we could prevent them from becoming disabled veterans.

I could have just walked away from the military and moved on with a happy, healthy life living with PTSD and on a fixed income BUT that is not who I am which is exactly what my point is. I reported violent crimes to prevent what happened to me from happening to anyone else. I stepped forward and spoke out publicly to do the same. In the meantime, we had all kinds of competing issues knocking us down or drowning us out. For example, despite being committed to preventing rape in the military, others were committed to promoting themselves, becoming famous, or maybe even ensuring women have access to the most dangerous job in America: combat.

Continue reading “Prevent Sexual Assault, Rape, Suicide, and Murder in the Military”

New Hampshire Air National Guardsman MSgt. David Poirier Died of Non-Combat Related Incident in Southwest Asia; Death Ruled Heart Attack (2014)

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MSgt. David Poirier, Pease Air National Guard, NH

Air National Guard Master Sgt. David Poirier, 52, died from a non-combat related incident on February 28, 2014. There was no location noted in the DoD press release but MSgt. Poirier was assigned to the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar at the time of his passing. According to Sea Coast Online, MSgt. Poirier was deployed to Southwest Asia when his death occurred but the Air National Guard was not able to release the country due to host nation sensitivities. MSgt. Poirier was a post master from North Smithfield, Rhode Island. MSgt. Poirier was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom on behalf of the 157th Operations Support Squadron at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire. On March 5, 2014, news reports indicated that MSgt. Poirier died of a heart attack while serving overseas.

Related Links:
DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Honor the Fallen: Air Force Master Sgt. David L. Poirier
Air Guardsman dies overseas serving with Pease squadron
Airman assigned to Pease dies in non-combat-related incident
Pease airman from R.I dies in non-combat incident
Atkinson postmaster dies while serving overseas
North Smithfield man serving in Air Force dies in non-combat related incident
Calling Hours Sunday for Pease Airman Who Died Overseas
Poirier remembered as consummate guardsman
Death Of Air National Guardsman Under Investigation
Congressional Record: Remembering MSgt. David Poirier
Heart attack claimed life of Atkinson, NH postmaster serving in Qatar
Run for the Fallen: Air National Guard Master Sergeant David L Poirier
I Salute You; Air Force Master Sergeant David L. Poirier

September: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2013)

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09/27/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Thomas Baysore Jr, 31, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

09/24/2013:  DoD Identifies Navy Casualties: Landon Jones, 35, and Jonathan Gibson, 32, NCD, Central Red Sea, Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California

09/24/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Liam Nevins, 32, Afghanistan, 19th Special Forces Group, Colorado

09/24/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Timothy McGill, 30, Afghanistan, 19th Special Forces Group, Rhode Island

09/24/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Joshua Strickland, 23, Afghanistan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

09/22/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: James Wickliffchacin, 22, Afghanistan, Fort Stewart, Georgia

09/21/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: William Brown III, 44, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Polk, Louisiana

09/19/2013:  Airmen From Vietnam War Identified

09/17/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Randall Lane, 43, NCD, Afghanistan, Indiana Army National Guard

09/14/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Robert Thomas Jr, 24, NCD, Afghanistan, Fort Bliss, Texas

09/12/2013:  Airmen Missing From WWII Accounted For

09/06/2013:  DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty: Todd Lobraico Jr, 22, Afghanistan, Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York

09/01/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Joshua Bowden, 28, Afghanistan, Fort Carson, Colorado

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (August 31, 2013)

Department of Defense

08/30/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Ollis, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Drum, New York

08/29/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Ricardo Young, 34, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/29/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Jason Togi, 24, Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Texas

08/25/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Kenneth Alvarez, 23, and Jonathon Hostetter, 20, Afghanistan, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

08/21/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: George Bannar Jr, 37, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

08/20/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualty: Timothy Santos Jr, 29, NCD, Kuwait, Fort Bliss, Texas

08/12/2013:  DOD Identifies Army Casualties: Octavio Herrera, 26, Jamar Hicks, 22, and Keith Grace Jr, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

08/09/2013:  Marine Missing from Korean War Identified: Pfc. Jonathan R. Posey Jr.

08/07/2013:  DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Nickolas Welch, 26, Afghanistan, Fort Stewart, Georgia

Related Links:
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2002)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2003)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2004)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2005)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2006)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2007)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2008)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2009)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2010)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2011)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2012)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2015)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2016)
August: Department of Defense Casualties Report (2017)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Iraq)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Afghanistan)
Non Combat Deaths of Female Soldiers in the US Military (Other Areas)

Army SSG John Russell Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Premeditated Murders of Five Fellow Soldiers at a Mental Health Clinic in Iraq (May 16, 2013)

SSG John Russell, U.S. Army

On May 11, 2009, SSG John Russell gunned down five of his fellow comrades at a mental health clinic at Camp Liberty in Iraq with his M-16. It was revealed that he had an argument with someone at the clinic, left, and came back with his gun. His crimes were determined to be premeditated. He was arrested and subsequently charged with murder and aggravated assault of another soldier that was seriously injured. Days before the killings witnesses noticed that he was distant and having suicidal thoughts. He was also scheduled to leave Iraq in a few days. He was tried for the murders of his fellow comrades and found guilty. He was sentenced to life in prison. But his family feels that the Army should also take responsibility for their actions. The family believes that John was broken and not treated for the injuries he sustained in combat, in the line of duty. SSG Russell was being treated for symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress with medications but it is believed that the psychotropics the military psychiatrists prescribed to him may have played a role in his actions. He was described as a kind, caring man up until the day he committed the unforeseen murders against his fellow soldiers.

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Honoring the Victims:

  1. Major Matthew Houseal, 54, U.S. Army
  2. Commander Keith Springle, 52, U.S. Navy
  3. Sergeant Christian Bueno-Galdos, 25, U.S. Army
  4. Specialist Jacob Barton, 20, U.S. Army
  5. Private First Class Michael Yates, 19, U.S. Army

Related Links:
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
Army IDs Sgt. John M. Russell as the shooter who killed 5 fellow soldiers at Iraq base
U.S. soldier charged with murder in Iraq shooting deaths
Army Sgt. that killed 5 comrades in Iraq a Sherman native
Father: Army ‘Broke’ Soldier Held in Kilings
Did Doctors Deny Iraq Shooter’s Stress?
U.S. Soldier Charged in Baghdad Shooting Was Due to Leave Iraq Soon
Horror and stresses of Iraq duty led US sergeant to kill comrades
When PTSD Comes Marching Home
Military Mental Health Crisis Exposed With Camp Liberty Killings
Trial date set in case of officer’s murder
Wait for court-martial in fratricide case frustrates victim’s family
Army judge orders soldier who killed five in Iraq to be hypnotised
Army sergeant pleads guilty to 2009 killing of fellow soldiers
US soldier ‘coolly smoked a cigarette’ before shooting dead five of his comrades in Iraq, court hears
US soldier who shot five troops was ‘broken’ by counsellors
Judge: Soldier premeditated murder of 5 at Iraq combat stress clinic
U.S. soldier found guilty of 5 premeditated killings in Iraq
Sgt. John Russell: Wrenching testimony in penalty phase
Soldier who killed fellow U.S. troops in Iraq gets life sentence
US army sergeant jailed for life over Iraq killings
Psychiatry in the Military: The Hidden Enemy—Full Documentary
Violent Crime at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Army SSG John Russell Killed Five Fellow Soldiers at a Mental Health Clinic in Iraq; Found Guilty of Premeditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison (May 11, 2009)