Fort Hood Army Sgt. Duane Shaw III Found Unresponsive in Off-Post Killeen, Texas Home; 12th Reported Fatality in One Month (June 8, 2016)

On June 8, 2016July 20, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, SuicideLeave a comment

US Army Seal — Sgt. Duane Shaw III, U.S. Army

Army Sgt. Duane Shaw III, 34, was taken to a hospital in nearby Temple, Texas where he was pronounced dead on June 8, 2016. Sgt. Shaw was found unresponsive at his off-post home in Killeen, Texas. Sgt. Shaw enlisted in the Army in December 2005 as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist. He was assigned to the 8th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. Sgt. Shaw deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom; he earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, a Combat Action Badge and a Driver and Mechanic Badge with Wheeled Vehicle Bar, and other awards and decorations. Sgt. Shaw’s death was the third death reported in one week by Fort Hood officials. Decorated combat veteran SFC Antino Glass died in a fatal motorcycle crash on June 5th and Spc. Bernardino Guevara, Jr. was found dead with a gunshot wound on June 6th in a parking lot on post. Additionally, this was the 12th death reported in the month of June at Fort Hood. On June 2, 2016, nine service members died in a flood water training accident on post.

Army SFC Antino Glass Died in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident After Hitting Livestock on Fort Hood in Texas (June 5, 2016)

On June 5, 2016July 20, 2019 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside DeathLeave a comment

Army SFC Antino Glass, 34, died on his way home from training duties on June 5, 2016 when his motorcycle struck livestock on Fort Hood in Texas. SFC Glass’ home of record is listed as New Orleans, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Army in 2002 and served with the 2nd Battalion, 291st Infantry Regiment at Fort Hood since 2015. He deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. SFC Glass earned the Purple Heart Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Action Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Wheeled Vehicle Bar, and other honors and decorations.

On This Day, Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Colonvazquez Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

On June 2, 2016July 20, 2019 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Scandals, Stateside DeathLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2018-06-05 at 5.40.21 PM — Staff Sgt. Miguel Colonvazquez, US Army

Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Angel Colonvazquez, 38, whose home of record is listed as Brooklyn, New York, entered active-duty military service in July 2003 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since May 2011. Colonvazquez deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 to September 2006 and in support of Operation New Dawn from May 2011 to November 2011. He also deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from March 2008 to May 2009 and from July 2013 to March 2014.

Colonvazquez’s awards and decorations include five Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Korea Defense Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge with wheeled vehicle and Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Marksman with Carbine.

Learn more from III Corps and Fort Hood Facebook page here.

For more information: On This Day, Eight Army Soldiers & One West Point Cadet Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX):

Mr. Speaker, Texas has been hammered by historic torrential rain and flooding. As the Texas floodwaters rose, 12 soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, were crossing Owl Creek in a 21⁄2-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle when it became stuck in the Owl Creek low water crossing.

Suddenly, the vehicle was swept over and sent downstream by fast-moving water. Nine American soldiers drowned in the massive flood waters. Today, we remember them, and here they are: Staff Sergeant Miguel Colon Vazquez, 38, from New York.

He had just spent four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Specialist Christine Armstrong, 27, of California; PFC Brandon Banner, 22, of Florida; PFC Zachery Fuller, 23, of Florida; Private Isaac Deleon, 19, of Texas. He was the youngest of all of them.

He had only been in the Army for 17 months; Private Eddy Rae’Laurin Gates, 20, of North Carolina—a former homecoming queen; Private Tysheena James, 21, of New Jersey; West Point cadet Mitchell Winey, 21, of Indiana; Specialist Yingming Sun, 25, of California. These are the nine who drowned recently in the Texas floods.

The soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. These American soldiers were volunteers who swore to protect the United States.

They were a cut above the rest and were ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Their lives were ripped from this world and their families all too soon. We are grateful for them and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

These soldiers are the best of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families, who have been devastated by the floods of Texas this spring.

Investigation:
‘Apathetic Safety Mentality’ Cited in Fort Hood Wreck That Killed 9
‘Apathetic Safety Mentality’ Cited In Fort Hood Wreck That Killed 9
Safety ‘Apathy’ Blamed in Accident at Texas’ Ft. Hood That Killed 9 US Soldiers
Army: Warning issued before 9 died in Fort Hood floodwaters
Army Issued Warning Before 9 Died in Fort Hood Floodwaters
Report: Fort Hood truck crash blamed on driver
NCO blamed for accident that killed nine soldiers at Fort Hood
Army blames staff sergeant for fatal Fort Hood truck accident
Fort Hood truck crash that killed 9 blamed on staff sergeant
Widow disputes investigation results blaming husband for Fort Hood accident
Army report on fatal Fort Hood training largely redacted
Herald asks Army to reveal investigation findings withheld from public
Reports still raise questions about Fort Hood accident two years later
Former platoon sergeant was on leave during the rollover accident, yet found at fault
Survivor of 2016 Fort Hood training accident recalls flood
Survivor of 2016 Fort Hood training accident recalls flood
2 years later: Survivor of fatal Fort Hood water training accident speaks out

Fort Carson Army Soldier Branden Harms Pleaded Guilty to Child Abuse Resulting in Death; Faced 40-48 Years in Prison at Sentencing (2016)

On April 18, 2016July 1, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military PolicyLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2017-07-01 at 1.42.23 PM — Branden Harms, US Army

Fort Carson soldier Branden Harms, 28, admitted to raising his hand against 4-month-old Ava Bermudez inflicting injuries severe enough to kill her on April 18, 2016. Harms was entrusted to care for his girlfriend’s newborn daughter. Investigators say the injuries were inflicted while the child’s mother, also his live-in girlfriend, Jessica Bermudez, went out with a friend. Harms was arrested by the Fountain Police on April 19, 2016. Branden Harms pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and also admitted to withholding medical care. He faced 40-48 years in prison at sentencing on May 16, 2017.

Taking a deep breath in court, Harms described how he “almost saw black” and then began to “excessively spank her. Sometime after that, I began to choke her,” he said. “Further after that, when I was putting her in her crib, I wasn’t gentle.” The former soldier suggested that he threw the girl into her crib with enough force to split its wooden bottom, sending the infant to the floor beneath. “After that,” he added, “I kind of snapped to, and it was too late.” –Colorado Gazette

Fort Hood Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Brian Reed Found Dead of Gunshot Wound at Off-Post Residence in Copperas Cove, Texas (March 14, 2016)

On March 14, 2016July 20, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, Stateside Death, SuicideLeave a comment

screen-shot-2017-03-03-at-11-32-58-pm — Staff Sgt. Brian Reed, US Army

Army Staff Sgt. Brian Michael Reed, 40, was found dead of a gunshot wound at his off-post residence in Copperas Cove, Texas on March 14, 2016. Staff Sgt. Reed’s home of record is listed as Corpus Christi and he entered the Army in August 2005 as an infantryman. He later changed jobs to an explosive ordnance disposal specialist and was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion at Fort Hood. Staff Sgt. Reed deployed to Iraq from August 2006 to September 2007 and to Afghanistan from April 2011 to April 2012. Copperas Cove police reported there were no immediate signs of foul play but an autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding his death and official cause of death are unknown.

Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Army & Air Force)

On October 11, 2015July 8, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, Suicide, USAF2 Comments

*Research not complete

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: On July 30, 2010, the 673d Air Base Wing activated as the host wing combining installation management functions of Elmendorf Air Force Base’s 3rd Wing and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Richardson and consists of four groups that operate and maintain the Joint Base for air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies. The installation hosts the headquarters for the United States Alaskan Command, 11th Air Force, U.S. Army Alaska, and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. The 673 ABW comprises of 5,500 joint military and civilian personnel, supporting America’s Arctic Warriors and their families. The wing supports and enables three Air Force total-force wings, two Army brigades and 75 associate and tenant units.

Esteban Santiago, Alaska Army National Guard (2017): Shooting Rampage Inside Fort Lauderdale Airport

Shareef Abdullah, US Army (2015): Convicted of of sexual assault and abusive sexual contact; reduced to E-1, confined for six years, and dishonorably discharged.

Alexander Denson, US Army (2015): Convicted of false official statement, aggravated sexual assault, assault with force likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm, simple assault and communicating a threat; reduced to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confined for 68 months, and bad-conduct discharge.

Frederick Jenkins III, US Army (2015): Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Dakota Simmons, US Army (2015): Convicted of willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer and assault consummated by a battery upon a child under the age of 16; confined for 34 months and 15 days and bad-conduct discharge.

Jeremiah Smith, US Army (2015): Convicted of failure to obey a regulation and false official statement; acquitted of maltreatment and abusive sexual contact; reduced to E-7.

Timothy Worlds, US Army (2015): Convicted of aggravated assault and assault consummated by a battery; acquitted of sexual assault and maiming; reduced to E-1, confined for 23 months and bad-conduct discharge.

Okan Cetinbag, US Army (2014): Died of Gunshot Wound; Cause of Death Unknown

Samuel Davis, USAF (2014): Medical, Died from Complications after Back Surgery

Lagina Griffiths, Civilian (2014)
ER woman arrested for sexual assault
APD Arrests Woman for Sexual Assault, Coercion Against Airman
Woman charged with sex assault of airman
Sexual assault case involving airman shocking even to Anchorage police
Woman sexually assaulted sleeping airman, police say
Woman Accused of Sex Assault Against Airman Changes Plea
Anchorage woman sentenced for sexual assault
Alleged blackmailer sentenced for sexual assault
Eagle River woman sentenced to 4 years for sex assault of US airman
Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in JBER Airman’s Sexual Blackmail

Katrina Jackson, USAF (2014): Died of an Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

Darian Miller, USAF (2014): OSI Investigation, Cause of Death Unknown

Ashley Ard, US Army (2013): Accused of Leaving Baby in Park to Die, Final Disposition Unknown

Tony Earl Bullock Jr, Army (2013)
JBER Soldier Arrested in Armed Rapes of Women

Lane Douglas Wyatt, USAF (2013)
JBER Airman Accused of Drunk Driving Death, Woman Killed
Inside the crash that killed Citari Townes-Sweatt
Family Sues Chilkoot Charlie’s After Daughter Killed in DUI Crash
Man sentenced in 2013 DUI death
Airman gets 18-year sentence in fatal drunken-driving collision
Alaska airman gets 18-year sentence for DUI death
Former Airman sentenced to 18 years in drunken-driving death tells story

Marshall Drake Jr, US Army (2012): Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter; Sentenced to 11 years, 9 months in Prison
Army Identifies Soldier in JBER Christmas Death
Soldier guilty in barracks killing
Alaska-based soldier found guilty in fellow GI’s shooting death
Soldier gets 12 years in Christmas Day killing at Alaska base
Local soldier gets 12 years for fatal shooting in Alaska
JBER Soldier sentenced for involuntary manslaughter
Ceremony will honor Rochester-area native found dead on Alaska Army base

David Lopez, US Army (2012): Convicted of Murder, Sentenced to 62 Years
Soldier charged with murder
JBER Soldier’s Murder Trial Begins in Wife’s Shooting
Jury deliberates in murder trial of ex-JBER soldier
Former JBER soldier sentenced to 62 years for killing wife
Former JBER soldier receives 63-year sentence in wife’s murder

Sara Lopez, US Army Spouse (2012): Homicide Victim

Jose Nataren, US Army (2012)
Soldier convicted of sexual assault
Soldier gets 12 years for sex assault, adultery
Army Soldier Sentenced to 12 Years in JBER Sexual Assault

Clinton Reeves, US Air Force (2012): Homicide Victim

James Thomas, USAF (2012): Homicide, Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison

Grant Wise, US Army (2012): Homicide Victim

Jacob Brouch, US Army (2011): Not guilty on Manslaughter Charge, Sentenced to Four Months for Weapons Misconduct

Michelle Clark, Alaska Army National Guard (2011): Died of Unknown Causes, Cold Case

Christopher Crosby, US Army (2011): Died of Gunshot Wound in Army Barracks

Michael McCloskey, US Army (2011): Died During Game of Russian Roulette, Jacob Brouch Charged with Manslaughter But Found Not Guilty

Aaron Rentfrow, US Army (2011): Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Strangling

Tonya Rentfrow, US Army Spouse (2011): Homicide Victim

Renee Sinkler, US Army (2011): Killed in a Nighttime Attack, Afghanistan

Kip Lynch, US Army (2010): Convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Raquell Lynch’s Death, 2 Counts of 2nd Degree Murder for Wife & Daughter, Sentenced to 80 Years

Kyirsta Lynch, US Army Dependent (2010): Homicide Victim

Raquell Lynch, US Army Spouse (2010): Homicide Victim

Darryn Andrews, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Bowe Bergdahl, US Army (2009): Went Missing from Base in Afghanistan, Facing Desertion Charges

Clayton Bowen, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Kurt Curtiss, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Matthew Martinek, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Michael Murphrey, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Morris Walker, US Army (2009): Died Searching for Bowe Bergdahl

Daniel Sexton, US Army (2008): Died of injuries sustained in non-combat related incident, Iraq

Thomas Tinsley, US Air Force (2008): Death Ruled Suicide by the Air Force

Johnathan Chism, US Army (2007): Abducted and Murdered by the Enemy in Iraq

Michael Hensley, US Army (2007): Acquitted of premeditated murder; convicted of planting AK-47 and disrespecting a commanding officer; sentenced to time served

Shawn Falter, US Army (2007): Abducted and Murdered by the Enemy in Iraq

Jacob Fritz, US Army (2007): Abducted and Murdered by the Enemy in Iraq

Michael Hullender, US Army (2007): Died of wounds sustained when IED detonated near unit during combat patrol operations

Johnathon Millican, US Army (2007): Abducted and Murdered by the Enemy in Iraq

Trista Moretti, US Army (2007): Died when unit was attacked by insurgents using indirect fire, Iraq

Jorge Sandoval Jr., US Army (2007): Acquitted of Murder in 2 Deaths, Iraq

Colby Umbrell, US Army (2007): Died of wounds suffered when IED detonated near vehicle, Iraq

Brennan Gibson, US Army (2006): Died when Roadside Bomb Struck Humvee

Joseph Strong, US Army (2006): Killed Conducting Mounted Patrol, Iraq

Douglas Tinsley, US Army (2006): Killed Conducting Mounted Patrol, Iraq

Ronnie Gaines, US Army (2000): Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of Jonathan Walker; sentenced to 8 years in prison and dishonorable discharge

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualty Report (August 31, 2015)

On August 31, 2015July 31, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their NameLeave a comment

08/09/2015: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Peter McKenna Jr, 35, Afghanistan, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

Georgia Army National Guardsman Sgt. Ating Eminue Shot and Killed in Atlanta; Harold Dodson Found Guilty and Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (August 30, 2015)

On August 30, 2015July 31, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, National Guard, Stateside Death2 Comments

Army Sgt. Ating Eminue was shot and killed outside a homeless shelter in Atlanta, Georgia on August 30, 2015. Harold Dodson was arrested and charged October 23rd in connection with the fatal shooting of the Georgia Army National Guardsman. A judge denied bond for Dodson in November 2015. Dodson had a history of crimes and made a living dealing drugs. He had five felony convictions before the age of 21. He will remain in jail while he awaits trial. In April 2017, the Fulton County prosecutor’s office announced Harold Dodson was found guilty and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 30 years in prison. According to the family, Sgt. Eminue was a father and served three tours of duty in Afghanistan.

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

On October 24, 2014July 15, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, SuicideLeave a comment

1446520_profile_pic — 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)

Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, US Navy

September: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)

On September 30, 2014September 10, 2017 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, USMCLeave a comment

09/17/2014: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Michael Donahue, 41, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

09/17/2014: DoD Identifies DoD Civilian Casualty: Stephen Byus, 39, Afghanistan, Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Ohio

09/17/2014: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty: Charles Strong, 28, Afghanistan, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

09/05/2014: DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Brian Arsenault, 28, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Tag: Operation Enduring Freedom

Fort Hood Army Sgt. Duane Shaw III Found Unresponsive in Off-Post Killeen, Texas Home; 12th Reported Fatality in One Month (June 8, 2016)

Army SFC Antino Glass Died in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident After Hitting Livestock on Fort Hood in Texas (June 5, 2016)

On This Day, Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Colonvazquez Died in a Flash Flood Training Accident at Fort Hood in Texas (June 2, 2016)

Fort Carson Army Soldier Branden Harms Pleaded Guilty to Child Abuse Resulting in Death; Faced 40-48 Years in Prison at Sentencing (2016)

Fort Hood Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Brian Reed Found Dead of Gunshot Wound at Off-Post Residence in Copperas Cove, Texas (March 14, 2016)

Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Army & Air Force)

August: U.S. Department of Defense Casualty Report (August 31, 2015)

Georgia Army National Guardsman Sgt. Ating Eminue Shot and Killed in Atlanta; Harold Dodson Found Guilty and Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (August 30, 2015)

September: U.S. Department of Defense Casualties Report (2014)

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