Roll Call For The Absent

Lieutenant Colonel Mark E. Stratton - Class of '91

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:25:56 -0400

Age: 39
Hometown: Houston, TX
Corps Outfit: Squadron 1
Military Unit: Joint Staff, Pentagon

An Air Force officer with Houston ties who led a reconstruction team in Afghanistan died May 26th of wounds he sustained from the explosion of an improvised explosive device.

Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, 39, was assigned to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Washington as an executive assistant for the deputy director for politico-military affairs for Asia.

Stratton graduated from Foley High School in Foley, Ala, and from Texas A&M University in December 1991 with a degree in Political Science. While at Texas A&M, he was a member of Squadron 1 in the Corps of Cadets.

Stratton died Tuesday near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, of wounds he sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated, according to Pentagon officials. Stratton had deployed to Afghanistan in November as commander of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, said Air Force Capt. Tom Wenz. The team worked on civil affairs initiatives with the Afghan population, including a $28 million road construction project.

As commander, Stratton would have interacted closely with local leaders and village elders, Wenz said. Stratton was a superb but humble leader, said his friend, Lt. Col. Clark Risner. "He wouldn't have wanted any media spotlight on him," Risner said. "He would want it on his team."

"It sounds cliché but Mark was the most patriotic person I've ever met, just a model airman in every way," he said. "He put the airmen that he was supervising or leading first, every step of the way."

Risner met Stratton five years ago when both men were students at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., and later served with him at the Pentagon. After Stratton deployed to Afghanistan, he emailed Risner about his pride in his team's efforts to help Afghanis rebuild their country. "He told me that was the best job he's ever had. He felt like he was making a difference in people's lives on a daily basis," Risner said. "The work that they're doing there is nothing short of heroic, and it's truly tragic that his efforts would end this way."

A senior navigator for the RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, Stratton had previously served on the staff at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. He had received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1992, a year after his graduation from Texas A&M University. His commendations include a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

"He's a wonderful person, just a fine man as could be," said Stratton's grandmother, Dolly Little, in a telephone interview from Foley, Ala., where Stratton spent much of his childhood. "He loved his service."

Stratton was very close to his late father and namesake, Mark Stratton, an Army captain and Vietnam veteran, said his stepmother Debby Young, who lives in southwest Houston. Stratton's brother, Michael, and stepbrother, Steven, also live in the Houston area. His wife, Jennifer, and their three children live near Washington, D.C. Young said Stratton's family is devastated. "We're pretty much basket cases," she said. "You always know this is a possibility, but you always think it's going to happen to somebody else, not to you." She takes solace in her memory of Stratton's passion for his work in Afghanistan. "This is what he wanted to do," Young said. "He wanted to make a difference. And he did."

Just a few weeks prior to his death, Stratton made a special effort to share his Aggie Spirit and observe Aggie Muster. In an email to Texas Aggie magazine he indicated that although he was the only Aggie within 100 miles of his forward operating base, he convinced the Panjshir Provincial Governor and his security detail to join him atop a nearby mountain to mark the occasion.

Lt. Col. Stratton will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery June 9, 2009 at 11:00am. Those wishing to pay their respects are asked to arrive by 10:30am. Please visit the Arlington National Cemetery website, www.arlingtoncemetery.org for service location.

Source: The Houston Chronicle and The Association of Former Students

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1st Lieutenant Timothy W. Cunningham - Class of '04

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:23:39 -0400

Age: 26
Hometown: College Station, TX
Corps Outfit: C-2
Military Unit: 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy W. Cunningham, died April 23 in Golden Hills, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a vehicle incident. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Cunningham graduated from Alvin High School and attended Texas A&M from 2000-2001, prior to accepting an appointment to the United States Military Academy. He graduated from West Point in 2006 and entered the Army that same year. While at Texas A&M, Cunningham was a member of Company C-2 in the Corps of Cadets, where he served as an outfit chaplain his sophomore year.

"He was the young man that every dad wishes his daughter would marry," said Rev. Alred Perry, of First Baptist Church Rosharon, where Cunningham's father is the music minister. "He loved his family, his country, his fellow soldiers and his God," Perry said. "He died as he lived, giving himself for others. I am very grateful I had the privilege of knowing him."

Cunningham's buddies from Texas A&M's Company C-2 remember him as a kind, outgoing, and honorable young man who often reached out to those in need.

"He had a strong desire to reach out to anyone in need, whether just to give them a hug or share a scripture with them," said his former roommate Kyle Webb '04. "Tim was a true selfless and gracious servant."

Cunningham is survived by his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Abigail, of Ft. Campbell, KY.; his parents, Jim and Cindy Cunningham, of Alvin; his brother, John David Cunningham; and his sisters, Christy, Sara, and Kelsy.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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1st Lieutenant Matthew R. Vandergrift - Class of '03

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:10:01 -0400

Age: 28
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Corps Outfit: H-1
Military Unit: 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force

1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift, 28, of Littleton, Colo., died April 21 from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Basrah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Vandergrift graduated from Leander High School in 1999 and earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Texas A&M University in December 2003, graduating with honors. While at Texas A&M, he was a member of Company H-1 in the Corps of Cadets.

Vandergrift’s father, John Vandergrift, who also served in the Marine Corps, said his son was drawn to Texas A&M by the Corps of Cadets and the desire to serve his country. “He loved the atmosphere at A&M,” John Vandergrift said. “The values and patriotism, all of it.”

Mary Jane Vandergrift described her son as charismatic child who grew into a caring man, someone who was determined to better the lives of those around him.

Vandergrift joined the Marine Corps on March 23, 2005, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment on Sept. 14, 2006. He deployed to Iraqi on Aug. 21, 2007. His decorations include the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Vandergrift is survived by his parents, John and Mary Jane Vandergrift of Littleton, Colo., and his brother Barrett Vandergrift, a USAF pilot stationed in Wyoming.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Specialist Christopher J. West - Class of '04

Mon, 4 Feb 2008 21:37:34 -0500

Age: 26
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Military Unit: 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

U.S. Army Specialist Christopher J. West, of Arlington, died Feb. 4 from wounds suffered on Feb. 3 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Spc. West graduated from Arlington’s Bowie High School in 2000 and earned a BBA in marketing from Texas A&M University in December 2004. After graduating from Texas A&M with honors, West joined the Army in January 2007, becoming the fourth generation in his family to serve. A combat medic who arrived in Iraq in late 2007, he had been scheduled to return home for rest and relaxation leave later that month.

Spc. West’s survivors include his parents, John and Hattie West of Arlington, and sisters Lauren West ’02 and Cameron West ’04.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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1st Lieutenant Jeremy E. Ray - Class of '04

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:56:22 -0500

Age: 26
Hometown: Houston, TX
Corps Outfit: H-1
Military Unit: 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

A Houston soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq is being remembered as a quiet man who loved the outdoors and playing his guitar.

1st Lt. Jeremy E. Ray, 26, died early Thursday [20 December 2007] in Kanaan when a man wearing an explosives vest blew himself up while U.S. soldiers were doing a security check at a city council meeting.

"He was a good guy," 1st Lt. Charlie Huey, 26, who is stationed at Fort Hood with the field artillery unit, said in a story in Saturday's online edition of the Houston Chronicle. "He played his guitar a lot. He was kind of a quiet guy, the type of guy you'd want to hang out with."

Ray was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood.

Ray graduated from Texas A&M University in 2006. He deployed to Iraq on Nov. 8.

"We received three e-mails from him while he was over there," his father, Randy Ray, told the newspaper. "He was just saying that he really couldn't tell us where he was, but that they were somewhere in northern Iraq, setting up a forward operation base called 'Warhorse.'"

Huey, who roomed with Ray at A&M, said that while Ray had a quiet side, he wasn't a pushover. He recalled what happened when some freshmen left a dead rat outside a house where they were staying.

"He (Ray) found out who did it and we went over to the Corps' room at the dorm," Huey said. "We went inside and had a 'discussion' with them. After that, we never had a problem with them again."

Randy Ray said the news of his son's death was still sinking in.

"I don't have any feeling. I'm just very numb," he said. "I have a lot of inner feelings penned up about the war."

Ray said he and his wife, Deborah, had a constant stream of well-wishers at their home.

"The phone's been ringing off the hook, and close family members are here with us," he said. "Without that family support we'd be lost."

Source: The Dallas Morning News

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2nd Lieutenant Peter H. Burks - Class of '03

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:05:10 -0500

Age: 26
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Military Unit: 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Throughout his life, 2nd Lt. Peter Haskell Burks was known as a dedicated team player, a trait he maintained as an Army troop leader in Iraq.

On Wednesday [14 November, 2007] he was commanding a unit just outside the Green Zone in Baghdad when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. Lt. Burks received shrapnel wounds to his head, and five of his men were injured.

"Peter's first words when the explosion happened ... he asked his men, 'Are you OK?' " said his father, Alan Burks of Celina. "Then he said, 'I'm OK.' From what we've learned from the officers who were there, he was conscious for a short period of time."

Lt. Burks, 26, died at the scene Wednesday. His body arrived Friday in Dover, Del., en route to Dallas from Iraq.

Lt. Burks' last actions were no surprise to his father.

"He told me, over and over and over again, he said: 'Dad, my job is to get my 17 guys home safe. ... Then after that I'll get myself home safe.' "

Born in Atlanta, he moved with his family to Dallas in 1987. He was a 1999 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, played football and baseball, and belonged to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"He's as good as they come," Mr. Burks said. His son was physically and mentally strong as well as disciplined and committed, he said.

Lt. Burks was the ultimate teammate and a man of strong faith "who could always be counted on to do the right thing," his father said.

He received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 2003. He worked in France as a tour guide for a year, before returning to Dallas and a community relations internship with the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to marketing work for the Dallas Desperados and FC Dallas, the Frisco-based soccer team.
Then he joined the Army.

"He'd been talking about military service since he was a very young man," his father said. "He felt the call to serve. He'd tried corporate life and he just said, 'I have to go do this Dad. This is what I've got to do.' "

He joined the Army in 2006. He excelled in training, receiving leadership awards and progressing to Officer Candidate School, where he was voted president of his class, his father said.

Lt. Burks was commissioned in October 2006 and sent to Fort Sill, Okla. In July, he was assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany.

He was deployed to Iraq about three months ago.

Lt. Burks "was like the perfect son," said Daryl Davis, a family friend of 24 years. "He was the epitome of good and value."

He wanted to serve his country and raise a family, Mr. Davis said.

Lt. Burks was engaged to Missy Haddad of McKinney.

In addition to his father, Lt. Burks is survived by his mother, Jackie Merck of McKinney; three sisters, Alison Burks of Celina, Sarah Burks of Dallas and Georgia Burks of Celina; a brother, Zac Burks of Celina; a grandmother, Irene Merck of Fayetteville, Ga.; and a grandfather, Haskell Burks of Fayetteville, Ga.

Source: The Dallas Morning News

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Specialist William "Billy" L. Edwards - Class of '06

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:30:20 -0400

Age: 23
Hometown: Houston, TX
Corps Outfit: C-2
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

More than 100 people gathered under ominous skies in College Station on Friday [17 August 2007] as the body of a former Texas A&M student killed in Iraq was brought home to his family.

An honor guard carries the casket containing fallen soldier and former A&M student Billy Edwards from a plane that returned his remains to Easterwood Airport on Friday.

[Spc.] William Lawrence Edwards, known as Billy to friends and family, was one of five soldiers killed south of Baghdad [on 11 August 2007], according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Rain began falling Friday morning on the crowd of family, friends, veterans and military service members who watched as Edwards' casket was unloaded from a small charter plane and carried to a waiting vehicle at Easterwood Airport. Members of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, U.S. military veterans and Boy Scouts saluted as the casket passed. Many carried U.S. flags and wore patriotic colors.

Marykay Edwards, Billy Edwards' mother, said supporters stopped their cars along the road to Caldwell to wave and salute as the group made its way to Strickland Funeral Home.

"It was an overwhelming sight - one that my son would have been thrilled to see," she said. "It made us feel so good that Billy was appreciated and that what he did was appreciated."

Edwards, who was 23, grew up in Houston, but his family moved to Somerville when he came to Texas A&M University after high school. While at A&M, Edwards was a member of the Corps of Cadets C-2 unit.

Edwards left school to join the Army in February 2006 and deployed to Iraq in May, his parents said. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Family and friends watch during the airport ceremony for Edwards, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq last week.

Among those gathered Friday were 22 members of Edwards' Houston Boy Scout troop who had traveled to College Station for the short ceremony. Walter Brookhart, scoutmaster for Troop 599, said Friday that Edwards' death hit close to home.

Edwards was ambitious, Brookhart said, earning Eagle Scout rank at 15. He was elected senior patrol leader by his fellow Scouts when he was 17 and supervised the 100 boys in his troop, Brookhart said.

Brookhart said Edwards spoke of going to law school and running for Congress - the biggest dreams Brookhart said he had heard from any Scout.

"I'm sure he was doing exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to come to A&M and join the Marines or the Army," Brookhart said, emotion straining his voice. "He was where he wanted to be at this point."

Source: The Bryan-College Station Eagle

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Specialist Daniel Enrique Gomez - Class of '08

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:28:30 -0400

Age: 21
Hometown: Warner Robbins, GA
Corps Outfit: Squadron 12
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

Army Spc. Daniel Enrique Gomez, 21, was killed in Adhamiyah while riding in a vehicle with three other members of his unit. The U.S. Department of Defense said the vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire.

Gomez was a member of the Corps of Cadets when he attended Texas A&M for the 2004-05 school year. David Winslow, who lived in the dorms with him in the spring of 2005, said Gomez left the university to enlist in the Army.

"He was doing well in school and stuff, but he just wanted to be enlisted," Winslow said. "He was pretty intent on serving his country. I know he loved it once he joined."

Gomez was born in San Antonio and lived in Natalia and Georgia before attending Texas A&M on an ROTC scholarship. Winslow, who was a member of the Corps' Squadron 12 with Gomez, said he would be remembered as a roommate who was fun to be around.

"He was a pretty funny guy," Winslow said. "We have a lot of good stories, a lot of fun times as freshmen in the Corps."

Gomez, who had been serving in Iraq since November, went to his family's home in Georgia earlier in the summer for rest-and-recovery leave. It was the last time his parents saw their son.

Winslow said he had been keeping in touch with Gomez through e-mail and the Internet until six months ago. When he heard Gomez had been killed, Winslow said, he was caught off-guard.

"It was crazy because he's the first person I know who was killed in the war," he said. "It was pretty sad. But he did an amazing thing, serving our country."

Services honoring Gomez were held July 30th in Natalia and San Antonio, where he was buried. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, signifying selfless service and acts of heroism and valor.

Source: The Bryan-College Station Eagle

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Captain Sean E. Lyerly - Class of '98

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 23:25:57 -0500

Age: 31
Hometown: Pflugerville, TX
Corps Outfit: L-1
Military Unit: 36th Combat Aviation Brigade

Captain Sean Edward Lyerly, 31, of Pflugerville, was killed in action January 20, 2007 while serving on Active Duty in Iraq. He was a crew member on a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter involved in a crash. Circumstances concerning the downed aircraft are pending investigation.

Captain Lyerly entered military service as a Private in the Texas Army National Guard on October 26, 1996. He graduated from Stratford High School in Houston, TX, in the summer of 1994 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M University in May of 2000. He completed Advanced Individual Training as a Cannon Crewmember at Fort Sill, Okla. on August 22, 1997, and was advanced in grade to Private E-2 before enrolling as a Cadet in the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) at Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, he was a member of Company L-1 in the Corps of Cadets.

Captain Lyerly successfully completed the U.S. Army Aviation Officer Basic Course on March 24, 2005 and the UH-60 Aviator Qualification Course on June 14, 2005 at Fort Rucker, Ala. He was promoted to Captain on December 30, 2005, and served as Commander, HHC 2nd Battalion 149th Aviation, Austin, TX.

Captain Lyerly was ordered to active duty on February 1, 2006, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and deployed with his unit, the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, based in Austin, Texas.

The unit spent six months at Fort Hood, Texas, conducting training in preparation for its overseas mission. The unit arrived in the OIF area of operations in August 2006. Its assigned mission was to provide aviation support and security throughout the combat zone.

Captain Lyerly flew on several missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Lyerly’s awards and decorations include the Army Aviator Badge, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Reserve Components Achievement Medal with M Device, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and is being recommended for the posthumous award of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with V Device for his selfless service and acts of heroism and valor.

Captain Lyerly is survived by his wife Csilla and their son Zackary, 3, of Pflugerville; mother Deborah Russo-Blakeman and husband John of California; father George Lyerly '67 and wife Monica of Bryan; grandmothers Virginia Lyerly of Caldwell and Elvina Rachal Russo of Louisiana; brother George Edward Lyerly, Jr. of Bryan; and godfather Louis Russo of Louisiana.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Lance Corporal Luke Yepsen - Class of '08

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:41:00 -0500

Age: 20
Hometown: Houston, TX
Military Unit: 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

United States Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke C. Yepsen ’08, of Kingwood, Texas died Dec. 14, 2006 due to injuries suffered from enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Yepsen was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California.

Yepsen graduated from Kingwood High School in 2004. He was a mechanical engineering major at Texas A&M University until leaving to join the United States Marine Corps during his freshman year. After completing basic training in August 2006 ,Yepsen deployed to Iraq in October.

His family released a statement earlier this week, saying, “Luke had a strong desire to serve the country. He wanted to fight for the things we hold dear and since he was strong and capable, and armed with his faith in God, he felt the need to protect us.”

The family relayed that, “he loved playing with his nieces and nephews and was loved deeply by them. He was a large, strapping young man with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, but mostly he had a big heart.”

Family and friends remembered Yepsen with a candlelight vigil of prayers and songs Friday, Dec. 15 in Kingwood. Services for Yepsen were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Kingwood. Yepsen is survived by his parents, Gary and Sheila Yepsen of Kingwood; brother Kyle Yepsen of Ft. Worth; and his fiancée, Sandra Brumen.

For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions to the “Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund”, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Sergeant 1st Class Merideth L. Howard - Class of '76

Fri, 8 Sep 2006 14:07:57 -0400

Age: 52
Hometown: Alameda, CA
Military Unit: 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, supporting the 10th Mountain Division

U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Merideth L. Howard ’76 was killed September 8, 2006 in Kabul, Afghanistan when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near her Humvee. Howard was assigned to the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade in support of the 10th Mountain Division at the time of her death.

Howard graduated from Corpus Christi’s King High School in 1973 and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Texas A&M University.

Family members, including her cousin Lorraine Stevenson of Corpus Christi, remember Howard‘s infectious laugh and her love of the outdoors.

“She was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known, Stevenson said, “I never heard her speak ill of anyone.”

After graduating from Texas A&M, Howard worked as a firefighter in Bryan before beginning a career in fire safety and investigation. Her work moved her to California, where she met her husband, Hugh Hvolboll in 1991.

A member of Army reserves since 1988, Howard was called to active duty in December 2005. She is survived by her husband, Hugh Hvolboll, of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Captain Blake H. Russell - Class of '98

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 16:51:36 -0400

Age: 35
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Military Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

U.S. Army Capt. Blake Russell, ‘98 was killed on July 22, 2006, while investigating a possible weapons cache during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.

Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Russell had been awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart during his career and served as a general's aide before the war began and went on to serve two tours in Iraq as a field artillery officer -- the first for the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Fort Hood, Texas) and the second for the 2nd Brigade of the 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Capt. Russell graduated from Fort Worth Boswell High School and earned his bachelor's degree in Marketing in 1998 from Texas A&M University.

"He's my hero," his father said. "He exemplifies what this country is built on and totally believed in what we were doing. A father could not be more proud of his son."

Russell is survived by his wife, Bellinda, son Dylan, 8, and daughter Haley, 3, who live at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"His children were the reason he served - once telling our son he had to deploy so he could fight the bad guys over there so he can be safe here," Ms. Russell said in a written statement.

Source: The Association of Former Students and Bellinda Russell

Messages:

26 December 2007

You are still missed Blake. Thomas and I placed a wreath at your grave over Christmas. Thomas said he is looking forward to seeing Uncle Blake someday in Heaven. Those thoughts are shared by 1000's.

Robb Stine - Grapevine, TX

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First Lieutenant Ryan T. Sanders - Class of '01

Sun, 4 Jun 2006 07:01:08 -0400

Age: 27
Hometown: College Station, TX
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ryan T. Sanders ’01, a tank platoon leader, was killed June 4, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A2 tank during combat operations.

Lt. Sanders graduated from Berkner High School in Richardson in 1997 and earned bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and English in 2001 and a master’s degree in English in 2004 from Texas A&M University.

Described by family as an independent thinker, Sanders joined the Army in June 2004 hoping to make a difference, something he tried to do throughout his life. As an Eagle Scout, he led other scouts in a project to make landscaping improvements at a Richardson Elementary School.

Lt. Ryan T. Sanders is survived by his wife Jennifer Graham Sanders ’01 of Killeen; his father, James T. Sanders ’66 of Richardson; his mother, Kay Sanders of Richardson; brothers Jeff Sanders, Captain Greg Sanders of Ft. Lewis, WA, and Michael G. Sanders ’06 of Richardson; and grandparents, Truett and Joyce Sanders of San Angelo.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Major Matthew W. Worrell - Class of '94

Sun, 14 May 2006 17:23:38 -0400

Age: 34
Hometown: Lewisville, TX
Corps Outfit: L-1
Military Unit: B Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

Major Matthew Wade Worrell was killed May 14, 2006 when his AH-6M Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations in Yusifiyah, south of Baghdad, Iraq.

Matt, the son of Pat and Dora Worrell, was born April 4, 1972 in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Lewisville High School in 1990 and then attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. During his college years Matt participated in many student activities including Aggie Bonfire and Parson’s Mounted Cavalry. In 1995 he graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. His commissioning officer was his proud grandfather, Major (Ret) Jack M. Sherman. The same year Matt married the love of his life, Camille McNeese of Houston, and they began a life of service to their country.

Upon graduation from flight school in 1997 Matt reported to Fort Hood, Texas where he served with the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. In 2001 he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served as Commander for A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2/17 CAV, he participated in the liberation of Iraqi cities: An-Najaf, Karbala, Al-Hillah, and Baghdad. In 2003 Matt was accepted to the Army’s elite helicopter unit, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment known as the “Night Stalkers”. He proudly served as a platoon leader with the 160th’s B Company, the “Six Guns”, until he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. Matt was a dedicated soldier, never doubting his mission. He was proud to serve his country and will be remembered by his family and friends as a true Hero. In addition to his many awards and decorations he was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Silver Star.

Matt’s service to country was surpassed only by his devotion to family. A loving father he delighted in teaching his two sons, Jake and Luke, to play baseball and soccer. He and Camille enjoyed many family outings with their numerous friends. A good neighbor and friend, he was always eager to help and enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends and fellow soldiers. Matt, affectionately known as “Bubba”, particularly looked forward to holidays taking special pleasure in watching his boys play with their cousins.

Major Matthew “Bubba” Worrell will be forever loved by his family and friends, his sacrifice long remembered by a grateful nation.

Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.
Six Guns Don’t Miss.

Source: Obituary Notice

Citation to Accompany the Award of the Silver Star:

FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION ON 14 MAY 2006, WHILE SERVING AS AN AH-6 PILOT OPERATING AGAINST AN ENTRENCHED ENEMY FORCE DURING A DAYLIGHT RAID IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. MAJOR WORRELL CONTINUED TO MAKE SUCCESSIVE ASSAULTS IN SUPPORT OF THE GROUND FORCES, WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL SAFETY, UNTIL HIS AIRCRAFT WAS SHOT DOWN. HIS ACTIONS DESTROYED SEVERAL ENEMY POSITIONS, ENABLING THE GROUND FORCES TO CONSOLIDATE INTO DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. WITHOUT MAJOR WORRELL'S COURAGE AND GALLANTRY UNDER HOSTILE FIRE, THE GROUND FORCES WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT CASUALTIES. HE DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF THIS DIRECT ACTION MISSION. MAJOR WORRELL'S DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THIS COMMAND, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

Messages:

10 July 2006

I've only met Matt Worrell a couple of times, but the impressions he left with me will stay with me for all time. He was blessed by God, that was obvious. From him came warmth, caring, intelligence, wit, humor, courage, strength, diligence, and patience. If a person's wealth is measured by the content of his character then Matt was the richest man on earth. Every once in awhile God will bless us with someone so special that everyone who comes in contact with this person will be blessed to have known them. Matt was one of these specially blessed people and I am blessed to have known him.

Nancy Breshears - Carrollton, TX

30 May 2007

A custom-made McClellan saddle (created by veteran saddle-maker, Sean Pascuzzi) was presented to Parsons Mounted Cavalry during Parents Weekend 2007 by Dr. and Mrs. John Focke III '69 in Major Worrell's honor and memory.

Mike Caudle

14 July 2007

Matt I miss you! In your honor I formed GuideOn.org to help with the children of the fallen. I will do my best to look after your boys. They bless my heart.

James Clark

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Chief Warrant Officer Richard M. Salter - Class of '85

Mon, 26 Dec 2005 06:50:43 -0500

Age: 44
Hometown: Cypress, TX
Corps Outfit: Unknown
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

Ever since Richard M. Salter got a toy helicopter one Christmas, he was determined to one day fly a real helicopter. And he did.

"He loved it, he absolutely loved it," said his sister, Sara Ward.

Salter, 44, of Cypress, Texas, was killed Dec. 26 in Baghdad in a helicopter accident. He was on his second tour and was assigned to Fort Hood.

Salter joined the Army after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1985. He recently finished having his dream house built on four acres on the Lampasas River.

Salter and his wife designed the home, which included a barbecue smoker. He used the smoker twice, cooking his favorite food -- barbecue brisket, Texas style.

Ward said he loved to fish and hunt and "probably knew everything about Texas you could imagine," including the history of the Alamo, which he could recite from memory.

"He was funny," Ward said. "He was a great cook, always ready with a joke. When you were a friend, you became a member of his family."

He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Jarrett, 15, and Lane, a newborn; and two daughters, Christina, 18, and Danielle, 6.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Sergeant William B. Meeuwsen - Class of '03

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 06:56:32 -0500

Age: 24
Hometown: Kingwood, TX
Military Unit: 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division

The Department of Defense has announced that Sgt. William B. Meeuwsen, ‘03 of Houston was killed during combat in Iraq on November 23, 2005.

Meeuwsen was one of two soldiers killed when his unit came under fire near Baghdad.

Meeuwsen attended Texas A&M University for two years before joining the Army in 2002 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, Lauren, of Fort Bliss, his parents, Michael and Theresa Meeuwsen, of Kingwood and a sister, Christine Meeuwsen, ‘00, of Dallas.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Mr. Stephen "Mark" Humphries - Class of '74

Thu, 3 Feb 2005 06:36:56 -0500

Age: 52
Hometown: Houston, TX
Organization: The Louis Berger Group, Inc.

Steven “Mark” Humphries ’74 perished aboard a commercial airliner that crashed March 12th, 2005 in Afghanistan. Humphries, an engineer with the New Jersey based Louis Berger Group, had been working in Afghanistan for more than a year on a highway construction project. He was one of six Americans among the 104 passengers killed when the plane crashed into a snow covered mountain.

A 1974 Civil Engineering graduate, Humphries is survived by his wife, Jamie ’75 and their three children Kelly ’00, Cade, and Alex of Houston; his parents, J.C. and Pat Humphries of Bryan; a sister, Stormy Armstrong, of Dublin, TX; and brothers Chris Humphries ’80 and Sam Humphries ’86, both of Bryan.

Source: The Association of Former Students

Messages:

23 June 2007

Mark did a lot of good in Afghanistan. The things he did outside the scope of his project was in full character of what we learned at home, in life, at Aggieland . . . The project was tough. Attacks were not uncommon during the weeks and months in country. Each loss of life, Afghan, serviceman, or expat, came as a heavy blow. Mark stood tall. When times were most dangerous, Mark would pull out the humor . . . it broke the ice. People would gravitate to him . . . and he watched out for me. He raised a lot of hell and probably jeopardized his job to have me evac'd out of Zabul one cold, hairy, November day back in 2004.

That was the man he was. He showed me the way. Over two years after the crash I still receive emails from Afghans, Turks, Indians, and expats asking about his family. He made an impact.

I could go on and on, but will stop short to say this. There is not a day goes by I don't think about the men in uniform down range . . . the Aggies I met overseas . . . the guys out in the field . . . and my brother.

God Bless them all and keep them safe . . . on this Earth and in the here-after.

Chris Humphries '80 - Bryan, TX

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Captain Lyle L. Gordon - Class of '97

Wed, 26 Jan 2005 17:26:40 -0500

Age: 30
Hometown: Midlothian, TX
Corps Outfit: E-2
Military Unit: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Capt. Lyle L. Gordon, ‘97, USMC, died January 26, 2005 in the crash of a CH-53E helicopter near Ar Rutbah, Iraq. Gordon was serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

Gordon graduated from Midlothian High School in 1993 and earned a bachelor’s in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in December 1999. He was a member of Company E-2 in the Corps of Cadets and is survived by his wife Kaci R. (Yates) Gordon, ‘00.

Source: The Association of Former Students

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Captain Todd T. Christmas - Class of '00

Sun, 28 Nov 2004 17:36:50 -0500

Age: 26
Hometown: Wagon Mound, NM
Corps Outfit: B-1
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment

Captain Todd Christmas, Class of 2000, was one of the seven Fort Hood soldiers to die when a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed at 7 a.m. on November 28th, 2004, 15 miles north of Temple. The helicopter was en route to Texarkana when it crashed into a television transmitter tower.

Christmas joined the Army in August of 2001 and served a year in Operation Iraqi Freedom before returning to Fort Hood to serve as an air defense artillery officer.

Christmas graduated from A&M in August 2001 with a degree in agricultural economics, and days later on Aug. 18, 2001, married his wife, Erica, a 2001 speech communications graduate.

Source: The Battalion

Messages:

22 October 2008

CPT Todd Christmas was not only one of the best officers I had the opportunity to serve with, he was also one of the best friends I have ever had. I went to war with this guy, and I would do it again, in a heartbeat. I met him only weeks before we deployed to Iraq, and I knew absolutely no one in the unit. I was the “green” new LT in the Battalion (at Fort Hood, Texas) and he so graciously took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and helped me to learn what it means to be a leader. Although we were practically the same age, I looked up to him like a brother, and laughed with him like a friend. We had some rough times together, and we had some wonderful times together. His family and his wife, Erica, will forever be a part of my family. My wife and I are still very, very close with Erica, and we speak with the Christmas family often. Although Todd was only a part of my life for 16 months, he will have a lasting effect on the remainder of my life. I am a Texas Tech Red Raider through and through, but I will forever hold a special place for the Aggies in my heart, and that is because of CPT Todd T. Christmas. We miss you Todd, and I’ll see you on the other end.

Justin C. Vowels - Santa Barbara, CA

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Captain Sean P. Sims - Class of '94

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 17:48:18 -0500

Age: 32
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Corps Outfit: L-2
Military Unit: 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division

Captain Sean Patrick Sims born August 27, 1972, died November 13, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Captain Sims was commanding A Company, 2-2 BN, 1st Infantry Division, when he was killed in action. He was leading his company in action against a band of insurgents occupying buildings in Fallujah.

Captain Sims graduated from Texas A&M University. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the Ross Volunteers, Ranger Challenge and commander of Company L-2. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received a distinguished military graduate commission into the United States Army as an Infantry officer. He was the top graduate in his platoon at the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, and then attended the Airborne School, Pathfinder Course, and Ranger School. He then was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as a platoon leader and Company Executive Officer. He later attended the Armor Officers Course and followed that with an assignment to Germany where he was assigned to the Seventh Army Training Center at Grafenwoehr. After one year he was transferred to the 1st Infantry Division in Vilseck where he spent the rest of the time as Brigade and Battalion Staff Officer, including eight months with the 1st Infantry Division deployed to Kosovo. He then joined Company A, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division for deployment to Iraq in February of 2004.

He was married to the former Heidi Duty ‘96 of Eddy, Texas. He is survived by Heidi and a young son, Colin Patrick, who had a mere five weeks with his father before he deployed to Iraq.

Captain Sims is the son of Colonel Thomas L. and Laura (nee Ivey) Sims of McKinney, Texas and El Paso. He is the grandson of a major leader in the history of El Paso, Ben L. Ivey, deceased, and Leone O. (nee Drugan) Ivey of the Lower Valley. His paternal grandfather, Walter K. Sims, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and was a long time resident of El Paso where he spent many years working for the Texas Employment Commission.

Source: Obituary Notice

Citation to Accompany the Award of the Silver Star:

FOR VALOROUS ACTIONS AS THE COMMANDER OF COMPANY A, TASK FORCE 2-2 INFANTRY, WHILE ATTACKING TO DEFEAT AN ENTRENCHED FORCE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED ANTI-IRAQI AND FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN THE CITY OF FALLUJAH. ACTING AS THE MAIN EFFORT COMPANY COMMANDER FOR THE ATTACK INTO FALLUJAH ON 9 NOVEMBER 2004 DURING OPERATION PHANTOM FURY, A/2-2 INFANTRY UNDER CAPTAIN SIMS’ COMMAND EXECUTED A DYNAMIC BREACH AND CONDUCTED OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS FOR 45 STRAIGHT HOURS TO DESTROY THE AIF DEFENSES AND TO OPEN THE CITY FOR FOLLOW-ON FORCES. CAPTAIN SIMS’S PERSONAL BRAVERY, COURAGE UNDER FIRE AND FEARLESS LEADERSHIP WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFEAT OF THE HEART OF THE ANTI-IRAQI FORCES AND THE RAPID COLLAPSE OF THEIR DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. CAPTAIN SIMS’S DEDICATION TO HIS FELLOW SOLDIERS ON THE BATTLEFIELD UPHOLDS THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECTS GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, TASK FORCE DANGER AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

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First Lieutenant Doyle M. Hufstedler - Class of '01

Wed, 31 Mar 2004 17:55:36 -0500

Age: 25
Hometown: Abilene, TX
Corps Outfit: I-1
Military Unit: 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division

1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler was seeking a 15-day leave so he could return home to hold his baby, due in May. By telephone, Hufstedler and his wife Leslie agreed on a name for their baby: Grace Ashley. Hufstedler, 25, of Abilene, Texas, died March 31 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, when a bomb detonated under the armored personnel carrier he was in. Hufstedler met his wife at Texas A&M University, proposing to her in the end zone at halftime of a football game. They celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August and learned Leslie was pregnant. Less than a week later, Hufstedler was sent to Iraq.

Source: The Associated Press

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Captain Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas - Class of '98

Sun, 28 Dec 2003 09:08:17 -0500

Age: 28
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Corps Outfit: Squadron 16
Military Unit: 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division

Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas of San Antonio, TX age 28 was killed in action on December 28th 2003. He died in Iraq while performing a support mission with the 1-504 HHC scouts of the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

An improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. Three of his fellow soldiers were wounded. Ernie had been in Iraq since September of the current year. He had also served in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division as a platoon leader, earning a Bronze Star. Ernie was a graduate of the Army’s Jumpmaster, Ranger and Airborne courses. He attended Infantry Officer training in Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the year 2000. Ernie was a graduate of Texas A & M, Class of ’98, where he had been a member of the Corps of Cadets and was a Ross Volunteer.

He was a member of the 1993 graduating class of Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, his home of record since 1975. Ernie was a classically trained guitarist who loved Rock and Country music. He was a gifted singer and an excellent dancer. Ernie had a contagious smile, and whatever Ernie did, he did with great enthusiasm, humor, and total dedication. He was the finest son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and companion a person could have and was looking forward to being the same as a husband.

Ernie was dedicated to his faith, his country, his family and his profession. A truly natural born leader, Ernie lived his life courageously, always looking out for others. Ernie was born in Hartford, Connecticut on the 10th of August of 1975.

He was raised in Puerto Rico, his parent’s birthplace. He is survived by his mother Gloria Caldas-Levine, his father, José M. Blanco; his sister, Carmen Pendergraff; his grandparents Joe and Lee Caldas; his nephew Trystan Pendergraff, and his fiancée, Michelle Sorrel. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Blaine Pendergraff; his step-father, Barry Levine; his step-mother, Taimi Blanco, and his aunts and uncles, Joanie and Dr. Jerry Maymi, Patricia and Dr. Rafael Santiago, José and Tamara Caldas.

Source: Porter Loring Mortuaries

Messages:

22 September 06

God bless you, Captain Blanco-Caldas.

Anonymous

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First Lieutenant Jonathan D. Rozier - Class of '01

Sat, 19 Jul 2003 12:59:17 -0400

Age: 25
Hometown: Katy, TX
Corps Outfit: B-1
Military Unit: B Company, 2-70th Armor Battalion, 1st Armored Division

1LT Jonathan Rozier '01, who earned a Bronze Star for Valor while helping rescue fellow soldiers in Iraq, died Saturday July 19, while guarding a municipal building in Baghdad, a Department of Defense statement said. His unit came under attack from rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, the statement said. The attack happened just three days after his 25th birthday.

"His wife spoke to him the day before he was killed, and we thank God that she had the opportunity to talk with him and that they had the opportunity to talk about the future," Mr. Rozier (Jonathan’s Dad) said. "That was a real blessing."

Lt. Rozier was in the 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company 2-70th Armored Battalion, a combat team from the 1st Armored Division out of Fort Riley, Kan.

Lt. Rozier was born in Dallas and moved with his family to Katy, Texas, in 1991. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, where he served in Company B-1 of the Corps of Cadets.

During his service abroad, Lt. Rozier earned the Bronze Star for Valor during a battle in Al Hillah, a town about 60 miles south of Baghdad, where he and his platoon sergeant rescued several injured soldiers.

Source: Association of Former Students

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Mr. Jimmy N. Storey - Class of '65

Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:01:09 -0400

Age: 58
Hometown: Katy, TX
Organization: Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Jimmy N. Storey’s wife, Pam, does not believe the way her husband died makes him an automatic hero. But the flood of letters she received after Sept. 11 from people whose lives he had touched and careers he had mentored as far back as the 1970’s made her deeply proud of the heroic figure he had been during his life.

A senior vice president for Marsh & McLennan based in Houston, Mr. Storey was visiting the company’s offices in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. After his death, Ms. Storey said, letters poured in from as far away as Spokane, Wash., where the couple lived 22 years ago when Mr. Storey worked for Aetna Insurance.

Mr. Storey, 58, was a voracious reader of mysteries, an avid history buff and a doting father and grandfather. His daughter Cynthia used to call him daily with problems and questions about personal and world events. Often, he picked up her children from the day care center near his Houston office when she needed help.

His other daughter, Tracey, recalls his lending her money to open her first bank account — and taking it away after she spent it, violating the terms of the loan. Ms. Storey took to heart the lesson about trust and its boundaries. "It takes a certain love and respect for your children to be able to teach them things like that," she said.

Source: The New York Times

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