Steel Hearts

On September 3rd, 2004, our brother, 1stLt. Ronald D. Winchester, was killed in action while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Semper Fidelis Ron. https://lnkd.in/eBQgiYRd For every 1stLt. Ronald Winchester bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to the Navy Football Brotherhood. #USNA01 #USNA2001 ———————————— From the Travis Manion Foundation: 1st Lieutenant Ronald Winchester was killed on September 3, 2004 when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was reportedly at the front, guarding a convoy, in his company’s first combat patrol when the IED exploded on the bridge they were crossing. 1st Lt. Winchester was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, and was on his second tour in Iraq. Ronald was a 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a member of the football team. 1st Lieutenant Winchester was among four Marines killed in the September 3 bombing. “Ron was a very gregarious type of individual who was always in the middle of things,” said his father, also named Ronald. “He was a true leader, always respected by his peers and dedicated to what he was doing.” Winchester was part of a longstanding family history in the military, even serving in the same division as his grandfather. He is survived by his parents, as well as aunts, uncles and very close friends. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral and the Southern State Parkway on Long Island was closed for the procession. “When he came home last time, he sat in the dining room telling stories,” family friend Maureen Chiaramonte recounted, “He said, “Aunt Mo, you know what it’s like. You get a choice to sit on the bench or play the game. I don’t want to sit on the bench.”

On this day in 2005, our brother, 1LT Derek S. Hines was taken from us while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Be thou at peace Derek. https://lnkd.in/djam48kC For every 1LT Derek Hines bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to the Derek S. Hines Soldier Assistance Fund in his memory. #ClassOf2003 #ProtectorOfTheFree _____________________________________ “The best of the best,” 2nd Lt. Jed M. Richard said in the eulogy for his friend and classmate at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Hines, 25, of Newburyport, Mass., died during a Sept. 1 firefight in Baylough, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 319th Airborne Field Artillery, based in Vicenza, Italy. In Afghanistan, he was fire support officer for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. During the service at the Caserma Ederle chapel, Richard recalled Hines as a man who lived and soldiered to the maximum. “I remember him at the hockey rink at 18 years old, looking like he was 15, yet with a glow, spark, just the sense of urgency and determination to be the best and help our guys be the best,” he said. After West Point, Hines went to Fort Sill, Okla., for the field artillery basic course. In Afghanistan, he won the admiration of noncommissioned officers through his energy and willingness to listen to them and then incorporate their knowledge into his leadership, Richard said. And Hines brought the same energy to helping locals that he brought to soldiering, Richard said, organizing donations from the United States and managing countless school, hospital and government building efforts “beyond anybody’s expectations.” Richard noted that Hines already had earned the Purple Heart before his death. “The great thing about Derek is that he didn’t care about the accolades piling up,” Richard said. “All Derek cared about was the men who fought with him every mission, every day of the week.”

On this day, we remember our brother, CDR Peter G. Oswald, who died during a training exercise in El Salvador. Be thou at peace, Peter. https://lnkd.in/eb2GEuFc __________________________________________________________ CDR Oswald passed away on August 27th, 2002, during a training exercise in El Salvador. He was an Eagle Scout and 1979 graduate of Sehome High School. At USNA, CDR Oswald majored in Ocean Engineering, was a three year letterman in football, and in his senior season was voted into the NCAA Division 1A All-East Team as a center. CDR Oswald’s first assignment was on the USS Enhance, an ocean going minesweeper. He served in various capacities aboard the Enhance, eventually serving as the Executive Officer conducting minesweeping operations in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War in 1987. In 1988, CDR Oswald became a Navy SEAL. He served as a platoon commander with SEAL TEAM THREE, deploying to the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War. He went on to serve as a BUDs instructor, a Flag Lieutenant to Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, an Olmstead Scholar at the University of Kyoto, and as the Executive Officer at SBU-12. CDR Oswald was serving as the Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Unit Four at the time of his death. For every CDR Peter Oswald bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to the Commander Pete Oswald Memorial Golf Tournament.

On this day in 2006, our brother, SGT David J. Almazan, was taken from us while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Be thou at peace David. https://lnkd.in/g5g3WrcC __________________________________________________________ Army Sgt. David Jimenez Almazan died for his country. But he didn’t become an American citizen until after a roadside bomb took his life in Iraq. A combat medic, Almazan was killed Aug. 27 when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee in Hit, a small city between Baghdad and the Iraq-Syria border. He had been deployed in Iraq for only three weeks. His wife, Salina Jimenez, said her 27-year-old husband was proud to serve his country. “He loved his job,” she said. “He loved working with people. He loved helping people.” Almazan joined the Army in 2002 because “he wanted to make a difference for himself and for other people,” his wife said. When he was sent to Iraq, Almazan, an immigrant born in Guadalajara, was working on his application to become an American citizen. “He is now officially one as of the day of his death,” his wife said. In addition to his wife, Almazan is survived by his father, David Jimenez; his mother, Olivia Jimenez; and two sisters, Mayra and Mariana Jimenez.

 On this day in 2015, our brother, Captain Matthew D. Roland was taken from us while serving in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. A true American hero, Captain Roland's actions that day are recounted below. Here's a toast. https://lnkd.in/gJXc9E5n For every Capt Roland bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to @Military Missions, Inc. , a non-profit that sends care packages to deployed military members. #USAFA #AFSOC #StrengthWithin #23rdSTS #ThatOthersMayLive @militarymissionsinc __________________________________________ After a long day of airfield operations on an unsecured landing zone, Capt. Matthew Roland, of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, volunteered to drive the lead vehicle in a convoy of U.S. Army Special Forces on Aug. 26, 2015. All that stood between the team and camp was three Afghan-led security checkpoints. Roland proceeded to the final checkpoint, parking the bus as the team’s Afghan translator disembarked to obtain clearance to pass. Two guards granted passage, but at that moment, one of the guards moved toward a bunker with a belt-fed M240B machine gun, while the other moved toward Roland’s driver-side window. As the guard came within 5 feet of Roland and raised his M4 carbine rifle to his shoulder, Roland reacted instantly. He keyed his radio to shout, “Insider attack, insider attack!” and jolted the bus into reverse. Gunfire ripped through the steel and glass of the bus’s front, taking the full effect of the M4 fire. The 27-year-old Lexington, Kentucky, native was killed instantly, knowingly sacrificing himself to alert the convoy and protect his teammates. Because Roland did not hesitate to protect others in the face of danger, he gave his teammates enough time to react and eliminate both gunmen. From Eagle Scout to a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Roland completed difficult tasks with a single-mindedness and sense of humor that impressed his peers and superiors. Those few seconds of heroism represent a lifetime of character that continues to positively impact others. In the end, Roland was, and always will be, a man who sacrificed his life so that others may live.

On this day in 2021 , our brother, SSG Ryan Knauss, was taken from us as a result of wounds sustained from an attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport Be thou at peace Ryan. https://lnkd.in/gnCZxz5i __________________________________________________________ Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, assigned to 9th Battalion, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), died as a result of wounds sustained from an attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, where he was supporting noncombatant evacuation operations on Aug. 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Knauss was a native of Corryton, Tennessee. Knauss joined the U.S. Army in May 2016. Following Initial Entry Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Knauss was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2017 as an infantryman. Upon returning home, Knauss attended and completed the Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Course and the Psychological Operations Qualification Course. After completing the course, Knauss was assigned to 9th Battalion, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). Knauss’ military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Course, Psychological Operations Qualification Course, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course (Level C). His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Army Basic Parachutist Badge. Proceeds from the SSG Ryan Knauss bracelet will be donated to Legacies Alive

On this day in 2015, our brother, Captain Matthew D. Roland was taken from us while serving in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. A true American hero, Captain Roland's actions that day are recounted below. Here's a toast. https://lnkd.in/gJXc9E5n For every Capt Roland bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to Military Mission, Inc, a non-profit that sends care packages to deployed military members. #USAFA #ClassOf2010 #StrengthWithin #23rdSTS #ThatOthersMayLive _____________________________________________________ After a long day of airfield operations on an unsecured landing zone, Capt. Matthew Roland, of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, volunteered to drive the lead vehicle in a convoy of U.S. Army Special Forces on Aug. 26, 2015. All that stood between the team and camp was three Afghan-led security checkpoints. Roland proceeded to the final checkpoint, parking the bus as the team’s Afghan translator disembarked to obtain clearance to pass. Two guards granted passage, but at that moment, one of the guards moved toward a bunker with a belt-fed M240B machine gun, while the other moved toward Roland’s driver-side window. As the guard came within 5 feet of Roland and raised his M4 carbine rifle to his shoulder, Roland reacted instantly. He keyed his radio to shout, “Insider attack, insider attack!” and jolted the bus into reverse. Gunfire ripped through the steel and glass of the bus’s front, taking the full effect of the M4 fire. The 27-year-old Lexington, Kentucky, native was killed instantly, knowingly sacrificing himself to alert the convoy and protect his teammates. Because Roland did not hesitate to protect others in the face of danger, he gave his teammates enough time to react and eliminate both gunmen. From Eagle Scout to a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Roland completed difficult tasks with a single-mindedness and sense of humor that impressed his peers and superiors. Those few seconds of heroism represent a lifetime of character that continues to positively impact others. In the end, Roland was, and always will be, a man who sacrificed his life so that others may live.

On this day in 2009, our Brother, CPT John L. Hallett III was taken from us while in Afghanistan due to wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. Rest in Peace, John. https://lnkd.in/gFPCdf5S For every memorial sold, $10 will be donated to wear blue: run to remember __________________________________________________________ Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California, died Aug. 25 in southern Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.   He married his wife Lisa in 2004, three weeks before he left for a 13-month stint in Iraq.   His wife released photos and a statement on behalf of herself and their three children: Jackson 3yrs, Bryce 2yrs, Heidi 3 weeks (He never held his baby daughter).   The Army released a statement from his wife: “Captain John Louis Hallett, III, was an amazing father, devoted and joyful husband, thoughtful son, loving brother, and inspiring friend,” Lisa A. Hallett said. “John possessed incredible work ethic and inspirational integrity. He would always put the needs of others before his own. He was a patient teacher to our children. John loved to organize; he always left the house with pen and paper, ready to make a list. He had an intelligent, balanced, and fair perspective.   “He had the warmest and most genuine smile. John would always make people laugh by his clever ways and kind humor. He was the support system for his family. From his years at West Point through his military career, John loved the challenge of being in the army and knowing that he had the opportunity to serve his country and help others through leadership, example, and duty. John felt a strong commitment to serve the country he loved.   “Words fail to begin to describe John’s true spirit. John’s amazing example and memories will live in and guide his three young children.”   He is also survived by his parents and two younger brothers.

On this day in 2011, our brother, 1LT Timothy J. Steele, was taken from us while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Be thou at peace Tim. https://lnkd.in/gAK-bx_z For every 1LT Tim Steele bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to the 1LT Timothy Steele Scholarship Fund. #ClassOf2009 #ForYourFreedomAndMine ______________________________________ 1LT Timothy J. Steele, 25, of Duxbury, MA died Aug. 23 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY. Steele was on the swim team at Duxbury High, a Patriot League all-star on the cross-country team and a regular on the school's honor roll. His awards and decorations including, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the Air Assault Medal, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. He is survived by his wife, daughter, Liberty, parents and siblings. May it be said, “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”

On this day we remember our brother, CPT Corry Paul Tyler, who died as a result of a helicopter crash in Multaka, Iraq. Be thou at peace, Corry. https://lnkd.in/g23z6Mg8 ___________________________________________________________________ CPT Tyler was among 14 U.S. soldiers killed on August 22, 2007 when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a nighttime mission in Multaka, Iraq. Army officials in Iraq believe the crash was caused by mechanical failure. CPT Tyler graduated at the top of his class at Camden County High School in Georgia, then went on to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1999 He is survived by his wife Kathy, three small children, and his mother.