This week’s American Hero is United States Army Specialist Nathan R. Beyers of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was assigned to the 116th Cavalry Heavy Brigade Combat Team based in Post Falls, Idaho.
According to The Spokesman-Review, “Beyers, 24, had spent several years in the Coeur d’Alene area, where his wife, Vanessa Beyers, and their infant daughter, still live, Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano said. He previously lived in Littleton, CO.”
“Nathan was proud of his job and serving our country,” Vanessa Beyers said in a statement. “He died doing something he loved and was such a brave person. We just had our first child, and Nathan had a chance to visit us when he was home on leave in January. I told him I knew he was going to be a wonderful father. We are going to miss him.”
Newby’s mother and father released a statement, noting their son could play a variety of musical instruments, including guitar, bass guitar, saxophone and drums. According to his My Space profile, he started a punk rock band called Trip Wire when he was 15.
“Nick would do anything for anybody who needed his help,” they said. “He’d stick by his friends and never gave up on anybody. He had a great sense of humor, ever since he was a kid. For instance, once when he saw his pregnant mom drinking orange juice, he said, ‘Mom, you’re getting orange juice all over the baby!”’
They also said he enjoyed his truck. “He loved thrashing his truck and then fixing it; we recall digging him out of the snow and we all smiled through it. Nick loved his family, and everybody loved him.”
Newby wrote on My Space that he enlisted in the Army National Guard even before he graduated from the Bridge Academy in December 2008, and spent much of 2009 in basic training in South Carolina.
Tragically, Specialist Beyers was killed in action on July 7, 2011, after insurgents attacked his convoy with an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.
I was unable to locate information regarding the resting site of Nathan Beyers, however, we’re certain he remains close to his family. We, at the American Hero Project, would like to thank Nathan’s family for their sacrifice for our country. They’ll always remember him as a son, a husband and a father. We’ll always remember him as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Navy Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy of Smithtown, NY. Lt. Murphy’s story is unique in that the United States Navy recently commissioned a new destroyer in his honor.
As told by Lt. Murphy’s Wikipedia page:
Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy was a United States Navy Seal and the first person to be awarded the military’s highest decoration, theMedal of Honor, for actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was also the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since theVietnam War. His other posthumous awards included the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Michael Murphy was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York. He graduated fromPennsylvania State University with honors and dual degrees in political science and psychology. After college he accepted a commission in the United States Navy and became a United States Navy SEAL in July 2002. After participating in several War on Terror missions, he was killed on June 28, 2005, after his team was compromised and surrounded by Taliban forces near Asadabad, Afghanistan.
Since his death, a United States Navy destroyer, a post office, a combat training pool at Naval Station Newport, and a park have been named in his honor.
Murphy was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, New York to Irish American parents Maureen and Daniel Murphy, a former assistant Suffolk County district attorney.[1] He was raised in Patchogue and as a boy attended Saxton Middle School where he played youth soccer and pee-wee football with his father as coach. In high school, he continued playing sports and took a summer job as a lifeguard at the Brookhaven town beach in Lake Ronkonkoma. He returned to the job every summer through his college years.
Murphy was known to his friends as “Murph” and he was known as “The Protector” in his high school years. In 8th grade he protected a special needs child who was being shoved into a locker by a group of boys. He also protected a homeless man who was collecting cans. He chased away the attackers and helped the man pick up his cans.
In 1994 Murphy graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School and left home to attend The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He graduated from Penn State in 1998 with degrees in both political science and psychology.
After graduating from Penn State, Murphy was accepted to several law schools, but decided to attend SEAL mentoring sessions at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. In September 2000, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. On December 13 of that year, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy and began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California in January 2001, eventually graduating with Class 236.
Upon graduation from BUD/S, he attended the United States Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) school. Murphy earned his SEAL Trident and checked on board SDV Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in July 2002. In October 2002, he deployed with Foxtrot Platoon to Jordan as the liaison officer for Exercise Early Victor. Following his tour with SDVT-1, Murphy was assigned to Special Operations Central Command (SOCCENT) inFlorida and deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning from Qatar, he was deployed to Djibouti to assist in the operational planning of future SDV missions.
In early 2005, Murphy was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE as officer in charge of Alpha Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation Red Wings was a failed counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, involving four members of the United States Navy SEALs. Murphy and two other SEALs were killed in the fighting in addition to 16 American Special Operations Forces soldiers who were killed when their helicopter was shot down while attempting to extract the SEAL Team. Prior to a helicopter being shot down in 2011, it was both the largest loss of life for American forces since the invasion began and the largest loss for the SEALs since the Vietnam War. Marcus Luttrell was the only surviving American sailor from the squad; he was protected by local villagers who sent an emissary to the closest military base allowing a rescue team to locate him.
Murphy led the four-man reconnaissance team on a mission to kill or capture a top Taliban leader, Ahmad Shah (code name Ben Sharmak), who commanded a group of insurgents known as the “Mountain Tigers,” west of Asadabad. The group was dropped off by helicopter in a remote, mountainous area east of Asadabad in Kunar Province, near the Pakistan border. After an initially successful infiltration, local goat herders stumbled upon the SEALs’ hiding place. Unable to verify any hostile intent from the herders, Murphy asked the team what should be done with them. Matthew Axelson reportedly voted to kill the Afghans, and Danny Dietz did not offer an opinion, causing Murphy to state that he would vote the same as Marcus Luttrell, who said the herders should be set free. Hostile locals, possibly the goat herders they let pass, alerted 150 to 200 nearby Taliban forces, who surrounded and attacked the small group. After Murphy called for help, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter loaded with reinforcements was dispatched to rescue the team, but was shot down with an RPG, killing all 16 personnel aboard; eight SEALs and eight service members from the 160th SOAR.
By the end of the two-hour battle, an undisclosed number of Taliban soldiers, Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were killed in the action. Luttrell was the only American survivor and was eventually rescued after several days of wandering the mountain and being protected by the people of an Afghanistan village. All three of Murphy’s men were awarded the Navy’s second-highest honor, the Navy Cross, for their part in the battle making theirs the most decorated Navy SEAL team in history.
LT Murphy was killed June 28, 2005 after exposing himself to enemy fire and knowingly leaving his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. He provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element and then returned to his position to continue fighting until he died from his wounds.
On July 4, 2005 Murphy’s remains were found by a group of American soldiers during a combat search and rescue operation and returned to the United States. Later that month, Murphy was buried on Long Island in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York, Section 67, Grave No. 3710.
The following was taken from Lt. Murphy’s Medal of Honor citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare task unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005.
While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy’s team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
May he rest in peace and be forever remembered as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Army Sgt. Lakeshia Bailey of Luverne, Alabama.
According to Sgt Bailey’s Find-A-Grave page:
Bailey of Columbus, Ga., and Ft. Mitchell, Alabama was the first born child of Tony and Phyliss Bailey. She was a 2004 graduate of William H. Spencer High School and a member of the Rock West Baptist Church in Greenville, AL. She spent most of her life traveling abroad with her parents during her fathers military career. She enjoyed helping others and this fueled her desire to join the U.S. Army in February 2006. Sgt. Bailey loved the U.S. Army and rose quickly through the ranks. “Sha” died March 8 north of Al Kut, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. They were assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, attached to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
According to the Military Times:
Sgt. 1st Class Allen Battle, who served with Bailey on her first deployment to Iraq in 2007, said she was fearless around what he called “Iraq’s worst criminals.” “When I say tough, she would take grown men down to the ground,” Battle said. “That’s how strong she was and that’s how committed she was to her job.”
Bailey’s love for the military grew while traveling around the world with her parents while her father was in the service. She enlisted in February 2006.
The woman known for flashing a white, wide smile was described as a little sister by her comrades.
“She had a way of lighting up a room when she walked in,” said Sgt. Brett Quinn. “It didn’t matter if everyone was in a bad mood or not, when Bailey walked in she was going to talk to everyone and she was going to make you talk to her.”
Bailey is survived by her husband, Harrison Bateman, parents and numerous other relatives.
Today, Lakeshia lies in rest at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Her family remembers her as their own silver lining. Her comrades remember her for her bravery and her happiness. We will forever remember her as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Army Sgt. Jason Swindle of Cabot, Arkansas. Jason was killed in action on September 20th, 2012.
Today’s THV (11) in Little Rock, Arkansas reported his story:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark (KTHV)–A Cabot family is mourning the loss of their son. Sgt. Jason Swindle was killed while serving in Afghanistan. He was 24 years old and not only has he been on three tours over sees, he was also a husband and father.
“Very outgoing, just very fun to be around,” Sam Swindle reflects on what he misses most about his younger brother. “It’s hard not to smile around him; it’s just hard not to love him.” 24 year old Jason Swindle died Thursday while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan Sam says the loss doesn’t seem real; “I’m still pretty numb ya know but I have a very strong family, I thank God for my family, every day.” Sgt. Swindle leaves behind an expecting wife and a one year old son. The boy on the way will be named Jason Junior. “They had the best father in the world, the best man I know, God family country that’s the order, that’s what he cared about he was proud to serve.”
This was Swindle’s third tour overseas. This deployment was supposed to be a short one. Sam says Jason left about a month ago and was expected to be home by Christmas. “He was very proud to serve; I know he went out fighting, fighting for us.”
The department of defense reports Swindle died from injuries from an enemy small arms fire. Jason is one of three military men in his family. His father is a marine and two of his brothers both followed Jason’s footsteps and joined the military. The family has yet to make funeral arrangements, but do say they plan to have services in Beebe where his wife lives.
We would like to extend our condolences to Jason’s family. It is an honor to feature him on the American Hero Project and we’ll update this story with the site of his resting place when the information becomes available. Please help us honor and remember our American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Army 1st Lt Ryan Davis Rawl of Lexington, South Carolina.
According to Legacy.com
Ryan died on June 20th, 2012, while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Afghanistan. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the 133rd MP Co. out of Timmonsville SC. Rawl is survived by wife, Katherine (Belknap) Rawl; daughter, Callie (age 4); son, Caleb (age 2); parents, Stanley and Diane Rawl; brother, Stan Rawl (Lyndsey); nephew, Hunter (age 4); niece, Hadley (age 1); and grandmothers, Eleanor Rawl and Bobbie Davis. He was predeceased by grandfathers, Andrew Lee Rawl and Bobby Leo Davis; and an aunt, Sherry Rawl. He graduated from Lexington High School in 2000. While there, Rawl was a member of the wrestling and football teams. He was also chosen to be sent as a representative to SC Boy’s State. Upon graduation, he entered The Citadel as part of F-Troop Company. While attending The Citadel, he received the Mark Clark Award for his outstanding service on the Honor Court. He also enjoyed leading underclassmen in bible study. His major was Criminal Justice. After graduation from The Citadel, Rawl began work with the Richland County Sheriff Department as a deputy. During his time there he was awarded deputy of the quarter and deputy of the year for his region. His last assignment with the department was as a school resource officer at Crayton Middle School. In 2006, Ryan joined the SC National Guard. He was a member of Palmetto Military Academy class #59. The first unit he was assigned to was the 132nd MP Co. out of West Columbia. For a short time he served out of the 131st MP Co. out of Beaufort. As a platoon leader, he loved being a leader and was proud of his troops and the work they were doing. He deployed with the 133rd MP Co. out of Timmonsville. His active duty deployment began September 11th, 2011. He received numerous decorations and honors to include the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Combat Action Badge, The SC Medal of Valor and The SC Meritorious Service Medal.
I was unable to reach Ryan’s family for this feature, however, they’ve asked the public to pray for the others who were wounded in the attack that claimed Ryan’s life.
Today, Ryan lies in rest at Mount Hermon Cemetery in Pelion, South Carolina. He is remembered as one of South Carolina’s sons and a fearless individual who loved country over self. He will always be remembered as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Army Sgt. Ryan Sharp.
Ryan, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, suffered life threatening wounds in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Doctors on hand placed him in a medically induced coma and transferred him to a hospital in Germany. Sadly, Ryan did not survive his wounds and died on December 3rd, 2011. He was 28.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kansas.
Ryan was born January 4th, 1983, in Idaho Falls to David and Lynette Sharp. He had two brothers, Michael and Matthew, and two sisters, Michelle and Jennifer. By all accounts, Ryan treasured his family more than life itself, however it was his two daughters, Sarah and Mia, who would change his life.
According to Ryan’s obituary, he grew up on the west side of Idaho Falls and graduated from Skyline High School in 2001.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed baseball, welding and spending time outdoors. He is most fondly remembered for his compassion, his kind heart and his love for his country.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army in October 2002, Ryan proudly served his country on three tours of duty, one in Iraq, and he was currently serving his second tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, three Overseas Ribbons and three National Defense Service Ribbons.
Today, Ryan lies in rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls. He is remembered by many as a friend, son and brother. We will forever remember him as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Regelin of Anderson, California.
As a former sailor myself, I often smile when I hear people say “Oh, the Navy has it easy! Float around on ships, visiting different countries, that doesn’t look hard!” What people don’t understand is the variety of specialties and jobs available in the Navy. Construction, amphibious, shore and surface are also a variety of factors that determine how and where a United States sailor will serve. Chad Regelin’s job was no easy one, to say the least.
I was unable to reach Chad’s family for our feature this week but spent a great deal of time researching the life and the story of a highly decorated sailor. Rebecca Trounson of the Los Angeles Times wrote a very in depth piece on February 12th, 2012, which I will re-post here. The original article can be found at the following link: http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/19/local/la-me-chad-regelin-20120219
Chad Regelin surprised his parents at dinner one night in 2006 by announcing that he was joining the Navy.
Regelin, of the small Northern California community of Anderson, had been employed by a construction company since he graduated from high school a few months earlier. Working with a road crew, he had become interested in explosives, he told his parents. He planned to enroll in the Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal school and learn how to dismantle bombs.
“We were like, ‘what?’ But he said he wanted to learn how to do this and help other people,” said his mother, Shirene Regelin. “I was nervous but proud of him because I knew it was what he wanted to do.”
A bomb disposal expert who had twice been decorated for valor, Petty Officer 1st Class Chad R. Regelin was killed by an improvised explosive device Jan. 2 while he was on patrol in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province, on the Pakistani border.
Regelin, 24, who was on his third combat tour, was serving in the war zone with Marine Special Operations Company Bravo. He was based in San Diego with the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3.
Mark Brittain, a senior chief bomb disposal technician who was Regelin’s supervisor on his final deployment, said the young man had volunteered to go back to Afghanistan, taking the place of an injured team member, even though he had just returned from an arduous tour there.
“It was pretty unbelievable, but he was always that type of guy,” Brittain said.
Regelin explained the decision to his family by saying that those who might otherwise have had to deploy were all married. Since he wasn’t, he thought he should step up, his mother said.
The youngest of four siblings, Regelin was born May 30, 1987, in Redding and grew up in nearby Anderson, a city of about 10,000.
An active, athletic kid, he played baseball and soccer throughout junior high, then followed the example of his older brother Ryan and joined the football team at Anderson Union High School.
Teacher Tim Klaiber, who helped coach the team, remembers that although the younger Regelin was not a big kid at the time, he made his presence felt on the football field.
“He went out and gave it everything he had, every time he played,” Klaiber said.
In his senior year, Regelin won the team’s outstanding player award.
That same year, he persuaded Klaiber, who had grown up surfing, to let him come along on a surf trip to Santa Cruz. Regelin caught his first wave and was hooked, the teacher said. He later helped start a surf club at the high school.
“He loved anything outdoors, anything with the possibility of getting hurt,” Ryan Regelin said, noting his brother’s interests, along with surfing, in skiing, fast driving and riding a longboard down steep hills. “He was always trying different things and enjoying them.”
Regelin also was very good at his dangerous military specialty, Brittain and others said.
In 2011, he was honored as the USO’s Sailor of the Year, partly on the strength of what commanding officers described as his leadership and heroic actions to protect his team during two days of combat In Kandahar province in October 2010.
“His outstanding situational awareness and keen attention to detail in a combat environment undoubtedly saved the lives of his teammates, protected the local population and furthered the mission” of clearing a village of armed insurgents, Navy Cmdr. Charles H. Andrews wrote in the nominating letter.
Regelin’s military honors include the Bronze Star for valor and the Army Commendation Medal, also for valor.
His funeral, held Jan. 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anderson, was attended by hundreds of people. Many others lined the route from the church to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, where he was buried.
In addition to his mother and brother Ryan, Regelin’s survivors include his father, Scott; his brother Justin; and his sister, Jill Graham, all of Anderson.
His family plans to mark his birthday this May as they have since his childhood, with a camping trip over Memorial Day weekend to Patrick’s Point State Park, on the coast north of Eureka.
Today, Chad lies in rest at Northern California Veterans Cemetery. He is remembered by some as a sailor. He is remembered by others as family. He is remembered today, by us, as an American Hero.
This weeks American Hero is Private First Class Zachary Nordmeyer of Indianapolis, Indiana.
I recently came across a news feed of a father speaking about his son. This father was dedicated to his son’s memory. As the father stood at his son’s resting site, he told him he talks to him every day; and it never gets easier.
The resting site was that of PFC Nordmeyer. The father; his own.
Zachary grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Ben Davis high school. By all accounts, he was a young man with ambition. Ambition to learn, ambition to grow and ambition to lead. Principal Joel McKinney recalled the following of Zach:
“He was a very goal-oriented young man and wanted to be in the armed forces and wanted to develop his leadership skills.”
He did just that.
Zachary made his decision to join the United States Army. He was sworn in July of 2007 and never gave it a second thought. He explained to friends and family the benefits of being an American Soldier; and no one denied him the ability.
Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Dave Thompson facilitated the JROTC program at Ben Davis High School.
“There’s quiet leadership, and he was pretty strong at that early, but by his senior year, he kind of came out of his shell. He wasn’t afraid to encourage younger students to develop as cadets and do their best.”
Thompson stated the loss of former members of his JROTC put military service risks into a different light, yet the idea should’nt be discounted.
“It doesn’t make me question our mission, but it definitely gives me a different perspective in talking to the kids about what they’re getting into. You don’t want them going into the military without understanding the ramifications.”
PFC Nordmeyer was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska;
Tragically, an American Hero was lost on February 23rd, 2009 in Balad, Iraq. Zachary died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.
Today, Zachary lies in rest at Floral Park Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. His family remembers him for the time they spent together, good times and the bad, the happy times and the sad times and the opportunities they had to simply remember his laugh.
Today, Zachary is remembered as an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is United States Army Specialist Sarina Butcher of Checotah, Oklahoma.
Sarina was not only an American Soldier. She was also a sister and a daughter. Most importantly, she was a mother to a beautiful baby girl named Zoey.
After attending Checotah High School, Sarina enlisted in the Army. Her priority in life was her daughter. Her goal was to become a nurse. By all accounts, Sarina was very proud of and inspired by her brother and her grandfather, both of whom have served in the military. She wanted to follow their footstep.
Sarina was assigned to the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Her job as an Automated Logistics Specialist was something she chose and something she loved. Sadly, she was killed November 1st, 2011, in Paktia province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked her vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
Fourth District U.S. Representative Mike Ross of Arkansas stated:
Another American hero was tragically taken from us in the line of duty. Sarina Butcher was a mother, daughter, and a brave and dedicated soldier who put her life on the line in service to her country. We will be forever grateful for her selfless sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with her mother, father, daughter and the rest of her family and friends during this very difficult time
According to an unidentified press release around the time of her death, Sarina is the first female Oklahoma National Guard soldier to be killed during wartime and is also the youngest Oklahoma citizen-soldier to die in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Today, the vessel which carried Sarina through this life lies in rest at a quiet Friendship Cemetery in McCaskill, Arkansas. The family who survive her remember her for her strong, southern accent, her beautiful smile and her unmovable determination. We remember her for her service, her sacrifice and the fact that she’ll forever be an American Hero.
This week’s American Hero is Sgt. Kyle Brinlee of Pryor, Oklahoma.
Kyle served with the 120th Battalion Combat Heavy Engineers of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He was also the first soldier from the unit to give his life in the war. He was killed in action on May 11, 2004.
At his funeral on May 19, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry spoke:
“I cannot identify a higher standard of public service than that in which Kyle engaged. He gave his life for all Oklahomans and Americans so we can enjoy our freedom,” Henry said. “I hope we never forget the sacrifice.”
The following information was provided by the Cherokee Phoenix:
Brinlee was killed when an explosive struck the vehicle in which he was riding. His death was the first combat-related death for the Oklahoma National Guard since the Korean War.
After his death, Brinlee was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, which were presented to his family.
Brinlee joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 2001, one month shy of his graduation from Pryor High School. Though Brinlee went by his stepfather’s last name, he was referred to several times at his funeral service as Brinlee Showler, in recognition of his father Robert’s surname. His mother, Tracy, died last September.
He was deployed to Iraq in February as a member of the 120th Combat Engineer Battalion and was assigned as a carpenter and masonry specialist. The battalion is made up of soldiers from Tahlequah, Stilwell, Okmulgee, Pryor, Wagoner, Muskogee, Okemah, Eufaula and Henryetta and left to prepare for deployment to Iraq last December. They are scheduled to be away from their homes for an estimated 18 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Originally from Adair, Okla., Brinlee was remembered as a young man who love motorcycles and worked with his stepfather in carpentry. Friends said he was loyal, a great friend and a great man who served his country as well as his family, and who strived to make a difference.
At his funeral, a video screen flashed photographs of Brinlee, providing snapshots of the young soldier’s short life. The video included shots of a smiling boy with a birthday cake, a teenager holding a baseball and football, a young man at the onset of adulthood in his graduation cap and gown, and a soldier in full military uniform.
Flags hung at half-staff throughout Pryor and lined area streets from the high school to the cemetery. Pryor residents, including about 80 Thunderbird Youth Academy students in uniform, watched the funeral procession pass.
At the cemetery, seven soldiers each fired three shots, two buglers blew Taps and the American flag that had draped Brinlee’s casket was folded into a tight triangle. http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/Index/528
Today, Kyle lies in rest at Adair Cemetery in Adair, Oklahoma. He is remembered by his hometown as one of their sons. A son who gave his life for the freedom of those he served and those he protected. We remember him as an American Hero.
ahp117 