Flags of Honor

Never to be forgotten

Honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz.

Dietz was born on January 26, 1980 in Aurora, Colorado. He graduated from Heritage High School in Littleton in 1999. He earned his black belt in Taekwondo from the Korean Academy of Taekwondo. When he was little, he wanted to be a Ninja when he grew up. When he learned that wasn't a real job, he decided to become a Navy SEAL.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1999, earned his SEAL Trident in 2001 and was subsequently assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two in Virginia Beach, VA.

On June 28, 2005, SEAL Team 10 was assigned to kill or capture a high ranking Taliban leader in the Hindu-Kush Mountains. The SEAL team was made up of Michael P. Murphy, Marcus Luttrell, Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson. Luttrell and Axelson were the team’s snipers while Dietz was the Communications Operator and Murphy was Lt. in charge of the mission.

They were spotted by anti-coalition sympathizers, who immediately reported their position to Taliban fighters. A fierce gun-battle ensued between the four SEAL’s and a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Danny radioed for help, and a responding Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing eight more SEAL’s and eight Army Night Stalkers. It was, at that time, the worst single combat loss for the SEAL’s in SEAL history until August 6, 2011.

The location of Dietz’ body was unknown for seven days. His remains were recovered during a combat search and rescue operation on July 4, 2005.

A ceremony was held July 4, 2007 to dedicate the memorial statue of Danny at the Berry Park extension in Littleton, CO. The date marked the 2-year anniversary of the family's notification of his death. The bronze sculpture was placed in the park to honor Dietz, who grew up in Littleton.

Danny was buried with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado.

He is survived by his family who loves him.

Never to be forgotten

Honoring Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Phelps who selflessly sacrificed his life nineteen years ago today in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-sgt-1st-class-christopher-w-phelps/941128

Never to be forgotten

Remembering SOC Bradley "Wookie" Cavner, class 247, KIT on this day in 2014, El Centro, CA. RIP brother.

She will never be forgotten 

Honoring Army Spc. Karen Clifton who sacrificed her life seventeen years ago today in Iraq for our great nation Please help me honor her so that she is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-spc-karen-n-clifton/2857447

Never to be forgotten

Honoring Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Jeffrey Alan Lucas

Jeff Lucas died during Operation Red Wing on 6.28.05 when he boarded a helicopter bound to assist his teammates during a heavy fire fight in the Afghan mountains, but the helicopter he was riding in was shot down. He was a member of Seal Team 10.

He was born September 17, 1971. After graduating from Corbett High School in Oregon in 1989, Jeff Lucas joined the Navy and ultimately achieved his lifelong dream to become a Navy SEAL. Jeff reached the pinnacle of success in 2004 when he was named Navy SEAL of the year - Jeffrey was truly the best-of-the-best!

As a Leading Petty Officer, Jeff was known for his leadership. His enthusiasm and quick wit was portrayed in everything he did. He was considered a very funny man who was guaranteed to put a smile on the face of all in his presence. His ten years as a Navy SEAL has allowed him to create a laundry list of qualifications; such as sniper, sniper instructor, and military freefall parachutist to name a few. Jeff was an expert in every qualification and was known for his innovation and constant tinkering with his gear.

Jeff Lucas is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

He is survived by his family who loves him.

Never forgotten

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Douville served with the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He made the ultimate sacrifice in June of 2011 and rests at Westlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Louisiana. Join us in saying his name and honoring his life, service, and sacrifice.

Never forgotten

Honoring Navy Boatswain's Mate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco who perished ten years ago on this day while in service to our nation. She died as a result of non-hostile causes aboard the James E. Williams Destroyer while the ship was underway in the Red Sea. Please help me honor her so that she is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/navy-boatswain-s-mate-seaman-yeshabel-villot-carrasco/6568581

Never forgotten

Honoring Army Capt. Joshua E. Steele who selflessly sacrificed his life seventeen years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-capt-joshua-e-steele/2847550

Never forgotten

Honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Shane Patton.

Patton was born on November 15, 1982, in San Diego, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 10, 2001, and after graduating from basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, and Machinist's training, he attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, Jump School, and SEAL Qualification training from December 2001 to December 2002. Petty Officer Patton next attended Swimmer Delivery Vehicle training in Panama City, Florida, from January 2003 to April 2004, followed by service with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from April 2004 until he deployed to Afghanistan with SEAL Team TEN in April 2005.

A SEAL teammate remembered Patton as having one goal: to be a Navy SEAL like his father, James Patton. “It’s been said that Shane was good with everything he did or tried… He cared about his work. He cared about pulling his weight. He cared about his platoon.”

He was killed in action during Operation Red Wing when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade on June 28, 2005. Shane Patton was buried at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.

He is survived by his family who loves him.

Never forgotten

Honoring Chief Warrant Officer Four, Chris Scherkenbach.

CW4 Chris Scherkenbach died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D Chinook Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations during Operation Red Wing.

A native of Chicago, IL, he was born on November 3, 1964 in Illinois. CW4 Scherkenbach originally enlisted in the Army as a communication specialist in April of 1987. His first duty station was Germany. He was accepted into the Warrant Officer Entry and Initial Entry Rotary Wing program in 1990, and graduated at Fort Rucker, Ala.

After completing the Warrant Officer Basic Course and the CH-47D aircraft qualifications at Fort Rucker in 1991, CW4 Scherkenbach was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. In 1994 he was assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea as a CH-47D Chinook pilot. After completing his tour in Korea, he returned to the 159th Aviation Regiment. His final assignment was Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

CW4 Scherkenbach's military schools include the Survival, Evade, Resistance, Escape course, the Aviation Safety Officer Course, the Electronic Warfare Officer Course, the Special Operations Training Course, and the Aviation Warrant Officer Advanced Course.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Scherkenbach is survived by his wife, Michelle and daughter Sarah Grace.

Honoring Army Master Sergeant, James "Tre" Ponder

Master Sgt. James “Tre” Ponder died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations during Operation Red Wing.

He was born June 24, 1969 in Alabama, and was a native of Clarksville, Tenn.

Ponder joined the Army in March 1990 as a Chinook helicopter repairer.After graduating from Basic Training, Fort Eustis, Va., he was assigned to Camp Humphries, Korea. He arrived at the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in December, 1992, and served in a
variety of positions, including 2nd Battalion, 160th Flight Engineer instructor, 2nd Bn. Standardization Instructor, and Regiment Standardization Instructor. This was his fourth rotation to Afghanistan.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal for valor.

Ponder is survived by his wife, Leslie, of Clarksville, Tenn., and two daughters, Samantha, and Elizabeth.

Never forgotten

Honoring Army Sgt. Joseph M. Lilly who selflessly sacrificed his life twelve years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-sgt-joseph-m-lilly/6568232

Never forgotten

Honoring Marine Lance Cpl. Jason D. Hill who selflessly sacrificed his life thirteen years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-lance-cpl-jason-d-hill/6567798

Never forgotten

Honoring Army Staff Sgt, Shamus Goare.

Shamus Goare was born on May 28, 1976, in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 11, 1994, and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in October 1994.

Pvt. Goare attended UH-1 Iroquois helicopter repairer training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, from October to December 1994, followed by service as a UH-1 repairer with Company I of the 158th Aviation Battalion from December 1994 to October 1996. His next assignment was as a UH-1 crew chief with the 1st U.S. Army Support Battalion, Multinational Force and Observers, on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt from October 1996 to October 1997, and then as a UH-1 crew chief with Company B of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, from November 1997 to January 1999.

After completing the CH-47 Chinook Heavy Helicopter Repairer Course at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Sgt Goare served as a CH-47 crew chief with Company C of the 52nd Aviation Regiment at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, from June 1999 to June 2000, followed by service as an MH-47 crew chief with Company C and then Company B, 3rd Battalion of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, from June 2000 until he was killed in action during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Shamus Goare was buried at the Saint Luke's Cemetery in Danville, Ohio. He is survived by his parents Charles and Judith Goare, of Danville, Ohio.

-NSDQ-

Never forgotten

Honoring Army Staff Sgt. Green Beret, Jason McDonald, who selflessly sacrificed his life ten years ago today in Afghanistan for our great country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-staff-sgt-jason-a-mcdonald/6568570

Never forget

Honoring Army Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr. who selflessly sacrificed his life seventeen years ago today in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-staff-sgt-timothy-b-cole-jr/2820116

The Greatest Generation! 🇺🇸

Honoring Marine Cpl. Bum R. Lee who selflessly sacrificed his life twenty years ago today in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-cpl-bum-r-lee/263035

Please remember our Gold Star Families

Honoring Army Spc. David A. Schaefer Jr. who selflessly sacrificed his life fifteen years ago today in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-spc-david-a-schaefer-jr/4097043

Honoring SO3 (SEAL), Jonathan Kaloust, who selflessly sacrificed his life nine years ago in a training exercise in Kentucky. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/museum/past-exhibits/seal-unspoken-sacrifice/jonathan-kaloust

I never knew him, but I will never forget him

Honoring Army 1st Lt. Alejo R. Thompson who selflessly sacrificed his life twelve years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

Get this NEW Decal! Selling out soon!

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

Honoring Army Sgt. Zainah C. Creamer who selflessly sacrificed her life thirteen years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor her so that she is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-sgt-zainah-c-creamer/5476303

His life mattered, and will not be forgotten

Honoring Naval Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Kevin Ebbert who selflessly sacrificed his life eleven years ago today in Afghanistan. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/navy-special-warfare-operator-1st-class-kevin-r-ebbert/6568388

Make America Great Again 🇺🇸