Sgt. Sherwood Russell Baker HHB, 1-109th Field Artillery April 26, 2004

Sgt. Baker was the first Pennsylvania National Guard soldier killed in action since World War II. He died from injuries sustained when a suspected Baghdad chemical weapons warehouse exploded. Baker, attached to the 2nd Battalion, 103rd Armor, Scranton, was one of two soldiers killed in the incident. The 30-year-old was a caseworker for the mentally disabled since he graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 1995. He joined the National Guard to help his community in natural disaster, and to help repay student loans, so he could work as childcare worker and teacher. Sgt. Baker was very enthusiastic about going to Iraq and wanted to make a difference.

Sgt. Carl Francis Curran II Battery C, 1-107th Field Artillery May 17, 2004

Sgt. Curran succumbed to injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during hostile action near Fallujah, Iraq. He had been in Iraq for 120 days to assist in security patrols for Operation Iraqi Freedom before he was killed. Curran was a go-getter, who had a positive attitude and always knew what needed to be done. He was a fun, loving and devoted husband and father and enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, swimming, computer games, magic cards, Dungeons & Dragons, and collecting

Spc. Mark Joseph Kasecky Battery C, 1-107th Field Artillery May 17, 2004

Spc. Kasecky succumbed to injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during hostile action near Fallujah, Iraq. He had been in Iraq for 120 days to assist in security patrols for Operation Iraqi Freedom before he was killed. Kasecky had joined the Army National Guard two years before being killed. He left for Iraq in January and was scheduled to come back on leave a month earlier, but it was canceled as fighting intensified. Two months before being killed Kasecky was hit during a battle, but his bulletproof vest stopped three bullets, and he sustained only lacerations and rib injuries, relatives said shortly after his death. Relatives described Kasecky as a jokester who liked to play football and basketball and as a devoted uncle to his 11 nieces and nephews.

Sgt. Carl James Morgain Company A, 1-112th Infantry May 22, 2005

Sgt. Morgain was killed in Khadasia, Iraq, by a suicide bomber while he was providing security outside an Iraqi police station. Morgain was sitting in a turret when a vehicle detonated some 10 yards from his location. Morgain joined the Army in 1982 as a microwave communications technician. He served for a time at Camp David, providing communications for the president. Morgain joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in June 2000 as a traditional Guard Infantryman. His task force commander described Morgain as a very popular soldier in Task Force Dragoon during their training at Fort Bliss and Fort Polk. He was committed to the military and had a great love for his country. He always had a smile on his face.

Sgt. Brahim Jamal Jeffcoat Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 6, 2005

Sgt. Jeffcoat was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy in the city of Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad. Jeffcoat joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1998 as a traditional Guard member. In his civilian career, Jeffcoat was a youth counselor. He was also a Temple University student and father of a 19-month-old girl at the time of his death. His family was very important to him. He was described as the kind of guy who was very friendly and truly enjoyed life. He was wellrespected and well-liked.

Spc. Kurt E. Krout Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 6, 2005

Spc. Krout was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy in the city of Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad. He was also a dedicated military man. Krout served two years with the Marines after he turned 17. In 1995, he decided to re-enlist, signing with the Guard. In 2004, he volunteered to deploy with Task Force Dragoon, which was short of its mission requirements at the time. He was lovingly described by family members as a somewhat stubborn man with a strong sense of duty, and one who always insisted on helping others. His co-workers said he was a hero to everyone in the store he worked in.

Cpl. Gennaro Pellegrini Jr. Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 9, 2005

Cpl. Pellegrini was killed while on a routine patrol, when improvised explosive devices struck his unit’s up-armored Humvees. Both vehicles were then attacked by small-arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades. Unit members returned fire and the insurgents retreated to a wooded area. He joined the Guard in 1998, and his six-year commitment was scheduled to end on April 24, 2004. But the Army, facing personnel challenges amid the loss of life in Iraq, extended his enlistment by 18 months under a policy that can delay separations and retirements during wartime and national emergencies. His boss said as far as the mission was concerned, he was prepared and he was willing to do that. He was very proud of his service. As a civilian, Pellegrini was a Philadelphia police officer and prominent amateur boxer. Capt. Lou Campione, commander of Fishtown's 26th Police District and Pellegrini's boss, said “He not only had your back, he'd jump over you to protect you.”

Sgt. Francis Joseph Straub Jr. Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 9, 2005

Sgt. Straub was killed while on a routine patrol, when improvised explosive devices struck his unit’s up-armored Humvees. Both vehicles were then attacked by small-arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades. Unit members returned fire and the insurgents retreated to a wooded area. As a civilian, he worked for the United Parcel Service. He was on his eight year in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was a generous-but-tough man who played a hard-checking game of hockey and dreamed of being a police officer. He collected flip-flops from schoolchildren in the United States to distribute to Iraqi kids.

Spc. John Kulick Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 9, 2005

Spc. Kulick was killed while on a routine patrol, when improvised explosive devices struck his unit’s up-armored Humvees. Both vehicles were then attacked by small-arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades. Unit members returned fire and the insurgents retreated to a wooded area. Kulick was known as a dedicated and skilled firefighter. He was inspired to join the Army after seeing fellow firefighters give their life on Sept. 11, 2001. After serving his community as a firefighter for several years he wanted to serve his country his friends said.

Pfc. Nathaniel Edward Detample Company A, 1-111th Infantry Aug. 9, 2005

Pfc. Detample killed while on a routine patrol, when improvised explosive devices struck his unit’s up-armored Humvees. Both vehicles were then attacked by small-arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades. Unit members returned fire and the insurgents retreated to a wooded area. Detample was an Eagle Scout, high school wrestler, and criminal-justice major at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania before being deployed to Iraq. As soon as Detample arrived at Shippensburg, he enrolled in the ROTC. He found out he was deploying before he could start his second semester, but was excited about it. Squadmate Cpl. Gennaro Pellegrini took Detample under his wing and was by his side during the deployment and ultimately when they passed away.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Scott Ostrom Company B, 1-109th Infantry Aug. 9, 2005

Staff Sgt. Ostrom was killed while conducting combat operations in the city of Habaniyah when he was hit by enemy small arms fire. In 1998, he began studying at Mansfield University, majoring in science education. In 2002-03, he went on a peacekeeping mission with his father and stepbrother to Bosnia. He was a strong soldier, committed friend, big brother to many and a loving son. He was a sportsman who was a dedicated leader to those he coached and played with.

Sgt. William Lee Evans Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 19, 2005

Sgt. Evans was killed by an improvised explosive device attack in Iraq while on a routine patrol in Ar Ramadi, Al Anbar Province. As a civilian, Evans worked at Craige’s Photique, Montrose, Susquehanna County. He got a job at the photo store while still in high school, but he dazzled owner Rick Craige with his skills to the point where Craige viewed the young photographer as an equal and, in some aspects, superior. “He had one of the best eyes of any photographer I have ever seen,” Craige said. “With the natural talent he had, he really took to photography and was great at it.”

Sgt. Michael Egan HHT, 1-104th Cavalry Sept. 19, 2005

Sgt. Egan was killed by an improvised explosive device attack in Iraq while on a routine patrol in Ar Ramadi, Al Anbar Province. From 1991-1999, Egan was in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in the Persian Gulf War, Haiti, Liberia and Bosnia. In 1999, he returned home in an effort to live a ‘normal’ life. It was during this time that he was married and had a daughter. In 2003, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. His family described him as a gentle person who was well-liked by all who met him.

Sgt. William Valentin Fernandez 104th Long Range Surveillance Detachment Sept. 19, 2005

Sgt. Fernandez was killed by an improvised explosive device attack in Iraq while on a routine patrol in Ar Ramadi, Al Anbar Province. Fernandez dropped out of high school but joined the military to set his life straight. He later earned his GED and worked as a paramedic in California after leaving the Army. He then returned home to Reading and joined the National Guard to serve with his older brother. Fernandez didn't have to be in Iraq. A member of the Long Range Surveillance Detachment, Fernandez volunteered to be deployed with the 104th Cavalry. Fernandez, a medic who also trained as an infantryman and went to airborne school, had impressed members of his unit with his concern for others. “He never lost the attitude of a medic,” said fellow soldier Sgt. Patrick Brennan. “I knew the dangers of my chosen profession,” said Fernandez in a letter to his wife before he died. “I went to protect you and all Americans who cherish freedom. They sleep peacefully at night because brave men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. Don’t ever let anyone degrade you or our decision to let me come here.”

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Laverne Arnold Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 28, 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Arnold was killed in Iraq while on a routine patrol to secure construction of a railroad bridge when an improvised explosive device struck his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The vehicle was then attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, setting it ablaze. As a civilian he had been employed by Sherwood Freightliner where he worked on 18-wheelers. Arnold had six years with the military, serving first with the Reserves, then the Guard. Arnold is remembered for being an amazing and dedicated father to his two sons.

Spc. Lee Allen Wiegand Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 28, 2005

Spc Wiegand was killed in Iraq while on a routine patrol to secure construction of a railroad bridge when an improvised explosive device struck his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The vehicle was then attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, setting it ablaze. Wiegand was known for his smile and sense of humor as well as his creativity as a painter and amateur artist. As a teenager he liked to give his friends temporary tattoos with magic markers. He left behind a newborn daughter.

Sgt. Eric Wentworth Slebodnik Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 28, 2005

Sgt. Slebodnik was killed in Iraq while on a routine patrol to secure construction of a railroad bridge when an improvised explosive device struck his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The vehicle was then attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, setting it ablaze. The news hit especially hard at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where Slebodnik studied history and political science and earned money as a part-time caller for the campus fund-raising office from February 2003 until he was deployed. He was adamant about finishing his studies once he returned from deployment.

Sgt. 1st Class George Anthony Pugliese Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 28, 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Pugliese was killed in Iraq while on a routine patrol to secure construction of a railroad bridge when an improvised explosive device struck his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The vehicle was then attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, setting it ablaze. He joined the Army while in high school, but unfortunately, a prior sports related injury resulted in a medical discharge during basic training. Not to be discouraged, after surgery, therapy and a lot of exercise, he again entered the military, joining the PA National Guard in 1991. During his 14 years in the Guard he advanced not only in rank but also in responsibility. Early in his training it was realized that his grasp of military tactics was outstanding. He was asked, and accepted the assignment, to serve fulltime and teach tactical logistics at the Fort Indiantown Gap training school. He was encouraged to go to Officer Candidate School. He declined the suggestion and opted to remain in the ranks as a noncommissioned officer. Pugliese was known as someone who routinely put others before self. Before he was killed, he gave a list to everyone who was sending him care packages with the names of other soldiers and asked them to send to those soldiers instead.

Spc. Oliver J. Brown Company C, 1-109th Infantry Sept. 28, 2005

Spc. Brown was killed in Iraq while on a routine patrol to secure construction of a railroad bridge when an improvised explosive device struck his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The vehicle was then attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, setting it ablaze. On the day he died Brown volunteered to take the place of one of his fellow soldiers on the mission who wasn’t feeling well. Before he died, Brown asked his mother to send him his childhood baseball mitt so he and long-time friend, Johnson, could play catch. He wanted it to be a surprise.

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Russell Lightner Jr. 28th Military Police Company Oct. 27, 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Lightner was conducting combat operations in Iraq in a 14-vehicle convoy when an improvised explosive device struck his up-armored Humvee. Lightner joined the active Army in 1995 and served on active duty for three years. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1998 and the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2003. He was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville, as a trooper in the patrol unit until his activation in the Guard. He was described by fellow troopers as being a genuine individual and a hard worker who was dedicated to everything he did.

Sgt. 1st Class Brent Allen Adams HHC, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Dec. 1, 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Adams was killed when his vehicle rolled over after being hit by a rocket in Ramadi, Iraq. His entire life he was forever curious and developed a love of books and a thirst for knowledge. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying backpacking, hiking and camping. He loved music of all kinds from heavy metal to big bands and symphonies. He was an avid Penn State, Pirates, and Steelers football game watcher. He knew the bible well and was active in his church. Brent was President of his Church Council prior to his deployment to Iraq. He was a very devoted hands-on father, doing everything for his son from changing diapers, to staying up with him when he was sick.

Staff Sgt. Keith Allen Bennett 28th Military Police Company Dec. 11, 2005

Staff Sgt. Bennett was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, when a car bomb detonated at a vehicle checkpoint. He was walking up to a vehicle to conduct a search when the vehicle’s occupant detonated the bomb. Bennett joined the National Guard in February 1997 and served in Operation Desert Spring from August 2002 to June 2003, providing a forward presence in the Persian Gulf region. He was a full-time member of the National Guard--a military policeman who patrolled Fort Indiantown Gap. When he volunteered to go to Iraq, his sister said “He’s always been a hero. I’m very proud of him. I’ll always be proud of him.” As a unit leader, Bennett had nine soldiers under him. One of his subordinates, Sgt. Ben Claus, said Bennett often volunteered himself or the unit for extra time so that someone else could take an extra day off. In addition, he often brought extra equipment, anticipating that some of his fellow soldiers might forget something.

Lt. Col. Michael Erich McLaughlin HHC, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Jan. 5, 2006

Lt. Col. McLaughlin was killed by a suicide bomber at an Iraqi police recruiting station in Ramadi, Iraq. With a significant wound to the back of his head, McLaughlin turned to his injured personal security detail officers and inquired about their well-being. Waving off medical attention, he asked them to check on the soldiers under his command. In an act of extreme selflessness, he stated that he was alright and to concentrate on saving the lives of his men. McLaughlin died shortly after giving that instruction. He was the first officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to die in action since World War II. “Mike died doing his job the only way he knew how – out front with great enthusiasm and courage,” said then-Col. John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He laid the ground work for leader engagement in the city of Ramadi. He was instrumental in building the relationships necessary to push the fragile rebuilding process forward. His work was the foundation for the interaction of emerging Iraqi security efforts and the local city leaders.

Sgt. 1st Class Randy Donald McCaulley Company A, 1-110th Infantry March 23, 2006

Sgt. 1st Class McCaulley was shot while performing a combat patrol with his unit in Mudiq, Iraq. McCaulley enlisted in the Army after graduating from Marion Center High School in 1979. He served in the regular Army from 1979 to 1983 and joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1984. He was a soldier among soldiers, and a very upbeat man. Everybody who knew him loved him. He was a well-liked soldier with a great sense of humor who could bring a little levity to a tough situation and make it easier to get through.

Spc.Mark William Melcher Company A, 1-103rd Armor April 15, 2006

Spc. Melcher was working as a loader on an M1A1 tank when he was fatally shot in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He immediately received combat lifesaver support from a fellow crew member while in transit to the Camp Taqaddum Shock and Trauma Center, where he later died. Melcher served in the regular Army from 1989 to 1993, and was an Operation Desert Storm veteran. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in August 2005. He was a Pittsburgh sports fan and an avid camper who took the time to travel around the country he cared deeply about. In the summer of 2000, he and a co-worker, Sean Steinmetz, a friend he had known since childhood, jumped into a car and took a road trip out west. They visited Yellowstone National Park and the Crazy Horse Monument and spent the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. “He loved this country,” Mr. Steinmetz said last night. “He loved it till the end.”

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Anthony Brozovich Battery C, 1-213th Air Defense Artillery Oct. 18, 2006

Sgt. 1st Class was commander of an M-1117 armored security vehicle and was on a multivehicle patrol in Ashraf, Iraq, when a large improvised explosive device detonated near the vehicle, killing him. Brozovich served as an active-duty Marine from 1982 to 1986. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard after completing his 47-month tour in the Marines. He deployed to Europe in 2002 and provided security at NATO military installations as part of Task Force Keystone. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq and supported military police operations. He never wavered about the worthiness of the cause, nor did he complain about the disruptions it caused in his civilian life, said his wife, Mary. “He believed in his country. He wanted to keep it safe.”

Master Sgt. Sean Michael Thomas 28th Division Support Command March 27, 2007

Master Sgt. Thomas was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, during a rocket attack. Thomas and an American contractor were killed in the attack, which wounded five others. Sean was an energetic person who enjoyed life. He had a special way of making others smile. He liked the outdoors and playing sports. He loved his family and spending time with his friends. He had been planning to attend Officer Candidates School in October and wanted to be a teacher when he returned. He left behind an infant daughter who he was able to meet while home on mid-tour leave.

Master Sgt. Scott Rowen Ball HHC, 55th Brigade, ETT Aug. 27, 2007

Master Sgt. Ball was killed in an ambush in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, while on a re-supply mission in a six-vehicle convoy. He was attempting to rescue two fallen soldiers under heavy fire. As a civilian, Ball was an eight-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, assigned to Troop H in Carlisle. He was a former active duty soldier and enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1992. The motorcycle patrolman and training officer was a well-liked, charismatic leader who mentored many new troopers, said his supervisor, Sgt. Jonathan Mays. “We looked to him to put his stamp on our younger members because we wanted them to emulate his performance,” Mays said. “We look to the best among us to fill that role as an educator and he certainly was one of those.” Ball also was a doting father, who enjoyed motorcycles and auto racing and who was pursuing his pilot’s license.

Sgt. Jan Michael Argonish HHC, 55th Brigade, ETT Aug. 27, 2007

Sgt. Argonish was killed in an ambush in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, while on a re-supply mission in a six-vehicle convoy. Argonish was a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan, Waymart, Wayne County. He was an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran and volunteered for the embedded training team mission he was on in Afghanistan. An avid outdoorsman, Sgt. Argonish enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles with his son. His family described him as a brave soldier who was very humble and quiet about his service, but a hero to those he served with.

Lt. Col. Richard Joseph Berrettini PNG Medical Detachment Jan. 11, 2008

Lt. Col. Berrettini died at Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas, due to injuries received from an improvised explosive device attack in Khowst Province, Afghanistan. His passing occurred nine days after the Humvee he was a passenger in was attacked. Berrettini was a committed, inspirational and dedicated soldier who deeply cared for his fellow service members. As a civilian, Berrettini was a Port Allegheny High School nurse. He was a former active duty sailor and joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1984. Tony Flint, Port Allegany superintendent of schools, said Berrettini had been an elementary school nurse for seven years before becoming a nurse at the high school, where he also worked for seven years.

1st Lt. Jeffrey Frank Deprimo Company D, 1-109th Infantry May 20, 2008

First Lt. Deprimo was killed near the town of Ghazni, Afghanistan, when his Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device, while on a mission to assess medical facility construction for the Afghan people. He was a tremendously energetic officer and leader who always reached for excellence and cared deeply about his soldiers. He had great attention to detail in his mission planning and was dedicated to ensuring the security of his personnel. Soldiers under the command of Deprimo said they would follow the platoon leader anywhere. In civilian life, he was an expert car detailer, a talented musician, a loving family man and a patriot to the end. Family members said they’ll remember him as a brilliant, loving person who was dedicated to others and never sought the spotlight.

Spc. Derek David Holland Company A, 228th Brigade Support Battalion June 3, 2008

Spc. Holland was near Zormat, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device struck his Humvee while he was serving as security for the Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team. Holland was a 2006 graduate of Pen Argyl High School and enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard during his senior year. Holland was enrolled in the information systems technology program at the Career Institute of Technology, a vocational-technical school that serves students from Pen Argyl. His teacher at CIT said Holland was shy when he first arrived. He became interested in the military in his senior year and hoped to combine it with his computer education, she said. “Once he decided what he wanted to do, he blossomed.” “In him I saw a young man who would grow up in time to be a leader in this company and would be a great asset for many years to come. Sadly this was not to be,” his commander Capt. Robert Stein said.

Staff Sgt. Mark Conrad Baum Det. 1, Company B, 1-111th Infantry Feb. 21, 2009

Staff Sgt. Baum killed by small-arms fire near Mushada, Iraq, after the quick reaction force he was assigned to responded to an improvised explosive device attack. Baum, a former active duty combat veteran, served tours in Iraq, Kosovo and the Sinai. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2005. As a civilian, he was a corrections officer at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. He had three children and his wife said her husband was always eager to both play with his children and handle the more draining tasks of parenthood, such as changing diapers or comforting them when they woke up at night.

Spc. Chad Allen Edmundson Company B, 2-112th Infantry May 27, 2009

Spc. Edmundson was killed by an improvised explosive device attack in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. He was a dynamic, young soldier who had enormous potential in the military or any other career field he would have chosen. He was a 2008 graduate of Williamsburg High School where, between his junior and senior years, he enlisted in the military. He enjoyed baseball, wrestling, golfing and bowling and was an avid fisherman.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert James Fike Company C, 1-110th Infantry June 11, 2010

Sgt. 1st Class Fike was killed in an attack by a suicide bomber in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was on a foot patrol in the Bullard Bazaar, when was killed. Fike joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in September 1993. In his 16 years of service he served two tours, one in Saudi Arabia from 2002 to 2003 and another in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. He was a Pennsylvania State employee with 13 years of service and had been a Corrections Officer at SCI Albion since 2002, holding the rank of Sergeant. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his daughter, the love and joy of his life.

Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Alan Hoover Company C, 1-110th Infantry June 11, 2010

Sgt. 1st Class Hoover was killed in an attack by a suicide bomber in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He was on a foot patrol in the Bullard Bazaar, when was killed. Hoover joined the Marine Corps in October 1999 and served on active duty until September 2004. In March 2005, after several months in the Marine Corps Reserve, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was graduated in 2000 from Elizabeth Forward High School where he was a member of the track and wrestling teams. He also loved to play football and hockey. Years later he returned to his school to share his extensive knowledge as an assistant track and cross country coach. The students valued his inspirational coaching style and looked up to him.

Sgt. Edward W. Koehler III 131st Transportation Company July 18, 2011

Sgt. Koehler was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated on his convoy outside of Bagram, Afghanistan, while he was transporting supplies and equipment. Koehler was a 1982 graduate of Lebanon High School. After serving with the Marine Corps from 1982 to 1988, he took a 10-year break from service. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1997 as a motor transport operator, serving his entire Guard career in the 131st Transportation Company. A dedicated trucker and soldier, Koehler settled down with his wife in Georgia, but kept travelling to Pennsylvania for drills with the 131st, who he served with in Kuwait and Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

Staff Sgt. Brian Keith Mowery 131st Transportation Company July 18, 2011

Staff Sgt. Mowery was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated on his convoy outside of Bagram, Afghanistan, while he was transporting supplies and equipment. He started his military career in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1979 to 1985. After a 15-year break in service, Mowery returned to uniformed services, this time with the Army National Guard. He was an NCO who always put the welfare of his soldiers before his own. He was praised for having an “honest and sincere concern for the welfare and development of his soldiers. Mowery talked of his wife and four children all the time, a proud father devoted to his family. When Mowery's Kutztown-based National Guard unit was deployed to Kosovo, on a peacekeeping mission, he was seen as the father figure, taking good care of the younger guardsmen. He was a skilled and serious soldier, but also used his great sense of humor to keep morale up and break tension on tough days.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Rowland VanGiesen 131st Transportation Company July 18, 2011

Staff Sgt. Kenneth VanGiesen was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated on his convoy outside of Bagram, Afghanistan, while he was transporting supplies and equipment. After enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a fuel and electrical systems repair specialist in July 1999, VanGiesen went on to become a heavy-vehicle driver, light-wheeled vehicle mechanic, and an armament repairman. VanGiesen was on his fourth active-duty tour. He also deployed to Germany with the 55th Heavy Brigade, Iraq with the 2nd Infantry Brigade, and Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade. Between schools and mobilizations, VanGiesen spent more than four total years on active duty during his 12-year National Guard career. He was the type of NCO who was always taking on new challenges and volunteering to serve. His leaders thought of him as a confident, enthusiastic leader who sought opportunities to both learn and teach. Despite being a staff sergeant, he was tasked with the duty of acting as a platoon sergeant in his previous unit.