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1st Lt. Brandon A. Barrett
27
Marion
| Helmand Province, Afghantstan
5-5-2010
Barrett has recently been posthumously promoted from the rank of first lieutenant to captain by the United States Marine Corps. Barrett was born January 21st, 1983 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He spent his childhood befriending everyone he met, playing sports, and dreaming of becoming a soldier for the United States military. Brandon graduated from Marion High School in 2001, and he was proudly accepted into the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 2006, joined the Marine Corps, and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant on May 26, 2008. Barrett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Barrett's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal. Brandon "Bull" Barrett was an outstanding athlete, an avid outdoorsman and a natural leader. He confronted every task with enthusiasm and accepted each responsibility with dignity. His passionate commitment to the Marine Corps and to his troops was insurmountable. Those who knew him will remember his loyalty and his dedication to friendship most of all. His eyes held no prejudice, and he greeted everyone with a smile. Brandon kept the city of Marion, Indiana closest to his heart, returning home on nearly every leave. To its citizens and to the countless numbers of lives that he touched, Brandon Barrett will forever be remembered as a hero. He is survived by his mother, Cindy Barrett; his father, Brett Barrett; his sisters, Ashley and Taylor Barrett; his brother, Brock Barrett; and his grandmother, Carmen Johnson. Additional survivors include several aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Sgt. Kenneth R. Booker
25
Vevay
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Mukhisa, Iraq
11-14-2007
He was a 2000 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Lewis. "He was a super-great guy," said Booker's Aunt. "He would always make you laugh. He just had that kind of personality. He was very smart. I can't say enough good things abut him." He had a clever sense of humor, liked to have fun and to go hunting. "He was a funny person," "He liked to joke around, he liked to hunt, was goodhearted, kind. He was quiet. He was just a wonderful person." He also is survived by his father, Charles Booker; stepfather, Robert Graham; and stepmother, Brenda "Shorty" Booker.
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Spc. James A. Butz
21
Porter
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Helmand Province, Afghanistan
9-28-2011
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Senior Airman
Ashton L. M. Goodman
21
Indianapolis
| Badakhshan Province Afghanistan
5-26-2009
Everyone already knew that Senior Airman Ashton Goodman was a capable vehicle operator. The Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team's main project has been the construction of a $28 million road project connecting Panjshir to the Badakhshan province, as well as all neighboring provinces. Airman Goodman supported countless engineering missions to the province's most northern and remote district of Paryan where the final leg of the 80-mile road is presently under construction. It seems, though, that as her tour on Panjshir's Provincial Reconstruction Team came to an end, she still had a few things left on her to-do list. Over the past month, Airman Goodman, an aspiring writer and photographer, volunteered to work alongside me in public affairs. Eager to tell our team's story, she penned her first news story and quickly found herself published on the Air Force Web site. She also channeled her passion and creativity every day for two weeks into producing the team's yearbook. Within days of launching an impressive advertising campaign, she had books sold to nearly everyone she came into contact with. As a 21-year-old young woman, Airman Goodman also found herself in a unique position mentoring the province's female Afghan leadership. During weekly meetings with the Director of Women's Affairs, she advanced the economic and social development of women in Panjshir. On May 18, she led the tremendous undertaking to deliver much-needed food and house supplies to more than 100 poor women. As we drove up the narrow, steep, winding road to the village, she beamed with excitement over the chance to personally help these women. Over the next few days, leading into Memorial Day weekend, she'd go on to mingle with female teachers during a "Teacher's Day" celebration, participate in a women's shura (meeting), attend a photography exhibit at Ahmad Shah Massoud's tomb where she saw Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, one of the country's presidential candidates, and sample freshly made ice cream in a local bazaar. Her contributions to this team are countless and now, as I look at the empty desk next to me in the small office I shared for the past month with Airman Goodman, I smile when I think about the past month I shared with her and the impact she made on Panjshir Province. Her vivacious spirit, zest of life, and eagerness to experience it all will forever be remembered by our team.
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Pfc. Shawn D. Hensel
20
Logansport
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Shawn obtained his GED in 2006 and was assigned to Fort Lewis. "Shawn had a way of touching everyone." "He just had a way of getting into your heart." U.S. Army representative Maj. Gen. David Huntoon said Hensel's troop knew him to be very trustworthy. "He was relied upon by every soldier." "He always looked out for the troops." He surprised her on their two-month wedding anniversary and took her on her first kayaking trip. "Shawn was indeed the greatest man I'd ever known." Hensel was known for seeking out adventure. "He wanted to live as much of life as he could," "He wanted to live life abundantly." He also is survived by his parents, Beth and David.
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Spc. Joseph M. Hernandez
24
Hammond
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Jaldal, Afghanistan
1-9-2009
Joseph was a 2003 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. Hernandez's family remembers him as a man who loved to rebuild cars, build model planes, fish, box, play piano, play guitar and sing. When one of his nieces was an infant, his gentle rocking was the only thing that would soothe her. He played soccer in high school, was an altar server and cantor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and considered joining the priesthood. He always knew he wanted a big family, his mother said. "He just had a special heart," The couple lived in Germany, but when her husband temporarily was deployed to Afghanistan, she brought their sons, Jacob and Noah, home to Indiana for the holidays. She was waiting for his usual, "I'm back," message on the Internet. It didn't come. The young couple met when they were in high school. With Alison Hernandez at Gavit High School and Joseph Hernandez at Mount Carmel, the two began talking online. At the same time, Alison Hernandez had a crush on a boy who worked at the local video store. It turned out that Joseph Hernandez, who worked at the video store, was the same boy she had been talking to online for a month. They went sledding with another couple and had their first date at the movie theater a week later. Alison Hernandez kept turning her head when Joseph Hernandez tried to kiss her on the first date. She finally gave in. The two kissed and were nearly inseparable ever since, even though Joseph Hernandez was a White Sox fan and Alison Hernandez cheered for the Cubs. As the months passed, Joseph headed to Holy Cross and then Purdue University in West Lafayette for school, where he studied to be a veterinarian. Alison Hernandez joined him in Lafayette. They broke up for a little while and got back together. In April 2005, he joined the Army. Through letters, they fell more in love and talked about marriage. They conceived a son and got married. Joseph Hernandez was assigned to the Old Guard, where he served at funeral ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery. The couple moved to Germany in January 2008, when Joseph Hernandez re-enlisted. "Joseph wanted to do something greater," "He wanted to be deployed at some point." In April, she gave birth to their second son, Noah.
"As sad as all of this is, we're grateful that we have Jacob and Noah," Elva Hernandez said. "It's almost as if Joseph left us this gift." Aside from his wife, sons and mother, Joseph Hernandez also is survived by his father, Jessie Hernandez, brothers Jesse and Jason Hernandez and numerous other relatives.
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Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis
36
Tell City
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Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
11-29-2010
He was born Nov. 24, 1974, in Tell City. He is survived by his wife, Tina; his daughters, Kitaira and Aleesha Jarvis; his sons, Donovan Jarvis of Evansville and William Jarvis of Clarksville, Tenn.; his mother, Alma Jean Jarvis of Tell City; his father; William Jarvis of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Rita Dickman of Newburgh and Tressie James of Tell City; three brothers, Dan Jarvis of Huntington, Ed Jarvis of Terlton, Okla., and Johnny Jarvis of Rockport and a granddaughter, Kalyn Jarvis
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Pfc. Willard M. Kerchief III
21
Evansville
| Kerchief graduated in 2005 from Evansville's Reitz High School after attending Bosse High School for three years. He was “always energetic, never gloomy, always happy.”
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Spc. Johnathan A. Lahmann
21
Richmond
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Bayji, Iraq
12-10-2007
Johnathan Lahmann graduated Richmond High School in 2004. Lahmann studied auto repair and planned to become a mechanic. "He was a very good student," "He was a great kid, good listener, good learner, real sharp, real nice young man." Lahmann would come to his house on weekends to help the teacher work on his own cars. "He would have been a top-notch mechanic," Reisinger said. "Right now I'm just shaken up. He was an all-around good young man and I'm going to miss him."
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Staff Sgt. Kenneth K. McAninch
28
Logansport
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Yahya Khel District, Afghanistan
10-21-2010
McAninch was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Ky. He enlisted in the U.S. Army’s delayed entry program in early 2005 and reported for active duty in March of that year, according to military records. McAninch attended Lewis Cass Junior-Senior High School. “He was one of those kids who always worked hard to get things done.” McAninch was cooperative and respectful. According to an announcement from Fort Campbell, McAninch’s awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device and Combat Infantryman Badge.
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Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape
30
Fort Wayne
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Konar Province, Afghanistan
11-16-2010
Pape was a squad leader assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. According to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs office. Pape was leading troops in a firefight "against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain of Afghanistan." The Ranger, who enlisted in February 2005, was on his third deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He had also served three tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pape's family and the Rangers he led were the most important aspects of his life. Pape is survived by his wife, Amelia Rose Pape; his daughter, Anneka Sue, both of Savannah; and his father, Marc Dennis Pape, of Fort Wayne. The Ranger was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.
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Sgt. Nicholas J. Patterson
24
Rodchester
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Baghdad, Iraq
9-10-2007
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Patterson joined the Army May 2004. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training in September 2004 and the Basic Airborne Course in October 2004 at Fort Benning, Ga. He arrived to the 82nd Airborne Division in October 2004 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as an Infantryman. "Nick could always be counted on to pick you up and make you smile," added Bagbay. "His concern for his soldiers and friends will be missed by all." Patterson had one previous deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2006 to December 2006. Patterson's awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Parachutist's Badge. Patterson is survived by his wife, Jayme Patterson; his son Reilley, both of Akron, Ind.; his father, James Patterson of Rochester, Ind.; and his mother Jane Holmes of Warsaw, Ind.
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Seaman Apprentice
Shayna Ann Schnell
19
Tell City
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Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates
10-1-2007
Shayna was currently serving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates located in the Persian Gulf. She was born Oct. 10, 1987.
Surviving family members are Suzanne Silacci, mother, Vernon Silacci, stepfather, Adamsville, Tenn.; Douglas Schnell, father, Peggy Schnell, stepmother, Tell City, Ind.; brothers, Tyler Schnell, Norfolk, Va., Trent Schnell, Schnellville, Ind.; and sister, Nicole Schnell, Kansas City, Kan. Maternal grandparents are Judy Byrd, Tuscumbia, Ala., and Leo and Joette Johnson, Tuscumbia, Ala. Paternal grandparents are Doris Schnell and the late Johnny Schnell, Schnellville, Ind; an uncle, John Johnson; and an aunt, Lisa Moray, Hollywood, Fla. Great-grandparents are Louise Bonifer, Schnellville, Ind., James Roy and Margaret Byrd, Tuscumbia, Ala., and the late Titus and Lennis Johnson, of Tuscumbia. Shayna excelled in her duties for the U.S. Navy and was loved and respected by her fellow sailors, supervisors, family and friends. She is now an angel working for God in his army.
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Spc. Scott D. Smith
36
Indianapolis
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Khowst Province, Afghanistan
6-17-2011
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Pfc. James A. Waters
21
Cloverdale
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Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
7-1-2011
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Pfc. Brett E. Wood
19
Spencer
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Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
9-9-2011
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Cpl. Ryan A. Woodward
22
Fort Wayne
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Baghdad, Iraq
9-8-2007
Ryan A. Woodward played football and wrestled in high school. He also liked riding motorcycles and was an outgoing and adventurous person, his mother said. "He wasn't fearful at all," "He jumped out of planes. He just enjoyed life." He was a 2003 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bragg. Woodward enlisted in February 2006 after attending Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne for a short time. "He was always in sports in high school. I think he liked the camaraderie." "He was so kind," "He wasn't the kind of child who needed to be the center of attention. It's such a cliche to say he was all-American, but he was." He also is survived by his father, and mother. "He would talk forever. He was the most outgoing person in our family."
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These are the names of our FALLEN HEROES. If you have any information how this HERO lived, please email the information and a picture in jpeg to us and we will add it to the name.
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