This document pays tribute to American service members who died in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2007 while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. It provides biographical information and quotes about each soldier that highlight their character, bravery, and sacrifice for their country. The quotes are from fellow servicemen who served alongside these fallen heroes and witnessed firsthand their courage, leadership, and commitment to the mission.
Remembering Our Fallen Heroes: Memorial Day Tributes
1. On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.
2. On this Memorial Day, let us never forget those men & women, who serve our country so faithfully, all of those brave souls, who are fighting or have fought for our freedom, and those, who will never return to the open arms of their loved ones. While there have been over 6000 American deaths in Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom, I humbly & gratefully remember the brave men and families of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. God bless you all, and we will never forget your sacrifice! …Stacy Hilbrich
3. We cherish too, the Poppy redThat grows on fields where valor led,It seems to signal to the skiesThat blood of heroes never dies. …Moina Michael, 1915
4. Spc. Blake Wade Hall of East Prairie, Missouri died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Glen and Vickie Hall. He also left behind a brother, Coy, and sister, Tara. “Hall was a man who was defined by his morals and beliefs. His love for is family, his country and his fellow soldiers is what defined him most of all to us.” …Company B’s Cpl. Kyle Fredrixon
5. 1st Lt. Joshua Hyland of Missoula, Montana died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Marty & Lynda Hyland. He also left behind his brother, Rick, wife, Lanie, and son, Dylan. "1LT. Hyland is a hero to every one of us here. We miss him, and continue to live and fight as he would want us to.” …SPC Steven Haynes
6. Sgt. Michael Robert Lehmiller of Anderson, South Carolina died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Robert Lehmiller & Gail Michaels. He also left behind his brothers, William & Elliott. “Lehmiller was the kind of guy who was happy to be a friend with anyone,” …Company C’s Sgt. Timothy Smith
7. Pvt. Christopher Palmer of Sacramento, California died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Clemmie & Annie Palmer. He also left behind his brothers, Charles & Clem, and sister, Casandra. “Brave, fierce, intense, a loyal friend and ruthless to the enemy, We have served with the best.” … Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Shuttlesworth
8. 1st Lt. Derek Hines of Newburyport, Massachusetts died on September 1, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Steve & Sue Hines. He also left behind his brothers, Michael & Trevor, and sister, Ashley. “Derek’s death has left a hole in our ranks and in our hearts. He was a genuine friend to those lucky enough to know him. He was a leader, able to touch people in a special kind of way…able to provide that sense of purpose and motivation so desperately needed on the field of Battle.” …CPT Mike Kloepper
9. PFC Timothy Vimoto of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky died on June 5, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of CSM Isaia & MisimuaVimoto. He also left behind his brothers, Isaia, Jr. & Nephi, and sisters, Sabrina & Ariel. “No matter what Vimoto was doing, he had a smile on his face.” …Sgt. Andy Short
10. PFC Juan Restrepo of Pembroke Pines, Florida died on July 22, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of Marcela Pardo. He also left behind his brothers, Ivan & Pablo, and daughter, Adriana.
11. Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Blaskowski of Levering, Michigan died on September 23, 2007 in Asadabad, Afghanistan. He is the son of Terry & Cheryl Blaskowski. He also left behind his wife, Daniela. “Sergeant Ski was the epitome of a professional Soldier that will forever set the bar for Battle Company, Chosen Company and the whole Rock family.“ …1st Lt. Bradley Winn
12. Staff Sgt. Larry Rougle of West Jordan, Utah died on October 23, 2007 on the SawtaloSar Mountain, Afghanistan. He is the son of Ismael & Nancy. He also left behind his brothers, Michael & Trevor, and daughter, Carmin. "I will not shed any tears of sorrow. I'm proud to have known such a good man and a warrior to the bitter end.” …Staff Sgt. Michael Gabel
13. SPC Hugo Mendoza of Glendale, Arizona died on October 25, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of Jesus & Sara Mendoza. He also left behind his brothers, Jesus, Jr. & Esteban. “Valor is not a word you can just throw around. It’s encompassed in Spc. Mendoza.” … 1st Lt. Bradley Winn
14. Sgt. Joshua Brennan of Ontario, Oregon died on October 25, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of Michael Brennan & Janice Gates. He also left behind his brothers, Robert, and sisters,Jessica, Brooke, Courtney, Christina, & Brittany. “Josh was a quiet professional. He truly, truly showed the younger soldiers what it meant to be a soldier, and what it meant to be a leader,” …Staff Sgt. Benito Gallardo
15. “…The men who surround me are America's heroes. They are between the ages of 18 and 21. Most of them are just back from one year in Iraq and are making the ultimate sacrifice for another year. Day in and day out, they amaze me with their perseverance and determination… These soldiers make every day I am out here worth the trip…” …1st Lt. Derek Hines