Remembering Army Master Sgt. Richard L. Ferguson ~ NH Hero

Honoring and remembering Army Master Sgt. Richard L. Ferguson of Conway, NH. He died March 30, 2004 when the military vehicle he was riding in rolled over in Samarra, Iraq. He was serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Richard was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colorado. He had served in Bosnia, Germany, Iraq and elsewhere, but his missions and deployments were often kept classified.

“What went on, he left at work or with the guys”, said his father, Lee Ferguson, Sr. “When he came home, he laughed, he joked, he went camping with the kids, he went on trips, he worked around the house.”

Richard dropped out of high school at age 17 and later earned his GED. He joined the Army becoming a career military man. “Once he got in, he loved it and he stayed with it. That was his home, “his father said.

He was also a history buff and spent 20 years putting together a family tree tracing his roots back the to 1700’s. Richard had come to terms with the dangers of the military job he loved.

Despite being a member of an elite military force, Richard was humble and found more often in fatigues than his dress uniform. He turned down a promotion that would have taken him out of the field. “He wasn’t a person to stand out there and say, “Look what I did,” his father said. “He liked being in the field. He was behind the scenes. He was a team leader”

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR….

Remembering Sgt Jeremiah Holmes ~ NH Hero

Remembering Sgt Jeremiah Holmes, the first New Hampshire National Guardsman killed in Ramadi, Iraq on 3-29-2004 when a bomb rocked the truck in which he was riding in a convoy.

He was a member of the Army National Guard 744th Transportation Company with headquarters in Hillsboro, N.H., and detachments in Claremont and Somersworth. His unit was deployed for training in late December, and sent to Iraq in February for 18 months.

During the departure ceremony two weeks before Christmas, Holmes’ wife, Kimberly, held their infant son, Kaleb. When asked how she felt about his deployment, she told the newspaper, “Not good. I feel bad for the baby.” Holmes and his wife had been selected by Foster’s Sunday Citizen for a series of stories showing how one family copes with a military deployment.

“I’m worried about losing my best friend and not being able to see the person I’ve spent every day with for a year and a half,” Kimberly Holmes told the Dover newspaper in January. The day before her husband’s death, she was in the process of setting up a second interview.

Holmes served on active duty from 1994 to 1999, when he joined the New Hampshire Guard.

“Jay was just a wonderful individual, a keeper,” said Patsy Koelker, a neighbor, using the name everyone knew him by. “He was kind and caring,” she said, and if there was an errand to be done, he was “at the head of the line.”

To Remember is to Honor….

Remembering CPL Michael Ouellette ~ NH Hero

Remembering CPL Michael Ouellette – KIA 3-22-09 in Afghanistan he was 28 year old, of Manchester, N.H.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; while supporting combat operations. He trained as an infantryman and served two tours in Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan in November 2008. Mike was the kind of person that if you ever had the pleasure to meet, you would never forget. He was genuine, kind, down to earth, and he always knew how to have a good time. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

This is from his mom, Donna: “Michael loved the outdoors, hiking with friends in the the beautiful White Mountains. He enjoyed traveling, had a wicked sense of humor and was very outgoing, making new friends wherever he went. He was very insightful and concerned about not only major issues like politics and the environment, but also about people and how/why they should get involved in helping to make this a better place t live. He would go out of his way to help someone who needed a helping hand. His biggest passion was food – creating new recipes, going to culinary school, and firmly believed that no one in this country should go hungry or be homeless. He was a true and loyal friend, always finding a way to inspire others to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Michael Ouellette will forever be remembered as a brave and courageous hero who sacrificed his life for the freedom of others. For his conspicuous gallantry, bold leadership, wise judgment, complete dedication to duty, displaying exceptional valor in combat by leading his Marines in a gun battle in Afghanistan, even after suffering a mortal wound, Cpl. Ouellette was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the highest award presented by the Department of the Navy and the military’s second highest award for valor next to the Medal of Honor.

Michael was a squad leader in 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, from Camp Lejeune, N.C. On March 22, 2009, his unit was in its fifth month on the ground in the Now Zad district in northern Helmand province.

Almost two hours into a foot patrol, which began in the morning at Forward Operating Base A.P. Hill, Ouellette was wounded by the blast of an improvised explosive device that detonated under his feet.

As the dust settled, the gunfire began from enemy positions a few meters away, and Ouellette lay bleeding in a crater.

Gaining their bearings, the Marines of 1st Platoon scrambled to lay down suppressing fire and Cpl. Jesse Raper, a squad automatic machine gunner, pulled Ouellette, who was conscious and breathing, out of the crater. Together they began to apply tourniquets and Ouellette stayed in charge, said Hospitalman 3rd Class Matthew Nolen, who ran to Ouellette’s side within moments.

With the lower half of his left leg gone and his right upper thigh and groin area ripped through with shrapnel, Ouellette knew there was no time to waste. He calmly took charge of his squad’s response to the enemy ambush.

“When I get there, he’s still calling out orders, he’s still telling the radio operator what to call in for helos, what to call in for mortars, calling his evac nine-line in and making sure that his assistant team leader, Lance Cpl. Rupert, has everything under control,” Nolen said.

But Ouellette’s time was slipping away. As a quick-reaction force sped toward the ambush site, having been hampered by additional IEDs along the route, he was taken by ground ambulance to a casualty evacuation landing zone about two kilometers away. And, according to Nolen, Ouellette was still breathing and conscious when the bird took off.

“I’m proud of my Marines,” were the last words Nolen heard Ouellette say as he waited for that bird.

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR…

Remembering Sgt. David Stelmat ~ NH Hero

Sgt. David “DJ” Stelmat, 27, was KIA on 3-22-2008, in Iraq as a result of a roadside bomb while serving as a medic in the 237 Military Police Company.

Stelmat was a former U.S. Army infantryman who fought on the front lines in Afghanistan. He later traded his weapon for a first-aid kit as a medic with the New Hampshire Army National Guard in Iraq.

His mom, Maryanne, told me that she “would like people to remember his smile and the glint of mischief in his eye.” “My son was a well loved and respected young man.” “I was truly blessed. He was the best son a mom could ever, ever have had.” “He always wanted to help others. Perhaps what most distinguished D.J. as a person was the way he was connected. Not only to his family and his friends, but to the world he lived in.”

He loved the outdoors and for 3 years he choose to live in a humble 10×10 cabin in the woods of Franconia because he wanted to see what it was like to live like Daniel Boone.

David and his friends were responsible for a widely circulated photograph after the 2001 terrorist attacks. They climbed to the top of the Old Man in the Mountain to hang a huge American flag from the granite profile. He went back later to retrieve it, but not before some photos were made into posters memorializing the moment.

He was expected to return from Iraq after 15 month deployment and resume his studies at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord and become a Physician’s Assistant.

May God be with Maryanne and the rest of the family bringing them comfort, especially today.

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR…

Remembering SPC Jesse Conger ~ NH Hero

SPC Jesse Conger was killed in a training accident on 3-22-02 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. A letter sent to his parents, Jeff and Ann, had this from his Commander…”I will always remember Jesse as an important member of Charlie Company. As his Commander, I can tell you this Company was great because of his efforts. Jesse touched all our lives. I distinctly remember Jesse’s constant grin that he carried with him everywhere. His joyful expressions and sharp mind were always present and made each of us in Charlie Company a little bit better for having known him.”

His mom, Ann, said “he enjoyed computers and soccer. He gave up a well paying job in computers to join the military because he wanted to serve his country and see the world.”

“God gave me Jesse for 22 years and I think Him for that.” His dad, Jeff, received a letter from Jesse after he enlisted. On it he said things to his dad that were ‘easier on paper.” “I wanted to say that you are the best dad a guy can wish for.”

On Memorial Day, 2009, the bridge in Barrington spanning the Isinglass River on Rt. 202 was renamed the Specialist Jesse Conger Memorial Bridge.

May God be with his parents, especially today, bringing them comfort.

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR…

Remembering and honoring SPC Justin Rollins ~ NH Hero

Remembering and honoring SPC Justin Rollins who was killed on March 5, 2007 in Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

I remember talking with his mother, Rhonda, later in 2007 and she had said he was due home for his break as he had been in Iraq since August 8, 2006 – that was the last time that she got to see her beautiful and loving son. She told me that Justin gave up his life so that we could have our freedoms. She said how proud she was of him and for being so strong. She said she mourns too for the plans he had of marriage (he planned to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Brittney Murray, during an upcoming leave), having children and living a full life. He was only 22. She said the families lives have changed forever – life will never be the same again. He was vivacious, always fun to be around, and was such a good friend to all.

Justin’s story can’t be told without mention of Hero the puppy that was brought from Iraq to his parents after Justin’s death. The night before Justin died, he found a dog had given birth in the back room of an Iraqi police station. According to his dad, Skip, Justin yelled for his men. They came in with guns drawn and found Justin lying on his back on the floor covered in puppies. We all have been blessed by the story of Hero and Justin’s love for this dog. Skip said that Justin always wanted to focus on the lives he saved, including the stray animals. “Saving lives was more important to him” Skip said. “…he was running around trying to rescue everything. To us, Hero was the last life he ever saved.” He really did believe in what he was fighting for.” Rhonda said of Justin, “I think he’d be thrilled there was a positive story from the negative that happened to us…He was such a happy-go-lucky guy.”

To learn more about Justin visit ~ www.rollinsride.com

Honor and Remember

Remembering SGT William Tracy ~ NH Hero

Remembering SGT William Tracy – Killed on 2/25/03 in a UH-60 Black Hawk – crashed in a sandstorm during training in Kuwait.  He was assigned to B Company, 5th Battalion, 158^th Aviation, Aviano Air Base, Italy.

William graduated from Merrimack Valley High School in 1993 and spent one semester pursuing his love of art at a local school before enlisting in the Marines.  After four years, he returned home for a short time before joining the Army to fly helicopters.  He was a crew chief; he fixed the aircraft on the ground and helped pilots navigate in the air.  William was a soldier to the core, volunteering for every mission.  His deployments ranged from Atlas Drop, Tunisia; Flintlock, Mali, Strong Resolve, Norway; Lariat Response, Hungary; Victory Strike III, Poland; and Enduring Freedom, Kuwait.  He loved to travel and rarely stayed home on weekends.  He remained close to his family through e-mail and long telephone calls.  He loved meeting people from around the world and brought toys and gifts with him so they would think well of the United States and its soldiers.

May God be with his family and give them comfort and peace.  Never forget.

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR….

Remembering PFC Eric Currier ~ NH Hero

Today we remember PFC Eric Currier – KIA on 2/17/10 in Afghanistan.  May God be with his family and friends, especially today.  Their lives have been changed forever – grief never goes away.  May you find comfort in memories that you have of Eric and all the time you spent with him.

Eris was an avid sportsman – which included bow hunting, archery, as well as several outdoor activities such as, hockey, snowboarding, wakebording, water skiing and fishing.  Eric was a mentor to all and best friend to everyone.  He was loved by all he met wearing his heart on his sleeve.  Helping people came easy to him. In 2009 Eric joined the Marines after seeing what happened on Sept. 11, 2001.  Eric knew what he had to do.  He earned the High Shooter Award for his Platoon and was a very Proud Marine.

 From Gram

I went to the beach walked down to the water in hopes to find you but you weren’t there I looked and looked But I couldn’t find you So I sat and prayed hoping you hear me I want you to know I love you and I miss you. My boy you will always be with us and because of you our lives were so much brighter you brought so much love and laughter to us. You make us so proud to be called Gram and Grandpa Rest in peace my boy. Love Gram

From his sister, Marlayna

I wish you & I could go fishing one more time, I remember complaining that the sun was too hot but damn I would battle a million suns to get those moments back. I would do anything just to see mom smile like she did when you were here, God didn’t realize that when he took you,

he took all of our hearts with him as well. You’re my best friend Eric, always. I will never forget you, & MANY years from now when I’m looking into the eyes of my children I will tell them about their wonderful uncle & how much they would have loved you. I would kill to have you here, I feel like every day just isn’t and never will be the same without you. I love you; I will see you on the other side… Bait those fishing poles & wax those snow boards; we have ALOT of catching up to do, & more to come. Rest in peace, ♥

From Bob Hamilton, Eric’s friend

Eric I went down to the pier in Holly Ridge where you and Kayla’s initials were carved in the wood. This is the third time I went and re-carved them so they won’t fade. I don’t want the memory of you to fade. You were one of the most honest trustworthy person to come into my life. When I got shot I thought about you. Why did I make it when I’m not that great of a guy but you don’t make it and your way better of a man than I was? I don’t want to talk bad about myself but in a way I wanted to be more like you. I visited LANDING ZONE CURRIER in Afghanistan. I stood where you stood when those nasty evil Taliban shot you. I stuck my hand in the sand and I just felt you. I know you’re in Heaven and you probably watched over me and that why I survived my gunshot wounds. I have been told over and over it’s a miracle that I’m alive. I just miss you man. Don’t worry I won’t let anyone forget about you. I promise.

TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR….

Remembering PFC Matthew Bertolino ~ NH Hero

– Killed February 9, 2006 when the vehicle in which he was traveling in rolled over during a combat patrol near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Matthew’s favorite saying was – “Everyone is alive, but not everyone truly lives.”

Never Forget TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR…

The following was shared by Joyce, his mom:
Matt was the third child of Joyce and Stanley Bertolino. He is survived by his two older sisters, Kristen and Kimberly.
He was mature far beyond his twenty years, yet still had a childlike innocence about him.
His smile could light up a room.
His laugh was contagious.
His hugs could take your breath away.

Matthew felt a deep calling to serve his country: he believed it to be his duty.
He wanted to make this a better world for everyone.
He was proud to be an American and equally proud to be a Marine.
Matthew wrote a letter to his sister from boot camp saying that, “he left a boy, became a man, and was returning a Marine.”
To Matt, it was a privilege and an honor to be a Marine.
He wanted to become a police officer in New Hampshire when his tour of duty was over. He felt that was a way he could continue to serve and help others. He once told his mother that it would be the perfect job for him.

A scholarship fund has been established in Matts honor at his high school, Pinkerton Academy, for seniors pursuing a career in the criminal justice field.

Matt’s family asks each year that the winners please take Matt along with them on their journey, because they are living his dream.

Matthew was extremely loving and generous. Friends and family knew that he could always be counted on when needed. His support and help to his mother, at an early age, was remarkable.
He always put others first, even taking his mother to a movie on Friday night rather than going with his friends because he knew she wanted to go.

Matt loved the outdoors. He had considered landscaping as a career for a while. His home has many gardens, rock walls and walkways that he created. Each one is a gorgeous gift. Family feels very close to Matt when outside.

His mother has created a Memorial Garden for Matt at their home. It is her sanctuary. Family and friends come to visit him there. The garden has been expanded to honor other New Hampshire soldiers that have fallen as well.

Carpentry was also something Matt enjoyed. His grandfather was a carpenter. They both loved creating with their hands. Matt briefly worked with a craftsman, learning the art of cabinet making. He designed and built new kitchen cabinets in his family home. He had them partially installed before leaving for boot camp.

Seeing all his beautiful craftsmanship around their home daily, keeps him close…

Matt’s jeep was another passion that he had. He worked two jobs to have it paid off before joining the Marines. Countless hours were spent taking it apart and fixing and improving things on it. He wanted to make it just perfect. He loved going for long rides with the top off, listening to his music. It was a great place for him to be. His mother has kept his jeep and drives it daily, taking Matt with her.

Matt loved sports. He was a Red Sox and Patriots fan. He played football with friends and wrestled for Pinkerton Academy.
He loved the snow: skiing, snowboarding, and snow shoeing were all favorite pastimes.

The last family trip was to the White Mountains to ski and snowshoe.

He would also golf and play paintball with his dad.

Several times a week he would be at the gym working out. He even put a weight lifting bench in his room at home. Being physically fit was very important to Matt.

Matthew wanted to see the world. He believed he would have that opportunity as a Marine.

He planned on getting a tattoo and wanted it to read “Everyone is alive, but not everyone truly lives.”

We wonder daily what great things he could have done if his earthly time had not have been cut so short.

Everyone that knew Matt was blessed. His presence alone was great. He is deeply missed.

Matthew was a gift. Every memory is cherished. Family asks that he NEVER be forgotten.

Remember his service and sacrifice.

Please remember MATT.

Remembering Navy SEAL Nate Hardy ~ NH Heroes

Remembering Navy SEAL Nate Hardy – KIA February 4, 2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom against an al Qaeda suicide bomb cell.

The following is from his family:  “As early as 6^th grade, Nate wrote a paper about becoming a Navy SEAL.  Through his years on the soccer and lacrosse fields he discovered and developed the fierce competitiveness and team first mentality that would later serve him well on the road to achieving his goal.  In his senior year, he was selected by the New Hampshire soccer coaches to the all-state second team.  He was elected by his teammates as a co-captain of his high school Boys Lacrosse team.  In November 1997, five months after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and began his SEAL journey.  It included graduation with BUD/S Class 221, 3 deployments with SEAL Team 8, completion of the eighteen month course in Arabic at the Defense Language Institute, successful screening and selection as the ‘number one draft choice” to the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group (aka Seal Team 6), and a final deployment with DevGru KILO Team.

Nate’s military honors included selection as Distinguished Military Graduate from Quartermaster “A” School, selection as Honorman at tactical entry expert school, two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, promotion to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and numerous other medals.  He seldom talked about his SEAL deployments.  He kept his first Bronze Star in a locker at his base and dismissively told his father “Dad, it’s not about the medals.  It’s about serving my country and the guys I work with”.

His life was fulfilled in his marriage to Mindi on June 4, 2005 and the birth of their son, Parker on July 16, 2007.

To Honor is to Remember

 

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