We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:48:32 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2008 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification This post will be up top all day. New stuff comes in below. IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1171-06 November 17, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Killed were: Col. Thomas H. Felts Sr., 45, of Sandston, Va. He was assigned to the Command and General Staff College, School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Spc. Justin R. Garcia, 26, of Elmhurst,... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:56:37 -0600 Raven 04 ~ You said it so eloquently. Thank you for reminders of Tom, he was an amazing man. We will continue praying until the last one comes home. Git-R-Done! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53297 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53297 Wed, 22 Nov 2006 22:31:23 -0600 I'd like to personally thank the family of COL Felts for their strength and you, Sir, for your guidance and mentoring on this difficult battlefield. Your sacrifice is great, and difficult for all of those whose lives you touched to bear. We shall never forget you, your dedication to this mission, your excellent sense of humor and friendly laughter. I was the driver of the vehicle behind COL Felts' vehicle that night and am the team's Logistics Advisor. We just held a memorial for him here, in Iraq, and miss him dearly. COL Felts mentored us professionally and personally, treating us like his own family since day one, when we started training at Fort Hood back in January. We miss you, Sir, but know that to truly honor you we must redouble our efforts to complete this mission in your vision, 'Git-R-Done', and ensure the safe return home of the rest of the team you so diligently built and sustained. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53214 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53214 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 13:15:12 -0600 Tom was initially a member of the 1-327th Infantry, Bastogne Bulldogs, as an Infantryman. Later, he was transferred to the Military Intelligence career field. He was a SAMs graduate and a great father. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53194 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53194 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:17:01 -0600 Thanks Barb!! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53192 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53192 Sun, 19 Nov 2006 22:26:26 -0600 http://www.stormingmedia.us/authors/Felts_Thomas_H_.html Also, here is a news item with a little more on his record of service: http://www.kshb.com/kshb/nw_local_news/article/0,1925,KSHB_9424_5151705,00.html ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53162 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53162 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 23:43:42 -0600 Does anyone know where to find a bio on Col Felts? The name and his face are awfully familiar to me, and he's wearing MI insignia, but I for the life of me, I can't imagine where I know him from. It's really disturbing because I feel like that's a face I know looking out at me from that picture... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53161 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53161 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 22:48:37 -0600 Godspeed, sir. My prayers are with his family and friends. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53149 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53149 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:17:29 -0600 COL Woods was promoted posthumously. He was a promotable LTC when he was killed. Not that it matters. I know that we provide different military honors based on rank, but in my mind death has a way of making those distinctions insignificant. Every grave in a national cemetery is equally hallowed ground. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53143 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53143 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 13:39:46 -0600 I've found two Colonels, but one of them, a Colonel Westhusing, died of non-combat injuries. It looks like the first Colonel killed in combat was a California Guardsman: Army Col. William W. Wood 2005-10-27 44, of Panama City, Fla.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, Modesto, Calif.; killed Oct. 27 when he was directing security operations in response to the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. During this response, a second IED detonated near his position. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53128 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53128 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:05:38 -0600 I may be wrong, but is COL Felts now the highest ranking officer killed in action in the GWOT, at least not including any casualties in the Pentagon? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53123 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53123 Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:12:27 -0600 When the boundless spirit Has no place to roam The heart will sadly whisper This world is not my home When the sweep of wind along the grass Bows down to destiny When the last bright star has fallen Lord, who will comfort me?]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53111 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53111 Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:02:05 -0600 Wonderful memorial service and reception. Great, strong family. Where do we get such men ... and women? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53101 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/11/the_war_comes_h.html#comment-53101 Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:27:57 -0600