Via CBS 12.com
PALM CITY - A Port St. Lucie solider is murdered at Fort Drum, New York. Today, he is was laid to rest in Palm City. Diego Valbuena was murdered on December 1, 2009. The accused killer is his roommate, Joshua Hunter. Wednesday, dozens gathered for his funeral in Palm City. This morning was the mass at Holy Redeemer Catholic church. Then, a full military burial. Friend, Luis Roman, says, "He was just a great guy, he was always smiling, always cheerful, always happy in school. Seriously, he was the best guy ever." "Everybody was at peace because he's fine in New York and we weren't expecting that," says family friend, Carolina Catala.
Joshua Hunter is a Military Policeman and has been charged with two counts of second degree murder. He's accused of stabbing Valbuena and Port St. John soldier, Waide James, to death. Hunter's family says he has not been the same since he returned from Iraq last Spring.
08 December 2009
07 December 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
3500 Fort Drum soldiers ordered to Afghanistan in Spring 2010
Rewrite of Press release from Ft Drum Public Affairs
1st BCT gets deployment orders
Another rewrite of the Press release from Ft drum Public Affairs
Rewrite of Press release from Ft Drum Public Affairs
1st BCT gets deployment orders
Another rewrite of the Press release from Ft drum Public Affairs
Press Release - 1st BCT to deploy in Spring 2010
FORT DRUM, NY - The 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team
received orders from the Department of Defense ordering them to deploy
to Afghanistan in spring 2010.
The approximately 3,500 Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are
preparing for a 12 month deployment as part of the President's decision
to deploy additional U.S. forces in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
The ultimate mission of the 1st BCT and the area they will be deployed
will be the based on the needs of the combatant commander in
Afghanistan.
"The top priority in this division right now is to ensure the
preparedness of the Soldiers and Families of the Warrior Brigade as they
prepare for their tour in Afghanistan," said Major General James L.
Terry, 10th Mountain Division Commander.
The Warrior Brigade most recently deployed to Iraq from September 2007
to November 2008. Previously they deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, and
Iraq in 2005.
received orders from the Department of Defense ordering them to deploy
to Afghanistan in spring 2010.
The approximately 3,500 Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are
preparing for a 12 month deployment as part of the President's decision
to deploy additional U.S. forces in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
The ultimate mission of the 1st BCT and the area they will be deployed
will be the based on the needs of the combatant commander in
Afghanistan.
"The top priority in this division right now is to ensure the
preparedness of the Soldiers and Families of the Warrior Brigade as they
prepare for their tour in Afghanistan," said Major General James L.
Terry, 10th Mountain Division Commander.
The Warrior Brigade most recently deployed to Iraq from September 2007
to November 2008. Previously they deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, and
Iraq in 2005.
06 December 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Fort Drum events
A link to a post on a blog called Loving a Soldier: Living the Life which details MWR activities for the month of December on Ft Drum.
Families sweet on Sugarplum Ball
Waterrtown Daily Times coverage of the sixth annual Sugarplum Ball Saturday at the Commons.
Mourners remember Montana soldier who died in Iraq
Memorial service for Pfc. Michael A. Rodgers who was killed earlier this month in Iraq.
A link to a post on a blog called Loving a Soldier: Living the Life which details MWR activities for the month of December on Ft Drum.
Families sweet on Sugarplum Ball
Waterrtown Daily Times coverage of the sixth annual Sugarplum Ball Saturday at the Commons.
Mourners remember Montana soldier who died in Iraq
Memorial service for Pfc. Michael A. Rodgers who was killed earlier this month in Iraq.
05 December 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
New Ways of Treating Soldiers' Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress
Even though it is not directly related to Ft Drum or the 10th Mountain, this is information that is needed.
A look at some new programs the VA Medical Center offers soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Even though it is not directly related to Ft Drum or the 10th Mountain, this is information that is needed.
A look at some new programs the VA Medical Center offers soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
04 December 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Wife: Iraq war changed soldier accused in slayings
Emily Hunter, wife of accused killer, states that husband suffered from experiences during deployment.
Christmas trees from CNY to brighten up holidays for troops
Trees donated to military posts by local civilians bring a bright spot to season for service members and families.
Families of Fort Drum-based soldiers bracing for impact of Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan
NY Daily News report on how news of upcoming surge is affecting families at Ft Drum
Emily Hunter, wife of accused killer, states that husband suffered from experiences during deployment.
Christmas trees from CNY to brighten up holidays for troops
Trees donated to military posts by local civilians bring a bright spot to season for service members and families.
Families of Fort Drum-based soldiers bracing for impact of Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan
NY Daily News report on how news of upcoming surge is affecting families at Ft Drum
Statement By Major General James L. Terry On Soldier Deaths in Evans Mills
"The entire Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division community is deeply
saddened with the news of the untimely death of two of our Soldiers,
Specialist Waide James and Specialist Diego Valbuena.
Words cannot express the sorrow I personally feel for these Soldiers,
their Families and their fellow Soldiers who knew and served with them
in peacetime and combat. Their loss is incalculable.
I ask our North Country neighbors to join with the 10th Mountain
Division in offering our heartfelt condolences and support to the
Families and friends of these Soldiers in this very difficult time.
As the Senior Mission Commander here at Fort Drum, I have pledged our
full support to the civilian law enforcement agencies charged with the
responsibility of investigating our Soldiers' deaths and appreciate
their professionalism and support to our Soldiers and Families."
saddened with the news of the untimely death of two of our Soldiers,
Specialist Waide James and Specialist Diego Valbuena.
Words cannot express the sorrow I personally feel for these Soldiers,
their Families and their fellow Soldiers who knew and served with them
in peacetime and combat. Their loss is incalculable.
I ask our North Country neighbors to join with the 10th Mountain
Division in offering our heartfelt condolences and support to the
Families and friends of these Soldiers in this very difficult time.
As the Senior Mission Commander here at Fort Drum, I have pledged our
full support to the civilian law enforcement agencies charged with the
responsibility of investigating our Soldiers' deaths and appreciate
their professionalism and support to our Soldiers and Families."
03 December 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
In Fort Drum, Soldiers Prepared For Deployment
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
One final push ... troops steeled for action
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Drum troops watch speech, anticipate deployment
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reaction to Obama's West Point speech on Afghanistan: 'It's crunch time,' says local veteran
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
One final push ... troops steeled for action
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Drum troops watch speech, anticipate deployment
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reaction to Obama's West Point speech on Afghanistan: 'It's crunch time,' says local veteran
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
Reactions from Ft Drum soldiers in response to the President's speech.
02 December 2009
10th Moutain Daily Roundup
Augusta family fears deployment instead of retirement
Sharon Quick, spouse of Army Sgt. James Quick, is focus of story about possible deployment of troops to Afghanistan.
Vet, activist, lawmakers split on Afghan plan
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
Troops, Families Brace for Afghan Surge
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
US troops hopeful Obama plan will wind down war
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
Strain of Military Service Meets Resolve
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
PFC. MARC SILVESTRI U.S. ARMY, BRONZE STAR WITH VALOR
Story focused on 10th Mountain soldier.
DeRidder man leads efflort to provide a touch of home to deployed troops
Louisiana man adopts Alpha Company 2/87 Infantry
GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF
NY state flags to be flown at half staff in honor of Ft Drum soldier Michael Rogers
Morale at Fort Drum questioned in shadow of Afghanistan fight
North Country NPR blog focus on Task Force Mountain blog question about morale on ft Drum.
Sharon Quick, spouse of Army Sgt. James Quick, is focus of story about possible deployment of troops to Afghanistan.
Vet, activist, lawmakers split on Afghan plan
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
Troops, Families Brace for Afghan Surge
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
US troops hopeful Obama plan will wind down war
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
Strain of Military Service Meets Resolve
Reactions from 10th Mountain soldiers on speech in story.
PFC. MARC SILVESTRI U.S. ARMY, BRONZE STAR WITH VALOR
Story focused on 10th Mountain soldier.
DeRidder man leads efflort to provide a touch of home to deployed troops
Louisiana man adopts Alpha Company 2/87 Infantry
GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF
NY state flags to be flown at half staff in honor of Ft Drum soldier Michael Rogers
Morale at Fort Drum questioned in shadow of Afghanistan fight
North Country NPR blog focus on Task Force Mountain blog question about morale on ft Drum.
Press Release: Fort Drum Soldier found dead in barracks Nov. 25- Tam T. Nguyen
FORT DRUM - A Soldier assigned to Fort Drum's 1st Brigade Combat Team
was found dead in his barracks room Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Pfc. Tam T. Nguyen, 19, a native of San Jose, Calif., served as an
infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.
Pfc. Nguyen joined the Army in August 2008 and arrived to Fort Drum in
April 2009.
Pfc. Nguyen is survived by his mother and father.
Pfc. Nguyen's awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and
Parachutist Badge.
The cause of death is under investigation.
was found dead in his barracks room Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Pfc. Tam T. Nguyen, 19, a native of San Jose, Calif., served as an
infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.
Pfc. Nguyen joined the Army in August 2008 and arrived to Fort Drum in
April 2009.
Pfc. Nguyen is survived by his mother and father.
Pfc. Nguyen's awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and
Parachutist Badge.
The cause of death is under investigation.
01 December 2009
Michael A. Rogers
Via U.S. Department of Defense News Release
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., died Nov. 27, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-7267.
Also see the following for news on this.
Montana News Station
ABC 50
Watertown Daily Times
Syracuse.com
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., died Nov. 27, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-7267.
Also see the following for news on this.
Montana News Station
ABC 50
Watertown Daily Times
Syracuse.com
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Obama, Karzai hold videoconference, talk strategy
Article on talks between Obama and Karzai, part of article has quotes from 10th Mountain soldiers on rumors of extension of deployment for them due to surge.
DRUM AWAITS NEW AFGHAN ORDERS
Watertown Daily Times article on how news of possible deployment of units from Drum is affecting troops and the post.
Article on talks between Obama and Karzai, part of article has quotes from 10th Mountain soldiers on rumors of extension of deployment for them due to surge.
DRUM AWAITS NEW AFGHAN ORDERS
Watertown Daily Times article on how news of possible deployment of units from Drum is affecting troops and the post.
30 November 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
American Legion gives thanks to soldiers
Members of the Medina American Legion and Albion American Legion posts deliver care packages to Fort Drum for troops in Afghanistan.
Brigade members welcomed home
300 soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team returned to Ft Drum on Saturday after a deployment to Afghanistan.
Soldier 'feels real good'to be back from Iraq
Article on Private First Class Justin Taylor who serves with the 10th avn Bde and his experiences in Iraq.
Members of the Medina American Legion and Albion American Legion posts deliver care packages to Fort Drum for troops in Afghanistan.
Brigade members welcomed home
300 soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team returned to Ft Drum on Saturday after a deployment to Afghanistan.
Soldier 'feels real good'to be back from Iraq
Article on Private First Class Justin Taylor who serves with the 10th avn Bde and his experiences in Iraq.
28 November 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Miss USA visits Fort Drum
Kristen Dalton visited the families and soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort drum on Thanksgiving.
Tammy’s soldier: Son to return to U.S. on Thanksgiving
10th Mountain division soldier Chad Sebasty returns to US in time to head home for Thanksgiving.
Patrols and turkey in Afghan war zone
Able Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Squadron focus of story about Thanksgiving in Afghanistan.
Vet Center's bereavement group restarted
After a year-and-a-half hiatus, the Watertown Vet Center has revived its bereavement group for families who have lost a service member.
Soldier from Lancaster feels he's making a difference in Afghanistan
Pfc. Patrick Brown focus of story about US Army in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, Iraq: different wars
AP story on differences between wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
US buildup seen as helpful in 2 Afghan provinces
AP article on improvements to Logar and Baraki-Barak provinces.
Kristen Dalton visited the families and soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort drum on Thanksgiving.
Tammy’s soldier: Son to return to U.S. on Thanksgiving
10th Mountain division soldier Chad Sebasty returns to US in time to head home for Thanksgiving.
Patrols and turkey in Afghan war zone
Able Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Squadron focus of story about Thanksgiving in Afghanistan.
Vet Center's bereavement group restarted
After a year-and-a-half hiatus, the Watertown Vet Center has revived its bereavement group for families who have lost a service member.
Soldier from Lancaster feels he's making a difference in Afghanistan
Pfc. Patrick Brown focus of story about US Army in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, Iraq: different wars
AP story on differences between wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
US buildup seen as helpful in 2 Afghan provinces
AP article on improvements to Logar and Baraki-Barak provinces.
26 November 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Central New York travelers head off to enjoy Thanksgiving
Army Pfc. Raquel Munoz of the 10th Mountain mentioned in story about people traveling for Thanksgiving.
US Troops Experiment with New Strategy for Afghanistan
Story on how units in Afghanistan are changing tactics to deal with Taliban influence on villages.
Hurt soldier comes home Thanksgiving
10th Mountain soldier, PFC Robert Davis will be home for Thanksgiving while recovering from wounds received in Afghanistan.
Wounded soldier has a long climb to recovery
Story on 10th Mountain soldier, Staff Sgt. Christian Hughes, on his recovery from wounds received in Afghanistan.
Army Pfc. Raquel Munoz of the 10th Mountain mentioned in story about people traveling for Thanksgiving.
US Troops Experiment with New Strategy for Afghanistan
Story on how units in Afghanistan are changing tactics to deal with Taliban influence on villages.
Hurt soldier comes home Thanksgiving
10th Mountain soldier, PFC Robert Davis will be home for Thanksgiving while recovering from wounds received in Afghanistan.
Wounded soldier has a long climb to recovery
Story on 10th Mountain soldier, Staff Sgt. Christian Hughes, on his recovery from wounds received in Afghanistan.
25 November 2009
10th Mountain Daily Roundup
Bomb-makers being targeted by coalition forces in an increasingly prolific IED war
10th Mountain and coalition forces change tactics to go after those who suply and build IEDs.
Couple's ‘Little Warrior' finds home in Silver Spring children's center
Easter Seals offers free program to offspring of wounded service members, 10th Mountain Division soldier's family moves to Md while he recovers from surgery at Walter Reed
10th Mountain and coalition forces change tactics to go after those who suply and build IEDs.
Couple's ‘Little Warrior' finds home in Silver Spring children's center
Easter Seals offers free program to offspring of wounded service members, 10th Mountain Division soldier's family moves to Md while he recovers from surgery at Walter Reed
Media Advisory- 3rd Brigade Welcome Home ceremony Saturday
FORT DRUM, NY -- A welcome home ceremony for 3rd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers is scheduled for 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at Magrath Gym here.
The flight will consist of 300 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Afghanistan.
Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 by calling
315-408-3087. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide updates to
the ceremony time as needed.
Soldiers is scheduled for 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at Magrath Gym here.
The flight will consist of 300 personnel that are returning after a 12
month deployment to Afghanistan.
Media interested in covering the ceremony must R.S.V.P. to the Fort Drum
public affairs office not later than 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 by calling
315-408-3087. R.S.V.P. is required so that we can provide updates to
the ceremony time as needed.
24 November 2009
10th Mountain Division Daily Roundup
Obama finalizes plan to send 34,000 troops to Afghanistan
President Obama decides to send more troops to Afghanistan, BCT from Ft Drum slated to go as part of surge.
President Obama decides to send more troops to Afghanistan, BCT from Ft Drum slated to go as part of surge.
Press Release- Official welcome home and change-of-command ceremony for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade
Release Number: 0911-07
Fort Drum Public Affairs
Official welcome home and change-of-command ceremony for the 10th Combat
Aviation Brigade
FORT DRUM, NY -- The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade will uncase its colors
and be officially welcomed home 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Magrath Gym
here.
The 10th CAB will also conduct a Change-of-Command as part of the
ceremony.
Col. Erik C. Peterson will hand over command of the brigade to Col.
Pedro G. Almeida.
Maj. Gen. James Terry, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum commanding
general, will give remarks during the ceremony.
Media interested in covering the ceremony should be at the Media
Operations Center on Route 26 no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the
event.
Fort Drum Public Affairs
Official welcome home and change-of-command ceremony for the 10th Combat
Aviation Brigade
FORT DRUM, NY -- The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade will uncase its colors
and be officially welcomed home 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Magrath Gym
here.
The 10th CAB will also conduct a Change-of-Command as part of the
ceremony.
Col. Erik C. Peterson will hand over command of the brigade to Col.
Pedro G. Almeida.
Maj. Gen. James Terry, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum commanding
general, will give remarks during the ceremony.
Media interested in covering the ceremony should be at the Media
Operations Center on Route 26 no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the
event.
Press Release- Fort Drum Web site Redesign Underway
Media Release
Release Number : 0911-08
Fort Drum Public Affairs
Fort Drum Web site Redesign Underway
FORT DRUM, NY--Fort Drum wants your input as we redesign the Fort Drum
public Web site (www.drum.army.mil), asking the Fort Drum community to
provide their opinions and suggestions through a short, online survey.
"The Fort Drum Web site exists to serve all who have an interest in Fort
Drum-Soldiers, Families, the civilian workforce, and the entire North
Country Community, whether they already work and live in the community
or are planning to move to the North Country," said Lt. Col. Paul
Swiergosz, 10th Mountain Division public affairs officer. "We want to
ensure we are serving the information needs of the community."
Those interested in taking the survey can simply go to the Fort Drum
homepage at www.drum.army.mil and click the survey link provided under
"Commander's Message."
Media with questions regarding this release can contact Fort Drum public
affairs at 315-772-7267.
Release Number : 0911-08
Fort Drum Public Affairs
Fort Drum Web site Redesign Underway
FORT DRUM, NY--Fort Drum wants your input as we redesign the Fort Drum
public Web site (www.drum.army.mil), asking the Fort Drum community to
provide their opinions and suggestions through a short, online survey.
"The Fort Drum Web site exists to serve all who have an interest in Fort
Drum-Soldiers, Families, the civilian workforce, and the entire North
Country Community, whether they already work and live in the community
or are planning to move to the North Country," said Lt. Col. Paul
Swiergosz, 10th Mountain Division public affairs officer. "We want to
ensure we are serving the information needs of the community."
Those interested in taking the survey can simply go to the Fort Drum
homepage at www.drum.army.mil and click the survey link provided under
"Commander's Message."
Media with questions regarding this release can contact Fort Drum public
affairs at 315-772-7267.
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