Michael Kenwood - Emergency Medical Technician - New Jersey

Emergency Medical Technician Michael Kenwood, age 39, died on August 28, 2011, in Mercer County, New Jersey.

Michael Kenwood was a resident of East Windsor, New Jersey.

Michael had been a volunteer member of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad for three years and had previously served as an EMT at Brandeis University in Massachusetts.

He was attempting to reach a car stranded in flood waters in New Jersey as result of Hurricane Irene. Responders felt that people may have been trapped in the vehicle. Michael experienced difficulty and was pulled from the waterway unconscious. He died later that night.

Jesus, pray for Michael

First Aid Responder officials describe Michael as a hero in every sense of the word. They also stated that Michael was more than just a great EMT and rescue technician. He was an excellent mentor and trainer to the newer squad members and also worked in numerous capacities to improve the organization from his first day with them.

Family members describe him as a loving husband, a loving son, a loving brother and a very fine human being.

Michael is survived by many loving family members and friends including his wife, Elizabeth and his daughter.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Michael Kenwood is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Colby L. Richmond

Sgt. Colby L. Richmond, age 26, died in Afghanistan on August 25, 2011, due to injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device hit the truck that he was driving.

Jesus, pray for Colby

Colby was from Caswell County, North Carolina. He attended Bartlett Yancey High School in Yanceyville.

Colby was a member of Transportation Unit No. 546. He was scheduled to return home this October.

Colby is survived by many loving family members and friends including his mother Cynthia, his wife and his 6 year old son. Colby was an only child. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Colby L. Richmond is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Douglas J. Green

Spc. Douglas J. Green, age 23, of Sterling, Virginia, died on August 28, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Doug graduated from Potomac Falls High School in Sterling, Virginia and joined the Army shortly after graduation. His enlistment was to be up before the end of the year and he planned to return home, marry his sweetheart and attend college.

Family members describe him as one of the nicest human beings on the face of the earth. 

Light a candle for Doug.
Light his way to Heaven.

High school officials describe him as caring and selfless.

Friends state that he had a great sense of humor and had a positive attitude. 

Doug is survived by many loving family members and friends, including his mother, Suni Erlanger; father, Douglas Green; two sisters; and aunt Stacy Dinkel. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Douglas J. Green is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Anthony Meyers - Firefighter - Texas

Volunteer Firefighter Anthony Meyers, age 38, was killed on August 28, 2011, in Jasper County, Texas.

Anthony was driving his ATV to the scene of a wildfire, when his vehicle collided with a pickup truck. He was fatally injured in the collision. 

Saint Florian, Patron Saint
of Firefighters, pray for
Anthony.

Anthony was a volunteer member of the Angelina River Fire Department.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Anthony Meyers is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Emiliano Torres Soto - Law Enforcement - Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican Police Agent, Emiliano Torres Soto, age 32, was killed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on August 28, 2011. 

He was off duty and observed a group of men arguing in front of a local bar. One of the men was brandishing a handgun. 

Mary, pray for Emiliano

Emiliano identified himself as a Police Officer and tried to intervene in the argument when he was shot as many as 10 times by multiple suspects. 

Agent Torres-Soto had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 10 years and was assigned to Radio Command Ponce. 

Police Officials stated that Emiliano truly served the principles of the police and that they are proud of his service. 

Emiliano is survived by numerous loving family members and friends, including his wife, two sons, stepdaughter, parents, and five brothers.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Emiliano Torres Soto is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Mark Scianna - Law Enforcement - Texas

Police Sergeant Mark Scianna, age 49, was killed in an automobile accident on August 27, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Mark was working his normal overnight traffic supervisor shift Saturday night around 10:30 p.m., when he crashed into a utility pole. The vehicle rolled over, ejecting him and then struck a second pole before bursting into flames. Mark was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Department officials are unsure if he was trying to stop someone. 

Saint Michael, Patron Saint
of the Police, pray for Mark and
for his sons who have lost their
father.

Mark was a member of the Bexar County Constable's Office - Precinct 3 in Texas, where he had served for two years. He had previously served with the Castle Hills Police Department for 10 years and the New Britain (Connecticut) Police Department. 

He is described as a dedicated law enforcement officer who loved his job and a loving father of three sons, one of whom is a special needs 15 year old.  Mark is also described as friendly and outgoing.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Mark Scianna is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Michael C. Roberts

Spc. Michael C. Roberts, age 23, of Watauga, Texas, died on August 27, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. 

He was assigned to the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

Michael graduated from Richland High School. He joined the Army after graduation in 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell earlier this year. He is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom served in the Army. 

His first tour of duty was in 2009 to Iraq. 

Angels of God, pray for Michael

His awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Family members describe Michael as a generous man who wanted to make a difference. 

Michael is survived by many loving relatives and friends including his parents David and Kathy Roberts and brothers Brian and Patrick. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Michael C. Roberts is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Jesse W. Dietrich

Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich, age 20, of Venus, Texas, died on August 25, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. 

Father, place Jesse on the
stairway to Heaven.

Jesse Dietrich enlisted in March 2009 and arrived at Fort Drum, N.Y., in July 2010 to join the 10th Mountain Division. He deployed in March to Afghanistan with his unit.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Jesse is survived by many loving relatives and friends including his grandmother, Mary Knapp and his father, Paul Dietrich, who is a U.S. soldier deployed to Iraq. Jesse is also survived by his child. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Jesse W. Dietrich is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Brandon S. Mullins

Pfc. Brandon S. Mullins, age 21, of Owensboro, Kentucky, died on August 25, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. 

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Brandon joined the Army in February 2010 and served as an infantryman. He graduated from basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and arrived in Alaska in June 2010. His brigade deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011.

Jesus, pray for Brandon

He was on a one year tour and planned on re-enlisting.

Family members stated that Brandon loved the military and that he believed in what he was doing. 

Brandon is survived by numerous loving family members and friends including his mother, Catherine Mullins.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Brandon S. Mullins is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Andrew R. Tobin

Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, age 24, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died on August 24, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. 

Padre Pio, pray for
Andrew

Andrew graduated from Manteno High School in 2005. He joined the Army in January 2008, and was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Family and friends describe Andrew as well-liked, personable and a jokester. He liked to make people laugh. He is also described as a loving person. 

Andrew is survived by numerous loving family members and friends including his wife, Katie; his mother Lee Ann Smith; his father Nicholas Tobin Sr. and a brother, Nicholas Tobin Jr. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Andrew R. Tobin is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Justin Sollohub - Law Enforcement - Alabama

Police Officer Justin Sollohub, age 27, died in the line of duty on August 24, 2011, in Anniston, Alabama. 

Officer Sollohub was on patrol at about 11:00 am when he stopped his vehicle to make contact with a pedestrian. As Officer Sollohub exited his patrol car the man fled on foot. Justin chased the man around the side of a house when Justin was shot once in the head. A responding officer located Justin and immediately began tending to his wound. He was transported to a local hospital before being flown to Birmingham. He remained on life support until his organs could be donated.

Michael, Archangel, Patron Saint
of the Police, pray for Justin

The man who shot Justin Sollohub was arrested later in the day after a massive manhunt. He faces capital murder charges in connection with this murder.

Officer Sollohub had served with the Anniston Police Department for two years. 

Justin is survived by many loving family members and friends, including his parents.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Justin Sollohub is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Szymon Sitarczuk

Polish Sergeant Szymon Sitarczuk, age 28, was killed on August 18, 2011, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when a roadside bomb exploded.

Private Sitarczuk served in the Polish army since 2004 and was awarded for bravery while stationed in Afghanistan.

Angels of God,
pray for Szymon

Szymon Sitarczuk is the first Polish soldier awarded the American Medal of Hero of the Batle awarded for valor. He was also posthumously promoted to sergeant. 

Military officials describe him as "one of the best of us" and an achiever and dedicated. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Szymon Sitarczuk is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Timothy Steele

1st Lt. Timothy J. Steele, age 25, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, died on August 23, 2011, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

Timothy was a 2004 graduate of Duxbury High School and a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Tim received his commission in May 2009. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in March 2011.  

Jesus, pray
for Timothy

He was a decorated service member with awards and decorations including, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the Air Assault Medal, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab.

Friends describe him as a patriot, and an All American Boy, who was determined to join the military from a young age. 

Timothy is survived by many loving family members and friends including his wife, child, mother and father and sister.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Timothy Steele is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Dennis Cauthen - Firefighter - South Carolina

Volunteer Fire Chief, Dennis Cauthen, age 54, died on August 16, 2011, in South Carolina. 

He was the volunteer fire chief for Elgin County, South Carolina. 

He responded to a vacant house fire at 3:00 a.m., just south of Lancaster, South Carolina. He was not feeling well but responded anyway. Dennis worked in the dark for three hours, helping to direct the men who depended on his experience and skill for their lives, to save a stranger's property after first making sure nobody was inside. He was trying to prevent the fire from spreading to another house just a few feet away.

Light a candle for Dennis. Light
his way to Heaven. 

Then he got sicker and died not long after dawn. He died of cardiac arrest.

Friends describe Dennis as a decent, caring and committed fireman and a fine man. 

Volunteer firefighters receive no pay. They pay for much of their own training costs, and they give days and weeks and years to training and calls. They miss holidays and birthdays and anniversaries.

Dennis is survived by numerous loving relatives and friends including his mother and father, three children and four grandchildren.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Dennis Cauthen is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Konstantinos Kastris - Firefighter - Greece

Greek Fire Chief, Konstantinos Kastris, age 49, was killed in the line of duty on August 22, 2011, in Mani, Greece. 

Konstantinos was the head of fire services in Gythion, Greece.

He was involved in fighting a forest fire in his area. The fire was being tackled by 20 firefighters, a team of soldiers, four water-dropping aircraft and eight vehicles.

Mary, pray for Konstantinos

He was a with a driver, who he instructed to look in another location for paths to access the fire. When the driver returned, he found Konstantinos dead. 

It is believed that Konstantinos fainted because of dense smoke and heat and was burned from falling debris from above. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Konstantinos Kastris is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Matthew Lambert

Australian Private Matthew Lambert, age 26, was killed on August 22, 2011, in the district of Khas Uruzgan, Afghanistan. He died of injuries sustained from the explosion of a roadside bomb.

Private Lambert was a member of the Mentoring Task Force - Three and was from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) based in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia.

Matthew was on his first deployment to Afghanistan but had served previously in East Timor.

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, pray
for Matthew

Matthew was born in Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia and enlisted in the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment in August 2005, transferring to the Australian Regular Army in February 2007. 

Military officials describe him as a well-respected soldier who excelled in any task to which he was assigned. Others describe him as a true and loyal friend. 

Matthew's awards include the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terror, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor - Leste, Australian Defence Medal and the Timor – Leste Solidarity Medal.

Matthew is survived by numerous loving relatives and friends, including his wife. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Matthew Lambert is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Douglas Grant

New Zealand Corporal Douglas Grant, age 41, was killed on August 19, 2011, in Kabul, Afghanistan, during an insurgent attack on the British Council Building.

He was a Special Air Services member of the New Zealand Army and had wanted to join this service, even as a child. 

Corporal Grant had served two tours in Timor Leste and one in Yugoslavia. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He had 21 years of military service. 

Raphael, Archangel,
pray for Douglas

Family member describe Douglas as determined and absolutely committed to the military. 

Friends describe him as intelligent, friendly and interesting to talk to.

He is survived by numerous loving family members and friends, including his wife Tina, who is also in the New Zealand military and a 7 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Douglas Grant is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Douglas L. Cordo

Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo, age 20, of Kingston, New York, died on August 19, 2011, in Zabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Jesus, pray for Douglas

Douglas graduated from Kingston High School in 2009. He joined the Army in March 2010 after briefly attending Ulster County Community College.

Family members describe him as an awesome kid, with an incredible sense of humor and who loved life. 

Douglas is survived by numerous loving family members and friends including his mother, Tracy Karson and his father Douglas Cordo Sr. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Douglas L. Cordo is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Travis M. Nelson

Lance Cpl. Travis M. Nelson, age 19, of Pace, Florida, died on August 19, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. 

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Light a candle for Travis. Light
his way to Heaven.

His 19th birthday was just two weeks ago. Travis attended Pace High School.

Friends stated that Travis always wanted to join the military. 

Military comrades describe Travis as motivated with a desire to succeed and having a love for the Marine Corps. Other friends describe him as having a good heart and being friendly and welcoming. 

Travis is survived by numerous loving family members and friends including his parents - Becky and Scott Nelson, sister Anna and fiancee Madeline. 

Pray for the 19 year olds who die in the line of duty. They are teenagers after all. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Travis M. Nelson is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Bart Child - Law Enforcement - Arizona

Police Officer Bart Child, age 29, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, died on August 18, 2011, after collapsing during the running portion of a physical agility test. It was a 1.5 mile run.

Bart was with the United States Department of Defense - Fort Huachuca Police Department in Arizona.

Officer Child had served with the Department of Army Civilian Police for four years, and had just transferred to Fort Huachuca the previous month. 

Michael, Archangel, Patron Saint
of the Police, pray for Bart

He is survived by his wife and his three children.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Bart Child is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Joshua M. Seals

Spc. Joshua M. Seals, age 21, of Porter, Oklahoma, died on August 16, 2011, in Paktia province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Father, lead Joshua to the
stairway to Heaven.

Joshua Seals graduated from Porter Consolidated High School in 2008.

Joshua joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard while he was still in high school. Both of his parents had served in the military. This was his first deployment. 

High school official describe him as a great student with a bright outlook. 

Friends describe Joshua as well-liked and respectful. 

Joshua is survived by many loving relatives and friends including his parents, Rhonda and Stanley Seals, his brother Jeremy, sister Sarah and half-brother James Kirk, as well as his aunt Trina Seals. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Joshua M. Seals is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Kyle King - Firefighter - Oklahoma

Firefighter Kyle King, age 53, died on August 7, 2011, in Perry, Oklahoma. Perry is about 63 miles north of Oklahoma City. 

Kyle was attending a grass fire at an abandoned house, when he collapsed from the excessive heat on July 29, 2011.

He was a member of the Perry Oklahoma Fire Department. He had 23 years of service. He had worked up the ranks to captain in the department of nine staff firefighters and 11 volunteers.

Mary, pray for Kyle.

He has a wife and two adult daughters. 

Kyle is described by Fire Officials as a mentor to the younger firemen. Friends describe him as jolly and helpful. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Kyle King is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Dennis G. Jensen

Spc. Dennis G. Jensen, age 21, of Vermillion, South Dakota, died on August 16, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. 

He was assigned to the 153rd Engineer Battalion, 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This was his first deployment overseas.

Angels of God, pray for Dennis

Heavy structural components fell off of a forklift and struck Dennis, killing him. This is a very tragic accident.


Dennis is survived by his mother, Christine Bestgen of Lead, father Glenn Jensen of Yankton, and sister Melissa Jensen of Minneapolis, Minnesota.


Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Dennis G. Jensen is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Damon T. Leehan

1st Lt. Damon T. Leehan, age 30, of Edmond, Oklahoma, died on August 14, 2011, in Laghman province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Damon previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2003-2004 after enlisting in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1998. In 2008, he successfully completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Gabriel, Archangel, pray for
Damon.

Military officials describe Damon as an outstanding and committed soldier. 

Damon is survived by many loving family members and friends including his wife, Audrey and his two young children - Emma and Ethan. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Damon T. Leehan is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Matthew A. Harmon

Sgt. Matthew A. Harmon, age 29, of Bagley, Minnesota, died on August 14, 2011, in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Matthew was a 2000 graduate of Fosston High School in northern Minnesota. He enlisted in the military full-time in 2004. He was on his third deployment to Afghanistan.

Emil Kapaun, on your way
to Sainthood, pray for
Matthew. 

Friends describe him as a positive guy and a hard worker.

Matthew is survived by many loving relatives and friends, including his wife Nicole and his three children, ages 8, 5 and 3, his mother Irene and his father, Tom. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Matthew A. Harmon is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.