Andrew Britton-Mihalo

Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Britton-Mihalo, age 25, of Simi Valley, California, died on April 25, 2012, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from small arms fire. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. 

It has been reported that an Afghan soldier opened fire with a machine gun, killing Andrew and his translator and wounding three other coalition forces members. The attacker was shot and killed.

Andrew was known as Andrew Britton, Andrew Mihalo and Andrew Britton-Mihalo. 

Father, place Andrew on the
Stairway to Heaven

He was raised in Simi Valley and stayed on to complete high school there after his mother and stepfather moved out of state.

Friends describe Andrew as a great person - humble, hard-working, very patriotic, fearless but not reckless. 

Andrew is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother and stepfather, Lorena and Bill Mihalo; sisters - Michelle, Georgeana and Tanya; and his wife, Jesse Britton. The couple married in December of 2011.

Let us pray that Andrew Britton-Mihalo is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Shannon Wheaton and 6 others...

Shannon Wheaton, age 34, of Fort McMurray, Alberta, died on April 27, 2012, in a motor vehicle accident on a remote highway near Wandering River, in North-Eastern Alberta, Canada. 

Most of the people involved in this fatal collision have not been named as of this posting. 

A northbound pickup truck carrying three people pulled out to pass another vehicle and collided with a southbound pickup truck carrying six people. Nine people were involved and 7 have died. The two survivors – a three-year-old boy and 28-year-old man – were airlifted to an Edmonton hospital. 

Shannon, originally from Frederickton, Newfoundland, was the family ministries pastor at Family Christian Centre in Fort McMurray and was a 2001 graduate of Eastern Pentecostal Bible College. 

Also killed with Shannon were his wife, Trena and their 2 year old son, Benjamin. 

Jesus, pray for Shannon,
Trena and Ben, and
all who lost their lives in
this accident. Pray for
Timothy who has lost his
family. 

The two-lane highway is notorious for heavy traffic and police had advised drivers to stay off highways south of Fort McMurray because of reduced visibility and heavy snowfall. The highway has claimed the lives of at least 71 people and hundreds more have been injured between 2001 and 2009.

This highway is a death road. 

The family's lone survivor is a three-year-old boy named Timothy, who is in stable condition in an Edmonton hospital. 

Friends describe Shannon Wheaton as a family man, who gave his heart and soul to his work as a Pastor. He is also described as a gentle and generous man.

Let us pray that Shannon and Trena and Benjamin Wheaton are in heaven. Let us pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen. 

Let us pray for the other four unnamed victims of this collision, that they are with God. Amen. 

Pray for Timothy Wheaton, age 3, who has lost his mother, his father and his brother. God help him. Amen.

Cancer - Pray for the Cure

A loved one has cancer 

Cancer is ubiquitous and can affect any of us, today or tomorrow.

If you live long enough, there is a good chance that you may get cancer. We all know numerous loved ones who have died of cancer or who are suffering from it. 

It has been postulated that almost all men, also if they live long enough, will have some sort of prostate cancer. 

You can get cancer in any part of the body from the lungs to the skin. Some of it is treatable and some not. Years ago, I personally knew a man who had cancer of the "hand". Can you believe that? The doctors where he lived were going to amputate his hand in order to save his life. He went to a foreign country and got further medical advice and treatment and in the end, he saved his hand and his life. However, the fact that he got cancer in his hand, in the first place, is odd and disturbing to say the least. 

Does the answer lie in the Rainforest?
How will we know if we don't do the
research?

We need billions of dollars to be put into Cancer research and now, not 100 years from now. Recently dandelion root was put forward by some researchers as a possible cure for leukemia and other cancers. I read decades ago that "the cure for cancer lies in the rain forests of the Amazon." And that many herbs, grasses, plants, barks, roots and other organic compounds found in plants are the answer.

This may or may not be true - but how will we ever know, if we don't do the research? 

However, there is no money for medical research. The governments of the world spend all of their money on war related activities. 

Recent North Korea
Rocket Launch

Military budgets go into the thousands of billions of dollars per year. Some examples are:

The U.S.A. - 685 Billion dollars

God help us to evolve
from this.

China - 114 Billion dollars
France - 61 Billion dollars
U.K. - 57 Billion dollars
Russia - 52 Billion dollars
Japan - 51 Billion dollars

And so on, ad infinitum. Even good old Switzerland, the "Neutral Country", spends 4 Billion dollars per year on military issues. 

Countries like North Korea and India, who don't have a pot to piss in, are experimenting with nuclear capabilities, bombs, and rockets to the moon. They do this in the starving time of their citizens. 

We are still in the caveman era, bashing each other over the head with clubs, and spending all of our money to do it. 

Pray for a cure for cancer. Amen.

God help us. God save us from ourselves. Amen.

Michael Roland

British soldier Michael Roland, age 22, from Worthing, West Sussex, died on April 27, 2012, while on patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

He was a member of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. He was shot and killed during an exchange of fire with insurgents.

Michael joined the Army in 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan for the first time at the start of April, 2012.  After his initial training, he spent a year undertaking duties at the Royal Palaces and participating in state ceremonial tasks as part of Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards.

He joined 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in November 2010 and was a rifleman in Number Three Platoon, part of The Queen's Company.

Angels of God, pray for Michael 

Family members describe Michael as a loving and caring son who was loved by his huge extended family and friends who are devastated by the loss of him.

Military officials stated that they are extremely proud of Michael's selfless commitment. They stated that Michael was proud to be part of the Military and that he was sparky, diligent and super-fit, and had a bright future. 

Friends stated that he put his job before anything else and was eager and loyal.

Michael is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents; his girlfriend and his infant twins. 

Let us pray that Michael Roland is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Claude Racine - Law Enforcement - New Jersey

Police Officer Claude Racine, age 44, of Paramus, New Jersey, died off-duty on April 26, 2012, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

He was a member of the Somerville Police Department. He had 13 years of service with the Department. He had been in law enforcement for 22 years.

Claude was riding his 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the Eastern Spur of the Turnpike around 11:45 p.m. on April 25, 2012, when he lost control and was thrown from the cycle. He was wearing a helmet and road conditions were clear. He died at Jersey City Medical Center of head injuries just after midnight.

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

He had a degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University and was a retired first lieutenant military policeman with the U.S. Army Reserve.

Police Department officials stated that Claude was a great guy, very personable, good with the public and that he was well liked, and that he will be greatly missed by his comrades.

Friends describe him as happy, friendly, upbeat and easy to get along with.

Claude is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his father, Jean Claude Racine; his brother, Patrick; his wife, Linda; and his 8 year old son, Dakota. Claude was predeceased by his mother, Ginette.

Let us pray that Claude Racine is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Derek Kulis - Firefighter - New York

Volunteer Firefighter, Derek Kulis, age 24, died on April 22, 2012, in Genoa, New York, when his pickup truck veered off of a highway and struck a tree. He died at the scene of the accident. 

Derek was the second assistant Chief with the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department. 

Saint Florian, Patron
Saint of Firefighters,
pray for Derek

He graduated from Southern Cayuga Central School with honors and pursued a degree in diesel mechanics from Nashville Auto Diesel School in Tennessee, where he also graduated with high honors. 

Family members stated that his greatest passion in life was for the Genoa Fire Department. 

Fire Department officials describe Derek as an all around good friend and a person who would do anything for anybody. 

Derek is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Steven and Angela Kulis; and his brothers, Sean Tate Kulis and Scott Michael Kulis.

Pray for all who die young and by accident. 

Let us pray that Derek Kulis is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen. 

Moises Gonzalez

Spc. Moises J. Gonzalez, age 29, of Huntington, California, died April 25, in Balkh province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his vehicle rolled over. 

He was assigned to the 509th Combat Service Support Company, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

He joined the military in December 2006 as a water treatment specialist, and was assignment to the 509th Combat Service Support Company, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Fort Hood, since June of 2011.

Moises deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2008 to October 2009 and from June 2011 to April 2012.

Father, place Moises on the stairway to Heaven

His awards and decorations include the NATO Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and two Overseas Service Ribbon.

Moises is survived by many loving friends and relatives, who will greatly miss him. 

Let us pray that Moises Gonzalez is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Christopher Mosko

Lt. Christopher E. Mosko, age 28, of Pittsford, New York, died on April 26, 2012, while conducting combat operations in Nawa district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan. 

He was assigned as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon Commander to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan. He was stationed at EOD Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, California.

He attended Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. 

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

 
Family members stated that Christopher was a great man in so many ways; they loved him and cherished him and now they will grieve him.

Christopher is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his father, John Mosko; his mother, Gayle; sister Meredith; and his wife, Amanda.

Let us pray that Christopher Mosko is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Dick Lee Jr.

Sgt. Dick A. Lee Jr., age 31, of Orange Park, Florida, died on April 26, 2012, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Sembach, Germany.

Dick had signed up for the Army during his senior year at Keystone Heights High, aiming at a career as a military policeman when he graduated in 2000. He was 12 years into his service. He planned to stay until he could retire and then find work as a police officer. 

Military officials stated that Dick Lee was a great soldier and military dog handler and that everyone who knew him considered it an honor to serve with him. They also stated that he was a consummate professional and that he undertook every mission with passion and strived to be the best at everything he was asked to do. 

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

It was also stated that he was a dedicated father, husband, son and soldier who will never be forgotten. 

Dick is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Brenda and Larry Carroll; his sister, Vanessa Compton; his brother, Michael Carroll; his wife, Katherine G. Lee and their two sons, David and Joshua. 

Let us pray that Dick Lee Jr. is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Brandon Eggleston

Staff Sgt. Brandon F. Eggleston, age 29, of Candler, North Carolina, died on April 26, 2012, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

Brandon graduated from Morehead High School in 2001. He went to college at Western Carolina University and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Army in 2006 and was on his third tour of duty. 

Gabriel, Archangel, pray for
Brandon and for his children,
who have lost their father.

Friends describe Brandon as a courteous young man, a devoted dad and a person they were proud to know. 

His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2 device, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a third campaign star and the Combat Infantry Badge. 

Brandon is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife, Karen and two young daughters.

Let us pray that Brandon Eggleston is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Jason Edens

Spc. Jason K. Edens, age 22, of Franklin, Tennessee, died on April 26, 2012, in Bethesda, Maryland, of wounds sustained on April 15, 2012, in Laghman province, Afghanistan, when the enemy attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Jason Edens was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. 

Jason graduated from Franklin High School in 2007 and later attended East Tennessee University. He enlisted in the Army in 2009, and was hoping military experience would help him one day become a TBI or FBI agent. 

He had deployed to Afghanistan in October of 2011. 

Jason's wife, Ashley, describes him as a hero. 

Angels of God, pray for Jason

Jason had previously received the Purple Heart, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Jason is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Janet Crane; his father James Edens; and his wife, Ashley Edens. 

Let us pray that Jason Edens is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Benjamin Neal

Spc. Benjamin H. Neal, age 21, of Orfordville, Wisconsin, died on April 25, 2012, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Ben is a 2009 graduate of Parkview High School in Orfordville. He joined the Army in 2009. He was on his second deployment to Afghanistan. 

Friends describe Ben as serious and a good person, who was committed to his country. They also describe him as family oriented and helpful. 

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, pray for Ben

Military officials describe Ben as a true paratrooper and a professional, who will be sorely missed by his comrades. He is also described as charismatic and fun-loving. 

His awards and decorations include the NATO medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medla, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Parachutist Badge. 

Ben is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his wife. 

Let us pray that Benjamin Neal is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Bernard Hill Jr.

Spc. Bernard Hill Jr., age 28, of Homestead, Florida, died on April 24, 2012, near Bamberg, Germany.

Bernard was a unit supply clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 15th Engineer Battalion.

He was in the rear Humvee of a 14-vehicle company convoy that was struck from behind by a large cargo truck on Autobahn A73 south of Bamberg. The force of the collision pushed the Humvee forward into two other Humvees, killing him and injuring five other soldiers. At the time of the accident, the convoy was en route from Schweinfurt, where the soldiers were stationed, to Grafenwöhr for a military training exercise. 

Jesus, pray for Bernard

The driver of the truck which struck the convoy is a 38-year-old truck driver from Nuremberg, who received only minor injuries in the accident. The cause of the accident is being investigated. 

Bernard deployed to Kuwait after joining the 15th Engineer Battalion in September 2010. He participated in Operation Restore Hope, in Haiti, while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. 

Friends describe Bernard as a professional who quietly and eagerly assumed responsibility. He is also described as a great soldier with an easygoing side and a concern for his buddies.

Bernard is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife, Karen, and his son, Bernard III, (age 3). 

Let us pray that Bernard Hill Jr. is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Manuel Vasquez

Spc. Manuel J. Vasquez, age 22, of West Sacramento, California, died on April 24, 2012, in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany.

The cause of his death has not be released as of this posting.

Manuel grew up in West Sacramento and Citrus Heights. He attended Mira Loma High School. He loved playing video games and board games.

Mary, pray for Manuel
and for those who
have lost him

Family members said that he was happy serving in the Military. They referred to him as their gentle giant because of his 6 foot 4 inches of height. 

Manuel is survived by many loving friends and family members including his mother, Violet Castro; father, Raymond Vasquez II; 6 siblings; grandparents, Joyce and Bill Costa; and stepmother, Tracey Talamantes.

Pray for all who die young.  They barely had a chance to live. 

Pray that Manuel Vasquez is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Michael McCloskey

American Soldier Michael McCloskey, age 26, of of Beverly in Burlington County, New Jersey, died over a year ago, on March 6, 2011, in Eagle River, Alaska. 

Michael McCloskey

He died playing a game of Russian Roulette, which is the act of placing one bullet in the chamber of a revolver, spinning the chamber, placing the gun to your head or body and firing the gun and taking your chances. 

Michael died from a wound to his abdomen. His best friend, Jacob Brouch, who was then 27 years old, is currently undergoing trial for manslaughter in Alaska for contributing to Michael's death. It has been stated by the Prosecution that Jacob Brouch handed his friend the bullet and the revolver and twice demonstrated how to play Russian roulette. 

The two men were blind drunk at 2:00 a.m., after going on a 36 hour drinking binge. 

Jacob Brouch

Michael McCloskey graduated from Palmyra High School in New Jersey. He joined the Army in 2002 and also served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He had completed two tours of duty in Iraq. 

Michael is survived by many loving friends and relatives.

In the face of so many men and women dying in actual military conflict, it is disturbing to see that a foolish and random and drunken act, resulted in the death of one man and criminal charges placed against another.

Angels of God, pray for Michael

Their families have suffered and will suffer forever. There is something terribly tragic about this incident. 

Pray that Michael McCloskey is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Valerian Khujadze

Republic of Georgia Sgt. Valerian Khujadze, age 35, died on April 24, 2012, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He was with the 31st Infantry Battalion. 

Valerian died from injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device, while on patrol. 

Pray for Valerian

He had been serving in the Georgian Armed Forces since 2004. He had also participated in a peacekeeping mission in Iraq. 

In 2011, he was awarded with the Medal for Participation in Peacekeeping Operations.

Valerian is survived by many loving friends and relatives.

Let us pray that Valerian Khujadze is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Jonathan Walsh

1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh, age 28, of Cobb, Georgia, died on April 22, 2012, in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

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

Jonathan graduated from Kennesaw State University and worked in the financial services industry before joining the Army in March 2010. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in August 2011.

Jonathan is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his parents Paul and Carolyn Walsh; his wife, Debbra; and his son Austin. 

Let us pray that Jonathan Walsh is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Hila Bezaleli

Israeli soldier Hila Bezaleli, age 20, died on April 18, 2012, at Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem.

Mount Herzl is the national cemetery of Israel on the west side of Jerusalem.

Hila was killed when a light rigging system collapsed onto soldiers rehearsing for the Independence Day celebrations. A police investigation is focusing on gross negligence by the company responsible for building the light rigging system, which may not have had the proper permits.

Hila was a medic in the Israeli Army and dreamed of one day becoming a doctor. 

She lived in the Jerusalem suburb of Mevaseret Zion. She attended Boyer High School in Jerusalem. Friends there describe her as elegant and poised, witty, helpful and a passionate Zionist. 

Pray for Hila and
all women who die
young and
tragically

Other friends describe Hila as a passionate leader with a perfect smile who was filled with love for her friends and family. 

Hila is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her mother, Sigalit Bezaleli and 3 brothers. 

Pray for all who die young and tragically. 

Let us pray that Hila Bezaleli is in heaven. Let us pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Michael Metcalf

Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf, age 22, Boynton Beach, Florida, died on April 22, 2012, in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Mike had attended Park Vista Community High School before leaving to enroll at the St. John Military Academy in Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Army about a year ago. He had only been in Afghanistan for a month. 

Father, place Mike on the
Stairway to Heaven

Family members stated that Mike was honored to serve his country and leaves behind many friends and family all across the country.

Michael is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Ceejay and Kim Metcalf. 

Pray for his mother, who has lost her only beloved son. 

Let us pray that Michael Metcalf is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Nicholas Johnson

Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson, age 27, of San Diego, California, died on April 19, 2012, in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. 

He and three other soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed in bad weather while flying to the scene of a suicide bombing. 

Nicholas was a 2002 graduate of Chino High School in San Bernardino County. He joined the Army in September of 2003 and became a pilot in December of 2008. 

Angels of God, pray for Nicholas

He was on his first deployment. He has been posthumously awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and Combat Action Badge. He had previously been awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, Army Service Medal and Aviator Badge. 

Friends stated that Nicholas was a devoted husband and father, a prankster and story-teller, who tried to make his comrades laugh. They stated that he will be greatly missed. 

Nicholas is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his mother, Joni Johnson; his wife and child. 

Let us pray that Nicholas Johnson is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Don Viray

Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray, age 25, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died on April 19, 2012, in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.

He and three other soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed in bad weather while flying to the scene of a suicide bombing.

Angels of God, pray for Don

Don attended Waipahu High School before transferring during his junior year to Roosevelt High in November of 2002. He participated in ROTC at Roosevelt until graduating in June, 2004.

He worked as a helicopter mechanic with the Hawaii Army National Guard, and later joined the Army where he fulfilled his dream of serving his country as a pilot. He was on his second deployment. 

Friends say that Don loved flying. Others describe him as a great kid, wonderful son, and courageous. 

Family members describe Don as soft-spoken, kind, a good soldier and a good son. They stated that they are proud of his service to his country. 

Don is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his parents, Leo and Luz Viray.

Let us pray that Don Viray is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Chris Workman

Sgt. Chris J. Workman, age 33, of Boise, Idaho, died on April 19, 2012, in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

He was based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. 

He and three other soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed in bad weather while flying to the scene of a suicide bombing. 

Chris grew up in Rupert and graduated from Minico High School. He graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He later worked in Boise as an auto glass technician before joining the Army.

High school officials describe Chris as a good kid. 

Mary, pray for Chris

Military officials describe Chris as a natural leader who planned to become an officer. He is also described as responsible, calm and hard-working, performing high above his rank. 

Friends describe him as helpful, sympathetic, energetic and a family man. Others describe him as a loyal friend. 

Family members stated that Chris was a highly energetic, self reliant man, who will be forever missed.

Chris is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his parents Anna and John Workman; and his wife, Camille and stepson, Cole. 

Let us pray that Chris Workman is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Joseph Fankhauser

Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, age 30, of Mason, Texas, died on April 22, 2012, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was killed by the explosion of an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. 

Joseph was on his second deployment to Afghanistan. He also made four deployments to Iraq.

Joe joined the military after graduating from Mason High School in Central Texas, where he was a band member and football player. 

Family members stated that they are devastated by his loss and that he will be forever missed. His wife describes Joe as the love of her life. Others in the family describe him as quiet, intense and goal-oriented.

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

It was stated that Joe loved the military and had dedicated almost half of his life to the Marine Corps. 

His medals from previous deployments include a Combat Action Ribbon and Purple Heart.

Joe is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Mary Wyscarver; his father, Henry Fankhauser; and Joe's wife, Heather Fankhauser. 

Let us pray that Joseph Fankhauser is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.