Justin Rogers - U.S. Military

Sgt. Justin R. Rogers, age 25, of Barton, New York, died on June 28, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident.

The cause of his death is under investigation.

He was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a horizontal construction engineer.

Justin is survived by many loving friends and relatives who will

Pray for Justin 

forever miss him.

Thank you for serving, Justin. 

Pray for all who die young in a foreign land.  Weep for them. Amen.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Justin.

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

Lance McLean - Law Enforcement - Texas

Sergeant Lance McLean, age 38, of Hico, Texas, died in the line of duty on June 29, 2013, at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Lance was a member of the Hood County Sheriff's Office. He was a member of the City-County SWAT team. He had 5 years of service with the Department.

On June 28, 2013, Lance had responded to a disturbance call in the Oak Trail Shores community near Lake Granbury.

Ricky Don McCommas, age 49, of Joshua, Texas, who was awaiting trial for sexually assaulting a 16 year old girl had shown up at the girl's home. The people there called the Police.

Sergeant McLean was the first officer to arrive at the location. McCommas opened fire

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

on him, striking him in the head. McCommas then fled in a van and proceeded to the Granbury City Hall. As other deputies and officers attempted to stop him he walked towards them and opened fired with a semi-automatic rifle, wounding Granbury officer, Chad Davis.  Ricky Don McCommas was then shot and killed.

Police officials describe Lance as a great leader who was on an upward track toward promotion. He could take care of business.
Police officials also stated that he served tremendously during last month’s deadly tornado outbreak. 

Lance is survived by many loving friends, comrades and relatives including his wife and two children.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. Amen.

Thank you for your service to the public, Lance.

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

Mitch Mobley - Store Owner murdered in Georgia

Mitch Mobley, age 45, died on June 26, 2012, in Villa Rica, Georgia.

Mitch was shot and killed about 12:30 p.m. by four men who entered his jewelry store in order to rob it.

One of the suspects had a large hammer used for smashing display cases. Another suspect, Eric Billings, age 16, of College Park, Georgia, had a gun.

The four men fled the store and towards a getaway vehicle that was possibly driven by a fifth suspect.

Ururahy Rodrigues who owns a gym next to the Mobley Jewelry Company was able to grab Eric Billings and hold him until the police arrived.

Eric Billings has been charged as an adult with murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Raphael Rucker, age 23, of Atlanta, was charged with murder and armed robbery.

Two or three other suspects are still at large as of this posting.

Gabriel, Archangel, pray
for Mitch

Friends describe Mitch Mobley as helpful and kind in his dealings with others.  He was also known for hosting golf tournaments to benefit causes such as cancer research.

Others stated that Mitch did a lot for the community. He was well-liked.

Mitch is survived by many loving friends and relatives. 

Pray for justice for Mitch.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father. Amen. 

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

Christine Calderon - murdered on the streets of Hollywood for taking a photo

Christine Calderon

Christine Calderon, age 23, died on June 18, 2013, at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Los Angeles.

Christine was stabbed to death at about 8:30 p.m.

She was walking in the area of the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a friend when they saw three men who were holding amusing signs and panhandling. The victim and her friend took photos of the men with their cellphones.

The three men asked for a dollar, but Christine refused to give it to them. This lead to an argument, and soon after, the suspects attacked and stabbed Christine in the torso. She was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.

Family members describe Christine as a good girl. Her mother is disabled and Christine provided care for her mother.

Dustin Kinnear, age 26, who allegedly stabbed the victim, was charged with murder. The two other suspects, 33-year-old Jason Wolstone and 34-year-old Brian Widdows, face assault and accessory charges.

Dustin Kinnear - the
accused

Dustin Kinnear has multiple prior arrests. He was in prison and released on April 6, 2013. He has been picked up 4 times by the Police since then. On May 28, 2013, he was convicted of battery and spent 3 days in jail. This dude is bad news all around.

Who begs on the street when you are 26 years old and in the prime of life? You can't

Angels of God, pray for Christine

lift furniture for a moving company? You can't drive a car for a courier company? You can't work for a landscaping or window washing company or a car wash? You can't do anything but beg on the street? And then you allegedly kill people who won't give you a dollar?

Oh...we forgot. You can't do these jobs because you are an alcoholic, a drug addict and a criminal from birth, right?  

Only the very lowest of dogs would kill a woman for a dollar.

Christine is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her mother, Yolonde Tassin.

God save us from the wing-nuts on the streets.  They are killing us, Father. Amen. 

Pray for justice for Christine. Amen. 

Pray that Christine is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Gregory Spring - bullied to death in New York State

Gregory Spring, age 17, died on June 17, 2013, in Allegany, New York State.

He committed suicide.

Greg suffered from Tourette's Syndrome and a brain malformation. His condition made it difficult for him to understand things.

His family has reported that he had suffered bullying and abuse for years even in the fourth grade and much more so since beginning the tenth grade at Allegany-Limestone High School. He didn't understand why he was being bullied. He was suspended from school at one point for confronting a bully.

Greg played hockey and soccer. He worked part time at the Service Stores Park and Shop in Allegany.

His family describe him as a very artistic young man who loved to do woodcarving and who loved the outdoors and hunting.

Family members describe him as compassionate, emotional and loving.

The bullies always pick on those who are different.

We have reported on this blog numerous times that in cases of bullying, the school ALWAYS denies that any bullying occurred. We have seen this time and time again. They don't want to admit to anything that could get the school or the school board sued for negligence in the care of their students. They don't want to get fired from their jobs.

And guess what?  The Area Superintendent of Greg's school has stated that: "I have

Saint Bernadette of
Lourdes, who said
"I am ground like a
grain of wheat", pray
for Greg

conducted a thorough investigation and to the extent we can determine it, I have determined the young man was not bullied."

And then.... on the funeral home website under Greg's obituary, was this statement from an anonymous poster: "Ha ha. He died. I hope he is in hell.’

If that isn't bullying, then what is? These freaks hound you even in death.

Parents in Allegany - where are your nasty brats and what are they doing to each other? Do you care?

Greg is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Eugene and Keri Spring; and his sister, Julianne Spring.

Pray for all who are tormented to death. Amen. 

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

Cherish Perrywinkle - an 8 year old girl murdered in Florida

Cherish Perrywinkle

Cherish Perrywinkle, age 8, died on June 21, 2013, in Jacksonville, Florida.

She was murdered by a registered sex offender.

Cherish and her mother and two other siblings were shopping at a dollar store in the evening. Donald James Smith, of Jacksonville, age 56, befriended the girl and her mother and offered to buy them clothes and hamburgers. He later walked out of the store with the girl. The girl's mother called 911 when she noticed they were missing.

Cherish's body was found the next day in the woods near a

Donald Smith

local church. Police arrested Donald Smith after stopping his van on Interstate 95. Authorities have not said how Cherish died.

Donald Smith has been a registered sex offender since a 1993 conviction for attempted kidnapping and selling obscene materials. He has been arrested several times since then, most recently in 2009 on a charge of child abuse after making obscene phone calls to a 10-year-old girl, making verbal threats, and impersonating a social worker with the Florida Department of Children and Families who claimed to be investigating the girl's family.

Cherish is described as a pleasant child who got along well with everyone. She was grateful and appreciative. She was just a sweet kid.

Saint Jude, pray
for Cherish

Cherish is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her mother, Rayne Perrywinkle and two siblings. 

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

God save us from the psychopaths and the freaks.  They are killing us, Father.  Amen. 

God save the children of this world who suffer.  Amen.

Pray that Cherish is playing in the fields of heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Steven Netherland - Law Enforcement - Louisiana

Deputy Sheriff Steven Netherland, age 54, of Simpson, Louisiana, died on June 24, 2013, on a highway in Vernon Parish, Louisiana.

He was a member of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office. He had one year of service with the Department. He had previously retired from the Louisiana State Police after 22 years of service.

He was on his way to work in the morning when he lost control of his vehicle in a construction zone. He crossed the center line and exited the left side of the roadway before hitting two dirt compactors and a large roadway stabilizer.  He was ejected

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

from the vehicle and died at the scene of the collision.

Police officials describe Steven as a very good deputy and a super nice guy.  He went above and beyond,  not just with his job, but with people in general. 

Steven is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife and daughter. 

Thank you for your service to the public, Steven.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen.

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

Corey Garver - U.S. Military

Sgt. Corey E. Garver, age 26, of Topsham, Maine, died on June 23, 2013, in Zormat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Corey attended Mt. Ararat High School from 2004-2006. He joined the Army in June of 2007.

Corey's father was a career Navy sailor and Corey wanted to follow his footsteps into the military.

Friends stated that Corey loved the military and was proud of serving his country.

Others describe him as popular with an outgoing personality.

Corey had earned several awards for valor and distinguished service, including two Army commendation medals, the Army Achievement medal, two Army Good Conduct medals, the National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King stated: “He was a true American hero

Father, place Corey on
the stairway to Heaven

who valiantly dedicated himself to the defense of our country. His actions on the battlefield demonstrated the highest caliber of leadership and courage and we owe him our enduring gratitude."

Corey is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Ellen Garver; and his father, Zachary Garver.

Thank you for serving, Corey.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Corey.

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

Javier Sanchez Jr. - U.S. Military

Spc. Javier Sanchez Jr., age 28, of Greenfield, California, died on June 23, 2013, in Sar Rowzah, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on mounted patrol.

He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

Javier joined the Army in August of 2006, and after assignments in Germany and California came to Fort Drum in December of 2011. 

He had previously deployed to Iraq. 

His awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. 

Mary, pray for Javier

Family members stated that Javier joined the military because he loved his country.  They describe him as someone who always wanted to have fun and who loved life.   

Javier is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother and father; his brother and sister; and his wife, Cassandra. 

Thank you for serving, Javier.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Javier.

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

Barbarism Alert - Nine tourists murdered in Pakistan

Nine foreign tourists were slaughtered on June 22, 2013, in a remote and mountainous region of northern Pakistan in the region of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world.  

Barbarism Alert -
Pakistan

These tourists were mountain climbers and dozens more of them are still stranded there as of this date. 

A local guide was also killed in one of the deadliest attacks on foreigners for a number of years and officials say the shootings will be a devastating blow to the nation’s already fragile tourist industry.

No kidding. 

Around 15 gunmen wearing police uniforms launched the attack in the Diamir base camp of Nanga Parbat in the Gilgit district late at night. 

It is believed that the dead foreign mountain climbers are:

3 Ukrainians

2 Slovakians

2 Chinese

1 Lithuanian

1 American of Chinese descent

One Nepalese guide was also killed.  One Chinese climber survived the attack. 

A sign in Pakistan - Nanga Parbat is a killer mountain
in more ways than one

The Taliban is responsible for these deaths.  They stated that this was done in retaliation for a recent U.S. military drone attack which killed a Taliban leader, Waliur Rehman. 

Of course, it goes without saying that Pakistan should be boycotted as a tourist destination.  The Pakistani Government does not have the Taliban under control. It is not safe for anyone to go to Pakistan as a tourist. 

Every day the Pakistani Taliban gains more influence and exerts more force. The Taliban wants to control all of the Islamic countries in Asia.  They are relentless in their mission. 

Pray for the nine men who were murdered while on a mountain-climbing holiday. God take them into Heaven.  Their families have suffered an unspeakable loss. Amen. 

Pray without ceasing unto God, for peace on this planet.  The war-mongers are killing us all and dragging us back to 1399 A.D. Amen. 

Daniel Cook - murdered while responding to a Craigslist Ad

Daniel Cook, age 27, of Williamstown, New Jersey, died on June 21, 2013, in the West Oak Lane area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Danny Cook

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

He was known as Danny to his family and friends.

He and his fiancee and another friend drove to an address in Philadelphia which had advertised an all-terrain vehicle for sale on Craigslist.

A man at that address, believed to be selling the ATV, walked Daniel Cook around the corner to look at the four-wheeler and then robbed him and shot him in the left side of his face.

Daniel Cook was dead when officers and emergency responders arrived on the scene.

Family members describe Danny Cook as a hard worker and a family man. He is also described as compassionate and generous.

He loved cars and worked as a self-employed mechanic. He was planning his upcoming wedding.

Thomas Coffee, age 23, has been charged with murder.

Thomas Coffee - the
accused

Local residents state that this man has been in trouble many times. He is a pain in the ass and a well-known criminal. He had already served a small amount of time plus probation for being a look-out in an attempted burglary prior to this.

Danny is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his fiancee; two small children; and his friend who was present at the scene of his murder.

God save us from the thieves. They are shooting us and killing us, Father. Amen.

Only the lowest of swine would lure a stranger with an ad to rob him and then shoot him in the face. Only the lowest of dogs would even think of doing this to another human being.

God save us from the psychopaths. Amen.

Pray that Danny Cook is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Daniel Lomax - A Good Samaritan Cop killed in Pennsylvania

Sgt. Daniel Lomax, age 55, of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, died on June 22, 2013, on a highway in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

He was driving at about 3:10 a.m., when he came across a serious motor vehicle accident. He got out of his vehicle to help but stepped on a downed electrical power line which electrocuted him. He died at the scene.

Daniel was a Mayfield Township Police Officer. He was off duty at the time of his death.

He was known as "JJ" to his friends and comrades.

He also worked part time for the Great Bend and Forest City police departments. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Factoryville.

Over the decades Daniel Lomax worked at numerous fire and police departments, but Fire Station Number 9 in Factoryville had a special place in his heart. That’s where he started volunteering as a teenager. That’s where older firefighters encouraged him to get a his GED. That’s where he would go out on calls with his nephew, who he inspired to follow in his footsteps. That’s where he was a lifetime member.

Family members say he came to the local area from Philadelphia when he was 14 or 15. He was a foster child.  Moving from Big City life to this quieter area was a challenge but he made a success of himself.

Firefighter comrades describe JJ as a fixture around the fire hall and a member of the

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

family.

Family members stated that he loved doing his work as a police officer. They are not surprised that he stopped to help at the scene of an accident. That is exactly what he would do.

Daniel is survived by many loving friends, comrades and relatives including his sister, Jackie Brower; and his nephew, Justin Brower.

Thank you for your service to the public, Daniel. 

Pray for the Good Samaritans who die while coming to the aid of others. They are the unsung heroes in this world. Amen.

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

James Watson - Drug Enforcement Administration Agent - murdered in Colombia

James Watson, age 42, died on June 20, 2013, in Bogota, Colombia.

James was known as Terry to his family and friends.

He was a member of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He had 13 years of service with the Agency.

James had been watching basketball games on TV at a Bogota Restaurant with some friends. He left the restaurant in a taxicab. It is believed that his cab stopped at a red light when two other cabs pulled alongside. Assailants jumped out, opened James' cab door and attempted to rob him. He was stabbed numerous times during the assault. He escaped from the cab and was taken to a hospital where he passed away.

It is not believed that the murderers knew that he was an American DEA agent.

James was assigned to the DEA office in Cartagena, Colombia, but was on temporary assignment in Bogota at the time of his death.

He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a criminal justice degree. During college he worked for the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office as a patrol

Saint Michael, Patron Saint
of Law Enforcement, pray
for James

officer and later as a narcotics investigator.

He had served in the Army.

As a DEA agent he had served in Honolulu, Puerto Rico and on three deployments to Afghanistan conducting dangerous counter-narcotics missions.

Friends stated that he was a great friend and tremendous law enforcement officer.

Family members stated that James wanted to be involved in law enforcement even as a teenager. He volunteered for high risk assignments. They are proud of him. He is their hero and will be forever missed.

James is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents Paul and Henrietta Watson, his brother, Scott Watson; his grandmother, Pauline Watson; and his wife Fadia Watson.

Thank you for your service, James. 

Pray for justice for James. Pray that his murderers are apprehended. Amen.

God save us from the thieves. If they can't steal away your money, they steal away your life. They are the lowest of dogs and they are killing us, Father. Amen.

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

Elishia Iannella - killed by a vehicle while in her own home - Australia

Elishia and her daughter, Adaya

Elishia Iannella, age 27, died on June 22, 2013, in Murray Bridge, near Adelaide, Australia.

At about 7:20 p.m., she was minding her own business in her home, with her boyfriend, Matt, age 29, when a vehicle crashed into the house killing Elishia and injuring Matt, who was flown to a hospital in Adelaide.

The house, on Cromwell Road, is practically a pile of rubble.

Nathan Lee McArdle, age 28, is charged with aggravated offences including causing death and bodily harm by dangerous driving. It is undetermined at this time if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He had minor injuries from this crash.

Family and friends stated that Elishia was succeeding in getting her life back on track after a troubling 18 month battle for custody of her daughter.

She was close to completing a psychology degree. She had resumes out, looking for a full-time job.

Family members are devastated by this tragic death. They stated that she was a golden girl taken away too soon, too quick.

This was the second time in about a month that a car had failed to take the corner on this street and

Saint Bernadette of
Lourdes, pray for
Elishia

crashed into a house. Residents of Cromwell Road state that the road is dangerous. Too many people speed on this street.

It may be time for an increased police presence on this street, using radar to check for speeders, or the installation of asphalt speed bumps at intersections to slow down traffic. 

Elishia is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her grandmother, Dorothy; her daughter, Adaya; and her boyfriend, Matt.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen. 

God save us from the drivers, who if they aren't drunk and doped up, are speeding like a bat out of Hell. These freaks mow down everyone in their path and demolish houses like a bulldozer and yet they come out of it with a bruise and a sprained finger, if that. Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us. God help us.

Pray that Elishia is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Cameron Baird - Australian Military

Corporal Cameron Baird, age 32, died on June 22, 2013, in the Khod Valley, Uruzgan, Afghanistan.

He was killed by enemy small arms fire.

Cameron was a Special Forces soldier assigned to the Sydney based 2nd Commando Regiment.

He was born in Burnie, Tasmania. He joined the Army in January of 2000.

He was on his fifth tour of duty in Afghanistan. He also served tours of duty in Iraq and East Timor.

Military officials stated that he died how he lived – at the front, giving his all, without any indecision. He will be forever remembered.

Cameron had previously been awarded the Medal for Gallantry. In 2007, during a

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

mission in Afghanistan, he led members of his unit through a mass of machine gun and rifle fire in a desperate attempt to save a mortally wounded Australian soldier.

Cameron is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, his brother, and his partner.

Thank you for serving, Cameron.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Cameron.

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

Thomas Burley - Firefighter - New York State

Firefighter Thomas Burley, age 20, died on June 18, 2013, at a hospital in Lewiston, New York.

Thomas was a member of the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Department.

He was riding his motorcycle home from his first day of orientation for accelerated firefighter training at the Public Safety Training Tower in Lockport, when a crash occurred at about 9 p.m.

It is believed that Thomas may have crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, but this is uncertain as of this posting.

Tom graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School in 2011. He wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. Tom was involved in athletics and Junior ROTC, the law enforcement Explorers and the volunteer fire department, and was training to be a paramedic.  He had worked in security at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Officials at Explorers Post said Tom was enthusiastic about the program, attaining the rank of corporal and then returning after his basic training in the military to become an adviser.

They also stated that he was well liked, approachable and a go-to guy.

Friends stated that for a young man who is only 20 years old, he spent a lot of his life serving his community and other people.

Tom wanted to be a cop and the Lewiston Police Department stated that there will

Saint Florian, Patron
Saint of Firefighters,
pray for Tom

always be a seat in their patrol cars for Tom.

Tom is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his mother, Kathleen A. Forti; his father, Timothy A. Burley; two brothers, Brian M. Forti and Samuel Forti; and three sisters, Kristina E. Burley, Patricia Burley and Sara Hendrick.

This accident scene has been the site of several fatal crashes recently. Maybe...it is time that New York State highway engineers review this stretch of highway with a view to making it survivable and safe.

Thank you for serving your community, Tom.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen.

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

Robert Ellis - U.S. Military

Spc. Robert W. Ellis, age 21, of Kennewick, Washington, died on June 18, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire. It has been reported that insurgents fired a rocket into the military base at Bagram.

He was assigned to the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

He was known as Robbie to his family and friends.

Robert attended Kennewick High School where he was heavily into baseball and football.   He joined the Army right after graduation.

Just a few weeks ago, he had re-enlisted for another five years. He had been in Afghanistan since November of 2012. He was expecting to return home in August of 2013.

Robert had always wanted to be a soldier. He was proud to serve his country. 

His family says his belief in God and country is what drove him.

His brother said: "He taught me how to be brave. He was my role model."

His Baptist pastor stated: "The man that I knew as a boy in youth group laid down his life for us, now that's a hero".

Friends are deeply grieving his passing.

Robert is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Joelle. 

Angels of God, pray for Robbie

Thank you for serving, Robert.

Pray for the 21 year olds who die in combat. Yesterday, they were just boys. Amen.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Robert.

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

Justin Johnson - U.S. Military

Sgt. Justin R. Johnson, age 25, of Hobe Sound, Florida, died on June 18, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire. It has been reported that insurgents fired a rocket into the military base at Bagram.

He was assigned to the 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Justin graduated from South Fork High School in 2006 and joined the Army in 2006.   He had been stationed at Fort Eustis in Virginia since 2007.

He served as an assistant convoy commander during overseas tours, providing security to logistical patrols in northern Afghanistan. 

He had previously served in Iraq and in Haiti. This was his third tour of duty. 

Angels of God, pray for Justin

His awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Family members stated that Justin wanted to make America a better place.  He wanted to serve in the military as his contribution. They are proud of him and of his service to his country. 

Justin is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Sonia Randolph; and his 4 year old son, Justin Johnson Jr.

Thank you for serving, Justin. 

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Justin.

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

Ember Alt - U.S. Military

Spc. Ember M. Alt, age 21, of Beech Island, South Carolina, died on June 18, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked her unit with indirect fire. It has been reported that insurgents fired a rocket into the military base at Bagram.

She was assigned to the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. She was a wheeled vehicle mechanic.

Ember graduated from Killeen High School in Texas in 2009, where she was a track athlete. She later attended Central Texas College for a time before joining the Army in 2011.

She had been in Afghanistan since November of 2012. This was her first overseas deployment.

Her awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Friends describe her as a loving person who always had hugs for others. She is also

Jesus, pray for Ember

described as kind and giving and as a hard-worker. She will be greatly missed.

Ember is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her parents.

Thank you for serving, Ember.

Pray for the 21 year old women who die in combat. Yesterday, they were just girls. Amen.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for women like Ember.

Pray that Ember is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

William Moody - U.S. Military

Spc. William R. Moody, age 30, of Burleson, Texas, died on June 18, 2013, in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire. It has been reported that insurgents fired a rocket into the military base at Bagram.

He was assigned to the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

He was known as Billy to his family and friends.

William graduated from Burleson High School in 2002. He joined the Army in 2004.

He had previously served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine.

Family members stated that he wanted to be a part of the military since a young age. They describe him as an all around good man who loved his wife and children very much. 

Friends describe him as a nice guy, caring and family oriented. 

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal,

Saint Jude and Saint Simon pray for
Billy

Combat Action Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Driver’s Badge for Wheeled Vehicles.

William is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother; his father and stepmother; his siblings and his wife and three children.

Thank you for serving, William. 

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like William.

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

Jared Brown - U.S. Military

Lance Cpl. Jared W. Brown, age 20, of Youngstown, Florida, died on June 16, 2013, of non-combat related causes.

The cause of his death is under investigation.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Jared was a graduate of Deane Bozeman High School.

He joined the Marine Corps in June of 2011. This was his first overseas deployment.

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

Jared is survived by many loving friends and relatives.

Thank you for serving, Jared.

Pray for the 20 year olds who die in war zones, far away from home.  Yesterday, they were just boys. Amen.

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

Barbarism Alert - Many teenagers in Jordan think honour killing of women is justified

Barbarism Alert -
honour killing
in Jordan

A recent University of Cambridge (England) research study involved 15 year olds in Jordan. 

The study set out to discover the attitudes of teenagers towards the murder of female family members who committed perceived slights against family honour.

This is called "honour killing".

856 ninth grade students in Amman, Jordan, were polled.

The results were: about 40% of boys and 20% of girls believe that killing a daughter, sister, or wife who has dishonored the family is justified.

Amman, Jordan - a 21st century city with a
14th century attitude

These results are disturbing. 15 year olds are supposed to be "with it", progressive, open to new ideas, on the mark and with the times. 15 year olds are the ones most up for "change" in the world.

They are the lawmakers and the intelligentsia of the future.  Apparently, not in Jordan. 

Angels of God, pray for
the women of Jordan

Jordan, like some other countries in the Middle East and Asia has an old tradition of honour killings and a poor record when it comes to criminalising violence against women. Men can get away with murder in Jordan.

Researchers state that the attitudes of teenagers in Jordan regarding this issue were not connected to religious beliefs but were connected to other local cultural values such as concepts of virtue. 

In Jordan, the kids are concerned with virtue? How about the virtue of not slitting the throats of your wives and sisters? 

That is the greater virtue.

God help us. God save us from the violence against women. Amen.

Joseph Koch - Off Duty Cop - A Good Samaritan in New York City

Officer Joseph Koch

Joseph Koch, age 29, an off duty New York City Police Officer, was shot in the hand on June 16, 2013, in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

He was attending a barbecue at the home of his fiancee, Linda Medina. At about 10 p.m.,  he heard a boy hollering:  "He's going to kill my mother."  Officer Koch ran down the street to help.

Christina Rodriguez, age 34, was being savagely beaten by a former boyfriend and former lodger, Jose Bernazard, age 40.  She was deeply cut in the head and her son, Jacob, age 11, had also been beaten. 

Christina Rodrigues and her
son, Jacob. 

When Officer Koch arrived on the scene, he struggled with Bernazard, over possession of the officer's gun. During the struggle, Officer Koch was shot in the hand.  Bernazard was also shot several times.  He will recover and has been charged with assault, criminal contempt, aggravated harassment, burglary, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest.

Joseph Koch was seriously injured in the hand. He may require several surgeries.  The bones in his hand were seriously damaged. 

Joseph is a domestic violence officer at the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. He has 7 years of service. 

He is the father of three daughters - 2 from a previous relationship and one with his fiancee, Linda. 

Michael, Archangel,
Patron Saint of the Police,
pray for our Officers.

Joseph is not a Saint.  But he is a Good Samaritan, who came to the aid of others while off-duty. 

We often don't want the Police messing in our lives - until the shit hits the fan.  And then we beg for their help.  Who else would we turn to?

Thank you for your service to the public, Joe. 

God bless the Police.  God help them perform their duties in safety. Amen.