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The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight Marines and two airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. All 10 died Feb. 17, when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission in the Godoria Range area. The Marines and airmen were deployed to Djibouti as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, New River, N.C.
1st Lt. Brandon R. Dronet, 33, of Erath, La.
Sgt. James F. Fordyce, 22, of Newton Square, Pa.
Lance Cpl. Samuel W. Large, Jr., 21, of Villa Rica, Ga.
Sgt. Donnie Leo F. Levens, 25, of Long Beach, Miss.
Cpl. Matthieu Marcellus, 31, of Gainesville, Fla.
Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley, 23, of Gettysburg, Pa.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Sovie, 20, of Ogdensburg, N.Y.
Capt. Bryan D. Willard, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.
The airmen were:
SrA. Alecia S. Good, 23, of Broadview Heights, Ohio 92nd Communications Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.
Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez Sanchez, 33, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. 1st Communications Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va.
Other Comments:
If anyone has additional info in regards to Units, Awards, etc...
Please leave a message, Thanks
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"We miss you and love you so very much." Anonymous of Spokane, WA
"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com" Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA
"I was recently at an American Legion in NH and was given a black metal "service bracelet" with the name of Senior Airman Alecia S Good of Broadview Heights, OH. I never knew Alecia or any of her family, but, I proudly wear her name on my wrist everyday. THANK YOU ALICIA for serving our country and giving me the freedom I have today." Jill of New Hampshire
"july 26, 2008
We went to tech school together. Had so much fun together and got into so much trouble together! we lost touch and when trying to find you I find that you have past, this is truly heart breaking. You were one cool * chick and I'll never forget you good!" lauren of nj
"I am sad to say I never had the opprotunity to meet SrA Alecia Good however, I have been assigned to the squadron and shop she was in. On a weekly basis I am updating paperwork and inventories on deployable equipment with her name as the recent operator and/or specialist that did the inventory. Her memory is definately not forgotten and her memorial in the squadron halls is a reminder that FREEDOM ISN'T FREE." Anthony Arias of Fairchild Air Force Base, WA
"September 30, 2007
To the family of Senior Airman Alecia S. Good. Alecia gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org" Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV
"Alecia,
I would like to say thank you to you and your fellow servicemen who died in that crash for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy." Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas
"Ashely, I'm so sorry for your loss. I came across this site while trying to research Alecia to have her honored on a new website called They Have Names. Would you please contact me at sue@theyhavenames.com so that Alecia may be honored for her service and commitment to our country. Again, you have my deepest sympathies." sue of pompton plains, NJ USA
"Alecia, you are always in my thoughts. My prayers are with your family. 19 Oct 2006." Angela of Langley AFB, VA
"I miss my twin sister so much it is killing me inside. I wish I could just wake up from this nightmare." Ashley Good of Pacifica, California
"Ashley, my thoughts and prayers were with you on July 28th." Angie Lindberg of Dixon CA
"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,�
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.�
Our nations HERO,�Alecia�will be remembered by name.�
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana� May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!�"
"So nice to see others had paid their respects and remembered Alecia today.
Her family, especially Ashley and Tabatha are in my prayers every day." Angie Lindberg of Dixon Ca
"Today I took part in a motorcycle benefit called the Freedom Ride. There were over 20,000 motorcycles. At registration we received 'mock' dog tags for fallen soldiers and then traveled 50 miles on our motorcycles to the Middle East Wars Wall. We located our soldier's name there. I had the pleasure of wearing Alecia Sabrina Good's dog tag, I still have it, would love to send it to her family. I've spent the evening researching her on the internet, I feel left out that I didn't have the pleasure of knowing her when she was on this earth. Thank you, Alecia!!!!" Tracey B. of Dwight, IL
"Thank you Alecia Good, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American," Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios
"To the family and friends of SrA. Alecia Good:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Alecia for the sacrifice she has made to make a better life for the rest of us." The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada
"To the family and friends of SrA. Alecia Good:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Alecia, who continues to live on in your heart." Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia
Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A)
The Taliban
Seizing upon a power vacuum after the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan after their invasion, the Taliban assumed the role of government from 1996–2001. Their extreme interpretation of Islamic law prompted them to ban music, television, sports, and dancing, and enforce harsh judicial penalties (See Human rights in Afghanistan). Amputation was an accepted form of punishment for stealing, and public executions could often be seen at the Kabul football stadium. Women's rights groups around the world were frequently critical as the Taliban banned women from appearing in public or holding many jobs outside the home. They drew further criticism when they destroyed the Buddhas of Bamyan, historical statues nearly 1500 years old, because the Buddhas were considered idols.
In 1996, Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden moved to Afghanistan upon the invitation of the Northern Alliance leader Abdur Rabb ur Rasool Sayyaf. When the Taliban came to power, bin Laden was able to forge an alliance between the Taliban and his al-Qaeda organization. It is understood that al-Qaeda-trained fighters known as the 055 Brigade were integrated with the Taliban army between 1997 and 2001. It has been suggested that the Taliban and bin Laden had very close connections.
U.S.-led coalition action
Main article: War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
On 20 September 2001, the U.S. stated that Osama bin Laden was behind the 11 September attacks in 2001. The U.S. made a five point ultimatum to the Taliban:.
Deliver to the U.S. all of the leaders of al-Qaeda
Release all imprisoned foreign nationals
Close immediately every terrorist training camp
Hand over every terrorist and their supporters to appropriate authorities
Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps for inspection
On 21 September 2001, the Taliban rejected this ultimatum, stating there was no evidence in their possession linking bin Laden to the 11 September attacks.
On 22 September 2001 the United Arab Emirates and later Saudi Arabia withdrew their recognition of the Taliban as the legal government of Afghanistan, leaving neighboring Pakistan as the only remaining country with diplomatic ties.
On 4 October 2001, it is believed that the Taliban covertly offered to turn bin Laden over to Pakistan for trial in an international tribunal that operated according to Islamic shar'ia law. On 7 October 2001, the Taliban proposed to try bin Laden in Afghanistan in an Islamic court. This proposition was immediately rejected by the U.S. Shortly afterward, the same day, United States and British forces initiated military action against the Taliban, bombing Taliban forces and al-Qaeda terrorist training camps.
On 14 October 2001, the Taliban proposed to hand bin Laden over to a third country for trial, but only if they were given evidence of bin Laden's involvement in the events of 11 September 2001. The U.S. rejected this proposal and ensued with military operations.
The UN Security Council, on 16 January 2002, unanimously established an arms embargo and the freezing of identifiable assets belonging to bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the remaining Taliban.
