The war in Afghanistan, the longest in American history, formally ended today for U.S.-led coalition forces. 2,224 American troops died in Afghanistan over the last 13 years, according to the AP. At least 10 were from East Tennessee. 24-year-old Corporal Jason Hovater of Clinton died in 2008. He left behind a wife who said he was about as good as they get. The family of 22-year-old LCpl. Gregory Posey called him a bright spirit who lit up the room. He died in 2009. He had told his high school girlfriend he didnt want to be anywhere else. 19-year-old Pfc. Patrick Fitzgibbon had been deployed in Afghanistan just three months when an I.E.D. killed him. His cousin said he would do anything to make you laugh, no matter how crazy. He was engaged to be married. A roadside bomb killed 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Rusty Christian. He was a Green Beret, survived by his wife and two children. 20-year-old Pfc. Robert Repkie of Knoxville died in 2008. He went to Sweetwater High School before leaving to defend our country. 26-year-old Army Specialist Nathan Lillard of Knoxville died in a firefight. He graduated from Lenoir City High School. His aunt said he wanted to make sure our country was safe. An Afghan soldier killed 37-year-old Lt. Col. Frank Bryant Junior of Karns. He was training pilots with the Afghan military. His sister called him a hero and a dare devil. He left behind a wife and one-year-old son. 21-year-old Marine LCpl. Frankie Watson of Vonore was shot and killed in 2011. He was a graduate of Sequoyah High School in Madisonville. A girl who knew him said you couldnt ask for a better friend. Staff Sgt. Christopher Ward was 24 years old. A suicide bomber hit his patrol last year. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Tennessee Fallen Heroes medal. 28-year-old Army Sgt. Daniel Lee died earlier this year when enemy forces attacked his unit. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He left behind a wife and a 6-month-old son. His cousin said you couldnt help but love him.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 01:28:55 +0000
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