I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Spc Branden Kimball
Pfc Walter Lewark
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Spc. Branden Tyme Kimball, 21, from Central Point, Oregon, died Feb. 12, 2020, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. ~ DoD News Release
Spc Branden Kimball enlisted in the Army in August of 2016. Upon completion of basic combat and
advanced individual training, Kimball was assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and was serving in the Brigade as an aircraft structural repairer at the time of his death.
A Facebook post from Kimball's unit reads: "As we mourn the loss of one of our own, our thoughts and prayers are with the people that knew SPC Branden Kimball best: his family, friends, and the Soldiers he worked with each and every day. SPC Kimball was a dedicated aircraft structural repairer and an important member of our brigade. Our hearts reach out to those that will grieve for him today, tomorrow, and long into the future."
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Spc. Branden Kimball during this very difficult time,” said Lt. Col. Kamil Sztalkoper, spokesman for the 10th Mountain Division, which the 10th Aviation Regiment is part of. “He will be missed from our formations.” ~ News Source
New York Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo directed flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday in honor of the Fort Drum soldier, Spc. Branden Tyme Kimball. Gov. Cuomo also released the following:
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our deepest sympathy to Spc. Branden Kimball’s loved ones. We are devastated by his loss and join his fellow soldiers, his family, and his friends in honoring his service to our nation. His death is a reminder of the sacrifices members of the military make to protect the freedoms and the values that this state and this nation were founded upon.” ~ News Source
Spc Branden Tyme Kimball earned the following awards and decorations: the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. ~ News Source
Spc Branden Tyme Kimball is survived by his mother. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa..Pfc. Walter Lewark, 26, from Mountainair, New Mexico, died Feb. 13, 2020, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. ~ DoD News Release
“I am so[rry] to confirm the non-combat related death of PV1 Walter Lewark, a member of A Co., 1-200th Infantry. Please keep PV1 Lewark’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “ ~ Major General Kenneth A. Nava, Adjutant General, New Mexico National Guard~ News Source
Pfc Walter Lewark not only served his country as a Citizen Soldier in the National Guard, he also served his community as an officer in the Mountainair, New Mexico Police Department and as a volunteer Firefighter. ~ News Source
“It's so hard to say good bye to you Walter. You were the one who knew everything and took every training you could to make yourself better. You were the one who pushed us to be better and better with every fire we fought. You were also the one who made us laugh time and time again. Your smile was the best and when we couldn't smile your smile made us shine again. Thank you Walter for everything you did for our town, for us and our community. You will be truly missed and we will never forget you. Rest easy my brother. You can relax now. There are no fires and no arrest warrants in heaven. We love you.” ~ Mountainair Fire and Rescue
“Pfc. Walter Lewark of Mountainair served his country and his fellow New Mexicans – and while we are still learning more, his death is an incredible tragedy. My prayers are with his family and friends, and, as always, with the safety of servicemembers all around the world.” ~ Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Pfc Walter Lewark, who was married last September, leaves behind a wife and his mother.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.