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.
Staff Sgt Marshal D. Roberts
Spc Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias
Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two service members who were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Both service members died March 11, 2020, when their units were engaged by enemy indirect fire at Camp Taji, Iraq. The incident is under investigation. The deceased are: -- Army Spc. Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, 27, of Hanford, California and Air Force Staff Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, 28, of Owasso, Oklahoma. ~ DoD News Release
In addition to the two U.S. soldier deaths, a Medic from the United Kingdom was killed, and 14 other soldiers were wounded.
“The international military coalition is capable and credible because of warriors like Juan, Brodie, and Marshal. They volunteered to serve the United States and United Kingdom to improve their lives and help keep the world free from ISIS terrorism. Our fallen comrades have a legacy that will never be forgotten.” ~ Lt. Gen. Pat White, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve ~ Air Force Times
Marshal D. Roberts grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma, a northern suburb of Tulsa. He was a member of the Cherokee Nation. He graduated from Owasso High School and attended OSU Institute of Technology before enlisting in the Oklahoma Air National Guard in May of 2014.
His friend, Earl Groves remembered him fondly: "He's so brilliant, intelligent guy, mechanically inclined. ‘Just call Marshall.’ He'd figured who could come to your rescue, whether you're moving a house or got a broke car."
Groves added: “The family's lost a huge loss, the community's huge loss, certainly the nation. This young man gave it all. He gave the supreme sacrifice of his life for the protection of the freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States." ~ Source
“The Cherokee Nation is truly saddened by the loss of Cherokee citizen and warrior Staff Sgt. Marshal Roberts. The Cherokee Nation holds in high esteem our active military and veterans who put everything on the line for our freedom. We will forever be grateful and continue to honor Staff Sgt. Roberts and his family’s sacrifices.” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr ~ Source
Roberts deployed to Iraq in late 2019 and was serving as the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron’s senior personnel non commissioned officer. His unit’s mission is to establish and maintain communications systems.
“We are devastated by the loss of Staff Sgt. Roberts who served selflessly and with honor. I ask that every Oklahoman pray for the family of this fallen patriot and keep them in your thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.” ~ Major General Michael Thompson, Adjutant General Oklahoma ~ Source
Col. Michael Meason, commander of the 138th Fighter Wing said Roberts was a “dedicated Airman, mentor and leader” adding “Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Roberts’ family and friends as we stand with them through this difficult time. They are and always will be part of the 138th family.” ~ Source
Staff Sgt Marshal D. Roberts leaves behind his wife, daughter, parents and sisters.
Juan Mendez Covarrubias, the oldest son in his family, grew up in Hanford, California. According to family Juan earned several educational degrees and had a dream of one day working for the FBI.
Covarrubias enlisted in the Army in June of 2018 as a signal support systems specialist. Since March 2019 he has been stationed at 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.
“1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Specialist Mendez Covarrubias following the rocket attack on March 11 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Specialist Mendez was a cherished signal support systems specialist in 1-227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The regiment and his fellow Soldiers are grieving the loss of a true warrior. Command Sergeant Major Travis Eicher and I would like to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Specialist Mendez Covarrubias. His loss is felt across the our formation and he will not be forgotten.” ~ Lt. Col. Adam S. Camarano, Commander, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ~ Source
Covarrubias’ mother, Monica Mendez said that although her son was in the military, he did not agree that war could solve the problems of the world. “He doesn't think that that is a solution to any dispute of the countries. They're not going to resolve anything if they go to war."
Alfredo Covarrubias, Juan's father also described his son. "He never said, 'Oh this is too hard and I'm going to quit.’ He never quit. He always tried to do the best he can. He (taught) us how to love him and how to love other people."
His younger brother, Daniel added, “He was just always behind me, pushing me through things, always covering up for me if I did something wrong. I know he always told me to be strong, never to cry about things, especially over him. And I'm trying to keep it together for him, trying to be there for my family."
Younger sister Karen said Juan helped her through a rough patch in her life. “For the last couple years, I've had depression. And he's been helping me through that and I'm finally getting good grades in school and (have a) good social life and everything. And I thank him a lot for that."
Covarrubias married his long time girl friend, Bianca Meza in 2018, the same year he enlisted in the Army. Bianca said: "He left an impact on everybody's lives. He always was so focused and concerned about making a change to our world, making our world a better place. He was always loving, caring, put himself before others.” ~ Source
Spc Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias’ awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon. ~ Source
Spc Mendez Covarrubias leaves behind his wife, mother, father, brother and sister. Funeral arrangements are pending but the family plans on having him laid to rest at Kings River Cemetery.
Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon
Brodie Gillon, 26 grew up in Ayr, Scotland and was a graduate of Belmont Academy, the 6th largest school in Scotland. She was a Reservist with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry serving as a Class 1 Combat Medical Technician. Gillon was part of the Royal Guard at Ballater, Scotland in 2019 and was assigned to the Irish Guards Battle Group during this deployment.
As a civilian, Gillon was a self-employed sports physiotherapist. ~ Source
LCpl Brodie Gillon was praised highly by her superiors, described as “hugely popular” and “larger than life” by LtCol William Leek, Commanding Officer Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and as “utterly professional”, “outstanding medic” and “loyal friend to all in A Squadron” by Squadron Leader, Major Craig Powers. And finally this praise, from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace “From the warm testimonies of those who served with her, it’s clear that LCpl Gillon was held in the highest regard and was a shining example of what our Armed Forces and Reserves stand for, inspiring those around her and always putting others first.” ~ Source
Please keep good thoughts and prayers for the 14 service members injured in this attack.
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.