Thomas R. Payne

August 5, 1947 - May 1, 2020
San Antonio, Texas | Age 72

LTC Thomas R. Payne, age 72, of San Antonio, Texas passed away May 1, 2020, at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio. He was born on August 5, 1947, in Bronxville, New York to parents, John and Mary Mabel (Shannon) Payne. On March 12, 1972 he married Doris "Beth" E. Holton in Ft. Gulick, Panama Canal Zone.

Retired LTC Payne proudly served his country as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the recipient of the Bronze Star among the many distinguished decorations and medals he received during his 27 years of dedicated service to his country.

In addition to his dedication to the U.S. Army, Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His three grandsons were his pride and joy, and he their greatest fan. Thomas enjoyed attending each activity they were involved with, whether it was choir performances, school plays, and their many sports activities. When he was not watching his grandson's playing sports, he enjoyed sitting on his porch and enjoying the view of his backyard. Thomas was also an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Payne; and siblings, Mary Jo Haddon, Mary Pat Brodie, Che Payne and Marty Chaudon. He is survived by his loving wife, Beth; children, Nicole Negrete and her husband, Eloy, and son, Ross Payne all of San Antonio; grandchildren, Julian Alvarez, Enrique and Mateo Negrete; brothers, Jim Payne and Joseph Payne both of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.

Funeral services will be private.

He was the former Executive Officer for Charlie Company 2nd Battalion, 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

References:

http://porterloring.tributes.com/obituary/show/Thomas-R.-Payne-108484139

John E Zastudil

December 24, 1935 - April 9, 2020

CSM John Zastudil, 84, of Brimfield, Ohio & Riverview Florida.

John retired from the US Army/Special Forces (Green Beret) after serving 35 years and reaching the rank of Command Sargent Major. He also was a member of the Mason’s. Retired from Ford motor company after 42 years.

John traded in his DD214 for a set of heavenly wings. 

John and his wife Marian of 60 years loved to travel.  They visited 49 states and numerous countries.  Often visiting Marian’s hometown in Munich Germany.

John is survived by his loving wife Marian. 3 children Cindy (Larry) Dumire, Robert Zastudil & Terry (Dave) Easterling. 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Due to the Covid-19 virus a Military service and celebration of life will be determined at a later date.

References:

https://www.serenitymeadows.com/obituary/john-zastudil

Gary Dale Miller

Gary Dale Miller, age 68, of Hamden, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.  He was born February 11, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky to the late Billy M. Miller and Wanda Neva Jo Coleman Miller.  Gary was a 1969 graduate of Wellston High School, and continued his education by attending Capital University.  Following over 20 years of service, Gary retired from the United States Army.  He was a former contractor, and for several years, he was part owner, along with his wife, of Michelle's Place in Hamden.  Gary was a former councilman for the village of Hamden and was a member of the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston and a lifetime member of the AmVets.  In his spare time, Gary always enjoyed building and tinkering around on different projects.  He is survived by 2 daughters, Morgan Cremeans (Eric) of Westerville and Jessica Kehler (Garrett) of Frederick, Maryland; granddaughter, Mackensie Bell; siblings, June Waugh (Fred) of Jackson, Billy Miller (Pam) of Westerville, Belinda Fox (Willie) of Jackson, and Andy Miller (Betty) of Wellston; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Linda Maerker of Hamden; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.  Besides his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle Dutcher Miller in 2017.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, February 4, 2020, from 5 to 8 P.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 11 A.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Rawlins officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Hamden Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Gary's memory be given to Folds of Honor Central Ohio Chapter, 545 Metro Place South  Suite 100, Dublin, Ohio 43017.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com. 

https://www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com/obituary/gary-miller

Norman Lambert

MAJ(R) Norman Lambert, 88, of Galloway, OH passed away on 20 October  2019. Norm first entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 at the age of 17, as a communications specialist.

Norm served in the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division between 1951 and 1953. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds, Norm served a second tour in Korea and was wounded in action again and received his second Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his valorous actions in the defense of an outpost that was overrun during a night attack by Chinese forces.

After the Korean War, Norm separated from the U.S. Marine Corps, but missed the military life and attempted to reenlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but he was told that they were not taking any married men. He enlisted with the U.S. Army.  Norm attended Airborne School in 1963 and then went on to complete the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Norm served in the Vietnam War with the 5th SFG(A) and was awarded again with the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.  He returned for a second tour in Vietnam with the 1st Bn, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.  He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for saving the lives of two of his patrol members who were wounded and trapped in a minefield.  He made two trips through heavy enemy fire and the minefield to rescue them. Later during this same tour, Norm earned his third Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

After completing Sergeants Major Academy Norm was asked to teach battlefield tactics at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point. He taught classes from 1977 to 1978. He taught the first  classes which had female cadets. When he was ready to retire as a Master Sergeant the school asked him to apply for a reserve commission. With a recommendation from LTG Poindexter he was commissioned at the rank of Major.

After military retirement, Norm taught as an Adjunct Professor for Columbus State Community College. He also taught and was assistant principal at Grove City High School for over ten years and earned the Assistant Principal of the Year award for the State of Ohio in 1993. Norm was a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.  He also served as Historian for Ohio’s chapter of the Tuskegee Airman and served as President of the SFA Chapter XLV from 2007-08.

Norm spent his summers traveling Europe collecting photos, paintings, letters and other artwork from the World Wars.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his son SGM(R) Richard, sisters Myra and Yvonne, grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Kraig Leon Johnson

SFC (Retired) Kraig “KJ” Johnson, 18E and former member of both 2/11th and 2/19th, age 53 passed from cancer quietly and peacefully on 25 August 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Kraig started his military career by serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. He graduated from the
SFQC in 1993 and served with 11th SFG(A). Kraig was later deployed to Kosovo and Kuwait
with ODA 955. Many friends and family attended his burial at sea.

He had an early sunrise memorial service and burial at sea in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on Friday, 30 August 2019.

Thomas Allman

Thomas “Tom” Allman, 81, of Coshocton passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the Morrison Hospice House in Zanesville. He was born in Coshocton on September 18, 1937 to the late Charles R. and Helen L. (Stitler) Allman.

Tom graduated from Coshocton High School and went on to serve in the National Guard and the United States Army as a Special Forces soldier. After serving in the military he went on to work for Cyclops (AK Steel) for 39 years before retiring. He was a member of the Special Forces Association-Chapter 45, American Legion, Coshocton Gun Club and the Sportsman’s Club. He loved to shoot guns, hunt, and spend time outdoors. He also enjoyed helping the 4-H with their shooting events.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Beck) Allman, whom he married November 14, 1959; children Scott (Christina) Allman of Plantation, FL and Sarah (Phil) Hague of Inverness, FL; grandchildren Brandon Davis of Inverness, FL, Nicholas and Zachary Allman of Plantation, FL; sister Susan Riggle of Coshocton; and brother David (Liz) Allman of Coshocton.

Christain L Redkey

SGM Christian L. Redkey, 79 years, of Hillsboro passed away on Thursday February 22, 2018 at Mt. Carmel East in Columbus, OH.

He was born in Dayton, OH on March 9, 1938 the son of the late Christian & Edith (Pollard) Redkey. Besides is parents he is preceded in death by one daughter Karen Redkey.

Christian was a 20 year veteran of the United States Army having achieved the rank of Sargent Major, and served in the special forces and the green berets. He was also a veteran of the State Highway Patrol in Lima, OH and was an active member of the community, being a member of the Hillsboro VFW, the Special Forces US Army Association #45 and volunteered with Shriners hospital.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Knoff) Redkey, who were married on June 21, 1992; as well as by his son, John Redkey of Columbus; two stepsons, Michael (Jean) Clifton of Columbus, Jason (Jessica Meier) Clifton of Columbus; daughter, Susan (Jim Kusan) of Columbus; sister, Rita (Robert) Jones; Mother-in-law Gloria Knoff; eight grandchildren, Nick (Joellen) Robins, Miles Clifton, Kathryn Grace Clifton, Taylor (James) Klausman, Christopher Clifton, Lucas Clifton, Taylor Kusan, and Kara Kluxton; six great grandchildren, Jamie Hively, Hailey Hively, Kiley Hively, Wyatt Kusan, Brynlee Wahl, and Ava Klausman and friend, Barbara Redkey.

Services will be held on Tuesday February 27, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Thompson Funeral Home in Hillsboro. A burial will follow at the Hillsboro Cemetery with military rites provided by the Highland County Honor Guard.

 Friends and family may call at the funeral home in Hillsboro on Monday February 26, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com

James E Cermak

James E Cermak "Jim", age 71, of Worthington, Ohio, passed away, October 6, 2018, at home. Jim served with the 11th Special Forces Group A and retired from Dublin City Schools. He also taught at Columbus State Community College, trained poll workers for Franklin County Board of Elections, and served as a stadium usher at The Ohio State University football games.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, step parents, a brother, and infant sister. He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Mona Swartz (Chris); son, James (April); eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; a brother, George (Alison) Cermak; and step-brother, Bobby DeVault.

Jim was a graduate of Adena Local High School, Wilmington College and The Ohio State University. Jim was a member of Orange Friends Church in Lewis Center. He donated 375 units of blood to the American Red Cross over his lifetime.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11:30 am at Orange Friends Church, 3460 East Orange Road, Lewis Center Ohio. Family will receive friends beginning at 10 am. Private interment will take place at a later time.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Jim's memory to either Orange Friends Church, or to the American Red Cross. Arrangements by RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthingon, OH.

Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony Wilmington, Ohio

The Buckeye Chapter - SFA Chapter 45 participated in the dedication ceremony of the Historical Marker for the 1964 mid-air collision of two Air Force C-119 aircraft during an airborne operation with 2nd Special Forces Group. Over 300 great Americans attended the ceremony which was MC'ed by chapter member SGM(R) Bob Lucas. BG(R) Mark Arnold was the guest speaker and chapter member MSG(R) Dan Hessler provided the invocation. Vital to the Marker's establishment was chapter member Mike Quinn who donated $1000 for its creation. Mike was part of the investigative team following the accident 54 years ago.

Photo Album

Jonathan E. Chorpenning

CHORPENNING United States Army (retired) Captain Jonathan E. Chorpenning, age 67, of Felicity, Ohio, died Saturday, June 9, 2012 at his residence. He was born March 13, 1945 in Washington, D.C. the son of the late Dr. Frank Chorpenning, Lieutenant Colonel - retired U.S. Army and Annie (Kay) Chorpenning. Captain Chorpenning was a graduate of Marietta High School class of 1963, The Ohio State University in 1969 with a B.S. in Chemistry, a Master in Physics in 1977 with a post grad certification in Public Administration. He entered the military on April 20, 1969 and served with 3/77th Armor Bn, 5th Infantry Div., 2/34th Armor, 4th infantry Div. and 4/7th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Difc (OCONUS) for thirty-six years and spent twenty-seven of those years with the U.S. Army Special Forces. He also served as a police officer in the Powell, Ohio and Obetz, Ohio police departments and as a Brown County, Ohio Deputy Sheriff. Captain Chorpenning was a retired teacher in the Columbus, Ohio Public School District, retired from the state of Ohio, Department of Veteran Affairs and eventually became the Police Chief at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. He was then Project Manager for design and construction of the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown, Ohio, from which he retired in 2010. He was a life member of the Ohio Gun Collectors Association for over forty-five years, and served as Director and as Trustee for of the OGCA Civil Defense Fund. With so many continuous and successful years of service to the OGCA it was fitting that the title of Director Emeritus was bestowed upon him. Captain Chorpenning is survived by his wife, Laura (Andres) Chorpenning; five daughters, Julie (Hank) Arens of Union, Kentucky, Jennifer Irwin and husband, David of Bexley, Ohio, Megan Chorpenning of Columbus, Ohio, Kelly Adam of Milford, Ohio and Amy Adam of Georgetown, Ohio; one adopted son, Kevin Harlan of Atlanta, Georgia; three grandchildren, Matthew and Andrew Irwin and Jonathan Arens; three sisters, Anne Kay Coffey and husband, Ralph of St. Augustine, Florida, Kathleen Row and husband, David of New York, New York and Janie Aziz of Cairo, Egypt; and many nieces, nephews extended family, friends and beloved pets. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the CAHALL FUNERAL HOME in Georgetown, Ohio. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, Kentucky. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Michigan Office of Development Fund for Discovery - 367830, 3003 South State Street, Suite 9000, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1288. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cahallfuneralhomes.com.

Herbert Roger Mills, Jr

MILLS Major H. Roger Mills, Jr., age 59, of Groveport, Ohio, a member of Co B, 2-19th Special Forces Group, attached to the 73rd Troop Command of the Ohio National Guard, stationed in Columbus, OH, died Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Grant Medical Center, of serious injuries in a parachute accident at Rickenbacker Field outside Columbus.

Major Mills graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News, VA and the US Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1973. He served in Korea, the "Old Guard" in Arlington, VA and at Fort Devens, MA joining the Army Reserve in August, 1978; was employed by Goodyear Tire Company for 14 years; joined the Ohio National Guard in 1994; managed Wayne-Dalton Plastics. He has served in Korea; Bosnia-Serbia; Kuwait; and Iraq, serving a total of 37 plus years in the military. He was a member of the West Point Alumni Association; a member and past president of the Special Forces Association Chapter 45; also a lodge member F&AM, Linden Lodge #637, 32nd Degree Mason.

Major Mills is survived by wife, Kathleen Mills; parents, Joan Mills of Poestenkill, NY and Herbert Mills, Sr., CW2 (Ret) of Allenwood, PA; sisters, Patricia (Michael) Walker of Waxhaw, NC, Ellen Parchen of Missoula, MT. and Anne Mills of Poestenkill, NY; brothers, William (Debbie) Mills SMC (Ret) of Katy, TX and Stephen (Jamie) Mills of Colorado Springs, CO; step-children, Capt. William (Grace) Epley and Capt. Melissa (Capt. Mark) Dubur; step-grandchildren, Tristian, Madelyn and Alexia Epley and Turin and Talon Duber.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2010 at The Aladdin Shrine Temple, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, Ohio, where the family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. and following the funeral service.

Army Chaplain Dan Burris officiating.

The family has requested that donations be made in Major Mills name to the Wounded Warriors Fund, or to the Major H. Roger Mills Foundation to help Military Families.

There will be two additional Memorial Services later at Poestenkill, NY and West Point Alumni Association.

Interment at the Military Academy Cemetery at West Point, New York.

Funeral arrangements by the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Online condolences available at www.spencefuneralhome.com

Published online in The Columbus Dispatch from October 27 to October 29, 2010
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From the December 2010 National Guard magazine:

Maj. J. Roger Mills, 59, of Groveport, Ohio, died Oct. 24 at Grand Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, of injuries sustained during a parachute training excercise at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 20.

He was a member of the Ohio Army National Guard's B Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces, but was attached to the state's Headquarters, 73d Troop Command. Both units are based in Columbus.
**********************************
MILLS, HERBERT ROGER
DOB: 23 May 1951
DOD: 24 Oct 2010
Age: 59

DANIEL B. CRABTREE

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel B. Crabtree, 31, was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to the Ohio Army National Guard’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Columbus, Ohio.

He died June 8, 2006, in Iraq after a roadside bomb exploded next to his vehicle during a combat patrol. He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

In civilian life, Crabtree worked as a police officer first in his native hometown of Hartville, and then as a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, unit.

After initially entering military service with the Army Reserve in 1992, Crabtree joined the Army National Guard in 1993 as an administrative specialist. He later retrained as a military policeman and served with the 135th Military Police Company in Brook Park, Ohio. He joined the 19th SFG in March 2002, and in 2003 he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. He earned the coveted green beret when he graduated from the course in May 2004.

Crabtree’s military education also includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

In Iraq, the work of Crabtree and his Special Forces operational detachment focused primarily on training members of the Al Kut SWAT, an Iraqi police force. Crabtree himself developed and implemented a comprehensive training curriculum for the Iraqi SWAT volunteers, which included advanced marksmanship training, offensive and defensive driving instruction, and urban assault training. As the police force’s lead trainer, Crabtree drew on his own experiences as a police officer and SWAT team member to prepare his Iraqi officers to counter both local criminal and insurgent forces.

He also assisted the Al Kut SWAT in more than 35 real-world missions as a combat advisor —
including six large-scale air assault operations — which resulted in the capture of over 100 known insurgents.

His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Crabtree is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Mallory, of the City of Green. He is also survived by his father, Ronald Crabtree and his mother, Judy Ann Crabtree.

Wallace Cole Hogan

Wallace Cole Hogan was the first Green Beret to give his life for this country in the war on terror. He was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11 and was laid to rest at Arlington overlooking the Pentagon.

Major Wallace C. Hogan Jr., 40, who went by his middle name, Cole, served with the Green Berets, the Special Forces and, ultimately, as a general’s aide at the Pentagon. Major Hogan was laid to rest with full military honors in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery, within the shadows of the Pentagon where he fell victim to the September 11th terrorist attack.

Cole served for 21 years in the Army. He received his commission in 1981 from Officer Candidate School and joined the Georgia Army National Guard as a Rifle and Mortar Platoon Leader. Major Hogan’s subsequent assignments provided him a broad base of troop and staff assignments. He attended the Infantry Officer Basic course and served with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Colorado Army National Guard, as the Detachment Executive Officer and later as the Commander.

Major Hogan attended the Special Forces Officer Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He then served with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Alabama Army National Guard as a Detachment Commander. He attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia and the Special Forces Thai Language Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He accepted an active duty appointment in the grade of Captain on April 4th, 1993. He served with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Fort Lewis, Washington as a Battalion Operations Officer and Detachment Commander; and as the Commander, Special Forces Instructor Detachment, U.S. Army Jungle Operations Training Battalion, Fort Sherman, Panama. He joined the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans.

Major Hogan’s awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Scuba Diver Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge and Pathfinder Badge. Major General Kensinger (Cole’s supervisor) said, “Cole was an extremely dedicated officer with great attention to detail. He was a great athlete who was looking forward to commanding a Special Forces Company later this year. Cole loved the Army…” Cole was fond of using this simple quote by Colin Powell, “All my life I have always wanted to be a soldier.”

Major Hogan is survived by his wife, P. Pat Phermsangngam (Hogan), Major USAF, Alexandria, Virginia; his parents, Wallace and Jane Hogan of Macon, Georgia; and sisters, Meg Campbell and Kris Leggett.

Cole Hogan is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and overlooks the Pentagon. Learn more information about Cole Hogan at Arlington National Cemetery website.

Cole Hogan was remember on the 1st Special Forces Memorial at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Special Forces Association Chapter 45 member Patrick Enlow served with Cole Hogan with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Lewis, Washington and Korea. Patrick Enlow said “He was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet and would help you any way he could. “

MAJ Cole Hogan was at the point of impact of United Flight 93 when it struck the Pentagon at 9:45 AM on September 11, 2001.
   

IN MEMORY OF MAJOR WALLACE COLE HOGAN, JR. -- HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS (Extensions of Remarks - October 12, 2001) --- HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS OF GEORGIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, October 11, 2001

· Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Major Wallace Cole Hogan, Jr. for serving our country in the United States Army. Major Hogan grew up in Macon, Georgia, and attended Valdosta State University. After graduation, he joined the Georgia Army National Guard as a Rifle and Mortar Platoon Leader.

· Major Hogan was truly born to serve. His time with the National Guard included the 19th Special Forces Group Airborne, Commander of the Colorado Army National Guard, 20th Special Forces Group Airborne, and Alabama Army National Guard as a Detachment Commander. On April 4, 1993 Major Hogan accepted in Army active duty appointment in the grade of Captain. He was a member of the Green Berets and fought in the Persian Gulf War with the 1st Special Forces Group Airborne as a Battalion Operations officer and Detachment Commander. He also served as the Commander, Special Forces Instructor Detachment, U.S. Army Jungle Operations Training Battalion, Fort Sherman, Panama.

· Ultimately, Major Hogan arrived at the Pentagon and joined the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans in June 1999. His work at the Pentagon included Special Operations Staff Officer in the Directorate of Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization and Executive Officer for the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. A committed serviceman, Major Hogan dedicated his entire professional life to the United States Army.

· On September 11, terrorists claimed the lives of our friends, family and loved ones from all over this nation and the world. Major Cole Hogan was one of these loved ones. His parents are from Macon and happen to be personal friends of mine. My wife and I have two children and I can't imagine any greater pain than that which floods ones heart upon the death of a child. My prayers are with the Hogans during their most difficult time of grief.

· In our mourning, we can't help but question how such a heinous act could come to fruition on American soil. But in a time where questions are many and words are few, I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the family of Major Hogan; his wife, Air Force Major Pat Hogan of Alexandria, VA and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace C. Hogan, Sr. of Macon, GA.

· In a lifetime of service that spanned half the globe, Major Hogan served from Hawaii to Panama before coming to work at the Pentagon. His outstanding accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as evident by the numerous decorations and awards earned during his service. These recognition’s include: The Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Scuba Diver Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.

· I think we have a lot to learn from Americans like Major Cole Hogan. His dedication and patriotism are unwavering and a standard we all should strive to emulate. Major Hogan will be missed, as will so many others. These lives will not be forgotten. We must honor them by living on as they lived. The lives stolen by terrorists so easily could've been our own. We owe it to the fallen to press on and take hold of all that our forefathers fought for and dreamed we would live to enjoy. As a nation, Americans have always shown strength through adversity.

· I commend Major Hogan for his service and I thank his family for raising up a man whose heart was to give his all for his country. His presence will be missed and his legacy will not be forgotten.

“A Nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” — President John F. Kennedy