~ Photo Credit llbear
As of today, 1,696 US military personnel have been killed in or near Afghanistan, while 4,483 have been killed in or near Iraq.
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here and here. They all had loved ones, families and friends. The DoD news releases are here. I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind.
Click the IGTNT tags to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Sandy on Signal, Monkeybiz, Noweasels, Blue Jersey Mom, Chacounne, Twilight Falling, Joyful, SisTwo, Spam Nunn, True Blue Majority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, Maggie Jean, Jax Dem, Kestrel 9000, Ekaterin and me, TheFatLadySings.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
Marine Staff Sgt. vincent J. Bell from Wayne, MI, a suburb of Detroit, was killed in action on November 30, 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was 28 years old. The Photo was taken from his facebook page, since taken down, via KPBS in San Diego.
According to KPBS, Sgt. Bell's interests as described by his Facebook page were eclectic. While he'd served two tours in dangerous Helmand Province as a Marine, he listened to rap and watched Sponge Bob Squarepants.
Staff Sgt. Bell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was honored by Governor Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown, who ordered flags in California to be flown at half-mast.
Bell was a graduate of Crockett High School in Wayne, MI. He joined the Marines in June of 2001 after his matriculation.
Many of his loved ones have signed an online Guest Book.
Bell, man words can't even begin to describe the pain I feel right now. I still "CAN'T" believe your in heaven now! I just talked to you man, I wish I would have told you to be safe, instead of "I'll holla at you later" My deepest prayers and sincerest condolences go out to the entire Bell family! Thank you for a fellow Marine that I had the honor to call my brother! Till we meet again brother! Rest Marine! OOH RAH!!!
~ Eric DeLion, Winchester, California |
I will never forget you Vincent & that silly personality of yours! :-) You will be forever missed by everyone who's path you crossed... To young to be gone already....... Rest in Paradise my friend... :-(
~ Jennifer Shealy, Montgomery, Alabama
To the friends and family of Vincent Bell:
I am his platoon commander and miss him dearly. I cannot find words to express my sorrow for his passing. I was the last to speak with him and I want all to know he was taken too soon. He served with honor, he loved with all his heart, and he exemplifies all that is good in men. He has touched all our lives and I will pray for some measure of comfort for his family. God be with you brother and we will carry your memory with us always. Semper Fi David Waters
~ David Waters, Phoenix, Arizona
Our family knows the pain and heartache your family is going through. We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA May 18, 2011 - Afghanistan
~ Parker, Colorado
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December 04, 2011
Dear Bell Family:
We vividly recall Vince as a polite and mannerable young man. We were very excited when he shared that he had enlisted in the Marines. He is truly a hero. We were shocked to learn
about his passing and hope that you find comfort in knowing that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Shelly, Dwayne, Candice & Audrey
Laing Street Neighbors
Vince, your fellow Marine brothers will forever miss you. Watch our back brother!
~ Ivan M, San Marcos, California