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, Afghanistan as well in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, and Operation Joint Guardian. 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.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Both soldiers died June 25, 2019, in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations. The incident is under investigation. The deceased are:
Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, of Heilbronn, Germany. Riley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.
Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, of Trumansburg, New York. Johnston was assigned to 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 71st Ordnance Group, Fort Hood, Texas.
~DoD News Release
Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, his parent’s first born child, was born in Germany in December of 1986 while his father was serving in the U.S. military there. Family members said Riley spent most of his life in St. Louis, Missouri and considered the city to be his second home. Riley’s last trip to St. Louis was a sad one too, he was attending the funeral of his brother who had died unexpectedly of heart failure.
Master Sgt Micheal Riley enlisted in the Army in March of 2006 and after completing basic combat training and airborne school, he was assigned to the 112th Special Operations Command Europe Signal Detachment. Riley later completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2012 and was assigned to 10th SFG (A). On this, his sixth deployment to Afghanistan, MSgt Riley was serving as a Special Forces communications sergeant, assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) ~ News Source
"It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Master Sgt. Micheal Riley in Afghanistan. Mike was an experienced Special Forces noncommissioned officer and the veteran of five previous deployments to Afghanistan. We will honor his service and sacrifice as we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission." ~ Col. Lawrence G. Ferguson, Commander 10th SFG (A) ~ News Source
Cousin,Tony Riley who communicated by text almost daily with Msgt Riley, said that Mike had been considering leaving the military, but had 7 years left to serve before he would be eligible for retirement. Tony added: “He was getting nervous going over there on his sixth deployment. And now at his age, 32, he wanted to settle down and start a family, so I believe he was nervous this time. Nicest person in the world, if you ask me. Anything you needed, Micheal was there for you.”
“He did what he loved. It was his sixth deployment. He was doing what he loved to do. He died for our country.” ~ Janeal Murchison, cousin ~ News Source
Master Sgt Micheal B. Riley’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle.
Sgt. James G. Johnston enlisted in the Army in July of 2013 after graduating from Charles O. Dickerson High School in Trumansburg, New York. After basic training he qualified as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist. Later he was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), part of the 71st Ordnance Group at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2019.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Sergeant James Johnston. He was the epitome of what we as Soldiers all aspire to be: intelligent, trained, always ready. We will honor his service and his sacrifice to this nation as we continue to protect others from explosive hazards around the world.” ~ Lt. Col. Stacy M. Enyeart, Commander 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
Johnston, known to his friends as “J.J.”, always knew he would enlist in the military according to his school principal. ~ News Source
“On behalf of all New Yorkers I extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sgt. Johnston. 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.” ~ Gov Andrew Cuomo ~ News Source
Sgt. Johnston married his high-school sweetheart, Krista three years ago and the couple were expecting a baby this winter — a girl. Both Krista and Johnston’s parents traveled to Dover Air Force Base to bring him home.
“My heart and everything else is hurting and I don't really have the ability to keep putting words together, but I thank all of you so much for the kind words and support. I love you husband, forever and always you better watch over me and our baby girl.” ~ Krista Johnston ~ News Source
Sgt James G. Johnston’s awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge and Explosive Ordnance Badge.
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.