GI Found Guilty of Killing 2 Comrades in Iraq
May 26, 2011
Associated Press
FORT STEWART, Ga. -- An Army sergeant was found guilty on Wednesday of two counts of premeditated murder in the 2008 slayings of his squad leader and another U.S. Soldier at a patrol base in Iraq, but he was spared the death penalty when the military jury didn't return a unanimous verdict.
Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich now faces a sentence of life in prison, either with or without the possibility of parole. The death penalty is an option in a court-martial only when there's a unanimous guilty verdict for premeditated murder. The 12-member jury at Fort Stewart did not report exactly how it was split when it announced its verdict.
Bozicevich, 41, admitted during the trial that he shot Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson and Sgt. Wesley Durbin at a patrol base outside Baghdad on Sept. 14, 2008, after they criticized him for making mistakes in an unforgiving war zone. But he testified that he only opened fire because the two Soldiers aimed rifles at his head and threatened to kill him if he didn't sign off on their written reports about him.
Prosecutors insisted that he grabbed his gun in anger after the men wounded his pride, when Dawson decided to strip the Soldier of his leadership role of a four-man squad because of a series of battlefield blunders. Prosecutor Maj. Scott Ford told jurors Tuesday that Bozicevich snapped after that "final blow to his ego."
read more here
GI Found Guilty of Killing 2 Comrades in Iraq
Showing posts with label Fort Stewart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fort Stewart. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Two more non-combat deaths in Iraq, both from Fort Stewart
Military probes Shippensburg University graduate's death in Baghdad
Staff report
The recent death of a Shippensburg University graduate in Iraq is under investigation.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced this week that Capt. Wesley J. Hinkley, 36, Carlisle, died Monday in Baghdad as a result of a non-combat incident.
He was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Fort Stewart, Ga.
A "non-combat related incident" may include an accident or suicide, according to Kevin Larson, military spokesman for the public affairs office in Fort Stewart, Ga.
read more here
Military probes
Woodstock soldier dies from non-combat injuries
by Barbara P. Jacoby
bjacoby@cherokeetribune.com
April 07, 2011 10:36 PM
Family and friends are remembering a Woodstock man who died while serving in Iraq.
U.S. Army Spec. Gary Lee Nelson III, 20, died on Tuesday from injuries suffered in a non-combat incident in Mosul, Iraq.
Further details have not yet been released by the Department of Defense, as his death is being investigated, which is routine for all military deaths.
A department spokesman said a casualty assistance officer will stay in contact with the family to give them updates about the process and the return of his remains.
Nelson's family traveled to to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., on Wednesday to bring him home.
Read more:
Woodstock soldier
Staff report
The recent death of a Shippensburg University graduate in Iraq is under investigation.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced this week that Capt. Wesley J. Hinkley, 36, Carlisle, died Monday in Baghdad as a result of a non-combat incident.
He was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Fort Stewart, Ga.
A "non-combat related incident" may include an accident or suicide, according to Kevin Larson, military spokesman for the public affairs office in Fort Stewart, Ga.
read more here
Military probes
Woodstock soldier dies from non-combat injuries
by Barbara P. Jacoby
bjacoby@cherokeetribune.com
April 07, 2011 10:36 PM
Family and friends are remembering a Woodstock man who died while serving in Iraq.
U.S. Army Spec. Gary Lee Nelson III, 20, died on Tuesday from injuries suffered in a non-combat incident in Mosul, Iraq.
Further details have not yet been released by the Department of Defense, as his death is being investigated, which is routine for all military deaths.
A department spokesman said a casualty assistance officer will stay in contact with the family to give them updates about the process and the return of his remains.
Nelson's family traveled to to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., on Wednesday to bring him home.
Read more:
Woodstock soldier
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Army Captain's dead in Iraq under investigation
Army captain from Carlisle killed in Iraq
By staff reports, April 6, 2011
A 1993 graduate of Boiling Springs High School and a member of the Shippensburg University Class of 2001 died in Iraq on Monday.
Capt. Wesley J. Hinkley, 36, of Carlisle, died as a result of a non-combat related incident, the Department of Defense announced on Tuesday.
Hinkley was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Stewart, Ga.
During his high school years, Hinkley was a member of the chess club, Boiling Springs High School Principal Joe Mancuso said.
He served in the Army, returned to Shippensburg University, where he was a history major and a member of the university's Army ROTC program, and then returned to the Army as an officer, Gene Mizdail, recruiting operations officer with the Shippensburg University Army ROTC, said.
read more here
Army captain from Carlisle killed in Iraq
By staff reports, April 6, 2011
A 1993 graduate of Boiling Springs High School and a member of the Shippensburg University Class of 2001 died in Iraq on Monday.
Capt. Wesley J. Hinkley, 36, of Carlisle, died as a result of a non-combat related incident, the Department of Defense announced on Tuesday.
Hinkley was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Stewart, Ga.
During his high school years, Hinkley was a member of the chess club, Boiling Springs High School Principal Joe Mancuso said.
He served in the Army, returned to Shippensburg University, where he was a history major and a member of the university's Army ROTC program, and then returned to the Army as an officer, Gene Mizdail, recruiting operations officer with the Shippensburg University Army ROTC, said.
read more here
Army captain from Carlisle killed in Iraq
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Fort Stewart soldier drowns in on-base pond
Stewart soldier drowns in on-base pond
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Feb 13, 2011 11:59:12 EST
FORT STEWART, Ga. — A Fort Stewart soldier drowned Saturday in a recreational pond at the base.
WTOC-TV reported that emergency workers went to the scene after getting a call from fishermen who saw the soldier fall into the water. A rescue attempt was unsuccessful.
Military authorities did not release the soldier's name on Sunday.
The incident is under investigation.
Stewart soldier drowns in on-base pond
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Feb 13, 2011 11:59:12 EST
FORT STEWART, Ga. — A Fort Stewart soldier drowned Saturday in a recreational pond at the base.
WTOC-TV reported that emergency workers went to the scene after getting a call from fishermen who saw the soldier fall into the water. A rescue attempt was unsuccessful.
Military authorities did not release the soldier's name on Sunday.
The incident is under investigation.
Stewart soldier drowns in on-base pond
Monday, January 17, 2011
Fort Stewart Soldier on leave stabbed on plane trying to break up fight
Man accused of stabbing soldier on jet
Sonia Azad
More: Bio, E-mail, News Team
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A soldier was attacked, stabbed in the neck after he tried to break up a fight on a plane. And now, we're learning new details about what happened.
Investigators say the plane was on the tarmac at Bush Airport last month, ready to fly to Savannah, Georgia, when the fight started.
The soldier, Nicholas Shipley, 20, is back on post in Fort Stewart, Georgia. The guy accused of threatening him is free after posting bail.
Robert Paterson, 38, works as a contractor in Afghanistan. During a vacation from the war zone, he was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport for threatening Shipley and allegedly stabbing him with a type of knife on an airplane.
The men were on an Express Jet flight to Savannah. Police reports indicate the whole thing started with a fight on board. When a stewardess tried to calm the guys down, police say Paterson stabbed Shipley.
read more here
Man accused of stabbing soldier on jet
Sonia Azad
More: Bio, E-mail, News Team
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A soldier was attacked, stabbed in the neck after he tried to break up a fight on a plane. And now, we're learning new details about what happened.
Investigators say the plane was on the tarmac at Bush Airport last month, ready to fly to Savannah, Georgia, when the fight started.
The soldier, Nicholas Shipley, 20, is back on post in Fort Stewart, Georgia. The guy accused of threatening him is free after posting bail.
Robert Paterson, 38, works as a contractor in Afghanistan. During a vacation from the war zone, he was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport for threatening Shipley and allegedly stabbing him with a type of knife on an airplane.
The men were on an Express Jet flight to Savannah. Police reports indicate the whole thing started with a fight on board. When a stewardess tried to calm the guys down, police say Paterson stabbed Shipley.
read more here
Man accused of stabbing soldier on jet
Monday, December 20, 2010
National Guardsmen let Rick Scott know they need jobs
You do have to give this man credit for asking a great question that really does matter to them!
Gov.-elect Scott visits returning Florida soldiers
Rick Scott, wife Ann Scott and Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll made a trip to Fort Stewart on Saturday, officials said.
By Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel
11:38 p.m. EST, December 18, 2010
Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott thanked Florida National Guard soldiers for their "unbelievable sacrifice" during a visit on Saturday, a Florida Army and Air National Guard spokesman said.
Scott, wife Ann Scott and Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll made a trip to Fort Stewart, Ga., on Saturday, Lt. Col. Ron Tittle said in a release.
Tittle said Scott was there to meet with soldiers who returned Friday after a nearly one-year deployment and to get an overview of the Florida National Guard's homecoming process.
Speaking to more than 700 soldiers of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the installation's theater, Scott thanked them for their sacrifices, Tittle said.
"Let me tell you from the bottom of my heart that I am appreciative of what you did," Scott said, in statements distributed by the Florida National Guard. "You made an unbelievable sacrifice to go overseas and defend our country."
According to the release, Scott asked the soldiers in attendance how many of them were in need of employment. Tittle said more than half raised their hands.
read more here
Gov elect Scott visits returning Florida soldiers
Friday, December 17, 2010
Slain Ft. Stewart soldier never violent
Mother: Slain Ft. Stewart soldier never violent
By RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press
5:36 p.m. CST, December 16, 2010
SAVANNAH, Ga. — A slain Fort Stewart soldier was never violent, his mother said Thursday, disputing an assertion by the military that her son may have been the aggressor in a domestic fight that led to his death.
Army Spc. Alante L. Whiting, 22, of Westland, Mich., was fatally stabbed on the Georgia Army post Dec. 8 just hours after he returned from a tour in Iraq. He died at Fort Stewart's hospital.
His mother, Alesia Whiting, told The Associated Press that she spoke with her son, an Army intelligence analyst, by phone after his unit's flight landed in Georgia. She said he sounded like he couldn't be happier to be back.
"He was ecstatic -- laughing, joking, being silly," Alesia Whiting said. "He was telling me about the gift basket in his room that the soldiers all get. He was just talking about stuff in the future, saying, `I can't wait to get home, mommy."'
Within 18 hours after he arrived at Fort Stewart, Alante Whiting was dead. A delivery driver found him bleeding outside his barracks on Fort Stewart and called 911.
read more here
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ga-soldierslaying,0,4878572.story
By RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press
5:36 p.m. CST, December 16, 2010
SAVANNAH, Ga. — A slain Fort Stewart soldier was never violent, his mother said Thursday, disputing an assertion by the military that her son may have been the aggressor in a domestic fight that led to his death.
Army Spc. Alante L. Whiting, 22, of Westland, Mich., was fatally stabbed on the Georgia Army post Dec. 8 just hours after he returned from a tour in Iraq. He died at Fort Stewart's hospital.
His mother, Alesia Whiting, told The Associated Press that she spoke with her son, an Army intelligence analyst, by phone after his unit's flight landed in Georgia. She said he sounded like he couldn't be happier to be back.
"He was ecstatic -- laughing, joking, being silly," Alesia Whiting said. "He was telling me about the gift basket in his room that the soldiers all get. He was just talking about stuff in the future, saying, `I can't wait to get home, mommy."'
Within 18 hours after he arrived at Fort Stewart, Alante Whiting was dead. A delivery driver found him bleeding outside his barracks on Fort Stewart and called 911.
read more here
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ga-soldierslaying,0,4878572.story
Thursday, September 30, 2010
3rd ID soldier accused of shooting, killing 2 others
3rd ID soldier accused of shooting, killing 2 others
By Denise Etheridge
Special to the News
Updated: Sept. 29, 2010 10:06 a.m.
Two Fort Stewart soldiers died from gunshot wounds Friday in a non-combat incident while deployed in support of Operation New Dawn. A fellow soldier is being held in connection to the fatal shootings, and in the wounding of another soldier.
Spc. John Carrillo Jr., 20, of Stockton, Calif., and Pfc. Gebrah P. Noonan, 26, of Watertown, Conn., were fatally shot following a “verbal altercation” on Sept. 23 in Fallujah, Iraq, said U.S. military spokesman Col. Barry Johnson in an Associated Press story. The military has not released the name of a third solider who was injured in the incident.
Spc. Neftaly Platero of Houston, Texas, is suspected of shooting his fellow soldiers, Johnson said.
Carrillo and Noonan were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The 4th brigade deployed to Iraq in July.
“Both came to Fort Stewart in May 2010, and it was their first deployment,” said Fort Stewart spokesperson Kevin Larson.
The installation’s public affairs office referred all inquiries about Noonan and Carrillo’s deaths to U.S. Forces-Iraq, based in Baghdad.
read more here
3rd ID soldier accused of shooting, killing 2 others
By Denise Etheridge
Special to the News
Updated: Sept. 29, 2010 10:06 a.m.
Two Fort Stewart soldiers died from gunshot wounds Friday in a non-combat incident while deployed in support of Operation New Dawn. A fellow soldier is being held in connection to the fatal shootings, and in the wounding of another soldier.
Spc. John Carrillo Jr., 20, of Stockton, Calif., and Pfc. Gebrah P. Noonan, 26, of Watertown, Conn., were fatally shot following a “verbal altercation” on Sept. 23 in Fallujah, Iraq, said U.S. military spokesman Col. Barry Johnson in an Associated Press story. The military has not released the name of a third solider who was injured in the incident.
Spc. Neftaly Platero of Houston, Texas, is suspected of shooting his fellow soldiers, Johnson said.
Carrillo and Noonan were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The 4th brigade deployed to Iraq in July.
“Both came to Fort Stewart in May 2010, and it was their first deployment,” said Fort Stewart spokesperson Kevin Larson.
The installation’s public affairs office referred all inquiries about Noonan and Carrillo’s deaths to U.S. Forces-Iraq, based in Baghdad.
read more here
3rd ID soldier accused of shooting, killing 2 others
Monday, September 6, 2010
Winn Army Community Hospital hostage situation ends
Hostage situation at Fort Stewart ends without casualties
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 6, 2010 11:45 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: The gunman, an ex-soldier, had four weapons, base spokesman says
Gunman is taken into custody, spokesman says
"Everyone is safe," spokesman says
Check out a local report on the hostage situation from CNN affiliate WTOC-TV in Savannah, Georgia.
(CNN) -- A hostage situation that lasted about two hours at Fort Stewart, Georgia, ended Monday without injuries, and a gunman is in custody, a spokesman for the Army base said.
The gunman -- a former soldier -- entered the Winn Army Community Hospital at about 4 a.m. ET and demanded care, spokesman Kevin Larson said.
He immediately took one hostage and went to the third floor, which houses the behavioral health unit, where he held two more people at gunpoint, including a nurse practitioner, Larson said.
read more here
Hostage situation at Fort Stewart ends without casualties
linked from RawStory
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 6, 2010 11:45 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: The gunman, an ex-soldier, had four weapons, base spokesman says
Gunman is taken into custody, spokesman says
"Everyone is safe," spokesman says
Check out a local report on the hostage situation from CNN affiliate WTOC-TV in Savannah, Georgia.
(CNN) -- A hostage situation that lasted about two hours at Fort Stewart, Georgia, ended Monday without injuries, and a gunman is in custody, a spokesman for the Army base said.
The gunman -- a former soldier -- entered the Winn Army Community Hospital at about 4 a.m. ET and demanded care, spokesman Kevin Larson said.
He immediately took one hostage and went to the third floor, which houses the behavioral health unit, where he held two more people at gunpoint, including a nurse practitioner, Larson said.
read more here
Hostage situation at Fort Stewart ends without casualties
linked from RawStory
Friday, September 3, 2010
Soldier found dead at Fort Stewart
Soldier found dead at Fort Stewart
By Associated Press
September 2, 2010
For the AJC
FORT STEWART, Ga. -- Investigators at Fort Stewart are trying to determine what caused the death of a military policeman whose body was found on the Army post.
Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Wednesday investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy on the soldier, who was found unresponsive by Fort Stewart police inside a building Tuesday.
The dead soldier was identified as Maj. Paul A. Egli, a military policeman from Thompson Station, Tenn.
Larson said investigators were withholding further information about the death until they received the autopsy results.
The Army says Egli had served in uniform since 1981. He had been stationed at Fort Stewart for the past year. http://www.ajc.com/news/soldier-found-dead-at-605191.html
By Associated Press
September 2, 2010
For the AJC
FORT STEWART, Ga. -- Investigators at Fort Stewart are trying to determine what caused the death of a military policeman whose body was found on the Army post.
Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Wednesday investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy on the soldier, who was found unresponsive by Fort Stewart police inside a building Tuesday.
The dead soldier was identified as Maj. Paul A. Egli, a military policeman from Thompson Station, Tenn.
Larson said investigators were withholding further information about the death until they received the autopsy results.
The Army says Egli had served in uniform since 1981. He had been stationed at Fort Stewart for the past year. http://www.ajc.com/news/soldier-found-dead-at-605191.html
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Female soldier's non-combat death among three
Iraq
Afghanistan
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Morganne M. McBeth, 19, of Fredricksburg, Va., died July 2 in Al Asad, Iraq, of wounds sustained July 1 in a non-combat related incident in Khan Al Baghdadi, Iraq. She was assigned to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13676
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Johnny W. Lumpkin, 38, of Columbus, Ga., died July 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained July 1 in a non-combat related equipment incident in Taji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13677
Afghanistan
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher D. Chapleau, 33, of LaGrange, Ky., died June 30 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13675
all reports linked from ICasualties.org
Monday, May 10, 2010
Explosive Ordnance Disposal soldier dies in Iraq
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Esau S.A. Gonzales, 30, of White Deer, Texas, died May 3 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 38th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, Fort Stewart, Ga.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Esau S.A. Gonzales, 30, of White Deer, Texas, died May 3 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 38th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sears Employees donate washer and dryer to disabled vet mom of six
Disabled vet gets washer-dryer surprise
By Brian McVicar - The Muskegon Chronicle via Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Feb 25, 2010 13:44:12 EST
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — When disabled U.S. Army veteran Zaneta Adams arrived at Sears in the Lakes Mall, she thought she was going to be participating in a customer survey to help the store gauge consumer tastes.
What the North Muskegon resident found Wednesday was something entirely unexpected — a free Kenmore washer and dryer paid for by employees from eight of Sears' Michigan stores. Employees from the stores pooled together their personal money and conducted fundraisers to purchase the appliances in honor of Adams’ military service.
"I wish my children were here," said Adams, a 32-year-old mother of six who broke her back at Fort Stewart, Ga. in 2005 when she fell off a 10-foot truck. "It's probably not going to hit me ‘til I get home."
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/ap_vet_washer_dryer_022510/
By Brian McVicar - The Muskegon Chronicle via Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Feb 25, 2010 13:44:12 EST
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — When disabled U.S. Army veteran Zaneta Adams arrived at Sears in the Lakes Mall, she thought she was going to be participating in a customer survey to help the store gauge consumer tastes.
What the North Muskegon resident found Wednesday was something entirely unexpected — a free Kenmore washer and dryer paid for by employees from eight of Sears' Michigan stores. Employees from the stores pooled together their personal money and conducted fundraisers to purchase the appliances in honor of Adams’ military service.
"I wish my children were here," said Adams, a 32-year-old mother of six who broke her back at Fort Stewart, Ga. in 2005 when she fell off a 10-foot truck. "It's probably not going to hit me ‘til I get home."
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/ap_vet_washer_dryer_022510/
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich faces trail for slaying two soldiers
Sgt. accused of killing NCOs to face trial
By Russ Bynum - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 8, 2009 7:05:43 EDT
SAVANNAH, Georgia — An Army sergeant accused of slaying his superior and another U.S. soldier in Iraq will face a court-martial and could be sentenced to death if convicted, the military said Tuesday.
Army prosecutors say Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich, 39, shot his squad leader, Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson, and Sgt. Wesley Durbin on Sept. 14 at a joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol base south of Baghdad. Witnesses have said Bozicevich opened fire on the soldiers when they tried to counsel him for poor performance.
Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division based at Georgia's Fort Stewart, ordered a general court-martial for Bozicevich on charges of murder. His decision Tuesday was based on preliminary evidence heard in April at the accused soldier's Article 32 hearing, similar to a civilian grand jury.
If Bozicevich is convicted but not sentenced to death, he would face life in prison without parole, said Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson. No trial date has been set.
Bozicevich's attorney, Charles Gittins, said Tuesday evening he had no comment.
Dawson's stepmother, Maxine Mathis, said she was thankful the military was moving forward with the case. But she said she couldn't support the death penalty for Bozicevich.
"If they could just send him to prison, that wouldn't bother me one bit," Mathis said by phone from Pensacola, Fla. "I just feel in my heart something snapped in that man. I don't know what those young men go through over there."
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_fragging_case_bozicevich_070709/
This is one amazing woman to be able to look past her pain and find compassion for the one accused of killing her step-son.
By Russ Bynum - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 8, 2009 7:05:43 EDT
SAVANNAH, Georgia — An Army sergeant accused of slaying his superior and another U.S. soldier in Iraq will face a court-martial and could be sentenced to death if convicted, the military said Tuesday.
Army prosecutors say Sgt. Joseph Bozicevich, 39, shot his squad leader, Staff Sgt. Darris Dawson, and Sgt. Wesley Durbin on Sept. 14 at a joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol base south of Baghdad. Witnesses have said Bozicevich opened fire on the soldiers when they tried to counsel him for poor performance.
Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division based at Georgia's Fort Stewart, ordered a general court-martial for Bozicevich on charges of murder. His decision Tuesday was based on preliminary evidence heard in April at the accused soldier's Article 32 hearing, similar to a civilian grand jury.
If Bozicevich is convicted but not sentenced to death, he would face life in prison without parole, said Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson. No trial date has been set.
Bozicevich's attorney, Charles Gittins, said Tuesday evening he had no comment.
Dawson's stepmother, Maxine Mathis, said she was thankful the military was moving forward with the case. But she said she couldn't support the death penalty for Bozicevich.
"If they could just send him to prison, that wouldn't bother me one bit," Mathis said by phone from Pensacola, Fla. "I just feel in my heart something snapped in that man. I don't know what those young men go through over there."
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_fragging_case_bozicevich_070709/
This is one amazing woman to be able to look past her pain and find compassion for the one accused of killing her step-son.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bekaert takes charge of Fort Stewart WTB
New CSM brings experience to WTU
Soldier has served 20 years in National Guard
By Frenchi Jones
Staff writer
Updated: June 22, 2009
After more than a month of being without a command sergeant major, soldiers at Fort Stewart’s Warrior Transition Battalion recently welcomed a new leader to its chain of command.
On Wednesday, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bekaert assumed responsibility as the battalion’s commanding non-commissioned officer.
First Sgt. Glenn Swanson, who served as the interim CSM while the battalion courted a new one, exchanged responsibility for the troops with Bekaert in front of three companies of soldiers currently assigned to the WTB.
“We are getting a great NCO to help lead this battalion in the direction it’s headed,” Lt. Col. James Kanicki, commander of the WTU, told the warriors. “Command Sgt. Maj. Bekaert brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s a combat veteran … and above all else, he is a leader that understands soldiers and understands taking care of soldiers.”
go here for more
Soldier has served 20 years in National Guard
By Frenchi Jones
Staff writer
Updated: June 22, 2009
After more than a month of being without a command sergeant major, soldiers at Fort Stewart’s Warrior Transition Battalion recently welcomed a new leader to its chain of command.
On Wednesday, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bekaert assumed responsibility as the battalion’s commanding non-commissioned officer.
First Sgt. Glenn Swanson, who served as the interim CSM while the battalion courted a new one, exchanged responsibility for the troops with Bekaert in front of three companies of soldiers currently assigned to the WTB.
“We are getting a great NCO to help lead this battalion in the direction it’s headed,” Lt. Col. James Kanicki, commander of the WTU, told the warriors. “Command Sgt. Maj. Bekaert brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s a combat veteran … and above all else, he is a leader that understands soldiers and understands taking care of soldiers.”
go here for more
Friday, June 19, 2009
M-88 armored vehicle fire burns 3 Fort Stewart Soldiers
3 Ga. soldiers injured in Army vehicle fire
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Associated Press
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Fort Stewart — Three Fort Stewart soldiers are being treated for injuries from an explosion inside an armored vehicle on the southeast Georgia Army post.
Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Wednesday none of the injuries are life-threatening. One soldier was taken to the Augusta burn center with second-degree burns. The others were treated at Fort Stewart for minor burns and dehydration.
Larson said the soldiers were driving an M-88 armored vehicle on a tank trail when they heard a hissing sound, followed by an explosion inside the crew compartment. The blast threw one of the soldiers out of the vehicle.
The M-88 is an armored tow truck used to move tanks and other heavy vehicles.
The Army is investigating what caused the blast. The soldiers’ identities were not immediately released.
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Associated Press
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Fort Stewart — Three Fort Stewart soldiers are being treated for injuries from an explosion inside an armored vehicle on the southeast Georgia Army post.
Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Wednesday none of the injuries are life-threatening. One soldier was taken to the Augusta burn center with second-degree burns. The others were treated at Fort Stewart for minor burns and dehydration.
Larson said the soldiers were driving an M-88 armored vehicle on a tank trail when they heard a hissing sound, followed by an explosion inside the crew compartment. The blast threw one of the soldiers out of the vehicle.
The M-88 is an armored tow truck used to move tanks and other heavy vehicles.
The Army is investigating what caused the blast. The soldiers’ identities were not immediately released.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
PTSD On Trial:Iraq Veteran's Dad Blames Arrest on War Stress
Officer's Dad Blames Arrest On War Stress
Corrections Officer Jailed After Crash, Chase
A county corrections officer was arrested on suspicion of running down deer and fleeing from law enforcement officers, but Matthew Hagen's family and friends said his behavior was a result of what happened to him in Iraq.
"What he did was wrong," said his father, Daniel Hagen. "We're not debating that. But there is an explanation."
Matthew Hagen's family said his behavior isn't characteristic of the decorated military man and committed corrections officer they know.
Daniel Hagan said his son has been struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from Iraq 21 months ago.
"His job classification was a .50-caliber sniper," Daniel Hagen said. "Matthew came back from Iraq a different individual than when he left."
He said he knew that his son was experiencing post-traumatic stress.
"He saw things and heard things, and he still relives some of those things," Daniel Hagen said.
Sgt. Dustin Bray, one of Matthew Hagen's closest friends, said he saw signs of post-traumatic stress, too. He spoke to KETV News Watch 7 from Fort Stewart, Ga.
"The hardest thing he's ever seen, the hardest thing he's ever done is watch his buddy die," said Bray.
Matthew Hagen's friends and family said he tried to ignore his feelings. They said his work as a corrections officer, Army reservist and husband overloaded his plate.
go here for the rest
http://www.ketv.com/news/19153878/detail.html
Corrections Officer Jailed After Crash, Chase
A county corrections officer was arrested on suspicion of running down deer and fleeing from law enforcement officers, but Matthew Hagen's family and friends said his behavior was a result of what happened to him in Iraq.
"What he did was wrong," said his father, Daniel Hagen. "We're not debating that. But there is an explanation."
Matthew Hagen's family said his behavior isn't characteristic of the decorated military man and committed corrections officer they know.
Daniel Hagan said his son has been struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from Iraq 21 months ago.
"His job classification was a .50-caliber sniper," Daniel Hagen said. "Matthew came back from Iraq a different individual than when he left."
He said he knew that his son was experiencing post-traumatic stress.
"He saw things and heard things, and he still relives some of those things," Daniel Hagen said.
Sgt. Dustin Bray, one of Matthew Hagen's closest friends, said he saw signs of post-traumatic stress, too. He spoke to KETV News Watch 7 from Fort Stewart, Ga.
"The hardest thing he's ever seen, the hardest thing he's ever done is watch his buddy die," said Bray.
Matthew Hagen's friends and family said he tried to ignore his feelings. They said his work as a corrections officer, Army reservist and husband overloaded his plate.
go here for the rest
http://www.ketv.com/news/19153878/detail.html
Friday, March 13, 2009
Army, Volusia Sheriff investigate deaths of siblings in Deltona
Please pray for their family. Then pray we stop these needless deaths so more families do not suffer.
IMAGE COURTESY U.S. ARMY No need for suicide — This page is from the U.S. Army ACE (Peer) Suicide Intervention Program, developed in response to the increasing number of suicides among military personnel. Suicide is the apparent cause of death for Kristin and Jason Kouis of Deltona, who were both serving in the Army. To read the whole Army document, go online to the Fort Stewart-3rd Infantry Division chaplain's Web site.
Army, Volusia Sheriff investigate deaths of siblings in Deltona
By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER
posted Mar 11, 2009 - 4:50:05pm
A national tragedy hit home March 8 when a brother and sister, both Army personnel, were laid to rest with full military honors in Deltona.
The 21- and 24-year-old are believed to have killed themselves, adding two more names to the record roll of Army suicides that is gaining attention and action across the nation.
The bodies of Kristin Kouis and her older brother, Jason Kouis, were found Feb. 27 in a vehicle parked on a power-line-access road behind homes on Trumbull Street in Deltona.
A hose ran from the vehicle's tailpipe into the rear passenger-side window, which was taped shut. The vehicle was still running.
Residents had noticed the silver car, saw people inside, and called 911.
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http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/1546
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fort Stewart soldier receives Bronze Star with Valor
Fort Stewart soldier receives Bronze Star with Valor
Posted: Feb 23, 2009 04:03 PM EST
By Michelle Paynter
FORT STEWART, GA (WTOC) - A young Third Infantry Division soldier was honored with a top Army award, the Bronze Star with Valor.
It was awarded today Spc. Sixto Garcia. He is assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3-69 Armor Battalion, also known as the "Speed and Power" battalion.
The 24-year-old is soft spoken, but when it comes to fighting a war, Spc. Garcia's fellow soldiers said he's the man you want by your side.
Including Lt. Col. Jessie Robinson who spoke at today's event. "Personally I feel blessed and honored to be privileged to be your battalion commander," he said at today's ceremony on Fort Stewart.
click link for more
Posted: Feb 23, 2009 04:03 PM EST
By Michelle Paynter
FORT STEWART, GA (WTOC) - A young Third Infantry Division soldier was honored with a top Army award, the Bronze Star with Valor.
It was awarded today Spc. Sixto Garcia. He is assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3-69 Armor Battalion, also known as the "Speed and Power" battalion.
The 24-year-old is soft spoken, but when it comes to fighting a war, Spc. Garcia's fellow soldiers said he's the man you want by your side.
Including Lt. Col. Jessie Robinson who spoke at today's event. "Personally I feel blessed and honored to be privileged to be your battalion commander," he said at today's ceremony on Fort Stewart.
click link for more
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Female soldier missing from Fort Stewart
Mother of missing Fort Stewart soldier remains hopeful
Posted: Jan 14, 2009 05:32 PM EST
By Michelle Paynter - bio email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Charlana McKenzie, 32, has been missing since Monday morning. See Police searching for missing woman.
She didn't show up to work at Fort Stewart and she didn't pick up her daughter from school. While police are continuing their investigation, McKenzie's family is in a panic.
McKenzie and her 14-year-old daughter are inseparable. They've moved all over the country together as McKenzie, an Army sergeant, transferred from base to base. They just recently moved to Savannah.
Her daughter was the last one to see her. That was at 6:40am on Monday. "She said she was standing waiting for the school bus and she saw her mom's car go by," said McKenzie's mother Deborah Scott.
click link for more
Posted: Jan 14, 2009 05:32 PM EST
By Michelle Paynter - bio email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Charlana McKenzie, 32, has been missing since Monday morning. See Police searching for missing woman.
She didn't show up to work at Fort Stewart and she didn't pick up her daughter from school. While police are continuing their investigation, McKenzie's family is in a panic.
McKenzie and her 14-year-old daughter are inseparable. They've moved all over the country together as McKenzie, an Army sergeant, transferred from base to base. They just recently moved to Savannah.
Her daughter was the last one to see her. That was at 6:40am on Monday. "She said she was standing waiting for the school bus and she saw her mom's car go by," said McKenzie's mother Deborah Scott.
click link for more
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