Fulton soldier identified as victim of suspected murder case
Submitted by Anna Virginia Greene, Community Blogger
Friday, September 23rd, 2011, 7:33pm
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- A Quad City Area soldier has been identified by authorities as the victim of a suspected murder case in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Private, First Class Chad P. Dellit, of Fulton, Illinois was discovered near a hotel after guests reported what sounded like gunfire.
The incident occurred late Wednesday, September 21st. Police say they arrived at the Inn-Keeper Hotel just after 11 p.m.
“The officer responded to the area at 1706 Skibo Road where they saw the suspect running…behind the complex, I believe the Toys R Us. They canvassed the area. They didn’t locate the suspect described in the 911 call,” says police spokesman, Gavin MacRoberts.
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Sunday, September 25, 2011
Investigation shows Custer combat veteran had PTSD
Investigation shows Custer man had PTSD
Posted: Sep 23, 2011
By Courtney Zieller
An investigation shows a South Dakota Highway Patrol officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing after he shot and killed a Custer man on September 6.
And we're learning more about the man who died after Attorney General Marty Jackley sent out a statement Friday.
A criminal check was done on Engen by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
He didn't have a record.
But investigators found Engen was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
Engen was discharged from the military in May 2011.
He served four years.
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Posted: Sep 23, 2011
By Courtney Zieller
An investigation shows a South Dakota Highway Patrol officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing after he shot and killed a Custer man on September 6.
And we're learning more about the man who died after Attorney General Marty Jackley sent out a statement Friday.
A criminal check was done on Engen by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
He didn't have a record.
But investigators found Engen was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
Engen was discharged from the military in May 2011.
He served four years.
read more here
Army Investigating Death Of Non-Combat Soldier In Afghanistan
Army Investigating Death Of Non-Combat Soldier In Afghanistan
Soldier Worked Desk Job In Afghanistan
September 23, 2011
APPLETON, Wis. -- The sisters of a Wisconsin soldier killed in Afghanistan say U.S. Army military police are investigating his death.
His sisters told the Appleton Post-Crescent that Staff Sgt. Garrick Eppinger Jr. worked a desk job on Bagram Airbase and wasn't in the line of fire.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced earlier this week that the 25-year-old soldier from Fox Valley died Saturday in Parwan province in eastern Afghanistan.
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Bomb "hunter" with PTSD waiting 3 years for benefits
Collateral Damage: Benefit delays frustrating for ex-soldier with PTSD
By Greg Barnes
Staff writer
Ron Smith worked as a bomb hunter in Iraq and Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military.
Smith said the experience, which included three deployments between 2006 and 2008, left him mad at the world. He began drinking a lot, he said, and became detached from everyone around him.
In 2009, after leaving the Army and Fort Hood, Smith came to Fayetteville to see a girlfriend who became pregnant with his child.
He also went to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and told he was entitled to VA disability benefits.
Three years after applying for those benefits, Smith said, he is still waiting for them. He makes concessions for the delay, acknowledging that the paperwork initially was filed improperly.
Now he is frustrated. He said he has called, emailed and written letters to the VA numerous times, only to be ignored or turned away each time.
He is far from alone.
At the beginning of this year, the Fayetteville VA had a medical exam backlog for nearly 6,000 veterans who had filed for disability benefits, said Ed Drohan, a hospital spokesman.
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By Greg Barnes
Staff writer
Ron Smith worked as a bomb hunter in Iraq and Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military.
Smith said the experience, which included three deployments between 2006 and 2008, left him mad at the world. He began drinking a lot, he said, and became detached from everyone around him.
In 2009, after leaving the Army and Fort Hood, Smith came to Fayetteville to see a girlfriend who became pregnant with his child.
He also went to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and told he was entitled to VA disability benefits.
Three years after applying for those benefits, Smith said, he is still waiting for them. He makes concessions for the delay, acknowledging that the paperwork initially was filed improperly.
Now he is frustrated. He said he has called, emailed and written letters to the VA numerous times, only to be ignored or turned away each time.
He is far from alone.
At the beginning of this year, the Fayetteville VA had a medical exam backlog for nearly 6,000 veterans who had filed for disability benefits, said Ed Drohan, a hospital spokesman.
read more here
Ex-officer shoots ex-wife, self
Ex-officer shoots ex-wife, self
CMPD police say argument in Davidson ended when their former colleague fired.
By Meghan Cooke
macooke@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Sep. 25, 2011
A former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer and his ex-wife were hospitalized with serious injuries Saturday, police said, after he apparently shot the woman, then turned the gun on himself in Davidson.
Just after 2 a.m. Saturday, Davidson police responded to a report of a shooting at a home on Callaway Hills Lane. When officers arrived, they found a man and woman in the front yard, both with gunshot wounds.
Witnesses told police that Jeremy Allen Hester, 31, drove to the home of his ex-wife, Erin Marie Cobb, 28, and they began arguing inside. Moments after the pair walked outside, multiple gunshots were fired, witnesses told police.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, who are investigating the shooting, said that evidence gathered at the scene suggests Hester shot his ex-wife in the neck and then shot himself in the head. Police called the incident a "domestic violence-related shooting."
A neighbor who lives across the street told the Observer she heard three gunshots and then saw police cruisers rush to the home.
"I think everybody in the neighborhood called 911," she said.
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CMPD police say argument in Davidson ended when their former colleague fired.
By Meghan Cooke
macooke@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Sunday, Sep. 25, 2011
A former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer and his ex-wife were hospitalized with serious injuries Saturday, police said, after he apparently shot the woman, then turned the gun on himself in Davidson.
Just after 2 a.m. Saturday, Davidson police responded to a report of a shooting at a home on Callaway Hills Lane. When officers arrived, they found a man and woman in the front yard, both with gunshot wounds.
Witnesses told police that Jeremy Allen Hester, 31, drove to the home of his ex-wife, Erin Marie Cobb, 28, and they began arguing inside. Moments after the pair walked outside, multiple gunshots were fired, witnesses told police.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, who are investigating the shooting, said that evidence gathered at the scene suggests Hester shot his ex-wife in the neck and then shot himself in the head. Police called the incident a "domestic violence-related shooting."
A neighbor who lives across the street told the Observer she heard three gunshots and then saw police cruisers rush to the home.
"I think everybody in the neighborhood called 911," she said.
read more here
Camp Lejeune Marine to receive Silver Star
Marine to receive Silver Star
September 24, 2011 6:38 PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Camp Lejeune will present the prestigious Silver Star medal to a base Marine next week.
Capt. Timothy R. Sparks will receive the Silver Star Medal on Wednesday, according to releases from the 2nd Marine Division. The award ceremony will be held at the Officers Club aboard Camp Lejeune at 3:30 p.m.
Sparks will receive the medal for conspicuous gallantry in action while in support of Operation Moshtarak, February 2010, as company commander with Lejeune’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, according to releases.
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September 24, 2011 6:38 PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Camp Lejeune will present the prestigious Silver Star medal to a base Marine next week.
Capt. Timothy R. Sparks will receive the Silver Star Medal on Wednesday, according to releases from the 2nd Marine Division. The award ceremony will be held at the Officers Club aboard Camp Lejeune at 3:30 p.m.
Sparks will receive the medal for conspicuous gallantry in action while in support of Operation Moshtarak, February 2010, as company commander with Lejeune’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, according to releases.
read more here
Fort Bragg soldier in critical condition, 12 others in hospital after march
1 soldier remains critical, 12 others still hospitalized after grueling Fort Bragg march
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: September 24, 2011
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — One Fort Bragg soldier is fighting for his life and a dozen others are hospitalized a day after succumbing to the heat and humidity during a grueling march.
Womack Army Medical Center spokeswoman Shannon Lynch said Saturday one soldier remains in the hospital's intensive care unit. Twelve others receiving treatment are expected to be discharged Sunday.
More than three dozen soldiers at the North Carolina Army base suffered heat-related problems Friday after participating in the early morning march they needed to complete for their expert field medical badge.
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CNN had this
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: September 24, 2011
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — One Fort Bragg soldier is fighting for his life and a dozen others are hospitalized a day after succumbing to the heat and humidity during a grueling march.
Womack Army Medical Center spokeswoman Shannon Lynch said Saturday one soldier remains in the hospital's intensive care unit. Twelve others receiving treatment are expected to be discharged Sunday.
More than three dozen soldiers at the North Carolina Army base suffered heat-related problems Friday after participating in the early morning march they needed to complete for their expert field medical badge.
read more here
CNN had this
43 Fort Bragg soldiers suffer heat illness in 12-mile road march
By Jennifer Rizzo and Michael Martinez
updated 1:50 PM EST, Fri September 23, 2011
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
A total of 60 soldiers were being tested for their expert field medical badge
43 of them suffer heat-related illnesses
One is in intensive care
The difficult-to-obtain badge is considered the "portrait of excellence" in the Army
(CNN) -- Forty-three soldiers suffered heat-related illnesses Friday during a 12-mile road march at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, an Army spokesman said.
The march was the culmination of a week of "expert field medical badge training," during which soldiers are tested on their medic and general soldier skills in order to receive an "expert" badge, Fort Bragg spokesman Benjamin Abel said.
Sixty soldiers were on the march, which started at 6 a.m., and they were carrying backpacks, helmets, weapons and other combat gear, Abel said.
About an hour and a half into the march, the people running the event noticed some personnel "were having difficulties," and medical transports were begun, he said.
Eighteen of the soldiers were transported to Womack Army Medical Center, and one was admitted to the intensive care unit, he said.
Humidity levels Friday morning were higher than expected, but "this is odd, out of the norm, to have this many people treated," Abel added.
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Fort Hood soldier dies after being hit by truck
Fort Hood soldier dies after being hit by truck in Aiken County
By Lynn Davidson
Staff Writer
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
Follow Latest News
A 48-year-old Killeen, Texas, soldier died after being hit by a pickup on Edgefield Highway near Eureka, S.C., on Friday night, Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said.
Sgt. 1st Class Maurice J. Collier was attending a motorcycle rally with more than 500 motorcycles at Ellen’s Bar and Grill, Carlton said. Collier was standing near the entrance to the property directing traffic when he was struck by a Ford F-350. Collier was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead of multiple body trauma, Carlton said.
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By Lynn Davidson
Staff Writer
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
Follow Latest News
A 48-year-old Killeen, Texas, soldier died after being hit by a pickup on Edgefield Highway near Eureka, S.C., on Friday night, Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said.
Sgt. 1st Class Maurice J. Collier was attending a motorcycle rally with more than 500 motorcycles at Ellen’s Bar and Grill, Carlton said. Collier was standing near the entrance to the property directing traffic when he was struck by a Ford F-350. Collier was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead of multiple body trauma, Carlton said.
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Homeless vets get help with their problems at Orlando Stand Down
Last year I was in Buffalo when they held the Stand Down. My husband went with the DAV to help out. After he told me about all they had going on, I wondered why there was so little coverage on the news. It sounded wonderful! So many volunteers showing up to help veterans otherwise forgotten and avoided. Anyway, I showed up yesterday with camera in hand to get some of it on tape. The problem was, I was told I couldn't film or even take pictures. This reporter was there doing an interview and she told me the photographer would have plenty of pictures for me see.
As you can see, no pictures. At least the Sentinel reported on it. I checked News 13 site and there was nothing. Channel 2 didn't have anything. None of the others had anything. What's really bothering me right now is that when our veterans commit crimes, they are all swarming around to report on it. When one of them is in need and being helped out by volunteers because they care, no one seems interested.
So, to the Sentinel, thank you for reporting on this and to the volunteers, thank you for caring. To the others, this is why I hardly ever watch the news anymore.
As you can see, no pictures. At least the Sentinel reported on it. I checked News 13 site and there was nothing. Channel 2 didn't have anything. None of the others had anything. What's really bothering me right now is that when our veterans commit crimes, they are all swarming around to report on it. When one of them is in need and being helped out by volunteers because they care, no one seems interested.
So, to the Sentinel, thank you for reporting on this and to the volunteers, thank you for caring. To the others, this is why I hardly ever watch the news anymore.
Homeless vets get help with their problems
By EloÃsa Ruano González, Orlando Sentinel
6:53 p.m. EDT, September 24, 2011
U.S. Navy veteran Bill Kirwin needs a computer to search for a job and turn his life around, but he needs a library card to access the Internet at the Orlando Public Library. And to receive a free library card, he needed an identification card.
Kirwin finally received a state-issued I.D. at the Veterans Stand Down event held Saturday in Orlando. He was among the hundreds of homeless veterans who showed up for free haircuts, food and bags filled with hygiene products, clothing and a sleeping bag.
"When you're out on the street, transportation is a problem. Here, [the services] are all right here," said 37-year-old Kirwin, who will be entering a six-month residential treatment program to deal with the alcohol problem he developed while in the Navy.
The event, held at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex, also gave homeless vets an opportunity to sign up for transitional housing, food assistance, drug treatment programs and other services.
"It's our obligation to take care of them [veterans]," said Tim Liezert, director of the Orlando VA Medical Center. He watched as the veterans made their way through the maze of tables inside the recreation center. The veterans were allowed to use the showers at the facility.
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Murdered veteran faces final insult — no money for local funeral
Murdered Elgin homeless veteran faces final insult — no money for local funeral
By Dave Gathman
September 24, 2011
ELGIN — Vietnam-era soldier. Gifted carpenter. Loving father of three.
Alcoholic. Chronic homeless man. The victim of a senseless murder in which too much drinking likely played a role on both sides.
But after fulfilling all those roles during his 60 years of life, Richard Gibbons of Elgin now faces perhaps the final insult. His children don’t have enough money to give him the kind of funeral he wanted — a local cremation and simple memorial service costing just $1,700 — and are holding a fundraiser to pay for it, with any extra raised to be donated to three causes that benefit the homeless of Elgin.
The only time Gibbons made headlines was when he died, the victim of a crime so cruel and pointless that it made the Chicago newspapers and TV broadcasts. Many who heard the tale may have simply shrugged and said, “So another drunken homeless man is gone from our streets and some overserved, irresponsible jerk will probably spend most of his life in prison.”
But Gibbons’ family remembers a different man — a kind man, someone who even while he was homeless worked with an Elgin charity group to better the lives of others who live on Elgin’s streets.
read more here
By Dave Gathman
September 24, 2011
Alcoholic. Chronic homeless man. The victim of a senseless murder in which too much drinking likely played a role on both sides.
But after fulfilling all those roles during his 60 years of life, Richard Gibbons of Elgin now faces perhaps the final insult. His children don’t have enough money to give him the kind of funeral he wanted — a local cremation and simple memorial service costing just $1,700 — and are holding a fundraiser to pay for it, with any extra raised to be donated to three causes that benefit the homeless of Elgin.
The only time Gibbons made headlines was when he died, the victim of a crime so cruel and pointless that it made the Chicago newspapers and TV broadcasts. Many who heard the tale may have simply shrugged and said, “So another drunken homeless man is gone from our streets and some overserved, irresponsible jerk will probably spend most of his life in prison.”
But Gibbons’ family remembers a different man — a kind man, someone who even while he was homeless worked with an Elgin charity group to better the lives of others who live on Elgin’s streets.
read more here
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