Spc. Mathew LaForest

May 29, 2007
Austin American Statesman

LaForest was assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

LaForest was a quiet boy with brown hair and brown eyes, "the most perfect child you could have," said his father, Mark LaForest, a retired Air Force officer.

The LaForest family followed Mark LaForest to Air Force postings around the world and settled in Austin in time for Mathew to spend his eighth-grade year at Lake Travis Middle School.

Mathew LaForest was a member of Bowie's Junior ROTC program and played trumpet in the high school band. He also played soccer for the Austin United Soccer Club and went snowboarding on school breaks.

LaForest's family puts some of the blame for his death on Army recruiters, who told LaForest when he was 18 that he probably would not be sent to Iraq, his father said.

Mathew LaForest enlisted in the Army in August 2004, three months after he graduated from high school.

Although LaForest grew up on military bases, his decision to join the infantry in wartime came as a shock to his family. Mark LaForest believes the way the Army recruits had a lot to do with his son's decision.

"They start treating them like buddies, and four years later ... a certain percentage of these kids feel obligated to go into the military," he said.

Officials at Fort Hood and the Department of Defense did not immediately return calls seeking comment about recruiting methods.

LaForest planned to leave the Army when his term was up, his father said. He had begun saving for college.

In addition to his father, LaForest is survived by his mother, Deborah Boughn, stepmother Suzette LaForest, and siblings Jessica LaForest and Devon Mitchell.

His family is awaiting permission from the governor to bury him at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. It has asked that local recruiting officers not attend his funeral.

mbloom@statesman.com; (512) 392-8750

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Spec. Yari Mokri

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas, U.S.
Age: 26 years old
Died: December 6, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his vehicle while on patrol in Hawija.

Yari Mokri Yari Mokri, 26-year old Pflugerville resident, was killed in action in Hawijah, Iraq on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. He was born in Grenada Hills, California on June 11, 1980 to Mohammad and Donna Mokri and is the second of three children. His family moved to Austin in 1983, where Yari attended school in Austin ISD, and later in Pflugerville ISD. Yari graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1988, where he was a dedicated varsity soccer player, cross-country runner, and member of the German Club. Upon high school graduation, Yari attended Texas State University and graduated in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. One month later, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. Yari chose counter-intelligence as his MOS and received advanced training in this field at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. In January 2006, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He deployed in August and began an elite training program in Germany before arriving in Kirkuk Province, Iraq in September. Yari was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. One of Yari's life passions was the sport of soccer. He began playing as a small child, and never put the ball down. After high school, he joined the Austin Indoor Soccer League, where he played for several years. As an American Soldier in Iraq, Yari enjoyed playing soccer with Iraqi Soldiers. Yari told his family that his teammates in Iraq played barefoot, and that one day he planned to give his own shoes to one of them. In addition to his love for soccer, Yari had an appreciation for music of all kinds. He played the trumpet in the junior high band, and quickly developed an interest in a wide range of instruments, including guitar, drums, and keyboard. Yari filled up two bedrooms in his parent's home with his collection of musical instruments, and could frequently be heard strumming an electric guitar or drumming his trap set. Yari discovered early that he wanted to work in law enforcement, either at the local of federal level. He spent several years as an intern in the Austin Police Department Homicide Unit. This experience led him to pursue his career goals, and his decision to join the U.S. Army in its counter-intelligence division was the first step down this path. Yari was simply contagious. He had a positive attitude that rubbed off on others, even in the most trying of times. In Iraq, he recently told one of his commanders, "Sir, I hope you have a great day because it's a great day today." Yari's smile was the sunshine on a cloudy day. He was known for his humor and was never afraid to express himself through SNL cast impersonations and could carry on a conversation in movie quotes alone. Yari's loved ones include his wife Andrea, who he recently married in a private ceremony before his deployment, and her two children, Trey and Abby; his parents Mohammad and Donna; his brother and sister-in-law, Maziar and Christine along with his niece, Kaeli and nephew, Maziar; his sister, Desiree; his maternal grandparents, Franklin and Elisabeth Bowman of Carthage Missouri; his paternal grandmother, Zahra Mokri of Kermanshah, Iran; and a loving network of extended family and friends.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 12/13/2006.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Sgt. Byron W. Norwood

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas, U.S.
Age: 25 years old
Died: November 13, 2004 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Incident: Killed during the U.S. assault on Fallujah.

Family-Placed Obituary

Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood, USMC, was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, at 12:06 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2004. Byron was born in Austin, Texas, August 11, 1979, to Bill and Janet Aston Norwood, and was the third of five children. Byron graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1998 and was active in marching band, jazz band and drama. Upon graduation, Byron joined the Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers who served with the Marine Corps during WWII. After boot camp and then School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Byron returned to Austin for reserve duty and college from 1999-2000, and in late 2000 began active duty as a recruiter s assistant. He went to active duty with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in July 2001 as a Corporal. He completed a sea deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from June through December 2002. From February to May 2003, Byron s unit fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During a year back at Camp Pendleton, Byron spent time studying Arabic and was deployed to Iraq a second time on June 19, 2004. He was promoted to Sergeant July 1st, and participated in the training of Iraqi Special Forces as well as duty with Weapons Company. Byron believed strongly in the Marine Corps objective to assist in the rehabilitation of Iraq and in protecting the American people. He had a passionate love for his country, his family, his friends and God. Byron s captivating sense of humor and beaming smile enriched the lives of those around him. He shared his love for his family and friends openly and considered it an honor to be their protector. Byron was kind, sensitive and considerate, always placing others needs before his own. Byron s last selfless act was giving his life for his country. Byron is survived by his parents, William and Janet Norwood of Pflugerville, sister Kristen Norwood Hullum and husband, David of Pflugerville, brother Grant Norwood of Austin, sister Grayson Norwood of Austin, and brother Colin Norwood of Pflugerville, as well as grandparents Jake and Jeane Aston of Houston. Aunts and uncles include Ron and April Aston, Randall Aston, John Scott Norwood and Nancy Norwood. Cousins include Adam, Laura, Emily, Rachel, Melanie, Megan and Jason Aston, and Christopher and Cassandra Norwood. Byron was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Louise Norwood.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 11/19/2004.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Capt. Sean E. Lyerly

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas, U.S.
Age: 31 years old
Died: January 20, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army National Guard, Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, Austin, Tex.
Incident: Killed when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed in Baghdad.

CPT Sean Edward Lyerly In Loving memory of CPT Sean Edward Lyerly who passed away in Iraq on Saturday, January 20th, 2007. He was doing what he loved, flying a Blackhawk. Sean was a beloved son, brother, grandson, a devoted husband and father, and a great friend. He touched the lives of many and was admired by all who knew him. He gave his best to his family, friends, and ultimately to his country. Sean was born in Lafayette, LA and grew up in Houston, TX, where he attended Episcopal High School for three years. He moved to Brazil for a short time then returned to Houston where he graduated from Stratford High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University and interned at Disney's Epcot Center, where he met the love of his life, Csilla. Sean graduated in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture and a minor in Landscape Architecture and moved to the Austin area. He and Csilla were married in Sedona, AZ on April 27, 2002. As an officer in the National Guard, Sean attended Chemical Officer Basic Course in 2003, in Saint Robert, MO and flight school in 2004-2005 at Fort Rucker, AL, where he excelled as a pilot. Sean's natural instinct for flying was put to use as he volunteered to fly support missions in Texas and Louisiana in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He loved flying and he had a greater love for helping those in need. Sean lived life to the fullest each day. He took nothing for granted and always found something to smile about. Sean inherited a love of gardening from his mom; in his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard where his natural 'green thumb' was evident. He looked forward to spending time and hunting at the ranch with his brother and their father. His love of flying was echoed in the joy he found riding his beloved Hayabusa motorcycle. Perhaps his greatest love the love he held for his family. His wife, Csilla, was his best friend and soul mate. He delighted in taking time to teach their three year old son, Zackary, about everything! He loved the life he lived, his family, his friends and the beloved Pooh Cat. To his wife he was an amazing husband and a devoted father of their son. The loss of Sean has brought deep sorrow to his family and his family of friends. Sean is survived by his loving wife Csilla Lyerly of Pflugerville; son Zackary Lyerly of Pflugerville; mother Deborah Russo-Blakeman and husband John of California; father George Edward Lyerly and wife Monica of Bryan, TX; grandmothers Virginia Lyerly of Caldwell, TX and Elvina Rachal Russo of LA; brother George Edward Lyerly Jr. of Bryan and godfather Louis Russo of LA. He is also survived by so many other relatives and friends and of course his dear cat Oscar "Pooh".

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 1/27/2007.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Cpl. Steven P. Gill

Hometown: Round Rock, Texas, U.S.
Age: 24 years old
Died: July 21, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marine Reserves, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corp Reserve, San Antonio
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded while conducting combat operations near Zaidon.

Family-Placed Obituary

CPL. Steve Gill CPL. Steve Gill, joined the United States Marine Corps after 9-11. He was Killed in Action on July 21, 2005. He was a special young man, loved by all, and called home to Jesus too soon. Steve is survived by his parents, Bill and Rose, his brother, James, his maternal grandmother, Delia Camero, second parents, Ron and Sherilyn Jones, life long friend, Scott. Also survived by many, many, friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A ppecial thank you to Captain D. Herron, and all brother Marines of Charlie Company, currrently serving in Fallujah, Iraq.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 7/27/2005.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Cpl. Joseph E. Fite

Hometown: Round Rock, Texas, U.S.
Age: 23 years old
Died: January 9, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve, Austin, Tex.
Incident: Killed by hostile action in Anbar province.

Family-Placed Obituary

Joseph Fite Joseph was born April 25, 1981. He was the eldest son and middle child of our five children. We moved to Round Rock from Austin when he was three years old. He attended Round Rock Schools until he graduated from RRHS in 1999. He grew strong in Little League. He raced pine cars in Cub Scouts and went to Lake Bastrop with the Boy Scouts. When he was in Middle School, he started playing trombone in 6th grade and played through high School and a year at UT in the Longhorn band. At 14 and a Freshman in High School, he joined the Junior Marine Corps, R.O.T.C. As a member of the ROTC he Traveled to Marine Corps Base 29 Palms on three summer camps. As a RRHS Band Trombone player he traveled to Chicago in one year and England the next year. He graduated RRHS in 1999 and that summer enlisted in the Marine Corps, Reserve. He was accepted to the University of Texas and was active in the ROTC there as well as playing in the band and socializing with his fraternity brothers. He was a Capitol Tour Guide about this time. He went to work as a Valet for Henna Chevrolet following his two years at UT and put in long hours making his living and pulling his Reserve duties. He was called to active duty in June of 2004 and deployed to Iraq in August of 2004. He was a proud, stand up young Man. His many friends were made richer for having met him. Joseph was a quiet man. There are quiet men in this world. The silence we shared outweighed the conversation 1,000:1. He was reticent to pass out a hug and those hugs were more precious when we received them by the same ratio. He was always there for us, quiet men know their duty. Quiet men know how to love those in their care without being demanding or demonstrative. Joseph died an independent free man. He followed his own heart and dreamed his own dreams. He loved us all. I know he did. He didn't have to tell me. It was obvious. On January 9, 2005, our son Joseph was killed by Tyranny in Iraq. He was the bravest man I've ever known. He would have you remember him and thank him in your hearts for insuring your safety from those who would steal your life, your liberty, and your happiness. These folks loved him first and best. I am his father, my name is Olin Cleveland Fite III. His mother is Marcia Lynn Fite. We married December 25, 1974. His sister and her husband, Jennifer and Mark Brimberry, his sister Sarah Fite, his brother Thomas Fite, his brother Michael Fite. His grandparents; Olin Fite Jr. (deceased)and Billie Fite of Smithville, Tex., and Earl and Marie Severson of Newark, Ill. My brother and sister; Wayne Fite of Bastrop, Tex., and Patty and Gary Landry of Bastrop, Tex, Marcia's sister and brother, Ruth and Bill Hartline of Millington, Ill., and Owen and Bev Severson of Newark, Ill., his nephew Jacob Arthur Brimberry, my grandson, age two today January 13, 2005; and his cousins: Chris Fite of Oregon, Toby Fite of Oregon, Jessica and Jesse Landry of Bastrop, Travis Landry of Bastrop, Emily Hartline of Ill, Mary and James Shannon of Ill., and Jeff Severson, Dave Severson and Jill Severson, of Ill.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 1/15/2005.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Cpl. Michael C. Ledsome

Hometown: Austin, Texas, U.S.
Age: 24 years old
Died: November 25, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province.

Cpl. Michael Craig Ledsome Cpl. Craig Ledsome, 24 of Austin, Texas, tragically died in combat fighting for his family and country on November 25, 2006. For Craig, life was about having fun and putting a smile on everyone's face around him. He could find something to laugh about in every situation. His family meant everything to him but the true joys of his life were his wife Megan and 2 yr old son, Caelub. Being part of the Marine Corps was his dream and something he knew he had to do. His passions were the Texas Longhorns and golf. Craig Ledsome was born in Brownwood, Texas on December 4, 1981. He moved to Austin in 2000 where he ran the golf pro shop at the Balcones Country Club until he joined the Marine Corps in January, 2005. He leaves behind his wife and son, Megan and Caelub; his parents, Tammy and Kevin Eoff, Mike and Shawna Ledsome; brother, Brad; sister, Alex and several grandparents. Also, his extended family, Denise and Michael Taddeo from Austin, Bobby and Stephanie Smith from Dripping Springs; sisters-in-law Kathryn and Kim Futrell; several grandparents and close friends.


Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 12/3/2006.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post

Sgt. George M. Ulloa Jr.

Hometown: Austin, Texas, U.S.
Age: 23 years old
Died: August 3, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Incident: Killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post