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Tag:
Iraq
Greenwich, CT
Schools
Greenwich Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq
Two young Connecticut filmmakers have made it to the finals for a Student Emmy for their documentary on ABC journalist Bob Woodruff, who nearly died covering the war in Iraq and his work to help troops who suffered the same fate as him. Emily Sedgwick and Devan Jordan, both 2024 Sacred Heart Greenwich alumnae, made the movie titled "Upon Return." The documentary won-out over thousands of entries to make the finals for the illustrious prize. Woodruff was riding on top of a tank in 2006 in Iraq when it was hit by an IED. The blast nearly killed the then anchor of ABC's "World News…
Springfield, MA
News
'We Survived Together': Mass. Iraq Veteran Rescues Cat From Deployment
US Army Sgt. Shane Finnegan said he doesn't like the nickname members of his unit gave him during his 10-month deployment to Iraq last year even if he's earned it honestly. The "Cat Daddy," who lives in Monson, picked up the moniker after he adopted a feline friend he made during his first deployment. During his second stint overseas — last year in Iraq — he made another. So when it was time to return home, members of his unit turned to him to see if he would be willing to do it again. "It wasn't my plan to adopt a cat from every deployment," he joked. "I don't want to make this a habit."…
New City, NY
News
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex
-nypd
Detective Dies Suddenly At 54
A popular and accomplished Hudson Valley councilman died after suffering a heart attack at age 54. Rockland County Councilman Mark Woods, of Clarkstown, died on Friday, May 17, from an apparent heart attack, town officials said. Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Board and director of peer veteran services at the nonprofit BRIDGES was elected to represent Ward 1 in November 2023. A graduate of the Citadel, Woods was a decorated retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective and combat US Army veteran who served in Iraq. "From an early age, Mark chose service to others…
Bethlehem, PA
News
PA Man Convicted For Torturing Estonian In Iraq: FBI
A US Army veteran from Stroudsburg will spend the next 70 years in prison for torturing an employee at his illegal weapons facility in Iraq, according to the FBI. Federal investigators said Ross Roggio directed Kurdish soldiers to kidnap the victim, his own employee, and hold him hostage at a military installation for 39 days. The employee, an Estonian national, planned to blow the whistle on the illegal activities going on at Roggio's facility in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, according to authorities. While in captivity, federal investigators said the employee was "…
New Haven, CT
News
CT Man Lies About Knowing Terrorist Organization Associates During Citizenship Process
A 33-year-old Connecticut man has admitted to lying about knowing anyone involved with a terrorist organization during his citizenship process, federal officials announced. New Haven resident Mohamed Najm Kamash, also known as Mohamed Najm Mohamed Ali Kamash, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 25 to making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Tuesday, March 26. According to federal officials, Kamash immigrated to the IS from Iraq in 2014 and became a lawful permanent resident. O…
North Hunterdon, NJ
Obituaries
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (
Tribute
)
Col. Kenneth John Yeasky, of Belvidere, passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024, his family writes in his obituary on the MacFadden Funeral Home website. He was 60 years old. Ken was born on July 3, 1963 to Mary Ann “Tommie” Tomczyk and the late Edwin Yeasky. He grew up in Carteret and graduated from Green Brook High School (Somerset County). Ken had a distinguished 38-year military career at multiple levels in different branches. He graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's in industrial engineering, and had graduated from numerous other military schools. "He wanted to be…
Bristol, PA
Obituaries
PA State Trooper Bryan Gray Dies, 36: 'Leader With Calm, Level-Headed Approach'
Bryan Gray, a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, husband, and father, died on Thursday, Jan. 18, according to his obituary. He was 36. A Philadelphia native, Gray most recently lived in Morrisville with his wife and daughter, loved ones wrote. He was a state trooper of five years, serving at the Troop K barracks in Philadelphia, a family member wrote on GoFundMe. FOP State Lodge #37 said Gray was a "leader on his midnight squad, and always provided a calm and level-headed approach to any situation." Until 2015, Gray served in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, and toured in…
Albany, NY
Obituaries
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33
Tributes are pouring in for a beloved New York Army National Guard member from the region following her untimely death. Heather St. Pierre, formerly of Troy in Rensselaer County, died at her Cambridge home in Washington County on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the age of 33, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given. Born in Albany, St. Pierre graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School in 2008, where she holds school records in pole vaulting and track. She later obtained a criminal justice degree from Bryant & Stratton College. St. Pierre was a member of the Military Poli…
Pascack Valley, NJ
Obituaries
Westwood Native, U.S. Army Officer Alyson Garino Dies, 30 (
Tribute
)
Alyson Garino, a Bergen County native and highly-respected First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, died on Dec. 2, 2023. She was 30 years old. A graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy, Alyson went on to attend Penn State University, State College, and graduated with honors in 2015, according to her obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website. A Schreyer Scholar, she majored in English and minored in Military Studies. A distinguished military graduate of the ROTC Nittany Lion Battalion, she received the highly respected American Veterans of WWII award. Alyson served with distinction as a First Lieu…
Hamilton Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces
A newly posted video suggests that a Princeton University doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq last March is alive. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a July statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The Iran Observer posted the unauthenticated video clip on X on Monday, Nov. 13 claiming Tsurkov is an operative with Mossad — the national intelligence agency of Israel. "I worked for the Mossad and CIA," a translation of the video reads. Israeli Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped in Iraq 7 months ago, …
Gaithersburg, MD
Politics
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel
Senior US State Department official Josh Paul has stepped down from his position amid President Joe Biden's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict overseas, he says. After more than 11 years with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), Paul announced his resignation in an open letter on LinkedIn, citing a promise the Maryland native made to himself that conflicts with the current regime's handling of the ongoing war. Paul said that he is leaving his position because "in our current course with regards to the continued - indeed, expanded and expedited - provision of lethal …
Amherst, MA
News
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds
Federal authorities have accused a former US Marine from Franklin County of stolen valor after they say he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and lied about suffering a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb to earn a Purple Heart. Paul John "PJ" Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, is charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges. Herbert is accused of stealing more than $344,000 …
Ashburn, VA
News
Live Birds Seized From Passenger Coming From Dubai Into Dulles In VA
US Customs and Border Protection seized two live birds from a woman arriving on a flight from Dubai to Dulles International Airport earlier this month, officials said. The UAE passenger had been keeping the birds inside an open cardboard box inside a plastic bag on July 16, UCBP said. The woman failed to notify airline gate attendants that she was carrying the birds onto the flight. CBP agriculture specialists met the flight as it arrived, secured the birds in a filtered crate, and took the birds to CBP’s agriculture quarantine inspections lab. Agriculture specialists also referred the wom…
Bel Air, MD
Obituaries
Major US Army General Killed In Single-Engine Maryland Plane Crash
A decorated soldier has been identified as the man killed in this week's plane crash in Harford County. Anthony Potts, 59, who lived at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, crash-landed a single-engine plane at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 in the area of the 3600 block of Old Level Road in Havre de Grace. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries or serious property damage was reported. He put the plane down in a nearby field to avoid any additional casualties. The plane crash was reported in the 3600 block of Old Level Road in Havre de GraceGoogle Maps street view…
Paterson, NJ
Neighbors
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash
Jonathan Roman is lucky to be alive. The Paterson firefighter, a veteran who served in Iraq, was on his way to work when he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Sept. 2022. Roman lost a significant amount of blood and has faced numerous surgical procedures. Roman's wife, who was two months pregnant and raising their one-year-old daughter at the time of the crash, has been unable to work while she cares for her family. A fundraiser has been set up to assist with Roman and his family with medical bills and for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As of Thursday, July 6, $10,670 has been r…
Hamilton Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say
A Princeton doctoral student missing for several months is being held hostage in Iraq, Israeli officials said. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted in March while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The 36-year-old was abducted by members of the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah, a radical Iran-backed militia group, Netanyahu's office said. Tsurkov had just walked out of a cafe in Iraqi capital Baghdad when she was abducted, the New York Times says citing the researcher's family. Also a fellow at Wa…
Lakewood, NJ
Police & Fire
NJ Firefighter Brian Letrent Dies Suddenly, 34
The Bayville Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Brian Letrent died suddenly of a medical condition on Wednesday, June 21, according to his obituary. He was 34 years old. A Toms River native, Brian was raised in Bayville and was a 2007 graduate of Central Regional High School. He enlisted in the US Army right after graduation and was deployed to Iraq for six months. From Mayor Carmen Amato. Our heartfelt condolences are with Brian Letrent and his family during this difficult time.... Posted by Berkeley Township on Thursday, June 22, 2023 Brian worked as a mechan…
Fredericksburg, VA
Police & Fire
Purple Heart Marine Was DWI In Crash That Seriously Injured 14-Year-Olds In VA: Police
A US Marine sergeant awarded the Purple Heart was being held in the Rappahanock County Jail on drug and DWI charges for a Stafford crash that sent two 14-year-olds to the hospital via medevac, authorities confirmed. Beth Ellen Abbott is being held on a $6,000 bond for two counts of DWI with serious injury and drug possession, according to jail records. Abbott's photo had been removed from the Marine Corps website as of Friday, June 2. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, and officers from the Aquia Harbour Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Aquia Drive for a re…
Jersey City, NJ
Politics
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Runs For NJ Governor
Steven Fulop is officially throwing his hat in the ring. The Jersey City mayor announced on Tuesday, April 11 that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Gov. Phil Murphy is term limited and cannot seek re-election. "My career has always been guided by a strong desire to take on difficult challenges and find solutions that help improve peoples’ lives," Fulop said in a press release. "I’ve never backed down from a fight before, and I’m ready to work hard for all the people of our great state to deliver the results New Jersey deserves." Following the Sept. …
Rutherford, NJ
News
Hero
: Tow Truck Driver Comes To Rescue Of Driver Whose Ragtop Rolled Into Rutherford Weeds
Paul Carmeci was barely a mile from work at Nick’s Towing Service when he saw a cloud of dirt and debris kick up as he rounded the bend from westbound Route 3 onto northbound Route 17. It was just after 4:30 a.m. and there weren’t many other drivers out on the road in Rutherford. Carmeci, of North Bergen, pulled to the shoulder, donned his safety vest and headed 60 yards or so into the meadows off the highway. There he found a 2001 Mazda MX-5 convertible that rolled off the ramp and landed on its roof. A passing trucker had pulled over and called 911. Carmeci took the phone from him, …
Quincy, MA
Lifestyle
Medway Father, Veteran Diagnosed With ALS Met With Surge Of Support
Only months after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), an active Medway father now requires a wheelchair and communication technology but is being flooded with support by his community. Mike Chenette was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease in September 2022 just before his 57th birthday, according to a GoFundMe created to support Chenette and his family. The fundraiser has generated over $100,000 to support the family while Chenette continues to deteriorate. Chenette attended Quincy High School and West Point before serving in the army. He was deplo…
Hampden-Silver Spring, PA
News
PA Police Chief, Marine, Dad Arrested On Meth, Cocaine Related Charges: Report
A western Pennsylvania police chief was arrested on drug charges involving methamphetamine and cocaine, WPXI reports citing court documents. Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning was arrested at Greensburg City Hall by DEA agents on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, according to the outlet. He was charged with six drug-related offenses involving meth and cocaine, the outlet reports citing the federal indictment. Denning was recently promoted to chief in March 2022 after serving on the force for 14 years prior to that he served four years in the Marines, where he completed one combat tour in Ir…
Drexel Hill-Upper Darby, PA
News
Widow Who Fell Victim To $39K Romance Scam 'Forgot How Good It Felt To Be Loved'
After losing her life savings to an internet romance scam, one Pennsylvania senior is speaking out to protect others from falling victim. Kate Kleinert of Glenolden had been widowed for 12 years and had stopped looking for love when she received a Facebook friend request in August 2020, she wrote to a US Senate committee last year. The man said he was a doctor named Tony Richard, and quickly struck up a friendship with Kate based on mutual interests, she said. "We started talking on the phone through an app he had me download," Kate told Senators. "He told me he was …
Lakewood, NJ
Obituaries
‘Passionate, Dedicated’ Toms River Father Of 5, Iraq Army Veteran Dies Suddenly, 38
Kindhearted, passionate, and dedicated Toms River father of five and Iraq army veteran John Czajkowski died unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 1. He was 38. Born in Secaucus, John spent most of his life living in Toms River, his obituary says. John was remembered as a loving and caring father who always put others before himself. John also served in Iraq in the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He leaves behind his brother, Christopher Czajkowski; his sister, Alyshia Perez; his Fiancé, Jenalee Blackshaw; his five children, Arianna, Ava, Santino, Giuliana, and Ni…
Albany, NY
Obituaries
'Kindhearted' Marine, Paramedic From Capital District Dies At Age 30
Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a man from the region with a history of serving his country and his community. Albany County resident Andrew Durand, of Guilderland, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the age of 30, according to his obituary. “Unfortunately approaching the one year anniversary of his father’s passing, Andy suffered a relapse and was airlifted from a local hospital to Albany Medical Center where he eventually passed,” reads a GoFundMe established to help his family with medical expenses. Born in Rostov-On-Don Russia on Dec. 29, 1991, Durand graduated from Guilder…
Springfield, MA
Obituaries
Massachusetts Native, 41, Killed By Lightning During Army Training Remembered As Husband, Dad
A Massachusetts native was the only one who lost his life during an army training exercise in Georgia earlier this week. Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, a Springfield native who was a resident of the town of Bolton in Tolland County, Connecticut, was killed when he and eight other soldiers were struck by lightning at Training Area 26 in Fort Gordon, the US Army said in a release. He was 41 years old. Earlier Report: US Soldier From Tolland County Killed By Lightning Strike Sgt. Clark served in the Army Reserve for more than 22 years and was deployed four times in Iraq and Afghanistan. …
Vernon-Rockville, CT
News
US Soldier From Connecticut Killed By Lightning Strike
A soldier who was killed by a lightning strike during a training mission has been identified as being a Connecticut resident. Tolland County resident Sgt.1st Class Michael D. Clark, of the town of Bolton, died on Wednesday, July 20, at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, Georgia. During the training exercise, Clark, age 41, was killed and nine others sustained injuries associated with the lightning strike, said the Department of US Army Reserves. Fort Gordon’s EMS responded to the scene immediately, and the soldiers were transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for medical care, offici…
Jersey City, NJ
News
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
Newburgh, NY
Politics
County Executive In Hudson Valley Deploying To Europe With Navy Reserves
A Hudson Valley county executive will be shipping off to Europe with the US Navy as part of the effort to help Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the region. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who was deployed to Iraq three years ago, said he expects this trip to be shorter and he will be in control of the county government. "While overseas, I will have daily contact with Deputy County Executive Harry Porr, Chairwoman of the Legislature Katie Bonelli, and other members of my administration," he said. Neuhaus is a lieutenant commander with the Navy Reserves assigned to the Pacific…
Middletown, NJ
News
Jersey Shore HS Teacher, Iraq War Vet Documenting Breast Cancer Battle On Instagram
A New Jersey high school teacher and Gulf War veteran who is battling breast cancer is taking to social media to spread hope. Sandy Jessop, of Wall, served alongside her now-husband, Christian Jessop, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, then deployed again to Iraq in 2008. The couple share three children together and are both high school teachers. About one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandy -- a teacher at Freehold Regional High School -- was diagnosed with breast cancer. "It was confirmed I have breast cancer on Saturday," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I expect a long hard r…
Gettysburg, PA
News
Last US Solider To Leave Afghanistan Is Pennsylvania Native
A distinguished US Army major general who graduated from Harvard University, was deployed 18 times and worked in the Pentagon is the last US solder to leave Afghanistan after a 20-year occupation. Oh yeah, Maj. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue hails from Franklin County, PA. The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021 The commanding general…
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