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Basenshukai
02-17-2006, 09:19
RELEASE NUMBER: 060216-01
DATE POSTED: FEBRUARY 17, 2006

PRESS RELEASE: Special Operations Soldiers killed in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Feb. 17, 2006) — Four Army Special Operations Soldiers died Feb. 13 north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan, when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device.

Killed were Staff Sgt. Edwin DazaChacon, Sgt. 1st Class Chad Gonsalves, both of 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and Sgt. Alberto Montrond of Group Support Battalion, 7th SFG (A) here along with Staff Sgt. Clinton T. Newman from the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas.

STAFF SGT. EDWIN H. DAZACHACON

DazaChachon, 38, was a native of Diamondbar, Calif. He joined the Army in November 1997. After a break in service, he reenlisted in the Army in 2005 and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A) as a senior cryptologic linguist in April.

He spoke Spanish and was a college graduate.


He served with the 508th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) in Vincenza, Italy and participated in deployments in Southwest Asia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and the Sanai. He also served with 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C., during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
DazaChachon’s military education included Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Infantrymen, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Airborne Course, and the Jumpmaster Course.

DazaChacon’s awards and decorations included the Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Senior Parachutist Badge, Tunisian Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Combat Action Badge.


He is survived by his mother, Smila Franks of Brea, Calif., his father Edison DazaArana of Palmira Valle, Colombia, South America and his sisters, Monique Francesca DazaChacon of Brea, Calif., and Jessica DazaChacon of Laguna Niguel, Calif.

SGT. 1ST CLASS CHAD A. GONSALVES

Gonsalves, a native of Turlock, Calif., was 31 years old. He joined the Army in July 1996 and completed basic and advanced individual training as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Ga.

He then served as an infantry team leader with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, Conn Barracks, near Schweinfurt, Germany where he served four years. In 2000, Gonsalves volunteered for Special Forces training and upon completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course he was assigned to 7th SFG (A) in 2001 as a Special Forces weapons sergeant.


His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.


Gonsalves’ awards and decorations included the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.

He is survived by his wife Julie, and three sons Cody, Blake and Dylan of Spring Lake, N.C. His parents, Larry and Marsha Gonsalves of Turlock also survive him.

SGT. ALBERTO D. MONTROND

Montrond, a resident of Fayetteville, N.C., was 27 years old. He enlisted in the Army in July 1998 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer. After completing his specialty and airborne training, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., with the 307th Forward Support Bn., 82nd Airborne Division Support Command. In June 2002, Montrond was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the 528th Special Operations Support Battalion (A), U.S. Army Special Operations Support Command. Two years later, he was assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th SFG (A).

Montrond’s military education included the Primary Leadership Development Course and Basic Airborne Course.

His awards and decorations included Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badges.

Montrond is survived by his wife, Christl, and his children, Nazeraeh and Kevyn. His parents, Alberto and Maria Montrond of the Republic of Cape Verde, also survive him.

STAFF SGT. CLINTON T. NEWMAN

Newman, 26, enlisted in the Army in July 1997 after graduating from Pleasanton High School, Pleasanton, Texas. He completed basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., as a Bradley fighting vehicle infantryman. He was then assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, Baumholder, Germany. In 1999, he served with 1st Armor Division in Bad Kruetznach there.


At the completion of his active duty enlistment, Newman continued his service as an Army Reserve Soldier. In 2001, he graduated from the Civil Affairs Course at Fort Bragg, N.C., and was assigned to the 492nd Civil Affairs Bn., Phoenix, Ariz. In May 2005, he was mobilized for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade.

He completed the Basic Airborne Course and later the Primary Leadership Development Course in 2000. He was promoted to staff sergeant in October 2003.


Newton also attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and studied criminal justice there.


His awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Newman is survived by his mother and stepfather, Deborah and Bill Agnew of Pleasanton, Texas, and his father and stepmother, Fred and Deborah Newman of Big Spring, Texas.

http://news.soc.mil/releases/06FEB/060216-01.html

Eagle5US
02-17-2006, 09:23
Rest well men-
Warriors of our great nation...

Eagle

Basenshukai
02-17-2006, 09:24
Gentlemen,

Only Chad was a "QP" among the men there, but, I didn't feel it right to exclude the other men from the list as they died together within the same patrol. They died honorably and performing their duty. Rest in peace.

To our brothers, we'll miss you.

Jack Moroney (RIP)
02-17-2006, 09:36
RIP

Peregrino
02-17-2006, 10:05
Rest in Peace.

Sten
02-17-2006, 10:08
RIP

stone
02-17-2006, 11:08
RIP

vsvo
02-17-2006, 11:21
Rest in Peace.

Roguish Lawyer
02-17-2006, 11:40
RIP

jatx
02-17-2006, 13:30
RIP.

jbour13
02-17-2006, 13:50
RIP

Goggles Pizano
02-17-2006, 13:59
Rest in peace men.

CoLawman
02-17-2006, 13:59
RIP

The Reaper
02-17-2006, 14:11
Gentlemen,

Only Chad was a "QP" among the men there, but, I didn't feel it right to exclude the other men from the list as they died together within the same patrol. They died honorably and performing their duty. Rest in peace.

To our brothers, we'll miss you.

That is the proper thing to do. They fought together, and died together.

RIP, brothers. You will not be forgotten.

"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."

Save us a good spot. Your watch is over.

TR

18C4V
02-17-2006, 14:40
RIP brothers.

NousDefionsDoc
02-17-2006, 15:57
En Paz Descansen 'Manos

aricbcool
02-17-2006, 17:08
Gentlemen,

Only Chad was a "QP" among the men there, but, I didn't feel it right to exclude the other men from the list as they died together within the same patrol. They died honorably and performing their duty. Rest in peace.

To our brothers, we'll miss you.

Good form Sir.

Rest in Peace gentlemen, you will not be forgotten.

--Aric

Stiletto11
02-17-2006, 20:32
RIP

Blueboy
02-17-2006, 23:34
RIP

Martin
02-18-2006, 03:53
RIP

Martin

Kingfisher
02-18-2006, 07:14
RIP

Abu Jack
02-18-2006, 09:15
Rest In Peace

mffjm8509
02-18-2006, 10:05
RIP

mp

Ambush Master
02-18-2006, 10:44
Gentlemen,

Only Chad was a "QP" among the men there, but, I didn't feel it right to exclude the other men from the list as they died together within the same patrol. They died honorably and performing their duty. Rest in peace.

To our brothers, we'll miss you.

Sir,
You did RIGHT by posting this in here!! After all, when we reach that ultimate Rally Point, WE'LL ALL BE BROTHERS in ARMS!!!

Thoughts and Prayers out!!

Do take care.
Martin

Warrior-Mentor
02-20-2006, 23:04
RIP.

Prospect
03-05-2006, 07:16
I have the utmost respect for these men. Having been in the same area just a few days before that date, I know what the conditions are like there, and needless to say, these guys performed their duty under adverse conditions every single day. Rest In Peace.

Lothar
03-23-2006, 06:22
RIP Brothers

Newman was a good friend of mine and his loss was a tough one. Such is the profession we have chosen. I miss him already.

Hugh
05-30-2006, 16:16
STAFF SGT. EDWIN H. DAZACHACON

DazaChachon, 38, was a native of Diamondbar, Calif. He joined the Army in November 1997. After a break in service, he reenlisted in the Army in 2005 and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A) as a senior cryptologic linguist in April.



FYI -

SSG DazaChacon's name (http://www.nsa.gov/memorial/memor00008.pdf)was one of two added to the National Security Agency/Central Security Service Cryptologic Memorial (http://www.nsa.gov/memorial/index.cfm) this Memorial Day.


NSA/CSS Memorial Day Observance Honors Cryptologic Heroes, Past and Present (http://www.nsa.gov/releases/relea00106.cfm)

On 30 May 2006, LTG Keith B. Alexander, USA, Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, paid special tribute to SSG Edwin H. DazaChacon, USA, and SGT Amanda N. Pinson, USA, during the Agency's annual Memorial Day Observance. The service was attended by family, friends, and distinguished guests.

SSG DazaChacon was a cryptologic linguist serving in the United States Army in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. He perished in February 2006 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in central Afghanistan.

SGT Pinson was a cryptologist serving in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Band of Brothers. She lost her life in March 2006 when a single mortar round exploded near Division Headquarters north of Baghdad, Iraq.

The ceremony included a traditional wreath laying and the unveiling of the names “SSG Edwin H. DazaChacon” and “SGT Amanda N. Pinson” on the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Memorial Wall. The wall, dedicated in 1996, lists the names of 156 Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian cryptologists who have made the ultimate sacrifice, "serving in silence," in the performance of their duties since World War II.

Jaeger1980
05-30-2006, 17:21
Rest in Peace.

Respectfully
Jäger

deanwells
09-09-2006, 05:36
SFC Chad Gonsalves was a combat diver and good friend. Rest In Peace Brother. Thanks for helping me get through those tough times at Dive School.

Here is a link to info surrounding his passing
http://www.groups.sfahq.com/7th/gonsalves_chad_kia_7th.htm

mugwump
09-09-2006, 07:28
I'm sorry for your loss, Dean. RIP SFC Gonsalves.

Repaired link:

http://www.groups.sfahq.com/7th/gonsalves_chad_kia_7th.htm

Dan
09-09-2006, 07:57
I remember this happening, but have no idea why I didn't post it. RIP

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, 31, a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan.

A native of Turlock, Calif., Gonsalves enlisted in July 1996 as an infantryman.

His first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment at Conn Barracks near Schweinfurt, Germany where he served for four years.

Gonsalves attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2000 and was assigned in November 2001 to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A), as a weapons sergeant, where he served until his death.

His military education included the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Ranger Course, the Combat Diver Qualification Course, the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Spanish Basic Military Language Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, Basic Airborne Course, the Jumpmaster Course, Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Infantryman, the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman
Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three sons, Cody, Blake and Dylan of Spring Lake, N.C. He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Marsha Gonsalves, of Turlock, Calif.

-DE OPPRESSO LIBER

rubberneck
09-09-2006, 08:08
RIP SFC.

Team Sergeant
09-09-2006, 08:22
I remember this happening, but have no idea why I didn't post it. RIP

It's already been posted by one of our AD members.

I merged the threads.

TS

Gypsy
09-09-2006, 08:23
SFC Chad Gonsalves. My condolences on your personal loss deanwells, and to his family...

Texian
09-09-2006, 15:15
RIP, Warriors

x SF med
09-09-2006, 19:14
RIP men, you have done your duty. DOL

AF IDMT
09-11-2006, 02:32
R.I.P. Gentlemen, your sacrifice will not be forgotten and the gifts you protected/provided shall not be squandered.

catd11r
10-04-2006, 22:00
RIP

koz
02-13-2011, 09:05
5 years ago on this date we lost some very good men. Chad you are not forgotten. You were a warrior. Rest in Peace friend.

Jgood
02-13-2011, 09:38
To our Brothers

1stindoor
02-14-2011, 09:29
For Chad and the others that died with him that day in 2006. Still the most horrific thing I've seen.

1stindoor
02-14-2011, 14:54
I just found this. Pisses me off something fierce.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/14/california-mother-outraged-vandals-snatch-flags-sons-war-memorial/#

Basenshukai
02-15-2011, 22:50
For Chad and the others that died with him that day in 2006. Still the most horrific thing I've seen.

Amen, brother. The anniversary of that day never goes unnoticed for me. In fact, not a day goes by that I don't think about that day. Rest in Peace, fellow warriors.

De Oppress Liber!

dennisw
02-16-2011, 08:10
http://www.turlockjournal.com/news/article/8021/

Chad's mother responds to flag thieves:

She erected a new sign reading “Flag thief rot in hell.”

Mom with a fair amount of grit. Good on her.

SOFwarrior02
02-16-2011, 15:45
RIP, SSG dazachacon and to the other men in his patrol.

Raine_n_Roses
02-17-2011, 12:24
RIP Gentlemen. Thank you for your great Service,

MSG Crusty
11-02-2011, 09:35
Hold the ORP until we get there Chad. RIP brother.

Basenshukai
02-13-2015, 00:44
Nine years and three hours ago I was changed forever by the firefight that took the lives of my SOF brothers. Every year, regardless of where I am, 13 February holds a special meaning for me as well a significant number of other SF comrades who were present. May our fallen rest in peace. You are not forgotten. De Oppresso Liber!

SF_BHT
02-13-2015, 05:41
Rest in Peace !!!!

1stindoor
02-13-2017, 13:41
Eleven years ago today. His memory and those that perished with him still remain.

Basenshukai
02-13-2018, 13:30
Not a day goes by that I don't remember the events that transpired on 13 February 2006 in Uruzgan Province, AFG. Yet, on the anniversary of this date every year I find myself contemplating the "what ifs" and such. For one, I would have loved to have seen Chad eventually ascend to become an SF battalion CSM. He would have been awesome, especially after all the mentorship "1stindoor" would have imparted on him.

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, Sgt. Edwin H. Daza-Chacon, Staff Sgt. Clinton T. Newman, and Sgt. Alberto D. Montrond will never be forgotten by those who knew them, worked with them, and fought alongside them.

De Oppresso Liber!

1stindoor
04-10-2019, 07:21
I was informed a few weeks ago that 3/7 SFG is going to name a building on their compound after Chad. The dedication is scheduled for 23 Mar 2019. I plan on attending and speaking on his behalf and most of Chad's teammates are planning on being there as well.

tst43
04-10-2019, 18:00
I was informed a few weeks ago that 3/7 SFG is going to name a building on their compound after Chad. The dedication is scheduled for 23 Mar 2019. I plan on attending and speaking on his behalf and most of Chad's teammates are planning on being there as well.

What a great way to honor his memory and sacrifice.

Basenshukai
04-12-2019, 15:22
I was informed a few weeks ago that 3/7 SFG is going to name a building on their compound after Chad. The dedication is scheduled for 23 Mar 2019. I plan on attending and speaking on his behalf and most of Chad's teammates are planning on being there as well.

I'll see you there as well. Spoke to Dave N. two days ago and he told me about it. Any idea what the access protocol will be to get on the compound?

Joker
04-12-2019, 15:39
Been there many times. All you need is a valid military ID card, Active, Retired, GS or Contractor CAC will get you in (Shoppette, gas station, clothing sales, AFFES stuff).

1stindoor
04-15-2019, 07:01
I'll see you there as well. Spoke to Dave N. two days ago and he told me about it. Any idea what the access protocol will be to get on the compound?

What Joker said. The (former) Bn CSM will be riding in with me. So far the only former teammate that won't be there that I know of is Dave, due to a deployment or TDY trip. I also heard Jim (our ANA MTT guy) and Tim (our FBI guy) are trying to make it.

1stindoor
05-29-2019, 12:53
Missed seeing you there. 7th SFG did a great job of welcoming everyone. Also had the opportunity to visit the teamroom (I didn't make the move to Eglin). The current team leader and team sergeant extended an open invitation to the family at any time. They also had a lot of historical photos in the teamroom...so I could see my ugly mug on the wall as well as several teammates from my time. Here are the comments I gave:

LTC, CSM, the Gonsalves family, Marsha, Julie, Cody, Dylan, and Blake. My Special Forces brothers in arms, and my old teammates of 785…the greatest dive team ever assembled. I want to first thank everyone in attendance here today that came out to pay tribute to Chad Gonsalves and the ultimate sacrifice he made to our Nation. I also want to thank the chain of command for asking me to speak on Chad’s behalf. I am certain Chad is looking down on us today and enjoying a good laugh because there’s probably more than a few people that still don’t know that…Chad was the guy that did it.

Chad came to my team in a very unique way.

Our company SGM came to me shortly after I took over as the Team Sergeant, this was in the fall of 2005. He said he had a Soldier he wanted to put on my team…but warned me that he would be my “leadership challenge.” He said he was belligerent, sarcastic, and generally could be a pain in the butt. I replied that he sounded just like a combat diver…and I wanted him. My first meeting with Chad went exactly like I expected. I told him that he had a clean slate as far as I was concerned…that as long as he did his job and protected his teammates, we would never have any issues….I’m pretty sure he was calculating exactly how long it would take to pull one of his pranks on me. If you ever served with Chad, you know his expertise as a SF guy was only exceeded by his sense of humor and good nature. Chad never hesitated to find a way to make training enjoyable by keeping you laughing. And his practical jokes, are the stuff of SF legend.

Feb 13, 2006 is forever imprinted on my brain. The IED explosion that killed 4 of our team mates is probably the most horrific thing I've ever witnessed.

The other ODA, that was at Cobra with us had just endured a long firefight and one of their gun trucks was pretty badly damaged and needed repair work and new tires in order to limp back home.

We rapidly formed a Quick Reaction Force and brought along a few others, namely our mechanic (Albert Montrond), Clint Newman, our CA guy (who was to be the driver of Chad’s vehicle), and our SOT-A Team Chief, Dazachacon (DZ). Riding in the turret of that vehicle was Chad Gonsalves. My senior Bravo, was supposed to take that position, but on that fateful day he was sick, and Chad immediately volunteered. The same way he volunteered for everything else. It didn’t matter if it was combatives training, vehicle training, or picking up additional skills as an impromptu 18F. Chad never hesitated to volunteer to help.
As we left the firebase Chad's vehicle led, followed by the team leader's, followed by my vehicle and then a small pickup with the ANA. Our team was notorious for being sarcastic on the radio and dogging each other. We didn’t practice “radio silence” we practiced “radio sarcasm.” But every time Clint Newman broke squelch we all shut up because we trusted him and knew he was putting out important information. From the time we left Clint would come up on the radio and point out key terrain, bad guy locations, previous IED locations and where he had "friends" in town. When we rolled through Deh Rawod everything took on a snail’s pace as Clint passed out historical contacts.

As we rolled through the river bed on that fateful day, Clint had everyone stop their vehicles. He got out of the vehicle and looked all around the area for signs of disturbance or wires. Seeing nothing we waved back to us and stepped back inside his vehicle…..His Humvee tire didn't make a full rotation when the explosion happened.

Chad, Clint, Montrond, and DZ didn't do anything wrong that day. Nothing. I wish I could say there was a long firefight or that someone had made a critical error. As ugly as it sounds, Chad was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was made worse for those of us left behind, because he volunteered to take the turret position that day.

There hasn't been one Feb 13 since, that my teammates and I haven't set aside time at the end of the day to toast Chad and the rest of our fallen teammates and share memories. Our lives are forever changed both by their service and dedication and their sacrifice. But this isn’t an event to talk about the horrors of that day, rather it is an event to talk about the man that was chosen to have a building dedicated in his honor.

I want to tell Chad’s family that Chad was the epitome of a Special Forces NCO, a leader that didn't hesitate to step up and accept more responsibility, a Green Beret that was technically and tactically outstanding at his job, a "sniper" with a M79 grenade launcher, a faithful and trusted teammate, and a man of conviction and courage, who volunteered to cover his teammates when another was unable. He was a man you could sit beside while in training or a man you could sit in front of as a student. He was a man you laughed with…even when you were his intended target….and we were all his target sooner or later. Most importantly he was a man that would watch your six in combat without wavering…even if it cost him his life. It’s for these, and so many more qualities, that this building is being dedicated for Chad Gonsalves.
Thank you.