View Full Version : PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldiers killed in action
RELEASE NUMBER: 081001-02
DATE POSTED: OCTOBER 1, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldiers killed in action
U.S. Army Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 1, 2008) — Three Army Special Forces Soldiers died Sept. 29 of wounds sustained during combat operations in the vicinity of Yakhchal, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The following Soldiers, all assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died when their High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) struck an enemy Improvised Explosive Device:
Capt. Richard G. Cliff, Jr., 29,of Mount Pleasant, S.C., was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team commander.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va., was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha senior weapons sergeant.
Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill., was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha senior engineer sergeant.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Stacy, and son, Richard, of Sanford, N.C.; mother Julie Cliff, and father Richard Cliff, Sr., both of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Nicholas is survived by his wife, Michelle, stepson, Brenton Troup and stepdaughter, Sharise Troup, of Hope Mills, N.C.; mother Karen Nicholas, and father Burke Nicholas, both of Wallback, W.Va.
Vasquez is survived by his wife, Sarah, of Raeford, N.C.; mother, Margaret Du Hasek, and brother, Barry Du Hasek, both of Highland, Ill.
For further information, media should contact the Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office during duty hours at 910-432-2269 or after duty hours at 910-689-6187.
--usasoc--
Red Flag 1
10-01-2008, 18:06
Rest In Peace CPT Cliff, SFC Nicholas, and SFC Vasquez!
Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.
Prayers out.
2018commo
10-01-2008, 18:08
Rest in Peace Soldiers.
You all will not be forgotten.
CPT Cliff was in my Q course class. Seems like we just finished the Q course the other day. In reality it has been only a couple of months. The first casualty from our class. I pray it will be the last.
RIP brothers
RIP Brothers. Our prayers our with you and your families
JumpinJoe1010
10-01-2008, 19:23
Rest In Peace gentlemen. Thank You for your service.
Peregrino
10-01-2008, 19:29
Descansen en Paz, hermanos.
Roguish Lawyer
10-01-2008, 19:45
RIP and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
RIP gentlemen, thank you for your service and prayers out to the families.
The Reaper
10-01-2008, 20:20
RIP hermanos.
Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
You will not be forgotten.
TR
Ambush Master
10-01-2008, 20:25
Rest In Peace Brothers!
Thoughts and Prayers out.
Rest In Peace and Thank You.
Rest in Peace gents. May God give your families and friends strength to go forward in life.
CDRODA396
10-02-2008, 04:24
Rest In Peace Warriors and Thank You for Your Service and Your Sacrifice.
R.I.P. men; Thanks to you for your sacrifice and service.
Warrior-Mentor
10-02-2008, 05:19
Descancen en Paz.
Rest in Peace. Our prayers are with you and your families, may God bless all of you.
Surgicalcric
10-02-2008, 06:06
RIP Brothers.
Crip
Goggles Pizano
10-02-2008, 06:41
In nomine Patris,et Filii, et Spititus Sancti, Amen.
In pace requiescat Sir, Sgts. Thank you for your service.
Rest in Peace Brothers, our prayers are out to your families.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country.
CoLawman
10-02-2008, 06:59
Rest in Peace warriors.
greenberetTFS
10-02-2008, 10:41
RIP, Warriors and God bless you for your sacrifice.....
Enigma0122
10-02-2008, 11:10
Rest in Peace. May God hold you in His arms and bring comfort to each of you and your families. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.
Basenshukai
10-02-2008, 12:16
Thanks you for your sacrifice. God Bless you all. De Oppresso Liber.
rubberneck
10-02-2008, 12:19
May the good Lord grant them peace.
Rest In Peace CPT Cliff, SFC Nicholas, and SFC Vasquez.
Thank You for Your bravery, Your service, and Your sacrifice.
You will not be forgotten.
Holly
AmericanPride
10-02-2008, 18:35
Rest in Peace Brothers.
D9 (RIP)
10-02-2008, 19:21
RIP brothers.
TitratetoEffect
10-03-2008, 06:45
RIP, brothers
Phil
RIP, may God's hand comfort your family's in this hard time.
The news that 3 good men, 3 family men, 3 fellow servicemen were killed saddens me deeply. They, having given that last full measure of devotion, enjoin us never to forget the sacrifices made for this cause and the greater good of all men. I too hope they rest in a peace well deserved. As I sit here in the security they fought to provide, I am humbled. This evening, as Taps sounds across the base, my thoughts will be with their families and comrades.
JoeEcho45
10-03-2008, 17:40
May God watch over and protect your loved ones.
www.patriotguard.org
Confirmed Mission:
CPT Richard Cliff, Mount Pleasant, SC
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
Pending Missions:
SFC Gary Vasquez, Round Lake, IL
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
SFC Jamie Nicholas, Maysel, WV
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
De Oppresso Liber!!
Stras sends
docholiday161
10-04-2008, 04:04
RIP, my brothers. You will never be forgotten. Prayers for you and your families.
www.patriotguard.org
Confirmed Mission:
CPT Richard Cliff, Mount Pleasant, SC
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
Pending Missions:
SFC Gary Vasquez, Round Lake, IL
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
SFC Jamie Nicholas, Maysel, WV
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/t...c/Default.aspx
De Oppresso Liber!!
Stras sends
SFC Nicholas missions is now confirmed with the PGR. looks like memorial service will be 08 Oct at 1100hrs in WV. Check the PGR site for updates
CPT Cliff mission dates may be 05 and 06 Oct 08 in Mount Pleasant, SC. Check the PGR site for updates
If the mission is a "go" on the 5th, I'm riding down from Fayette-nam. Anyone from the area is welcome to join me. Call me if you want to link up, (719) 244-4894.
De Oppresso Liber !!
Stras sends
On-line condolences may be posted at: http://www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com/
Jamie Scott Nicholas
Visitation:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
5:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Clay County High School Gymnasium
1 Panther Drive
Clay, WV 25043
Service:
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
11:00 AM
Clay County High School Gymnasium
1 Panther Drive
Clay, WV 25043
All three missions are now confirmed for PGR.
(KSU) means Kick Stands Up, indicating departure from a location.
All are welcome to attend, a motorcycle is not required.
www.patriotguard.org
CPT Richard Cliff, Mount Pleasant, SC, 07.08 Pct 08
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/986445/view/topic/Default.aspx
Arrangements for CPT Richard G. Cliff Jr., have been finalized. We have the Honor of standing for his Visitation and Service.
STAGING INFORMATION:
VISITATION 07OCT08
Location: Exxon Food Mart, 1325 Bowman Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Corner of I-526 and Bowman rd, http://tinyurl.com/ExxonFoodMart
Time: Begin 1515 (3:15), KSU 1545 (3:45)
SERVICES 08OCT08
Location: Exxon Food Mart, 1325 Bowman Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Corner of I-526 and Bowman rd, http://tinyurl.com/ExxonFoodMart
Time: Begin 1130 (11:30), KSU 1200 (12:00)
Be prepared for a 25 mile Motor Escort from the Church to the Cemetery for graveside service on 08OCT08.
SFC Gary Vasquez, Round Lake, IL
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/986446/view/topic/Default.aspx
SFC Gary J. Vasquez, U. S. Army-Highland, IL-09, 10, 11 OCT 08
The family of SFC Gary J. Vasquez has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his services. Please monitor for additional information and updates that may occur. Arrangements we have for now are as follows:
ARRIVAL: Thursday, Oct, 09, Scott Air Force Base, Details pending
VISITATION: Friday, Oct, 10, Details pending
FUNERAL: Saturday, Oct, 11, Details Pending
Ride Captains: Jim Storck, ASRC, ronni_stk@hotmail.com, C-618.292.9561 and Arne Dahlgren, RC, recon4235th@msn.com, C-618.973.0883
SFC Jamie Nicholas, Maysel, WV, 06, 08 Oct
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/986110/view/topic/Default.aspx
The Patriot Guard Riders will be providing escort from the airport, to Clay, WV; this phase of the mission is now scheduled for Tuesday morning, 7 October 2008. Initial staging will take place at the 7-Eleven store on Washington Street, adjacent to the capitol. Take exit 99 off I64 (Greenbrier Street), turn down the hill towards the capitol and 7-Eleven will be on your right. http://tinyurl.com/3q5atg
Staging time is 10:45 am, and we will pull out at 11:05; the airport is only a few minutes away. Please be fueled up and ready to go at 11:05, and please remember to bring your 3x5 flags.
Jamie will arrive at the Executive Air terminal in Charleston; those familiar with the airport are free to just meet us there by 11:15. After plane-side honors have been completed, the PGR and law enforcement officials will provide escort to Clay, WV. The roundtrip between Charleston and Clay will last approximately 3 hours.
The location of the funeral service is the Clay County High School, located at 1 Panther Drive, Clay, WV 25043 Phone: (304) 587-4226. The school is located one mile south of Clay, WV, on Route 16.
According to information provided by Buddy Palla (ASC-South / RC), access to the cemetery will require transit on a well-groomed dirt road through the woods, of about .3 of a mile, in order to reach the grave site. He rode into the cemetery this evening to ensure motorcycle navigation would not be an issue. Parking will be on an earthen surface, so kickstand plates will be necessary.
Please continue to monitor this thread for final staging instructions, to include locations and times.
Please continue to monitor this thread for final staging instructions, to include locations and times.
De Oppresso Liber!!
Stras sends
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has issued a proclamation that all state facilities fly the United States flag and the State flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral of every fallen Illinois resident serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who is killed in the line of duty
Governor's Proclamations:
* From Sunrise, Thursday, October 9, 2008 until Sunset, Saturday, October 11, 2008. on behalf of
SFC Gary J. Vasquez
United States Army
HOMETOWN: Highland, Illinois
http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/PressReleasesListShow.cfm?RecNum=7196
Rest in Peace, Quiet Professionals. Thank You for your service and sacrifice.
RedBaron
10-06-2008, 21:19
A moment of silence to honor the character and leadership required to stare death to the end with integrity....
I can only pray for the strength and humility required to take up the torch in their stead with but a fraction of their greatness.
Thank you, men, for your service.
****** Mission Complete, SFC Jamie S. Nicholas ******
On 8 October 2008, 15 members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood proudly for SFC Jamie S. Nicholas and his family. If I actually penned all the thoughts and memories I carry from this mission of honor, the post would go on for many pages. Those who were there can relate to what I'm talking about. I'd like to thank our friends from Kentucky who made the trip, especially Bulldog, who came all the way from Danville to honor this hero; and I've got to say thanks (yet again) to my favorite road warrior from Mt Airy, NC, Don McClusky, who drove all the way up to be with us, as we stood for Jamie.
We had the opportunity to meet General Repass, from Ft Bragg, who took the time to shake the hand of each PGR member and say, "Thank you for doing what you do". Governor Manchin was also present, and came down our flag line to express his thanks.
After the funeral service was over, we fired up the bikes and cages, took our place in the procession, and started towards the town of Clay. As we entered the town, Army personnel, in Class A uniforms, marched along side the hearse as it passed through town, bearing the body of an American hero. I believe there was somewhere between 1500-2000 people lining the street on both sides; what made it so special was to see all the children holding flags.
I don't remember hearing or seeing anyone talking, but I do remember seeing the tears in some of their eyes, I remember the hands over the hearts, and I remember the quiet respect. I remember one old gentleman who held a salute for a very long time, I remember the signs, the balloons, and the ribbons.this was a very special mission, and it will not soon fade from my memory.
Even after we passed through town, people all along the route were ever-present, standing silently in honor of their local hero, who had paid the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. When we arrived at the entrance to the cemetery, we had to walk about .3 mile through the woods, and even the dirt road we walked along, was lined with flags. Nothing started at the cemetery until everyone had walked in through the beautiful woods. The US Army Honor Guard carried the casket from the hearse into the small family cemetery. These men were a tremendous asset both days, and were so very professional in every detail.
Just as the graveside service was about to begin, a breeze began to blow, and a gentle rain began to fall.perhaps the angels in heaven were shedding a few tears for Jamie and his family. Jamie was posthumously presented the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medals, these were given to his widow. After presentation of his Army medals, I was called upon to present a beautiful plaque and condolence book to his wife on behalf of the PGR. A plaque and condolence book was also presented to Jamie's mother; I presented each of them one of my personal challenge coins in recognition of Jamie's service to our country.
It is such a privilege to be a part of this organization.I am honored to stand with each of you.God bless, and may God grant the Nicholas family an extra measure of strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Buddy Palla
Ride Captain
namtrah11
10-11-2008, 01:09
CPT Cliff was my team leader at the end of MOS. Its never nice to recognize names in that part of the paper. Farewell Brothers, my prayers to the families as well
Thank you, Stras.
RIP, Warriors...thoughts and prayers out to your families and Brothers.
D9 (RIP)
10-19-2008, 21:17
Rest in peace brothers.
LongWire
10-19-2008, 21:31
RIP Brothers.....See you on the High Ground.
Weaponsguy76
05-26-2009, 11:50
Miss you Angry V. See you soon brother