FALLEN ANGELS

The War on Terror officially began on September 11, 2001

American troops have since sustained over 4,500 mortalities.

Among these are more than 100 WOMEN.

This is in loving memory of our Service Women of Color

who died in this conflict.

KILLED IN THIS WAR

U.S. Marine Corps SGT

Jeannette L. Winters, 25 January 09, 2002

  Home: Gary, IN Base: Miramar, CA

Killed in a refueling tanker crash in Pakistan.

An annual military scholarship has been established in her name.

Jeannette served as a role model for her 5 siblings, including a brother, who also serves in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Army SPC

Rachel Lacy, 22 April 4, 2003

Home: Lynwood, IL Served as a combat medic.

Died after receiving a series of 5 shots in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. These shots included Anthrax and Smallpox, and were administered together.

Rachel succumbed a month later after her lungs, heart, and other organs failed.

U.S. Navy SEAMAN

Jakia Sheree Cannon, 20October 25, 2003

Home: Baltimore, MD Base: Norfolk, VA

Died in Bahrain due to natural causes.

Jakia ran track in Italy. She sang in the choir at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she was also served as an usher.

U.S. Army PFC

Karina S. Lau, 20November  02, 2003

Home: Livingston, CA Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Killed in an attack on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Fallujah, Iraq.

Sang, played the clarinet and saxophone, and hoped to someday open a music store.

Among Karina’s surviving family members is her mother, Ruth Lau, and brother, Luis Lau, U.S. Navy.

U.S. Army SPC

Frances M. Vega, 20November 02, 2003

Home: Fort Buchanan, PRBorn in San Francisco, CA

Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Died while onboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter hit by a surface-to-air-missile near Fallujah.

Frances loved to dance and hoped to become a model.

U.S. Army SGT

Keicia M. Hines, 27January 14, 2004

Home: Citrus Heights, CA. Base: Ft. Bragg, NJ

Died when she was struck by a vehicle on Mosul Airfield in Mosul, Iraq.

Her mother, Beverly Coleman, received a package the same day she learned Keicia was dead. It contained a lovely purse stuffed with money, jewelry, and a note saying, “I love you, Mommy.” It was from Keicia.

Keicia also leaves her loving husband, SGT Sean Hines, U.S. Army.

U.S. Army CAPT

Gussie M. Jones, 41March 07, 2004

Home: Raleigh, AR

Suffered a heart attack and died in the Baghdad hospital where she worked as a surgical nurse.

During her 15 years of military service, Gussie received the Joint Service Commendation medal, 4 Army Commendation medals, and 3 Army Achievement medals.

U.S. Army SPC

Tyanna S. Avery-Felder, 22April 7, 2004

Home: Bridgeport, CT Base: Ft. Lewis, WA

Died in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained when her convoy vehicle was hit with an improvised explosive device in Balad, Iraq.

She enjoyed singing and playing basketball.

Tyanna is mourned by her husband, Adrian Felder, of the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army PFC

Leslie D. Jackson, 18May 20, 2004

Home: Richmond, VA Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Killed when her military vehicle hit an improvised explosive device as she was returning to Camp Eagle in Baghdad.

Was a model student. Served as Commander of her high school’s JROTC program. She enlisted as soon as she graduated.

Leslie’s dream was to serve her

country. She had been deployed for only 2 months.

U.S. Army SGT

Pamela G. Osbourne, 38October 11, 2004

Home: Hollywood, FL Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Killed when two rockets hit her camp in Baghdad.

A medical condition could have kept her out of harm’s way but she refused to avoid Iraq.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Rohan Osbourne, their 2 sons, and daughter.

U.S. Army SPC

Katrina L. Bell – Johnson, 32February 16, 2005

Home: Orangeburg, SC Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Killed in a vehicle accident in Baqubah, Iraq.

Deployed to Iraq 2 months after giving birth to her ‘miracle baby’ daughter, Gabriella. Doctors had told her she would never have children.

Katrina also leaves behind her husband, Lawrence Johnson, and her mother, Vivian Johnson-Huffman.

U.S. Army SGT MAJ

Barbaralien Banks, 41April 06, 2005

Home: Harvey, LA Base: Schofield Barracks, HI

Killed April 6 when the CH-47 helicopter in which she was riding crashed in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Barbaralien leaves behind her 2 children, Lashuwnta and Kent Kelly, and relatives, including her sister, Cassandra Bradley, U.S. Army, Kuwait.

U.S. Marines CPL

Ramona M. Valdez, 20June 23, 2005

Home: Bronx, NY Base: Camp Lejeune, NC Killed when a vehicle-borne

improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle in Fallujah, Iraq.

Did everything ahead of her time: graduated high school at 15, joined the Marines at 17, married at 18, and died 4 days before her 21st birthday.

Ramona was the wife of U.S. Marines CPL Armando Guzman.

U.S. Army PVT

LaVena L. Johnson, 20July 19, 2005

Home: Florissant, MO Base: Ft. Campbell, KY

Died of non-combat related injuries in Balad, Iraq. Her death remains under investigation.

Donated blood and was a volunteer for the American Heart Association.

LaVena is survived by her heartbroken parents, Dr. and Mrs. John Johnson.

U.S. Army SPC

Toccara R. Green, 23August 14, 2005

Home: Rosedale, MD

Base: Fort Drum, NY

Killed when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near her unit during convoy operations in Asad, Iraq.

Toccara enjoyed fishing, roller skating, and working on cars.

U.S. Army SGT

Julia V. Atkins, 22December 10, 2005

Home: Bossier City, LA. Base: Fort Hood, TX.

Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her Humvee during patrol operations in Baghdad.

Enjoyed shopping and spending happy times with her nieces and nephews.

Julia was engaged to marry SPC Keith Mack, U.S. Army.

U.S. Marine Corps L/CPL

Juana Navarro Arellano, 24April 8, 2006

Home: Ceres, CA Base: Okinawa, Japan

Died from a gunshot wound to the head while in a defensive position. She was guarding other soldiers during the mission when she was struck by small arms fire.

Called “Chica”, she was a true warrior and had a magnetic, fun-loving personality.

Juana is survived by her parents, 3 sisters, including her twin, and 2 brothers who also serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Army SGT

Wakkuna A. Jackson, 21August 19, 2006

Home: Jacksonville, FL Base: Ft. Drum, NY

Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle in Kunar, Afghanistan.

Loved the military life and attending church.

Wakkuna was the youngest of 3 daughters. Her parents are Sherman and Teresita Jackson.

U.S. Army 2ND LT

Emily J.T. Perez, 23September 12, 2006

Home: Killeen,TX Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near her Humvee during combat operations in Kifl, Iraq.

Emily was West Point’s first African-American female Cadet Corps Command Sergeant Major.

U.S. Army SGT

Denise A. Lannaman, 46October 1, 2006

Home: Bayside, NY Born in Kingston, Jamaica

Base: Newburgh, NY

Died at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait from a non-combat related incident.

Denise’s family and fellow soldiers will forever miss her sincerity, enthusiasm, and contagious smile.

U.S. Army MAJ

Gloria D. Davis, 47December 12, 2006

Home: St. Louis, MO Base: Washington, DC

Died in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related gunshot wound.

Volunteered at a women’s shelter, and was devoted to her granddaughter.

Gloria also leaves behind her beloved children, Candace and Damien, and her mother, Annie Washington.

Home: Orange Park, FL.

Died of natural causes aboard the U.S.S. Bataan, according to reports.

Was known to be in excellent physical health.

Laquita leaves behind her 2 sons, loving relatives, and many friends.

U.S. Navy PETTY OFFICER 2nd CLASS

Laquita Pate James, 23February 12, 2007

U.S. Army STAFF SGT

Alicia A. Birchett, 29Aug. 9 , 2007

Home: Mashpee, MA Base: Ft. Campbell, KY

Died of injuries sustained when she was pinned by a truck while changing its tire in Baghdad.

Served as an engineer mechanic. She felt that joining the Army was a good way to both see the world and contribute to it.

Alicia leaves behind her 3 sons, ages 2, 4, and 7, now in the care of her husband and her mother, Dorothea Finklea.

U.S. Army SPC

Zandra T. Walker, 28 Aug. 15, 2007

Home: Greenville, SC

Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Died in Taji, Iraq, when the enemy attacked using indirect fire. Also killed was Sgt. Princess C. Samuels.

Zandra’s identical twin sister, Yolanda Worthy, also serves in the U.S. Army, Kuwait.

U.S. Army SGT

Princess C. Samuels, 22August 15, 2007

Home: Mitchellville, MD

Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Died in Taji, Iraq, when the enemy attacked using indirect fire. Also killed was SPC Zandra T. Walker.

Called “Noodle” by her family and friends because of her 5’2”, 100-pound frame. Princess loved the color pink.

U.S. Army STAFF SGT

Lillian Clamens, 35October 10, 2007

Home: Lawton, OK Base: Miami, FL

Died in Baghdad of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked her unit with rockets.

Devoted wife and supermom to her daughters, Lana and Victoria, and son, Ayinde.

“Lilly” also leaves behind her loving husband, Raymond, and her mother, Dorothy.

 

U.S. Navy MASTER-AT-ARMS SEAMAN

Genesia Mattril Gresham, 19October 22, 2007

Home: Lithonia, GA. Assigned to U.S. Naval

Support Activity, Bahrain.

Died in Bahrain in a non-combat related incident. Also killed was her roommate, Seaman Anamarie Camocho.

Nicknamed “Snowflake”, Genesia was scheduled to return home on October 24th.

U.S. Army STAFF SGT

Carletta S. Davis, 34 Nov. 5, 2007

Home: Anchorage, AK Base: Fort Drum, NY

Died in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near her Humvee during combat operations.

Was as a flight medic and planned to become a physician’s assistant.

Carletta is mourned by her mother, Ms. Levada Napier, other relatives, and friends.

U.S. Army SPC

Christine M. Ndururi, 21November 6, 2007

Home: Dracut, MABorn in Kenya

Base: Ft. Hood, TX

Died in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait from non-combat related illness. Her death is under investigation.

Was a devout Christian who loved to play and watch sports.

Christine is mourned by her parents, 3 brothers, and many other family members.

U.S. Army SPC

Keisha M. Morgan, 25 Febrary 22, 2008

Home: Washington, DC Base: Ft. Hood. TX

Died in Baghdad, Iraq of a non-combat related cause.

Re-enlisted just a few days before her death, and was planning to become a Registered Nurse.

Keisha leaves behind her grieving parents, Michael and Diana Morgan, and other relatives.

U.S. Navy COUNSELOR 1ST CLASS

Cherie L. Morton, 48April 20, 2008

Home: Bakersfield, CA Assigned to Naval Security

Force, Naval Support Activity in Bahrain.

Died in Galali, Muharraq, Bahrain of a gunshot wound. Her death is under investigation.

Christine won several awards during her career, including the Navy Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

No words express our gratitude, none our grief.

We have but these:

Thank You, Sweet Angels.

Well done.

By: CharleeFromTheLou May 9, 2008

Why only Angels of Color?

Fallen Angels is not to undermine the memories of others. No life was more precious than the next. All are cherished and mourned by their families and nation.

However, I am haunted by the number of women of color who died mysteriously, of unknown causes, and violently, in non-combat-related incidents.

Some were shot. At least one was raped and murdered. Others died of ‘illnesses’, even though they were in perfect health and had been medically cleared for active duty. Thus…

Fallen Angels is born of utter sadness, yet is filled with my hope and prayers that all wars will cease.

By: CharleeFromTheLou May 14, 2008

Music: Adagio For Strings, Leonard Bernstein and Orchestra