Photo By Sgt. Casey Ware | Rifle Team Soldiers fire 21 rounds in memory of their brother in arms who made the...... read more read more
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By Spc. Casey Ware
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
JALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - It was the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 19, and the sun shone bright at a forward operating base in northeastern Afghanistan as Soldiers of the 927th Engineer Company (Sapper) gathered to memorialize their brother in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sgt. Jonnie L. Stiles, third platoon team leader, was remembered in a traditional Army memorial service by his fellow Soldiers serving in his Route Clearance Platoon, and others who met him and grew to love and respect him as a friend and non-commissioned officer.
Stiles was a Soldier in the Colorado National Guard at the time the 927th were activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to clear roads of Improvised Explosive Devices for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division's missions in northeastern Afghanistan.
"He volunteered for this deployment not knowing a single soul in the unit," Capt. Anthony Dorsa, 927th commander, said, "but the process was taking too long for him so he initiated an interstate transfer. That is how he was, determined and steadfast."
Being a team leader and NCO in a combat zone is a heavy load to bear, but to some people it comes natural. Stiles proved to be a born leader with selfless service engrained in his heart.
"As a non-commissioned officer, Jon was a man of character and high moral fiber," Staff Sgt. James Rowe, a 927th Squad Leader, said. "He was technically and tactically proficient, carried out his orders to perfection, knew when to be tough on Soldiers and when to put an arm around them. He always put the welfare of his Soldiers before his own, and without exception he was a leader by example."
Dedicated to the fight for freedom and the American way of life, Stiles brought the fight to the enemy. From the beginning of May until that fateful day in November "he distinguished himself and his family with the courage and character that every young Soldier should strive to emulate" Lt. Col. Micheal Ferguson, the 201st Engineer Battalion Commander, said.
With tear-filled eyes and a grieving hearts the Soldiers of the 927th stood at attention as members of Stiles team sounded off with "here sergeant" when their names were called off the role. Silence fell over all ears present when 3rd Platoon Sgt. Jason Pino called for Cpl. Jonnie Stiles.
A newly transferred Soldier from a state hundreds of miles away, Stiles laughed, cried and bled with the his newfound brothers in the RCP, and will forever be immortalized as a 927th Spartan.
"He remained engaged with the enemy until the final moments of his life, protecting his truck and his fellow Soldiers," Spc. Jason Rook said. "Stiles is our American Hero, and if we ever look on Heavens streets, we will find them guarded by him."
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2008 08:13 |
| Story ID: | 26712 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 696 |
| Downloads: | 236 |
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