Sergeant Dillon C. Baldridge was killed in action and went to his eternal home Saturday, June 10, 2017. The 22-year-old soldier died from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Baldridge was born July 18, 1994 in Raleigh, NC, and grew up in the neighboring town of Youngsville, where his friends remember him as funny, sensitive, and dedicated to serving others. At a young age, he decided to become a soldier, and he joined the Army right out of high school. He re-enlisted in 2016 saying, “I love this job too much to walk away from it.”
He was a proud infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. His best friend and fellow soldier Bill Walsh described him as an intelligent and motivated person who “always improved not only his own skills but the men around him.” Another of Baldridge’s fellow soldiers, Kage Weinstock, said Baldridge always had “the right words of wisdom,” adding “Dillon would want us to live and love like he did. He would want us to be happy, smile more, keep pushing to meet our goals, follow our dreams…and wake up every day to take on the world.”
More than anything, Baldridge loved his family. From the day he was born, he was adored by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and memories from his childhood still bring a wide smile to their faces. “As a young child, Dillon would just spontaneously belt out a song in the middle of a restaurant just to bring people joy,” said his maternal grandmother Debbie Horan.
He is survived by his mother, Tina Palmer, and father, Christopher Baldridge. Also mourning this great loss are his step-father Tom Palmer, step-mother, Jessie Baldridge, and siblings Zachary Palmer, Isabel Palmer, Ethan Baldridge, Lucas Baldridge, and Shelby Baldridge.
Baldridge was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. His prior awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2017 at Ashe County High School Auditorium. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
∼Three 101st Airborne Division Soldiers died Saturday from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The three Soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California and were assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
The Rakkasans deployed in the fall of 2016 to Afghanistan.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the Families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a Family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Baldridge was an infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in February 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2016.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge. Baldridge was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
The U.S. military has identified two other soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier in an insider attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California; and Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, were all from the Army's 101st Airborne Division, headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Bays was an infantryman in D Co., 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in August 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2014. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Assault Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Bays posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Houck was a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Abn. Div. He was a fire support sergeant who joined the Army in May 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2016. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Air Assault Badge.
Houck posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster.
Source: Fort Campbell Courier
June 15, 2017
*****
RALEIGH
Gov. Roy Cooper ordered flags to be lowered in tribute to Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, who was killed June 10, 2017 in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN — A North Carolina soldier with family in the Boone area is one of three killed June 10 in Peka Valley, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense, in an attack reportedly carried out by an Afghan soldier.
The N.C. soldier was Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville. The Department of Defense announced Monday that the soldiers suffered gunshot wounds while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The incident occurred during a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, according to media reports. The Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports. The incident is under investigation, according to a DOD press release.
According to the department, the three soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Baldridge is the son of Tina Palmer, an employee at Modern Toyota/Subaru in Boone. Friends of Palmer set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Palmer and her family. The GoFundMe account can be found at www.gofundme.com/support-a-fallen-heros-family.
Donations can also be made to Baldridge’s family inside of the Modern business.
“We, here at Modern, stand behind Tina during this difficult time,” said Modern’s Fixed Operations Manager Todd Kuther. “She has a big family here at Modern and we send our deepest condolences.”
Baldridge joined the Army in February 2013, arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky in August 2016 and was deployed in the fall of 2016 with the third Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” according to Fort Campbell officials. Baldridge was scheduled to return home at the end of July this year, Kuther said.
“Dillon is a major hero who fought for our freedom,” Kuther said. “He loved what he did and he loved his country. We ask that everybody pray and send good thoughts during this time.”
Awards and decorations Baldridge received include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Baldridge was posthumously promoted to Sgt. and earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster for his end of tour awards, according to Fort Campbell officials.
In a post to Facebook, Palmer said her son was everything a mother could hope and pray their child would be.
“He grew into an amazing man who was so compassionate, so wise and probably the funniest person I know,” Palmer’s post said. “I choose to remember the good times, and they are countless.”
Palmer also said in her post Baldridge was being transported to Dover Airforce Base and that funeral arrangements will be made soon.
“He died doing what he wanted to be doing,” Palmer’s post said. “He went out with his boots on, as they say. He is my role model and my hero.”
The other two soldiers killed were Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Md., and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, Calif., according to the DOD.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Source: http://www.wataugademocrat.com
Baldridge was born July 18, 1994 in Raleigh, NC, and grew up in the neighboring town of Youngsville, where his friends remember him as funny, sensitive, and dedicated to serving others. At a young age, he decided to become a soldier, and he joined the Army right out of high school. He re-enlisted in 2016 saying, “I love this job too much to walk away from it.”
He was a proud infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. His best friend and fellow soldier Bill Walsh described him as an intelligent and motivated person who “always improved not only his own skills but the men around him.” Another of Baldridge’s fellow soldiers, Kage Weinstock, said Baldridge always had “the right words of wisdom,” adding “Dillon would want us to live and love like he did. He would want us to be happy, smile more, keep pushing to meet our goals, follow our dreams…and wake up every day to take on the world.”
More than anything, Baldridge loved his family. From the day he was born, he was adored by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and memories from his childhood still bring a wide smile to their faces. “As a young child, Dillon would just spontaneously belt out a song in the middle of a restaurant just to bring people joy,” said his maternal grandmother Debbie Horan.
He is survived by his mother, Tina Palmer, and father, Christopher Baldridge. Also mourning this great loss are his step-father Tom Palmer, step-mother, Jessie Baldridge, and siblings Zachary Palmer, Isabel Palmer, Ethan Baldridge, Lucas Baldridge, and Shelby Baldridge.
Baldridge was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. His prior awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2017 at Ashe County High School Auditorium. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
∼Three 101st Airborne Division Soldiers died Saturday from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The three Soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California and were assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
The Rakkasans deployed in the fall of 2016 to Afghanistan.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the Families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a Family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Baldridge was an infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in February 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2016.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge. Baldridge was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
The U.S. military has identified two other soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier in an insider attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California; and Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, were all from the Army's 101st Airborne Division, headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Bays was an infantryman in D Co., 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in August 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2014. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Assault Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Bays posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Houck was a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Abn. Div. He was a fire support sergeant who joined the Army in May 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2016. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Air Assault Badge.
Houck posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster.
Source: Fort Campbell Courier
June 15, 2017
*****
RALEIGH
Gov. Roy Cooper ordered flags to be lowered in tribute to Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, who was killed June 10, 2017 in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN — A North Carolina soldier with family in the Boone area is one of three killed June 10 in Peka Valley, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense, in an attack reportedly carried out by an Afghan soldier.
The N.C. soldier was Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville. The Department of Defense announced Monday that the soldiers suffered gunshot wounds while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The incident occurred during a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, according to media reports. The Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports. The incident is under investigation, according to a DOD press release.
According to the department, the three soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Baldridge is the son of Tina Palmer, an employee at Modern Toyota/Subaru in Boone. Friends of Palmer set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Palmer and her family. The GoFundMe account can be found at www.gofundme.com/support-a-fallen-heros-family.
Donations can also be made to Baldridge’s family inside of the Modern business.
“We, here at Modern, stand behind Tina during this difficult time,” said Modern’s Fixed Operations Manager Todd Kuther. “She has a big family here at Modern and we send our deepest condolences.”
Baldridge joined the Army in February 2013, arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky in August 2016 and was deployed in the fall of 2016 with the third Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” according to Fort Campbell officials. Baldridge was scheduled to return home at the end of July this year, Kuther said.
“Dillon is a major hero who fought for our freedom,” Kuther said. “He loved what he did and he loved his country. We ask that everybody pray and send good thoughts during this time.”
Awards and decorations Baldridge received include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Baldridge was posthumously promoted to Sgt. and earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster for his end of tour awards, according to Fort Campbell officials.
In a post to Facebook, Palmer said her son was everything a mother could hope and pray their child would be.
“He grew into an amazing man who was so compassionate, so wise and probably the funniest person I know,” Palmer’s post said. “I choose to remember the good times, and they are countless.”
Palmer also said in her post Baldridge was being transported to Dover Airforce Base and that funeral arrangements will be made soon.
“He died doing what he wanted to be doing,” Palmer’s post said. “He went out with his boots on, as they say. He is my role model and my hero.”
The other two soldiers killed were Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Md., and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, Calif., according to the DOD.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Source: http://www.wataugademocrat.com
Sergeant Dillon C. Baldridge was killed in action and went to his eternal home Saturday, June 10, 2017. The 22-year-old soldier died from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Baldridge was born July 18, 1994 in Raleigh, NC, and grew up in the neighboring town of Youngsville, where his friends remember him as funny, sensitive, and dedicated to serving others. At a young age, he decided to become a soldier, and he joined the Army right out of high school. He re-enlisted in 2016 saying, “I love this job too much to walk away from it.”
He was a proud infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. His best friend and fellow soldier Bill Walsh described him as an intelligent and motivated person who “always improved not only his own skills but the men around him.” Another of Baldridge’s fellow soldiers, Kage Weinstock, said Baldridge always had “the right words of wisdom,” adding “Dillon would want us to live and love like he did. He would want us to be happy, smile more, keep pushing to meet our goals, follow our dreams…and wake up every day to take on the world.”
More than anything, Baldridge loved his family. From the day he was born, he was adored by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and memories from his childhood still bring a wide smile to their faces. “As a young child, Dillon would just spontaneously belt out a song in the middle of a restaurant just to bring people joy,” said his maternal grandmother Debbie Horan.
He is survived by his mother, Tina Palmer, and father, Christopher Baldridge. Also mourning this great loss are his step-father Tom Palmer, step-mother, Jessie Baldridge, and siblings Zachary Palmer, Isabel Palmer, Ethan Baldridge, Lucas Baldridge, and Shelby Baldridge.
Baldridge was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. His prior awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2017 at Ashe County High School Auditorium. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
∼Three 101st Airborne Division Soldiers died Saturday from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The three Soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California and were assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
The Rakkasans deployed in the fall of 2016 to Afghanistan.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the Families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a Family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Baldridge was an infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in February 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2016.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge. Baldridge was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
The U.S. military has identified two other soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier in an insider attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California; and Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, were all from the Army's 101st Airborne Division, headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Bays was an infantryman in D Co., 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in August 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2014. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Assault Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Bays posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Houck was a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Abn. Div. He was a fire support sergeant who joined the Army in May 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2016. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Air Assault Badge.
Houck posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster.
Source: Fort Campbell Courier
June 15, 2017
*****
RALEIGH
Gov. Roy Cooper ordered flags to be lowered in tribute to Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, who was killed June 10, 2017 in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN — A North Carolina soldier with family in the Boone area is one of three killed June 10 in Peka Valley, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense, in an attack reportedly carried out by an Afghan soldier.
The N.C. soldier was Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville. The Department of Defense announced Monday that the soldiers suffered gunshot wounds while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The incident occurred during a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, according to media reports. The Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports. The incident is under investigation, according to a DOD press release.
According to the department, the three soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Baldridge is the son of Tina Palmer, an employee at Modern Toyota/Subaru in Boone. Friends of Palmer set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Palmer and her family. The GoFundMe account can be found at www.gofundme.com/support-a-fallen-heros-family.
Donations can also be made to Baldridge’s family inside of the Modern business.
“We, here at Modern, stand behind Tina during this difficult time,” said Modern’s Fixed Operations Manager Todd Kuther. “She has a big family here at Modern and we send our deepest condolences.”
Baldridge joined the Army in February 2013, arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky in August 2016 and was deployed in the fall of 2016 with the third Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” according to Fort Campbell officials. Baldridge was scheduled to return home at the end of July this year, Kuther said.
“Dillon is a major hero who fought for our freedom,” Kuther said. “He loved what he did and he loved his country. We ask that everybody pray and send good thoughts during this time.”
Awards and decorations Baldridge received include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Baldridge was posthumously promoted to Sgt. and earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster for his end of tour awards, according to Fort Campbell officials.
In a post to Facebook, Palmer said her son was everything a mother could hope and pray their child would be.
“He grew into an amazing man who was so compassionate, so wise and probably the funniest person I know,” Palmer’s post said. “I choose to remember the good times, and they are countless.”
Palmer also said in her post Baldridge was being transported to Dover Airforce Base and that funeral arrangements will be made soon.
“He died doing what he wanted to be doing,” Palmer’s post said. “He went out with his boots on, as they say. He is my role model and my hero.”
The other two soldiers killed were Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Md., and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, Calif., according to the DOD.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Source: http://www.wataugademocrat.com
Baldridge was born July 18, 1994 in Raleigh, NC, and grew up in the neighboring town of Youngsville, where his friends remember him as funny, sensitive, and dedicated to serving others. At a young age, he decided to become a soldier, and he joined the Army right out of high school. He re-enlisted in 2016 saying, “I love this job too much to walk away from it.”
He was a proud infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. His best friend and fellow soldier Bill Walsh described him as an intelligent and motivated person who “always improved not only his own skills but the men around him.” Another of Baldridge’s fellow soldiers, Kage Weinstock, said Baldridge always had “the right words of wisdom,” adding “Dillon would want us to live and love like he did. He would want us to be happy, smile more, keep pushing to meet our goals, follow our dreams…and wake up every day to take on the world.”
More than anything, Baldridge loved his family. From the day he was born, he was adored by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and memories from his childhood still bring a wide smile to their faces. “As a young child, Dillon would just spontaneously belt out a song in the middle of a restaurant just to bring people joy,” said his maternal grandmother Debbie Horan.
He is survived by his mother, Tina Palmer, and father, Christopher Baldridge. Also mourning this great loss are his step-father Tom Palmer, step-mother, Jessie Baldridge, and siblings Zachary Palmer, Isabel Palmer, Ethan Baldridge, Lucas Baldridge, and Shelby Baldridge.
Baldridge was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. His prior awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2017 at Ashe County High School Auditorium. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
∼Three 101st Airborne Division Soldiers died Saturday from wounds sustained in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The three Soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California and were assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
The Rakkasans deployed in the fall of 2016 to Afghanistan.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the Families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a Family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Baldridge was an infantryman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in February 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2016.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge. Baldridge was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
The U.S. military has identified two other soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier in an insider attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California; and Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina, were all from the Army's 101st Airborne Division, headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Bays was an infantryman in D Co., 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT. He was a squad leader who joined the Army in August 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2014. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Assault Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Bays posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Houck was a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Abn. Div. He was a fire support sergeant who joined the Army in May 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2016. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Air Assault Badge.
Houck posthumously earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster.
Source: Fort Campbell Courier
June 15, 2017
*****
RALEIGH
Gov. Roy Cooper ordered flags to be lowered in tribute to Cpl. Dillon C. Baldridge, who was killed June 10, 2017 in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN — A North Carolina soldier with family in the Boone area is one of three killed June 10 in Peka Valley, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense, in an attack reportedly carried out by an Afghan soldier.
The N.C. soldier was Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville. The Department of Defense announced Monday that the soldiers suffered gunshot wounds while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The incident occurred during a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, according to media reports. The Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports. The incident is under investigation, according to a DOD press release.
According to the department, the three soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Baldridge is the son of Tina Palmer, an employee at Modern Toyota/Subaru in Boone. Friends of Palmer set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Palmer and her family. The GoFundMe account can be found at www.gofundme.com/support-a-fallen-heros-family.
Donations can also be made to Baldridge’s family inside of the Modern business.
“We, here at Modern, stand behind Tina during this difficult time,” said Modern’s Fixed Operations Manager Todd Kuther. “She has a big family here at Modern and we send our deepest condolences.”
Baldridge joined the Army in February 2013, arrived at Fort Campbell, Ky in August 2016 and was deployed in the fall of 2016 with the third Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” according to Fort Campbell officials. Baldridge was scheduled to return home at the end of July this year, Kuther said.
“Dillon is a major hero who fought for our freedom,” Kuther said. “He loved what he did and he loved his country. We ask that everybody pray and send good thoughts during this time.”
Awards and decorations Baldridge received include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Baldridge was posthumously promoted to Sgt. and earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster for his end of tour awards, according to Fort Campbell officials.
In a post to Facebook, Palmer said her son was everything a mother could hope and pray their child would be.
“He grew into an amazing man who was so compassionate, so wise and probably the funniest person I know,” Palmer’s post said. “I choose to remember the good times, and they are countless.”
Palmer also said in her post Baldridge was being transported to Dover Airforce Base and that funeral arrangements will be made soon.
“He died doing what he wanted to be doing,” Palmer’s post said. “He went out with his boots on, as they say. He is my role model and my hero.”
The other two soldiers killed were Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Md., and Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, Calif., according to the DOD.
“Today, as we grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Cpl. Baldridge, Sgt. Houck and Sgt. Bays. We take this as a family loss,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell. “In the days ahead, the 101st Soldiers and the Rakkasans will continue the fight against terrorism with unbridled determination. Our Soldiers are battle-hardened and committed to the defense of our nation and the freedoms for which we fight.”
Source: http://www.wataugademocrat.com
