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Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
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Loudoun News
()
Date: September 04, 2011 11:59AM
Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
Tuesday, Aug. 30 by Laura Peters
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/soldier_from_sterling_dies_in_afghanistan123/
Spc. Douglas J. Green of Sterling died Aug. 28 after his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.
Green, 23, a graduate of Potomac Falls High School was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
According to the Department of Defense, Green was a soldier supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Janice Koslowski, principal at Potomac Falls, said Green was a wonderful student. She served three of Green’s four years of high school as his assistant principal. Koslowski says that he was most remembered for his activity in the drama department and the unity club, a multicultural club at the school.
“He was just one of those kids that was just so loved,” Koslowski said. “The reaction was unanimously that he was just one of those kids - quick to laugh, quick to smile - he definitely made the most out of his high school time.”
Koslowski said teachers and friends were devastated when they heard of his death on Sunday.
“He will be remembered fondly,” Koslowski said.
The whereabouts of Green’s family members are unknown. Koslowski isn’t sure if Green’s father lives in the area or if there will be a service for him in Virginia. If there is no service, Koslowski says the school will hold its own memorial for him.
“A lot of teachers here had kids that graduated with him,” she added.
Renee Haynes, drama teacher at Potomac Falls, was Green’s drama teacher for his entire run in high school.
“He was fun and funny and well liked by everybody,” Haynes said. “He was always joking around.”
Haynes said that Green was extremely active in his school serving as president of the unity club, playing on the football team, participating in extra circular drama, show choir, performing in the school musical of Footloose and being crowned Homecoming Prince his senior year.
She says it’s hard to narrow down just one fond memory of Green and that “he did just about everything that could be done at the school.”
“I think the biggest memory of him ... we were doing a musical and he wanted to everybody to do the cell block tango from [the musical] Chicago and got everybody up doing the cell block tango in the class,” Haynes laughs remembering.
Haynes also said that not a lot of student attending Potomac Falls now know him, but the staff remembers him well.
“He was just a great kid he was compasssionate he was kind and he was funny,” Haynes said.
Friends and family members post on his Doug Green Memorial Page on Facebook leaving memories of times spent together and how much he will still be loved. The page already has more than 1,000 ‘likes’.
Green’s grandfather, Jay Wolfe Chabrow, wrote on the Facebook page saying that he loved how he was loved his “warm, caring, funny and strong personality.”
“Your mom and I talk about you every day,” Chabrow posted. “That will never stop because our stories about you and us are never ending and filled with your love and humor. While I’m totally devastated you were taken from us at such an early age, I couldn’t be prouder. You are truly my hero. I’ll make sure when it’s time for us to meet again, I’ll have some great cigars for both of us.”
Roberta Rehm, a special education teacher at Potomac Falls says she remembers Green as a “young person who had a great sense of humor and who was outgoing and friendly with students and staff.”
“Since Doug joined the military, he came by and visited us at [Potomac Falls], and it was hard to believe the level of maturity and responsibility that Doug had grown into, in spite of his engaging smile and warmth,” Rehm said. “I think, like myself, that students and staff who knew Doug find that it is still hard to believe that his life has been cut short, and while we are proud of what he stood for, we will miss him and his enthusiasm deeply.”
Green is the third Loudoun County Public Schools graduate to be killed in action since the Afghanistan and Iraq wars began. Sgt. Scott Kirkpatrick, 26, a Park View graduate, died in Iraq Aug. 11, 2007, and Spc. Stephan Mace, 21, a Loudoun Valley graduate, died in Afghanistan Oct. 3, 2009.
There has been more than 64 casualties of U.S. soldiers in the past month, according to iCasualties.org, a website that tracks military deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Spc. Douglas J. Green died in Afghanistan on Aug. 28. He was 23 years old. Photo Courtesy/ Facebook
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Tuesday, Aug. 30 by Laura Peters
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/soldier_from_sterling_dies_in_afghanistan123/
Spc. Douglas J. Green of Sterling died Aug. 28 after his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.
Green, 23, a graduate of Potomac Falls High School was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
According to the Department of Defense, Green was a soldier supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Janice Koslowski, principal at Potomac Falls, said Green was a wonderful student. She served three of Green’s four years of high school as his assistant principal. Koslowski says that he was most remembered for his activity in the drama department and the unity club, a multicultural club at the school.
“He was just one of those kids that was just so loved,” Koslowski said. “The reaction was unanimously that he was just one of those kids - quick to laugh, quick to smile - he definitely made the most out of his high school time.”
Koslowski said teachers and friends were devastated when they heard of his death on Sunday.
“He will be remembered fondly,” Koslowski said.
The whereabouts of Green’s family members are unknown. Koslowski isn’t sure if Green’s father lives in the area or if there will be a service for him in Virginia. If there is no service, Koslowski says the school will hold its own memorial for him.
“A lot of teachers here had kids that graduated with him,” she added.
Renee Haynes, drama teacher at Potomac Falls, was Green’s drama teacher for his entire run in high school.
“He was fun and funny and well liked by everybody,” Haynes said. “He was always joking around.”
Haynes said that Green was extremely active in his school serving as president of the unity club, playing on the football team, participating in extra circular drama, show choir, performing in the school musical of Footloose and being crowned Homecoming Prince his senior year.
She says it’s hard to narrow down just one fond memory of Green and that “he did just about everything that could be done at the school.”
“I think the biggest memory of him ... we were doing a musical and he wanted to everybody to do the cell block tango from [the musical] Chicago and got everybody up doing the cell block tango in the class,” Haynes laughs remembering.
Haynes also said that not a lot of student attending Potomac Falls now know him, but the staff remembers him well.
“He was just a great kid he was compasssionate he was kind and he was funny,” Haynes said.
Friends and family members post on his Doug Green Memorial Page on Facebook leaving memories of times spent together and how much he will still be loved. The page already has more than 1,000 ‘likes’.
Green’s grandfather, Jay Wolfe Chabrow, wrote on the Facebook page saying that he loved how he was loved his “warm, caring, funny and strong personality.”
“Your mom and I talk about you every day,” Chabrow posted. “That will never stop because our stories about you and us are never ending and filled with your love and humor. While I’m totally devastated you were taken from us at such an early age, I couldn’t be prouder. You are truly my hero. I’ll make sure when it’s time for us to meet again, I’ll have some great cigars for both of us.”
Roberta Rehm, a special education teacher at Potomac Falls says she remembers Green as a “young person who had a great sense of humor and who was outgoing and friendly with students and staff.”
“Since Doug joined the military, he came by and visited us at [Potomac Falls], and it was hard to believe the level of maturity and responsibility that Doug had grown into, in spite of his engaging smile and warmth,” Rehm said. “I think, like myself, that students and staff who knew Doug find that it is still hard to believe that his life has been cut short, and while we are proud of what he stood for, we will miss him and his enthusiasm deeply.”
Green is the third Loudoun County Public Schools graduate to be killed in action since the Afghanistan and Iraq wars began. Sgt. Scott Kirkpatrick, 26, a Park View graduate, died in Iraq Aug. 11, 2007, and Spc. Stephan Mace, 21, a Loudoun Valley graduate, died in Afghanistan Oct. 3, 2009.
There has been more than 64 casualties of U.S. soldiers in the past month, according to iCasualties.org, a website that tracks military deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Spc. Douglas J. Green died in Afghanistan on Aug. 28. He was 23 years old. Photo Courtesy/ Facebook
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Re: Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
Posted by:
Sad Family
()
Date: September 08, 2011 12:09PM
Our hopes and prayers go out to this soldier's family!
Re: Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
Posted by:
Loudoun News - Update
()
Date: September 15, 2011 06:36AM
U.S. soldier put to rest at Arlington Cemetery
Wed., Sep. 14 | 04:23 PM
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/u.s._soldier_put_to_rest_at_arlington_cemetery123/
Cars lined up almost all the way down Memorial Drive filled with more than 400 people at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday just to pay their respects to U.S. Army Spc. Douglas Green who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 28.
The amount of people who came out to say their goodbye’s to Green was a testament to his character and the impact he had on people’s lives. Described as someone who never judged a person in his life and put others before himself, Green was a friend to everyone he knew.
According to Melissa Bohan, public information officer for Arlington National Cemetery, the service was one of the largest cemetery officials have seen, probably due to Green being a local resident.
License plates ranging from all over the area and even from Alaska where he was stationed out of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, could be seen on the cars.
Green was known to his friends and family as a hero and an inspiration. Serving his country he put himself before others and would volunteer himself to lead his squadron on missions.
The U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” conducted the military honors for Green’s service along with the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” playing.
The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that honors fallen soldiers, were invited by the family to attend.
Green was escorted in by “The Old Guard” and “Pershing’s Own”. His casket, with an American flagged draped over it, was carried in by a horse drawn carriage. Following Green was his mother, Suni Erlanger, sisters Krissy Green and Paige Erlanger, stepfather Don Erlanger, father Doug Green and stepmother Donna Green along with Green’s girlfriend Alicia Swamstrom, who all held hands stepping slowing behind their loved one.
Green’s friends and family followed behind his parents. The traditional black colored outfits were worn by attendees, with specks of green in honor of his last name.
The line of people wrapped around the block and the carriage carried him to the burial site with the funeral procession following.
Rabbi Jonathan Panitz, Green’s rabbi, presided over the service saying prayers in Hebrew and from the Torah. Panitz said how Green had loved God and how God influenced his life.
“He would do things for others and ask nothing in return,” Panitz said. “His legacy, that which he leaves us, must be here, in our hearts.”
The audience’s heads bowed and Panitz read a prayer from the Torah. Three shots were fired in honor of Green by “The Old Guard” and the band “Pershing’s Own” played “Taps,” with everyone’s hands placed on their hearts.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Byron Bagby presented two flags – one each to Green’s mother and father – with “America the Beautiful” playing in the background.
After the flags were presented the family approached the casket and took scoops of sand to be sprinkled on top.
Green’s burial plot is located in section 60 where most of the service members are buried who have died in action in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are more than 12,000 grave sites located in section 60 alone.
Green’s plot overlooks the green of the cemetery to see the Washington Monument from where he will finally rest.
To read more about Spc. Green go here...http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/potomac_falls_graduate_dont_stop_believing_for_fallen_soldier_and_friend123/
Spc. Green’s family, from left to right, father Doug Green, mother Suni Erlanger, sister Krissy Green, stepfather Don Erlanger, sister Paige Erlanger and stepmother Donna Green place sand atop Green’s casket. Donna Green wisps her fingers through the sand as if to be writing a message to her stepson as Krissy Green mourns the loss of her little brother. Times-Mirror Staff Photo/Beverly Denny
Attachments:
Wed., Sep. 14 | 04:23 PM
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/u.s._soldier_put_to_rest_at_arlington_cemetery123/
Cars lined up almost all the way down Memorial Drive filled with more than 400 people at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday just to pay their respects to U.S. Army Spc. Douglas Green who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 28.
The amount of people who came out to say their goodbye’s to Green was a testament to his character and the impact he had on people’s lives. Described as someone who never judged a person in his life and put others before himself, Green was a friend to everyone he knew.
According to Melissa Bohan, public information officer for Arlington National Cemetery, the service was one of the largest cemetery officials have seen, probably due to Green being a local resident.
License plates ranging from all over the area and even from Alaska where he was stationed out of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, could be seen on the cars.
Green was known to his friends and family as a hero and an inspiration. Serving his country he put himself before others and would volunteer himself to lead his squadron on missions.
The U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” conducted the military honors for Green’s service along with the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” playing.
The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that honors fallen soldiers, were invited by the family to attend.
Green was escorted in by “The Old Guard” and “Pershing’s Own”. His casket, with an American flagged draped over it, was carried in by a horse drawn carriage. Following Green was his mother, Suni Erlanger, sisters Krissy Green and Paige Erlanger, stepfather Don Erlanger, father Doug Green and stepmother Donna Green along with Green’s girlfriend Alicia Swamstrom, who all held hands stepping slowing behind their loved one.
Green’s friends and family followed behind his parents. The traditional black colored outfits were worn by attendees, with specks of green in honor of his last name.
The line of people wrapped around the block and the carriage carried him to the burial site with the funeral procession following.
Rabbi Jonathan Panitz, Green’s rabbi, presided over the service saying prayers in Hebrew and from the Torah. Panitz said how Green had loved God and how God influenced his life.
“He would do things for others and ask nothing in return,” Panitz said. “His legacy, that which he leaves us, must be here, in our hearts.”
The audience’s heads bowed and Panitz read a prayer from the Torah. Three shots were fired in honor of Green by “The Old Guard” and the band “Pershing’s Own” played “Taps,” with everyone’s hands placed on their hearts.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Byron Bagby presented two flags – one each to Green’s mother and father – with “America the Beautiful” playing in the background.
After the flags were presented the family approached the casket and took scoops of sand to be sprinkled on top.
Green’s burial plot is located in section 60 where most of the service members are buried who have died in action in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are more than 12,000 grave sites located in section 60 alone.
Green’s plot overlooks the green of the cemetery to see the Washington Monument from where he will finally rest.
To read more about Spc. Green go here...http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/potomac_falls_graduate_dont_stop_believing_for_fallen_soldier_and_friend123/
Spc. Green’s family, from left to right, father Doug Green, mother Suni Erlanger, sister Krissy Green, stepfather Don Erlanger, sister Paige Erlanger and stepmother Donna Green place sand atop Green’s casket. Donna Green wisps her fingers through the sand as if to be writing a message to her stepson as Krissy Green mourns the loss of her little brother. Times-Mirror Staff Photo/Beverly Denny
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Re: Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
Posted by:
MK
()
Date: September 15, 2011 06:39AM
That is such a sad and moving picture. I hope his family knows how much we appreciate their son/brother. He made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Wish we could help heal your pain and sorrow.
I’m a former soldier but was in during the 90’s can’t imagine the courage it takes to join during wartime. Hooah….RIP brother!
I’m a former soldier but was in during the 90’s can’t imagine the courage it takes to join during wartime. Hooah….RIP brother!
Re: Soldier from Sterling dies in Afghanistan
Posted by:
Thank You
()
Date: October 06, 2011 12:00PM
Of course as many young boys growing up we viewed Superman, Incredible Hulk and Rambo as heroes. It was a dream of most young boys to grow up to be one of these fictional characters. However, we all know they were just that… fictional. The real heroes, like this young, are a special kind. These are the heroes that most of us could only dream to become. For this man’s family, we appreciate what he did for all of us. As we may not recall his name as the years go by, one thing is for sure, he will never be forgotten. We all owe gratitude for his sacrifice as well as the thousands others who gave it all for our freedom. Thank you, our hero.