Monday, November 17, 2008

Spc. Jonnie L. Stiles

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Jonnie L. Stiles, 38, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., died Nov. 13 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 927th Engineer Company (SAPPER), 769th Engineer Battalion, Louisiana Army National Guard, Baton Rouge, La.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jon was a good marine, a great soldier and the best of friends. He gave 100% and then some. I could not have asked for a better Team Leader. Cpl. Stiles demonstrated exceptional courage and valor in the time of need. His willingness to dedicate his time to his team is unsurpassable. He will be missed dearly and in our hearts forever. I am sorry I let you down my friend. May you rest in peace and fly with the angels.
SSG Rowe, Jamie
Squad Leader

Anonymous said...

I spent a lot of time with Jon when we were stationed together in Colorado. He was proud of his prior service as a Marine (never say ex marine). He and I did some great fishing on ponds on the back of Fort Carson.

Jon was a surly hard-ass who liked to call people turd when he got mad. Thats why we got along so well. His honesty and willingness to take his turn when there was work to be done defined his career as a soldier and probably as a marine.

Rowe, you didn't let Jon down. Jon would have taken a turn in the turret whether it was his job or not. He would want to eat his share of dust and take his share of the risk.

Brian Selby
North Pole, Alaska