A Marine carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Daniel J. Patron Monday, Aug. 8, 2011 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Patron, of Canton, Ohio, died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)One relied on his deep faith. Another was planning a marriage proposal. And yet another would shoot baskets with his mom when they had something serious to discuss.
But the brothers, fathers, sons and uncles who died when a U.S. military helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan all had something in common: a love of family and country, according to friends and family members. Those who knew them said the soldiers were aware of the dangers they faced but were dedicated to their mission – even if it meant giving their lives.
Here are the stories of some of the fallen:
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This undated family photo shows Chief Petty Officer Robert James Reeves, a Shreveport, La., native who was killed when a U.S. Chinook helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Family Photo via The Shreveport Times)Robert James Reeves and Jonas Kelsall had been childhood friends in Shreveport, La., where they played soccer together and graduated from Caddo Magnet High School, Kelsall’s father, John, told The Times of Shreveport and KLSA-TV.