Can Anyone help with info??Afganistan Death!!

OZCOBRA · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 03:12 AM

Guys,

A good friend of mine from Maryland Died in the Wardak Province in Afganistan on the 13th..I can't track down his Family to find out about his funeral or when his body will be repatriated back to the US..Seeing that I'm in Australia I unfortunately can't get there so would like to send something on the day which I'm hoping I won't be to late for...

Is there apart from the DOD somewhere I may be able to find out???..He was posted out of 323rd M.I.B...Fort Meade,should i be calling here???

Thanks Paul

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 05:04 AM

Paul,

I am not sure if this would help or even if they would release the information, but you might try contacting the military graves registration unit. They are the ones that are responsible for shipping the people home, and should have the information abut where the family is.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Best of luck.

Ron

OZCOBRA · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 05:15 AM

Thanks Ron,
....Looks like i'll be making a few calls in the morning!! thanks for your help and thoughts.

Paul

....FYI.. His Unit was attacked with one of those damn IED's

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 05:20 AM

Probably made out of our own unexploded ordinance. Maybe we should start booby trapping some of it and just leave it laying around as if it had been fired or dropped and didn't explode.

Anyway all the best to you and his family. We have had 5 young men from here that have came home that way from over there and it seems such a waste at times.

Ron

rustyBob · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 01:22 PM

Oz....if all else fails call the RED CROSS.......they should be able to help.....
sorry to hear of the loss......

twobjshelbys · #6 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZCOBRA

Guys,

A good friend of mine from Maryland Died in the Wardak Province in Afganistan on the 13th..I can't track down his Family to find out about his funeral or when his body will be repatriated back to the US..Seeing that I'm in Australia I unfortunately can't get there so would like to send something on the day which I'm hoping I won't be to late for...

Is there apart from the DOD somewhere I may be able to find out???..He was posted out of 323rd M.I.B...Fort Meade,should i be calling here???

Thanks Paul

Whoa, man, this is a bomb shell.

As would mentioned, I would recommend you calmly contact your local chapter of the Red Cross. They are a wonderful aid in situations like this. Give them the name and address of your loved one. Like all customer service organizations these days you may have to be persistent but let them you know you are all but a family member and want to give your respect in time. I'm sure they will help.

I am truly sorry you are so far away.

Peace.

PANAVIA · #7 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 09:38 PM

Red Cross or the VA.

OZCOBRA · #8 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 03:54 AM

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions guys ,I was able today to find the information i was seeking and have even been able to contact his family,which was very hard to do over the phone...grown men do cry!!!!

Once again thanks for the replies,

Paul

Ron61 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 05:20 AM

Paul,

That is great news but to bad it had to be for something like this. I know how it hurts to lose someone and then to be that far away is harder. And yes, grown men do cry. Nothing at all to be embarrassed about. I have did my share of it.

Ron

OZCOBRA · #10 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 05:39 AM

Thanks Ron,
Chris had only been there 2 damn weeks,and I had spoken to him on the Wednesday Prior to his death on Friday ,and he then as he told others he was worried!!

Paul

http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom...vid_2087.shtml

twobjshelbys · #11 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 09:10 AM

I'm glad you were able to make contact. I watched the news spot. He sounds like a great guy.