Remembering SSG Jeremy A Katzenberger

On behalf of Colleen and Everett I would like to say thank you SO VERY MUCH for your GENEROUS donations to the family.  The current balance is over $26,000!  THAT IS AMAZING!

Your outpouring of love and support is TRULY incredible!!

On August 8, 2011 one of Jeremy’s fellow Rangers and close friend (to the Katzenberger family) was killed in action.  Alessandro ‘Sandrino’ Plutino, too paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  He will never be forgotten.

Please take a minute to remember those that we have lost in this war and their families, as well as those that are still overseas fighting.

RLTW…

PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Army Ranger killed in combat

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Click here for Plutino’s bio.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug. 09, 2011) – A U.S. Army Ranger was killed in action Aug. 8, during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Alessandro Leonard Plutino was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

He was killed by direct fire from enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Paktiya Province, Afghanistan.

A native of Pitman, N.J., Plutino enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2006. For more than four years, he served as a rifleman, grenadier, automatic rifleman, and a Ranger team leader in 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt.

The 75th Ranger Regt. has been continuously deployed to Afghanistan since October 2001.

“Sgt. Plutino selflessly dedicated his life to protecting our Nation and way of life, and ultimately gave his life in her defense,” said Col. Michael Foster, commander, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt. “He was a great man and a great Ranger, who was universally respected. His loss is felt by the entire Battalion, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.”

Plutino previously served on three deployments to Iraq and this was his third deployment to Afghanistan.

“Sgt. Plutino’s enlistment in the Army was due to end in September 2011,” said Col. Mark W. Odom, commander, 75th Ranger Regt. “He, however, made the decision to voluntarily extend his service commitment until December 2011 in order to complete this deployment to Afghanistan—not a surprise to those who knew him, but it speaks to his character and commitment, not only to the 75th Ranger Regiment but to the Nation.”

Plutino is survived by his mother Dianne Hammond and his father Sandro Plutino both of Pitman, N.J.

–usasoc–

TSAF has memorial shirts for the 1/75 Rangers.  The shirt has been updated with Jeremy’s name (although not pictured, yet).

Click here to order one of these shirts.

I can honestly say that this was probably the most touching and impressive show of support for an American hero that I have personally ever witnessed!  When the processional turned onto Grant Ave, both sides of the streets were lined with people standing shoulder to shoulder.  There were civilians and soldiers (from SEVERAL different countries) waving flags, saluting, and holding their hands over their heart.  Thanks so much for posting this video!

(it’s taped from inside a car so it’s a little quick… but you can DEFINITELY get the picture)

One of Jeremy’s best friends, has another blog started where people can share stories about Jeremy.  Colleen has asked that people send stories about Jeremy that she can share with Everett.  She really wants to be able to help Everett get to know his daddy just the way we all did.  Please feel free to visit that Remembering Jeremy and post a story or e-mail one directly to rememberingjeremy@yahoo.com.

Thanks again for all of your prayers support.

Thank you Shades of Gray Photography for sharing these FANTASTIC pictures of Jeremy’s processional June 26, 2011.  Click the link above to see all of the pictures that were taken.  Colleen and the family were truly touched by the outpouring of love and support by the community.

Legacy.com has created a guest book for people to visit and sign and share condolences with the Katzenberger family.  Remembering Jeremy is important to them in the healing process.  Please feel free to visit this site and sign in.

Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on June 28 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Jeremy A. Katzenberger.

Click here to read the full article.

Check out this GREAT video done in Kansas about Jeremy.  Thanks to Fox News for this beautiful story honoring a true American Hero!

http://wdaf.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf