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Afghanistan

Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From Belvidere, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE) Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From Belvidere, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE)
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From Belvidere, Dies Suddenly (Tribute) Col. Kenneth John Yeasky, of Belvidere, passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024, his family writes in his obituary on the MacFadden Funeral Home website. He was 60 years old. Ken was born on July 3, 1963 to Mary Ann “Tommie” Tomczyk and the late Edwin Yeasky.  He grew up in Carteret and graduated from Green Brook High School (Somerset County). Ken had a distinguished 38-year military career at multiple levels in different branches. He graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's in industrial engineering, and had graduated from numerous other military schools. "He wanted to be…
Teen Arrested For Killing Afghan Interpreter Working As Lyft Driver In DC Teen Arrested For Killing Afghan Interpreter Working As Lyft Driver In DC
Teen Arrested For Killing Afghan Interpreter Working As Lyft Driver In DC Nasrat Ahmad Yar survived a decade in Afghanistan serving alongside the US Army Special Forces only to be taken down by a group of reckless teenagers in DC, police say. In July last year, Ahmad Yar was working as a Lyft driver when he was dropping off a fare and was approached by a group of armed teenagers in the 400 block of 11th Street NE who reportedly sought to carjack the Alexandria resident's ride. The 31-year-old father of four was shot during the incident, and rushed to an area hospital by first responders, where he later died from his injuries. After months of exhaustive inve…
‘Enormous, Kind Heart:’ Hunterdon County Native, Devoted Dad TJ Bill Dies, 38 ‘Enormous, Kind Heart:’ Hunterdon County Native, Devoted Dad TJ Bill Dies, 38
‘Enormous, Kind Heart:’ Hunterdon County Native, Devoted Dad TJ Bill Dies, 38 Hunterdon County native and devoted dad Theodore Joseph “TJ” Bill died at his Phillipsburg home on Wednesday, Oct. 25 aged 38. Born and raised at his family’s home in High Bridge, TJ attended Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner before enrolling at the Mechanics program at North Hunterdon Vo-Tech School in Annandale, his obituary says. After graduating, he moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he “felt called” to serve in the military. TJ joined the Echo Company 1/285th “Rogues” division and completed overseas tours in Afghanistan before his honorable discharge in 2010. TJ then worked several posit…
Organs Of West Long Branch Army Sergeant Killed In Motorcycle Crash Will Help Others Live Organs Of West Long Branch Army Sergeant Killed In Motorcycle Crash Will Help Others Live
Organs Of West Long Branch Army Sergeant Killed In Motorcycle Crash Will Help Others Live The organs of a U.S. Army sergeant from the Jersey Shore who was killed in a motorcycle crash will help four other people live. Dennis Andrew Vaccaro, 27, crashed on Tuesday, June 14, in Ocean Township, and was kept alive so he could donate his organs. Further details on the crash were not immediately known. An airborne combat medic in the U.S. Army, Dennis achieved the rank of sergeant, and spent five years in the military, including a tour of duty overseas in Afghanistan, his obituary says. He was apparently a student at Monmouth University, according to a statement published by school o…
Purple Heart Marine Was DWI In Crash That Seriously Injured 14-Year-Olds In Stafford: Police Purple Heart Marine Was DWI In Crash That Seriously Injured 14-Year-Olds In Stafford: Police
Purple Heart Marine Was DWI In Crash That Seriously Injured 14-Year-Olds In Stafford: Police A US Marine sergeant awarded the Purple Heart was being held in the Rappahanock County Jail on drug and DWI charges for a Stafford crash that sent two 14-year-olds to the hospital via medevac, authorities confirmed. Beth Ellen Abbott is being held on a $6,000 bond for two counts of DWI with serious injury and drug possession, according to jail records. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Northern Provisions (@northernprovisions) Abbott's photo had been removed from the Marine Corps website as of Friday, June 2. Deputies from the St…
Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Plattekill Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Plattekill Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas
Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Plattekill Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas A United State Army sergeant from the Hudson Valley who has been indicted in the murder of an area man was due to be deployed overseas Orange County resident Junando Dawkins, age 29, of Newburgh was apprehended at the US Army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said the Ulster County District Attorney's Office. The indictment stems from a homicide investigation conducted by the New York State Police, in collaboration with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office into the death of Daniel Spotards, a 41-year-old father of two, whose body was found at the end of his driveway by a sanitatio…
Ukrainian Academic Takes Refuge In Medford Thanks To Tufts Program Ukrainian Academic Takes Refuge In Medford Thanks To Tufts Program
Ukrainian Academic Takes Refuge In Medford Thanks To Tufts Program The work of a lifetime does not stop because of political or humanitarian crises, at least for academics supported by Tufts University's Scholars at Risk program. Tufts has participated in the international umbrella program "Scholars at Risk" since 2011, according to the university. The program has recently expanded and is currently supporting four academics from war-torn countries, two from Afghanistan and two from Ukraine. Volodymr Dubovyk, who has a permanent position in Ukraine as an associate professor at Odesa Mechnikov National University, now holds a temporary position as a visiti…
Wakefield Students Repair Car Donated To Afghani Refugee With Young Child Wakefield Students Repair Car Donated To Afghani Refugee With Young Child
Wakefield Students Repair Car Donated To Afghani Refugee With Young Child An Afghani refugee can get to work on his own, and even pick up more shifts, after automotive technology students repaired a vehicle donated from the non-profit organization Second Chance Cars. The refugee, whose name cannot be released, immigrated to America after assisting US military forces during the war in Afghanistan.  He was using ride share services to get to work and transport his young child, but the costs of these services were mounting.  Northeast Metro Tech Automotive Technology students refurbished a 2006 Honda Accord for the man, repairing and reinforcing the …
NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says
NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says Pete Reed, a 33-year-old New Jersey native and global activist, died helping civilians in Ukraine on Friday, Feb. 2. Reed was "actively aiding in the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians when his evacuation vehicle was hit with a reported missile in Bakhmut," according to Global Outreach Doctors.  Pete Reed helps an elderly woman evacuate in Ukraine.Albert Lores A Bordentown native and US Marine veteran, Reed served as the country director for the nonprofit, and founded Global Response Medicine, a different nonprofit. "The GoDocs team is devastated by this news, as are our humanitarian ai…
Maryland Gov. Elect Wes Moore Talks Patriotism, Service Overseas On 'The Daily Show' Maryland Gov. Elect Wes Moore Talks Patriotism, Service Overseas On 'The Daily Show'
Maryland Gov. Elect Wes Moore Talks Patriotism, Service Overseas On 'The Daily Show' Maryland Gov. Elect Wes Moore took to prime time this week to explain what patriotism means to him as the country continues to be divided between parties. Moore, a Democrat, was a guest star on “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah, where the pair mused about his unlikely election victory in a state that traditionally leans toward the other side of the aisle. Last night I sat down with @TrevorNoah on @TheDailyShow to discuss our movement that reached every corner of Maryland and my thoughts on patriotism.I’ve seen real patriotism when I served in Afghanistan and from my own family. No one …
Democrat Wes Moore Becomes First Black Governor In Maryland History, AP Reports Democrat Wes Moore Becomes First Black Governor In Maryland History, AP Reports
Democrat Wes Moore Becomes First Black Governor In Maryland History, AP Reports Democrat Wes Moore has reportedly made history, becoming Maryland's first Black governor after taking down Republican Dan Cox to replace outgoing Gov. Larry Hogan. The Associated Press reportedly shortly after polls closed in Maryland on Tuesday, Nov. 8 that Moore, 44, was on pace to win, despite only 1 percent of municipalities reporting. It is not lost on me that I’ve made some history here tonight, too.But I also know I'm not the first one to try.This is just more proof that progress is possible in Maryland. And I am humbled to be a part of this legacy. — Wes Moore for Maryland Gove…
Police ID Virginia Beach Drowning Victims Police ID Virginia Beach Drowning Victims
Police ID Virginia Beach Drowning Victims Virginia Beach law enforcement investigated two separate drownings that occurred over the weekend, officials said. On August 27, officers reported to the 16th Street area, where they discovered that 23-year-old Christian Flourentine of Alexandria disappeared in the water, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. Flourentine's family member had seen him in the water hours prior, but after an extensive search, he was discovered deceased on the shoreline near 23rd Street, authorities said. On August 27, 19-year-old Tawakal Ali, from Afghanistan, was reported missing near the 20…
Springfield Native Killed By Lightning During Army Training Remembered As Husband, Dad Springfield Native Killed By Lightning During Army Training Remembered As Husband, Dad
Springfield Native Killed By Lightning During Army Training Remembered As Husband, Dad A Massachusetts native was the only one who lost his life during an army training exercise in Georgia earlier this week.   Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, a Springfield native who was a resident of the town of Bolton in Tolland County, Connecticut, was killed when he and eight other soldiers were struck by lightning at Training Area 26 in Fort Gordon, the US Army said in a release. He was 41 years old. Earlier Report: US Soldier From Tolland County Killed By Lightning Strike Sgt. Clark served in the Army Reserve for more than 22 years and was deployed four times in Iraq and Afghanistan. …
US Soldier From Tolland County Killed By Lightning Strike US Soldier From Tolland County Killed By Lightning Strike
US Soldier From Tolland County Killed By Lightning Strike A soldier who was killed by a lightning strike during a training mission has been identified as being a Connecticut resident. Tolland County resident Sgt.1st Class Michael D. Clark, of the town of Bolton, died on Wednesday, July 20, at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, Georgia. During the training exercise, Clark, age 41, was killed and nine others sustained injuries associated with the lightning strike, said the Department of US Army Reserves. Fort Gordon’s EMS responded to the scene immediately, and the soldiers were transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for medical care, offici…
Fallen Somerville Police Officer Remembered As 'True American Hero' Fallen Somerville Police Officer Remembered As 'True American Hero'
Fallen Somerville Police Officer Remembered As 'True American Hero' The Somerville Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Randy Isaacs, who died unexpectedly this week. Officer Isaacs was a 15-year veteran with the department and a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Somerville Police said. He served as a Master Sergeant on the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in addition to multiple tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan.  "Officer Isaacs is a true American Hero, who dedicated his life to service," Somerville Police said. "His bright personality has left a deep impact on all that knew him."  It is with great sadness that we announce the p…
Greenwich Native Psaki Leaving Post At White House For TV Gig, Report Says Greenwich Native Psaki Leaving Post At White House For TV Gig, Report Says
Greenwich Native Psaki Leaving Post At White House For TV Gig, Report Says Fairfield County native Jen Psaki is going from the White House to the Peacock. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who hails from Stamford, will be leaving her post after more than a year under President Joe Biden to join MSNBC as a host and on-air expert, according to a report from Axios. Psaki, who has been a prominent face of the Biden administration, previously said that she would stay as press secretary for a year, but her time at the White House was extended following multiple international crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and mo…
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies 'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
About 100 Afghan Students To Attend College In Hudson Valley About 100 Afghan Students To Attend College In Hudson Valley
About 100 Afghan Students To Attend College In Hudson Valley About 100 students are set to relocate from Afghanistan to continue their studies at a Hudson Valley college. Bard College, located in Dutchess County, announced plans to accept nearly 100 students from the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul at its Annandale, Simon's Rock and Berlin campuses. The college said 70 students were accepted to the Annandale and Simon's Rock campuses so far. Five students have arrived, and more students are set to arrive in mid-January. The students will have scholarships that cover full tuition, room and board, the college said.  The college…
Hochul Gives New Update On Number Of Afghan Evacuees Scheduled To Resettle In NY Hochul Gives New Update On Number Of Afghan Evacuees Scheduled To Resettle In NY
Hochul Gives New Update On Number Of Afghan Evacuees Scheduled To Resettle In NY New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an update that as many as 1,143 Afghan evacuees could resettle in New York over the next six months. Hochul said the evacuees who arrive in the state are expected to be placed in new communities between now and Thursday, March 31, 2022. "New York has a storied history of welcoming those seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution -a proud tradition our state continues today by helping evacuees from Afghanistan rebuild," Hochul said. "The heart-wrenching images and stories of people fleeing their homeland were a call to action that New York State is …
Lamont Announces Number Of Afghan Refugees Who Will Resettle In CT Lamont Announces Number Of Afghan Refugees Who Will Resettle In CT
Lamont Announces Number Of Afghan Refugees Who Will Resettle In CT Hundreds of Afghan refugees will soon call Connecticut home as Gov. Ned Lamont gets ready to welcome them into the Nutmeg State. Lamont said that the State Department of Social Services will work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that resources are properly allocated and municipalities have the support needed as 310 refugees make their way stateside. 
“I welcome these individuals with open arms into our wonderful state,” the governor said. "It is our obligation and our duty to ensure these Afghan refugees feel welcome in our state, and we will work to ensure they have ever…
Former Fugitive LI Dentist Convicted Of Medical Fraud Former Fugitive LI Dentist Convicted Of Medical Fraud
Former Fugitive LI Dentist Convicted Of Medical Fraud A former dentist on Long Island has been convicted of submitting false Medicaid claims and fleeing the country after his dental license was revoked, authorities announced. Long Island native Dawer Nadi, age 63, was sentenced to a term of between 4 and ⅓ to 10 years in prison following his conviction in Suffolk County Supreme Court to multiple charges. Specifically, Nadi was convicted by a jury of: Third-degree grand larceny; Unauthorized practice of a profession; Eight counts of offering a false instrument for filing. Each of the charges was a felony. Nadi was also ordered to pay $27,768.…
Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41 Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41
Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41 A 41-year-old lifelong New Yorker died in an apparent suicide two weeks after he dropped out of his race for a United States House of Representatives seat in the Hudson Valley. Afghanistan war veteran Kyle Van De Water, age 41, was found dead in Dutchess County on Tuesday, Sept. 7, in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery by City of Poughkeepsie police. Sources told the Mid-Hudson News his death was under investigation as a “likely suicide.” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said on Twitter his heart was broken for Van De Water's family, including his four children.  “Kyle was a war hero who…
9-Month-Old Afghan Baby Dies After Evacuation Flight To Philadelphia 9-Month-Old Afghan Baby Dies After Evacuation Flight To Philadelphia
9-Month-Old Afghan Baby Dies After Evacuation Flight To Philadelphia A 9-month-old baby girl on an evacuation flight from Afghanistan to Philadelphia died Wednesday night, city officials confirmed. The baby suffered a medical emergency on the flight and was unresponsive when the plane landed just after 9:15 p.m., according to USCustom and Border Protection told ABC News. The girl was pronounced dead at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Due to her age, the baby's death is being investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department's Special Victims Unit.
Hundreds Of Afghan Refugees Resettling In NY Hundreds Of Afghan Refugees Resettling In NY
Hundreds Of Afghan Refugees Resettling In NY Hundreds of arrivals from Afghanistan have been welcomed by the new administration running New York as the state “welcomes refugees fleeing violence and instability in Afghanistan.” The new administration running the federal government announced recently that it is prepared to “welcome the arrival of Afghan nationals fleeing violence and instability spreading throughout the troubled nation.” In response, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the state’s Refugee Services and Office for New Americans are “both ready to assist those seeking to resettle in New York and continue the state's pro…
Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees
Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees Afghan refugees are more than welcome in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy told President Biden over the weekend. Reacting to the Taliban-driven turmoil in Afghanistan, Gov. Murphy wrote that "New Jersey stands ready to provide safe harbor, support, stability, and peace to Afghan refugees." Gov. Phil Murphy's tweet welcoming Afghan refugees to New JerseyTwitter @GovMurpny Murphy, who announced the letter via social media over the weekend, said he was "making it clear that we welcome these brave individuals and their families to the Garden State." Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command @jointb…
Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet
Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet The pilot who died in a plane crash Friday at a Pennsylvania airport has been identified as a 50-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran. Andy Travnicek was heading north in a T-6 Texan when the plane suddenly veered to the left and crashed into the grass and caught fire at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport around 12:35 p.m. Travnicek, the sole occupant of the air craft, was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a commercial airline pilot and a certified flight instructor. The plane was part of the GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, which flies World War II-era aircrafts. …
Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet
Pilot Killed In PA Plane Crash ID'd As Air Force Vet The pilot who died in a plane crash Friday at a Pennsylvania airport has been identified as a 50-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran. Andy Travnicek was heading north in a T-6 Texan when the plane suddenly veered to the left and crashed into the grass and caught fire at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport around 12:35 p.m. Travnicek, the sole occupant of the air craft, was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a commercial airline pilot, and a certified flight instructor. The plane was part of the GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, which flies World War II-era aircrafts. …
Lawmakers Back Afghan Refugee Resettlement In New York Lawmakers Back Afghan Refugee Resettlement In New York
Lawmakers Back Afghan Refugee Resettlement In New York With turmoil and unrest unfolding in the Middle East, some lawmakers have come forward to back Afghan refugee resettlement in New York. Soon-to-be New York Gov. Kathy Hochul took to social media this week said that the Empire State would welcome refugees and that it's time to help (Afghans) who find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Related story - Undocumented Immigrants Flown Into Westchester County Airport On Private Flights, Reports Say “When I served in Congress, I met with many Afghans when I traveled to their country. They were there for us, now it's time for us to …
‘Very Proud Veteran:’ Army Cavalry Scout, Phillipsburg Father Of 4 John Hardcastle Dies, 40 ‘Very Proud Veteran:’ Army Cavalry Scout, Phillipsburg Father Of 4 John Hardcastle Dies, 40
‘Very Proud Veteran:’ Army Cavalry Scout, Phillipsburg Father Of 4 John Hardcastle Dies, 40 Army cavalry scout and beloved Phillipsburg father of 4 John W. Hardcastle died at his home on August 1. He was 40.  Born in Mission Hills, CA, Hardcastle served as a cavalry scout with the US Army in Afghanistan, his obituary says. Hardcastle was also a member of the YMIA, the Bernadine-May American Legion Post, and St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church, according to his memorial. Hardcastle loved the New York Giants football team and is remembered as a “very proud veteran.” Hardcastle is survived by Diane M. Huber & Clark F. Saul; his wife, Ashley Lukachek Hardcastle, and …
Bridge In Westchester Renamed For Service Member Killed In Afghanistan Bridge In Westchester Renamed For Service Member Killed In Afghanistan
Bridge In Westchester Renamed For Service Member Killed In Afghanistan There was a special tribute for a fallen American hero in Westchester on Memorial Day. The White Plains Avenue Bridge above I-287 in West Harrison was officially dedicated in the name of Air Force veteran Joseph Lemm, a Westchester native who was a longtime member of the NYPD who died in 2015 while serving the country in Afghanistan. During a special ceremony on Monday, May 31, Lemm’s widow, Christine DeGiusto-Lemm, made the renaming official, noting that the bridge connects her child’s elementary school to their parish, approximately a half-mile away. At the time of his death, Lemm was …
Hudson Valley Soldier Among Victims In Triple-Fatal Upstate NY Helicopter Crash Hudson Valley Soldier Among Victims In Triple-Fatal Upstate NY Helicopter Crash
Hudson Valley Soldier Among Victims In Triple-Fatal Upstate NY Helicopter Crash One of three New York Army National Guard soldiers killed in a helicopter crash this week was a Hudson Valley native. Chief Warrant Officer Two Daniel Prial, age 30, of Warwick in Orange County, was killed on Wednesday, Jan. 20, when the UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport crashed in the Town of Mendon, which is about 17 miles south of Rochester, while on a routine training mission, killing all three pilots who were on board, said Colonel Richard Goldenberg the New York National Guard Public Affairs Offi…