I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, and Operation Joint Guardian. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Sgt. Nathaneil G. Irish
Sgt. Nathaneil G. Irish, 23, of Billings, Montana, died Oct. 27, 2019, of a non-combat related incident at Camp Taji, Iraq. The incident is under investigation. ~ DoD News Release
Nathaneil G. Irish graduated from Billings Senior High in 2014. He enlisted in the Army in January of 2015. His first assignment was at Fort Bliss, Texas. Irish then reported in November 2018 to Fort Wainwright where he was a small arms/artillery repair NCO assigned with the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
Sgt Irish's job was to make sure all weapons used on the battlefield were in top working order.
“It’s a vital job in the military. His function essentially was keeping the weapons firing. Whether it be small arms like the M-9 pistol, or the M-4 Carbine, to the larger Howitzers that shoot the big shells.” ~ US Army spokesperson John Pennell
Nathan was previously deployed to Kuwait from October 2017—July 2018. He left on this deployment to Iraq in August 2019.
On the day of his deployment, after being reminded that we are never far from home, Nathan shared this post on his Facebook page:
Getting on the C-130 to head to Iraq and I see “City of Missoula” stenciled on the side, a Montana license plate hanging in the cockpit, and a Montana flag hanging in the cargo bay. Halfway across the world and it feels like I’m 6 hours from home.
“Lisa and I are heartbroken over the loss of Sgt. Nathan Irish. As a state and nation, we ask our brave soldiers and their families to sacrifice so much to keep our nation and communities safe. We send our condolences to Sgt. Irish’s loved ones during this difficult time.” ~ Montana Governor Steve Bullock
“It's a sad day in Billings with the loss of Senior High graduate Sgt. Nathan Irish. The City Council and our entire community mourn the passing of this young man who devoted himself to the service of our country. Please remember Sgt. Irish and his family in your prayers.” ~ Mayor Bill Cole, Billings, Montana
Channel 4 KXLF reported that Irish’s remains had been returned to Dover Air Force base. At his family’s request no photos have yet to be released of the Sgt’s dignified transfer. The news article did note that the Army Chaplain assigned to the Mortuary Unit is Major Darren Schwartz who is from Kalispel, Montanta.
Sgt Nathaneil G. Irish’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation medals, two Army Achievement medals, the Army Good Conduct medal, and the National Civil Defense medal.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.