War on Terrorism – Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans

Matt Gossard, War on Terror Veteran

January 7, 2023January 4, 2023marionohioveteransLeave a comment

Matthew Gossard was born in Marion, Ohio. He was raised here and graduated from Elgin High School, Class of 2001. While in high school, Matt participated in football, basketball, cross country, baseball and track. Matt says he was a very competitive young man, he wanted not only to be good at the things he did, but he wanted to succeed and win.

Matt says that he was asked by a friend to come to the local recruiter’s office. Matt’s friend said that Matt only had to come in and speak with the recruiter, he would not be required to fill out any paperwork or sign anything, in order for his friend to gain the day off. He said he only went to help his friend get an extra day off work. Matt said he did listen to the army recruiter and was impressed with what he had to say. Matt states that he was taking some classes at Marion tech and working, but he did not have any definite career path or school plans. After hearing the recruiter, Matt decided to join the United States Army. Matt said it was out of a sense of adventure as well as a patriotic duty.

Matt entered service and attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He started basic training the day President George W. Bush declared war on Iraq. War was declared on 3 March 2003. After basic training he attended the basic infantry course and jump school. Matt would be classified as an 11B-1P.
Matt was deployed in August 2003. He was serving with the 3rd/505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division “All American Division.” He was assigned to A Company, 1st Platoon. He held the call sign of Red 2 Bravo.

Deployed to Iraq
Private First Class (PFC) Gossard served at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Saint Michael. This was in the city of Mahmudiyah and is located 25 kilometers south of Baghdad. FOB Saint Michael was located on the site of an old chicken factory, giving it the nickname “Chicken Factory.” As this was early in the war, Gossard and his platoon mates had to build up the FOB from scratch. They did not have phones or computers set up for contacting family in these early stages. They had to write old fashioned letters with pen and paper and mail them home to communicate with family. Gossard remembers that even in these early stages of the war, the humvees did not even have armored plating. They soldier would have to scrounge around and find wood to use to improve the blast protection from roadside bombs. He said that family members even sent kevlar clothe through the mail, so they could improve on their protection. The army did eventually get up to speed on the war, but the early days were very spartan.

“Ace of Spades” Captured
Gossard remembers when the “Ace of Spades” (Saddam Hussein) was captured. Gossard was part of Task Force All American working in conjunction with Operation Red Dawn. Operation Red Dawn was the operation involving the search and capture of Saddam Hussein.

On the night of Dec. 12th, 2003, my platoon was sent out to a city called Latafiyah, to assist in the capture of Saddam Hussein. We were unable to locate him, due to him being tipped off that we were coming. We went back to FOB St. Michael and got a few hours of sleep. When I woke up early that next morning of the 13th, I was escorting an Iraqi contractor that was pouring concrete on the base. While I was with this man he received a phone call and looked up at me and just started shouting, “Saddam! Saddam!” while making a gesture with his hands like he was in handcuffs. I realized he was telling me that Saddam had been captured early that morning. So that is how I found out that Saddam Hussein had been captured, from an Iraqi contractor.
Gossard Recalling When He Heard Saddam Was Captured

During down time, Gossard said they pretty much did “as boys will do” for entertainment. He said they would through knives, wrestle and goof off. But mostly in the down time they tried to get caught up on sleep, as there was not much time allotted for sleep. Most time was spent improving the FOB, guard duty and patrolling.

Post deployment training at Fort Bragg
Once back at Fort Bragg, the battalion resumed training. During a battalion airborne exercise. Gossard, now a Specialist (SPC), would begin a series of experiences that would forever change his life. As he was ready for an airborne jump exercise from a C-17. SPC Gossard experienced series of events that would include his parachute not deploying, his reserve failing to open properly and an entanglement. He landed mostly on his head and upper back while still loaded with his full gear. His parachute lines had him so tightly entangled, that he was unable to release his equipment during his plummet to earth. Gossard tells of the events from waiting as jumper #13, until his impact on the ground, where he briefly lost consciousness, when he tells his story.

Gossard’s injuries would leave him in such pain that he was unable to perform his duties. He says he felt the Army saw him as a failure and instead of trying to repair and restore him, they pushed pain medications to him. Matt was suffering from a traumatic brain injury, multiple herniations to the discs in his back and all on top of trauma from his Iraq deployment. He later realized he had become addicted to pain medications. He was subsequently medically released from the military. Gossard battled not only the physical pain, but the mental pain of not being able to perform tasks that he had previously succeeded in and the addiction and post traumatic response he was experiencing.

Restoration
After going into a treatment center in Tennessee, Gossard began to hear from God and was able to respond to God’s offer of restoration. Gossard reestablished the relationship that God offered him and began serving Jesus Christ. Gossard now shares his experience that lead him into this wonderful relationship and encourages others to hear and obey God’s call for reconciliation.

I recommend that all seek out and hear the incredible story that Matt has to share. You can go to the following website to see where Matt is speaking next. https://marionnaz.org/leadership
If you are a veteran who is dealing with addiction, depression or PTSD you may contact Matt or the Veterans Crisis Line.

Gossard returned to Marion after his treatments and is living here with his wife and three children.
Matt Gossard is the Director of Discipleship at the Marion Nazarene Church, at the time of this posting. He still serves his community through his church and is an encouragement to veterans transitioning back into civilian life and all those struggling with addictions.

Some of the organizations that have helped Gossard over the years:

Our Master’s Camp – Addiction Treatment Facility in Pikeville, TN.
The Resurrecting Lives Foundation – Non profit here in Ohio that assists Veteran’s struggling with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
New Directions – Veteran’s Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Los Angeles, CA.
The Refuge – Addiction Treatment Facility in Columbus, OH.

Other Helpful Sites:

Veterans Crisis Line

Marion Nazarene Church (MarionNaz)

Celebrate Recovery at MarionNaz on Thursdays at 7:00pm

Staff Sergeant Workman – Navy Cross Recipient

February 29, 2020December 26, 2021marionohioveterans2 Comments

Staff Sergeant Workman was born on 26 August 1983, in Marion Ohio. Prior to graduation from North Union High School in Richwood, Ohio, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on 28 August 2000, and reported for recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina on 19 August 2001 and graduated on 16 November 2001. Upon graduation, he reported to the School of Infantry, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he attained the MOS of 0341 (Mortarman).
In March of 2002, Private First Class Workman reported for duty at Marine Corps Security Forces Company in Kingsbay, Georgia. He was then assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California where he served in Weapons Company with the 81mm Mortar Platoon as a team leader and then as squad leader.
In September of 2004, Corporal Workman deployed to Iraq and participated in Operation
Phantom Fury. On 23 December 2004, he led his squad in three separate intense fire fights during clearing operations in Al Fallujah resulting in the rescue of injured Marines. His heroic actions contributed to the elimination of 24 insurgents, and he was awarded with the Navy Cross.
jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-ceremony From March 2006 until September 2006, Sergeant Workman served as a Drill Instructor with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
In September of 2006, Sergeant Workman reported for duty at Training and Education Center Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia.
In June of 2007, Sergeant Workman reported for duty at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington D.C. for duty with the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
Workman In August 2008, Staff Sergeant Workman reported for duty at Wounded Warrior Regiment, Quantico, Virginia and was medically retired from the Marine Corps on 30 January 2010.
Following his medical retirement, he began serving as the Military Services Coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In September 2009, both Jeremiah Workman and John Bruning authored the book “Shadow of the Sword”, a memoir that brilliantly captures both wartime courage and its lifelong consequences.
Staff Sergeant Workman’s personal awards include the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Jeremiah Workman is married to the former Miss Jessica N. Jordan of Marion, Ohio. They have a son, Devon and a daughter, Delaney.

I would like to thank Jeremiah Workman for providing the above bio. Below you can find a link to the book he authored to bring awareness to PTSD.

Shadow of the Sword by Jeremiah Workman

Veterans Crisis Line

Alex Masteller – Operation Enduring Freedom

February 1, 2020July 18, 2023marionohioveterans1 Comment

Alex Masteller was born in 1988. Alex was home-schooled by his parents along with his two older brothers here in Marion, Ohio. Alex spent his extra curricular time enjoying graphite sketching, skateboarding and playing drums and piano. Masteller states that he did not know in what direction he was going to take with his career opportunities. He was working in the lawn care business, but knew he wanted to pursue other options. He had no interest in college at the time. With enlistment in the Army always in the back of his mind, since he and his family made a visit to Washington, D. C. They had visited Arlington National Cemetery and the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Alex said, “It scared me at first. Baritone commands being shouted and violently swift but crisp movements. That was the first time I caught a glimpse at a soldier. It stuck with me throughout my life. I find it ironic that drill and ceremony was my least favorite activity in the service.”
In 2008 Alex joined the United States Army receiving his basic training at Sand Hill, Ft. Benning, GA.
Masteller became an 11C – Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman).

Alex Masteller served his time with 1/33 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV. Masteller was deployed to Afghanistan and serving at an outpost. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Masteller would not always have access to the internet to keep in contact with family. He got to make phone calls, but said that the lack of the internet actually allowed him to not be distracted by the outside world and let him focus on the mission and those he would be leading. Sgt. Masteller still wrote letters to family back home. With only one phone available he said he would trade his phone cards to the married guys, so that they could have calls with their wives and family. And this also would get him to trade off of some of his guard duty. When he did get more access to the internet he used e-mail and social media to keep in touch with family and friends.

Alex002 — (L-R): Sneed, Roper, Masteller, Perue, Mitchell, Hagen

While assigned at an outpost on the side of a mountain Sgt. Masteller said his free time was spent lifting weights and playing cards. Sgt. Masteller said, “We had a few Ohio boys and some other mid westerners so lots of euchre for sure. We would box to settle disputes and for fun, but there was always something to fix at that place. Filling sandbags, reinforcing walls, rebuilding guard towers, etc.”

When asked if he ran into anyone from Marion, Ohio while deployed Sgt. Masteller said that he didn’t see him in person, but talked with Thomas LaHut. LaHut had enlisted after Masteller, but into the Air Force. He said while LaHut was stationed at Bagram Airfield, the airman was involved with loading aircraft with munitions.
Sgt. Masteller said, “We called in for a couple 500lb. bombs to be dropped on insurgents; a long firefight at the end of a 3 day OP in the mountains. Anyway, he was the one who loaded the bombs. Thought that was pretty cool.”

Masteller’s time in Afghanistan, 2010-2011, was spent at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Clark in the Khost province for a couple months. But most of his time was spent at combat outpost (COP) Spera. COP Spera was still in Khost province but further south, bordering Pakistan about a klick to our east and Paktika not far South.
Spera was a small outpost in the mountains. Consisting of mud huts, Hesco barriers, sand bags, and shotty carpentry work at best. It was close quarters living, no plumbing, and run on generators. Not including the lower qalat (mud brick compound or mud huts) which housed the Afghani National Army, there was an average of 27-35 Americans living in the main compound.

Masteller remembers getting recognized and earning his CIB. he said, “I got my Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and recognition for winning multiple Troop competitions. These were always the most gratifying and ego boosting, one of them they gave me one of the Lieutenant’s parking spots. I only lived across the street but I parked there everyday. Lastly, I graduated the Infantry Mortars Leaders Course (IMLC) which basically teaches you how to be a Mortar Jedi.”

When asked of any particular moments he is proud of, he answered, “Just being there for my boys. Keeping them on target in stressful situations or personal issues. They always knew I’d advocate for them. Whether it was laying on top of them behind small rocks with small arms fire targeting us or yelling at an officer, or yelling at them I was solid. I brought all my guys home which isn’t something you can always control… but I’d like to think I played a part.”

My final questions for Alex was about his transition back into civilian life. He says, “When I left the military I got this immediate feeling that I was no longer in the proverbial wolf pack. If you’re not vigilant it’s easier to let people slip away. Social media has improved that in a sense, but as far as regular contact on a phone or physically seeing the guys I served with, I’d say three of my former group of friends I’m still close with.”

When asked about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder):
Did you suffer from any PTSD? (Really hard not to rant right now about all the problems I have with the term PTSD and treatment methods and how it’s crippled too many a warriors spirit, but I’ll leave that alone right now and keep it simple Mike, may have to write about it sometime).
-Yes
Did it affect you for long?
-Yes, I struggled for about 5 years before I started diving in and actively working on what is often referred to as PTSD.
Do you have any suggestions for other Veterans who may suffer from PTSD?
-Step 1: Forget the labels and the portrayal we see in the media, movies etc. Bottom line is that you’re messed up. . . And that it’s okay, it’s normal. The confusion, the anger, the depression, the dreams, the panic attacks is all a response to the various stress you put your mind/body through. YOU ARE NORMAL.
-Step 2: Get involved in psychotherapy. 1:1 or group discussion if that’s easier for you.
Also keep a routine. Make exercise a priority and try to work through emotional issues before you start taking antidepressants. Pills don’t fix the deep issues. If you need them for awhile that’s okay but often psychotherapy will do more for you in the long term.
-Step 3: Love yourself. This may be the hardest part. Personally I’m still working on it. Uplifting yourself and knowing you’re strong enough to be here and should be here is so important. I can’t stress that enough.
Lastly, it is never too late to ask for help. There are people out there that want to help but you have to make the first move.
After being discharged from the Army, Masteller remembers feeling like he was no longer connected.

Alex Masteller would work in construction and spend some time working for Lowe’s in Marion. Alex would use his GI Bill to help him get through Marion Technical College’s Registered Nursing Program. He said the GI Bill took care of most of his schooling and was a big help. Alex is now working as an RN at an Intensive Care Unit caring for others.

Thanks Alex, for your service and a peek into your story.

Remember our veterans continue to sacrifice with their families in adjusting back to civilian life. They must be encouraged to make positive memories to crowd out the bad ones.

Are you a veteran or do you know a veteran in crisis? Follow this link, it is one link that may help. Veterans Crisis Line

Shannon M. Smith – Operation Enduring Freedom Casualty

December 17, 2019September 13, 2022marionohioveterans1 Comment

SSmith Staff Sergeant Shannon Michael Smith, born 14 April 1978, died 8 September 2009, in Baji, Iraq. Smith was a 1997 graduate of Harding High School. He was a wrestler while at Harding. Smith was serving with the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska. While on patrol in Iraq, the vehicle Smith was in was attacked with an explosive device. Also, killed in the attack were; PFC Thomas F. Lyons and PFC Zachary T. Myers. PFC Myers was also from Ohio.
SSgt. Smith had enlisted in the United States Army in 1997. He had served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia during his enlistment. Smith participated in several missions supporting the Secret Service Tac Team and Sniper Team with the President of the United States. Among his awards were: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq and Kosovo Campaign Medals.
www.IraqWarHeroes.org SSgt. Shannon M. Smith left behind his wife Cassie and son, Steven. Smith was an avid outdoors-man and a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Staff Sergeant Shannon M. Smith is buried at Berkshire Cemetery Sunbury, Delaware County, Ohio, and is honored on the Global War on Terrorism Monument, at the Marion Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio and on the west side of the Marion County Courthouse.

More can be read in the following articles.

The Associated Press

Shannon Smith was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing, fishing and bowhunting for deer.
But those activities had to be squeezed in when he wasn’t defending his country.
Smith, 31, of Marion, Ohio, joined the Army in 1997 and had served tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia. He died in combat Sept. 8 after the vehicle he was in was bombed in Baji, Iraq. He was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Another Ohioan, Zachary T. Myers, also died in the attack. Myers thought highly of Smith, his mother, Tonya J. Latto, told the Columbus Dispatch.
“He talked about Shannon all the time and about what a great a guy he was,” Latto said. “He was a good friend who showed him the ropes.”
Smith was a 1997 graduate of Marion Harding High School, where he excelled in wrestling.
He and his wife, Cassie, liked to spend time sightseeing and photographing Alaska when they could find the time.
Smith also leaves behind a son, Steven.

Army Staff Sgt Smith was assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device while on patrol. Shannon was a member of the football, baseball and wrestling teams while attending Marion Harding High School. He excelled in wrestling and was a National Qualifier for the Greco Roman freestyle wrestling team. In 1997 he graduated from high school and joined the Army. As a trained sniper, Shannon conducted several missions supporting the Secret Service Tac Team and Sniper Team with the President of the United States. He had been awarded numerous citations and decorations including: The Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq and Kosovo Campaign Medals. Shannon has served in missions in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq – he was deployed to Iraq in May leaving behind his wife, Cassie, and son. Shannon was a natural born leader and constantly challenged his guys as a coach and mentor. He loved training his men and felt it was his duty to get them in top form as their protector. Shannon enjoyed anything associated with the outdoors – fishing, deer hunting with a compound bow, sightseeing, hiking, canoeing and photographing Alaska. He loved cheering for his beloved OSU Buckeyes and had a room designed entirely with Buckeyes memorabilia in his home. Shannon was devoted to his men and job and gave everything he had to every challenge. He was kind hearted, fun loving and a constant jokester. Shannon’s family would want others to know that he did not consider himself to be special or a hero. He always took the worst of any situation and was able to make it better. He knew it was his job to protect his country and did his best every day to see to it that the loved ones he left at home were safe.

Obituary:

SSG Shannon M. Smith, age 31, a humble man, who gave the ultimate sacrifice died Tuesday, September 8, 2009 while serving his country on a military patrol in Baji, Iraq. “Though he didn’t like war, he knew it was his job to protect his country and all it stood for. He did his best every day to see to it that the loved ones he left at home were safe…..Freedom isn’t Free.”

A member of the 545th MP Co, stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, he was deployed to Iraq in May. A trained sniper, he had been awarded numerous citations and decorations including: The Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq and Kosovo Campaign Medals.

He entered the Army in 1997 and became a Team Leader of the 178th Military Police Company. He conducted several missions supporting the Secret Service Tac Team and Sniper Team with the President of the United States. He performed as a Team Leader and Counter Sniper in Iraq for the 89th MP, completing over 500 protection missions in a combat environment.

SSG Smith also served as a Special Reactions Team, Protective Services, and High Risk Personnel Course Instructor training hundreds of Officers and other personnel annually. He was proudly selected as the Battle Field Hero for the 545th MP Co at the Nation Training Center at Ft Irwin, CA. As a squad leader he constantly challenged his team, serving as a coach and mentor.

He was born on April 14, 1978 in Columbus to James R. and Debbie R (Coleman) Smith Jr. of Cardington. He was a student of the Big Walnut School system until his freshman year and was a member of the football, baseball and wrestling teams. Shannon graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1997. While at Harding he excelled in wrestling and also was a National Qualifier for the Greco Roman freestyle wrestling team.

Shannon enjoyed fishing and hunting deer with a compound bow. He was happiest guiding others and cheering for his beloved OSU Buckeyes. Always active he loved a challenge. He was one of devotion, a man of integrity, who always gave 110% at every endeavor. Kind hearted as well as fun loving he was the constant jokester, who was genuine to the core.

In addition to his parents he is also survived by his wife: Cassie (McGuire) with whom he treasured spending time with. Together they enjoyed sightseeing, hiking, canoeing, and photographing Alaska.

He will also be missed by son: Steven Michael Abbott, brother: Cory, sister: Kristi Smith, grandparents: JR Smith, Betty Coleman, great-grandmother: Myrtle Smith, parents-in-law: Heidi Worcester, Dan McGuire, numerous friends including: Evan Taylor, Honor Guard Escort CPT Matt McCreary, and his beloved Aussie Alyseka.

Friends may call Wednesday 5-8 p.m. and Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, SR’s 3 at 61, Sunbury. Friends may also call one hour prior to the 1:00 p.m. Friday funeral services at the Genoa Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Rd. at SR 3, Westerville, OH 43082 with his grandfather JR Smith and General David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Berkshire Cemetery with full military honors and escort provided by the Patriot Guard Riders.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cystic Fibrosis, 740 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Suite 225, Worthington, OH 43085 or http://www.cff.org.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

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