Memorial for Caserma Ederle Soldiers held in Post Chapel

Maj. Edward J. Murphy
The Outlook
Press Release

   On board the helicopter were 15 members of the U.S. military and three military contractors.=
   Of the 15 military personnel, four belonged to the Caserma Ederle community. They are: Maj. Edward J. Murphy, Staff Sgt. Ramones L. Woodard, Cpl. Daniel J. Freeman, and Cpl. Sascha Struble. Maj. Muphy was a member of the Southern European Task Force Headquarters. He played an integral role in the rapid ascent of SETAF to a combat ready force.He served as the SETAF Deputy J6 in support of CJTF 76 and also served with distinction at Fort Bragg, N.C., Korea, Bosnia, and Germany.
   He is survived by his wife, Barclay, and his children, Edward, Elly, and Luke, along with his mother, JoAnn Murphy.
   Staff Sgt. Woodard, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), was a quiet professional who will be greatly missed by all Red Devil Soldiers.    His dedication to duty and to his daughter, Ebony, was evident in his daily life. His helpful and team-centered attitude will be greatly missed.
   He is survived by his daughter, Ebony, and his mother, Brenda Woodard.
   Cpl. Freeman, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), was a hard-working and humorous Soldier who will be greatly missed by all Red Devil Soldiers.
   His dedication to duty was an inspiration to all. His fun-loving demeanor and constant smile is a huge loss to Headquarters Company.
   He is survived by his mother, Rebecca Birkan; his father, Samuel Birkan; and his brother, Adam Birkan.
   Cpl. Struble, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), was a positive, hard-working Soldier who will be greatly missed by all Red Devil soldiers.
   His great attitude and attention to detail was an inspiration to everyone. His absence will be immensely felt.
   He is survived by his parents, Michael and Teresa Struble.
   This tragedy is a great loss to the community and our hearts and prayers go out to the affected family members, relatives and loved ones.
   The courage of each individual lost will be remembered and their sacrifice will be honored by continuing the commitment of the U.S. to bring peace, security and prosperity to the Afghan people.
   An investigation into the crash is underway.

   On April 6 during a supply and transport mission, a CH47 CHINOOK helicopter based in Bagram, Afghanistan crashed during severe weather. The aircraft, one of a two-flight mission, was en route from Kandahar to Bagram Airfield.