Saint George Orthodox Military Association - (SGOMA) This Memorial Page is designed to share the information of those Orthodox Service Members who lost their lives in service to the USA in combat or other service related incident. If you have an Orthodox friend or a loved one who lost their life in service to our Country please email us with their information (Name, Rank, Service Branch, Birth Date, Date of Repose, and any other pertinent information: home town, home parish, surviving family, burial location). There is no time restriction to the date of repose of the Service Member, those killed in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, or any other combat or service related incident may be added. You may also include a photo of the Service Member if one is available.
All Orthodox Service Members listed here will be remember in panikhídas through out the liturgical year.
ORTHODOX U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS WHO DIED WHILE IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY:
Private First Class Winston James Miroy, USA
Died on Active Duty: March 17th, 2010 at Funeral: Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church, Internment: Army Pfc. Winston James "Jimmie" Miroy, 20, of Stafford County, Virginia died Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Fort Carson, Colorado. After basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and aircraft mechanic school at Fort Eustis, he joined the 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment at Fort Carson in April 2009, where he was assigned at the time of his death. Miroy was an active member of Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church in Falls Church, where he was baptized in 1993. While in high school, he was a member of the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society. Miroy is survived by his parents, Stephen G. and Katherine A. Bast Miroy; a sister, Virginia H. Miroy; a brother, Philipp A. Miroy, all of Stafford; and his grandparents, Maj. Rene H. Miroy and Eirwen Miroy, and Joann Bast. Pfc. Miroy's funeral was held at Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church (known as St. Mary), in Falls Church, Virginia on Monday, April 5, 2010. A Panikhida will be offered by the Saint George Orthodox Military Association on the 40th day - April 26th, 2010 |
 Commander
William C. Green, Died on Active Duty (non-combat): January 26, 2010, at Stuttgart, Germany Internment: El Camino Cemetery, San Diego, Calif. Brief Bio: On January 26, 2010 Commander William C. Green,
For 25 years Bill served in the Naval Intelligence
Reserve. He was able to contribute his Russian language fluency and
extensive knowledge of Soviet/ Russian military and political affairs to our
nation’s defense. During this time, Bill performed many varied periods of
active duty in direct support of the fleet. In the early 1990’s he headed
an interpreter team supporting the first U.S. Navy port visit to the Soviet
Northern Fleet HQ in
As many of his students have written, Professor Green will
be remembered as an outstanding teacher. He was recognized for his skill
in the classroom by being honored with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in
Teaching for the academic year 2007-2008. He was innovative in developing
new courses, having taught over fifteen different classes and seminars in the
Born in
He is survived by his wife and two minor children who reside
at their home in
Memory Eternal! |
 Specialist Robert Donevski, USAKilled in the line of duty: January 16, 2010, in Abad, Afghanistan Funeral Services: St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Phoenix, Arizona Interment: Phoenix Memorial Park. Phoenix, Arizona Brief Bio: Spc. Robert Donevski, 19, died Saturday, January 16th, 2010 from wounds he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Abad, in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Robert joined the Army in July 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009 from Fort Carson, Colo. He is survived by his parents, Linda and Ganko, and brother, Chris. Robert died doing exactly that he wanted to do, his parents said. He wanted to be in the Army since he was 5 years old, they said, showing a picture of a young Robert saluting a flag as a boy. "He loved his country and wanted to protect it," Linda said. "He loved his friends," Ganko, said. "And he loved the state of Arizona. He said it was the best state. He had been to Georgia, and Germany and came home and said this was the best place in the world." "And he loved America, he loved his country," he said. Ganko, who was born in Bulgaria, told him that he had served in Vietnam, so Robert shouldn’t feel he needed to serve in the military, as well. Robert remained determined. Robert was classified as an E-4 specialist, but recently tested to be promoted to sergeant. "He will be buried as a sergeant," Linda said the Army told her. "And he will receive a Bronze Star for protecting his fellow soldiers in the fire fight." Robert’s body is being returned to Arizona on military flights, escorted by members of his detachment. The Army told the family Robert will be honored with several medals, including the Purple Heart. Funeral plans are being arranged at St. George Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and he will be buried in the National Cemetery in Phoenix with full military honors.
|
 Captain Tatiana Livia Nita, USA
Born: August 19th, 1969 Died on Active duty (non-combat): January 16th, 2010, Ft. Lewis, WA Interment: Tahoma National Cemetery, Seattle, WA
Brief Bio:
The 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade mourned the loss of a beloved and accomplished officer Jan. 22, during
a memorial ceremony at the North Fort Chapel. Captain Tatiana Nita, 40,
died Jan. 16, after a brief battle with cancer. Hundreds of Soldiers,
civilians, friends and family members packed the chapel to bid farewell
to the fallen “Rugged” officer. Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel
John Buck said he had the utmost confidence in Nita’s professionalism
and commitment to duty from the first time he met her.
“My Soldiers were in great care in Tatiana’s hands,” Buck said. Buck said Nita always went the extra mile for the well-being of her fellow Soldiers. “When we think of Tatiana, these words come to mind — courage, dedication. caring and compassion,” Buck said. Nita’s journey from Romanian immigrant to enlisting in the Army and then rising to the rank of captain was beyond commendable, he said. In Iraq, Nita was dedicated to keeping more than 750 Soldiers, Sailors and Marines fit for duty, Buck said. “She wanted to see our Soldiers and care for them directly,” Buck said. He characterized Nita as strong Nita’s company commander, Capt. James Warren, described her as professional and compassionate. “I had a great respect for Tatiana,” Warren said. “Tatiana knew her profession and cared for people even if they could not, or would not, care for themselves.” Staff Sergeant Irene Cardona said she would miss Nita’s presence and spirit. “I thank God for giving me the privilege to serve by her side,” Cardona said. Nita helped those who worked with her through guidance and example, she said. “She knew her job,” Cardona said. “We all learned from her.” Chaplain (Capt.) Thomas Brooks remembered Nita as a balanced Soldier who made time for her family. “She was very special,” Brooks said. “She was a good mother.” Nita liked to spend time with her daughters, he said. “She cared deeply for others,” Brooks said. “She affected everyone around her in a positive way.”Brooks said Nita exemplified selfless service and would be missed by all who knew her. Nita was born on Aug. 19, 1969. She joined the Army in 1992 as an enlisted soldier and served as a lab technician until 2000. From 2000 to 2004, she attended physician assistant schools in Omaha, Neb., and Fort Carson, Colo. Nita received a commission in 2004 and worked as a PA in Germany. During her time in Germany, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nita came to Fort Lewis in 2007, where she worked as a PA for 14th Engr. Bn. She deployed for a second tour in Iraq in 2008. Her awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, thee Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Nita is survived by her mother Livia, brother Nicholas and her two daughters, Veronica and Tiffani. Memory Eternal! Vichnaja Pamjat! |
Private First Class Serge Kropov, USMC
Brief Bio:
Private First Class Serge Kropov, of Hawley, Pa., was killed Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in Bastion, Afghanistan. Born July 28, 1988, in Moscow, Russia, he was a son of Igor and Allison (Alevtina) Kropov. He was a military career man who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the military Tour of Iraq and the military Tour of Afghanistan. Kropov was assigned to a Marine aircraft group based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, which is near San Diego, California. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sergey and Nina Kropov; and his maternal grandparents, Anna and Vladimir Patrusheva. Surviving, in addition to his parents, is his sister, Anna Kropov. Funeral Services with full military honors were held at the Monastery Church of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, South Canaan, PA, with His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, officiating. Interment followed in the Monastery Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Monastery. A Panikhida will be offered by the Saint George Orthodox Military Association on the 40th day - January 28, 2010 Memory Eternal! Vichnaja Pamjat! |
|
Born: Feb. 12, 1988, in Hyannis, MA Killed in the line of duty: July 23rd, 2009, in Garmsir District, Afghanistan Interment: National Cemetery, Bourne, MA
Brief Bio:
U.S. Marine Corporal Nicholas George Xiarhos died of combat wounds on July 23, 2009 while serving his country in the Garmsir District in Afghanistan. He was the son of Yarmouth Police Lt. Steven Xiarhos and his wife Lisa. He was 21 years old. He was a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner, Squad Leader, with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Weapons Company based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. U.S. Marine Corporal Xiarhos was fighting in Southern Afghanistan with the historic 10,000-member Marine Expeditionary Brigade ordered into action by President Obama, as part of a renewed offensive against Taliban insurgents in that country. Nicholas George Xiarhos graduated from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in June 2006. He spent that summer at the U.S. Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, S.C. In September 2006, he earned the title of United States Marine. He also served in intense fighting in Anbar, Iraq. A scholarship fund will be established in Nicholas George Xiarhos’ name by the Yarmouth Police Relief Association (YPRA). Donations may be sent to the Yarmouth Police Department, Attention: YPRA, One Brad Erickson Way, West Yarmouth, MA 02673. Donations should be labeled: Nicholas George Xiarhos Scholarship Fund. Memory Eternal! |
Cor|
Lance Corporal Dimitrios Gavriel, USMC Born: July 31, 1975 Killed in the line of duty: November 19, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Brief Bio:
Dimitrios Gavriel, 29, a Gavriel, a bull of a man who was a state champion heavyweight wrestler at Sent to Telling his parents only that he had hurt his ankle, Gavriel rejoined his unit and was killed by an explosion during the Fallujah fighting. His parents last spoke to him a week before his death. The lance corporal was laid to rest in The family has set up a scholarship in his memory at Memory Eternal! |
|
Specialist Christopher D. Gelineau, US ANG - Maine
Sgt. Major Dennis Tellock, US ANG - Minnesota
Born: June 28, 1944 Died on Active Duty: Sept. 20, 2003 at Eagle Base, Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Montana Brief Bio: Big and boisterous, Sgt. Major Dennis Tellock carried a commanding presence as a military man. To those who knew him, he was a natural leader. "This man had unequaled leadership ability with soldiers. He was made to lead." said Lt. Col. Gary Sigfrinius, Tellock's commanding officer the past seven years and 20-year friend. Sigfrinius and others in the Minnesota Army National Guard must now move on without their friend and comrade. Tellock, on duty with the guard's 34th Infantry Division in Bosnia, died from an apparent heart attack on Saturday, Sept. 20 after completing physical fitness training with his unit at Eagle Base. Tellock was part of a deployment to Bosnia and a peacekeeping assignment for the NATO's stabilization force. He had been in Bosnia for just one month, Sigfrinius said. Eagle Base, the largest base in Bosnia for U.S. forces, is in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In his duties in Bosnia, Sigfrinius said Tellock was working as an interface between the military and the civilian government. As a non-commissioned officer, he was assigned to military support duties within the Minnesota Army National Guard. Dennis Lee Tellock, 59, was a native of Montana. He joined the Navy in 1962 and spent four years in the service. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1973 and logged 30 years, rising to the rank of sergeant major, the highest possible rank for a non-commissioned officer. Funeral service took place Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, in Minneapolis. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Anita; one daughter, Gretchen of Richfield; one brother, Wayne Tellock of Deer River; and an extended family that includes two additional brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by a son, Judson, a National Guard veteran who served in the first Gulf War in 1991, and two brothers. Memory Eternal!
|
Brief Bio: SSG Tatiana Khaghani Dees from
Valley Cottage, NY in She is
survived by two children and her brothers, Igor & Oleg who still live in
Valley Cottage, NY. Memory
Eternal! |
SSG Tatiana View the text of the "Memorial Service for Orthodox Warriors"
Saint George Pray for our Troops.