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Burnsville soldier dies in Iraq on second tour
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- Friends, families mourn fallen 3/2 soldiers
- Wife: Staff Sgt. Todd Selge was a true hero
Burnsville soldier dies in Iraq on second tourBy SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune Last update: September 4, 2009 - 10:57 PM A Burnsville soldier who died Thursday in Iraq was just days into his second tour in the country where he had been shot two years ago. Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 25, was killed in a vehicle rollover in Baqubah, 30 miles northeast of Baghdad, the Defense Department confirmed Friday. His wife, Dellona, said she was told that he was returning from a mission when his eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle dropped 60 feet from a bridge. He was thrown from the vehicle, and it landed on him, she said. Specialist Jordan Shay, 22, of Salisbury, Mass., also died in the rollover. Both men were assigned to the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Wash. They were deployed to Iraq on Aug. 4 but had stopped in Kuwait and had been in Iraq for perhaps 10 days, Dellona Selge said. It was Todd Selge's second deployment to Iraq, she said. In March 2007, nine months into his first tour, Selge was shipped home with injuries after he was shot twice, in the leg and lower back. Three months later, he headed back to his comrades. "His commander at the time did not want him to go back to Iraq, but he's a very devoted man," she said. "When he sets his mind to something, he's going to do it regardless." Selge and his wife began dating near the end of their senior year at Burnsville High School. The couple has two sons, ages 6 and 2. Selge had planned to move back to Minnesota when he finished his duties as a soldier and had talked about working for the military as a civilian employee, his wife said. Sarah Lemagie • 952-882-9016 http://www.truveo.com/search?query=Staff%20Sgt.%20Todd%20W.%20Selge&flv=1#Staff%20Sgt.%20Todd%20W.%20Selge%20 Friends, families mourn fallen 3/2 soldiersPosted By Scott Fontaine on September 24, 2009 at 5:35 pm The true toll of a Stryker rollover in Iraq earlier this month was two lives ended, but countless others impacted. Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge and Sgt. Jordan M. Shay died in the accident on Sept. 3. Selge leaves behind a widow and two sons; Shay, a fiancée whom he planned to marry when he returned from Iraq next year. And the death shook many members of Fort Lewis' 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which avoided losing any of its soldiers through the first month of its yearlong deployment to Iraq. Many of them gathered Thursday afternoon at the Main Post Chapel on Fort Lewis for a memorial ceremony honoring the lives of Selge and Shay. "I feel the world is a little bit darker today with the passing of Staff Sgt. Selge and Sgt. Shay," said Lt. Michael Baliles, in whose platoon Shay and Selge served for 18 months before they deployed. "However, when I think of what they did, who they were and how they lived, I am honored and privileged that I had time to spend in their presence." The soldiers, members of the brigade's 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, served at Forward Operating Base Warhorse outside Baqouba. Selge and Shay's unit was conducting night operations when their Stryker rolled and fell off a bridge, according to several published reports. The deaths were the first for the brigade, which lost 48 soldiers died on its first Iraq deployment and 20 on its second. This time, though, a major drop in violence across Iraq and a lower level of American participation in combat operations means the troops should face less danger. Maj. Matthew Holly, the battalion operations officer, told The News Tribune earlier this week the battalion has come under two attacks in the past 30 days. "Last time we were here," he said, "we'd be attacked five times just in the morning." Shay and Selge deployed with 3rd Brigade in 2006-07, when the unit spent much of its time trying to calm Diyala province, when the insurgency there was at its fiercest. Selge, a 25-year-old Minnesotan, was shot twice by enemy fire in Baqouba in 2007. He spent three months recovering at Fort Lewis and volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq to finish the deployment. "We have lost brothers and friends and mentors," chaplain Capt. David Curlin said. "I am so sad a generation of soldiers will not grow up under the strong, wise hand of these men. Character and confidence are an all-true-rare commodity in our service. The loss of these two men is a loss indeed." Curlin then quoted Gen. George S. Patton: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died," he said. "Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge Selge, 25, of Burnville, Minn., spent his last few days in the United States working for his soldiers. Many were having problems ending their apartment leases ahead of their deployment, and he was working to get them a waiver that would allow them to break the contract without penalty. Most soldiers, Lt. Michael Baliles said, would have been trying to relax and spend time with family. But Baliles said that's just the kind of guy Selge was. "In the past few days, I've heard Staff Sgt. Selge referred to as a superman by some and a father figure by others," company commander Capt. Joel Ellison said in a speech to his troops in Iraq, which Baliles read Thursday. "All these are true." Selge, a squad leader, loved to debate – whether the topic veered towards politics, religion or conspiracy theories, his colleagues remember. He was also a tireless worker. "From wakeup to sundown, he was always trying to accomplish something," said Spc. Jonathan Williams, reading a statement on behalf of one of Selge's squadmates still serving in Iraq. Selge is survived by his wife, Dellona, and his sons, Dallas and Austin. Sgt. Jordan M. Shay
He carried around a tattered Boston Red Sox hat whenever he traveled. He was on the receiving end – and made a few jokes himself – of losing much of his hair in his early 20s. Shay liked to spend time outdoors hiking, climbing and sailing. He was also a big Jimmy Buffett fan, and the laid-back attitude Parrothead lifestyle had a calming affect on others, friends remembered. "He was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be friends with," Williams said. "He was just so laid-back and took life one day at a time. He was one of those people everyone wanted to be around all the time." Shay was buried Sept. 12. in Amesbury. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. John Kerry were at the funeral for Shay, the first war death from Amesbury since the Vietnam War, according to the Boston Globe. He is survived by his mother, Holly, and his fiancée, Kelsey Chandonnet. Wife: 'Staff Sgt. Todd Selge was a true hero'MICHAEL SWAN: SELGE FAMILY RELEASES STATEMENT >>> Dellona Selge, wife of Staff Sergeant Todd Selge, who was killed last week in Iraq, released the following statement through the Fort Lewis PAO: "Todd was an awesome Soldier, a loving husband, a great father, and an unforgettable friend. Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge was tragically killed while returning from a mission in the Diyala Province (Iraq), early Wednesday morning, September 3, 2009. "Staff Sgt. Selge never backed down from a challenge or a good debate. He had a positive outlook on everything; even in times of sorrow, he saw good. "This was his second tour to Iraq. Staff Sgt. Selge was awarded the Purple Heart during his first tour and refused to stay stateside. 'I need to be with my brothers' he told me. I understood and supported him in his decision. Todd has two beautiful boys, Dallas, 6, and Austin, 2. Our boys loved their father and saw him as a true hero. They want to grow up to be just like him. "Todd devoted himself to the military. Always trying his hardest to the best at what he did. Many of his fellow Soldiers looked up to him and valued his opinions. "Staff Sgt. Selge wrote an essay on his perspective of a Soldier's day to day life in Iraq. He stated, 'What does the average Soldier think on a daily basis? He wants to accomplish the mission. He wants to see the smiles of the Iraqi people endure. He is grateful for everything he has back at home and wishes the very same freedom he is fighting for, upon the country of Iraq' "Staff Sgt. Todd Selge was a true hero and has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. We ask at this time to please respect our privacy so we can properly mourn as a family. I also ask to continue to pray for our fellow brothers who are still fighting overseas. We will forever love and miss him dearly." 
Todd Willis Selge Selge, Todd Willis Staff Sergeant, Todd Willis Selge, A Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army, died September 3, 2009 in Diyala Province, thirty miles northwest of Baghdad near Baquba, Iraq. He died of injuries sustained when his vehicle rolled over during night operations. This was his second tour to Iraq. On March 17, 2007 he was wounded in action by hostile fire and received a Purple Heart medal. In June of 2007 he volunteered to return to his unit to complete his tour of duty. Todd's second tour began August 5, 2009. Staff Sgt. Selge was a true hero and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Todd was born June 22, 1984 in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1989 his family moved to Burnsville, Minnesota. He graduated from Burnsville High School in 2002. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Dellonamarie McMahon Selge and two beautiful sons, Dallas Trey Selge and Austin David Selge; his parents, Paul E. and Barbara J. Selge (Paul is a U.S. Army Veteran); a brother, U.S. Army Specialist Brent P. Selge; and two sisters, Tracy Ann Selge and Kara Lyn Lewandowski. He is also survived by his grandparents, Paul and Myrtle Selge (each U.S. Navy veterans) and Harold and Doris Patterson. (Harold is also a U.S. Navy veteran). Numerous other relatives and friends will mourn his loss, and miss his engaging smile. Todd's life was focused on his family, serving his country and our Lord, Jesus Christ. We will forever love and miss Todd dearly. We ask that you continue to pray for all of our soldiers and their families. Funeral Service 12 Noon Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at HOSANNA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. Visitation 3-8 PM., Monday, September 14 at J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS FUNERAL HOME (651-454-9488), 1580 Century Pt., Eagan and also from 10-12 Noon before the service at church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that a memorial contribution be made for his children's future education. Contributions may be sent to: TCF Bank, C/O Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 801 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55402.  Published in Star Tribune from September 11 to September 13, 2009 
Staff Sgt Todd Willis Selge September 11th, 2009 
Born: June 22, 1984 in Anchorage, Alaska Died: September 2, 2009 in Baqubah, Iraq Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge of Burnsville, Minnesota attended Burnsville High School where he played football for three years before graduating in 2002. It was also widely known by his peers and the staff at Burnsville that someday, Todd, would serve his country to help others achieve freedom. During his senior year, and after the events of September 11 2001, he expressed his love for country by donning a Captain America red, white and blue costume complete with a United States flag as a cape. He took courses at Normandale Community College before enlisting in 2004 and planned to serve until the year 2012, then move back to Burnsville, continue his education and raise his family. Todd’s first first deployment to Iraq was in 2006, and on March 17, 2007 he was wounded in action by hostile fire and received a Purple Heart medal and sent home. He had been hit, twice, by hostile fire, while in combat. One comrade wrote he had refused a stretcher, even though he’d been shot in the backside. In June of 2007 he volunteered to return to his unit to complete his tour of duty. Todd’s second tour began August 5, 2009. Todd was killed at age 25 in a vehicle rollover accident in Diyala province in northern Iraq. His father is a United States Army Veteran. Todd is survived by his wife, Dellonamarie and two beautiful sons, Dallas and Austin, his parents Paul E. and Barbara J. Selge, a brother, U.S. Army Specialist Brent P. Selge, and two sisters, Tracy and Kara. He is also survived by his grandparents, Paul and Myrtle Selge, both are U.S. Navy veterans, and Harold, a U.S. Navy veteran and Doris Patterson. Todd’s life was focused on his family, serving his country and Jesus Christ. Army 5th Battalion 20th Infantry Regiment 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 2nd Infantry Division Fort Lewis, Washington Burial is at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota – Sec 21 Site 341 
Maj. Tad T. Hervas 
Hometown: Coon Rapids, Minnesota, U.S. Age: 48 years old Died: October 6, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 34th Infantry Division, Rosemont, Minn. Incident: Died at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. Major Tad T. Hervas January 16, 1961-October 6, 2009 Coon Rapids, MN Beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend died too soon as a casualty of war. Major Hervas began his military career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth when he joined the Air Force ROTC. After college he became a lieutenant in the Air Force as a navigation office and served in the First Gulf War. When his commission ended he returned to civilian life, working at Fireside Hearth & Home. After the 9/11 attacks Tad felt compelled to join the Minnesota National Guard out of love of country. He was deployed in 2004 to Iraq as Commander of the 216th Air Defense Artillery Echo Battery. In 2009 he was redeployed as a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division as a military intelligence officer. A well decorated officer, Maj. Hervas received the Bronze Star medal in 2005, as well as the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserved Medal with M Device, and Iraq Campaign Medal. Known for his smile, sense of humor, and the ability to make anyone laugh-Tad would offer the shirt of his back and expect nothing in return. He was well respected as an officer by his troops for his ability to put his rank aside and relate to all soldiers at all levels. It was his honor to serve in the military to protect his country and secure our freedoms. Tad's passions were family, friends, cooking, making others happy, sports, his dogs and standing in a river fly fishing. He always said it's never a bad day when you're on the river. Preceded in death by grandfathers Melvin Melby, Leonard Hervas, and beloved dog Rocky. Survived by grandmothers Bertha Melby and Clara Hervas, loving parents Ned and Barb Hervas, brothers Todd (Lynn), Kurt, Cory, and Kevin and sister Julie (Brian) Steege; nieces and nephews Tanya (Joe) Del Vecchio, Tara, Tyler, Nick, Caleb, Brock and CJ and beloved dog Peanut. Also survived by his fly fishing team, which included his brother Kurt, Roger Funk, Bob Kiner and Todd Guelle. Best friends Paul Guelle and Dan Sjoquist and his fraternal brothers (and Shelly Martin) of the UMD Dirty Dozen. Visitation Friday, Oct. 16, 4-8 pm at Washburn-McReavy (Coon Rapids Chapel, 763-767-1000), 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. Celebration of life service Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10:00 am, with visitation prior to service from 9-10 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Ave S, Anoka. Following a luncheon, interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to MN Military Family Foundation; Trout Unlimited; or Petfinder.com Foundation. Salute Major Hervas Salute. Guardsman who died in noncombat incident was shot MINNEAPOLIS. (AP) — A Minnesota National Guard soldier who died of noncombat injuries in Iraq last week was found with a gunshot wound to the head, the military said Tuesday in a statement that did little to clear up the mystery surrounding his death. By: STEVE KARNOWSKI, Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS. (AP) — A Minnesota National Guard soldier who died of noncombat injuries in Iraq last week was found with a gunshot wound to the head, the military said Tuesday in a statement that did little to clear up the mystery surrounding his death. Maj. Tad Hervas, 48, of Coon Rapids, died Oct. 6 at a base in Basra, where he was serving with the 34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls. In its statement Tuesday evening, the division provided few other details on the circumstances of his death. "An investigation is being conducted by the Army's Criminal Investigation Command on the cause of death," the statement said. "A thorough investigation — which will include forensics, weapons testing, and an analysis of circumstances prior to his death — will determine a conclusion after all factors have been considered." The major's father, Ned Hervas, said that was more information than the National Guard had shared with him as of Tuesday evening. He said an investigator had called him earlier Tuesday and told him he had nothing new to report. "We think nothing will come out until after the funeral (on Saturday)," Ned Hervas said. Capt. Paul Rickert, a spokesman for the Rosemount-based 34th Infantry Division, said he had no further information beyond the statement, citing the ongoing investigation. Ned Hervas said the wait for answers has been tough for his family. "We lost a son, and they're going to do a very proper military funeral," he said. "That's what we're concerned about. After that's over, then we'll find out." Tad Hervas, a military intelligence officer, died just a few days after returning to Basra from a trip home. It was his second tour of duty in Iraq with the National Guard. He also served in the Air Force during the first Gulf War. The major was not married and had no children. Visitation is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Washburn-McReavey Funeral Chapel in Coon Rapids and one hour before his 10 a.m. funeral Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, with burial afterward at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Minnesota soldier dies of non-combat injuries in Iraq
The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that 48-year-old Maj. Tad T. Hervas of Coon Rapids died Tuesday at Contingency Operating Base in Basra. Officials released little detail, saying he died of "injuries sustained from a noncombat related incident." Major Hervas' father Ned tells KARE that his son was just home for a two-week visit and left last Thursday to return to Basra. He had just been fly fishing in Wisconsin with one of his brothers last week. "He was an outstanding young man," Ned Hervas told KARE 11's John Croman. "We are in total shock about this." Tad's parents received the word Monday afternoon when two U.S. Army officers arrived at the front door. They're expecting their son's remains will be back in 2 to 3 days, but the inquiry into his death is awaiting the outcome of an autopsy at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. "He loved the life in the military. He sent us an e-mail three weeks ago saying he ran for six miles in 114-degree heat," Hervas quipped, "But he enjoyed the nice weather we had here the two weeks he was back." The elder Hervas said his son will be remembered as someone who was generous with his time and talents, but never an attention seeker. "He would do anything for anybody," Hervas remarked, "He would give you the shirt off his back, literally, but he wouldn't want you to know anything about him." Tad Hervas was single and had no children. He did have five siblings in Minnesota, Ohio and California he kept in close contact with throughout his tours of duty. According to Ned Hervas, his son was doing military intelligence work in Basra at the time of his death. "They were watching the bad guys with those cameras on the Predator flying drones. If they saw a potential target they could get a a go-ahead from Washington to pull the trigger in three minutes!" Major Hervas graduated from Coon Rapids High in 1979. As quarterback he led the Cardinals to the state tournament his senior year. He joined the Air Force R.O.T.C. at University of Minnesota Duluth and entered the Air Force after graduating. He served as an navigator on refueling tanker planes in Iraq during the first Gulf War, known as Operation Desert Storm. "On his birthday, January 16th, the war began and he was in the air all night refueling fighter jets and 111's," he father recalled. Tad Hervas returned to civilian life in 1991 where he worked in the gas fireplace industry, in sales and installation. After 9-11 he decided to return to the military. When the Air Force told him he was too old to re-enlist he found a way to join the Army National Guard. This was the second deployment to Iraq with the Red Bull Division. During the first mission his group patrolled a volatile 12-square-mile section of Baghdad, where they captured one of Saddam Hussein's top intelligence officers. "It was an extremely dangerous situation almost daily and yet he returned to Minnesota with all the men in his unit still alive," his father said. Hervas was re-deployed in February of 2009, one of more than 1,000 members of Minnesota's Red Bulls. Four months before that deployment he joined the full-time staff at the Rosemount Armory, and hoped to stay in the guard full-time when the Basra mission ended. At his parents' home in Coon Rapids Wednesday, the same place Tad Hervas grew up, a blue star hung in the front picture window. The family expects it will be replaced with a gold one soon. In Iraq, the 34th Infantry Division provides command and control of a 16,000 member multinational force in nine of Iraq's eighteen provinces, an area roughly the size of Minnesota. Lt. John Hobot, with the Minnesota National Guard, says authorities are relying on military reports and the details are still under investigation. Hobot says officials won't speculate on the circumstances surrounding Hervas' death. (Copyright 2009 by KARE and the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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