Services announced for three MN troops killed last week

Services announced for three MN troops killed last week

St. Paul, Minn. — Services for three Minnesota troops killed in the line of duty last week have been announced.

Spc. James Wertish, 20, of rural Olivia, Spc. Carlos Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, and Spc. Daniel Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury were killed July 16 after insurgents attacked their unit near Basra in southern Iraq.

A "Hero's Welcome" is planned on Friday morning in Cottage Grove for Wilcox. Family and friends will line the streets as the funeral procession makes its way from the Kok Funeral Home to the Light The Way Church. The procession is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, and the wake will begin at 10 a.m., with a service to follow.

A wake for Drevnick will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, at the Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home in Woodbury.

Drevnick's funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury.

Family, Patriot Guard motorcyclists and fellow soldiers are escorting Wertish's body back home to Olivia today. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bird Island, with burial in the Olivia cemetery.

The soldiers were assigned to the Stillwater-based 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Unit. More than 1,000 members of the division are serving in Iraq. The unit is responsible for assisting the Iraqi Army, police and border security as they prepare to assume control of the country.

Spc. Daniel Paul Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 34th Infantry Division Public Affairs)

News on the base had spread from Soldier to Soldier that during the indirect fire attack the night before - the indirect fire that had every Soldier on base donning their protective gear; the indirect fire that had medics scrambling with the instinctive sense of urgency drilled into them through years of training; the indirect fire that had every unit demanding to see "eyes-on" all of their Soldiers to account for them -, we had lost men.

As 34th Red Bull Infantry Soldiers filtered to their duty stations, the information filtered with them, passing from Soldier to Soldier until all the combinations of stories started to sound alike and started to make sense. Once it all made sense, everything got quieter. We lost three men. We lost three Soldiers. We lost three Red Bulls.

Minnesota National Guardsmen Spc. Daniel Paul Drevnick, 22, Spc. James David Wertish,20, and Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox, 27, were killed when COB Basra was attacked by rocket fire July 16.

By the next morning, an official "ramp ceremony," in which Soldiers saluted their fallen comrades as their remains were placed on the ramp of a plane to take them back to their loved ones, had already taken place.

Every Soldier on base found out and, in their own way, mourned and gave respect to their fallen comrades, while at the same time continuing their mission. No one did it exactly the same way. A combat zone doesn't afford the luxury of dramatic, mournful acts. But whether Soldiers were simply hanging their heads in mourning or choking back tears while their noses stung and their eyes welled up, they all were quieter.

Drevnick was born in April 1987, in St. Paul, Minn.  He graduated from Woodbury High School and enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard March 28, 2005.  He graduated from One Station Unit Training as a military police officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. On March 2, 2009, Drevnick deployed to Basra with the 34th Military Police Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Drevnick, who planned to earn a degree in law enforcement, was attending Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn,. before deployment. He was a drag racing partner with his dad and raced his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at tracks all over the Midwest.

Drevnick felt his unit was part of his family and when he returned from his leave, he said he was happy to be back with family.

"Drevnick was one of a kind," said a fellow Soldier from 1st Platoon, 34th Military Police Company. "Even when you're down and having a bad day, one glance from him and his sense humor was enough to bring a chuckle."

Another Soldier agreed about Drevnick's positive spirit.

"Drevnick was a great Soldier, but an even greater friend. Dan always had an excellent attitude and an ability to bring people out of bad moods."

One way Dan tried to lift people's spirits was through attempting to grow some grass in Iraq. His parents sent him soil and seeds. Because Drevnick was happy to interact and lift the spirits of his friends, it was characteristic of him to show up three hours early to his shift just to hang out with his friends. Drevnick is survived by his mother and  father.

Wertish was born in January 1989, in Redwood Falls, Minn., and is a graduate of B.O.L.D. High School in Olivia, Minn. He enlisted into the Minnesota Army National Guard on February 28, 2006.  He graduated from One-Station Unit Training as a military police officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.  On April 15, 2009, Wertish deployed to Basra with the 34th Military Police Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers in 1st Platoon said Wertish brought laughter to his friends and would literally give you the shirt off his back. "He loved snowmobiles and playing Rock Band II. He could always make us laugh with his humor. We could count on him to improve our day."

Improving fellow Soldiers' days by making them laugh and playing Rock Band II seemed to go hand-in-hand with Wertish. It wasn't so much that he was good at the game, but more that he was entertaining, said one Soldier about playing with him. "Playing Rock Band II was an experience to behold. It wasn't about the music, rather the experience."

James loved working on his family farm and snowmobiling. He broke his collarbone while snowmobiling and deployed late because of his injury. After healing, he was glad to get back to his unit and his buddies were happy to have him.
Wertish is survived by his parents David and Kim Wertish, two sisters and a brother.

Specialist Carlos Eduardo Wilcox IV

Wilcox was born in April 1982 in Golden Valley, Minn. He graduated from Tartan High School in Oakdale, Minn. He enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard March 15, 2006 after a short break in service from the United States Army Reserve. He graduated from the Health Care Specialist Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in November 2006 and was assigned as a health care specialist to the 204th Medical Company in Cottage Grove, Minn. He transferred to the 34th Military Police Company June 1, 2008. On March 2, 2009, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Carlos' friends in the 1st Platoon, 34th Military Police Company described him as a good friend and a good Soldier.

"Wilcox always hassled us about the White Sox beating the Twins in baseball. He was a big White Sox fan," said one Soldier.

As much as his friends in the unit found it fun to joke around with him, they were always somewhat amazed by how professional Wilcox was.

"Wilcox always took care of us," said one 1st Platoon Soldier. "If anyone was hurting or had a medical issue, he took care of it."

Carlos, who graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor's degree in biology, had aspirations of going to medical school and becoming a doctor. He was on track to achieving his goal, working as a military healthcare specialist with the 34th MP Co. and looking forward to taking the medical school entrance exam after his deployment. He had asked his mother, Charlene, to mail him books so he could study for the exam during his down time in Iraq. "He knew that God had called him to be a Soldier and a doctor," she said.

He also loved to travel and spent a semester studying in Granada, Spain. He was fluent in Spanish.

Carlos' friends and family said he worked as a security officer at The Ugly Mug in downtown Minneapolis. Friends gathered at the bar July 17 to remember him. The gathering drew people "out of the woodwork," bartender Rob Gregg said, "which I think is kind of a testament to the kind of guy (Wilcox) was." Gregg described Wilcox as "just the nicest guy," very calm, very laid-back.

"A lot of times, with security staff downtown, those guys get a lot of attitude. Carlos was the opposite of that," Gregg said. "He was always very professional."
"My son loved his country, and he died an honorable death," said Charlene Wilcox. He was "a man of God and loved his family." He attended Light the Way Church in Cottage Grove.

Spc. David Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 34th Infantry Division Public Affairs)

Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox, 27, of Cottage Grove (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 34th Infantry Division Public Affairs)

COB Basra runs in memory of Red Bull MP’s

Written by Spc. J. Princeville Lawrence   Tuesday, 19 January 2010 16:03

From COB Basra runs in memory of Red Bull MP’s COB BASRA, Iraq – Seven deep and three abreast, Soldiers of the 34th Military Police Company ran down the streets of Contingency Operating Base Basra in step with one another and singing cadence Jan. 10. They were running not for the body or the mind, but for the memories of their battle brothers: Spc. Daniel Paul Drevnick, Spc. James David Wertish and Spc. Carlos Eduardo Wilcox IV. On the night of July 16, a rocket attack struck Contingency Operating Base Basra and killed Drevnick, Wertish and Wilcox. The loss of those three Soldiers created a ripple effect, changing the lives of Soldiers and civilians from all over. Over 400 Service members, contractors and civilians participated in a memorial 5k run in honor of the three Soldiers. “If you every met them, you’d know they’re full of life. They loved every day,” said Spc. Jacob Benson, who was also injured that day. The overwhelming vividness of the three Soldiers’ lives was much the reason why so many came out.“I don’t think anyone who’s ever met Wilcox, even for a second, [would] forget his smile, Benson said.” “Drevnick - he had the biggest heart in the world,” Benson said. “He made everybody laugh. That was like his goal, to make everybody happy around him. No matter what situation, or whatever affected him, his worry was his fellow Soldiers.” “Wertish, he came in late, but he grew. He grew like roots on a tree. I think – I know – he became everybody’s little brother and especially mine, ”Benson said. “He always said the right comments at the right time and he was really the life of the party.” The timing of the race, as the 34th Infantry Division heads home, was to make certain all who wanted to could be a part of the event. “We had three guys who were killed in really, an unfortunate incident,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Thole. “It was a really hard day, and I wanted to [have the run] before everyone left, so we could celebrate their lives.” The race helped raise money for a memorial at the MP headquarters in Stillwater, Minn. In addition to donations, Thole raised money by selling memorial t-shirts and commemorative coins. All in all, Thole said, they raised over $4,000. “We’re going to send all this stuff back to their families,” Thole said. “We’re going to have a memorial back at Stillwater so that everybody back in Minnesota knows what they gave up as well.” The turnout of military and civilian runners from all over the COB sent a strong message, Thole said. “It’s great, because these Soldiers, they were MPs, but they were also part of the Red Bull Division, but they were also part of the Army,” Thole said. “It’s great because it doesn’t matter who you were, everybody wanted to come out and participate.”

Spec. Daniel P. Drevnick



Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota, U.S.

Age: 22 years old

Died: July 16, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Unit: Army, 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.

Incident: Killed when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.

Dan Drevnick's affinity with speed began early. He followed his father's interest in drag racing and even started restoring his own muscle car after graduating from Woodbury High School in 2005. He worked two jobs to pay for it, said his father, Ken Drevnick. "That's what type of person he was," he said. "To get someplace he knew he had to make it happen." Dan Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn., was one of three Minnesota National Guard soldiers killed July 16 during an insurgent attack in Iraq, a week after he returned from a visit home. He was assigned to the 34th Military Police Company in Stillwater, Minn. His father said Drevnick was part of a military police unit and hoped to become a state trooper. He was his family's sixth generation in the military. His family spoke of "rebellious years" in high school when he pierced his ears and grew out his hair. He was energetic _ "our wild child," his stepfather said _ loved learning, skateboarded and raced cars. He also was fond of duct tape and once used it to mummify a friend. "He was never afraid of anything," said his stepfather, Charles Freese.

Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, died Thursday in Basra, Iraq, after an insurgent attack. He was assigned to the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company, part of the National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota National Guard)

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Friends and family of Specialist Daniel Drevnick laid him to rest today.

A mother and father buried their son.

Some people put on a tough face, but behind the circle of flags on a windy day, you could feel the pain.

"We've been to too many and one is too many, but it's the price of freedom and freedom's not free,” said Doug Bley, a Minnesota Patriot Guard Member.  
     
Specialist Daniel Drevnick died in Iraq.

"As long as there is a military member anywhere in the world who's willing to put themselves on the line in harms way and make the ultimate sacrifice, we will stand,” said Bley.

"Felt it was my duty to pay the last respects to a fallen comrade,” said David Pederson.

"Just brings tingles through my spine to think about what he's given for our freedom,” said Minnesota State Patrol Captain Cheri Frandrup.

"Our hearts just ache for the family,” said Denise Minea.

"We take any fallen soldier's loss very hard,” said Minnesota National Guard Captain Paul Rickert.

Born April 13, 1987 in St. Paul, MN Died July 16, 2009 in Basra, Iraq 

Daniel Drevnick of Woodbury, Minnesota graduated from Woodbury High School and worked at Tires Plus while attending school. He even took on a second job at Fed Ex. Dan worked hard so that he could have extra money to finance his hobby. Like his father, he took an interest in drag racing and had started restoring his own muscle car. Dan enjoyed snowboarding and playing hockey in his leisure time. A bit of a “wild child” growing up, Dan was a goofball, outgoing and lived his life to the fullest. During high school he became somewhat of a rebel and grew out his hair and had his ears pierced. He was never afraid of anything and loved to learn and experience life with his own special spirit. He enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard March 28, 2005, the sixth generation of his family to serve. He graduated from One Station Unit Training as a 31B, Military Police at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dan joined the military in a time of war, knowing that he would be deployed. He never once complained. When he returned home from basic training he had been transformed from a teenager to an adult. He deployed in March 2009, assigned to the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minnesota, and was home for a short break early in the summer of 2009 before heading back to Iraq on July 8. He was a hard worker who planned to become a State Trooper. He was one of three National Guard soldiers who were killed at a military base near Basra in southern Iraq. Dan’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. Survived by mother, Roberta (Major Charles) Freese; father, Retired Sgt. Kenneth J. (Julie) Drevnick; grandparents, Charles and Nancy Freese, Josephine Drevnick, Sharon and Donald Fleming, Charles Elg; brothers and sisters, Robert Joseph (Brenda) Drevnick, Rebecca Ann (Casey) Buckles, Shelby Marie Freese; uncles, David, Bernie (Michele), James, Jon (Linda); many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert and Audrey Ryder, George Drevnick; uncle, David.  He was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.

Spec. James D. Wertish



Hometown: Olivia, Minnesota, U.S.

Age: 20 years old

Died: July 16, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Unit: Army, 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.

Incident: Killed when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.

James D. Wertish helped out on his family's farm in rural Minnesota, but he also may have helped quicken his father's hair loss. The Rev. George Schmit said Wertish was a friendly young man who loved to ride snow mobiles and all-terrain vehicles, but also "raised a little hell now and then." The pastor said Wertish's teenage years likely caused some of his father's hair loss, but "deep down in his heart were the values and virtues that guided his life." Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn., was among three Minnesota soldiers killed July 16 in an insurgent attack near Basra, Iraq. His unit was based in Stillwater, Minn. Wertish joined the Guard before graduating from BOLD High School in 2007, said Schmit, pastor at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bird Island where his family attended. Fellow soldiers said he loved playing Rock Band II, a video game that challenges players to play the drums and guitar, and sing to popular rock songs. They said he could always make them laugh, "we could count on him to improve our day." Wertish is survived by his parents, David and Kim Wertish, sisters Amber and Carolyn and brother Tony.

Fallen MN soldier honored by hometown

By Janel Klein

BIRD ISLAND, Minn. - Just two years ago James Wertish was a high school senior, an avid outdoorsman already in the National Guard. Honored Monday by the tiny town that raised him, classmates recall him as shy, quiet, and loyal to those he loved.

"James really values his friendships a lot," said Ashley Dahl, who was friends with Wertish at BOLD High School. "He's really close with his guy friends, and he just likes to hang out with them a lot."

Wertish was with his friends when he was killed, one of three in his company struck down July 16th by insurgent missiles near Basra, Iraq. Two other young men from this town are also at war, and everyone here feels the loss.

"If we were ever in that situation, we would want them to be there for us, too," Dahl said. "I can't imagine everything that they're going through right now."

But Greg and Kim Schmit know they can. "We feel a big connection," the Schmits said. Two years ago, their son, Josh, was also killed, a newlywed with just 10 days left in Iraq. His own funeral in Willmar packed the rink where Josh played hockey, a day Greg and Kim recall with sadness, but also with gratitude to all who were there.

"It's our little boy," said Kim. "You think of it as just your child. But it's much more. And it just brings great pride."

The Schmits were in Bird Island with hundreds of others, some who never knew James, hoping his family feels that same support, and that seeing both flags and friends will help James' family as it helped their own.

"Tremendously, tremendously, it does when you see the red white and blue," Kim said. "And we want the Wertishs to know that it goes on."

(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)

U.S. Army soldiers pay final respects during a memorial service yesterday honoring three fallen comrades killed in action from a rocket attack on Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq last Thursday. Killed were Spec. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn., Spec. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn., and Spec. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn. They were assigned to the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard. (U.S. Army Photo by Spec. Tyler Maulding)