Kennesaw Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
First Lt. Jonathan Walsh was one of two paratroopers who died in an IED blast Sunday.
A paratrooper from Kennesaw was killed Sunday in a blast from an improvised explosive device in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, a Fort Bragg spokeswoman said Tuesday.
First Lt. Jonathan Walsh, 28, was killed when the explosion hit his vehicle, Fort Bragg Patch reported. Another soldier in the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, Pfc. Michael Metcalf, 22, died later from wounds sustained in the blast.
Both men were assigned to Fort Bragg, NC.
Walsh was an infantry platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He is survived by his wife and son, Debbra and Austin Walsh, who live in Raeford, NC, and his parents, Paul and Carolyn Walsh of Kennesaw.
He graduated from Kennesaw State University and worked in the financial services industry, CBS Atlanta reported, before he joined the Army in March 2010.
He was assigned to Fort Bragg in August.
Metcalf was an infantryman in Walsh's platoon. He also was assigned to Fort Bragg in August after enlisting in March 2011.
He is survived by his parents, Ceejay and Kim Metcalf of Boynton Beach, FL.
April Saine
8:43 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers for your families.
RIP Metcalf
10:35 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I never met Walsh but Metcalf was one of the funniest people I've ever met. The first time I met him we went to a bar with a group of friends and he was all over the place. He was definitely a character. He was a sweet guy and he was always the life of the party. I know he will be missed. I never knew him well but a lot of my friends were pretty close to him. My best friend's husband was actually in the truck with him. He is devastated by the death of Metcalf.
Rest in peace Cowboy Mike.
Shawn Taylor
1:08 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
RIP my brother. Metcalf was an awesome guy who shared many if not most of my interests in life. We would frequently speak about our southern heritage and our love for a band named Pantera. Oddly enough we even share some similar tattoos we both have rebel flags and the CFH (Cowboys From Hell) tattooed on us. I've even asked my own mother if she had a son and put him up for adoption as I was implying that Metcalf has got to be a long lost brother. What an amazing guy; he will truly be missed and remembered forever. I will be attending Metcalf's funeral along with 1LT Walsh's funeral in the near future. Such a sad thing to have happened.
To the Paratroopers of A CO I encourage you to remain strong and vigilant DO NOT ever back down, stand firm, and Soldier on. It's what we do in the face of great adversity that separates us from lessor fighting men. Our brotherly bonds will always remain in tact even in death. I realize many of you may be angry, justifiably so, but you need to turn that anger into a razor's edge of focus. I believe in every single one of you and pray for your safe return. God Bless each and every one of you.
melissa king
1:52 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Rip Jonathan Walsh you are truely one amazing human being your family, wife, and son are in my prayers i love you JP. Thank you for serving our country and being an amazing friend!
Shawnah
3:56 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Thoughts and prayers go out to both families. Honorable men who will forever be remembered for the sacrifice they gave. God bless our military!
Greg Simmons
6:48 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
RIP
GEORGE HOLLEGER
9:26 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE SOLDIER! WE WILL HONOR YOU BOTH WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT DURING YOUR LAST JOURNEY HOME. MAY GOD COMFORT YOUR FAMILIES DURING THESE SORROWFUL TIMES.
GEORGE HOLLEGER
GEORGIA PATRIOT GUARD RIDER
G
4:37 am on Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wait.. I just know this is not the same Walsh I knew from OCS. A CO SPARTANS?
G
4:39 am on Saturday, April 28, 2012
Come on. Now someone please reply. My heart is heavy right now. Lord have mercy. The pic just don't look the same of him I just want to make sure.