I have just received a confirmed report there was a September 6, 2010 attack on a forward operating base Howz-e-Madad in Kandahar province Afghanistan. This attack took the lives of two DynCorp LOGCAP IV employees and one DRS Technologies employee and wounded seven others.
Updated September 13/2010: I this press release from DRS Technologies. Click HERE for the original
DRS Defense Solutions Mourns Loss of Employee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethesda, MD, September 13, 2010 – It is with profound sadness that DRS Defense Solutions LLC confirms the death of one of its employees who was killed September 6th, 2010 during an attack on a forward operating base in Howz-e-Madad, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Javier de la Garza, 27, of Austin, TX, served as a communication technician in support of the U.S. Army Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV) mission in Afghanistan. He lost his life in an attack that also took the lives of two other civilian personnel and wounded several others.
Mr. de la Garza had been employed by DRS Technical Services as an Internet Protocol Field Specialist since March of this year. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served four years as a Military Intelligence Analyst. He is survived by his mother Dalia de la Garza, and a sister.
Arrangements for the funeral are being handled by Virgil Wilson & Sons Funeral Home in Mission, TX.
In a condolence note, Colonel Cameron G. Holt, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Commander, Afghanistan, wrote: “As is too often the case in war, the cost of freedom extends not just to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines who have pledged their lives to defend their country; it is also borne by our civilians at home and among the ranks of American defense contractors like you who stand shoulder to shoulder with us in this struggle.”
In a joint statement, Richard S. Danforth, president and CEO of DRS Defense Solutions and Dr. Mitchell B. Rambler, president, DRS Technical Services, said “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Javier and those others who were injured or killed in the attack. We hope they find comfort in knowing that the work of their loved ones was essential to our country’s mission in Afghanistan.”DRS Defense Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of DRS Technologies, Inc., is headquartered in Bethesda, MD and is composed of seven lines of business with more than 3000 employees around the globe. DRS Defense Solutions is a diversified business providing advanced products, services and systems integration in the areas of intelligence and sensor technologies, security, cyber warfare, sonar, communications, electronic warfare, training systems, satellite communications, control systems and unmanned technologies.
Press Contacts:
Richard M. Goldberg
Senior Vice President
Public Affairs and Communications
(973) 451-XXXXBrian T. Gallagher
Director, Public Affairs and Communications
(973) 898-7322
gallagher@drs.com
Dyncorp just released this:
September 7, 2010 – We are deeply saddened to report that a September 6 attack on a forward operating base in Howz-e-Madad, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, took the lives of three LOGCAP IV personnel and wounded several others.
William Allen, 51, of Munhall, Pennsylvania, worked as an electrician on the LOGCAP IV program and was killed at the time of the incident. Alan Herzel, 48, of Milton, Florida, who worked as a plumber foreman, received medical care after the incident but later passed away as a result of his injuries. A third subcontract employee who provided information technology support for the program also lost his life in the attack; DynCorp International will defer to his employer to release any personal details.
A number of individuals who were wounded in the attack were transported by medevac for hospital care.
In a condolence note to LOGCAP IV management, Colonel Cameron G. Holt, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Commander, Afghanistan, wrote:
“As is too often the case in war, the cost of freedom extends not just to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines who have pledged their lives to defend their country; it is also borne by our civilians at home and among the ranks of American defense contractors like you who stand shoulder to shoulder with us in this struggle.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured or killed, with their families, and with all of our colleagues at FOB Howz-e-Madad.
Updated: September 10, 2010
Javier de la Garza Jr, Killed in Attack in Afghanistan
Posted by defensebaseactcomp on September 10, 2010
Former Valley Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
HAVANA – The family of a former valley soldier is mourning tonight.
Lots of questions surround the death of UTPA alumn Javier de la Garza Jr.
His grandparents in Havana tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS he worked as a private contractor overseas.
De la Garza was killed during some kind of attack in Afghanistan earlier this week.
The 27-year-old lived in Austin for some time before joining the Army in 2000. He deployed to Iraq then settled in the Valley after his service. He attended UT-Pan American in Edinburg before deciding to return overseas. This time he went as a civilian and worked in the IT department for a private contractor in Afghanistan.
De la Garza’s family hasn’t been told when his body will return to the states. (click HERE for original article)
My heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those lost and a full speedy recovering to those injured!
If you have information on this attack please let us know what happened. I will update this post as I receive new info.
Ms Sparky
Other Related Posts From Ms Sparky
- 10 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan in 24 hours (Updated)
- DynCorp employee Kevin Davis killed in Christmas Day attack in Afghanistan
- The Grinch has stolen Christmas dinner for some Fluor employees in Afghanistan (updated 12/25/2010)
- Dyncorp employee Gary Willard killed in attack on Afghanistan Police Training Facility-Updated
- Two Dyncorp employees killed at Kandahar
Our family grieves for the families of the fallen men. Thank you for serving our country so that we may have freedom in the USA.
As a 2 war veteran and a contractor, I send condolences to the family of the fallen contractor.I am saddened to hear this. Often times, our fellow citizens don’t know that there is danger for us.
I have some good friends who work for Dynacorp, I want to also extend my respects to the fallen. I pray God will provide comfort for there families.
It is horrific War. My deepest regrets go to all of the victims and their families who are paying the ultimate sacrifice. I am always concerned for the families of contractors who put theirselves in harms way as they serve the defense contracted company. I pray and hope Dynacorp full investigates each fallen with the scope deserved so peace of mind can come swiftly to the families and justice can be served.
RPG rounds hit bunker…killed 3 wounded 7. all dyncorp. tiny fob with not many contractors. the push is on for the taliban stronghold! keep us in your prayers!
Dark Alex do you know the name of the third person killed in the attack and if so was he from Texas?
Yes he was from Texas.
Your information is incorrect. 15 total were injured. One was a Soldier but the rest were contractors. I was a medic on the ground and treated both Javier de la Garza and Alan Hertzel.
I am saddened to learn that William Allen has died while serving our troops in Afghanistan. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill during training in Fort Worth late last year. Bill had worked previously for KBR and was slated to be the Electrical Supervisor for DynCorp in Southern Afghanistan. When I arrived at KAF I met up with Bill and he was my direct Supervisor. Both Bill and I are proud members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Bill will be missed by many.
In Brotherhood,
David H. Senft
IBEW Local 595
Dublin, California
September 8, 2010
I have the honor of passing along the following quotes from close friends of Bill Allen:
“Bill passed away doing what he does best, and that was protecting each and everyone that he could”
“Bill was a damn good electrician, but also a damn good friend”
I would like to add that Bill was always quick to offer help to anyone he met. I never once heard him complain about anything even though conditions over there can be quite bleak. Bill seemed to want to do the ‘right thing’ but understood that people & politics too often get in the way. Bill was the type of person who could make friends instantly. He was soft spoken but could be direct if needed. While my time with Bill was short indeed I can say that it was enlightening. I hope that others that know Bill can also tell us about some of their memories of their time spent with him. I am sure that his family back home will, in time, cherish our memories of the Bill we worked and lived with. We tend to become ‘family’ to a great degree over there and that family also lost a brother who is loved by so many. I would like to believe that Bill is now with our Lord helping to prepare our next home. I am quite sure that Bill will be waiting as we all eventually arrive.
Bill was a friend to many and I miss him greatly.
With love and great respect to Bill and his family,
David H. Senft
I have the honor of passing along the following quotes from close friends of Bill Allen:
“Bill passed away doing what he does best, and that was protecting each and everyone that he could”
“Bill was a damn good electrician, but also a damn good friend”
I would like to add that Bill was always quick to offer help to anyone he met. I never once heard him complain about anything even though conditions over there can be quite bleak. Bill seemed to want to do the ‘right thing’ but understood that people & politics too often get in the way. Bill was the type of person who could make friends instantly. He was soft spoken but could be direct if needed. While my time with Bill was short indeed I can say that it was enlightening. I hope that others that know Bill can also tell us about some of their memories of their time spent with him. I am sure that his family back home will, in time, cherish our memories of the Bill we worked and lived with. We tend to become ‘family’ to a great degree over there and that family also lost a brother who is loved by so many. I would like to believe that Bill is now with our Lord helping to prepare our next home. I am quite sure that Bill will be waiting as we all eventually arrive.
Bill was a friend to many and I miss him greatly.
With love and great respect to Bill and his family,
David H. Senft
As a fellow electrician and IBEW member I would like to send my personal condolences to Bill Allen’s friends, co-workers and family.
I lost a friend due to a rocket attack while I was in Baghdad. It’s very difficult to recover from that, but you are expected to “man up” and support the mission. The war goes on. Grieving must be done bravely in public and tears shed privately.
They say time heals all wounds. I’m beginning to doubt that.
I belong to a Facebook group of wives of civilian contractors and we have reached out to offer our support to Alan Herzel’s wife. We spoke to her last night, and I wanted to throw a kudo out to Dynacorp for the way they have handled this situation. On the contractor newsletters and boards all you hear about is the negative aspects of working for a company like Dynacorp. People complain they are not getting what they feel is due to them, etc.
I am very glad to see Dynacorp has stepped to the plate and is providing support for his family. A representative of the company came to her door with the terrible news, and is staying in town until her husband comes home, and they are sending her husband home escorted by a fellow employee that was there with him when he died. I live in fear of getting that call, just like every wife of a soldier or contractor stationed overseas. I know I’d have a million questions once the initial shock passed, and having someone there that could answer all of my questions would truly be a blessing from God.
Thank you Dynacorp for proving that big business DOES have a heart. Your sensitivity in handling the death of Alan Herzel warms my heart.
We have not been able to find the family of the other two men that were killed. If someone would like to share our contact information with them we would like to offer our support. Also, if anyone reading this is a contractor, please feel free to tell your spouse about our group. Military personnel have all sorts of support available to them, contractor families do not. This group has been my lifeline on more than one occasion, it’s so very nice to know you aren’t alone.
God bless the families of those who lost their lives, and God bless those still serving.
Michele thank you for posting. If anyone asks to be put in touch I will surely send them to you.
Can I get the name of that group please?
Patrick, search on Facebook for “Familes and Friends of Deployed Civilian Contractors”, or just click on my name, it will bring you to the site.
just a quick FYI- Dyncorp site leads were made aware of gross security issues at HEM – so bad that employees sent there asked to be removed (and these are experienced contractors/military veterans) and were told “No” you have to stay- not our problem. MAYBE we need to really pay attention to where we are sending out our people. These are experienced contractors/military veterans and they are VERY concerned about HEM. They came from other bases in Afghanistan/Iraq and they cannot believe what is happening there.
HEM I am going to assume is Howz-e-Madad. Can you be more specific without violating OPSEC? Who specifically told them no they couldn’t leave? Was this Dyncorp or another contractor or both?
I can give you a name- but I don’t want any repercussions. is there a way to email me off the forum? my friend was in the bunker next to the gentlemen that were killed (GOD BLESS THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES) HEM ( yes it is short for Howz-e-Madad) is having some issues and the contractors are really concerned. they don’t mind the work- they understand the risks, they know they get extra pay- but these guys have been all over Afghanistan -all different FOBS and have never been as concerned as they are with this place. Trying to put together a letter to go to the Commission on Wartime Contracting. Maybe it will draw some attention to this. THANKS for all you do Ms. Sparky.
- forgot to answer one of your questions- it was Dyncorp- told them they had to stay- “finish project” – lead threatened to find out “who’s complaining” – trying to get the guys to “fingerpoint” – lead then told them when they finish then come back. They don’t care as long as the guys are working. got email from one of the guys there- said really bad- had to move worksite several times because it kept getting bombed. they are trying to hurry and finish up their task so they can get out.
This is what made my eyebrows go up reading “dark alex” comment: “RPG rounds hit bunker…killed 3 wounded 7”. If this is true, security is REALLY a major issue on that FOB.
yes it is. my friend is a contractor and was sent there from another FOB. He was witness to this tragedy. He has been all over Afghanistan and said it is REALLY bad there. They asked if they could be sent to another FOB until HEM is better secured and were basically told “do your job, tough it out- we’ll see you when you are done” of course supervisor/lead is at a different much more secure base. May God keep all these men and women safe and have them come home to their families.
I am the daughter of Bill Allen. I would like to know if you knew him personally and as much info as you can about the incident and all info about dyna corp and if he was told he could not leave? Thank you very much my email is jmcc145@hotmail.com. My family and I would just like to know as much of the truth as possible.
Jamie, I sent you an e-mail that may help you and your family.
2 days after kia’s dyncorp’s berthing tent hit by RPG wounding their site lead. ramadan is finally over and the attacks have stopped for now. internet is back on. HEM is a small fob at the front of the push with very few contractors and dyncorp lost most of their men. SAIC wants to pull them out but the men said no way….the contractors are here training the afghan army…about 12 of them are left now & they are hero’s to us! All are prior mil. dyncorp, oshkosh, amk9, mpri are the contractors here…
I have a friend who is with DynCorps at HEM. Can you help me out and let me know if there was 2 separate attacks or not? Heard that a rocket hit close to a bunker killing a few contractors and wounding several others. And now I am hearing about an RPG hitting DynCorps tent injuring their site lead. Can someone confirm for me whether or not there was 2 separate attacks and the name of the site lead that was injured? Really need some clarification. Thanks and god bless to all the family and friends of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
I do not think the site lead was on the base the day the second rocket attack but I did hear it hit the tent. I heard he was here on my base KAF but I also heard he wants to go back out there to the FOB. He is a ex security hire here who now is a site manager. Sounds like this guy has some issues to be going back out there like he has something to prove like an ego issue. You could not send me out there for no money. I would be on the first flight home. For what happened then for a rocket to hit it again in the same spot is not cool at all. I know we are in a war zone but I would take my chances somewhere else.
Ok, so I know there was an attack on Sept. 6th and that was a rocket. Are we saying that there was another attack within a day or two of the sept 6th attack that hit the DynCorp Tent? And if so, do we know if there were any KIAs or WIAs?
Yes, a second round hit a tent. No, nobody was killed. The Site Lead / Security guy who was near has suffered the effects of the concussion of the explosion.
Rest in peace to the fallen. My heart goes out to the friends and family of these men. Tough week for civilian contractors in the war. -matt
My family has lost a great friend and brother. I would like to say to Louis (Bill’s wife) and Jamie(Bills daughter) our hearts and prayers go out to you both. we also want to know the truth about what happen to Bill. Iam going to tell you how and why Bill went over there. We was at a picnic few years ago.I said to Bill why go over there and he said about the young soldier who was electricuted in the shower and how that should have never happen. He went over to save lives and now it took him away from us. Bill we love you and miss you.
GOD BLESS ALL MILITARY AND CIVILIANS THAT ARE IN HARMS WAY.
Javier de la Garza Jr died at HEM on the 6th. He flew into the base less than 6 hours before the attack. The second attck there was no deaths just 2 injuries both dyncorp employees. the site lead is stationed on HEM & even after wounded refused to be medavac. He was forced to leave because of his injuries. We are being hit almost daily/nightly so keep us in your prayers.
Is Dyncorp or anyone else forcing you to stay?
negative! the civilians are all volunteers…
“Dark Alex”, The site lead is a friend of mine and I would like to thank you for standing up for him. You have written the truth and that is the important thing here. He was in the bunker when the attack happened and was wounded too. These other people are spreading untruths about him and that is a shame (but sadly, so typical). The man that I know is the type of leader who puts his men first and himself last. He would never expect anyone under his command to do something he would not do himself nor would he ever knowingly place anyone in danger yet remove himself from the situation to ensure his own safety. He is simply the type of man that all of us would gladly work for and follow. I know that I would work for him anywhere, anyplace, anytime. All it would take is a simple request from him. If he said he needed me I would be on a plane tonight. I trust him and respect him that much. That is my opinion of the site lead at Howz-e-Madad. He is one of the few very good men over there working for DynCorp.
I just received and posted the Press release from DRS Technologies on the death of their employee Javier de la Garza. I updated the post above.
I worked with Bill Allen last year in Tallil Iraq, what a great guy he was always laughing and joking i will always remember his laugh and humor it got me through many a tuff day. Less than 2 weeks ago i had an email from him ask me to help him get out of Afghanistan to get a job anywhere away from there if only i knew what they were going through down in Helmand. To his family i just wish to say that you are all in my prayers and that i will always remember him.
BILL ALLEN IS HAVING A MASS SERVICE TOMORROW (Wednesday September 15, 2010)
AT 1 PM EST JEFFERSON MEMORiaL IN:
Pleasant Hills
401 Curry Hollow Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-655-4501
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND STORIES THAT EVERYONE CAN REMEMBER ABOUT BILL.
HE IS AND WAS ALWAYS A GOOD MAN AND WE MISS HIM.
THANKS TO THIS WEBB SITE OR I WOULD NEVER HAVE FOUND OUT ANYTHING, THANKS MSSPARKY.COM
GOD BLESS EVERYONE
i shoold be deployed soon, im an electricrian with logcap 4 . any advice?
Make sure you get on with Fluor, they actually do extensive site analysis on force protection PRIOR to sending their personnel out to remote small FOB’s.
HEM is the Wild Wild West! I was there with the canucks in 08 and it was getting worse when we left! Keep your heads down chaps and know that we are all praying for your safe returns!