Unidentified military personnel secures the American flag to the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Maj. Rocco Barnes, Los Angeles, Calif., during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
MAJ Rocco M. Barnes is the name of the 4th fallen warrior and camp member whose identity was officially released by DOD today.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
MAJ Barnes was part of the shura mission I wrote about on 5 June 09. My team leader spoke with him before the shura and then we convoyed to the village meeting. After the humanitarian assistance was off-loaded for the villages, our convoy was the first to leave the shura site and traveled down the mountainous winding curves. MAJ Barnes’ vehicle departed down the mountain sometime after our convoy reached the hardball and was involved in a tragic roll-over. Unfortunately he did not survive his injuries.
Subsequently after the memorial service, my team was tasked to provide armed escort and transport the vehicle to another camp for repairs. I can’t recall how many years MAJ Barnes gave to the service and to his country, but he was regarded as a “father” to his troops and had a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He will be sorely missed. May God rest his soul and comfort his unit and his family members.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of California National Guardsman
This obituary was published in the Los Angeles Times:
Army National Guard Maj. Rocco M. Barnes, 50, Los Angeles; dies in vehicle rollover
By Steve Chawkins
10:08 AM PDT, June 14, 2009
Maj. Rocco M. Barnes was supposed to be back home in Los Angeles this summer at the end of his fourth overseas tour with the California Army National Guard. But the 51-year-old entertainment company executive was killed June 4 in Afghanistan, the victim of what officials described as a vehicle rollover.
Barnes had served as a bodyguard to Arnold Schwarzenegger on film locations before the actor became governor.
An Ohio native selected for the elite Special Forces, he served two tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. Friends say he was driven by his passion for both the military and the movie business.
Read the rest of the article here: Army National Guard Maj. Rocco M. Barnes, 50, Los Angeles; dies in vehicle rollover
An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Maj. Rocco Barnes, of Los Angeles, Calif., during the transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghanistan, California Army National Guard, Deployment, MAJ Rocco M. Barnes, news, shura, war
I join you in mourning our loss and remember MAJ Barnes with deep gratitude, fierce pride and admiration.
The world is the more poor for losing him, heaven the richer.
I work with MAJ Barnes’ mother and we’re all very saddened by this tragic event. May God Bless his family and my sincerest gratitude, as a fellow soldier, goes out to him for making the ultimate sacrifice.
Keith,
I grew up with a Rocco Barnes, my boyhood best friend, and I am checking to see if this is him. We lived on Frank St. in N. Olmsted, OH. I remember that his mom’s name is Grace and his sister’s name is Therese. I am unable to locate any contact info regarding them.
If you could please contact me and let me know, it would be greatly appreciated.
Matt Phillips
msmdp@bellsouth.net
Rocco (Maj. Barnes) was a good friend and adopted family member. He is my hero and I would like to thank all that served with him, because you too are my heroes. Many memories, and the inspiration for my service in Afghanistan – thank you Rocco.. He is very missed, and seeing how he was honored helps ease the pain when things feel so far away. Thank you all for being with him until the bitter end. I and my Fiance would like to help in any way we can support your ongoing humanitarian mission. if there is anything we can do, please let us know.
we support and admire your dedication.
Thank you so very much.
Our prayers and gratitude go out to his fellow soldiers who too fell in action alongside Maj. Barnes while supporting the freedoms, health and prosperity of not only our great nation but those of the besieged Afghanis.
sincerely,
Aaron
Rex, thanks for being there, on behalf of those of us who couldn’t. Rocco was a good man and a loyal soldier. The last time I saw him, before we shipped out on our different missions, I told him I’d see him when we got back.
MAJ Ken Koop
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 06/11/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Maj Barnes was a good friend of mine and I saw him in Afghanistan weeks before this accident. I always found a smile on his face and warmth from his words. I will miss you, Sir, and I pray for your family. God Bless them and God Bless you, Sir.
Your friend, Oz 5/19th
Rocco was like an uncle to me and I still cannot believe that he is gone. My father met him over 20 years ago while in medic school at Fort Sam. They have been best friends ever since. I remember when he would babysit me when I was a child and all the cool stuff we would do just hanging out. Over the years he changed and moved and I did not get to see him as much but always thought of him as family. My dad and I were looking forward to seeing him soon since he promised that this was his last tour. I am going to miss him soo much and am proud to have known him my whole life.
ROCCO.
Rocco and I go back some time. We were both 18Ds back in the day. I knew him when he was a Detatchment Commander and I was an Operations Sergeant.
I just got back from Iraq while he was getting ready for this trip to Afghanistan. He and I spoke in my team room just before he took off. Rocco was an easy going man with vast knowledge. We deployed on many of the same missions together, and I always enjoyed sitting down and talking with him when there was a break in the work load.
I will miss his wit and sense of humor. The Special Forces community, and the Army will miss is knowledge and leadership. Rest in peace brother.
Chris
My Mom called from Ohio to tell me about Rocco. He and Matt Phillips were best buddies on Frank St.and we went to school from Kindergarten through High school. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to his Mom and Therese. Thanks for your service Rocco!! Frank Street families will miss your smiling face! Nancy
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