I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Ouellette
Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Ouellette, 23, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, died September 14 in a single all-terrain-vehicle non-combat related accident on the flightline at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. The cause of the accident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. ~ DoD News Release
Ronald J. Ouellette was affectionately known as “RJ” by family and friends. SSgt Ouellette served nearly six years in the Air Force Reserve. His military responsibilities included ensuring the safety of the people and cargo on the aircraft.
His father, Ronald J. Ouellette, Sr. posted a video last May on Facebook of the two of them fishing. Ron Senior added beneath the video: “Hope you catch the big one up there Son. I love you forever.”
SSgt Ouellette was selected in 2019 at the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron Airman of the Month.
Port Dawg Nation lost another one of our own far too soon. Please keep his family and friends of Sgt. Ronald Ouellette and the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.~ AFRC Air Transportation 2T2
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Ronald was a valued member of the Patriot Wing and there are no words that can heal the pain his loss brings. The loss of our own, or any service member, is never easy. During this difficult time, our priority is to do all we can to lift and support his family, friends, fellow airmen in his squadron and loved ones who are struggling. ~ Col. Craig C. Peters, Commander 439th Airlift Wing
Locally and online there has been an outpouring of support and condolences for the Ouellette family.
“Losing a member of our armed forces is always tragic. I thank Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Ouellette for his dedication to our country and for his service at Westover Air Reserve Base. My prayers are with his family and friends.” ~ US Rep Richard E. Neal
“It’s with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Staff Sergeant Ronald Ouellette. Today, I join with all Granite Staters in paying tribute to Staff Sergeant Ouellette and offering condolences and support to his family. Our nation and state are eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice. From the beginning of our nation’s history, Granite Staters have selflessly answered the call of duty to protect our country and tragically, some never return home. We have a solemn obligation to always honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Ouellette and hold his family close.” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
“I am devastated to hear about the passing of Staff Sergeant Ronald Ouellette, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Staff Sergeant Ouellette served his country with honor and represented the best that our state has to offer. His service will never be forgotten, and I am profoundly grateful to him, and the many other Granite Staters and Americans who have given their lives in order to keep the rest of us safe, secure, and free. May he rest in peace.” ~ Sen Maggie Hassan
“All of New Hampshire mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Ouellette ... our prayers are with his family.” ~ Govenor Sununu
SSgt Ouellette was single and had no children. No funeral arrangements have been released.
Staff Sgt Ronald J. Ouellette’s awards and decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Small Arms Expert (Rifle) ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
