SSG Jason Sean Dahlke 1st Ranger Battalion
Today is one of the hardest days of the year for me.
POD 28-29 August 2009 a brother of mine launched on his last mission in Paktika province, Afghanistan. If you are able to, throw back a Guinness for Jason today take a pic and share it with us. It was his drink of choice. #RLTW!
Staff Sgt. Jason Sean Dahlke, 29, was a squad leader assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He was born Nov. 8, 1979, in Tampa, Fla.
He was killed by enemy fire while conducting combat operations August 29, 2009 in the vicinity of the Paktika Province, Afghanistan. Dahlke was on his sixth deployment in support of the War on Terror with three previous deployments to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan.
Dahlke enlisted in the U.S. Army from his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., May 2004. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Indoctrination Program also at Fort Benning.
He graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program in December 2005 and was then assigned to Company A, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment in June 1, 2005. He served there as a rifleman, grenadier, machine gunner, fire-team leader, section leader and squad leader. He then moved to the battalion recon platoon serving for one deployment as an advisor to local, national forces. Dahlke returned to Co. A as a squad leader February 2009 and served in that position until his death.
His military education includes Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, and Jumpmaster Course.
Dahlke’s awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, the Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. RIP brother - Former 1st Battalion Ranger, SSG Jeff Cotto