Chris Dwiggins
Chris Dwiggins was not an employee of S.O. Tech, but this company would not have reached its status without his support, insight and friendship.~He was more than just a comrade, instructor, and friend: to many of us he was a hero. He led his life in a way that inspired us as soldiers, businessmen, and citizens. A quiet professional and consummate warrior, Chris' jump boots have made this world a more secure place for countless people who will never know his name, know who he was or what he did for them. His boots will be hard to fill.~As a friend in business, Chris helped us out not for personal fame or monetary benefit, but because he wanted to see the best gear built for servicemen who needed it. Despite all of the free advice and support he gave us, he refused to pay anything but full price for gear. Once, when we made a mistake on a project we sent to Gunsite, Chris and Leah corrected the problems on their home sewing machine, overnight, before passing the product on to the recipient. When we talked about how well the business was doing, it was never in terms of dollar signs but in terms of how many soldiers we equipped.~As people, we could all learn something from Chris' devotion to his country, its people, and the oppressed masses around the world. As long as I knew him, I cannot remember a project that Chris was involved in that wasn't based on community service. It was only after he was gone that I realized that the young soldiers I was training, I was molding to be NCOs in his image.~Whether he was defending human rights as a SF soldier, saving lives as a nurse, protecting citizens as a reserve deputy, or teaching wilderness medicine to college students, Chris lived his life always acting in benefit of others. We will all miss him greatly.~Godspeed, Chris~ James Cragg, President, S.O.Tech

There is a memorial in the SOTech office hall. It’s a picture of Chris and a ratty old nylon bag. We made numerous repairs over the years to that bag. Sometimes it carried a computer and files, and sometimes it carried an MP-5K. But more importantly it carried Chris’s good ju-ju. We think it still brings us luck at SOTech. 

SPC Clayton Taylor
Clay Taylor was the consummate soldier. He was a rock - steady, solid,and morally strong. His mere existence in the unit gave all of ourjunior enlisted a role model to look to for exemplary soldiering. When I, as his commander called on him, I knew he would answer with all of his strength, intelligence and spirit. And when his nation called upon him, he answered the call as a soldier and a patriot. He did his family, his friends, and his comrades proud. Clay served this country as a Counter Intelligence Agent, he kept our citizens safe, and he left this world a better place

MAJ Rocco M. Barnes
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on the death of Maj. Rocco M. Barnes of Los Angeles:

"California has lost another brave solider in the fight to protect our country, and Major Rocco Barnes’ service will forever be remembered. California’s National Guardsman are a vital part of the effort to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear from threats here and around the world. Maria and I were saddened to learn of this tragedy and send our deepest condolences to Rocco’s family and friends."

Barnes, 50, died June 4 in Afghanistan of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was a member of the Tactical Command Post,40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, assigned as an individual augmentee to the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

In honor of Maj. Barnes, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

This story can be accessed at: http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/12493/.

Captain Joshua S. Meadows
Captain Joshua S. Meadows, 30, of Elgin, Texas, died September 5, 2009, while conducting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan(West/Southwest Afghanistan) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, based at Camp Pendleton, California. His decorations include a Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star with a combat "V", a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars, Rifle Expert Badge (4), and a Pistol Expert Badge (4).

Josh is survived by his wife, Angela Foster Meadows, his mother, Jan H. Meadows of Elgin, Texas and his sister, Erin Read Meadows of Monument, Colorado. Josh and Angela were expecting their first child in just a few weeks at the time when the news of Josh's death was received.  Everyone who knew Capt. Meadows considered him a friend. He was a devout Christian with a passion to serve the Lord. His friends described him as the kind of person everyone should strive to be, genuinely and effortlessly devoted to his country. Josh was described as "a man's man and marine's marine - no better friend. Whether he knew it or not, he was an example that those around him strived to emulate."

For Captain Meadow's full obituary:  http://commemorativeairforce.org/?page=cms/event&eventID=53