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Derek T. Simonetta, 21
Army, Corporal
Based:
Ft. Campbell, Ky.
Supporting:
Operation Enduring Freedom
Died:
December 12, 2010
Kandahar province,
Afghanistan
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I told him when he left from his birthday that I was proud of him. The idea that this can’t happen to me is just totally off base. Reality can just knock you in the side of the head and here it is a tragedy that is really difficult to deal with.
— Paul Simonetta, grandfather, to KHSL-TV
Department of Defense officials announced today the deaths of six soldiers. Simonetta and Spc. Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., of San Diego were killed Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. Specialist Derek T. Simonetta and Specialist Kenneth E. Necochea Jr. were posthumously promoted to Corporal.
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About this project
Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
Help us complete our database. Something missing or wrong? Want to share a photo?
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Seven memories of Derek T. Simonetta
I was Derek's seventh grade English teacher. He always had a good sense of humor and a great heart.
We at Ralston Middle School will miss him and remember him.
May he rest in peace.
I don't know this soldiers as I'm just visiting the LA Times website. I thank him and his family for his dedication to our county. Thank you for keeping America free and protecting our beliefs. It's because heroes like you my very young daughter will be able to live freely in this wonderful country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! RIP
Corporal Simonetta was a guy of manners and high achiever. He wasn't scared of death. He told me when I asked him long time before deployment. Simonetta was an Infantryman, who joined the Army in September 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2009. Simonetta was one of my oldest friends, we met in high school.
Our fathers and grandfathers gave their lives and blood all over the world. The result was the most prosperous nation in human history. The closing line from Saving Private Ryan, "Earn this", should serve as a reminder to everyone that we not only need to thank those who go in arms way, but that we need to EARN their sacrifice each and every day by being good stewards of their gift to us in everything we do.
I am very sorry to read about your lost love one. Death is not easy to except. The Bible talks about at Psalms 46:9 how wars will cease and be no more. Isn'that something wonderful to look forward too? The Bible also tells us that in Revelation 21:3,4 that there will be no more sickness or death. That's another wonderful hope for the future. May Jehovah God the God of love and peace be with you.
I dont know this great soldier.
My deepest sympathy to his family
and all the loved ones.
Soldiers never die they just fade away.
I remember when we were in basic training together. My sympathy to your family.
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