| FALLEN K9 HANDLER IN AFGHANISTAN FEBUARY 5TH
Please take a moment today to remember the price some pay for our freedom....RIP SSG Tabb
IN REMEMBRANCE OF STAFF SERGEANT DONALD THERONNIE TABB
COMBINED JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE -AFGHANISTAN
EXPLOSIVES DETECTION SPECIALIZED SEARCH DOG HANDLER
Staff Sergeant Donald T. Tabb was an outstanding Soldier, accomplished leader, dedicated friend and loved son. Sergeant Tabb was assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force � Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A), Special Operations Task Force-32, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Price � Gereshk in the Helmand Province in support of 3rd Special Forces Group during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM XI. On 5 February 2008 at approximately 1030hrs ZULU, Sergeant Tabb was part of a security convoy with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3332, 3232, and Task Force-10 enroute to Kandahar Air Field. Approximately 11 kilometers south of FOB Price, Sergeant Tabb�s vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) wounding himself and three other American Soldiers. Sergeant Tabb was immediately medically evacuated to Camp Bastian but succumbed to his wounds in-flight prior to arrival. He was officially announced as Killed in Action (KIA) at approximately 1115hrs ZULU.
Sergeant Donald T. Tabb was more than a great Soldier, leader and Specialized Search Dog (SSD) Handler, he was a great friend. If you speak to anyone who knew him they would tell you about his big heart and constant attitude of selflessness. He was always willing to help out others regardless of whether he knew them or not. He was the sort of person that would always go that extra mile to help with no consideration of himself. I can remember on countless occasions where Sergeant Tabb was always offering his help and assistance in even the smallest of matters. He was always willing to go to great lengths to give his helping hand to those in need. Sergeant Tabb was the person who would always be there for you in the best and worst of times with the most steadfast shoulder to lean on. He had one of the biggest smiles and greatest laughs that would light up a room as soon as he came in, he also had one of the largest and warmest hearts in consideration to others. His donations to society and all those around him will forever be missed, and always appreciated as his loss is not only a loss to his friends and loved ones, but to the communities in which he lived.
As a Soldier, Sergeant Tabb was a leader that always strove for excellence and always gave the extra effort needed to excel. I can reflect on several occasions where you would see Sergeant Tabb still outside working with his SSD when all others were done and the sunlight had left. He was the first NCO at work in the morning and always one of the last to leave, as for him, the job was never done. For Sergeant Tabb the needs of his Soldiers and Chain of Command were always foremost on his mind. His presence during combat operations with CJSOTF-A was of great importance and significance as he helped in the preservation of life. When Sergeant Tabb was around, you knew that training that day would be more than beneficial and to the highest caliber. He was a Soldier in the United States Army assigned to the 6th Military Police Detachment Ft. Rucker, Alabama and forward deployed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force � Afghanistan. His presence, not only on the battle field, but also as a vital part of the military community will be missed by his superiors, his peers, and his Soldiers, but most importantly his family and friends. Instead of mourning our great loss of Sergeant Tabb, lets celebrate his life; the life of a leader, a Soldier and a son. | |
