FORT LEWIS, Wash. – According to the Dept. of Defense, Spc. Jonathan D. Welch, 19, of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu, 20, of Cumberland, Maine, died Aug. 31 in Shuyene Sufia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July, 2009.
Spc. Jonathan D. Welch
According to unit records, Welch enlisted March 30, 2007 at Los Angeles, Calif. He reported to Fort Benning, Ga. for initial entry training on May 31, 2007. Upon graduation, he reported Fort Lewis, Wa. on Oct. 3, 2007, where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.
Welch’s civilian and military education includes a High School diploma (2007), and the Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman qualification course (2007).
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. According to unit records, Brochu enlisted Aug. 19, 2008 at Portland, Maine. He reported to Fort Benning, Ga. for initial entry training on Sept. 5, 2009. Upon graduation, he reported Fort Lewis, Wa. on January 5, 2009, where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.
Pfc. Jordan M. Brochu
Brochu’s military education includes the Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman qualification course (2008). Information about his civilian education was not annotated in his unit records.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
On behalf of the entire Fort Lewis military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Spc. Welch and Pfc. Brochu.
Chelsey says
Rest in Peace Jon. You were an amazing person, and friend, and all of the above. miss you tons already. and rest in peace to the other solder i do not know. you both didn’t deserve this.