New York Daily News
January 10, 2009

New York’s citizen soldiers — the men of the Fighting 69th — have completed the mission that took them from hearth and home to the rugged fields of Afghanistan in service of their nation. We owe them and their families. Most especially, America owes a debt — one that can never be repaid — to the loved ones of three who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.

The Fighting 69th Infantry Regiment is a storied band, composed of cops, firefighters, lawyers, accountants — men of all civilian walks of life. As National Guard volunteers, they are among the very tiny minority of Americans who bear the load of military service. Their families — wives, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers — form a homefront brigade, always strong, yet always worried.

This time, the 69th served for 10 months in America’s forgotten and increasingly lethal war, training Afghans to form military and police forces. Make no mistake: It was hazardous duty. Sgt. Anthony Mangano, 36, of Greenlawn, L.I., was killed by a roadside bomb.

Spec. Mark Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie died when his Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb and came under small arms fire and a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades. Spec. Jason von Zerneck, 33, of Kew Gardens lost his life when his Humvee flipped.

One can only stand in salute, wish the very best to their families and offer the deepest thanks for the return of all the others.