Sgt.1st Class Justin S. Monschke, 28, of Krum, Texas

Krum, Texas lost one of its own when Justin S. Monschke was killed October 14 while on patrol in Arab Jabour, Iraq.

The Krum native enlisted in the US Army while still in high school, reports his father, Larry Monschke. "He had to graduate high school first, but he wanted to go right away," Larry Monschke said. "So, as soon as he graduated, he left for boot camp a week later." While in high school, Mr. Monschke said Larry played for the baseball team and ran cross-country track.

Sgt. Monschke trained extensively in advanced military tactics, paratroop, emergency medical, Ranger, Special Forces and noncommissioned officer training. He earned two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, campaign medals in Afghanistan and Iraq, a Global War on Terrorism Medal, and numerous badges and ribbons. [source]

He served as an instructor at the U.S. Army Ranger Training Battalion in Georgia and as a squad leader and observer/controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. [source]

Mike Pierson, who became principal at Krum High School during Monschke's senior year, called Monschke a "very bright and respectful young man."

"It's no surprise at all to see that he became a Green Beret," Pierson declared. "When you look at what that requires — mentally agile, physically tough — that was Justin."

Sgt. Monschke was serving in the south Baghdad region of Arab Jabour, Iraq, as a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team weapons sergeant assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in July as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force. This was his second deployment in the military and his first in Iraq.

Sgt. 1st Class and Green Beret Officer Justin S. Monschke is survived by his parents, Larry Monschke of Fort Worth and Patty Jett of Denton; a brother, Jarrett Monschke, a Denton firefighter and paramedic; his beloved wife, Melissa; a daughter and son, Ashley (6) and Ryan (4), and a stepson, Dylan (10), all who live in Lillington, North Carolina. "He liked being a father," said Mr. Monschke.

A lovely on-line guest book is available for remembrances and condolences. A photo of this handsome soldier can be viewed here.

Our hearts go out the family and friends of Sgt. Justin Monschke. He was an amazing and accomplished young man.

Monschke, Justin Shane, SFC