“Unfortunately, as a result of the shutdown, we do not have the legal authority to make death gratuity payments at this time. However, we are keeping a close eye on those survivors who have lost loved ones serving in the Department of Defense.” - Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the DoD Several Rangers have Fallen in combat during the shutdown. The Rangers' families need your help. One such family is the Pattersons. Due to the government shutdown and the denial of death benefits, PFC Cody Patterson's family is under severe financial distress. The 75th Ranger Regiment is currently attempting to collect donations through the Ranger Assistance Fund. Contributions can be made at the RAFs website at http://www.75thraf.org/ by clicking the "Donate Here" button. Checks can be sent to: The Ranger Assistance Fund 2733 Summerfield Pl. Phenix City, AL 36867 Here is more about Cody Patterson from the 3-75th: Pfc. Cody James Patterson Patterson was born April 12, 1989 in Corvallis, Ore. After graduating from Philomath High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army from his hometown of Philomath, Ore., January 2012 and completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program also at Fort Benning. Patterson graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was then assigned to Company B, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment November 2012 where he served as a Rifleman. “Pfc. Cody Patterson was the poster child for the Ranger Regiment,” said Lt. Col. Patrick J. Ellis, Commander of 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment. “He was courageous and dedicated and lost his life while fighting tenaciously against our Nation’s enemies alongside his fellow Rangers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family.” This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. His awards and decorations include the Parachutist Badge and the U.S. Army Expert Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge. Patterson has also been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. “Pfc. Cody Patterson had a limitless future,” said Col. Christopher S. Vanek, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. “He would have been successful in whatever path he had chosen in life. He chose to serve his country by volunteering for the most difficult and challenging duties of a United States Army Ranger. His loss is devastating to his fellow Rangers, our Army and our Nation. Our country was fortunate that he chose to serve in our ranks. Our thoughts and prayers are with this young Ranger’s family.” He was posthumously awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart and NATO Medal. Patterson is survived by his mother, Nancy R. Wilson of Corvallis, Ore., and his father, Randy L. Patterson, and his sister, Taylor, both of Philomath, Ore.
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Posted
Oct 08 2013, 02:37 AM
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