Funeral for SFC Joseph A. Mckay

Two NY Guardsmen, 1 from Mich. killed

by Staff
Sunday June 29, 2008, 5:10 PM

Three U.S. soldiers -- including two from the New York National Guard -- were killed in Afghanistan Thursday, the Pentagon reported Sunday.

Killed were two men assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), in Jamestown:

- Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. McKay, 51, of Brooklyn.

- Spc. Mark C. Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie.

They died from wounds suffered Thursday, June 26 near Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, when their convoy hit improvised explosive devices and was attacked by small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Also killed was Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton, 37, of Livonia, Mich., who was assigned to the 425th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, Selfridge, Mich.

Three New York Guardsmen from downstate were killed in Afghanistan June 21.

McKay is survived by a wife and son who live in Cambria Heights, an adult son who lives in Brooklyn, and an adult daughter who lives in Hope Mills, North Carolina.

He served in Iraq in 2004-2005 with the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery of the New York Army National Guard. He has been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.

Palmateer is survived by a daughter who lives in North Creek, Warren County, and his father, who resides in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County.

He has been posthumously promoted to Sergeant, and posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• SFC
• Joseph
• Mckay
• PGR
• Patriot
• Guard
• Riders
• Afghanistan

[george31531]

RIP to SFC. McKay whom I had the pleasure of serving with since 1986 we performed countless training assignments, West Point deployment 2002-2003 and Iraq 2004-2005.....nicest guy you'll ever meet..

[AllieJ123]

@george31531 Thank you for sharing that and for your service to our country.

[AllieJ123]

My condolences to you and all who knew him. Thank you for your service to our country.

[mercturq]

I was deployed with these guys. Although we were in different provinces, I am deeply sad to see them go. They were my friends and my brothers. I'm glad to see that they got a proper ceremony.

[AllieJ123]

I'd like to thank you for your service to our country. You have my deep respect and gratitude.

[davidgrahamscott]

God bless them all! Heroes!!

[sgillen12]

i was down in kandahar when that happend,im sorry i never got to meet him but i heard nothin but good things.3 weeks laster we lost 3 of are guys down south

[gvito81]

I was under SFC McKay in Afghanistan before he went to a diffrent base, i got to train with him and get to know him a bit. He was a great guy and he will never be forgotten R.I.P brother

[BFTCOP]

i did not no u that well but u might no my brother but we will always be family no mattter what we will all miss u my god take you in his hands and protect u R.I.P CUZZ porters lil bro

[MrsJOEJONAS909]

R.I.P McKay

R.I.P Uncle Mark C. Palmateer

R.I.P. Hilton