The Defense Department on Friday identified three members of the military killed in a suicide bombing in Syria this week:
- Army Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Farmer of Florida
- Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent of New York
- DOD civilian Scott Wirtz of Missouri, who was an operations support specialist
Farmer, 37, first joined the Army in 2005 and was the recipient of awards including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, per the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs. He also served in six overseas combat tours, including two for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was serving his second tour with Operation Inherent Resolve when he was killed Wednesday.
He is survived by all four of his children, his spouse, and his parents.
Kent, who was assigned to the Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66, was remembered by those who served with her as a “rockstar.”
“She was a rockstar, an outstanding Chief Petty Officer, and leader to many in the Navy Information Warfare Community,” Cmdr. Joseph Harrison, commanding officer of CWA 66, said in a statement.
“Chief Kent’s drive, determination and tenacity were infectious. Although she has left us way too soon, she will not be forgotten, and her legacy will live on with us,” Denise Vola, CWA 66 command senior enlisted leader, senior chief cryptologic technician, said in a statement.
The attack on Wednesday raised new questions about the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Trump claimed the Islamic State has been subdued there, but ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he’s worried the announced withdrawal will only encourage what’s left of ISIS to fight.
“My concern about the statements made by President Trump is that you’ve set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy we’re fighting,” Graham said. “You make people we’re trying to help wonder about us. And as they get bolder, the people we’re trying to help are going to get more uncertain. I saw this in Iraq, and I’m now seeing it in Syria.”
