<pre><code> The Department of Defense announced today the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lt. j.g. Francis L. Toner IV, 26, of Narragansett, R.I., who was an 06 Grad of KP and Lt. Florence B. Choe, 35, of El Cajon, Calif. died March 27 when an insurgent posing as an Afghan National Army soldier opened fire on personnel assigned to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan at Camp Shaheen, Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan.
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<p>The KP Administration will set up a Team Movement to welcome him back to the States in Delaware. There will be a memorial service in the near future at the Academy.</p>
<p>Some of you may have known him. Frank lived in the new 1st Company and studied Shipyard Management. He played on the Football team for four years and on the La Cross team his senior year. He truly touched and brightened everyone’s life. He will always be remembered as a hero.</p>
<p>The family and wife of LTJG Francis L. Toner IV, USN, Class of 2006, have notified the Academy that they would like to have a memorial service for “Frankie” on Wednesday, April 15th at 1600 hours (4PM) on Tomb Field in Brooks Stadium. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery the following day (April 16th) at 1530 (3:30PM). </p>
<p>It is highly recommended that anyone wishing to attend the Academy service arrive before 1500 (3PM) and take parking and seating directions from the Academy Public Safety personnel. The Regiment of Midshipmen will form up on Tomb Field at 1530. The back-up venue for the service in case of inclement weather will be the Mariners Chapel. Address any questions you may have to Marty Skrocki, Academy PAO, at 516-773-5374 or <a href=“mailto:skrockim@usmma.edu”>skrockim@usmma.edu</a>. </p>
<p>Toner was killed by an Afghan national soldier on March 27th while running with a group of fellow naval officers in Camp Shaheen, Mazad-E-Shariff, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command as the garrison engineer (Seabee) training the local Afghans to assume their own security role. A Navy nurse was also killed in this attack. It was reported that Toner charged the shooter to divert attention away from his fellow runners. He was a football and lacrosse player while at the Academy and met his wife, Brooke, in church on Long Island. He was the epitome of “service above self.”</p>
<p>If you are planning on attending please RSVP to Lisa Donitz at <a href=“mailto:lisa.donitz@alumni.usmma.edu”>lisa.donitz@alumni.usmma.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Navy Press release posted on USMMAonline.com under alumni news.</p>
<p>Next week, the United States Merchant Marine Academy will host a worship service in memory of LTJG Frank L. Toner, IV, USN, a member of the Class of 2006 who was killed in Afghanistan on March 27, 2009. The service will be held on Captain Tomb Field on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, beginning at 1600 hours (4:00 PM). In attendance will be Lieutenant Toners widow, Brooke, his parents and family members, his classmates, and his friends. Our Command Chaplain, LT Leslie Sias, CHC, USN will lead the celebrants.</p>
<p>The Regiment of Midshipmen will man the stands, and all members of the Academy communityfaculty, staff, alumni, and parentsare invited and encouraged to attend. Uniform for midshipmen and commissioned officers is Service Dress Blue or service equivalent, with appropriate civilian attire for non-uniformed personnel. Members of the Honor Guard will direct guests to the appropriate designated seating areas in the stands.</p>
<p>Please join us as we salute one of Kings Points own who gave the last full measure of devotion for his country. Lieutenant Toner will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, April 16, 2009.</p>
<p>I was at the burial of LTJG Frank L. Toner yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a beautiful day for such a sad occasion – not a cloud in the sky. The Navy honor guard and band were flawless; and the Army caisson team was impeccable. Hundreds showed up including Admiral Stewart who came in from Delaware.</p>