Family, friends mourn soldier

Cpl. Brian M. Connelly was killed in Iraq, Feb. 26

BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer

The flag at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver will be flying at half-staff this week to remember one of the school’s own, U.S. Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly, who was killed near Adhamiya, Iraq, on Feb. 26.

Mark and Jean Dammann (above) mourn the death of their son, U.S. Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly, during services for the fallen soldier on March 7 at Forest Green Park Cemetery in Marlboro. Connelly's widow, Kara Connelly, holds an American flag and is comforted by a fellow mourner during the service. Mark and Jean Dammann (above) mourn the death of their son, U.S. Army Cpl. Brian M. Connelly, during services for the fallen soldier on March 7 at Forest Green Park Cemetery in Marlboro. Connelly’s widow, Kara Connelly, holds an American flag and is comforted by a fellow mourner during the service. Connelly, of Union Beach, was buried in Marlboro on March 7.

“The Red Bank Regional community is deeply saddened by the loss of our alumnus, Brian Blonske Connelly,” Principal Jim Stefankiewicz said. “We celebrate his life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country. We have placed our sentiments on the marquee and are flying our flag at halfstaff in his honor.”

Stefankiewicz said he has been in touch with the Union Beach School District.

“We are in discussion for an appropriate way to honor him within our respective school districts in the near future,” the principal said.

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff He said he hopes to reach out to the family to help plan a tribute.

Connelly, a combat engineer with Company A, 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died Feb. 26 from injuries he sustained when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.

Connelly was buried with full military honors at Forest Green Park Cemetery on Texas Road in the Morganville section of Marlboro immediately following a memorial service in his honor on March 7.

He is survived by his wife, Kara Connelly, Union Beach; his mother and father, Jean and Mark Dammann, Union Beach; his brother, Kevin Connelly, Union Beach; his grandfather, Carl Dammann, Holmdel; and relatives in West Long Branch, Belmar, Colts Neck, Ohio and North Carolina.

Connelly was born Sept. 14, 1982, in Union Beach. He graduated from Red Bank Regional High School in 2000 and attended Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. Among his many interests were saltwater fishing, playing video games and practical jokes.

Cpl. Brian M. Connelly Cpl. Brian M. Connelly Connelly joined the Army in 2006. He completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in January 2007. He joined the 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany, in January 2007 and deployed with his unit to Iraq in April 2008.

His awards and decorations include the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

He has been posthumously promoted to corporal and awarded posthumously the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed an executive order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on March 10.

“Specialist Connelly’s love for his family and friends, patriotism, and dedicated service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the state of New Jersey to mourn and remember him, to mark his passing and to honor his memory,” the executive order states.