Hey guys, my comp has been actin up so unfortunately I was unable to post any sort of Veterans Day Thank you. So here it goes belatedly:
Although this is a day to remember our brothers and sisters who have served this great country and those who have made the ultimate sacrafice, we should remember that everyday that we wake up and go about our lives we should remember those who give us that opportunity. Thanks to all those who have served, are serving, and will serve in the future in the US Military. I would also like to make special mention to a few soldiers:
LCPL Philip J. Martini of Lansing, IL KIA 08APR06 while serving in Anbar Province, Iraq. Was struck down by a Snipers Bullet while responding to calls for help from another USMC Platoon pinned down. He was a very good friend and a brother.
SGT Timothy M. "Smitty" Smith Alpha Company Sapper of the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division of Lake Tahoe, CA KIA 07APR08 while serving near Baghdad, Iraq. SGT Smith was a Husky driver and had the very dangerous job of leading the RCP (Route Clearence Package) down a route constantly sown with IED's. Knowing that, Smitty still did his duty even after stating he had a bad feeling that day. While on this mission his vehicle was struck by a command detonated IED. He succumbed to his wounds and died enroute to the field hospital. He was my brother and my best friend and he is missed everyday!
SGT Joseph A. Richard III Alpha Company Sapper of the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division of Lafayette, LA KIA 14APR08 while serving near Bagdhad, Iraq also died of wounds suffered from an IED explosion. I did not know SGT Richard that well. He was transferred to our unit just before Task Force Boar (2/30 INF, Bravo Troop of the 3/89 Cavarly Regiment, 22nd Platoon of Alpha Company Sapper's (my unit) attached to HHC 2/30 INF, and a Battery of the 25th Artillery) returned to the States after our 2nd Deployment. He took over my team after I was Medically Discharged and from what I was told by my soldiers was a very good NCO and I was glad that they had a good leader...although everyday it hurts me to know that he may have died in my place.
Please, remember all of our Veterans and the sacrafices that they have made. Happy Veterans Day!