U.S. families mourn for Mosul victims.

[Gardeaux08]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/iraq.families.ap/


Wednesday, December 22, 2004 Posted: 10:17 PM EST (0317 GMT)


RICHMOND, Virginia (AP) -- One was a shipbuilder from Maine, another a volunteer firefighter from Virginia. A third was a civilian contractor who had been restoring a historic home in Oregon.

Americans killed during Tuesday's attack on a Mosul mess tent were mourned from coast to coast Wednesday while other families anxiously awaited phone calls from loved ones.

Virginians mourned the death of Nicholas Mason, 20, of King George, a former volunteer firefighter serving in the Virginia National Guard who had been scheduled to return home in February.

In Maine, friends recalled Army Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr., 47, of Freedom, as a down-to-earth friend who'd do just about anything to help out. He was a shipfitter with a can-do attitude, they said.

Word of the attack also spread swiftly across the tiny Maine town of Somerville, where Army Spc. Thomas Dostie, 20, was mourned. Dostie was a volunteer firefighter and his father serves as the town's fire chief.

Anthony Stramiello Jr., 61, was working as a contractor for Halliburton Co. when he died. He was a carpentry foreman on construction projects, said his sister, Rochelle Stramiello-Johnson, of Astoria, Oregon.

Among the casualties was Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich, 30, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania., a drill instructor who was helping train Iraqi security forces. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent 13 years in the military.

(snip)


Paul Karpowich was my cousin. He left behind a 28 year old widow who was his soulmate. He died on his 27th day in Iraq. Tonight I held her hand as she cried and asked me how she was going to live without him. I never need to give any other reason again why I will never forgive this administration.

[Ilsa]

1. My sincerest condolences for your loss

and for his widow. I can barely type, I am so overwrought with emotion, confusion, frustration, and contempt for this group of thugs running and ruining our country and creating so much pain.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. I'm so sorry-my condolences!

:hug:

[JohnKleeb]

3. I am so sorry to hear that

My condelecnes and sympathies.

[burythehatchet]

4. that brought tears to my eyes. peace.

[jonnyblitz]

5. oh no.

:( :hug:

[Pale Blue Dot]

6. My heart goes out to you and your family.

And I appreciate the sacrifice that Paul thought he was making for all of us.

:hug:

[Gardeaux08]

19. And you know,

he really believed in what he was fighting for. We would always argue like cats and dogs over politics but we loved each other. Before he shipped out, I told him I was scared for him and he just told me he was a soldier and that war is part of being a soldier.

His brother spent 16 months in Iraq and came back OK. And, to make matters worse, his step-father, a Desert Storm vet, will be shipping out to Iraq in 9 days. I am numb. But thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. It may be totally inappropriate for me to post something so personal but I felt if anyone in the world could understand my feelings, you all could.

[leftynyc]

72. What could be more appropriate than reminding people

these soldiers have families who are broken hearted. May you find comfort in eachothers arms.

[Blue Gardener]

75. It is totally appropriate to post here

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Maccagirl]

7. I have no words

Please let his widow know that there are so many people who share her pain and sorrow.

:cry:

[Sparkly]

8. My sympathies to you and all of Paul's relatives

How heartbreaking. :hug:

[roguevalley]

9. Oh honey. Hugs and peace for all of you.

:cry:

[Career Prole]

10. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your time of loss...

Paul's widow will be in my prayers. :grouphug:

[Radio_Lady]

11. I can't even imagine the pain...

you and your family are feeling tonight. I will think about this for a long while as I go to bed.

I wish you some solace at this season. Paul Karpowich gave his life; I wish it would have not been in vain.

[Withywindle]

Oh no.

I am so, so sorry for your loss, and her loss and all your family's and friends' loss.

No soapbox. We all know it. I'm just sorry. :hug:

[patdem]

12. To read a headline and then to hear the actual feelings of people

those headlines touch. I am so sorry for her and your loss.

Words are so shallow at times like this. Our language so limited. In this instant my heart cries for you and my life will go on, while you will look around and wonder, how can these people laugh and live? Do they not know the pain and anguish I feel! Most have been there, and how we continue to live I do not know, but we do! :hug:

[Gardeaux08]

35. I know what you mean.

I came home and went through all my pictures to find my favorite picture of the two of us. It was from July, his 30th birthday party. They had just bought 17 acres in the woods and we had his party there, in the rain and the mud. His brother had just returned from Iraq so we had two things to celebrate that night! His tattooed arm is around my shoulder and we are grinning into the camera...we had had a few bottles of Boone's Farm by that time! He was tall and handsome and could make anything out of wood. He was one of the few men in my life I could always count on. And he always made me laugh so I will remember him with a smile.

It's his widow I am really worried about. They were that disgustingly-in-love couple we all know. They were soulmates...plain and simple. They were high school sweethearts. They have been together for 15 years...he is all she has ever known and I can't make this any better for her.

[Birthmark]

13. I wish I knew what to say.

Words seem so cheap at such a time. Just give his wife an extra hug from all of us. Someday, when or if the time is right, pass along our gratitude for his service.

[BUSHOUT]

14. Don't forget to mourn for all the dead Iraqis also. n/t

[umtalal]

15. This war is so personal to many. Man, it hit me hard once I read it is

your relative. MY DEEPEST CONDELENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Peace.

[Rowdyboy]

16. What a heartbreaking end to a young life....

There are no appropriate words...I wish there was some way to offer comfort.

[SW FL Dem]

17. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thirty is way too young to die. We respect your family's sacrifice and send our long distance hugs to you and his wife.

[AmerDem]

18. may God watch over your family

prayers

[madrchsod]

20. sorry for your loss

i watched the letters from the soldiers that died program last night but i didn`t get very far before i couldn`t take it anymore. your cousin died for nothing and the people in iraq, who are just like him ,
you, and me, have died for nothing. god have mercy on our souls.

[Loki]

21. There are no words for this.

There is only pain for the loss of this young man, for his wife and family.

[ralps]

22. I'm so sorry to read this. I'm glad you are there for her.

Please let her know that you all are in my prayers.
:cry: :hug:

[Catherine Vincent]

23. My condolences...

:-(

[umtalal]

24. Let us work for PEACE AND TO PULL THE TROOPS OUT. WE MUST, MUST, MUST.

[LincolnMcGrath]

25. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[metisnation]

26. heartfelt sympathy

and may god rest the soul of your loved one. You will be in our families prayers.

[fortyfeetunder]

27. My deepest sympathy

to you and Paul's family. This has to be so devastating to have this happen this time of year.

Tell Paul's widow there are DU'ers everywhere who are in mourning with her and her family.

[number6]

28. sad story, my condolences

:( I too,..will never forgive this administration.

[complain jane]

29. I am so sorry for your loss.

[knowbody0]

30. so sorry for your loss

there are no words

[Robbien]

31. Such sad sad news. I am so sorry

I wish you and your family peace and comfort.

[stevedeshazer]

32. So sorry

No words. This is senseless.

May you and the rest of us find peace someday.

[derby378]

33. ginbarn and I send our condolences

We all heard about Mosul earlier today. We are so sorry for your family's loss.

[karlrschneider]

34. It is an awful thing and nothing anyone can say to make it okay, but

know that you're not alone, if it helps. I hope it does.
:cry:

[Pam-Moby]

36. I'm so sorry-my condolences

I am sorry for your loss

[HeeBGBz]

37. My condolences for you and your family

It breaks my heart to hear of the losses that families have to bear.

[harrison]

38. I am very sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.**

[TexasLady]

39. I am so sorry, and I hate the pain

this stupid war has caused so needlessly. My nephews are still there, and every day I wonder if, or when.

My heart goes out to you and your family.

[Acryliccalico]

42. I am so sorry

You have my deepest sympathy. :cry:

[proud patriot]

40. Oh no

:cry: I send my love and strength

[uppityperson]

41. I am so sorry you all have to go through this

and I hate this shit.

[Gardeaux08]

43. Thank you...so do I.

[JDPriestly]

44. God forgive this nation!

[Poor Richard Lex]

45. no words

[Kitka]

46. I am so sorry. One of my best friends leaves on Sunday.

I will never forgive.

[Vote4Kerry]

47. We mourn your loss--you are in our thoughts and prayers

[progressivebydesign]

48. I'm so sorry for your loss. Words fail me. n/t

[Tinoire]

49. Oh goodness! So, so sorry

:hug:

[seabeyond]

50. i am so sad for your loss

and for his wife and what she will have to experience from here on out. lots of love to you all, and will think of you often, and feel the sadness to the very being of my spirit.

holding her other hand as she cries.

[chomskysright]

51. heartfelt condol.:however, prob was not lack of intell...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-12-22-mosu...


WASHINGTON — The implications of the audacious suicide attack in the center of a heavily guarded U.S. military base in Mosul go beyond a failure of base security.
The attack is the latest evidence that Iraqi insurgents have better intelligence about U.S. forces than U.S. forces have on the insurgents.

"The message that the attack on the base sends to average Iraqis is that if the Americans can't protect their own soldiers on their own bases, how are they going to protect you," said Andrew Krepinevich, a military analyst with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.


******My letter to USA today************


THE LACK OF INTELLIGENCE IS NOT THE PROBLEM IN IRAQ

In the article by John Diamond which put forward that, "The attack is the latest evidence that Iraqi insurgents have better intelligence about U.S. forces than U.S. forces have on the insurgents" may have some truth to it.

However, overall, it is EXTREMELY misleading. The issue it that we should not be there in the first place. The issue is that the FBI and the CIA, sources of significant intelligence in the USA and as associated with our interests, insisted, in memos easily available on the internet as a result of probes by the American Civil Liberties Union, that torture which was applied to prisoner in Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay, was not acceptable.

The president of the United STates has lied and manipulated the citizens of the US and attempts to pin the difficulties on a lack of intelligence.

I'll have none of this manipulation.

Sincerely,

[caligirl]

52. More condolences from another thread, thanks for reposting

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2859284#2859709

[Gardeaux08]

53. Thank you :)

[Oversea Visitor]

54. I am sad too

:cry: so many has died and it all started with 911.
I am not an Americans but I get lots of news.
I know there is a courtcase on 911 to find the truth,
I am also aware of actions in america to get the truth out,
There is a lot of info out there on the net on 911 and the official story.
Watch this and you decide www.pentagonstrike.co.uk

[SodoffBush]

55. With deepest sympathies to you and your family

We read, post-mortem, of these people's lives, the precious mind and mettle they had contributed to our planet, now gone, and for what?

[flygal]

56. I'm so sorry for you and your family -

Words are so meaningless. Just be aware your message is tearing us up and please take care of yourself. What a horrible thing.

[Gardeaux08]

59. I know it's tearing you all up.

I know that each time I would read another soldier had died, it would tear me up, too. And what had just angered me before has me livid now because I feel like my hate of this administration has just gotten very personal. I know he would tell me that he was a soldier and that's the risk a soldier takes...I can accept that. But the risk in this war is needless...that's what I can't accept.

[wicket]

70. If there is anything- ANYTHING we can do...

....please let us know.... :hug:

[Gardeaux08]

100. Thank you.

You are already doing it. :)

[Meme]

57. I am so sorry

my condolences.

[njdemocrat106]

58. Sympathies

God rest his soul. I believe Bush, Cheney, and company will pay for their crimes against humanity, in both this world and the next.

[NuttyFluffers]

60. my deepest condolences...

at the prime of life and lucky in love... of all the treasures stolen by these thieves in power this, this is the most precious -- the lives, loves, and futures of so many. unforgiveable.

we empathize with your grief :grouphug:

[Malva Zebrina]

61. I am so sorry for your loss

and for his grieving soul mate. May you and she and the rest of his family have the strength to weather this grief.

Such a useless waste of young life . :cry:

[sherilocks]

62. I cry for you and your family this morning

Paul lost his life and his wife lost her soulmate for no good or just reason. I wish I could make sense of it all and try to ease the pain with soothing words. All I can think of is the Chimp mumbling his insincere platitudes yesterday about the horrendous lose of life and limb in his senseless war.

[annabanana]

63. Please tell his soulmate

that we all send our condolences. The losses in this misadventure are incalculable.

[scarletlib]

64. I am deeply saddened by your loss

My heart is numb with grief over all the loss of life, the destruction of families and the unknowable pain of losing a loved one.

Pray for peace.

[Dem2theMax]

65. I am so very sorry.

Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. And please tell Paul's widow that a lot of people here are supporting her as well. Breaks my heart.

[ulysses]

66. Very sorry for you and your family.

:(

[Solly Mack]

67. With all my heart I am so sorry.

[Metatron]

68. I am so very sorry for your loss, Gardeaux08.

My condolences to you and your family.

[wicket]

69. I am so sorry :(

You are all in my prayers :hug:

[leftynyc]

71. So very sorry for your loss

Thoughts and prayers being sent your way.

[SmokingJacket]

73. I'm so sorry.

If every American heard all of these stories, we wouldn't be there any more. It's too hard -- the suffering is too much.

Peace to you and your family.

[bleedingheart]

74. I am so sorry.

[Midlodemocrat]

76. Deepest symptathy for your loss.

You and your family are in my prayers tonight and everynight.

[GOPBasher]

77. So sorry for your loss.

I'm so, so sorry for his wife. :cry:

[UTUSN]

78. So Sorry. I Will Never Rest... n/t

[DinahMoeHum]

79. Gardeaux08, we will not forget your cousin.

We will remember him.

He's now one more reason we want our troops out of there NOW.

Iraq has become Arabic for Vietnam.

:grr:

[fertilizeonarbusto]

80. I'm so sorry for your loss!

:cry:

[Plaid Adder]

81. I'm very sorry for your loss, Gardeaux08

And I will never forgive them either.

I'm glad you are there to comfort your cousin's widow. I can't imagine anything worse than what she's going through. I know nothing is really going to make anything any better for anyone for a long time, but we are thinking of you.

Peace,

The Plaid Adder

[lastliberalintexas]

82. Gardeaux, there are no words

I'm so sorry you and your family are suffering. I hope that you can all find some sort of peace in the coming months.

[GoldenOldie]

88. My family and I send our condolences to you and yours

There have been 8-deaths reported from my city. One of the first was a 22-year old young man who had been one of my daughter's favorite highschool students who stayed in contact with her through e-mails. My daughter the teacher who is 38-years old, was watching the local news when Jeff's picture flashed before her and they reported his death. She was so angry and saddened at the loss of this fantastic young man who gave so much meaning to life, that she smashed a cup she had been holding. Each time she hears of another death she blames Bush and his merry band of thugs.

Each time I hear of another death or think of the wounded being flown to Laundstuhl and then on to Walter Reed Army Hospital, I think of their loved ones and the mind shattering pain they must be going through. My grandson is 17 going on 18 and will soon be entering college. His goal has always been to be a US Naval officer and althought it pleases me that he knows what he wants, it saddens me that Bush administration has placed the US Military in harms way and many "patriots" are blaming them for the war instead of the greedy, power broker, war profiteers.

Your loss is great and there will always be a little hole in your heart because of it. Bless you for being there for his wife and cherish the memories of one you loved knowing that there are thousands across this country who will acknowledge his loss and think of you all.

[Gardeaux08]

117. Paul was our area's first

son to die in Iraq. And it is a small town so I think it has hit the whole community really hard. I know we are not alone in this.

[cally]

83. I'm so saddened by your loss

I will never forgive or forget what this administration has done. Many :hug: for you and his widow. Peace.

[Aristus]

84. I'm very sorry, Gardeaux08.

I don't have the words......

Take care, you and all of his loved ones.....

[Andy_Stephenson]

85. Oh God...I am so sorry for your loss

I like you hate this admin and will never forgive nor forget them.

Peace to you and your family.

[Ripley]

86. RIP Paul D. Karpowich

I'm sorry for your loss Gardeaux08.

[mogster]

87. Sorry for your loss

My respect for his family's offer. :-(

[RFKHumphreyObama]

89. I'm not sure that words could ever adequately express my thoughts

right now so let me extend my deepest and most profound thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies to you and your family -and especially to the widow-on the loss of your cousin.

This just makes me so sad. And angry.

[Oversea Visitor]

92. Check this and cry

www.gulfwarvets.com

[Vidar]

90. Very sorry for you Nd your family, Gardeaux08.

[PRETZEL]

91. local paper story,

http://www.timesherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13612506&BRD=1672&PAG=461&dept_id=33380&rfi=6

Gardeaux08 please accept my deepest sympathies. I live in West Norriton and read the paper about this this morning.

I have no objections if you would like to have the story removed. Please inform the moderators if you wish.

My sincerest condolences,

Rich

[Gardeaux08]

99. NO!

Thank you for the article! There was another good one on Philly.com that I printed out. It may seem morbid but I'm saving all of them.

Paul was a good man and I know he took his military service very seriously. I guess it's harder for us to understand it but he truly thought he was doing the right thing. And isn't that what counts?

[AngryOldDem]

93. My condolences

to your entire family.

[linazelle]

94. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss...I wish you and

your family the strength that you need to make it through this senseless tragedy.

[Individualist]

95. So sorry for your loss

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

[Ilsa]

96. Compassionate Kick. n/t

[yardwork]

97. I'm very very sorry for your loss

[Skittles]

98. I am so sorry, Gardeaux

when I think my anger and disgust with this misadministration could not be greater I am reminded of those who have suffered so much more. I'm truly sorry; my condolences to you and Paul's family and friends.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

101. Another family's heart broken

:cry: by the selfishness and greed of this administration.

I'm so sorry, Gardieux.

[maddezmom]

102. I'm so sorry for your loss

prayers and thoughts to you and your family. :(

[Beware the Beast Man]

103. My condolences to you and your family.

:hug: May this conflict come to a peaceful end, preferably sooner than later.

[davidinalameda]

104. your family is in my thoughts

I'm so sorry--I can't imagine what y'all are going through

[Tennessee Gal]

105. May God be with you and your family.

My sincerest condolences............

and my prayers are with you.

[phusion]

106. My heart sinks

My heart sinks when I think of your cousin and so many others who have died.

I'm so sorry for your loss and for his widow.

We need to stop this.

[bigwillq]

107. Very sorry for your loss

My thoughts are prayers are with you and yuor family at this difficult time.

[deadparrot]

108. This is awful. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Best wishes to you and your family, especially his wife.

[Gardeaux08]

109. A picture...

This is Paul and me at his 30th birthday party last July. I will miss him desperately.

[Robbien]

113. What a good happy picture, great smiles

A good one to hold on to during these very bad times.

He looks like a great guy. What a terrible loss.

Again I wish you peace and comfort.

[Gardeaux08]

115. He was a really fun guy.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041223/NEWS01/412230345/1002/NEWS

(snip)

"He was full of life, and he had a great sense of humor," said Hansen, who met Karpowich while the unit was at Camp Atterbury in Indiana before being deployed to Iraq in mid-November. "He was a professional. He had his act together. The Army clicked with that guy."

"I liked the confidence he exuded," Hansen said. "He volunteered for that mission (Iraq). I give him a lot of credit for that."

It is really comforting that people remember him like this.

[bunkerbuster1]

116. My condolences. And thanks for the reminder that these are real people,

flesh and blood, being destroyed by our nation's collective insanity.

If this is any comfort at all...

Peace, peace! he is not dead, he doth not sleep --
He hath awakened from the dream of life --
'Tis we, who lost in stormy visions, keep
With phantoms an unprofitable strife.

Percy Bysshe Shelly (1792-1822)
"Adonis", 1821, stanza 39

[lectrobyte]

110. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

Sorry for your loss.

[msanthrope]

111. I am truly sorry for your loss and I hope that your cousin's

widow will eventually find solace.

[davsand]

112. My condolences to you and your family in this time of loss.

I can never express how sorry I am to hear your news. Please know we care and support you in your time of need.

___

On a purely personal note, I can honestly say that I'm not sure I'd EVER be able to find personal forgiveness for shrub and his minions if anyone close to me was injured or killed over in this Iraqi quagmire.

I never personally preach the gospel of physical harm to anyone--especially any of our "leaders." Having said that, however, I will also admit that I would not be shocked should a family member go insane and attempt to terminate the reign of the boy king.

For my money, I want those SOBs to live VERY long lives. I also want them to fully realize their guilt in the deaths and injuries of so many innocent people.


Laura

[Gardeaux08]

114. I know...

I am a pagan and the thought of wishing bad on someone is just not something that I would normally do. But I am afraid that in the past 24 hours, I have had weak times where I wished the Bush family as much grief as my family is feeling right now.

[lolamio]

118. I am truly sorry for your loss. :(