Ben's BEST Friend Adam VanAlstine Or V As Ben Called Him Killed In Iraq

[Binka]

Ben met V on the plane the day they went to MCRD for boot camp. They went to SOI after that and ended up as roomies at 29 Palms. They were just instant buddies. V was a hard scrapple kid from a family rife with tragedy. His father was killed in a car accident and his mother later committed suicide. V was half American Indian and he had a very hard life but he was kind and a witty smart ass much like Ben.

Ben called me last night with the news. He is devastated. The 3/7 is due home in about 4 weeks. I have been so worried about V getting hurt because I knew what it would do to Ben. Ben is going to the funeral in Minnesota in a military capacity. He told me he just got a tattoo for Escobar who was killed when Ben's unit came under attack in October. Now he has to add V's name to the list. Shit.

Every death is one too many. This one is really hard because Ben was deeply connected with this guy. I felt so inept talking with Ben, I mean what the fuck can you say when your son calls and can barely speak?

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[NMDemDist2]

1. o Binka, what shitty news

:cry:

I'm so sorry.....

[rodeodance]

11. yes, yes, yes.

[Tinksrival]

30. A poem for Ben's best freind Adam VanAlstine

The Last Warrier
By W. J. Bruce



High on bleak, stony rag,
Unmoving, he sits astride
His ragged coated pony.
Only telltale frozen breaths,
Separate them from
The still, winter black boles
Of ancient leafless trees.
The pony, blown and lame,
Stands with lowered head,
Ears flattened to the sound
Of a distant wolf pack.
The man on his back,
All weapons lost,
Ignores the trickling blood
From savage wounds,
Mingling his war paint.
Eyes burning fiercely
He strains to find
The sign he seeks:
Behind, the sound of enemy
Draws ever closer.
At last, faith rewarded,
He sees far below
In the deep valley,
Arriving at the edge
Of the fast flowing river,
The great she bear
With two gamboling cubs:
To fish the racing salmon,
Drawn relentlessly toward
Their age-old spawning ground.
Silently, the wounded brave
Offers his final prayer
To the eternal clan bear;
Totem and guardian
Of his battle slain tribe.
The enemy, exultant,
Are almost upon him,
Yet he looks not behind:
He sees only the Great Spirit,
Surrounding him kindly
In loving, firm embrace.
While the enemy closes in,
He straightens himself;
His voice rings loud and clear,
Echoing across the land
To the distant cloudless sky.
One last defiant war cry
As he spurs on his pony,
And leaps...
Into the world of his ancestors.

[Binka]

61. Thank You For This I Am Copying It And Sending It To Ben!!!

:hug:

[blm]

2. My heart aches for all of you.

The burden of death is always on people of conscience, betrayed by those incapable of such feelings.

[Botany]

3. Blessings and prayers for his soul and his family & friends

Adam VanAlstine :patriot:

How many more George, how many?

Oh, Binka I am so sorry ..... I wish i knew what to do or say. Give my best to Ben please. I know that
Ben will show up @ the funeral and do the right thing.

PM if you need to. I am so sorry.

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. Oh Binka honey...I'm so, so sorry!

Damn, damn, damn. :cry::cry::cry:

[KitchenWitch]

5. damn damn damn!

Binka, I am so sorry.

:cry:

[snacker]

6. Oh no, how heartbreaking for all of you.

Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cooley Hurd]

7. I'm so sorry, Binka and Ben...

"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?" - John Kerry

:cry::grr::cry::grr::cry:

[Solly Mack]

8. No words. (there are none really ) Lots of hugs to you and Ben.

((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))

[Dinger]

9. I Really Don't Have The Words Binka- I Am So Sorry

My condolences to V and his family, and you and Ben. :grouphug:

[AndyA]

10. I'm sorry

I don't know what you could have said to your son. The fact that you were there to listen was likely all he needed. Be there for him in the future, he'll still need your love and support.

How many more are going to die before this war ends?

[qanda]

12. Wow! Your son has really been through a lot

I hope he is okay.

[AwakeAtLast]

13. {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} to you, Ben, and V's family

I know you said he didn't have living parents, but I am assuming he has
extended family. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[acmejack]

14. No words

You suck George Walker Bush & all the rest of you warmongering sons of bitches.

[Gregorian]

15. The Giggling Murderer takes another life. How very sad.

And how very maddening. If there is justice, this man will burn for what he has done. He and Cheney, and the rest of the PNAC neocons. Immature madmen. I blame this administration, whereas Republicans blame the Iraqis. We invaded their country. They are defending themselves.

I'm sorry to rant in the face of your post. I shed a tear with you. I'm so saddened. They had no choice. They didn't know their duty would be hijacked.

[xchrom]

sorry binka and my condolences to ben.

there really is nothing good about any of this -- all i can say is -- courage.

to both of you.

[Mythsaje]

16. That sucks...

This little adventure is most likely going to be the death knell of the all volunteer military. All these kids are coming home with memories no human being should be burdened with.

I hope your son is okay.

[myrna minx]

17. Oh--I'm so sorry, Ben.

:hug: :cry: Oh Binka...I saw this on the news... :cry:

http://wcco.com/wisconsinwire/WI--MarineKilled-kn/resources_news_html

``I believe wholeheartedly that if he would've come home, he would have been back there as soon as he could,'' she said. ``I'm angry that he was there, but I am proud of him. He wouldn't have been complete if he wouldn't have been there.''

Meyers said Adam VanAlstine sent her and her husband a congratulatory card he had made recently when he learned she was pregnant.

He said in the card, ``I don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet, but he or she is the reason why I do what I do without thinking twice about it so he or she can enjoy the greatest country in the world.''


:cry: :cry:

[myrna minx]

18. Oh--and if you folks need anything, we Minnesotan Duers are here for you..

:hug:

[ClayZ]

19. argh... Ben has been through the hell of it all!

[babylonsister]

20. My condolences to all of you; simply heartbreaking,

your experiences bring all of this closer to home for us. WHEN WILL IT END? :hug: :cry:

[FearofFutility]

21. I am so sorry, Binka

I've followed your posts about your son and my heart is breaking for him. From your posts, I know that you are an amazing person, and Ben is blessed to have you as a mother. He has been through so much, and your strength and love will carry him through this awful tragedy. :cry:

[CrazyOrangeCat]

22. That's awful Binka . . .

I'm so sorry.

:cry:

[Wheezy]

23. *sob*

;( ;( ;( ;( ;( ;( ;( ;( ;( ;(

[Lochloosa]

24. Binka, tell Ben we are working our asses off to get rid of this

fucker(*) and get us out of Iraq.

It's the least we can do for Ben.

[Cults4Bush]

25. Oh damn, Binka...

No words, just empathy (again).

[sinkingfeeling]

26. I 'm so sorry for Ben's loss and also for all others that loved Escobar.

[alcibiades_mystery]

27. My deep condolences

The way that Ben himself has been touched by this war should be a lesson for the American public that has managed to remain incomprehensibly detached: he himself was wounded, and had friends wounded and killed.

When Bush was reelected I said that the war will radiate out until everybody got a taste of it; it is unfortunate that some get such an abundant taste of it, while some others who support it wholeheartedly get none.

Send my wishes to Ben, and to his comrades.

[leftchick]

28. oh Binka and Ben...

my heart is breaking for you all. :cry:

[0007]

29. My deepest sympathy - Now let's go get those bastards that

caused this senseless bullshit!

[spuddonna]

31. Oh Binka...

I'm so sorry... :cry:

Poor Ben... This is so wrong... There are no words I can think of to even offer to help...

I just wish I could give you and Ben a hug...

[leftchick]

32. I Found and article about his death....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/chi-060227marinekilled,1,4533799.story?coll=chi-news-hed



<snip>

Family says Marine from Superior killed in Iraq

The Associated Press
Published February 27, 2006, 2:51 PM CST


SUPERIOR, Wis. -- A Marine from northern Wisconsin with only 15 days of active combat duty left in Iraq was killed by a roadside bomb there, a sister said Monday.

Adam VanAlstine, 21, of Superior, was killed Saturday in Ramadi outside of Baghdad, said his sister, Dawn Meyers of Cottage Grove, Minn.

The Marine, a 2003 graduate of Superior High School, left for Iraq in September and was scheduled to return in April, she said.

Another sister, Jennifer VanAlstine, said her brother's dream was to serve in the Marines.

"He had wanted this since he was a little boy," she said. "He lived and breathed to be in the Marines."

[wicket]

33. I am so sorry Binka :(

You are all in my prayers :grouphug:

[Just Me]

34. As a mother, I don't know what I'd say.

:( I only know that, right now, I feel sad with you and Ben and "V's" family and friends. :cry:

[fooj]

35. My God...when will this madness end?

Binka...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. :cry: :cry: :cry:

I'm glad he has a loving and strong mama by his side.

Peace.

[FreedomAngel82]

36. It's so heartbreaking

I can't stand this anymore. :cry:

[InsultComicDog]

37. Only two words for your son: "Stay alive"

and come home in one piece.

[Binka]

66. Ben Was Horribly Injured On Oct 8 In Ramadi He Is At 29 Palms Now

He was waiting for V so they could celebrate everyone coming home and V's 21 B Day which just happened a few weeks ago. Now instead of Vegas he is going to V's funeral.Oh please let this end.

[roguevalley]

38. I'm running out of words. This shit is too much. I am so sorry. Tell

Ben he and his friend are much loved. Take care, honey.

[WinkyDink]

39. Terrible, just terrible. You and Ben have my sincere condolences and

sympathy.

[TacticalPeek]

40. .

[UrbScotty]

41. My deepest of sympathies to you, to Ben, and to Adam's family.

:hug: to all of you.

[Binka]

42. Thank You All

I am usually so full of words I bore myself but tonight I just can't articulate my feelings. I will update all on the funeral. Rest in peace V your job here on earth is done.

[Tsiyu]

43. When will it end?

These kids have been through so much. The anger in me grows ever time I hear this stuff. A month ago, a kid I know died over there. he was the funniest thing - always did voices to crack people up. Now he's just GONE.

Comfort and love sent to Ben and all who knew and loved Adam :grouphug:

[Blue Diadem]

44. I'm crying with you Binka,

I'm so very sorry about Adam. May he rest in peace and may this administration rot in hell for what they've done to our young men and women.

[huskerlaw]

45. Oh Binka,

I'm so very sorry. I don't know what to say...just let Ben know that we're thinking of him and V's family.

:hug: :cry:

[bobbieinok]

46. there are no words

yet people with no one in Iraq (like W and Dick)

think we 'hav' ta teach those camel jockeys a lesson'

[Gelliebeans]

47. Hugs Binka

to you and Ben :hug: This damn war needs to stop! You are doing all you can mom by listening to him and letting him get this out. There are no words except I am sorry. Thoughts are with you all.
gb.

[MissWaverly]

48. Binka, hold this truth, others know of this injustice

so sorry that your son has more heartache to deal with:

Now, Senator, I gave my heart and soul to oppose the policy that you promoted, I gave my political life's blood to try to stop the mass killing of Iraqis by the sanctions on Iraq
which killed one million Iraqis, most of them children, most of them died before they even knew they were Iraqis, but they died for no other reason than they were Iraqis with the misfortune to be born at that time. I gave my heart and soul to stop you committing the disaster that you did commit in invading Iraq. And I told the world that your case for war was a pack of lies.

...Senator in everything that I have said about Iraq. I turned out to be right and you turned out to be wrong, and 100,000 people paid with their lives, 1600 of them American soldiers sent to their deaths on a pack of lies, 15,000 of them wounded, many of them disabled forever on a pack of lies.

George Galloway-Testimony before the US Senate, Committee on Homeland Security,
Subcommittee on Investigations, May 17, 2005.

Binka, each of us most hold the truth they know about this war in their fist like a seed
until the day, this truth is collected and harvested to bring justice.

[elehhhhna]

49. they're breaking our best, binka.

[sofa king]

50. My heart goes out to you and yours.

[DoctorMyEyes]

51. I don't have the right words either, Binka

I mean, who the hell does? I don't think there are words as precious and rare as needed.

I'm so damn sorry. I just read that he was only 21 years old. A baby. God.

[childslibrarian]

52. Your son is wonderful

to remeber and honor his friends, especially V, who had no parents to remember him. That is important...

[earth mom]

53. My deepest sympathies to Ben, you, your family and Vs family...

When will this hellish war end?! :cry:

[Olney Blue]

54. RIP, V.

:hug:

Binka, please tell Ben we won't forget him and we won't forget V.

[GreenPartyVoter]

55. Oh, I am so sorry. *hugs* So many broken families...

:cry:

[dsc]

56. I am so sorry for Ben and for you not to mention V's family

May God watch over his soul and your and Ben's lives.

[Disturbed]

58. I don't know what to post.

I do want you to know that I appreciate you.

[Hissyspit]

57. Thank you for telling us, binka.

Let Ben know he is in our thoughts.

[karlrschneider]

59. Dear god when will it end?

:hug: :cry:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

60. Words are woefully inadequate but rest assured

That you, your son and all those who knew and loved V have my deepest, most sincere and most profound thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies extended to you all at this moment. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I especially feel for Ben at this time :hug: :hug: :loveya:

This terrible war has gone on for too long. May it end soon and may everyone come home safely. And may we never forget the bravery and courage of those who have given their lives and for those who are currently serving in Iraq.

[Pachamama]

62. I feel sick....I'm so sickened every time I hear about our soldiers dying

there....And when I heard the latest events going on, I just pictured what unbearable and unfair and dangerous no-win situation our soldiers are in....sitting ducks, caught in the middle of a civil war, not knowing who they are supposed to be fighting, often being the targets and FOR WHAT?

I'm so so sorry for Adam's family, for Ben and for all his friends and fellow soldiers that have to be in this hell called George W. Bush's War of Lies....

:cry: :cry: :cry:

I just send with all my heart protection for Ben and the rest of our troops..... :hug:

[EFerrari]

63. I'm sorry, Binka. Too much is too much already.

:hug:
:grouphug:

[Binka]

64. Thanks So Much Beth I'm Just Sitting Here Sobbing

Here is the DOD death announcement, it is so cold. Oh poor V.

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2006/nr20060228-12573.html

[annabanana]

67. I am so sorry Binka...

that this additional burden has been placed on Ben's shoulders. My heart cries out to V's family and to yours.

[Binka]

68. Ben Is The Strongest Young Man I Know But This Will Haunt Him Forever

They promised each other to keep each other safe. Ben feels he has let V down.

[Skittles]

65. deeply distressing

so sorry Binka

[Festivito]

69. Hard to find perspective that fits anymore.

May lives of peace and then joy be built on and by each of us whose hearts now meld in sorrow.

For now, I'd cry.

[Coexist]

70. I am so sorry

I don't know what else to say.
:cry:

[Brewman_Jax]

71. I am sorry to hear

[Shadoobie]

72. Local news coverage

This article was published in the Duluth Newstribune on 2/28. He had family in Minnesota but was a native of Superior, WI. - Greg

Superior Marine killed in Iraq blast
DEATH:Adam Van Alstine, 21, died in a bomb explosion Saturday in Ramadi, Iraq, while on patrol.
BY JOHN MYERS
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

As long as anyone can remember, Adam Van Alstine wanted to be a United States Marine.

Last year, his dream came true. But it didn't last long for the native of Superior's East End.

On Saturday, along a road in Ramadi, Iraq, Lance Cpl. Van Alstine, 21, died when a bomb exploded. Three other members of his unit were injured, friends and family confirmed Monday. Violence in the war-torn country has surged over the past week.

"All I know is that he was on patrol. We don't know what happened," Van Alstine's sister, Dawn "Dee" Meyers, said in a phone interview with the News Tribune.

Van Alstine was the top gunner on a Humvee, but the four-man squad may have been out of the vehicle when the bomb exploded, friends and familymembers said.

Marine Corps officials told Meyers of her brother's death Saturday evening at her Cottage Grove, Minn., home. The Department of Defense had not publicly confirmed the death as of Monday afternoon.

Van Alstine is the first Superior native to die in the Iraq war. Superior Mayor Dave Ross on Monday ordered all city flags flown at half-staff.
--snip--

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/13979835.htm

2/27 article:
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/breaking_news/13974636.htm

[npincus]

73. I'm so sorry, Binka.

Send our deepest condolences to Ben.

[Serial Mom]

74. Oh my ... I am so sorry, the heartache

is so real for me each and every death I hear of (been there-done that, my daughter's Marine boyfriend was killed there in 1991).

Please understand that you and your son and V's family are in my thoughts!

:cry:

[Binka]

75. Thank You Friend

Ben will be speaking at his funeral. I wish I could be there but sadly I can not. This will undoubtedly be the most difficult emotional trip for Benjamin.

[Serial Mom]

77. Our kids are stronger than we think ...

When they become adults and HAVE to accept this type of death, they do deal with it.

But as a parent I wish never to feel what so many parents must feel as they TRY to accept when they learn of this senseless death.

Even being the parent of the "friend" will remain with you forever as it has for me - you will remember the sound of his voice when he had to tell you ... I will NEVER forget the look on my daughter's face when she learned of Scott's death. Younger people are not supposed to go before us!

:hug::hug:

[progressivebydesign]

76. My condolences. That's unbelievably sad. n/t

[Obamarama]

78. After all Ben has been through, and now this....

How incredibly sad. Please let Ben know there are an awful lot of people thinking about him, his friend Adam, the rest of his unit, AND last but not least his wonderful mom.

15 days left until he was to come home. Good god.