It finally happened. Someone I know was killed in Iraq.

[El Supremo]

27 year old Army Medic who grew up down the street from me. Shot by a sniper. He had some emotional problems stemming from an incident 9 years ago and decided to join the Army. I worried about him but his parents said that he was doing fine. He was expecting his first child this week and was one day away from coming home on leave to be there at the birth. I'm sure his family is devastated. I am too. His life WAS wasted by this unjust war.

[AndyA]

1. I'm sorry. I will say a prayer for his family.

I don't know what else to say, other than some of us are trying to do whatever we can to put a stop to this war, so this senseless dying can come to an end. :shrug:

[bdamomma]

17. totally senseless, and total madness.

[theoldman]

2. Being a medic is a tough job and I respect anyone who is

willing to risk their life to save others.

[uppityperson]

3. So sad, my condolences to family/friends

[Madspirit]

4. RIP...k&r...n/t

[Marrah_G]

5. I gotta stop reading these at work.

His poor family. I'm sure the birth will be bitter sweet.

[ceile]

6. ah, geez.

my condolences.

[redirish28]

7. My wife and I are deeply sorry.

[Zookeeper]

8. I'm so sorry, El....

My sympathy to you and his family.

I'm so tired of this useless loss of precious life.

[blm]

9. Condolences to you, El Supremo. Sorry for all of you .... For all of us.

.

[merh]

10. God comfort his family

and forgive us our hate - May he know peace.

:cry:

My condolences to you and all that knew and loved him :hug:









.

[Buzz Clik]

11. "His life WAS wasted by this unjust war." They all are.

My regrets. These are tough times.

[Solly Mack]

12. Hugs and healing vibes to you and his family

I'm so sorry.

[El Supremo]

13. You know what's weird?

I never knew anybody killed in Vietnam. I had a lot of friends back then. And there were 20 times more Americans killed then than so far in this repeat nightmare.

[Pacifist Patriot]

14. I'm amazed by things like this...

I knew someone killed in the Gulf War in '91 and there were approximately 50-something casualties. I haven't recognized any names from Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq.

[stellanoir]

15. Sincerest condolences

Similarly, the war became more personal for me a year and a half ago when a dear friend's only son was KIA. Like you, I had never known anyone personally to have died in armed combat.

I still call my friend every now and then. Often she doesn't pick up the phone and still feels very vulnerable. The only message I can leave on her machine is "I love you." Anything else just feels terribly hollow.

I'll warn you though, Memorial Day has always struck me as being a solemn day. You may have a palpably deeper response to the holiday this year now that it's been made more personal. I blew off all sorts of BBQ's last year.

best to you and your neighbors

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. Oh God.

[fed-up]

18. I am so sorry {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} to you and your neighbors nt

[Les Ismore]

19. So sad....

I lost a loving nephew in Iraq in 2005. He was a fine young man, a proud Democrat who volunteered when he finished college. I understand that this young man lived down the street from you and although he may not have been particularly close to you, losing someone you know under these circumstances drives home the seriousness of this conflict and sadly, the incopetence in which it was executed.
May your friend rest in peace.

[AwakeAtLast]

20. No words, just

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[DIKB]

21. My deepest sympathies.

Just remember to keep him in your heart and on your mind. I know I do with my friend who died.

Be motivated by this tragedy, let's do what we can to prevent it from happening to others. Tell people, "These soldiers dying are not just numbers in a newspaper. They are our brothers and our sisters, someone's father or mother, someone's son or daughter. And this one was my friend."

One by one, we'll wake them up, and make those bastards in D.C. bring our soldiers home.