IN MEMORY OF, RIP.

The 2nd/ 23rd INF, 4th BDE Tomahawks, lost a couple of sons during operations in Iraq.

Following is the Department of Defense listing, and pictures.

I borrowed the pictures from a page that I will promote later in this post, in hopes that all who read this will visit, and support with well wishes and kind words..

Words can't express my sorrow for the individuals listed below.

Or how proud I am of them, and the rest of the 4th brigade.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to their families.

I'm sure they are in a special place, with no pain, sorrow, or stress.

God bless and keep their souls.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Feb. 17 in Diyala Province, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their dismounted patrol using small arms fire. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Killed were:

Spc. Luke S. Runyan, 21, of Spring Grove, Pa.

Spc. Chad D. Groepper, 21, of Kingsley, Iowa.

For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147.

And now for something a lot more fun.

I found a "Myspace" page developed by the wife of a soldier assigned to the 2/23 inf 4th bde. and dedicated to the soldiers and their wives.
Tarina has opened their page to me, as a parent, and I'm sure will welcome all who support our cause.
Please join me in supporting them and us by visiting,
4th BRIGADE.

Soon I will add a link in the one per centers section of my side bar.

Thank you Tarina, and all the ladies,(wives, mothers,) who make this a wonderful page.

While I'm at it, a close friend of Matt's, since his arrival at Ft. Lewis, SPC Keith Lee,
KEITH
lost his father last week to a sudden illness.
I have communicated with Keith on a few occasions. He is a bright and dedicated individual and a delight to chat with.
Please join me in offering condolences, and on a happier note, wishing him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, tomorrow.
Click on Keith to message him a happy B-Day.
All my best Keith, one step, one day at a time, you'll be home soon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

A PLEA TO THE NEWS

Here is a copy of my email to Fox 25 News Boston.

As a father of a soldier serving in Iraq I’m asking you to stop reporting about soldiers being killed until the families are notified.
I have my television set to come on at 5:30 on Fox 25 news.
I truly enjoy your morning show. Kim and Gene, VB,Q, Doug and Cindy are always an upbeat start to the day.
Imagine how you would feel to wake up, as I did Monday morning, to a report of 14 soldiers dieing in the crash of a Blackhawk helicopter north of Iraq.
Our sons are'nt allowed to tell us exactly where they are, for security reasons. We know that our son is in a combat unit somewhere north of Baghdad. So we see your broadcast, and dread the phone ringing until the next time we talk to him.
I know it's all about the ratings.
I speak for all families with sons and daughters, brothers and sisters serving when I say we would prefer that no reporting be done when soldiers lose their lives until the names have been released.
When soldiers die, either in combat or tragic accidents, the troops are put on communications black out. They can't communicate. This means when we, the families, hear the breaking news we have to wait for a day or two before the names are released. If you have a son or daughter serving, you know what I am talking about. If not, it probably means little to you.
I am reaching out through my blog to ask that families of soldiers in Iraq contact their regional news broadcasters asking that they please refrain from breaking stories about deaths in Iraq until the families are notified.
And to stop watching those stations that refuse.
I look forward to many years of enjoying your morning broadcasts.

All who read this who agree, please email your local broadcasters and ask that they stop this practice.
Those of us with loved ones in Iraq will rest a little easier.

The email address for Fox 25 Boston is, http://www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/ContactUs;jsessionid=D566FC2B7FE48CE11A7E1D7C2704CC98.

God Bless.