[BriansDad]

My son, Brian was killed in Iraq in April. Last year, prior to the start of the Iraq War, his unit was slated to be moved from their base in Germany to attack northern Iraq through Turkey. When Turkey denied access, the movement of the 9th Engineer Battalion was cancelled. During those weeks when we thought Brian was heading into war, I wrote this email to him. A year later, his unit was sent to Iraq to relieve the units which had been there since the beginning of the war. I had forgotten this email, and only found it when Brian's personal effects were recently returned to us. I am not much of a writer, but wish that all the men and women in harm's way could read it, and believe that America is behind them. They are all heroes, and I am proud of each of them.

To the list of people expressing hate for the U.S., I guess we could easily add Micheal Moore....

God Bless all of you, and God Bless the United States of America.

[katnip]

I am so sorry. God bless you and thank you.

[HiJinx]

Rest in Peace, Brian.

[TonyInOhio]

A wonderful tribute to your son on this Independence Day weekend.

Freedom is not free. Thank God for men like your son, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for freedom. Generations of Iraqis will live free because of him and his comrades.

And Thank God for fathers like you.

Tony

[babyface00]

Thank you for sharing that letter with us.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[HiJinx]

Dad, your courage in sharing those words extends beyond understanding. Your heartbreak at the loss of you son cannot be measured by those of us who haven't been there.

But your patriotism, honor, and service to our nation through three generations is something for us to stand in awe of. Please know that as long as I live, the sacrifice of our young men and women - like Brian - will not have been made in vain.

HJ

[mondonico]

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. God bless you.

[OldFriend]

Heartbroken prayers for comfort to your family. Every life is precious and no doubt your son's life was precious to you and your family. We share your admiration for him and his fellow warriors. Without them no one will be free.

[The Right Stuff]

Dad, so sorry for your sacrifice. Your son, Brian is a real hero to the rest of us. Thank you so much for publishing that touching letter. Our hearts are with you and your family.

[Conspiracy Guy]

God Bless you and your family and keep you strong. My thanks to your son and all the brave young men and women who put it on the line for a mostly greatful nation.

Stories like this make me hate the left that much more.

God's Army is full of good soldiers like your son.

[votelife]

God bless you and your family.
May the peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts.

[b9]

Please know your Brian lives in our hearts forever now, too.

Your love and courage enabled him to do the same.

God Bless you for sharing this.

[Vic3O3]

BriansDad, I am so sorry to learn Brian was killed over in Iraq. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that most of us on FR support & honor your son's sacrifice.

[WVNan]

As one who lost a young son I can only say that I know the pain in your heart and I reach out in spirit to hold you close to comfort where no comfort is found. How very proud you must be of such a son. A hero. "Greater love hath no man but that he lay down his life for his friends." Brian had the greatest love. I thank you for the sacrifice you and your family have given, and I pray that Brian is happy in God's arms. God bless you.

[nevergore]

God Bless your family....

I have two boy's in Iraq with the Psy Ops. unit, although are not my own children, they've been part of my family since they were 12 years old. They call me their adopted Dad. I worry about them and pray for them daily. I'm incredibly proud of their service.

They call me a couple of times a week from Iraq.

My daughter is at the Air Force Academy, she's safe for now but will soon join the cause directly.

Both my younger children want to attend service academies.

The reason I share this is that my family cares deeply about each and every sailor and soldier in harms way and have a deep and abiding respect for their service and sacrifice.

I am greatly saddened at your loss and I hope that knowing others truly care and are praying for son and your family will provide you and your family some solace.

NeverGore

[HorsePlayer]

There is nothing that could ever be said here on Free Republic, or anywhere else for that matter, that would ease your pain. All I can say, BriansDad, is thank God for your beloved son Brian. When you see him next, and I firmly believe you will, pass on to him my highest personal regards.

[SAMWolf]

Unfortunately, volunteering to join the Army, and putting yourself in jeopardy for the sake of your country does not generate the open admiration that it has in times past.

For some of us, that admiration still exists. Please accept my condolences for your loss and know that your son's sacrifice will be remembered.

[AngryJawa]

Words can't convey how sorry I am for the loss of your son. May God bless him and keep him close.

Your son and all of his comrades in arms throughout the years have given us all the opportunity to enjoy the Freedom our country celebrates this Sunday. We won't forget him.

[Ancesthntr]

Please accept my condolences on your family's loss.

Please also accept my thanks. The focus is (rightly) always on the sacrifices that the troops have to make when they serve, even if they do not suffer a scratch while doing so. However, the families of those who serve for the benefit of our entire society almost always suffer in silence, with the media and most people not noticing them. Even if Brian had come back after serving, you and your family would have been through Hell every single day, always wondering about your son. To say that you've been through far more suffering than that would be a considerable understatement.

Yet...it is because of your suffering and Brian's sacrifice that people like me can sit at a computer keyboard, in the knowledge that the worst that probably will ever happen to me on the job is a papercut or some repetitive stress injury, i.e. nothing. I know, as do my wife and kids, that I will be home in the evening, and it is thanks to both those who serve and their families.

I hope that the knowledge that others appreciate what you have been and will go through can bring you and your family some measure of comfort. G-d bless you and your family.

[ThePythonicCow]

bump

[End Times Sentinel]

BriansDad,

God Bless you, your son, and your family.  There aren't words to thank all of you for your service and sacrifice.

And thank you for sharing this wonderful letter with all of us.

You and Brian will be in our prayers tonight.

 

(H.L.II- You need to read the e mail above.)

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”