Since I work right here, I'm gonna try to take an early lunch and slip away from work tomorrow to attend this young man's funeral.
Every one of these I've ever attended have just ripped my heart out.
The saddest thing for a Soldier is hearing Taps being played for another Soldier - but it's sobering and serves to reinforce the profound impact these brave warriors have on our lives back here.
We should all be glad we have troops who "get it" and are willing to put it all on the line so that we can go right on being whatever kind of American we choose.
It's just too bad we have so many in this country making such horribly selfish choices about the kind of "American" they choose to be.
This American Soldier will proudly represent Free Republic as Specialist David Mahlenbrock is laid to rest in our hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetary.
Well done, Soldier.