Let me offer my condolences to you. I took the news hard, too, but I realize that your working with CPT Byers (still a 1LT at that time?) so closely for the length of time you did puts a special light on his loss for you.
I didn't have the honor of working directly with Josh. I was fifteen years too old to have been his classmate, and I'm a weekend warrior, not in the Regulars any longer. Most of my conctact with him was limited to Sundays, church related activities, and those all too few guys' nights out when everybody was in town. I envy your experience with him and encourage you to cherish it, as I'm sure you will.
I know what you mean about being there in hopes of having changed things but I know I can speak with full confidence for Josh in cautioning you not to beat yourself up about it. That's an unfair burden to place upon yourself, and I know for a fact he wouldn't want you do that. Hooah?
So, remember the good times and honor him by honoring the things he held dear. That's the legacy that will keep him with us until it's our time to close ranks with him.
He is the greatest Officer I have worked with or known. Always taking care of soldiers and truly dedicated to the Army... CPT JOSH BYERS means alot to us and to the Army. I will never forget him and his picture will always be on my wall.
That's the greatest honor a soldier can pay him, son. He knew that to be a leader was to be a servant first. The fact that it shown through is his true testament to the One he served and those he served in His name.
As for this weekend, I'm trying to work out the details to drive up Saturday. I'm trying to reschedule my drill hours through my XO so that I can be there. I hopefully will have the honor of meeting you face to face then.