Free Republic

This story is a personal follow-up on the story about Captain John Smathers who died last week, at home, from a heart failure related to heart valve damage. I have, with permission, posted the text of a speech Capt. Smathers gave last Veterans' Day. I encourage you to read both CBS story and the text of his speech. Capt. Smathers served alongside a dear friend of mine. We'll call my friend "T". T was with John when he (John) earned his 4 (four) bronze stars. T says he earned them all. (John was gravely wounded in Iraq recently, but recovered...

...Was watching the CBS Evening News tonight (which I'm not usually in the habit of doing) and heard some sad news. ...Not sure if anyone recalls this story from back in November (see below) but apparently Capt. Smathers died last week, after collapsing during Reserve training. Capt. Smathers was an attorney in Maryland. During his year in Iraq, he earned four Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and an Army Commendation medal during his year in Iraq. Might be nice if we shared our expressions of sympathy, as well as our gratitude for his service to our country. If you'd like...