America,

It’s been another tough week for us in the frontline. Below is a copy of the hand written letter by SPC David Mahlenbrock to his beloved engineer brothers of 1st squad. David wrote this 1JUL04. This letter was handed to me yesterday by my sister command Bravo “Blaster” Company, 65th Engineers.

Dear 1st Squad,
……If you’re reading this, then I’ve died for our country. I just hope it wasn’t for nothing.
After the IED went off yesterday, I wanted to write this in case something happens to me. There are a few more letters that I’d like you to give my wife and family.
I’d like to have a military funeral, but, if you can work please make sure that Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” is played at the ceremony in addition to the bagpipes. If they won’t let it happen, that’s ok, thanks for tying…...
I know that all the belongings I have here will go to Melissa, but there are a few more things I’d like for you guys to make sure she gets. I have a dog tag w/ our picture on it along w/ some pictures and an American flag in my left breast pocket. There is also a can that says “Son” on it that Melissa’s parents gave me that I’d like for them to have, and that angel stone should go to her grandma and grandpa Snow.
Now if I died w/ blue eyes (one blew that way and one blew the other way) and there’s nothing really left of me, that’s ok, I know you meant well.
Alright, enough with the dead guy’s last request, there’s a lot of thank you’s I wanna say to you fellas……

(SPC David Mahlenbrock, 21, was killed by an improvise explosive device (roadside bomb) on 3DEC04, Kirkuk, Iraq.)

We will hold a memorial service for him tomorrow and yes we will have the bagpipes and play Toby Keith’s “American Soldier.” David gave America his all and asked for so little. We will honor his memory by completing this mission. Pls. keep SPC David Mahlenbrock, and his Melissa in your prayers tonight; our condolences to our warrior brothers from B/65th Engineers. God bless our troops.

From Freedom’s Frontline – Iraq,

CPT Matt Marbella
Commander
Beast Battery, 1-62 ADA
winston.marbella@us.army.mil

FIGHT LIKE HELL!