On Memorial Day, I always pause to remember PFC. Gunnar Becker, who was killed in Iraq in January, 2005.

You can learn more about Gunnar here, here, here, and here.

And if you have a moment today, please stop by and let Debey - Gunnar's Mom - know we will never forget.

Labels: Fallen Heroes, Gunnar Becker

A week ago yesterday, a Gold Star mother marked three years since she lost her son.

PFC Gunnar Becker was killed in Iraq January 13, 2005. He would have been 23 tomorrow.

Please take a moment today to honor Gunnar, and to spare a thought or a prayer for his mother, Debey, and the rest of his family, and for all of his friends and comrades.

You can read more about this Hero at http://www.pfcgunnarbecker.com/.

Gunnar's mom is an occasional visitor to this site - please feel free to leave messages in the comments section. If she doesn't stop by, I'll forward them to her.

In honor of Gunnar, this will be the only post today. And so I'll leave you with Gunnar's own words:

Labels: Fallen Heroes, Gunnar Becker

Last month, I meant to get to a post to note my 2-year blog-iversary.

Hard to believe it's been two years since I started here.

The two-year blog-iversary came with some other milestones, too. I was named one of the Ten Best Milblogs in the VA Mortgage Center Blog contest. And more recently, I've been nominated for a Milbloggie. Pretty darned cool, to put it mildly - I can remember when I said to myself, how cool would it be to get nominated for a Milbloggie?.

I started blogging tentatively, after forwarding a few items to Patti. She finally turned the blog over to me, a responsibility I take seriously. I have always tried to stay true to what Patti started this for - to support our Heroes, to post lots of pictures in the hopes that those who knew the Heroes pictured would be able to see them, and to get out the good news about what our Heroes were doing. Nervously, I often asked Patti if something would be OK to post - especially when it concerned my early rants. Patti was always encouraging - "Anything you like, I like," she'd say. Pictures were always a large part of this blog, which is why you'll still find several posted daily. My favorites are the "My Hero..." posts. Anything that lets military families brag about their Heroes is OK by me.

A darker element of the beginning of my blogging days is that they started right about the time that we lost a young Hero named Gunnar Becker. I have posted about Gunnar before. He was very special to Soldiers' Angels, as is his Mom, Debey. It was Debey that let me know about an anti-war display that was using Gunnar's name, and then sent the pictures of how fallen Heroes should be honored. If you can today, please spare a moment to honor his memory. And let Debey know you're thinking of her. I have a special project to tell you about soon that Gunnar's memory, for me, plays a part in, but I'll save that for another post.

Then there was the other event marking my blog-i-versary this year - a bit of a shocker, actually, but in a very, very good way.

Another Soldier I've mentioned more than once is my first adoptee with Soldiers' Angels. I can remember the day I got his name in my email - I fired off my first excited letter, and was thrilled to get a reply pretty much immediately (almost two weeks to the day that I sent my letter off - pretty remarkable). My first adoptee was a Cavalry Scout, with a wife and a young daughter at home. We shared the same wry sense of humor, and we hit it off immediately. He became a sort of little brother to me, and I could predict the day letters would arrive from the land of sand. His picture is on my wall at work, there's an Iraqi bill in a frame on my desk, and there's a letter on my wall from his squad, thanking me for Halloween candy I sent. They all signed it.

Eventually, he was able to instant message me, and I remember one day, when he was talking with me about a very difficult day he'd had. I won't go into specifics, but he was asking me if his reaction - almost none - had been normal given what had happened. He asked me if it was messed up.

I can remember struggling for what to say, and I can remember when it hit me - 'Holy crap, I'm trying to cheer up a Soldier in a war zone. What the hell do I say here???'

'No,' I told him. 'It's not messed up. You're a Sergeant, and you were taking care of your men. You were doing your job. Remember what I told you - there's the you at home with your wife and your daughter, and there's Super Sarge. You'll be OK.'

'Then again,' I said, 'you're asking me what's normal in a war zone. I'm not sure there's any such thing. And how the heck would I know, anyway? I'd probably freak out if I did your job.'

'Yeah, you're paranoid of spiders,' he said - the first sign of his humor kicking in.

'Now, that's not fair. I'm telling you, just 'cause I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're NOT out to get me.'

And just like that, the darkness passed. He was laughing again - that was a good thing. By the end of the conversation, he was in really good spirits, and I was left hoping I'd helped.

It's a momentous thing to do what Angels do. For those of us who are lucky enough to get close to our adoptees, I think there comes a universal moment when you realize exactly what it is you're doing - trying to help, in whatever small way you can, to keep "your" Soldier (or Airman, or Sailor, or Marine) OK, trying to let them know what they mean to all of us.

My little bro hadn't really been specific about anything he was seeing until one letter I'd written. I had been travelling, and I'd seen the news - talking about a pretty ugly event in the area he was working in. I'd included in my letter the following sentiment.

Just want you to know, there is nothing you can ever do that will make me think of you as anything other than a Hero. I know that my father-in-law tells some stories that are pretty ugly about where he was, and judging from the few stories he thinks are fit to tell, I probably don't want to hear the other ones. I know enough to know that war is ugly. If you need to vent, vent. It will not change one thing about what I think of you. You are, and will always be, a Hero to me.

That must have unlocked something, because after that I got more glimpses into what it was to be a Soldier in Iraq. Nothing too specific - nothing that would violate OPSEC, of course, but little details here and there about what his life was like. Some funny, some scary, but each one a treasure in that they represented the fact that a Hero trusted me enough to share them.

I cried the day he told me he was coming home - most of that was joy and relief. Some, admittedly, was the fact that I'd miss talking with him. He promised to stay in touch, and part of what my husband referred to as his "coming home dream" was to come up and visit. In our last IM conversation before he left Iraq, I told him,

'It would be very cool to see you, and you're certainly welcome to visit, but I just want you to know that if you change your mind when you get home, that's OK. Things may change a lot once you actually get home to your wife and daughter.'

He insisted he still wanted to come and visit, and again I said he was welcome, but would not be hurt if he didn't. I also told him that whether we stayed in touch or not would be entirely up to him. Soldiers' Angels has a policy that once your Hero comes home, contact ends unless it's requested, initiated, by the Hero.

'I'm a part of a pretty ugly episode in your life,' I said, 'so I understand if you don't want to stay in touch. If you ever need me again, I'm here. I told you in my first letter - my support comes with no strings whatsoever. It's a privilege to have been your Angel.'

He was still insistent that he wanted to stay in touch. And, in truth, he did email me a little while after he got home to let me know he was home safe. After that, the emails got rarer, and then stopped. Much as I missed talking to him, I also took it as a good sign - if he didn't need to talk with me, then life was probably just motoring on, which was my hope all along. Come home safe, and get on with your life.

I emailed him all the major holidays his first year home, and heard from him a couple of times. The next year (this past one), I only emailed him once - on his birthday.

Much to my surprise, I got a reply. He thanked me for the birthday e-card, and told me how much it meant that I'd remembered his birthday. He also told me something else - he was headed back to Iraq.

He was a little nervous about it this time, to say the least. And he promised to stay in touch.

Then I got an email from Kuwait, letting me know he'd gotten there OK, and would email again when he got a chance.

And so I've come sort of full circle in my angelling. From the first day, when I got the email with my first Soldier's name, to now, nearly three years later, emailing with the same Soldier, it's been quite a journey.

Still the best thing I think I've ever done with my time. Bar none. I am humbled, and honored, and proud, to be able to enter the world of Heroes. And every blog entry I post, every letter that I write, every package that I send, is, in some small way, related to one Cav Scout with a dry sense of humor, and a wife and daughter at home.

Keep your helmet on, your head down, and your wits sharp, little bro - hubby and I are always here if you need us. And you are always, always our Hero.

Labels: Gunnar Becker, opinion, Soldiers' Angels, Supporting the troops, tributes

Quite a while ago, I posted about an anti-war display of makeshift tombstones with the names of fallen heroes on them, above the purported names of Iraqis killed in the conflict. Many family members of those heroes were outraged to have their loved ones' names used - without rank or branch indications - in such a display.

One of those family members was Debey, whose son, US Army PFC Gunnar D. Becker, lost his life on January 13, 2005, while serving his country in Iraq. Gunnar was a Soldiers' Angels adoptee, and very special to all those who were lucky enough to know him, including his fellow Soldiers in Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment.

Debey occasionally stops by here, and is a blogger herself. She's the one who let me know about the display. When I originally posted about those display markers, I included a photoshopped image of Gunnar's "stone." I photoshopped it because I didn't want to perpetuate the misuse of Gunnar's name.

But today, I think it's important for you to see the contrast between the stone in that display, and the stone in some photos Debey has sent to me recently - Gunnar's stone.

Fitting, isn't it, that Gunnar's stone is so close to the flag?

It would be far better if such stones did not need to exist. But there are people in this world who use toxic gas on innocent villagers because they are ethnically different. And there are people in this world who want to kill you because you don't believe the same thing they believe. There are people in this world who conspire to fly planes into buildings because you don't follow their religion - because you live in a free country that is willing to defend freedom at all costs.

And there are other monsters, too. And they are real.

And because there are real monsters out there, there are Heroes who rise to stand watch, who volunteer to stand in harm's way so you don't have to. Some of them are sent to war. And some of them don't come back to enjoy the life of freedom they so selflessly guarantee to others. Some are lost to direct fire from the enemy. Some, in tragic irony, are victims of accidents, or other causes.

Though it was not hostile fire that killed PFC Gunnar Becker, he was a Hero, pure and simple. He deserved a hero's tribute as his final resting place.

And he got it.

Debey, the stone is beautiful. It does him proud.


NOTE: These photos are shared with the permission of PFC Becker's family. They should not be reproduced or reposted without express consent of same.

UPDATE: Be sure to visit the comments section of this post - we were honored by a visit from Debey, Gunnar's mom, who shares the story behind the "FoReStBuRg_TaNkEr" inscription.

UPDATE 2: Gunnar's grandmother Dianna was also kind enough to visit the blog - you can read what she had to say in the comments section.

Labels: Gunnar Becker

Today marks a sad event for Soldiers' Angels and the family and friends of a fallen hero.

Pfc. Gunnar Becker was killed in Iraq one year ago today.

Please take a moment today to remember and honor Gunnar, and to spare a thought or a prayer for his mother, Debey, and the rest of his family, and for all of his friends and comrades.

You can read more about this Hero at http://www.pfcgunnarbecker.com.

Soldiers' Angels Germany also has a post about Gunnar today.

Gunnar's mom is an occasional visitor to this site - please feel free to leave messages in the comments section. If she doesn't stop by, I'll forward them to her.

Thanks to Amber for passing along this poem Gunnar wrote:

Labels: Gunnar Becker

The CD opens with "Passing of a Legend." It's a song that describes a simple hero, and a profound loss. I found myself remembering fallen heroes like PFC Gunnar Becker, Major Steve Reich, and so many others who have paid the ultimate price for all the gifts that freedom gives us. Although each name may not be familiar, each name in the casualty list is a son, a daughter, a spouse, a parent, a friend - a Hero. And each is felt..




The second song, "When I Get Home," literally had me trying to keep tears out of the cookie batter. Right away, I was taken back to instant message sessions with my first Soldiers' Angels adoptee - talking about what he was going to do when he left the sights and sounds of duty in Baghdad for the welcome return to his family, talking about what it was like to patrol the city streets. It was about my other adoptees, too - M---, doing convoy security, and who sent me a package, and C---, who voluntarily extended for another year to work with his original unit's replacements, and rejoiced over the historic Red Sox win. This is the song that blogger Mark Miner asked for the lyrics for; those lyrics are found inside the CD jacket. This is my favorite tune on the album, the one that, above all the others, I find playing in my head in idle moments. There's raw emotion in Knizley's voice, with well-woven guitar as a backdrop to deeply moving lyrics.




This one is about what civvies like me can't possibly really understand - being there. Again, I was reminded of letters from the Sandbox - words that told of what it was like to be thousands of miles from home in a warzone. It's another one of my favorites. Once again, profoundly moving lyrics ride a wave of pure sound - Cliff's acoustic guitar.

I found that though I played the CD with posting about it in mind, I was quickly lost in the songs - in the stories, in the emotions, and the music. It quickly became less about the post, and more about tones and words and feelings - and about the Heroes that formed the inspiration for it all. Every time I listen to it - and I've listened alot, I find something new to like - some piece of the lyrics that sticks with me.

You can purchase the CD's at Cliff's website - cliffknizley.com. Click to enter the site, and then click the "Boots in Baghdad" icon to sample music, read the lyrics, or purchase the CD. You can also click "albums" to view his other CD's.

Proceeds will be used to benefit some great charities - like Homes for Our Troops, the Freedom Alliance, and Lest They Be Forgotten, and you'll be getting top-notch music, too.

And Cliff has a special offer for Soldiers' Angels members - great for purchasing copies to send to your adoptees - email me for the details.

This is Mark Miner, Gregg Garvey (Lest They Be Forgotten) and Cliff at a recent release party

Labels: Cliff Knizley, Gunnar Becker, Tonal Troop Support

On January 13th of this year, Soldiers' Angels lost one of its heroes, PFC Gunnar D. Becker. To all the Angels (and others) who knew him, Gunnar was someone special. He was only 19 when he was killed defending freedom for others.

Over on the SA Germany blog, earlier this month, Maryann posted a poem by Angel Amber. She put into words what a lot of Angels felt, a keen sense of the loss of this special Hero.

And then an amazing thing happened yesterday in the comments section:

Comment from: debey senska [Visitor]
I Am Gunnar's MOM!!!!THANKYOU!!!!for the wonderful poem...please contact me.....debey
08/16/05 @ 11:02

And as if that wasn't enough,

Comment from: Dianna [Visitor]
I am Gunnars Grandmother...thanks so much for the beautiful tribute to his memory. It is still hard but we must go on..he died doing what he felt was right and that is what keeps me going..we miss him so much..love always Dianna and Dean..
08/16/05 @ 15:04

Gunnar's mom also left a link to this site, started by members of Gunnar's platoon to honor his memory: http://www.b263bandits.com/memorial.htm. I've added a link to that page in the "Fallen Heroes" section to the left.

Please visit the SA Germany blog, read the poem, and leave a message for Gunnar's family in the comments section, to let them know that we remember.

Labels: Fallen Heroes, Gunnar Becker

Soldiers' Angel Amber was kind enough to let me share her remarks from a Memorial Day tribute she was invited to take part in. I have added links to information on some of the individual Heroes she has mentioned.


Memorial Day Remarks: Prepared for 30 May, 2005

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Many of us will have the day off of work,will travel, relax with family and friends. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. After World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Time in some ways has swallowed up this history, but it is important that we remember it. As many of you may know, this church has been a supporter of the Soldiers' Angels Foundation in our efforts to provide care, comfort, and support to our men and women in uniform. Soldiers' Angels has had the opportunity to care for many men and women deployed in support of the War on Terror. Greek philosopher Herodotus said that "In peace, sons bury their fathers; in war fathers bury their sons." The men and women we support show great courage in dangerous jobs, yet some of them do not make it home. We have come to know heroes, and we have lost them, as people have throughout our nation's history. Ideally, I could speak about the fallen warriors of all our wars, tell you their names, their families. However, time doesn't allow for this. I offer this tribute to our fallen soldiers, may the names and pictures represent all those who have fallen before and after. I wish I could tell you all of their stories, let you get to know them as I have through the operations of Soldiers' Angels. However, I can only share a few.

I can tell you about Glenn Watkins and how he volunteered to stay in Iraq after his year was complete to train the unit replacing his. At his memorial service, his commander said: "He was a quiet man, but we remember him for his humor. He was Jewish but he loved Christian rock and roll. He was a soldier, but he was no warmonger. He was lowly in rank, but his leadership, bearing, and sacrifice serve as the perfect model for every soldier here gathered today. He requited his duties as a man of God, a father, a friend, a leader, a soldier with shining honor. He accomplished his purpose. We loved him. We will always. Always honor the life he shared with us and try to emulate it. Because yes, we miss him, because he made us better. Like a beacon. We will use his life to help us navigate through our own.:

I can tell you about David Mahlenbrock, who only asked that his buddies play "American Soldier" by Toby Keith at his memorial, should he not make it home. Toby Keith played him that song at his funeral, and you will hear it today.

I can tell you about the unusual maturity seen in Gunnar Becker. How he understood his mission, and defended his decision to serve unwaveringly. He was killed two weeks before he was to return home. Gunnar, you touched my heart, may you rest in peace.

I can tell you about Jason Dunham who is remembered for his smile and for always standing up for his friends. Who promised his fellow Marine "I want to make sure everyone makes it home alive. I want to be sure yougo home to your wife alive," only days before his death. When a grenade was thrown in their battalion ranks, Jason covered it with his body. He lost his life, but kept his promise.

I can tell you about Sam Huff who was an unlikely soldier to her classmates. She loved music and was a drum major in the band. She loved two things with a passion, dancing and her fiancé Nick. Indeed, Sam was not your typical soldier. At 17 she told her parent's she had decided what she wanted to do in life, she was going to be a military police woman. They had to sign for her to enter early, because she did not want to wait. A fellow soldier shared this conversation. Sam said, "You know what Lathers? I could have been the next Gap girl. I had a modeling contract and everything. But no, look at me I'm in this country, wearing desert camo, carrying around a weapon wherever I go and fighting for my country." Always smiled and laughed after she said it. Then she would say, "I wouldn't change where I'm at for anything." Her Sgt. knew another side of Sam. He said, "Her thirst for knowledge sometimes overwhelmed me as a leader, leaving me scrambling to answer question after question," She was also a beautiful young lady, the kind that would turn heads in the mall. "You would be hard pressed to find a soldier that could learn and retain knowledge as fast as she did," James said. "If I wrote down every positive quality I'd want in a soldier, Huff would still be better. She was the kind of soldier that made being a leader in the Army fun." Sam Huff was killed three weeks ago, she was 18. The men and women you are about to see are fallen heroes. They represent all that have gone before. It is important that we enjoy ourtime off, our freedom this weekend, but it is also important that we realize its price. Memorial Day is to recognize Glenn, Jason, David, Gunnar, Sam, and all their brothers and sisters in arms that have fallen throughout history. This tribute is to honor these men and women. As you watch it, please look at the pictures, the names. Get to know these heroes, as best you can. They are more than statistics on CNN. Remember their families, remember their courage. Remember their faces, their friends still in harm's way that must go on without them, but most of all, remember their sacrifice.

They may have fallen, but they are not forgotten.


Thank you, Amber.

Labels: David Mahlenbrock, Fallen Heroes, Glenn Watkins, Gunnar Becker, Honoring Heroes, Jason Dunham, Memorial Day, Sam Huff, Soldiers' Angels