Hopefully The Last Sad Day

I first want to appologize for not posting in a while.  I have been very busy and have strict rules about what I can write about.  Some operational aspects of life here are just too important for everyone to have access to.

I do want to write about a Soldier that was lost recently.  His name is Sergeant Alfred Barton Siler.  He was 33 years old, and an 11 year veteran of the 278th Regimental Combat Team.  He graduated high school in 1989 from Jellico High, TN.  He is survived by his parents and a three year old daughter named Mikkah.  How do you explain to a three year old that their dad is never coming home?  I simply do not know, and any attempt to try is unworthy, unless you have to explain it for real like so many spouses have during times of war. 

I heard about it the day the accident occured, and felt an immediate loss of a fellow brother in arms.  Though not knowing him, I did see the faces of the other Soldiers that were on the convoy with him.  They looked distraught and driven at the same time.  The convoy was heading to my FOB and was not far from making it here safely.  I do not know the details of how the accident occured, and only the investigation being conducted will have a conclusion.  I did hear a bit about it, and will share this unconfirmed story.  His HUMMWV might have been clipped by a civilian vehicle, which caused it to flip.  During the accident SGT Siler (gunner) died.  Again, this might not be how it really occured, but it was an accident nonetheless.  I hope and pray that this is the last sad day we have here.  All troops deserve to go home to their loving families.  As of today there are 1668 US casualties, 89 UK casualties, and 96 from other coalition countries.  So, the total count by icasualties.org is 1853 killed during OIF.  Please pray for the fallen, and rejoice for the free. 

Thank you Alfred for your life and service to our country.---shawn

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2005/nr20050528-3365.html

“If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”  Thomas Paine

Rest in Peace my Brothers:

SGT Alfred Barton Siler, 25May2005, Tuz

SFC Stephen C. Kennedy, 4April2005, Balad Ruz (S of)

SSG Christoper W. Dill, 4April2005, Balad Ruz (S of)

SGT Paul W. Thomason III, 20March2005, Kirkuk

SSG Eric M. Steffeney, 23February2005, Tuz

SFC Paul D. Karpowich, 21December2004, Mosul

Articles about SGT Siler's death:

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/278th_news/article/0,2555,KNS_19816_3810099,00.html

http://www.timesfreepress.com/iwwl/pitts052605.html

http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3397260&nav=4QcHaLI0

Comments

[Kat in GA]

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry for y'all's loss!!!! I will most definately keep y'all and his family in my prayers.

Please know that we are very greatful for you and what you are doing over there. You are making a real difference, working on making the world a better, safer place.

{{{{{{{{{{more hugs}}}}}}}}}

I just found your blog today, and have added it to my ever-expanding list of milblog daily reads.

Hang ini there!

~Kat <><

[gavin]

hey bro, yall hang in there. many are praying for you all and the people of iraq. we (erin & myself) was wondering if there was a time when you were going to come home for a two week release? just wondering. love bro

[nikki]

Hey little brother.
Keep your spirits up! I am not writing anymore emails as that one came too close to my last one about soldiers who are separated from their children.
Keep spreading that positive energy you have around so it gets each and everyone of you through yet another day.
Love ya

[Paul]

This is my first visit to your site. I can not thank you enough for all you do.

May God bless you and your comrades and keep you all safe.

[Shomi]

I will miss my brother. Sgt Alfred BARTON SILER. Cannont wait until you all come home. Be Safe
Shomi

[Brad]

Found your post last week. We citizens get so caught up in our daily lives. I have so much respect for you guys. Thank you so much for making the sacrifice and carrying the torch of our fore fathers. I am going to spread the word about these mil blogs at work. So many of us back in the states love you all and get tired of the bias news reports. I am so glad to be able to read your experiences and sacrifices. My heart goes out to you gyus. I laugh and get a little teary eyed with your stories. My prayers are with you solders often. FREEDOM!!! Thank you for protecting the gift.

God Bless you,

C. Brad