THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE |

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Name: Eddie
Posting date: 12/7/07
Stationed in: Iraq
Milblog url: airborneparainf82.blogspot.com

It is a trying time for the soldiers of our company as another one of our brothers made the ultimate sacrifice, trying to bring peace and freedom to a nation that has not seen such a thing. His platoon was attacked by a faceless, cowardly enemy who will do anything to prevent such a bright future for their country.

I was a part of the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) that was called up immediately after the attack. It was chaos getting up, ready, and out to do what we could to help our fellow soldiers and friends. There was no hesitation, and the words struck deep into us as we were told "They've been hit by an IED! They have casualties!" We were in such a mode that got things happening FAST, despite the chaos, confusion and worries.

By the time we got to the scene another unit was there and had secured the area. Our guys had already rushed off with the wounded soldiers, so we went to recover the vehicle. Once we had the truck back, a couple other team leaders and I made sure to keep the soldiers away, and began to sort through everything and recover important equipment that was left behind.

From the sight of the vehicle and the way things looked inside, I can only imagine the chaos that had fallen upon the guys in that convoy. One of my friends was the TC (Truck Commander) of that vehicle and he suffered some minor injuries. My heart goes out to him, the other guys in the truck that were hurt, as well as all the guys in that convoy and our company. We learned not too long after we had the vehicle back that SPC Matthew K. Reece had been killed. There was utter disbelief. They weren't sure if another soldier in the truck was going to make it or not. Thanks to the great job of the soldiers and their medic that day, he will live.

It seemed things had been going well lately, and with the end of our deployment nearing, a lot of us had felt that we would ride the rest of the deployment out without incident. But just like that everything changed. Once again the true nature of this war and our enemy came back to haunt us, and the men of Charlie company have to endure the pain and emotions of another lost soldier.

Although he may no longer be with us here physically, Reece will live on in the hearts and minds of the soldiers who were lucky enough to serve with him.

May God watch over you and your family and know we are thinking of you and your sacrifice down here.

Comments

[Trudy540]

OMG, Eddie. I am so sorry! War sucks; there is no other way to put it. May peace come to you, and to SPC Reese.

[Elizabeth Almeida]

Eddie,

My heart goes out to you and the rest of your unit, and to SPC Reece's family. I spent the last month before my daughter came back from Iraq praying more than I think I did in the first 14 months. It seemed like the closer it got, the more I worried that something would go wrong before her unit headed home. Please know that many of us at home have you all in our thoughts and pray for your safety.

[ken]

The loss of another life in such an unnecessary invasion is truly sad. Be safe.