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William Downs Obituary
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Charlie Gili
August 17, 2021
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of William Brian Downs US Air Force Major.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
May 29, 2015
To the Family of Major William Downs,
I participated in the Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer Memorial Run
on Saturday May 23 in East Northport, New York. I ran in honor of Major William Downs service to our country. The words "Thank you" certainly feel inadequate for a man who made the ultimate sacrifice. I just wanted you to know he is
still remembered and how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Caren Alessio
E. Northport, NY
Rev. James Huckabee
October 5, 2013
To Brian's Family,
I just found this and am quite shocked; even more shocked than when his mother, Evelyn went home to be with God. My wife (Sue) and I babysat Frank the night Brian was born in Rota, Spain. We were close to Evelyn and Lon (I worked with Lon) and lived only a couple of doors from them. Many good memories. After Spain we sort of drifted our separate ways and the last time we spoke I believe was when Lon was in St. Louis for Evelyn' memorial.
Please accept our sincere sympathy. late tho it is. May God bless you one and all.
October 28, 2012
In memory of William Downs. Forever grateful to him for his military service to this country.
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S.Allen
May 30, 2012
NEVER to be forgotten Maj.Downs this day and everyday. God be with your family.
Peggy Childers
May 28, 2012
May 30, 2012
To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Always remembering William. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2011
To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Please accept my remembrance of William on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
S. Allen
May 31, 2010
Never to be forgotten an American Hero. Thank You.
Peggy Childers
May 31, 2010
To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Remembering William on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
June 23, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
May 30, 2009
To Beth and Kids,
We can't believe another year has passed since Brian left us. You continue to be in our prayers. Blessings to you all.
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2009
To the family of Maj. William Downs:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
S. Allen
May 24, 2009
Never Forgotten.
Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall
July 15, 2008
Safely Home
Michael Iezzi
May 30, 2008
William,
Thinking and praying for you on the 3rd anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.
The Neal family
May 30, 2008
To the family of Maj. Downs,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
In Memory of 'Brian' ~ (Debra Estep)
May 30, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Brian, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
Visit this link to hear the song.
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Suzanne Allen
May 25, 2008
Beth & Family,
It is my honor to remember Maj. Downs this special day, he will "NEVER" be forgotten.
S. Allen
May 4, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Maj Downs!
Swede
March 24, 2008
Brian - Buddy - we miss you and will never forget you!!
Minister Florence Duckett
December 28, 2007
Beth,
I was reading William's guest book, and I was touched. You were blessed by God to have a man such as William in your life. One of God's "choses vessels".
I thank God because William will "...never know pain and suffering again..." I thank God because He has "...wiped away all tears from William's eyes..."{
I will FOREVER "Salute" Maj. William Downs!
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!
Yours in Christ,
florence
Please see:
www.roseofsharonministriesltd.org
This will show you that our Soldiers will NEVER be forgotten!
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 17, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Maj Downs and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Shannon Downs Jones
May 30, 2007
Beth, Chandler, Elle & Bailey
Frank, Suzie, Lon & Runez,
Just a little note to let all of you know you are in my daily thoughts & prayers. I don't want to say too much....too hard to fight back tears. I believe Pam & Bill Adams from PA said it best...
"Memories.....the years, days, hours & minutes gifted to us by his presence"
Lets make today about remembering "the gifts" Brian gave us.
Love,
Shannon
Michael Iezzi
May 30, 2007
May God hold Brian in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Garnet Jenkins
May 29, 2007
In tribute to Maj. William Downs, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Airman's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May William rest Safely, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Downs family.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action Vietnam in 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Grateful Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
S. Allen
May 28, 2007
Never To Be Forgotten. God Bless Your Family.
March 22, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Dennis (USMC- Viet Nam) & Pam Robertson
March 22, 2007
We are saddened at the loss of this Airman, a hero. May God embrace and comfort you as only he can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06
alex morillo
March 22, 2007
i'm sorry for your loss this man died for his country he must have been an awesome pilot
L Carter
March 21, 2007
Such a tragedy. Hold onto your faith and hope in the Almighty to get you through this terrible ordeal. He said we will beat our swords into plowshares and one day have peace.
Henryk Zaleski (LT,SC,USN-Ret)
March 21, 2007
Away from strife, war and hatred,you have arrived Major Downs.Rest in eternal peace.
Michael Iezzi
March 21, 2007
Father we entrust our brother William to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold William in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
lynn whitten
March 21, 2007
Thank you for protecting our Country!
SHIRLEY DONEY
March 20, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
March 20, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
Linda Crate
September 24, 2006
Brian, although I did not know you, you and your family have become a part of my life. I am finding out what a wonderful person you are and a true hero and warrior. God Bless you, Beth, your children and the rest of your family. Casey's Mom
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 5, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR CHILDREN. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
The Gordon Family
May 30, 2006
Beth and Children,
What a comfort to know that Brian is in heaven on this anniversary. We continue to hold you in our hearts, pray for your peace and especially pray for wisdom in making the many decisions you are faced with. I won't be able to phone you today but wanted you to know that you have our every thought on this day.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smiths
March 4, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Downs family in the loss of William. I did not know William, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.William soon it will be 10 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford
January 12, 2006
Psalm 23
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!
My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!
Wife & Daughter of the Late
Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford
KIA May 23, 2005
Art and Arleen Blackstone
November 21, 2005
Brian's love for the Lord Jesus has strengthened my resolve to know Him and follow Him more closely. I thank God for allowing me to be a small part of the life of the Downs Family.
Joe Kaufer
November 14, 2005
Beth and Family,
I was a class mate of Brian's at GCC and was very sad when I heard of his sacrifice. He was a Godly man whose friendship during my college was greatly appreciated and whose witness was a constant encouragement. I have thought of Brian's stories and worldly experience as a young man many times over the years, as well as his dedication to God and country in serving in the military for our freedom.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would be glad to talk wiht you on the phone.
Joe Kaufer
The Bradfords
November 11, 2005
We are so much less without you, Brian. Remembering you this Veteran's Day.
Sherry Blough
July 4, 2005
Brian's memory will be kept alive in the hearts and minds of many here in St. Louis because we shared his growing up years. He was a member of a small graduating class (Westminster Christian Academy) that reveled in the testimony to God's grace shared by Brian at the last class reunion. My family shared many special events together with the Downs during those years. Lon and Evelyn, Frank and Brian were precious to this entire community because they loved and served deeply and built strong friendships. Though Brian's sacrifice is hard to bear, my family and I will continue to pray for God's comfort and provision for those grieving and especially for his precious family members.
Sherry Blough
Jerry Baum
June 21, 2005
Beth and Family,
It is with the deepest regret that this message is written. I was thinking about how much Brian left behind with his untimely passing, and realized that what we leave behind is a measure of how we live our lives. Brian lived to the fullest and therefore had so much to leave behind.
Your family continues to be in our prayers. I have visited the War on Terror memorial in Hermitage several times in the past couple of weeks to pray and reflect, and trust that the prayers of many continue to grant you strength.
William Howard Downs
June 21, 2005
My heartfelt condolences to the family of William Brian Downs, especially to the young children who will miss their father for so many years.
I am not related, but I just had to share my thoughts with you today. I served in the US Army in Vietnam in 1967-68, and knew a lot of families who had to go through the pain of loss of a loved one.
I pray that you may find some comfort somehow at this time of great loss. With much love for you.
Mike Rash
June 10, 2005
Dearest Beth and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Brian's death. Our times of friendship at Eglin, even with the breaking of Chandler's little arm, will always be in our memories. Please know that you will be in our prayers as you face your most difficult days. May almighty God gift you with answers to your questions, and hope for your futures!
Chaplain Mike, Kathy, Mary Kathryn and Emily Rash, Geilenkirchen, Germany
david bailey
June 9, 2005
God knows it wasn't supposed to happen
I'd like to think that's what God would say
I’d like to think He’s out there all by Himself
Crying “Not this time, not this way”
But it rains on the sinner and the good man
And it rains on everybody else as well
And even when the sun is shining
The days can still be tough as hell
God knows it wasn't supposed to happen
But who am I to say what God knows?
Maybe even God is taken by surprise
By our unexpected highs and crushing lows
You remember Moses by the Red Sea
His people thought they had reached the end
Everyone was saved – but the soldiers all died
And their children never saw them again
Yes, it rains on the sinner and the good man
And it rains on everybody else as well
Sometimes the answers are easy to say
More often, it’s pretty hard to tell
You remember Solomon the wise
Even he could not make sense of everything
He did his best, just like all the rest
But it’s hard- even if you are a king
God knows it wasn’t supposed to happen
But you never really know what God will do
He’s been known to do some pretty crazy things
Just to prove His love for us is true
And it rains on the sinner and the good man
And sometimes, the rain turns into hail
We all take cover until the storm is over
Even then, the pain is sharp as nails;
I guess God knows a thing or two ‘bout nails.
People come and people go
This is nothing new, I know
And knowing doesn’t take the sting away
If God were here right now – which I think He is somehow
I have a feeling He might simply say
Yes. It rains on the sinner and the good man.
Why that is might be hard for you to tell
I know life ain’t easy, but that is why I’m here:
So you never really have to say farewell.
God knows it wasn’t supposed to happen
But God knows. God knows.
Lucille Downs
June 9, 2005
Dearest Beth, Chandler, Elle and Bailey,
Our beloved Brian was one of the most loving, caring, sensitive people I know. As brilliant as he was, he could always talk with anyone on any level. He seemed to know just the right thing to say at the right time. It was obvious the Lord was his 'pilot' in all areas of his life. He was devoted to family and friends. When Frank died, I was so glad he could be one of the pallbearers because he meant so much to Frank. The words he spoke at the Frank's memorial service touched and comforted me as did his comforting words to me privately. Beth you are just as special to me. I loved having you guys stop by to see us on your way to visit Lon and Evelyn. I cherish those memories. I was impressed, though not surprised, at what I learned about Brian at the memorial service which I did not know. He was very special to his family, church, country, but more importantly, to doing God's work through his actions, words, and deeds. Life's unexpected circumstances only makes us stronger when we let go and let God. He and only He, will see us through the valleys of despair, loneiness, and confusion. He is the light that we will go to and in time smile again. We will remember Brian always. God bless comfort, and guide you through the coming days. And Brian - I will miss you dearly. Thanks for the memories. Love, Aunt Lucille
jack conrad
June 8, 2005
I am reading Duty, Honor, Country after God and Family. You are the real thing...a soldier I have always admired.I will watch over those you have left behind. We poor boys always pay the dues for our country--willingly. I love you. Your uncle through -Beth.
JWConrad
Dixie and Steve Coffin
June 8, 2005
Dear Beth,
I love you. Brian was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. We will miss him. We know he is in a better place and we will see him again someday. He is one more of the many fallen heroes of our day. Beth, Chandler, Elle, and Bailey you are in our prayers and we are here no matter what your need.
Marilu Gordon
June 7, 2005
Brian's priorities were always right : God, Family, Country. He never turned down an opportunity to have a good time, travel, or spend time w/ family or friends. You never heard "Later", "When we have more money", "Not now, I'm busy". He lived his life to the fullest - giving his all for God, family and country. He always had words of wisdom when we needed them and knew when to share without having to be asked. I know Brian is in heaven now with his mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law - most likely trying to sing with the angels :) . His children will grow into adults just like him because of the foundation he built. Thank God Brian touched so many lives and thank you Beth for sharing him with us. We will miss him each and every day. Our prayers are with you all.
Blake Anderson
June 5, 2005
Beth & family,
We heard today about Brian. I am so sorry and we will be praying for you and the children. Brian was so easy to become friends with and I enjoyed his company from the beginning of our short friendship. I remember having you, Brian and the children to our house for a Saturday breakfast and how much we enjoyed the time. That was the day you told us Brian had decided to return to the military. His (and your) willingness to serve our country was much appreciated at the time as I think of the sacrifices that involves. This was reinforced profoundly today as we learned of his ultimate act of service to us, our country and God. We are saddened deeply, yet we do know he was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our love to you from our family and those of us at Fellowship Bible Church, Winchester.
Blake & Carol Anderson
Susan Johnson
June 4, 2005
Thank you brave soldier for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am deeply grateful and profoundly humbled by your courageous service to our great nation and others in need. May God bless your family and bring them peace and comfort.
Shannon Downs Jones
June 3, 2005
Brian,
Memorial Day 2005 is a day I will never forget. Many thoughts crossed my mind when I heard the tragic news. I thought about Beth & the children. I thought about Uncle Lon & Frank. My heart ached for them. I thought of the wonderful reunion you will have with our Lord and your mother. Then I thought of the times when we were kids at Grandmother's house playing frisbee in the back yard. I even remember being very young & going with Ben to your house for a summer visit. The last time I saw you was when Uncle Frank passed. It was a difficult time for me. You saw my heart. You sat by me and put your arm around me and said, "It's tough doing this by yourself, isn't it?" I said, "Yes". Then you hugged me. That was one of the many gifts God gave you. You could see people and you truly cared. That memory will live with me forever. Dad was right. When one Downs is hurting, we all hurt. I thank you for standing by your Family and I thank you for standing by our Country. You are the Finest Christian Soldier I have ever known. I am proud to be your cousin.
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