Kelly B. Grothe Obituary

Hello,

We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Kelly B. Grothe US Army Specialist.

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, 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

I sit here again in front of this dedication page never truly finding the words to put down that express my sadness and emptiness over the loss of such a bright young light. Your easy going way, your humor, your smile, and your larger than life heart. You made everyone around you a better person for knowing you. Tomorrow sucks. You are always in my thoughts.

I dreamt of you today...totally random but you made an impact on my best friend's and my life. I only knew you for about 2 years but remember all the fun chats we would have. You were an amazing man and you are a hero. You are missed.

Kelly you have been on my mind a lot this week. You are missed by so many! Thank you again for your selflessness, dedication and sacrifice! Love ya brother!

Forever our hero. Always in our hearts.

Forever our hero. Always in our hearts.

It's been just over 7 years since I heard your voice - I miss you more today than ever before. Time does not heal all wounds. Each day I wake up and think of you, your smile, your love for life and the people around you. I was told that the hurt inside doesn't get any better and I believe that to be true. Time is short and also borrowed. I treasure the 21 years you called me mom as if it were a mountain of gold. No one and nothing will ever fill the void inside as my heart aches. I look forward to the day that we will be together again...just to see your smile. I love you Kelly and you will always be my little boy.

Remembering Kelly for the 6th anniversary of his passing.

I came across the following about you; my dear son. You will always be loved and remembered....

• 10 MAY 2007
• Hero Flight
•It's 0130, the moonlight low, the heat still turned on high, over 100 Soldiers are huddled in small groups outside the morgue, talking in hushed tones, waiting.

We are waiting for the "Hero Flight;" this is the flight that will begin the final journey home for two task force warriors fallen in battle. They had been killed a little more than 24 hours previously and we just received word the families have been notified. The flight has already been postponed twice, but we know it must happen before sunrise.

I approach their Company Commander, a good friend of mind, even having been in his postion before I don't know what to say.

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

And we stand there and wait.

The First Sergeant comes out of the morgue.

"Everyone line up! Pallbearers, get in there."

The 12 men that have volunteered for the duty walk with purpose to the building. Their faces represent a mixture of grief, exhaustion, and fatigue. And loss.

The rest of us have formed to lines or columns, lining the path from the morgue to the ambulance that will carry these Soldiers to their flight home.

There are so many of us there is almost no room to move, somehow though we all squeeze in.

The door to the morgue opens, the light of the room providing back-lighting for the men in the doorframe. The contrast appropriate for this occasion.

"Present Arms!" The First Sergeant's command echoes in the darkness.

We all bring our right hands to the brims of our caps and sun hats. A Bagpipe plays deep in the background.

The first group moves down the cordon. Six men carrying the fallen Solider, his body carefully prepared for transport and placed on a litter. The honor guard carrying him steps carefully and slowly.

After a few seconds the second one moves down the cordon. They are careful in the same manner, ensuring their brother is well cared for.

Both men have made the 50 meter journey from morgue to ambulance. The Company Commander and the Task Force Commander have moved up right behind the vehilce.

"Order arms."

We drop our salutes.

"Center face."

We turn left or right depending on which side of the cordon we were on.

"Forward, march."

In two columns, we follow the ambulance to the helidpad. Another 100 meter trip.

The helipad is surrounded by berms with small gaps. The Commanders and the pallbearers move with the ambulance into the landing area to prepare to load these Soldiers, the rest of us form up behind the berms to shelter us from flying dust and rock.

Then we wait some more.

It is silent and I strain to hear anything. Then off in the distance I hear the familiar beat of the helicopters.

I look to my left and up and see the two Marine helos on final approach, their gray forms emerging from the inky Iraqi sky.

As they settle onto the helipad the dust begins to fly and it gets into everything, most noticably though the tongue and in the nose.

The bird on the ground the crew chief lowers the back ramp.

"Present Arms."

Once again, on the First Sergeant's command we render honors as the Soldiers move from the ambulance to the helo.

"Order Arms."

They are securely on board and ready to leave Ramadi on one last mission.

The birds throttle up, the massive engines preparing to defy gravity and take these men home. The dust begins to fly again and the blade revolutions increase in both speed and volume. And then they are airborne.

I look to my left and watch them disappear.

The Task Force Chaplain says a prayer and then we disperse. The First Sergeant and I walk back to Badger Main in silence. Lost in our own thoughts and remembering our own warriors lost in combat.

I think about them, the Soldiers, the families, and the members of their company. Two more Soldiers with no more worries. Two more warriors who gave all for their country and their brothers-in-arms. Two more families with an ache in their heart.
• POSTED BY BADGER 6 AT 10:09

You were an awesome man and friend; one willing to do whatever it took. Always thinking of others first. I love you and miss you more today than ever. You'll always be my little boy and for that I will always be proud. I love you!

To the friends and family of CPL Grothe: It has been five years but I still remember the first day you joined B Company for our deployment. You were happy to be serving and I could tell your dedication was infectious. You will always be with us; Never fading from our hearts and memories. Wolfpack!!

Upon visiting my parents gravesite, I find it that each time I visit them, I also visit Kelly. I honor Kelly, weekly when I visit. To me Kelly B. Grothe, is a very true American hero. Always, a friend, God Bless!

happy birthday bud

I can't believe it has been 5 years.. yet not a day goes by that you in some way shape or form cross my mind. I miss you Kelly. Though you know that. I truly believe you are my guardian angel that makes sure I have the strength to survive this crazy thing we call life and you continuously remind me never ever take it for granted. Love you friend.... always.

May 3, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Kelly B. Grothe:
Always remembering Kelly. "Some gave all."

Merry Christmas my dear little one. As I watched the snow gently fall to the ground this morning I thought of you and your gentle, tender heart.

One might ask how a soldier could have a tender heart? I would answer with how could he not?

Christmas has never been the same since God took you home; our house has lost the joy that you took to your heavenly home. One of these days we will be together again and we can spend Christmas together.

I miss you more than I could ever possibly begin to express. I love you with all my heart!

Merry Christmas my dear Kelly.

To the family and friends of Spc. Kelly B. Grothe:
Please accept my remembrance of Kelly on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

My Dearest Kelly - We're coming up on 4 years and the ache in my heart and the empty feeling inside feels the same as the day we received the knock on our door.

I am so thankful for the short 21 years we knew you. You were such a blessing to us and everyone that knew you; for that we will be forever grateful.

When the sun shines I think of your smile, when the rain drops fall I think of your tender heart. As the snow falls during the winter months I think of your adventerous spirit and as the leaves turn color in the fall I think of your restless nature. You are always in my thoughts each and every day. You were so many things bundled up into such a special gift.

I am waiting for that day when we can be together again but until then you will always be in my thoughts. I love you!
Mom

Thought about you today.

The summer is coming to an end and once again I find myself missing you more than ever. Your smile, your laughter, your loving heart are treasures I will have forever. What you were willing to do and the sacrifice you made is far beyond most. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered as an amazing person.

I love you.
Mom

To the family and friends of Spc. Kelly B. Grothe:
Remembering Kelly 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

We're heading into the holidays again with out you. It just isn't the same since you've been gone. I miss you...

Veteran's Day is next week and it is a day to honor men and women like you. I am so proud to have a son like you. Your strength and courage is what keeps me going. You will always be a huge part of me and I will never forget. I love you Kelly.

May 22, 2009
kelly, hey bro...it's been two years since that day. I remember the fear we all had while we were over but when i think about you all i remember is your smile. you are a great guy, wonderful friend and an awesome soldier. thank you for what you have given us. see you on the other side brother...
Sgt W. Smith
718 EN

To the family of Spc. Kelly B. Grothe:
Kelly 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

Spring is quickly approaching and the birds are starting to sing - The trees will begin to display the Master's touch of color and slowly the flowers will blossom. It is the time of year when the whole earth watches as nature's new life begins; just as your new life began on May 3, 2007 when God took you home.

I owe you so much gratitude and thanksgiving for all you have sacrificed. You were willing to give your life so we could be free. I am so very proud of you and all you stood for. When I think of you I think of honor, honesty, courage, integrity, loyal and loving. You grew from a sweet little boy into an awesome young man!

As time goes by without you, the wonderful memories of you become more precious than fine gold. Until the day when we meet again in a place far beyond my comprehension...you're always in my thoughts.

I love you.
Mom

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 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,
Kenna

September 1, 2008
Kelly. I just to take this opportunity to let you, and all the people who see this, know who you were to us. I remember spending Christmas with your family, and mine. The last night I spent with you. Seeing how happy everyone was just to see you home. Im looking at the smile on your face right now as I type this. I just want you to know that you made life better for everyone that you had a chance to meet. I'll never forget the times we spent together, and the jokes we told back and forth. I just want you to know that I think about you each and every day. All your friends here in Spokane do the same. As much as we are upset to have to live life without your smile, we all recognize how lucky we were just to have known you. I count myself as one of the lucky people in this world to have grown up with you Kelly. The words hero, soldier, and patriot come to mind whenever we think of you. But to those of us who know and love you, you are also our best friend. I just want to tell you that you made an impact on our lives. I think I can speak for everyone we know when I say that your personality and willingness to always brighten someones day were paramount in your life. It has been over a year since you were taken from us Kelly, but we will never, ever, forget who you were to all of us who knew and loved you. To Jan, Brian, Aaron and the Grothe family... Our prayers are with you. Each and every day. Kelly is with us every day, and always will be. Kelly.....I love you man. I'll never forget the years of fun, excitement, and your smile.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Grothe!

Spring is slowly slipping past us and summer will soon be here. The trees have bloomed and the leaves are of brilliant color all around. The grass is green and the fields are blooming. Our Creator has given us the gift of nature and it's beauty is all around.

I long for the day that we will see each other once again. I know there is a heaven and one day I'll see you there. It's a place where Jesus holds us through forever and we won't ever have to say goodbye again. Until that day, I will hold loving thoughts of you in my heart; a special place just for you.

You truly are my hero and I love you!
Mom

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


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 Kelly, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
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)


Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

The Other Side
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.

Thank you for your willingness to defend our freedom. I lost my newphew Spc T Caughman and know the pain that your family feels. I now know that price that is being paid each day for our freedom and I am truly greatful for the brave men and women who defend our freedom. May God Bless and be with your family

Hark - now hear the angels sing! What a Christmas you must be having...listening to the choir of angels and being able to spend it with Jesus Christ; the reason for Christmas!

It was a year ago that I was able to see and hold you and now all I have are wonderful memories of the extraordinary young man you became. I will always think of you as my "little boy" with that twinkle in your eyes. Your smile could melt my heart and your loving kindness could change the world. Incredible - just incredible is how I describe you!

I know you are watching over us. You will always have a near and dear place in our hearts and lives.

Have a very Merry Christmas my precious little one.

I love you,
Mom

My Dearest Kelly...we are into fall now, our favorite time of year. The leafs are turning color and the night air is getting cold. Soon snow will cover the ground as if God is placing a blanket over us. As we get closer to the holidays my heart becomes even more heavy knowing you won't be here with us. I know you are at home with your heavenly Father; a place more wonderful than any of us could ever imagine. I know we will see you again and oh, what a day that will be. I miss you beyond words can say and think of you always. I miss your smile, your laughter and the love you shared so freely. I miss the phone calls from Iraq on Saturday and the words "love you too" at the end of the call. You touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. You made us so proud and we are honored to be your mom and dad.

To my loving son and hero, it's good bye for now but not forever. I will see you again some day. I love you.

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)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Grothe and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

To the family of Kelly...I am very sorry for your loss. Though I didn't know your son personally, I have a mother's heart and it breaks at the thought of the pain you are feeling.

You know that you are held in the hands of the Father as he comforts you in your grief.

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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Kelly when we were younger you were more than my cousin....You were my Brother....we saw each other everyday and I just wanted to say thank you for everything. Your sacrafice will never be forgotten...I know I will see you again I love you man!!!

Your mom and I just want to say thank you and we could never be more proud of your dedication and service to our Country. Your sacrifice and the sacrifice of the men and women who went before you will never be forgotten. We will always love you and you will be close in our hearts. We will be together again one day.
Forever in our hearts, Mom and Dad

To the Friends and Family of SPC Kelly Grothe,

I heard the news today of our loss. I am saddened to say the least.

Kelly and I served together in the same unit in Spokane, WA. (659th EN CO). I really didn't get to know him very well, but obviously he made an impression on me to point that I still remember him 3 years later.

I hope that as a leader I trained him to the best of my ability and set the proper example for him.

God Bless all of you during this time of loss.

WO1 Kelly Harper

My heartfelt sympathy to the Grothe family in the loss of Kelly. I did not know Kelly, 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Kelly you are my 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~

To Kelly's Family: I am the Coordinator for the WA Chapter of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Kelly. Our mission is to make a memorial quilt for the family of each of the Fallen from WA state. We have given almost 70 quilts in the two and a half years we have been a group. Our purpose is to comfort the families and let them know that others remember their loved one and appreciate their sacrifice. Please contact me when you are able.

We are saddened at the loss of this fine young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can> You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06

May God bless the family and the friends of Kelly. Always in our prayers.
Thank you Kelly for being such a hero.
(In remeberance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

I haven't seen you since Kindergarten Kelly, but I recognized your name right away. I pray for your family and the strength to move on, but never forget what your death meant to any deserving citizen. I pray for your brother, as mine is in Iraq right now. I hope to see you in heaven Kelly.

So Long My Friend & Brother:
It has not been the same without you here, Your laugh and constant smile is surely missed by your guys. You and coby will be with us forever. You will still get your ice cold beer when we get home. you will always roll with 3rd.
RIP my Friend.

I didnt know Kelly personally but was attached to his unit in support of OIF. That didnt matter because we were all one family and mourn for him everyday. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to his family from mine

SGT Wallace(ret)

For God has not given them the Spirit of Fear!

"There is No Greater Love than This, that a Man Would Lay down His Life for His Friends." John 15:13.

Dear Jan, Aaron and Family,

At a time as this, it is very difficult to find the right words to say, our hearts are so broken over the news of Kelly's death ...

I hope that you can find some peace in knowing that so many people are holding you in thought and prayer ... Kelly was an awesome young man, son, brother, friend and soldier, a True American Hero ... our boys are 'brothers in arms' and we will never forget him, nor your sacrifice ... we are so proud to have known him ... and he will be missed by so many ...

Rest well, Kelly, 'You're in the arms of the angel ... may you find some comfort there' ...

Godspeed,
Al and Frankie Taylor Fisher,
Sam Taylor,
Zach Taylor and
Joey Taylor

Kelly, you were an amazing friend and will never forget the fun times we had in high school. We always had through all of the long Junior High football practices and never gave up. Im proud to have known you and will never forget you.

Eric W.

God Bless Legacy.com for allowing us to honor these heros.

We can't imagine what you have been going through since being notified of the death of your young Warrior. The Military and families all over the USA and world are grieving with you and praying for you. What a very brave individual you have in your family that would give up a life for their homeland and its people so they can remain free. Your Freedom Fighter has served the Country above and beyond the call of duty, let no one ever tell you different. With the mission now completed your Warrior has been redeployed to Heaven to sit on the right hand of the Supreme Commander and Chief. The Father above has Kelly in his arms and will give him peace as well as eventually easing your pain and suffering. God speed to you and Spc. Kelly B. Grothe, our HERO. We are so proud of them that are willing to sacrifice for this great Nation, THANK YOU.

Army Retired

Spc. Kelly B. Grothe
you are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Please accept my Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Spc. Kelly B. Grothe.
The price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.

May Kelly rest safely in God's Care and may God's Loving Grace Bless the Grothe family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage
and He shall strengthen your heart"
~ Psalm 27:14 ~

May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Kelly, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

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

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.