Keith Yoakum

It's been over 13 years since we rendered our final honors to you. And yet, I don't think a single day has passed, since then, that your name hasn't been on one of our minds or spoken by one of us, out loud. I still remember the first conversation that you and I struck up, when we first got to Kuwait, standing at an outdoor chow area sharing a table, with a couple of other Soldiers. And how we found out that you and I had actually been in the Cobra course, at the same time, years before. From...

Thinking of you and the impact of your life, what an amazing person you were that still leaves a legacy to be the best you can and to fight for what you believe in. I know that your loss may have been years ago but still felt by many!

Big Chief
Another year once again as you know the world had a Sikorsky go down last week which has made this week suck even harder... not just missing you and Jason but also Auggie and Chief Penrod, and our brothers over on the dark side of the big airfield... As you saw finally bought a vette sure you were laughing the day I got it.... Yeah Yeah I know should have done it 25 years ago....Hoping I see Nate at one of the vette meets. Just wanted your girls to know your not only...

Keith was one of the best pilots I ever knew and I truly miss my friend. I was in Iraq the day we all got the news that a true Warrior had lost his life saving others. It was hard for me to get over losing a friend like Keith, for me the anger slowly disappeared three years ago. I know he waits for me in Fiddler's Green where all Cav Troopers stop to drink the cool water while sitting in the tall green grass.

Keith was one of our pilots in Korea. As an enlisted aircrew flying in the backseat, you were an equal part of the crew flying with him. I went to Iraq to fly missions there one year after that fateful day and I feel guilty every day that Im still here and two good men with families are not. It really hurts me still to this day. I just want you to know that I have not, and will never forget about you.

Sir,
As we come upon another year passing since that fateful day, know that we all still remember what you meant to all of us. You know what lies ahead for me and I know you will be watching over me.
The car has been temperamental at times and I believe that was you trying to teach me patients and humility. Know that we will continue to get it out there for you and hopefully get it up to Ft. Hood. God bless you and your family. Air Assault!

Even though it's been nearly 13 years, since we were in Iraq, I don't think a single day goes by that I don't think of Keith. Even though he was a Chief Warrant Officer and I enlisted, it made little difference to him. He never saw everyone as people and only saw rank, when there was a mission to complete. I was honestly surprised, the first time that we met, because he began asking me questions about myself, my background and my service. And he seemed genuinely interested. It turned out...