Sgt. William J. Beardsley

Today I ran the Red Dirt Run of Honor wearing special dog tags with Sgt William Beardsley on them. He was randomly assigned to me as a late entrant in the 5K division at the Veterans Wall and Museum at Enid's Woodring Memorial Airport. His name was on a roadside cross which I paused the run to photograph. I felt a deep connection with Sgt. Beardsley as I, too, was a 25 year old E-5 father, and experienced an explosion from IED in Vietnam. I know how blessed I was to escape unharmed, but...

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 holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of William J. Beardsley US Army Sergeant.

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...

God bless you cousin. Besides being a cousin I am also an Army veteran. I was in and out before the Iraqi and Afghanistan missions so I never experienced the military life in that role, but I can relate to the non-combat life of a soldier.

You joined a very long line of Beardsley heroes who have given their lives for our country, from the Revolutionary War up to the present. That is some pretty proud company. I am a family genealogist so I know how much our family has given.

I'm...

For the 3rd year now we remembered and honored William at our wear blue event in Blaine, MN. You are in our hearts today.

You're still in my thoughts Brother. "Never Forget"

I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MY SON, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY
LOVE MOM

It's been 9 years now and I still remember him as if I saw his yesterday. He made a lasting impression and I will never forget him.