Much love and many, many heartfelt prayers from the 'Burgh -- May God bless you -- our warriors, their families and their friends.  Know that you are all a part of us -- we are all family.

Love,
Marilyn
Pittsburgh, PA

I think it's safe to say that we are all reeling from the sad news today.  For me, this one hits the hardest because I had a connection to **** with all the boxes I sent through him.  And chatting with Bob.  This whole deployment has been hard on him, as it has on all the families.  I've been reading some of his past posts, & gosh, what a brave guy Bob has been for talking to us so candidly.  Someone told him that it takes more courage to speak out than it does to hold it all in.  No truer words were ever written.  And there are the times when he made me laugh, that lifted my heart.  But today my heart aches for him & his family.  I'm having a rough time dealing with my own emotions, & **** wasn't even my child.  I cannot even fathom what Bob & his family are going through right now. 

Several times I've pulled up a blank email screen, wanting to write to Bob, but I'm really struggling to find words.  What on earth could I possibly say to this man who has been my friend all these months, that wouldn't sound cliche or mechanical?  I can't make sense of this insanity my own self, let alone know how to comfort him.  I'm usually blessed with a gift for gab...I don't feel so blessed today.  I did, however, stumble across something that I think bears a repeat appearance.  I don't think Bob would mind.  It's a poem that he wrote for **** last year & this is how it goes...

As I think of you, being far away far, I dont know how or where you are.

I pray for your safety and wish upon stars, because your not here, your far away far.

A wonderful child, a delightful young boy, through all of these years you've brought me such joy.

A man now you are and you've opened some doors, you stood up to answer and defend in our wars.

There [they're] not because money, power or greed, it's the evil thats wakened and doing it's deed.

Until you return, I will look for a star, A hope and a prayer.

Because your far away far

Bob, if you somehow find your way to this post, the only thing I can think of to say to you is simply...I love you.

I hate to say it, but I am not aware of what has happened today.  Could someone please post.  Thank you so much.

Leanna, since there's no official release, we can't... day or so it will be up. You can help still by keeping these brave troops and their families in your thoughts and prayers!

Good heavens...did I screw up?  Geez, I hope not.  If I did, it was not intentional...truly.

I read this in the NY Times today...

 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/world/asia/17afghan.html?_r=1&hpw

inkydigits:

Hi.

I know in some cases they are not allowed to tell us they are in a specific place. I did a search yesterday using the following:

Select Afghanistan for country.... Select Army for branch...and select ...no females...  in the search box I added mountains or elevation.

Somehow, I came up with several names. Hope this helps. Good luck.

FYI - Marines are also there.....one was just awarded the Silver Star....

General OPSEC brochure: http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/sfrc/OPSECTrifold.pdf

Military Family OPSEC (general daily OPSEC, and military related): http://www.arcent.army.mil/includes/family_opsec.pdf

That said, I've had people tell me directly that "I can post whatever I want, whenever and wherever I want..." Fine. But don't you dare put your Soldier's safety, or that of his unit and mission at risk by posting certain information publicly. I absolutely don't want my own Soldier's safety put at risk by someone else's lack of safety and OPSEC concerns.

The enemy DOES use the web to find information. We'd be ignorant to think otherwise. Anything even as specific as Soldiers' names and their locations can be damaging. An article can list a name and location where the report was made, fine. But I've also seen a few websites that list ALL of the Soldiers' names and ranks and where exactly they are stationed (COP/FOB/OP), all on one single web page. Gee, that makes it a little TOO easy to show the enemy what size of a force they're dealing with at a certain location, unit structure and support, etc. Not so smart.

I'm sure the folks here at AnySoldier.com are very aware of good OPSEC guidelines. I'm not talking about this site, but others I've seen.

When it comes to casualties, our policy back here is the names and information are not released publicly until DOD puts out the information. This isn't done until full notification is complete, and then some additional time. I have personally seen how that helps to protect the Family and their privacy in what can be a most horrible time of grieving.

And because of the patient's rights to privacy, we do not discuss injured Soldiers back here (at the unit, with Family briefings). I don't know if there are Army/DOD specific policies on this or not, but just makes darn good commone sense to me. Soldiers themselves, and their Families do choose to discuss information publicly. That's their right, of course.

Yeah, keep praying for those guys, and all of the Families. There is definitely nothing OPSEC about that, and supporting one another through the stress and in time of need.

 Ann - 

   I for one want to thank you for alerting me to what happened to Bob's son.  I too know Bob from Chat, when I have a chance to sign in and talk with folks.  This gave me a heads up to go in and ask about Bob and his son, to find out if it was true.  One of the folks opened a private chat with me and  filled me in.  Later on when Bob came on, I was prepared to privately chat with him.  

  Thank you Marty for the Chat rooms.  It's at times like these, that they are really needed.

  I remember the first time Bob came onto the Forum right after his son deployed.  He was looking for answers and information.  I directed him to the thread that was active about the area his son had left for.  Now I wish I could take away his pain.  

  It's the worse news a parent or other family member can receive.  I pray we all can comfort him through this time.  

Vipers & Bob if you are readin, we're thinking of you. Reach out for anything at any time.

 I wasn't sure to where to post this, Raif S. Zakhem posted  a video on his contact information. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly4hcw0aVgM

I have been speaking to Kaylynn for the last couple of weeks after a long dry spell.  She is well and good.  Life just got in the way and sidetracked her. She didn't have internet access for several different times and got way behind on all her emails and on anysoldier.

She is doing a fundraiser tomorrow for anysoldier.  Unfortunately I can't be there because of a previous committment.

So, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that she is okay. 

I had the opportunity to ask and Viper co. was not effected by the earthquakes in Afghanistan this weekend. Anyone hear about the Cav?

 With love and prayer for the family of this hero....... 

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Bob, My heart is heavy and tears spring to my eyes to read about your boy Rick. I have no words to comfort you but know that I 'm thinking of you and your family. Diane