I know that there are no words to comfort you.  We have chatted once or twice in the chat room.  It was obvious to me (and I am sure to your son) how much you love him.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Pat

I have made a donation in Rick's memory to Any Soldier.

Your AS family is here for you Bob.  Our prayers are with you

So sorry to hear of the tragic loss of this fine son and soldier.  Sending hearfelt prayers to his grieving family and fellow soldiers.

At the risk of not being welcome here on AS anymore, I at least would like to appologize for my inadvertent mistake.  I was so shocked by the news, that I just didn't see that no one was mentioning any names until I went back & re-read the early posts.  As soon as it was brought to my attention, I edited my post.  Perhaps too little too late, but I truly want to assure everyone, but most especially the family, that no malice was ever intended.  I love these young men as if they were my own, as well as the wonderful family members that I have had the privilege of meeting here.  I have nothing but the utmost respect for all involved.

 I dont' know what more I can say other than I am truly sorry.

cwmom98 Hello

I on my behalf I accept your apology if you think someone should.

You are only caring for our troops, I can't speak for anyone else, but I know where your heart is.

Your heart shows in your posts. We need you so please don't leave.

You are not the first one to go back and edit a post.

As far as I am concerned because you did not use a last name that would show up on a search engine. You are okay. Actually you are great in my book for caring for our soldiers. Don't you ever give up.

May peace be with you always, door

Oh, it was clear that you were just speaking from your heart because of sorrow and shock.  I cannot imagine anyone not understanding your good intentions. Of course, you are most fervently welcome here and an inspiration.

 cwmom, no apology needed on my part----your heart in it was clear, even if some may have had problems with what you've said. I think we all learned an important lesson, and I'm sorry you learned in a hard way. (((((hugs)))))

 ? is this the right place to put this? (If not, Marty could you move it for me please?)

I read it with heartache but also so much pride and respect for these folks I wanted to share it.  There is also a multimedia (including sound) part to the article.

Not all of us have direct family/military links or use the AS chat so we rely on mainstream media and all the wonderful people who share this stressful part of their lives here on the forums.  I was worried also about the earthquakes so thank you to the member who posted that update.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/world/asia/20ambush.html?emc=eta1

If my posting this is not appropriate, please do let me know,

Thank you.

Blessings,  Donna

Cwmom, I sure wasn't offended by what you had posted, either. Our hearts were all breaking as we heard the news.

Some of the Families back here do read the AS forums, though, and didn't know what had gone on yet. That's the only reason I could see for keeping messages as private emails vs. posting.

This is a GOOD place for support, on this forum. And this is a really difficult time. Long deployment. Such a short time to go, but still feels like every day is dragging on forever.

 Donna

Thank you for posting that link.

 I  only pop in and out of this thread .. I appreciate the info so I can grasp a better understanding of conditions and also get a reminder of the need to send a smile and a hug to ALL the troops.......

What an incredibly descriptive, well written article.  

Many tears flowing,

Amy

Donna Hello!

Thank you for the link to the news story of the ambush in Korengal Valley, and the loss of Rick DeWater, from the New York Times Article.

It helps us who mourn his loss to understand the terrain and conditions. I did not have the pleasure to know Rick nor many of the soldiers who have risked their lives but I have seen first hand the loss in the eyes of those who loved them.

The loss that shines out through sad eyes of disbelief. Eyes that can tell a story without a word. May there be mercy for those eyes.

door 

First, to Bob...My son's brother is my brother. My son was in the battle and was among those that went back to search for Rick. He told me yesterday,,,,,,

"he did everything right... a good soldier who didn't get a little luck when he needed it."

  No words can express my sorrow, but if prayers bring you comfort, Rick and your family will stay in mine.

Next, the men of Viper Co. know how short they are and still go into harms way everyday knowing that tthey may not come back. Not one of them shirks their duty or complains out loud about the job. Their morale is high and they know they are being effective holding the line. Blue Spaders.

I would like to thank all the member's of AS for the amazing support they have showered on my son's unit. There has never been a group of American Soldiers more deserving of the time, effort and expense that many of you.have given. I know many of you cotributed so much and probably didn't always get a thank you or even a response, so as a father I would like to say thank you for all those guys that thought it but couldn't let you know directly. This terrific group of people at AS made a difference, and so shared in Viper Co. success. 

Alan

In Memory of  Private Dewater

orchestra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziThYl6B2vw

cello:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I2cDm1SHTE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbTozgoj9OQ&feature=related

violin:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_4515PnZmc

his favorite song....

Hi Anne,

It is hard to learn all the rules and remember them all at the same time.  You did not write your post out of malice, just concern for our friend and AS family member, Bob. Your post was a shock to read and I couldn't figure out where you had heard about it.  It is hard to put into words how we all feel about the loss of Rick.  Bob has become such a big part of AS, that anyone who is on here or in the chat rooms, knows him.  I even got to say hi to Rick when he was in the chat room.

I just pray that I never have to go through what Bob is going through right now. I pray for the strength for him to get through this. I know that he has been in contact with a few in the chat room, so that is a good thing.

We all just have to keep praying for Bob and all of Rick's buddies as well as all of our troops in harm's way.

Vicki

Shelly