God Speed Rick Dewater......i will not forget you.

I've sent private messages to those concerned, I just wanted to say...the bravery and selflessness of our troops serving in the Valley never ceases to amaze me. I originally started supporting this specific area in Afghanistan in memory of USN SEAL Lt Michael P. Murphy. A tiny way to do something positive out of a heartbreaking situation. We all hate feeling helpless when love ones suffer a loss, because ultimately they will have to bear the burden alone. I have found the best way to offer a small drop of comfort to a parent is to remember their children, remember the sacrifices they made for our freedom, and never let ANYONE say it was a waste. To honor and keep their memory alive is the least we, as citizens of this blessed Country, can do. I have not forgotten the Sky Angels of the 173rd Airborne, and I will NEVER forget the members of Viper Co. that have made the ultimate sacrifice for my family's freedom. They thank me over and over again for the support, but is I who THANK THEM from the bottom of my heart. My life is better for knowing them. Steve-I know you are reading this.

It was hard to read the NY Times article today. I cried for those who will have to live with the memories. I know they would want us to be strong though, they still need our support. I'm mailing more cards to the KOP tomorrow, if they don't arrive before the mail is cut off, so be it.

Bob, I truly have no words for your loss. Rick would want you to be strong. Make him proud.

All my best,

Joanne

Nothing but teardrops...to my husband..babe your house is waiting for you to walk in

RIP Dewater - we will never forget

It was very hard to read the article about B Company as we had heard first hand from our grandson how hard it is to lose one of your buds to the insurgents, and it refreshes the stories.  Our family's sincere sympathy to the family and the rest of the company.  We are hoping with all our strength that this will be the last loss for you for this tour.

I just came across a very touching interview that Bob did with a televised news report.  If you would like to see it, here's the link.

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/43251532.html

OMG...  I have been out of touch recenty and just heard the news about Rick today.  I simply just can't believe it.  I sort of think the closer we get to a soldier the farther we get from the reality of their circumstance, or at least me if not others... maybe it's self-protection.  Bob put Rick in our hearts, and how our hearts are broken.  I will never forget that brave young man.  Ever.

REST IN PEACE RICK!!  We love you Bob!!!

Bob, all of my love and prayers for you and yours...  still reeling over the loss of your beloved Rick...

I think you're exactly right, Kristen, about getting farther from reality of their circumstances.  When it's someone we don't feel a direct connection to, we are still sad for the loss & think of the families.  But when it's someone that we feel connected to, it's a severe & shocking blow.  I've been struggling with my own grief over the loss of Rick because I almost don't feel entitled to it.  He wasn't MY son.  Yet, he felt like he was.  Just as Josh, & Steve, & Robert, & Andrew, & so many of the others do.  I push my own grief to the side & try to concentrate on Bob, & his family & Rick's wife...whatever I may be feeling probably doesn't even come close to what they are going through.  But, as the days continue on, & the shock of it all begins to wear off, I am starting to recognize that I AM entitled to my own grief.  As we all are.  We put a lot of ourselves into doing for our guys...we shop carefully, we search for things that will occupy their time so that they maybe can forget where they are or what they've seen for a bit.  We spend countless hours packing boxes carefully, seeking out people that will contribute to the cause.  I, for one, am not above begging or shaming anyone if it gets me the help I need to support them.  So I am giving myself permission to grieve for the loss of one of my boys, even though we never laid eyes on each other.  I know I made a difference for him over there.  I know all of you made a difference.  So if any of you have been having the same struggles as I have, it's ok to grieve.  It's ok to feel sad.  It's ok to cry.  They all are touching our hearts.

I know one thing for sure...this just makes our efforts all that much more important to continue on.  This group of men will be home in a few weeks, but then there's going to be a whole new batch of young men in their place, equally as in need of our love & support.  I can do no less for them than I have for Rick & his brothers.  So until there are no longer Americans embedded in that awful valley, I will continue MY mission just as they continue theirs.  It's the least I can do.

I read your post right after I burst into tears listening to Trace Adkins song "Arlington".  I was doing something else and not really paying attention to what was on the stereo till the tears started running......then I was thinking "what the *beep* is WRONG with me!?!".    Thanks for helping me give myself permission to feel this way.

Time Magazine April 20, 2009 has an article on Afghanistan that features the Korengal Valley if you go to www.time.com/korengal you can view 19 pictures of our soldiers in action in the Korengal Valley.

Rayeray,

Are you Rick's wife?  My heart goes out to you.  No one this young should have to endure the loss of a husband, especially in this way.  We thank you for all your sacrifices as well as Rick's.  May God keep you close to his heart through these dark times.

Vicki

No I'm am not Rick's wife - however my husband is there and I come to this site often. My husband is very upset as they all are

Rayeray,

Please tell your husband that we are all thinking of him and his buddies.  We are all in disbelief!  Bob is a special member of the forums and we are grieving with him.

Please tell your husband that they are all in our prayers and we want all of them to come home safe and sound.  God Bless you for your sacrifices as well as your husband's.

Vicki

thank you everyone for all you do for these guys - I know it fills their hearts with joy everytime they get mail. 

Hello to everyone...again!

I know it's been awhile since I have posted on AnySoldier, but I still see every post everyday through my email.  I have waited to post because being a mom of a soldier in the Korengal Valley I can only imagine what Bob is going through, and to be truthful, I really don't want to even imagine it.  As a parent, this is the most devistating thing imaginable. 

Bob, my love and prayers are with you and your family.  I want you to never forget that you also have a Army family, and we are here whenever you need us.  We love and care for you as a brother. 

I have cried many tears for you, and my son SPC. Shawn Garlow, who is still in harms way right this very minute.  I know my tears are not a comfort to you right now...I am sure not much of anything right now is a comfort, but try and get yourself up everyday, and face the world bravely.  Tell stories about your son to anyone who will listen...about his sacrifice and his courage.  He is forever a hero, and forever your little boy. 

To all the families of soldiers I send my thanks and prayers.  Thank you to all who support our boys over in Afghanistan.

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you,

Tamra