Memorial Day

Growing up I loved both Memorial Day and Labor Day, for the same reason...it meant a three day weekend. I knew Memorial Day was a day meant to honor those who had sacrificed their lives for our freedom, but those people were just nameless faces that I really couldn't relate to. That all changed in the past three years. I now have way too many faces that aren't nameless and that leave my hear aching and heavy on Memorial Day. I'm gonna share these wonderful friends of mine with you this week of Memorial Day...

SGT Lester D. Baroncini
Born January 19, 1973
KIA October 16, 2006
Operation Iraq Freedom
He was our other cowboy. His family has a ranch in Southern CA. He only got to ride in the saddle Brad made for him two times. Ride on forever my dear friend....


1 LT Michael Cerrone
Born September 2, 1982
KIA November 12, 2006
Operation Iraq Freedom
Mikey, as he was affectionately called among us wives, was an amazing LT. He knew all his soldier's wives and kids names. I ran into him two days before the guys deployed...he promised me he would bring Brad home to me. You kept your promise Mikey. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, miss you!


Cpl. Michael J. Jaurigue
Born August 11, 1986
KIA May 26, 2007
Operation Iraq Freedom
Jaurigue, the quiet steady one. One of the first soldiers was in charge of training. Brad was proud of him. He never said much to me, but that one Thanksgiving I'll never forget his quiet smile of thanks for having him over and feeding him "too well".


Jonathon M. Cote
Born February 11, 1983
Died April 23, 2008
Operation Iraq Freedom
Cote I never did get to know very well personally, but I heard plenty of stories from Brad. He was in the company when Brad arrived, and helped Brad navigate the new world of an 82nd Airborne soldier. Cote left the Army before the 2006 deployment, but was in Iraq at the same time as Brad as contract security for military convoys. He was captured and killed by the insurgents.


Spc. Gregory Millard
Born April 29, 1985
KIA May 26, 2007
Operation Iraq Freedom
Millard...the class clown. He knew how to make everyone laugh even when they didn't want to. Yet behind that goofy grin was a hard core steady soldier. If given the choice again I know he would choose lay down his life for any of the guys.


SPC Harry Winkler
Born March 12, 1974
KIA November 12, 2006
Operation Iraq Freedom
Winky, the seasoned veteran. This guy had more crazy combat stories then anyone else. He'd served with the 101st before getting out and then coming back in and serving along side Brad. He knew what he was going into and was ready to serve and willing to give his all. I wish he didn't end up giving his all, cause I never got to know him in person. I'll always regret that. Winky left behind a wonderful wife and the cutest little man, as you can see below.


And finally...

SGT Clayton Dunn
Born November 2, 1984
KIA May 26, 2007
Operation Iraq Freedom
Clay (well I actually knew him as Dunn mainly)became Brad's best friend during the deployment. I only spent one afternoon with him before they left, wish we could have had more. From that one afternoon I could tell he was a man of amazing integrity who had an undying love for his beautiful wife, Haidy. He also had this little sparkle in his eye that let you know he had a great sense of humor as well. We lost a friend and a brother when God called him home. Clay left behind not only his wife, but his 6 week old daughter (pictured below a little bit older)whom he did get to meet briefly when home on R&R. Tragically he was killed on his first mission back after returning. You are missed daily Clay, can't wait to see you again in Heaven!


There were others we lost, but I didn't know them personaly. These are the faces I see every Memorial day, and many days in between. I now understand all too well that freedom is not free. These brave men (many younger then I am) gave their lives so that I could live in this beautiful country. I will forever be grateful and forever remember each and everyone...