An Army Sapper Dies

Hello,
I am writting because I have recieved horrible news today and I am looking for a way to vent and get it off my chest. I hope you dont mind. I am an the Army Vet, injured in Baghdad 8 months ago in which I lost my right leg just below the knee. I was injured but I am alive, and because of my therepy, prothsetic, and modern science I am almost back to new. Thats not the problem, my pain lies in the fact that I just recieved news that a young soldier, only 19 years old, brand new to the Army was shot two days ago. The 7.62 round went through his eye and destroyed his brain. He is alive, but because of machines. I watch the news and am hurt every time I hear of a death, because I know what it feels like to lay on the ground bleeding to death wishing for life. But it kills me to put a face to it, a young soldier I knew well, and trained with. It is a sad day for me. We have paid dearly for our freedom. Sappers Lead The Way take care PFC Garcia you were a hell of a sapper.

Sapper0001
Staff Sergeant Gross
US, Army

Sgt. Gross - you have my prayers and condolences. My prayers also to Garcia and his loved ones. Thank you for your service to our country and for your sacrifice.

Basil has it just right.

I am horrified that he had to suffer that tragedy. I can only hope that we can withdraw our men from Iraq in a way that accomplishes the mission but gets them home as soon as possible.

Ditto Basil.......:smiley28:

:smiley28:

I have a good friend that just got over there a couple of weeks back for his first deployment with the Navy Special Forces. Reading posts like this scares the crap out of me. My prayers are with you and your friend.

:smiley28:

SSgt Gross, as a Marine veteran, although non combat, I offer my prayers to you and to that young man who was so greviously wounded. I pray that one day the American public understand what sacrifices that our servicemen and veterans made so that they can stay free! I am reminded of a sign at Parris Island Recruit Intake that says"Those who are free cannot understand that freedom as much as those who fought for that right." The quote might not be exact, but the sentiment is expressed. SSgt please let us know what you might need, and I am sure that those needs will be fulfilled. Paul, LCpl USMC

I have never served, but have been around the military one way or another my entire life. And I have been blessed never to have to watch the honor guard escort anyone I've ever known, but I always made it a point to stand by my ex the Funeral Route (forgive my ignorance, I never learned the proper term for the route from the military airport to the funeral home) to pay my respects to soldiers that gave their lives in war & piece. I would still do so if I was able to, even taking time off work or posponing anything scheduled to salute these service members that servered our country with honor. I'm sorry for your loss, and our loss as Americans. It has becomes an unfortunate common occurance to hear that someone has lost their life serving America that people don't take time to stop and think about that person or his family. I hope more people can put aside their political views and support our soldiers.

Sorry for the long post, I just want to say thank you. And I hope you nothing but the best for you and your family Sapper. You and your fellow soldiers will always be heros...

All right enough being mushy.. Have a cigar. :smiley37:

:smiley28: :smiley28: :smiley28:

I am glad to see many American's are truly recognizing the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Having grown up in the Vietnam era, and seeing our servicemen spit on, taunted and ridculed, it brings me great joy when I see tributes to our vets from total strangers.

The other day I drove by a local church. The parking lot was full of flags. A group of motorcycle riders were at one end of the parking lot, all decked out in a humbling display of respect for the seviceman's funeral. Tons of people had shown up for our local hero.

I know it won't make their child/brother/friend come back, but it will leave a lasting impression on the family about how much the community cared about their loved one and his sacrifice for our freedom.

I'm truly sorry your friend was in the line of fire. It would be wonderful to believe we would never have to defend our freedom. But there are those in the world who are bent on destroying our way of life. I am forever grateful for those who would place themselves between them and my family.

My thought and prayers are with you and your friend, Sapper.

Sapper0001,

That's what this board is all about. We share a lot of things on this board, not just our love of cigars. That's one reason we protect it so strongly against people who try to come in here and make a mockery of it. You've found a great place here at cigarsmokers. The U.S Servicemen and women are in our prayers everyday. I can't begin to imagine the pain and memories that seeing PFC Garcia in that condition brings to you. We're all here if you ever need to get something off of your chest. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your continued recovery. Even after you recover physicaly, there's a lifetime of emotional and psychological damage to deal with. Let me or anyone else on this board know if you need anything.

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/...s/hg-(100).gif

I would like to thank everyone here for your kind words. As a soldier in my line of work we have a tendency to turn off our emotions(something my wife says I do alot since lossing my leg in Baghdad), but as a combat leader I am saddend when I see a young soldier I know fall. We all knew the price, and gladly pay for it......I am just glad to see that there are good Americans that appriciate the price we pay. Thank You again.

Sapper0001
US, Army(Retired)

I am deeply sorry for your close loss. :smiley28:

Each time we send troops home it gets harder and harder. I have not personally known anyone going out yet, but dread the day I do; it is hard enough not knowing them.

You can always find full support here on this site, count on that.