I am devastated...

[AA7Dragoon]

I came home today to find out my dear friend from high school was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber over the weekend...  I am at a terrible loss.  We debated together, we did student government together, and both of us spoke at graduation.  He came to my parties.  The last time I saw him was at his graduation party from West Point.  I never could have imagined hugging him good-bye was the last time I'd ever see him.

[Lavarinth]

Two of my coworkers were part of that war... And both lost members of their squad while patrolling, as well.. I can say that hearing those stories has greatly alterened my thoughts on friends and family being placed out there just to "watch" the area, when it feels as if they are simply targets. Apologies, though, AA7, as I don't know what it feels directly, but I do know the feeling of loosing a friend.

[DrumsofWar]

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear that.  Last I had heard, things were quieting down a great deal in terms of attacks on our soldiers as well as on Iraqis but there's always holdouts who want to hurt the fragile peace.

My best friend is out there right now as a Marine and might be deployed to Afghanistan next so it's always a worry.  It's a sad reminder that the war's over but not the hostilities.

[WB]

family member of mine was killed earlier in the war (A cousin). Civilian on a bus during a roadside bomb.

My parents said there was a saying that saddam's reign left no family untouched, everyone lost someone. The war is no better.

[Magic]

I'm really sorry to hear of this, AA7. You have my condolences.

People dying is hard, it's even worse if it's in some atrocious situation. I can't imagine it.

One thought I've had about it is that loved people who die still live on in us. Everyone affects who you are, in minor and major ways - mannerisms, ideals, feelings, your perspective, your direction ... it's very noble for us to be grateful for the impressions that they leave behind, it makes you appreciate them more and also yourself more than ever.

[mAc Chaos]

I'm sorry for your loss, AA7.  If it makes you feel better, he died doing something that he could be proud of.

[Frozty]

My cousin is being deployed to Afghanistan.  I don't know what to think, or how to handle the situation.  All I know is that I trust that he will return.  If he doesn't then at least he has done something with his life.

[AA7Dragoon]

Thank you everyone for your kind words of support.

The official cause of death has been confirmed by the military.  Rather than a suicide bombing, it was a deliberate attack where a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) struck the Humvee he was riding in.

[DrumsofWar]

I thought those things bad been specifically armored against RPGs.

[Lavarinth]

Even if that were the case, there's still a large impact.

[Legion]

I came home today to find out my dear friend from high school was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber over the weekend...  I am at a terrible loss.  We debated together, we did student government together, and both of us spoke at graduation.  He came to my parties.  The last time I saw him was at his graduation party from West Point.  I never could have imagined hugging him good-bye was the last time I'd ever see him.

Shit, double-A man! This is the fucking reality that people keep waking up to.

My condolences, AA7. I've never lost someone that close to me, so I'm not gonna tell you how you must be feeling, but good luck dealing with this, man.

[chris]

*sigh* Shit just keeps getting worse and worse. After watching he movie that must not be named I've pretty much given up hope. It will be at least another 2000 years before these senseless deaths will end.

[tipereth]

There's no need for that crap in this kind of thread.


AA7, that sucks, man. Sorry for your loss.

[chris]

I was just saying....
I really feel sorry for AA7 and his friend. I feel sorry for everyone who has had to die like this.
shouldn't have mentioned the name even, gonna censor it out. (please censor it out of your quote as well).