Freedom is not free.

[Julie Coffey]

Four words I believe in so strongly, and yet during this current conflict personal sacrifice had not been driven home at our college until last week when we lost one of our own.

PFC. Bryan Thomas was a handsome young man, bright, funny, artistic and driven. And yet with everything going for him and a life of possibilities ahead, he took a step back from college to enlist in the Army something he believed in a little over a year ago. He was killed last Thurs. in a roadside bombing.

Bryan enlisted just as I was starting school last year, so I never had the chance to meet him personally. But he was mentioned often by friends who were members of the Art Dept. and Schools Art League over the last year.

I just felt this incredible young man who did what he thought was right deserves to have his name spoken, by people who respect what he gave.

http://www.legacy.com/BattleCreek/Ob...onId=117168848

Julie

[dkaschner]

Amen to that and a salute to his bravery.

[Karl B. Andersen]

Thank you so much, Julie.
I am forever humbled by those who die for me.

[TexasJack]

Our prayers go out to his family, and to all who defend our freedom.

[Wade Holloway]

I second what TexasJack said.

[Dana Hackney]

As Karl stated, it is humbling when you see men and women like this young man
sacrifice all to keep us safe. It makes me realize just how petty own problems
are.

Blessings and prayers for this family!

Dana

[chiger]

Julie,

There is a story I wish I could relay, but I'm not sure about clearances. I will say that my brother-in-law flies helicopters. Yesterday, 9/11/08 he was informed that his best friend and fellow pilot was killed in action in the place this all started. He leaves a wife and four children.

My brother-in-law is due to deploy to the same area before the end of the year. He was looking forward to seeing his buddy again and talking about their shared passion for making and collecting historical figurines.

Like PFC Thomas, this young man and my brother-in-law enlisted because they were called to protect and serve us and the country they love.

They are the most magnificent souls among us and their legacy is our freedom. Their capacity for self sacrifice is why I sleep soundly at night.

chiger,

[Julie Coffey]

Most of you don't know me "that" well. I am an ex-USAF Dep. of 13 yrs. we were stationed primarily overseas in the UK.

I sent my then husband and saw many of our good friends off for Operation's Desert Shield and Storm. I was proud of them then and I'm indebted to our troops now. Continuing to be humbled by those who have made the choice, answered the call and deeply indebted to all who have given everything.

J

[ranger1]

PFC Bryan Thomas. You are remembered Here.

[ranger1]

I served in the early to late 70's. I was so glad public oppinion of those who served had changed when my son went to Iraq in 2002. It was the longest 14 months of my life.
My deepest sympathy to the parents of PVT Thomas. They are liveing my worst fear.
Someone once said:
Great men can do great things, as long as Brave Men with guns will defend their right to do them.

[Wade Holloway]

"Great men can do great things, as long as Brave Men with guns will defend their right to do them."

That is a great statement. I do not think I had ever heard that before, but it says volumes.