Lance Cpl. Emilian D. Sanchez

Rest in peace Emilian.

Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Matus

Rest in peace Andrew.

Staff Sgt. Jamie D. Wilson

Rest in peace Jamie.

Sam,

I don't think I've said thanks for including the Brits - so thanks, it means a lot to us over here.

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'They'd rather be alive than free, I guess. Poor dumb bastards.' Private Eightball - Full Metal Jacket

The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected
- Sun Tzu, the Art of War

You're welcome Foz.

Spc. Brandon L. Stout

Rest in peace Brandon.

Spc. Nicholas P. Brown

Rest in peace Nicholas.

These guys have no picture posted.

CNN.com - Special Reports

Rest in peace Michael and Michael.

CNN.com - Special Reports

I am speaking with an old friend of mine who is the soldier's father. I am lending him this post to say the following:
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Eric was loved by all of us and he died for his beliefs. He wanted to join the military because he loved his country. He couldn't wait to wear his uniform in church for the first time coming home. He had been wearing that uniform for three or four days at camp and on the bus ride home. The family had to douse him and the uniform in cologne before we headed to church. That still makes us laugh. He was a true Christian. He even disliked tatoos but to make a statement he put a simple Christian cross on his shoulder. He treated everyone as an equal as he would want others to treat him. He loved everyone. He was so forgiving that he probably forgave the person who killed him because he was so loving and forgiving. We found it hard to see him in the military because he couldn't even step on a cricket. He didn't even raise his voice, never mind fight with people. He said he would never raise his hand against those he loved. But, he loved to run, do pushups, target shoot, camp and do other outdoor activities and he joked that he couldn't believe that people would pay him to do these things.

Thank you Sam for your compassion and time for putting together this thread.

Respectfully,

Brian Caldwell

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i was on a medevac crew that picked up a soldier either late last month or early this month who was kia.. this man stuck out in my mind because he had a tatoo on his right shoulder that i could have sworn was a gravestone, with a date on it. i got the impression it was to honor one of his buddies that he lost while over here, but i couldn't be sure. anyways, it was very sad and i feel for everyone who has lost a family member or friend over here..

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Jmonty--this is OSB again. I was letting Brian use my account to post because we were talking about Eric at a local diner and we went onto the site thread using my BlackBerry. Can you PM me what you know of that incident to see if it is the same person? His tattoo was on the same shoulder and did have an inscription that Brian recalls existing but cannot recall specifically (he is calling relatives to ask). Eric was shot north of Baghdad through the temple by a sniper when returning from a mission. His humvee was stopped in a traffic jam stemming from a security checkpoint that was set up to defuse an IED. He was the tail gunner on his humvee. Thanks in advance--it would mean a lot to Brian and his family.

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O'Sullivan,

Please pass my sincerest condolences from those of us in Scotland, to Mr Caldwell and his family. He sounds like a really nice guy, rest in peace

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'They'd rather be alive than free, I guess. Poor dumb bastards.' Private Eightball - Full Metal Jacket

The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected
- Sun Tzu, the Art of War

They are a wonderful family. Eric really was like what Brian said--a big hearted guy who made it a true point to respect everyone. For example, peoples' race, religion, money, education, etc played no role in his choosing friends or girlfriends--everyone got the same opportunity with him on their own merit. He was very nice to everyone and exceptionally charitable to them. He did join the service because he liked outdoor activities and wanted to serve his country. The Caldwell family has fought in almost every war since the American Revolution.

Eric likewise felt that it was his turn and duty to appear following September 11. He was decorated including with a Bronze Star, and unfortunately became the first of his family to die in combat although ancestors had been wounded. I will make sure that Brian reads your post (he does not have Internet access) and thank you. I am sure he will appreciate your words.

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Brian, please accept my sincere condolences. I would like for you and your family to know how much I respect Eric's service to our country. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You have great memories of a wonderful man.

JMonty, thank you for your service as well. Please be careful and come home safe.

O'Sullivan Bere thank you for sharing your friend with us.