Lost my cousin...

Thanks for all the kind thoughts... The family (there is rather a lot of us) are in quite a bit of shock.  I am getting everything via my mom right now because of the distance.  His wife, Karen, is obviously a bit distraught especially with having all the plan ready and him coming back in less then a week, but she is keeping my Aunt and Uncle informed.  The Army is visiting her today to make arrangements.  He was in the Army special forces, and checking the DoD website indicates that three soldiers were killed yesterday AM during combat operations in Baghdad and two others were injured.  I guess it takes a few days for them to release the names.

We are waiting to hear were services will be.  I am actually considering going, there is a sense of duty to honor him and grieve with the family.  My mother is saying that all her brothers and sisters will be attending, which from a family of 10 kids is a lot.

It is surreal to say the least.  These are the sort of things that I thought my generation was free of.  I hope those of you that have loved ones that are deployed right now all have them all return healthy very soon.

So sorry to hear this kitsonk.

So sorry to hear this.     Hope you can make it back for the service.

Certainly thinking about you and your family...my sincerest condolences.

Kitsonk, I'm so sorry for your loss.  I lost a dear friend about a month ago in Iraq.  He was a Marine and was killed by a roadside bomb.  Although I'm so proud of how brave he was, and how he served his country, I have to admit that the pride is mixed with a great deal of bitterness...for me. 

OT, but I just have to say, the way the Marines participated the viewing and burial was outstanding.  Having them there showing such respect to my friend was very moving. 

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 

I'm really sorry, Kitsonk.

I am so sorry that you lost him. As you said - it totally puts things into perspective....my deepest condolenses to you and your family.  I hope you're able to make it back to his funeral. (((HUGS)))

Kitsonk,

I'm so sorry..You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..

I'm so sorry for your loss. 

I know none of us can probably say anything to make it better but I'm so incredibly sorry for you and your family. Your family and you will be in my thoughts.

If you need to talk feel free to email me. Also, I'm not sure how you are dealing with this but reading alot online about grief has really helped me understand what I'm going through and what my family is going through after losing my sister. I'd suggest possibly going to therapy also...it doesn't hurt.

I am so very sorry for your loss.  I'm thinking of you and your family.  I hope you will be able to make the service.

So sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Warm thoughts to you and your family.

My sincere condolences. 

Again, I appreciate all the kinds thoughts.  It especially helps having some place to talk about it.  The DoD has made the official press release: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10224, he was Capt. Jason Hamill.

There are a lot of decisions to make and Karen, his wife is barely keeping it together.  Her parents are with her now but she has yet to start eating.  The military is suggesting, because he was an officer, that he is eligible for Arlington, VA.  My personal hope is that the family chooses there, because it seems to be a honorable place for someone who served their country without question.  While I have never supported the war, I have never questioned the honor of those who do what has been asked of them and especially those who lose their lives in following their sense of duty.

I am still shocked because of the closeness in age.  Jeff, one of the triplets Jason was a part of and I have a lot in common lifestyle wise and I am sure that he is just devastated.  Jason was a good and honorable man.

Actually this is a much better article: http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=395515db-dfd2-4243-9301-aa97f40145ad.  It was a very good article.  I didn't realize the whole state of CT was lowering their flags to half mast to honor Jason.