Yesterday we lost four souls in the performance of their duties, in defense of this country. As Bluesman said in another thread, they paid the full price on Freedoms’ tab.
Operational losses are a fact of military life, but no less felt for that.
I am eternally grateful for their service, as I have served, and my condolences and heartfelt sorrow and prayers are with their families; I proudly salute them.
Rescue teams have located one body and the wreckage of one F15C in Scotland; they continue to search for the other one though weather hampers their efforts. May God guard them and guide them in their task.
All interservice rivalry aside, it’s a tough pill to swallow when any servicemember dies while performing his or her duty.
::Standing at attention, rendering sharp salute::
My condolences to their families, units and the European military community as a whole.
Thank you for this small tribute, VB, to those brave men. It may be a fact of military service, but it still leaves it’s mark on us all. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the families of those men, and I salute them with steadfast pride and sorrow at their passing.
As a military wife I have been blessed to never have that knock on my door for Mr Bear, or get that word from any of my dearest friends, retired, on reserve status, and actively serving today.
May our merciful Father above keep all safe those who serve this great country from harm, and bring them back home safely.
Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair
Thou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight
Thou of the tempered winds be near
That, having thee, they know no fear
Control their minds with instinct fit
What time, adventuring, they quit
The firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand
Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
O God, protect the men who fly
Thru lonely ways beneath the sky.
Sharp salute
Sleep well, brothers. We’ll carry on for you.
I can only just begin to feel the pain of the families of these men who gave everything to protect me and my children.
Without the service of these men, and thousands like them, I could be the mother running through a bombed out neighborhood, clutching my child to my body, like we’ve all seen in so many photographs.
There truly must be a special place for our fallen heros on the other side. God speed and God bless them, and all of you who serve.
I’m not nearly as eloquent as those who have posted here before me. Let me just say thank you to the servicemen and women who are able to hear me, and offer my condolences to the families, friends, and coworkers of those that no longer can.
Signed, Ralf Coder, a civilian who is proud of and grateful for the US armed forces.
Air Force brat whose daughter took the stick the first time Sunday checking in.
My prayers are with their families and my thanks are with them.