The Scout
For fifteen months, I carried the lives of the 32 men I led into combat in Iraq. We were all fortunate to come home to our loved ones. Many of my friends were not so lucky. It is important to me to share their stories with you so their memories stay alive. They each represent what is best about America and her values that inspire so many around the world. Thank you for taking a few moments to read about them.
Mohammed “Roy” Amer Abdulateef
Roy was like a little brother to me. He wasn’t allowed to carry a weapon into combat, but he did his job bravely and faithfully by my side every day. I loved him. I wrote a story about him in the Washington Post some years ago so readers would know him like I did. I found his mom through the story, and, with the help of a lot of lawyers, nonprofits, and Representative Anna Eshoo, I was able to bring his family to the United States just before ISIS took over large swathes of Iraq.
Why it matters: The Iraqis who served with American forces had the most dangerous job. I remember reviewing the files of 22 interpreters who served with American forces in Mosul in early 2005. 19 had been killed by late 2006. They fought with us because they too wanted to be able to live free. It breaks my heart that Roy lost his life, but I hope his story can generate more awareness and appreciation for our local Iraqi allies.
Captain Garrett Slaughter
Garrett was my classmate at Vanderbilt University. He was my Ranger Buddy during Ranger School. He was an absolute beast: All-Army Rugby and a standout track and soccer star in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He used to push me into groups of girls going the other way on campus at Vandy in order to start a conversation. I hated that I never was able to catch onto when he would shove me. He was so mischievous but so charming at the same time that you didn’t care. Everyone always smiled around Garrett. I wouldn’t have my Ranger Tab if not for him. He was a wonderful man. And a great soldier. As tough and driven as they come.
You can: visit his grave at Arlington National Cemetery. I stop by from time to time. It would make me feel better to know he still has visitors.
1st Lieutenant Jeffrey Graham
Jeff was my childhood friend. We drove to Bible Study together during high school in Oklahoma. He went through ROTC at the University of Kentucky. His brother Kevin died, so the Army offered him the opportunity to avoid a combat deployment to Iraq. But, Jeff wouldn’t hear of it. He joined the Army to lead soldiers, and, if they were going to go into harm’s way, he felt that his place as an Officer was in Iraq leading them. He died in Khaldiyah Iraq in February 2004. He had just swapped places with his platoon sergeant, who was married with children, to walk next to the point man in the patrol he was leading. He spotted a roadside bomb on a bridge the patrol was about to cross, and he was killed while moving the men behind him out of harm’s way. Jeff’s fiance posted the letters they exchanged during his time in Iraq. You can read them here.
Captain Ryan Dennison
Ryan was always smiling just like he is in this picture. He had this warmth and natural charisma that just radiated out of him. He was a standout athlete at school, and a standout officer and student during the Infantry Officer Basic Course and also during Ranger School. The Ranger Instructors during Mountain Phase spontaneously stopped a patrol and talked to the platoon for about an hour to point out some of the things Ryan had done and to praise Ryan’s tactical decision making. He was a terrific leader, and a great, great guy.
You can: visit Ryan at Arlington National Cemetery. He and Garrett are buried near each other in Section 60.
Sergeant First Class Richard Henkes
Sergeant First Class Henkes was the platoon sergeant for the first rifle platoon I led in Charger Company before I took over the Scout platoon. The platoon sergeant is like a father to the men in the platoon, and SFC Henkes took great care of them. He led by example, and he deeply cared for his men. When I heard about the new platoon sergeant taking over my old platoon, I paid him a visit to size him up. After our conversation, I knew they were in good hands. He was a very competent Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). He had a soft spot for Iraqi children, and he would make it a point to stock up on candy and toys to give out on patrol.
Big picture: SFC Henkes was a good man. He left behind a legacy of helping people: American and Iraqi.
Staff Sergeant Darrell Griffin
Staff Sergeant Griffin was already a war hero. My 2006 – 2007 deployment was his second to Iraq. During his first deployment, he won the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during a fierce pitched battle for the city of Tal Afar. From the stories the men who served with him that day, he was a true warrior. When I listened to them talk about him, I was struck not so much by the words they used as by the consistent tone of reverence for him and for his bravery. When combat hardened soldiers talk about another soldier that way, you know that person is someone you want by your side when the chips are down. I had the privilege of serving with Staff Sergeant Griffin in Headquarters Company for a few months before he took over a squad in Charger Company. His death came at the very end of our 15 month deployment. It was a bitter and tragic pill to swallow.
Big picture: You can read more about SSG Griffin here. His father wrote extensively about him as well. And, US News & World Report honored his life and service with a posthumous feature story.
I don’t think I can write another one of these sections to be honest, but I want you to know about 1st Lieutenant Garrison Avery, and 1st Lieutenant Benjamin Britt, too. They were my friends. We are so fortunate as a country to have men and women who voluntarily risk their lives to preserve our way of life. We are so privileged as a company to be able to support the military and veteran community and their families.
Please remember to appreciate life. It is precious and valuable — your one chance to make the world a better place. Tell the people that you care about that you love them. Don’t wait. Live a life worthy of the sacrifices our fallen service members have made for you.
With respect and gratitude,
Blake Hall
Co-founder & CEO, ID.me
US Army Veteran
Lt Col Jessica Sullivan, USAF (Ret) 
Paula Hinger 
Tatum Smith 
LT 
Glenn Bacon 
Robbin 
Doug Rich 
Terry 
D 
Eric Spalding 
Guy Bryant 
Marty 
Kylie (Owen) Willis 
Richard Libby 
William J Sturgeon Jr Col USAF RET 
Barbara Kautz 
Brian Mabin 
Pam DeBusk 
stacy 
Kylor 
Bob Barr 
Richard 
Lee C. Bentley 
Bob McCulley 
Michael Johnson 
Ken Hammock 
Daniel Lee 
w.b.wareham 
Richard Ray Densmore 
Toni R. Coward 
Robert Allen 
John Wiley 
David L Paugh 
Brandon Riley 
Sandra Lynn Hocking 
J. M. Schuster 
Cherlyn Martinez 
Jack Morris 
John E. Thorne 
Philip Vogel 
Alma Koutsis 
Bill Gleeson 
Timothy 
Jerry 
Paul LLarson 
Joe Landers 
William Everett 
Dan Less 
Chip Wynn, US Army Retired 
James Bell 
Robin 
Don Sullivan 
Stephanie 
Russ 
Phil W. 
Steven Coombe 
Tom Curley 
Davis Woodruff 
Marianne Sickman 
Carl Christofferson 
Enjoon Falealili-Gutierrez 
Soles 
Thomas Yonker 
Joe Cruz Jr 
Steve Horwath 
Rosanne Alnor 
Paul R Greenwald, (Former) CPT, MSC, USAR 
Charles Tomlinson 
Sid Harriel 
Jack McEncroe 
James S. Beck 
John Henley 
Donald Mafera 
Brian Pesci 
Rick 
Teresa Ruzicka 
Robert L Delaney Jr 
George M Garcia 
Norma Dickens 
Matthews Thomas 
Merrick Krause 
Dave cox 
Mike 
Roberto Ongaro 
W. G. Coberly 
Michele Taylor McClaflin 
Joanne Leroux-Perez 
Bonita Bren 
Jerold Swanton 
Martha Weston 
Thank you for honoring these heroes and friends. I appreciate what ID.me does for our Veteran community.
I am a Gold Star survivor and retired USN Captain. My daughter was 11 when I lost my best friend, soul mate, husband and father. He was a USN Captain and E2 pilot. I can say I understand this from every angle. My heart goes out to the families that are left behind to carry on. There are a lot of resources out there but unfortunately many are not aware of them. We need to build a community of networkers who can collect those that are within their local area and reach out to others wherever they find those in need. Service is what we do best, both in the military and once you get out. Thank you for what you do to help us.
Thank you for your service, I also took the oath to defend the country against tyranny, oppression and to protect the constitution. The military has done a great job foreign and domestic. I am proud to serve my country thank you to every service member who took the oath we are America’s bravest..
Thanks for writing this Blake. And thank you for your continued support of the military and veteran communities.
Thank you Blake, for telling some of their stories and honoring them by speaking their names.
My oldest brother, LT Garwood Bacon, USN, died while piloting an A-6 in 1975. A brilliant, dedicated Naval Aviator and husband, his first child was born 18 days after Gar gave his life.
I remember many classmates and friends who gave their lives on active duty.
I have to share the memory of caring for some of the young men who died as a result of the IWO JIMA LPH-2 boiler accident October 30, 1990. I was one of the medical team that cared for three of the 10 on USNS COMFORT. Because it was a medical event, I will not document their names. Our team did all we could to immediately make them comfortable and care for the mortal injuries sustained that day. I speak their names today.
We honor their sacrifices.
Thank you for honoring these great heroes. I love felt because they have the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless America!
Great tribute to your brothers in arms. Semper Fidelis!
Thank you.
My greatest pleasure outside of being a dad and husband was being able to serve this country for thirty years. I had the honor of serving along aide some the the most dynamic men, during this time. As a country we owe a debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice
With love and reapect to those who gave all.
Until Valhalla
I’m truly Blessed daily to be here…. i wouldn’t be here without the commitment and sacrifice of the soldiers around me…just being in combat gives you a spirit like nothing else…I was able to grab that and bring it home with me…now I use it to help others that can’t help themselves…reach out to everyone you can everyday and the treasures you receive in return will reclaim the soul you lost in battle…make a difference in your own backyard…God Bless Everyone
Thank you for sharing the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy.
Although from another war, I also recall the memories of those with whom I served that never came home to their loved ones.
The sense of loss transcends both the time and the battlefield.
I salute all of our brothers and sisters who died in honour of our country.
My dad was a leader in the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s IBCT with the 1/279 scout and sniper platoon. He was killed in action in August 2011 by an IED in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan.
SSG Kirk Owen
8/16/1973-8/2/2011
Thank you for Sharing . It means a lot to keep these memories alive . Thank you for your service Blake Hall.
US Army Veteran
Wilcome Home
A LONG STORY ABOUT VIETNAM:
My husband and I are both Vietnam Veterans. He was a Dustoff pilot (medevac) with 45th Dustoff in Long Binh April 70-71. I was a nurse at the 24th Evac, also on Long Binh Feb 70-71. Our paths crossed so often I have pictures of him taken in January 71 when he was bringing a patient to the 24th Evac.
So how did we meet? It was his last 24 hours in which he was scheduled to fly. The 45th was standing down. As a relatively short officer already in charge of some administrative duties he would spend the final month doing paper work.
With about five hours left to fly a call came in to evacuate a soldier, wounded near Xuan Loc, a place no one liked. The LZ was “not hot.” He could land to pick up his patient. When they reached the correct location someone set off a flare. This was enough for a VC sniper who fired 1 shot at Jim’s helicopter. It went through the chopper’s “skin”, then Jim’s, breaking his right tibia, severing his right tibial artery and nerve, then plowed through his left calf causing only muscle damage before imbedding itself in the choppers radio. There was no air to ground communication. Just air-to air.
When he said “I think I’ve been hit,” his corpmen went into acttion, pulled him backward out of his seat, applied a tourniquet, and started IVs containing plasma. Through communication with a second helicopter they received instructions to take Jim “Dustoff One Six,” to the 24th Evac.
I was home by then. In fact, I was signing in to my next duty station, Ireland Army Hospital at Ft Knox at about the same time. But the names of the friends who saved Jim’s life are the names of people I knew well. People who I knew well. Several surgeons who went on to stellar careers but died too young from the effects of Agent Orange.
It took 16 units of whole blood to stabilize Jim sufficiently to take him to the OR. Sixteen units. That’s about twice the amount of blood coursing through the veins of a healthy 23 year old man.
Out of surgery Jim was sent to the orthopedic unit where one of my best friends Susan Lodge Backs who knew Jim from Officer’s Basic, took care of him. (Now 81 she shakes like a leaf and can barely talk–a gift from Agent Orange–the gift that keeps on giving.) Then on to Japan and from there to Ward 6B, one of 3 male surgical units at IAH. As the Assistant Head Nurse I usually worked on 6B.
I still remember clearly the day I met Jim and his roommate Don Wagner, a West Point grad who stepped on mine and is probably still picking schrapnel from his legs. When I read the information about 1 Lt Jim Kautz printed on a card at the bottom of his bed I exclaimed “45th Dustoff, I was at the 24th Evac! He did not want to play “who do you know,” but stared at me in silence. Boy did I feel stupid.
When I walked out of the room Don turned to Jim and said, “You’re going to marry her.” It was a joke, a joke that came true. In late April Jim had surgery in which skin from his thighs was grafted over the still healing open wounds on his right leg. His tibia fracture was mostly healed, his blood values were normal, but he had a neuroma from the way in which the temporary surgical repair of his tibial nerve had been done in Vietnam and not corrected in the US.
I liked Jim and Don a lot. Their room was directly across from the Nurses Station so when I had a spare few minutes I’d go joke around a bit. But no mention of marriage.
Finally Jim went home on Convalescent Leave. I remember sending him home and meeting his mother and sister because we were blessed with a snow storm that day. I remember giving Jim’s mother explicit directions on how tosign her son out of the hospital. Two years ago his late sister and I got to talking and she told me her memories of that day and that she remembered me!
When he returned Jim was sent to an orthopedic unit and I didn’t see him until a chance encounter with Don in July in which he told me Jim was a patient in the holding ward, waiting for a combat wounded medical discharge from the Army. The next thing I knew Jim came to the Nurses Station to say hello and because it was a Friday, and he told me he had nothing to do, I lectured him about “do something.” Then mentioned that my youngest sister was visiting and I was taking her to the Officers Club. He failed to mention he was going on convalescent leave the next day.
I was not asking Jim for a date, I really wasn’t. But he was indeed at the O Club that night. We spent the entire evening talking. While I ignored my sister.
When he returned we went on a real date. And quickly discovered that that flash Don Wagner saw the day I introduced myself to those two guys on Ward 6B was real. Less than 2 weeks later we decided to get married when I got out of the Army in June.
That was 53 years ago. We are both retired, and thanks to the PACT Act and other VA benefits I have a disability from the VA. Jim’s health is exceptional. I think it’s from all that blood he got in Vietnam. We have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Jim never wanted a fuss made about being wounded, which he rarely talks about–not even to me. It’s one of those things I think makes our marriage work. Especially during the early years. He got it when he’d see me cry every time I heard a Huey flying overhead. I didn’t ask about the nightmare when he mumbled in his sleep. We each knew what the other had been through, seen, and done. We didn’t have to ask.
But as the 50th anniversary of the day he was wounded neared our daughter Karen happened to stumble across a beer named “Dustoff.” She bought a 6 pack, our 3 children, 2 spouses, granddaughter, and grandson, gathered at our well worn kitchen table. Karen handed Jim a chilled can of beer and was spokesperson for all of us as she told him how happy we all were for his service in Vietnam and that he’d survived that awful morning of March 18, 1971.
Barbara Hesselman Kautz, MSN, former Cpt ANC
A PS: If you are a Vietnam Veteran with high blood pressure or cardiac disease, asthma, or a host of other medical conditions please check out the VA’s information related to the PACT Act. It now extensively covers Agent Orange related illnesses to men and women exposed to this dreadful chemical. bjhk
Praise God and Amen for Godly men and women who have and continue to serve and protect. My brother and I served 6 years each during Desert Shield into Desert Storm. He saw combat, I did not. We both lost friends along the way. Would do it again if asked it needed! We serve at the pleasure of The King, Jesus!
My husband LTC Edward W DeBusk did not die in combat, but passed away with a service connected disease-ALS; as did many with cancer attributed to Agent Orange spraying during the Vietnam War. They are heroes indeed!
Thank you for sharing these stories.
thank you for telling us about these men whom we have not met but are glad for there willing ness to serve
may are brothers rest in honor
Well stated. Well done. Thank you for your service and keeping the memories of others who served and sacrificed the most.
LT. USN 86-91
One of the most touching remembrances of know friends I have heard since Vietnam.
GOD Bless our countries HEROS
Blake, that is AWESOME. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I was moved. Thank you for your service and for caring!!!!
Thanks Blake for posting these testimonials of men of valor. So many men, so many stories. We can only give our humble thanks and thank you for all you do.
With profound appreciation ,
Bob McCulley
9th Infantry Division
Viet Nam
What can you say about fallen heroes? You can’t really do anything for them except keep them in your memory. From time to time I remember my military friends; that’s all I can do. Can’t call them up and wish them happy birthday or just say hello. It does make a difference that they gave their lives; we wish they didn’t have to but we are free today because they did. I know if I talked to them now they would say; that’s ok, I needed to keep you safe and I would do it again. I say fallen heroes but they were just fellow Americans doing what they do.
As a combat vet from 1970 in Vietnam, I proudly served with 1st Platoon, Alpha Co, 3rd Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). I too lost friends in my platoon and cherish their memory to this day. Thank you for your service and your heart-felt profiles of men with which you served.
Excellent article. I’m a Desert Storm vet. The memories of those who didn’t make it back come to my mind every day.
thank you sir for sharing.
All these Heroes deserve to rest in peace for eternity. They have my gratitude and I have prayers for their families.
My name is Toni Coward, SFC, US Army(Ret). I thank you for sharing the stories of how these GREAT men lived and ultimately sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The men and women in uniform and those who served will always be remembered for the heroes they are. I pray for them every night and I will forever be grateful for all they do for us. Some people will never know the sacrifices made to keep our country safe and I commend you for bringing the lives of these brave men to the forefront!
I truly wish more articles were like these, that tell the lives of our brave and courage sous men and women who gave it their all. May God bless them.I am a Army Veteran of Vietnam War, I think about my brothers who served with me wondering what life may have been for them.
To all of my brothers and sisters who have fallen, I love you all!
During my first deployment to Vietnam with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron Seven, we lost 17 of the 90 aircraft in Carrier Air Wing 17. One of those lost was piloted by my XO CDR Ron Polfer and my roommate LT Joe Kernan. After they were released as POWs, they returned home. Ron hung himself in his garage a few months later. Joe went on to become mayor of South Bend and then governor of Indiana.
This touches my heart hooah 😮💨🇺🇸⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blake, Thank you for your service. Mostly thank you for honoring these soldiers who lost their lives. Only a handful of all who died. True heroes who served to protect our freedom. We are a military family, I am myself a widow of an active duty Air Force member, we had 4 children. Our youngest daughter proudly served in the Army in Iraq and I am grateful she came home.
My non-combat service in Southeast Asia ended in 1973 therefore I did not experience the sense of personal loss that accompanies a combat loss, but I remained long enough to complete 10 years of service to the Army. During that time I met several career soldiers and those friendships continue to this very day. Often those friends mention friends lost to them during their service. I am always filled with respect for their service that required repeated combat zone tours because they can recall many losses due to their multiple tours of duty in many different roles. Bless them all and remember those lost and those who remain with us. They deserve our care, love, and respect.
Sir,
As an Army Veteran Wife, I want to thank you for sharing your stories. I am deeply touched and appreciate your service. I pray that others may learn from your stories, as military life and experiences are not always easy. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to talk about each of them, but thank you again.
Cherlyn Martinez
Proud Army Veteran wife.
Words well spoken, and they are not forgotten.
Thanks for the mention of Gold Star families. My family was broken when my father, Maj. Henry F. Thorne, did not return from WWII. My sister took almost 70 years to forgive him for not honoring his promise to return when he left his 7 year old daughter in April of 1944 to go to Europe. This is the kind of “collateral damage” most people overlook. I myself got a good look from the other side serving the extra duty of “survivors assistance officer” for a short period before my tour as XO and Platoon Leader with the 156 HEM Company, DaNang, Vietnam. A soldier’s death has lingering impact beyond the one covered by the flag.
A few films, notably “Saving Private Ryan” (for the cemetery scene) and “We Were Soldier’s” (for the notification of next of kin scene) have touched on this part of the story, but few who have not experienced the loss understand. For myself, I was in my 50’s before I could visit my father’s grave in Cambridge, England. This to visit the last resting place of a man who died 21 days before my birth, yet whose death had a marked impact on my life.
Thanks again for bringing this point forward.
John Thorne
Where do we find men like this? My “mentor” in VN when I was an 18 yrs old infantryman with the Big Red One, SP4 Eugene Tactay, taught me the things never taught in infantry school/training. I’m here today by the grace of God and because of my mentor, “Tac” and have had 60 years of a good life. I wish he had lived, but he died in combat in the company of his brothers, never forgotten.
God bless these Heroes! We are here in this Blessed Country , thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ and these men and women that died defending our Freedom ! Let’s not forget their love and sacrifice !
Nice job! Takes balls to sign that check for up to and including your life and made payable to the USA and all her citizens.
God bless these Heroes! We are here in this Blessed Country , thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ and these men and women that died defending our Freedom ! Let’s not forget their love and sacrifice! 💕🙏💕
Thank You
Hey Blake.
I was drafted during the Vietnam war and my twin was too off when the lottery went into effect.
He was sent to Vietnam and with God’s Grace returned safely. The Agent Orange has brought him diabetes and skin lesions.
I’ve always wondered where all the guys are that I trained with through basic and AIT.
I’ve been to the Veterans Memorial Wall. I found a guy on the wall that live in the same community as me growing up. There were three guys from my HS graduating class killed in Vietnam. Our entire community was decimated by the draft. Several others I grew up with were killed.
I’m fortunate where I specialized and worked in finance and administration.
It angers me when veterans are blamed for this or that. Especially the five time draft dodger tRUMP. I remember vividly where he referred to our heroes in Arlington as losers and suckers. The General that was standing beside him that day when he criticized the soldier buried there. He had his son buried there. He resigned the following week.
We all have stories to tell about the past that changed our lives during the war.
I suppose it will be the Iraqi and Afghanistan soldiers and their families which bear the loss of their sons or daughters that made the ultimate sacrifice.
Once a Vet always a vet. Enjoyed the stories. Hope your Memorial Day goes well.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!
Thankful Veteran
US ARMY 1970-1978
I want to Thank all the service people that give there life for us. I’m a Veteran and we all Thank you for thinking about us.
Today I honor 13 fallen from my infantry company (Bravo Co) in Vietnam. One received a Medal of Honor. Alpha company’s first sergeant Yabes also received the Medal of Honor. I am honored to have know two of them. 4th Bn, 9th Inf, 25th Inf Div, Cu Chi, Vietnam.
Thank you for sharing. I was in the 199th light Infantry i Vietnam. We lost 750 young men. So many good men that I was close to. On Facebook I wrote about a young Captain that I shared some time with. He was so excited about his R&R the following week & see his wife & Kids. The following day he was killed. So many sad stories like that.
God bless you brother. A wonderful tribute and must read on Memorial Day to help us refocus on its true meaning. Rest well warriors.
My grandfather, Norman T. Bell died in serving his country in Sicily, Italy. He was with the 16th Infantry
Division 1.
Norman is buried in the Sicily-American cementry
My Uncle John Malone served also in Germany. He was part of the Army Gliders going behind the enemy lines.
My dad was in the Navy ( U S S Rochester) during the Korean war. He passed away two years ago
I feel honored that my dad, my Uncle and Grandpa
served in the armed forces.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May God’s bless you and the United States of America! 🇺🇸
Thank you for sharing. It matters very much to remember that our own freedom does not come without cost. It reminds me that I owe it to those who paid the ultimate price to honor them by being courteous, respectful, and helpful even when I disagree with my neighbors.
My own service time was during peace time. There wasn’t much sacrifice there. Only pride in serving alongside some very good people.
I was pondering today the first and only time my father visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. He was a US Army veteran who served as a chopper mechanic flying medevac missions. He couldn’t speak much about his service. I suppose some wounds cut too deep and can’t be explained to those who just don’t know. That visit to the memorial humbled me. My Dad’s best friend had a grenade tossed in his pocket while off duty in a nearby village. Seeing the tears flow while he struggled to find the name on that wall has left a great impression.
Thank for sharing about those who you served with. I’m sorry for your loss. Praying for you and all those who are left behind to carry the memories of their loved ones lost giving their all.
Thank you for your service and sharing these stories of our HEROES 🇺🇸
Stephanie
Wife of late SFC Michael L. Brown, US Army
Mother of SFC Jeremy D. Brown, US Army
Thank you for sharing these stories. May these men and all those that have given the final measure never be forgotten. Thank you for your service and sacrifice as well. You are doing your part to keep their legacies alive. That is a cause worth living!
Remembering all today…and always.
Phil W.
82nd Abn Div
307 Eng Co B
Thanks Blake for your story. I come from a line a Military Veterans starting back to WWI.
Private William E. Stair, 29th Material Sq, 20th Air Base Group, died on the Bataan Death March, June 22, 1942.
Today, as I honor all our Fallen Heroes, I think of my cousin, William Stair (who I never met), and Grateful for all the Heroes who made this Country Great.
I am sorry for your loss of friends!
Thank you for sharing their stories. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice. I pray for peace and strength for the friends and families they left behind.
Thank you
Thank you for serving and for remembering. It’s not easy, but we must! On this day I remember many, including my brother, Major George Lee, A Co; 2/5th 1st CAV (AM), KIA 20 June 1967 Bin Dinh Province, Viet Nam, awarded silver star. He only had 23 days left on his second tour. He was a fantastic man and big brother. He was my half brother as our Mom had three husbands who died and a child by each husband. I attended college on an Army ROTC scholarship and was in the US Army Reserve 1968-72 but did not see combat. I’m probably not fit to carry his. or your, shoes. Thank you for ID Me, I really like and appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing the stories of these brave Americans. I know it must be hard to think about them and to remember what happened to them, but I want you to know in doing so you help us never forget them.Remember the fallen.
Thank you for reminding everyone what Memorial Day really signifies 😔
Thank you for sharing these memories of such great men! And thank you for your service and continued support through ID.me. It is an honor to live in a country in which such brave men and women have fought and given their lives for our freedom.
RIP my brothers and sisters.
Thank you for your service and for the memories of those we lost. May God bless you!
Thank you for sharing the lives of these brave soldiers and the ultimate sacrifice that they made. I am honored and privileged to be able to enjoy life because of all who gave. As I look at the American flag hanging in front of my home, I am humbled and thankful to God for these loved ones who answered the call when their country and the world needed them. Thank you is never enough to show my gratitude everytime I see the men and women in uniform, but to live as a proud American and honored their sacrifices everyday.
Blake you were and are a very blessed man to have known and served with these
men. My time in the war games came in Vietnam, (30) months during years 66,67,
69 and 71-72, all as advisor in Tay-Ninh, My Tho and a short while in 2nd corp. I too
lost some very fine friends and great men, some very young VAN’s.
I lived with the VN. s about 100% of the time and they were fantastic people & soldiers.
Thanks for sharing.
Tom
I am a Veteran of The Vietnam War. I was Drafted in March, and arrived in Vietnam in July. At the time of my arrival, there were over 800,000 American Troops in Country. And I was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, and my MOS was Artillery. Then in November they sent The Division back home, to their home base in Hawaii. But, I didn’t have enough time in Country to leave with them. So, after being sent to about four different Companies in a span of five days. I ended up in II FIELD FORCES, in a Transpotation Company. Because everywhere I went in The Army including Basic Training, they would ask if anyone had ever driven a truck, and I had because I was working for the Local Highway Department plowing snow, and spreading sand on the roads. So, I raised my hand, and figured I was going to be pushing a wheel barrel. But, they took me to a building, and I had to pass a Driver’s a test. No big deal, I passed with flying colors. Long story short everywhere I went, thru Basic Training, and AIT at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Vietnam. I drove trucks of all kinds and sizes. In Vietnam I towed Howitezers, 105’s and 155’s from one fire Base to another every day. And while I was in II Field Forces, we hauled everything from People to Rice and Amo. From one place to another, every single day. I was in Vietnam for just shy of a year and a half. And, I wouldn’t wish what we went through to my worst enemy! Who, at the time were The North Vietnamese Army. Who were coming from China, down “THE HO CHI MIN TRAIL”. But long story short, it absolutely broke My Heart, when The UNITED STATES MILITARY, just walked away after all those years. And LOSING OVER 85,000 American Men and Women, who’s NAMES ARE ON THE VIETNAM MEMORAL WALL! Plus all of the Men and Women who came back home missing different limbs. Or, still suffering from Battle Fatigue. To this very day, I still wake up in a cold sweat, having a nightmare about some situation that happened over 60 years ago. It just never goes AWAY! I’m so very sorry for rambling on, and I’m sorry for wasting your time. Good luck to you in your future! AND GOD BLESS YOU 🙏🇺🇸!!
I was truly inspired by your short stories of the Brave men you mentioned. I to served in the US Army National Guard from 1984-1990 ,I hope and pray that each and every American takes the time to stop and remember the sacrifices that each and every service member makes each day .May Lord Father n Lord Jesus Bless them all for their ultimate sacrifice and God bless America
Blake, Thank you for this excellent Memorial Day tribute to real heroes. As a Vietnam Era tabbed and scrolled Ranger, my service time was decades before your and their service. While the service time was different I can tell by the reverence of your writing that the comradery and brotherhood was the same. The stories of these brave soldiers was inspirational to me on a day that always weighs heavy on my heart. This quote is exemplified in the stories you shared today; “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave” (attributed to Elmer Davis). Thank you for your service and getting your men home. May you and your family feel the Lord’s presence today. Rangers Lead The Way!
Wow, such sad and yet wonderful stories on these people that have sacrificed everything. I served in Iraq and Kuwait and I would’ve died for the United States of America for our freedoms which we were so close to losing from sadly, our own government. That is the most disgusting thing and they are still infiltrated into every level. We’re getting rid of them slowly, but surely and sometimes faster, which makes us very, very comforted by that.
We even have people in church who are deceived by the mainstream media and they actually would fight and die for those causes which are not even true.
In God‘s name, we pray that everyone is able to see the facts of what is true and what is a lie. Thank you JESUS.
The following is my response to the grandson of one of my ROTC Instructors after he had seen a post I made on vvmf:
I only knew your Grandfather when I was an ROTC Cadet at Temple University and he was an Assistant Professor of Military Science between January 1964 and June 1967.
He was definitely a man of strong character. It was his character and ethical example that inspired me to continue my studies in Military Science in pursuit of a commission in the Army.
I truly saddened to learn that he was KIA. Over the years I have thought of him often and was glad to see the Philadelphia Inquirer article about 10 years ago when he was posthumously awarded his PhD by the University of Pennsylvania.
If my Commanding Officer in Korea had been more like your Grandfather, I probably would have made the Army my career.
Be proud of your heritage. Not many come from a lineage like yours.
A lot of good, great men& women lost way too soon! Don’t ever forget none of them! I get depressed every Memorial Day, it’s probably just me, they paid the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, for us to all be FREE. This is still the GREATEST country on EARTH! Don’t ever forget this. Retired army guy
God Bless you Sir !!!
What an outstanding tribute to these warriors and an outstanding way to make Memorial Day “real” for the public.
In solemn remembrance …
Blake,
What does your company do? I am a former Marine Fighter and Attack Pilot…..Vietnam 67/68.
With respect,
Crow
Thank you Mr. Hall for creating ID.me US Army Veteran. I am an Army Veteran myself. Former Sgt. & Pa. National Guards from 1964 — 1970. I lost a Cousin to “Agent Orange” at age 33. He was a volunteer Marine in Vietnam. His Company was always getting soaked with that liquid killer. My Wife wrote to him every week, & he always responded.We were the first people he looked for when he got home. When he passed away , we had his name placed on “The Traveling Wall” as a memorial His name was Michael Beck, & I have his his name in the Vietnam War/Conflict Museum. R.I.P. Hero. Miss You Cuz.
Blake,
It’s Memorial Day, 2025. I just read your posts and deep into what it means to be American, where do we find these men that you and others write about? Thank God for these young men and women who stand up and salute as the Stars and Stripes march by.
I am 85 years old, a Vietnam vet, a SEABEE. I lost my first wife to cancer 30 years ago after a 17 year battle. I remarried and tomorrow my wife of 27 years begins treatment for cancer. She has the fight and courage much like the men you write about. My first wife had courage in her fight that makes me think of the 58,000 friends listed on the Vietnam wall.
Courage is something that after 85 years – is on the battlefield, in the cancer ward, in the young wife who lies near her husband’s grave with their newborn in a blanket nearby, in Arlington Cemetery.
Thank you for reminding us that life and courage are so precious.
John
So thankful for those who gave their lives to help keep me and my loved ones safe.
Don
Served in the US ARMY.
Thank you for sharing the memories of your friends, colleague and brothers! by continuing to memorialize them you keep them close to heart and soul. There are no other types of relationships like those experienced in the service that have quite the same kind of bond.
God bless them all🇺🇸♥️🙏
We had two sons that were in Iraq at this time. One of them told us you only die once. Fortunately they both made it home. We have one picture of them in the palace. Too many people have no connection. Thank you for these testaments
Our local YMCA put up decorations with lights and flags. We need more like this.
I get It! Great article. I’m no writer, I’m a 78 year old Navy Vietnam Veteran who still feels a little guilty about coming home safe and sound when so many of my generation didn’t. I owe those who didn’t come home something more than fond memories. I owe them a life well lived. A 52 year marriage, 3 children 5 grandsons plus Robert IV on the way and 1 Great Grandson. Once a year on memorial day I get up in Church and read these names so people can know who it was that died for their freedom:
USS Oriskany CVA34
1970
John B Martin
Donald D Aldern
Joseph R Klug
1971
Thomas P Frank
Charles D Metzler
James R Borst
John R Painter
Raymond V Deblalasio
Bary A Bidwell
Steven M Stark.
God rest their souls
Thank You for sharing about these men and women in the Iraqi war. Outstanding leadership and commitment.
Thank you, Blake, for sharing these memories of our fallen heroes.
Praying God will bless you for taking care of those who served under your command. You are indeed a hero as well.
Thanks, you have a witness. I too was blessed to soldier with some great men and women. We deployed to the Middle East in 1991 and 1992. We were blessed to all return.
This Memorial Day—Thank you for our freedoms.
Having had or seen too many friends die in the service in war and peace, I find it a pleasant sentiment but also a conditioned response when people say, “thank you for your service.” However, we also say those exact words to our Uber driver or waiter.
I’d like to see a push for the culture to change. It should be more like: “Thank you for keeping our country free.” Or, “Thank you for safeguarding our way of life.” That’s what they are thanking service members and vets for, not a delivered pizza. And it will remind whoever says it why we should thank military vets, living or passed, because that is exactly what they do and have done for going on 300 years.
Keeping America free and protecting our Constitution and way of life…That is what one thanks living or passed military vets or active duty—or their families—for sacrificing to protect. And that would be a more positive affirmation of understanding why we have a Nation, border, and free way of life. Perhaps colleges could start this change in American culture.
Thank you for sharing. Although saddened I enjoyed your story. Brings back memories. Never forget.
JD
USAF
Desert Shield/ Desert Storm combat vet
This was a good read. Thanks
Thank you, Blake for your service to our great nation and thank you for keeping the memories alive of our fallen soldiers. Their stories deserve to be known by all.
I also served in Iraq during 2006 as an Air Force medic with Iraqi interpreters. They lived a life a secrecy for a greater and just cause. In fact, the entire Iraqi medical contingent had a different identity and persona outside of the gates. They had to change into their civilian attire before leaving on “holiday” lest they be discovered by the opposition and be killed. Our unit did not see combat, rather we worked to rebuild their medical capabilities. Every day and night we saw Strykers go out and return. Invariably, news of losses would trickle down and later, dignified transfers would take place on the flightline.
Those brave men and women had our deepest admiration and respect. They faced incredibly grueling conditions and hardships, including the sting of deployment extensions. I do not know how they carried on with such strength and determination.
I am humbled by their service and sacrifices and enormously proud and grateful of their accomplishments. May God continue to bless our mighty military with great warriors, leaders, supportive families, and a grateful and mindful public.
With gratitude,
Roberto Ongaro, USAF, Retired
I’m a Vietnam Era veteran. My dad was in the Special Forces in Vietnam. I remember my highschool made announcements whenever a former student died in Vietnam. Several were my friends. While in France,Trump called American soldiers buried there fools and suckers! Trump has also insulted our Gold Star Families (see “Donald Trump Criticizes Muslim Family of Slain U.S. Soldier, Drawing Ire”. Those who voted for this draft dodger scum are the real fools and suckers. Us who remember “I am an American fighting in the forces that guard my country and our way of life,
I am prepared to give my life in their defense” are the real patriots. I salute you.
Your article about these military members was a touching tribute to each and every one of them. These stories represent the best of the best. Thank you for honoring our military. It breaks my heart that they lost their lives in the prime of their own lives protecting our country. I admire the men and women who serve in our military and grieve for their families, friends, and loved ones. (from a surviving spouse of a 22+ year military veteran)
Goodness….. As the wife of a Veteran that served in Iraq and by the Grace of God made it back home, all I can say is THANK YOU for keeping the memories of your friends and fellow Soldiers alive. Memorial Day is always a bitter sweet one for us and I’m sure for many across America. His best friend was KIA on Memorial Day 2005 in Iraq.
Thank you Sir for your service, bravery and kindness. God Bless.
Today I lost my third brother. He had heart disease and many other ailments from exposure to Agent Orange in Viet Nam. God bless him, he was a good man.
All 3 of my brothers served in Viet Nam.
To the id.me owner, Your posts are always a great read.
Well done. Your summaries of each person are moving. Every day is a blessing.
I love reading your posts. But I’m saddened that I didn’t see anything about the soldiers who have died unnecessarily, outside of combat. I have just lost my husband to Parkinson’s Disease. He was a Marine at Camp Lejeune who drank the poisonous water given to him by his own government. How crazy is that? He, and I, have been robbed of a future. I now go to bed at night alone.