Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of Heaven,
Blossom the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
I Got The News Today (IGTNT) , which began in April of 2004, is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos and provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Since 2001 we have lost 2192 American troops in Afghanistan and a total of 3273 American and coalition forces.
Sgt. Michael C. Cable, 26, of Philpot, Ky., died March 27, from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy forces in Shinwar District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
~ DoD News Release
Amazing Grace and Taps
Performed at Arlington National Cemetery
Day is done...Gone the sun
From the lake...
From the hills...
From the sky.
All is well...Safely rest
God is nigh.
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Sgt Michael C. Cable, 26, Philpot, Kentucky
Michael Cable graduated in 2004 from Daviess County High School in nearby Owensboro where he was a cross-country star.
Coach Tony Rowe said:
I sent out an email this morning with the Bible verse, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'. He's a hero. He died fighting for us and trying to make life better for the people of Afghanistan.
Having coached for 36 years, Rowe has amassed many memories and reminders of the students he calls "his sons":
In the fall of 2003, which was their senior year, they won the state cross country title as a team. And they did the year before so Michael was a part of two teams there. My youngest son was a part of that class in 2004 with Michael so he was a very close friend of Michael's.
He was over there fighting for us and giving us the right to continue to do what he was able to do here at the high school. I'm just really proud of him. I'm proud he died an American hero.
Following high school, Cable attended Berea College. He enlisted in the Army in 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2010.
Sgt Cable had served a previous tour in Iraq and was due to return home from this tour in June.
Childhood friend Drew Gray always remained close to Michael Cable and to his family as well. Gray said Cable was more than just a great friend:
I mean that in my opinion, that's small words. He was definitely more than a great person. I've known him really well. I've been really close to him. He's definitely been more than a great person, in my personal opinion.
Cable's brother, Raymond L. Johnston, Jr. said:
He was very determined. He just felt that he could really be a good soldier. He wanted to help.
Raymond wrote about the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on his
facebook page:
It was a very beautiful ceremony. .. Michael Cable
Would have been proud...I had no idea my family would be treated with such respect...I wish everyone that loved him could have been here
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Sgt Michael C. Cable's awards include one Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), one Purple Heart (posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
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Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has ordered all flags at state buildings be lowered to half staff on the day of Sgt. Cable's funeral.
Michael Cable is survived by survived by his parents, Raymond L. Johnston, Sr., and Vickie M. Johnston, both of Philpot and his brother Raymond L. Johnston, Jr.
~ Source ~ Source ~ Source ~ Source
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About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Sandy on Signal, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin and me, JaxDem.
These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Sgt Bowe R. Bergdahl
The only known current Prisoner of War is Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 26 who was captured by the Taliban in June of 2009. Five propaganda videos featuring Bergdahl have been released by the Taliban. A website has been established with the most up-to-date information on Sgt. Bergdahl.
Please keep good thoughts and prayers for Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
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