IGTNT: a young, single mother killed in Iraq

Today's diary features three young men and one woman.  The young woman joined the Army for a better life and stability.  She leaves behind two young boys ages 5 and 7. One son is with his father, the other is with his grandmother for his father is deceased, too.  Two young boys not having their mother's comfort and care.  Two young boys not having each other.  War is not working, we need peace.

Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today - Ya

Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going on
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

• Marvin Gaye

What's Going On

Today, the Department of Defense announced the names of four Soldiers killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  According to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count the number of names released by the DoD is now 3607 and there are 7 more names of the deceased awaiting notification of the next of kin before being publicly released.

DoD Announces Army Fatality

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Roberto J. Causor Jr., 21, of San Jose, Calif., died July 7 in Samarra, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C

.

San Jose Soldier joined Army to show  gratitude to the U.S.A.

Spc. Causor was born in San Jose, California his parents and relatives were from Mexico.  His family worked in the construction business in the U.S. and Spc. Causor was proud of his family and his country.  The San Jose Mercury News spoke with his uncle, Francisco Causor about Spc. Roberto J. Causor's reasons for enlisting in the Army.

By joining the military when he graduated in 2004 from Overfelt High School, "in a way that was kind of a payback, in gratitude," for the success and freedom many of his relatives enjoyed in the United States, Francisco Causor said.

His uncle added Spc. Causor was in the ROTC in high school and then joined the army.  He wanted to enlist despite suggestions from others.

"Why not apply for a job in construction?" his uncle asked him then. "But he believed strongly in it. He had it in his heart."

Spc. Causor is survived by many close relatives and a girlfriend.  He died serving the country he loved.  Rest in peace, Spc. Roberto Causor.  

DoD announces Army Fatality

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, 24, of Okeana, Ohio, died July 5 at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.

Vinnedge was assigned to Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 107th Armor Cavalry Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard, Greenville, Ohio.

Ohio Soldier killed in Iraq
Story from WCPO in Cincinnatti

24-year-old Private Anthony Vinnedge was killed July 5 in Iraq, although details on his mission or what led to his death have not yet been released.
Private Vinnedge was a 2001 graduate of Talawanda High School in Oxford and has family in Okeana.
Neighbors told 9 News that they were expecting Tony home in the next week to celebrate his grandmother's seventy-first birthday.

From the Cincinnatti Enquirer,

Family and friends of Spc. Anthony Vinnedge are puzzled as to what happened to Spc. Vinnedge.  He was supposed to be in a safe area and he was supposed to be home right now.  Here is more:

"We were under the impression that he was out of harm's way," said Rod Randall, a family friend. When Vinnedge last called, he told his family that he may be home as early as July 4, Randall said.

"He said 'I'll definitely be home before Mamaw's birthday' - that's ... July 10."

But instead of a reunion with Vinnedge, his family received a death notice.

"Next thing they knew, someone was coming to the door saying he had been killed," Randall said.

snip

Vinnedge was a 2001 Talawanda High School graduate.

Randall remembered the video he took of Vinnedge and his daughter, Ashley Muska, who were nominated for prom king and queen, walking through the door at the dance as their names were announced.

"They were such a tight-knit group of friends," Randall said. "He was supposed to come home and him and some of his buddies were gonna go to the Bahamas for a couple weeks."

My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Spc. Anthony Vinnedege.  

DoD Announces Army Fatality

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Michelle R. Ring, 24, of Martin, Tenn., died July 5 of wounds sustained from enemy mortar fire in Baghdad, Iraq. She was assigned to the 92d Military Police Battalion, Fort Benning, Ga.

Spc. Michelle Ring lived in Tennessee for a short time before joining the Army.  Most of her life was spent in McMinnville, Oregon and Alaska.  She will be laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery.  Here is her story:
From the Oregonian, Single mother from Oregon killed in Iraq

Michelle Ring was a single mother of two young boys when she enlisted in the U.S. Army two years ago, a move that seemed out of the ordinary with wars raging in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But Ring, an Oregon native, had been on a slow drift since dropping out of Chugiak High School in Alaska. The military gave her purpose and direction.

Spc. Michelle Ring recently re-enlisted and planned on making a military career. She did not believe in the war nor did she think we were making a difference.    She re-enlisted to be self-sufficient.  

This was her place in life where she was supposed to be," Harbuck said. "She loved what she did, she was proud of herself, and we were all proud of her for the first time."

While home on leave in May, Ring announced she was going to re-enlist. Although her love of the military hadn't faltered, Harbuck said, something in her had changed.

"When she first knew she was getting deployed, she had no opinion on the war. It was just her job," Harbuck said. "But she really dreaded going back. She told me, 'I don't understand why we're there any more. I don't see us making a difference.' "

Spc. Michelle Ring is survived by her two boys, Marc, age 7, and Brandon, age 5.  Brandon lives in Tennessee with his father and Marc lives in Oregon with the grandmother.  Marc's father was killed a few years ago and now his mother is deceased.  My heart goes out to both children and the families.  

DoD Announces Army Fatality

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23, of Bismarck, Ark., died July 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Small Arkansas town mourns for Soldier killed in Iraq
This story is from Today's THV (hyperlink above), the tiny town of Bismarck is mourning the loss of Spc. Jeremy Stacey.  The photo shown here depicts a Senior high class of less than 100 students.  The teachers remember the 2003 graduate who enlisted after graduation:

"He will be missed. I know all his friends will miss him and I know his family too," says teacher Barbara Richardson.

Army Cpl. Jeremy Stacey of Bismarck has died after being injured when an improvised explosive device went off in Iraq on July 5.

Richardson taught Stacey math for four years. She and others are paying special attention to his 2003 senior photo.

"He was always doing something to push the envelope. You know, he always kept everyone laughing, but you couldn't stay mad at him because he was such a sweet kid," explains Richardson.

snip
The teacher added: Richardson says,

"I cannot think of a soul who didn't like him. He was just precious."

Spc. Jeremy Stacey is the 56th Arkansan killed in Iraq.  My deepest condolences to his family, friends, teachers, classmates and unit.  
Rest in Peace, Spc. Jeremy Stacey.

All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here.  They all had loved ones, families and friends.  The DoD news releases are here.

I Got the News Today is maintained by i dunno with Monkeybiz, silvercedes, noweasels, MsWings, greenies, american daughter, blue jersey mom, chacounne, BeninSC, wee mama, twilight falling  and myself helping out for awhile.  I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind.  Click the IGTNT tags below for previous diaries.

•  Peace

  the sadness and madness of this war needs to end now.  Call your Senators and Congressman and tell them action is needed.  

  Peace and love.  Deepest sympathy to the families, friends and units of:

  Spc. Anthony Vinnedge

  Spc. Jeremy Stacey

  Spc. Michelle Ring

  Spc. Roberto Causer

  by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:31:39 PM PDT

  •  We need peace.

    Amen to that, Sandy on Signal.

    Thanks for this touching tribute.

    `````
    peace
    
    

    by peace voter on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:21:53 PM PDT

•  we cannot

  dry the tears and indeed should not dry the tears!

  to all the families, friends and acquaintances know there are those who will always remember.

  by labwitchy on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:32:59 PM PDT

  •  we have to feel for them

    they were all loved and cannot be forgotten.

    Today, I took a break from writing and called Sen. Alexander (R) who over the weekend stated we need another course for Iraq.  I called his office and told them about the four young lives cut short and the young woman from Tennessee (sort of).  I reminded the office we need more than words from the Senator we need action.  For once, Alexander's office and me, had a decent and civil conversation.

    I hope and pray he does do something to end this war by joining with some of the bills coming up this week.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:42:42 PM PDT

    •  I want to believe

      that a personal phone call with a specific request has got to have an impact.  I hope Sen. Alexande will follow through.

      Thanks for all you do.

      Peace

      by MsWings on Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 04:11:50 AM PDT

      •  didn't make any difference at all

        Alexander was just full of talk and talk is cheap.  He voted with the GOP again today.  Disappointed but not surprised.

        Thanks, MsWings for all the support and beautiful diaries you write for IGTNT.  

        by Sandy on Signal on Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 10:10:28 AM PDT

•  Rod Randall, family friend of Anthony Vinnedge

  "We were under the impression that he was out of harm's way,"

  I am so sad for Anthony's family and friends. I am so sad for each and everyone so directly affected by this war. May all of the young men and women soon truly be, "out of harm's way".

  by alasmoses on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:34:46 PM PDT

  •  he should have been home today

    for his grandmother's birthday.  How dreadfully sad.

    Peace.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:37:14 PM PDT

•  Holding these four in the Light

  Spc. Roberto J. Causor Jr., Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, Spc. Michelle R. Ring and Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey - all precious, and all missed by their friends and families, who we also hold in the Light during this trying time.

  

  by sheddhead on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:35:04 PM PDT

  •  bless you, sheddhead

    for this beautiful and peaceful tribute; so appropriate.

    by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:21:01 PM PDT

•  In tribute

  Rest in peace, Spc. Vinnedge, Spc. Stacey, Spc. Ring, and Spc. Causer. May your friends and families find strength and comfort in your memories.

  And may peace come to all of us who remain. Soon.

  Thank you, Sandy--this tribute is really wonderful. My heart bleeds for all of them, but especially for Spc. Ring's children.

  by twilight falling on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:38:50 PM PDT

  •  thank you, twilight falling

    for remembering them and the beautiful diaries you have written for I Got the News Today.  Thank you so much.  

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:45:05 PM PDT

•  Please add Oregon tag so that this diary

  is automatically picked up on the Oregon blogroll

  by JLFinch on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:38:52 PM PDT

  •  done

    also, I need to crosspost this at http://www.diatribune.com/.  Thank you for reminding me about this.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:47:18 PM PDT

    •  thank you for the diary

      I don't know exactly how it works, but it seems to sweep the tags every hour or so and then posts the diary on the list on right side of BlueOregon, LoadedOrygun, etc.  

      I heard about Michelle Ring on the radio this morning and I was going to post about it later tonight.

      by JLFinch on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:50:52 PM PDT

•  Once again we light the candles

   For Specialist Jeremy L. Stacey

   For Specialist Michelle Ring

   For Private Anthony Vinnedge

   For Specialist Anthony M.K. Vinnedge

   For Specialist Roberto J. Causor

   For their families, friends and members of their units
                            who mourn their loss and celebrate their lives

                          Never forget: Their lives mattered

  by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:39:18 PM PDT

  •  Please excuse the double listing of

    Specialist Anthony Vinnedge.  My mistake.

    by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:42:03 PM PDT

  •  thank you, llbear

    for remembering them tonight and every night.  Indeed, their lives mattered.

    Peace.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:53:35 PM PDT

•  . . .

  
  
  (Photo Source)

  by Dreaming of Better Days on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:40:19 PM PDT

  •  Lovely flowers, Dreaming

    thank you for always remembering the fallen.  These flowers (are they poppies?) make me feel better just looking at them.  I have such a heavy heart from writing today.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:09:18 PM PDT

    •  I think they

      might be wild roses, Sandy.

      {{{Hugs}}}.  I can fully understand the heaviness of your heart.  These diaries are heartwrenching to read; I can only imagine how crushing they must be to write.

      After I read them, I give pause, shed my tears, and offer silent blessings to those whose lives have been lost and their loved ones who are left behind who have the gutwrenching task of trying to piece their lives back together with a gaping hole in the very center.

      I wish these diaries weren't necessary, but they are.  Until the day they no longer are, I'll be here everyday, quietly paying my respects.

      by Dreaming of Better Days on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:20:47 PM PDT

      •  they're very beautiful

        as are all of the images that you post DoBD.

        I think that the flowers are ranunculus.

        `````
        peace
        
        

        by peace voter on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:33:10 PM PDT

•  Deepest condolences to the families and friends

  Of Spc. Anthony Vinnedge, Spc. Jeremy Stacey, Spc. Michelle Ring and Spc. Roberto Causer.

  We thank them for their faithful service, and we thank you for your roles in making them the human beings they were. Our world is the poorer for their loss.

  Thank you for this touching testament, Sandy on SIgnal.

  by BeninSC on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:42:37 PM PDT

  •  thank you Ben in SC

    for remembering them and you kind comments.  We are poorer for their loss.  All were so loved and are missed dearly.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:49:12 PM PDT

•  Today is spent some hours working with a neighbor

  His buddy was killed yesterday - and, in fact, the Fallen Soldier's name has yet been released.

  I'm re-posting Amazing Grace sung by Leann Rimes both for the neighbor and me.  The war today came to my front door.

  by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:47:51 PM PDT

  •  oh, I am so sorry

    your friend is lucky to have some one as caring as you are, llbear.  You always remember and always provide comfort.  

    Thank you so much for all you do.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:51:33 PM PDT

    •  Thanks. That poor kid who died left behind

      a new born. My neighbor survived a tour with him.  There just are not enough tears, there is not enough anger, there is not enough comapassion to help this family through this ordeal.

      Repeat that 3,600 times.

      by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:56:54 PM PDT

      •  ohh... dear God

        why?  A new born baby, a time of joy and love, the world has turned upside down from this war.

        You are right, there aren't enough tears.  

        by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:11:44 PM PDT

  •  I am so sorry, dear llbear

    Thank you being there for him.

    by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:24:16 PM PDT

  •  (((((((((((((((((((((((((llbear))))))))))))))))))

    I am so sorry for your loss and for your neighbour's and for his wife and son's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

          Hugs,
          For Dan,
          Heather

    by Chacounne on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:24:27 PM PDT

•  In memory of

  Spc. Anthony Vinnedge
  Spc. Jeremy Stacey
  Spc. Michelle Ring
  Spc. Roberto Causer

  May their families, friends, communities, and units find comfort and healing in the wake of these terrible losses.

  ***
  Sandy, thank you.

  by monkeybiz on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 05:56:39 PM PDT

  •  thank you, monkeybiz

    for remembering and honoring them, plus all of your hard work with this series.  Thanks so much.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:37:57 PM PDT

•  Bless them all.

  Bless the families, friends, communities and units of:

  Spc. Anthony Vinnedge

  

  Spc. Jeremy Stacey

  

  Spc. Michelle Ring

  

  Spc. Roberto Causer

  

  
  Peace. Comfort to broken hearts.  Hugs and special comfort for the broken hearts of children.

  

  

  by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:15:33 PM PDT

  •  heartbreaking, noweasels

    This statement is beautifully put:

    Peace. Comfort to broken hearts.  Hugs and special comfort for the broken hearts of children.

    Thank you for all of your hard work in honoring the fallen, noweasels.  

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:41:06 PM PDT

    •  Could we ever have the bravery, nerves, I'm not

      sure what to call it, to go back through all of the diairies about the Fallen to discover how many children are now part of a Gold Star family?

      by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:45:12 PM PDT

      •  I'm not sure if I could.

        But it would be worth the pain if it would help motivate the government to get moving and get us out of Iraq.

        So many children.  So many brothers and sisters, wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.

        It's heartbreaking.

        by MsWings on Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 04:18:39 AM PDT

    •  thank you for everything you do, Sandy

      you and monkeybiz and silvercedes were my inspiration to pitch in.

      by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 08:37:33 PM PDT

•  Bless you, dear Sandy on Signal

  for this heartbreaking diary.  Thank you.  Peace to you.

  by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:16:29 PM PDT

•  Always remember

  Spc. Anthony Vinnedge
  Spc. Jeremy Stacey
  Spc. Michelle Ring
  Spc. Roberto Causer

  They were patriots and heroes, but more important they were loved. They were special. They meant the world to alot of someones.
  
  We stand beside their loved ones tonight, to honor and mourn them.
  
  Hugs Sandy - thank you for sharing the stories of these once bright lights with us.

  by greenies on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:16:31 PM PDT

  •  Yes, all were loved

    the young man, Spc. Roberto Causer from San Jose, was very protective of his family and loved his country.  His family must be devastated right now.

    Same with Spc. Anthony Vinnedge who was to be home from his grandmother's birthday today.  I am at a loss for words over him.

    All so very sad.  Thanks Greenies for all of your beautiful tributes and comments you bring to IGTNT.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:00:30 PM PDT

•  Heroes

  (((((((((((((Spc. Anthony Vinnedge)))))))))))))))))))
  (((((((((((((Spc. Jeremy Stacey))))))))))))))))))))))
  (((((((((((((Spc. Michelle Ring))))))))))))))))))))))
  (((((((((((((Spc. Roberto Causer)))))))))))))))))))))

  May they and their families be surrounded by love and light.

  Thank you for your service.

  With respect,
  For Dan,
  Heather

  by Chacounne on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:18:54 PM PDT

  •  thank you, Chacounne

    for your comfort and love to the fallen.  Thank you also for your beautiful diaries you write for IGTNT.  

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:01:56 PM PDT

•  For Marc and Brandon

  sons of Spc. Michelle Ring.
  
  If you ever read this, know that your mom was a true hero.
  
  Her brave and strong spirit will be there to guide and support you as you find your way in the world.

  by greenies on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:21:37 PM PDT

  •  (((((((((((((((((((((((Marc and Brandon))))))))))

    I am so sorry your mommy isn't coming home. I hope you feel the love and the light that surround you.

    In sorrow,
    Heather

    by Chacounne on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:27:16 PM PDT

  •  bless you, greenies

    for that lovely comment, and for the compassion behind it.

    by noweasels on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:27:16 PM PDT

•  Young lives, small towns

  So many of those lost are so young, and so many from small towns where the loss resonates throughout the community.

  I read this morning about the third military death this month in our small state, a young man of 25 from a town of about 700 people.

  Our small size means that each death is widely reported, both in print and on TV, and that the flags across the state fly at half-staff on the day of the funeral. It's a minor thing, perhaps, but I like to believe that the families and loved ones find some comfort in the public recognition of their sacrifice.

  My heart breaks for that young mom and those two little boys.

  Peace and healing to all those who are grieving tonight.

  by maryru on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:23:27 PM PDT

  •  Bismarck, AR is very tiny

    and they, like so many small rural communities, have quite a few of their young men and women in Iraq right now.  When something tragic like this happensthe whole town grieves and remembers.  I think this is why the war is so unpopular.  Washington and the Main Stream Media are not feeling the pain the rest of the country feels from this war.  The MSM focuses on inane stories and does not focus on the grief this nation is feeling.  

    BTW, here is how small of a town Bismarck is, this from Wikipedia:

    Bismarck is located between Hot Springs and Caddo Valley on State HWY 7 and 84 in Hot Spring County, Arkansas.

    Bismarck is an unincorporated rural area. In 2002 the local clinic was closed. As a result, the state of Arkansas declared it an MUA (Medically Underserved Area) and BCHC, Inc. was formed to bring health care to the Bismarck area. Bismarck only has two restaurants: DJ's Drive In and Pizza Shack. There are also three markets: the BCM (Bismarck Community Market), Dollar General, and the Lions' Den (which also serves as a gas station). The post office, two banks, and the Elementary, Middle, and High schools are all within one block of the main intersection. Great fishing at Lake DeGray is nearby.

    My heart goes out to the family and the whole town of Bismarck for the loss of Spc. Jeremy Stacey.

    Peace to you, maryu.  

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:12:27 PM PDT

•  Devastating

  Words won't say it. I'm sitting here all alone in my house and I'm just crying my eyes out.

  What in the world are we doing?

  Thank you Sandy and all who maintain IGTNT. The dignified and honorable tone of this series is exemplary. This small attention paid to each and every US death in Iraq is the very least we could do, but it is you guys who are doing it with your dedication and diligence. Thank you again and god bless.

  by DBunn on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:25:14 PM PDT

•  Forever young.....

  

  by Friend of the court on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:27:43 PM PDT

•  Spc. Causor

  By joining the military when he graduated in 2004 from Overfelt High School, "in a way that was kind of a payback, in gratitude," for the success and freedom many of his relatives enjoyed in the United States, Francisco Causor said.

  
  
  We offer our gratitude to Spc. Causor for acting on his sense of patriotism. May his family find comfort, in due time, knowing that Roberto was a true American hero.
  
  Thank you again Sandy for tonight's sad diary.

  by greenies on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:31:13 PM PDT

•  Marvin Gaye sang this about the black community

  arising from an enslaved past only to be taken advantage of by members of their own community.

  When we think about what my old professor Buckminster Fuller called Spaceship Earth, then we are all brothers and sisters - Americans, Iraqis, and people from every nation.

  Here's Marvin [audio only] singing the words Sandy on Signal used to open her beautiful tribute.

  These words are worth reading, hearing, and thinking about:

  by llbear on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:40:15 PM PDT

  •  needed to hear his music

    that helped give me a little lift.  Thanks for putting this up, llbear.  It is wonderful and soothing.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:19:07 PM PDT

•  Deepest condolences

  to the family and friends of Spc. Anthony Vinnedge, Spc. Jeremy Stacey, Spc. Michelle Ring, and Spc. Roberto Causor. May they all find peace.

  Thank you for this diary, Sandy on Signal. It's tough to come home from work and read these diaries every night, but it feels like the least I can do. I can't help but feel that if everyone took the time to learn about the lives that've been lost in this war we'd be a lot more responsible as a nation about how we resolve our disputes with other countries.

  by cadell on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:43:12 PM PDT

  •  I feel the same way too

    and I wish people would learn more about how much of a loss it is for our country.  War is not a solution to a dispute, it is the opposite, it is a problem and it creates problems for years after it is over.

    Thank you, Cadell, for reading and honoring the fallen troops.  

    Peace.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:29:36 PM PDT

•  There's one place that I turn to that can best

  express my thoughts when words don't seem to come. I seem to always find what I can't express on my own:

  Go not yet away from us.
  A noontide have you been in our twilight, and your youth has given us dreams to dream.
  No stranger are you among us, nor a guest, but our son and our dearly beloved.
  Suffer not yet our eyes to hunger for your face.
  ...
  Let not the waves of the sea separate us now, and the years you have spent in our midst become a memory.
  You have walked among us a spirit, and your shadow has been a light upon our faces.
  Much have we loved you. But speechless was our love, and with veils has it been veiled.
  Yet now it cries aloud unto you, and would stand revealed before you.
  And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

  Kahlil Gibran- The Prophet

  To the family and friends of these beloved heros and to those Iraqis who are living and dying in the same hell that we've created, I am so terribly sorry.

  by blueintheface on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:09:37 PM PDT

  •  beautiful

    that expresses it perfectly.  Thank you, blue in the face for sharing this tonight.

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:21:36 PM PDT

    •  I also should have thanked you and the rest of

      the IGTNT staff. It seems cheap to say it every time I post in these threads, but you all do such a beautiful job. This series really is what this board is all about. Without trying to get political, and forgive me if I'm crossing the line, these stories are the reason why we must never give up trying to change our country for the better.

      It's about Spc. Roberto Causor, Spc. Anthony Vinnedege, Spc. Michelle Ring and Marc and Brandon, about Spc. Jeremy Stacey, and about the thousands of soldiers coming home in caskets or with severe injuries. I love being able to reflect and honor these men and women every week, and deeply appreciate what you all do for them.

      by blueintheface on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:48:06 PM PDT

•  Good people, brave people. nt

  by Inland on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:25:20 PM PDT

•  For their families, friends and units

  

  Spc. Roberto J. Causor Jr., 21, of San Jose, Calif.
  Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, 24, of Okeana, Ohio
  Spc. Michelle R. Ring, 24, of Martin, Tenn.
  Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23, of Bismarck, Ark.

  Too many.  Too young.  Too much sorrow.  The world is a lesser place for these losses.  

  War is ugly.  A mother's smile. A grandson's smile.  A father's smile. A good friend's smile.  All these are beautiful.  Let us choose beauty and peace over war.  

  Peace

  "I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned."
  from Dirge Without Music
  by Edna St. Vincent Millay

  by Morrigan on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:41:35 PM PDT

  •  "beauty and peace"- I am ready for it.

    It is a much better choice.  War and suffering has been going on for far too long, we need peace.  

    Thank you, Morrigan for your lovely tribute and the peace rose which is my favorite rose, flower.  

    by Sandy on Signal on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 07:56:00 PM PDT

•  Eternal Rest

  Grant unto them, O Lord
  and may perpetual light shine upon them.

  by marykk on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 08:08:01 PM PDT

•  Their courage, strength and devotion to duty

  will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to the families and friends, and especially the children, who are grieving now. May they find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. Peace and blessings to all.  

  by moneysmith on Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 09:24:45 PM PDT

•  A moment of silence

  for Spc. Anthony Vinnedge,
  for Spc. Jeremy Stacey,
  for Spc. Michelle Ring, and
  for Spc. Roberto Causer

  And an additional moment of silence for Spc. Michelle Ring's little boys, Marc and Brandon. And for all the children left behind.

  The hardest part:

  She told me, 'I don't understand why we're there any more. I don't see us making a difference.'

  We've got to get out of Iraq.

  by MsWings on Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 04:09:48 AM PDT