The day before the conference began, my husband and I were in the exhibition hall setting up the IGTNT war memorial panels. The security guard for the Rio came by and quietly read the list of names on the boards. A few minutes later, he turned to me and said "you see the name Quincy Green under June 2008, he's my son."
I offered him my condolences and told him IGTNT wrote about his son. Velo Vixen from NFTT printed off a hard copy for Mr. Green to take home and share with his wife. The tribute to Spc. Green was beautifully written by Moneysmith and may be read here. In it, she shared a beautiful photo of Spc. Green holding his baby daughter. Mr. Green smiled broadly when he saw her "There's my granddaughter" he proudly said.
The tribute stated "he loved his country". Mr. Green proudly beamed from the statement. "He sure did, he sure loved his country" said the father. He told how his son had served first in the Navy, after that service was finished, he enlisted in the Army. Yes, indeed, Spc. Quincy Green loved our country, no doubt about it. He was an Army Chaplain's Assistant. He brought comfort to those suffering and in need. He was a great man.
Spc. Green was killed by sniper fire. The father was relieved to read we included this, for the DoD's announcement stated it was non-combat related, something it clearly wasn't. Hopefully, one day the DoD will rid themselves of combat related v. non-combat related terminology for casualties in war. We have seen far too often that mistakes are made and this leaves families bewildered and confused.
Also, the tribute included quotes from family members and friends who spoke lovingly of Spc. Green. Moneysmith wrote:
Tonight we say good-bye to a brave, devoted soldier who leaves behind a young widow, two little daughters and family and friends mourning a tremendous loss to them and to our nation. In addition, we also welcome home a soldier who finally will be laid to rest, after being listed as missing since he was lost during the Korean War. Please join me over the fold to pay our respects.
We chatted a little while longer about the IGTNT memorial boards. He did not realize so many women were killed in our wars. Also, the enormity of names on the boards gives reason for pause. We all witness the passing of our war dead, but when one sees the large number of casualties and the duration of the wars, in one place, the scale of the tragedy hits home.
Welcome board.
The Iraq board has 9 panels just like this one - 6 columns 24x36
The Afghanistan board has 3 panels just like this one.
This is why IGTNT matters. This is why our community encourages leaving respectful comments. Someday, a family member will come upon an IGTNT diary about their loved one whether it is through a google search or being at the right place at the right time. We want the tribute to bring them comfort and peace. We never know whom we touch by what we write on the internet. One thing is for sure, it is out there permanently. If one IGTNT diary and the comments have brought comfort to someone in need, then it is worth all that we do.
Right now, there are two movies out in the theaters about the Afghanistan war: Restrepoand The Tillman Story. Both of their tributes, were covered by IGTNT, here is Twilight Falling's beautiful tribute to Pfc. Juan Restrepo.
NFTT and IGTNT work together on troop care packages each year. NFTT helps out IGTNT by allowing us space to put up our war memorial to those killed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. NFTT raises the money, but our whole Netroots Nation Community works on assembling them and shipping them off to our troops. This is what makes our community so special; not only are we writers, but we do things that make a difference. Netroots for the Troops rocks!