Another American Casualty

[rwley]

The war in Iraq came through my front door this weekend. My son, David, spend some time in the Army right out of High School and still keeps in touch with one or two buddies he made. Friday, one of those buddies was killed in Iraq. Clayton Smith, light-wheel mechanic had just been stationed at Fort Hood here in Texas and David was down there three weeks ago to help Clayton move in. A few days later, Clayton was back in Iraq. He leaves behind a wife, Stacy and a 5-year old son, CJ. David went down this past weekend to spend some time withe family.

As much as I would like the young family remembered, pray for my son as well. He is being forced to take a good hard look at his life right now. I believe God is working very hard on him, and he is resisting. He has been out of line spiritually for awhile now and I believe God is being a good Father and laying down some disciplinary measures that my son is not happy with. Are any of us when we're in trouble? Anyway, please pray for him as he deals with everything.

Pray for this young family, too. They are believers, but that doesn't help in the immediate hurt. God will comfort, but they will still grieve.

Thanks to all.

Robi

[Jeff Gerke]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Robi. How terrible for that family, and your son.

Yesterday in church we learned that the brother of one of the leading students in the youth group was killed in Iraq by an IED.

Of course our casualties in this war have been nothing like in previous wars, in which it seemed that every other young man came home in a box. But in a way that just seems to magnify the losses we do suffer.

I see no good way to resolve this situation in Iraq and I'm so grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line--and sometimes pay with their lives--while we try to figure it out or get it done. The bravest of us all.

Jeff

[torainfor]

Over the last year, we've had at least five friends over there, two of whom are still there. But we know no one personally who has died. It's a very strange war when you spend 99% of it potentially affected (my husband may be up for another deployment next summer) , in fear of a split second when it could actually change your life forever.

My prayers are out for your son and his friend's family.

[Christian Soldier]

Jamie has had more than her fair share of losses from Iraq, and I've lost some comrades myself. My prayers are with your son, Robi, and the Family. Let's not forget the Iraqis that have lost their lives during this chaotic time.

[rwley]

This weekend is memorial service for David's friend. He has been asked to give the eulogy, and while he has had plenty experience in public speaking, this is a first for this type of speaking. Please pray for him as he offers his memorial.

Robi

[Christian Soldier]

Prayers away, and God bless

[pixydust]

What a sad sad thing. They're in my prayers...