My Buddy Died In Iraq Yesterday....

[GhostDakota]

So I have never really lost a friend before, ... this is a first. *knock on wood* ... He got killed while fighting with the US Army in Iraq:

http://myspace-166.vo.llnwd.net/00682/66/17/682607166_l.jpg

http://myspace-284.vo.llnwd.net/00682/48/27/682607284_l.jpg

http://myspace-298.vo.llnwd.net/00292/89/22/292442298_l.jpg

http://myspace-898.vo.llnwd.net/00682/89/84/682604898_l.jpg

I went to school with this kid, had known him since I was like 4 years old. He was a fellow firefighter with me at the same company for the 6 years I was there. We'd always joke around with him at the Station and he just took it in stride. He was a great kid.. err.. man. I feel so bad for his family. I'll post the story if they do one in the local news.. just kind of gives me a real sick feeling in my stomach. This war is rediculous. He was 23 years old!

[Beej]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts go out to you and his family...

[Glenn B]

RIP. My condolences.

[rhino]

My condolences to you and to his family...

[flexjay87]

he joins every other hero who served and died for his country. i lost a friend some years ago, who died suddenly and too soon. i know how you feel, and if you were real close, it will be awhile to get over it. you honor him by telling his story. my condolences to you and his family.

[DrMoab]

Bummer...Sorry for your loss.

Give our best to is family.

[POSXJGuy]

hey man, so sorry to hear about this tragedy of your friend. its a shame. so many people , so young dying for their country before they even really get to experience all that life has to offer.

i agree with you that this war is ridiculous and still not one ounce of proof or reason has been found to justify our occupation in iraq.

the only thing that has been proven is that war does have the ability to kill just about anyone.

im no tree hugging hippy ass flip flop wearing fool but i hope someday there will be ways to resolve issues by means other than war. as humans we are just so destructive by nature.

the view of americans will never be the same in the face of the world after all this is said and done.

condolences to you.

[OverlandXJ]

Sorry for your loss, and my condolences to his family.

I appreciate him defending our country and freedom. RIP

[DrMoab]

Funny how short people's memories are. How long have we been there? Three years? Four? Do you know how many people we lost in WW2 or Vietnam by this time? Do you realize we have more people die in this country by murder every year then we have lost over there?

War is war...It sucks bad but it's human nature...you will never get rid of it. This war isn't any more ridiculous then any other. It should have been managed different sure but we should be grateful it has only been as many as it has.

Still my words or any others do not make death of a loved on any easier to take. It sucks no matter how they died.

hey man, so sorry to hear about this tragedy of your friend. its a shame. so many people , so young dying for their country before they even really get to experience all that life has to offer.

i agree with you that this war is ridiculous and still not one ounce of proof or reason has been found to justify our occupation in iraq.

the only thing that has been proven is that war does have the ability to kill just about anyone.

im no tree hugging hippy ass flip flop wearing fool but i hope someday there will be ways to resolve issues by means other than war. as humans we are just so destructive by nature.

the view of americans will never be the same in the face of the world after all this is said and done.

condolences to you.

[GSequoia]

Sorry for you loss man.

And this is no place for political discussion, no matter what your views of the war are.

[5-90]

"War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left."

That said, my sincere condolences on your loss. Remember, it is possible to support the people fighting the war (most of them don't have a choice...) without actively supporting the war proper. I do not support this "war" - but I will always support the people "over there."

5-90

[GhostDakota]

"War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left."

That said, my sincere condolences on your loss. Remember, it is possible to support the people fighting the war (most of them don't have a choice...) without actively supporting the war proper. I do not support this "war" - but I will always support the people "over there."

5-90

Thanks to everyone. I really appreciate it. Also, I agree with you 5-90. I do not support the war, but I support the troops who are fighting in the war.

[crasy1_69]

sorry for your's and his families loss. i do thank everyone that is and has been to any war/conflict for this country defending what ever they felt was right and following orders even if they didnt feel it was right. i cant say i know your pain but i can say that im sorry for the loss.

[Creech]

Condolences from my family to you and to his family as well. I lost two really close friends in my tour. It's not easy.

[Art Triggs]

rip, it's hard losing a friend, my condolences

[XJ Eric]

My condolences. My brother is at Camp Sikes and I'm leaving for an undisclosed location myself. Remember him for who he was, thats all we can ask for. His name is forever written in the hallowed pages of those who fought and died for those of us who remain.

[OverlandXJ]

The local news station just covered his story. Had an interview with his father Gary and the local FD.

Didnt realize he was local to me. If there is a benefit organized please let me know.

[GhostDakota]

Thanks again everyone. It's very much appreciated.


The local news station just covered his story. Had an interview with his father Gary and the local FD.

Didnt realize he was local to me. If there is a benefit organized please let me know.

What news station was it? WPVI (ABC 6), NCB 10, Fox 29, WB 17, KYW 3?

[planefixer]

:( R.I.P. Sorry for your loss. :patriot:

[cherokee89]

I am very sorry for your loss.:us:

[8Mud]

A quote that always seems to help me cope.

"But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee."

[OverlandXJ]

What news station was it? WPVI (ABC 6), NCB 10, Fox 29, WB 17, KYW 3?


NBC-10 ...had the full story at 4PM, since then small repeating segment. I would expect another full story at 6PM.

http://www.nbc10.com/news/9750458/detail.html

[streetpirate]

Every day i think about the war, and my friend in it.

already hit by 3 IED's while in humvee, and 2 on the ground.
he's still unscathed, and im keeping my fingers crossed.

[Overdriven]

God Bless Men like Tristan Smith who are willing to die doing a "job" that lets my children sleep safely at night. He is a true Hero.

[MogifiedXJ]

I'm sorry to here about your loss man, My condolences and prayers go out to his family as well as yours.

[UNCC_99XJ]

sorry for the loss. my best go to you and his family through this ordeal.

[53guy]

I'm sorry man, I feel for ya. I lost 4 real close friends when those 53's crashed off the horn of africa, not to mention all my grunt buds left on the ground. War is evil like that and we will never know all the information that people have that cannot be public knowledge that keeps us fighting in far distant places. All we can do is trust in and elect officials who we hope can make the right choices. We all join up and swear to protect and serve....even if it means death. I'm glad and proud to be able to share the pride with all who serve and fall next to me........its those who sacrifice that allow everyone who needs it a bit of security to sleep at night. RIP

[GhostDakota]

Here's the story and info... watch the video too if you want on the right:

http://www.nbc10.com/news/9750458/detail.html

[Fergie]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/bergferg/Smilies/half_mast.gif

Many of us have been in your same situation. Stay strong, and don't dishonor his memory, even through the anger that you may feel.

Gavin

[Ghost]

My condolences. Loosing a child is one of hte most difficult things to deal with.

[LivinUpXJ]

damn man sorry to hear, my best friend someone i consider a brother is over there right now, hes only 20 yrs old, i couldnt imagine what it feels like to loose someone like that, sorry again

[DansGreyMj]

sorry to hear that , but atleast he died a hero

[JnJ]

Sorry to hear it. Praying for his family. I lost a friend a couple months ago. It brings the war home....

[woody]

My condolences to all who cared for him.

[Mr.OverKill]

TAPS. i bow my head for a moment of silence and thank him and all who fight and die for my families freedom and the freedom of the world. my heart felt condolances.

[GhostDakota]

Thanks again everyone, it's much appreciated. Plans are in work for the funeral. I think it's going to be on Thursday where I grew up in Bryn Athyn, Montgomery County, PA a suburb of Philadelphia.

[whatevah]

just saw the post, my condolences, Rick... I never know what to say at times like this.

[GhostDakota]

just saw the post, my condolences, Rick... I never know what to say at times like this.

Thanks Jerry. I'm the same way. I'm not sure how to react or really what to say. I've seen enough shows on TV from Iraq and movies / series related to war (Band of Brothers, Black Hawk Down, among others) and have heard stories from my friends as well... I can somewhat picture what it's like, but I don't think I can even imagine. I think it's like explaining the fire service to people who haven't experienced it. You just have no idea what we'd see day in and day out and what type of training, work and dedication was required to do it.

More stories about him here:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=local&id=4504136
http://cbs3.com/local/local_story_240222624.html
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/family_guide/15386154.htm?source=rss&channel=philly_family_guide
http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/75386.php?contentType=4&contentId=196144

"F/F Tristan Smith (Right), F/F Rick Rotondo (Back Center), Abington F/F (Left)":
http://members.aol.com/PntShocker/2JRs.gif

That above photo was taken when he was 16 and I was 17. It was our first "job" as we call it in the fire service... First "real" fire. We were packing hose after the fire.

[1985xjlaredo]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Its too bad that media has made this a politically correct world we live in other wise we could really have implemented the "shock and awe" campaign and made sure there was no one left to kill our boys after the take down of Saddam. RIP

[5-90]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Its too bad that media has made this a politically correct world we live in other wise we could really have implemented the "shock and awe" campaign and made sure there was no one left to kill our boys after the take down of Saddam. RIP

Yeah - "Grab them by the short and curlies, and their hearts and minds will follow."

Being "Politically Correct" has about as much place in the prosecution of armed conflict as the politicians who started the thing do - see my comments elsewhere. If it's come to war, then "statecraft" and "politics" have failed, and should no longer be involved.

As far as the conflict itself, war is as personal as a punch in the nose, and should be handled accordingly. Prosecute the conflict as violently and nastily as possible in order to maximise enemy casualties and minimise friendlies, and to make the conflict as short as possible. Dealing with entrenched civilian insurgents creates its own problems - but, as I recall, the Law of Land Warfare (derived from the Geneva Convention and the Hague Summit) is both dated and only applies to "official military elements of a belligerent power." Cvilian insurgents? All bets are off.

As far as the media outlets wringing their hands about civilian casualties:
1) Media don't belong in a battle zone. Period. Besides, they bitch about what soldiers are doing, and then run crying to them when something goes wrong. Keep them in the rear with the gear, and they can talk to soldiers after they come back from an operation, and they can air those stories three days later, if they're permitted to in the first place (there is no need at all for 'instant coverage' on a battlefield, that just gets men killed.)
2) We're dealing with a civilian enemy - by definition, all enemy combatant dead are civilians. We took down the former government that sponsored them. They are not "military elements of a belligerent power" - they are insurgents bordering on terrorists. They should be handled accordingly.
3) The media should have a 48- to 72-hour "gag order" in place at all times. Not to protect information - but to protect men. Embedding journalists as members of combat units in modern warfare is not a good idea - it not only causes intelligence leaks about who did what and where (and on CNN five minutes later!) but it also runs dangerously close to giving away "sources and methods" - the Holy Grail of intelligence work. In WWII, the media understood that - but they've been spouting their "the people have a right to know!" lie for so long they've come to believe it themselves...

Sorry, but I digress. Not much tho - if this were to be prosecuted properly, more of our boys would come home upright, rather than in boxes. REf. Patton - "No-one ever won a war by dying for his country. Men win wars by making some other poor bastard die for his country!"

5-90

[Bent]

My condolences to you and his family. It just plain sucks, no other way around it, it sucks, I am truly sorry for your loss. He holds my deepest respect, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect all of us. I believe absolutely in all of our troops and their thankless mission. May he rest in peace, may his family find solace.

TIM

[IcedXJ]

I am speachless. I am very sorry for your loss. I am sorry I did not see this sooner. I wish the best for you and all his family.

[yardape]

God Bless Men like Tristan Smith who are willing to die doing a "job" that lets my children sleep safely at night. He is a true Hero.


Ditto and a moment of silence.

[LilRedRover]

My feelings are the same as those before, sorry about the loss. Those are the true heros in life.

[erikwylie]

My deapest thoughts go to you and his family. I am a veteren of Desert Storm and served in Somalia and Hatie, I have lost friends from both far an near. I cry every day that I see a life if taken in this war. Though I don't feel that it is rediculas, I understand more than those who have never served. I also understand that those of us who have served and continue to VOLUNTEER! will always be remembered and honered in my thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and OUR friends family.
SSgt. E Gilstrap, US ARMY Med. Retired