Hitting Pause

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 348-12                               May 04, 2012
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DOD Identifies Army Casualty
  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Zachary H. H*, 32, of Wichita, Kan., died May 3 in Bagram, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to the 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 1st Sustainment Brigade,
1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

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"My name is April R, and I did not know your son. But, for the rest of my life, I will never forget where I was at 4:30am on Thursday 5/3/12 when the call came in to my husband alerting him that your son had passed away. And, in that moment, though I did not know your names...and had not yet seen your faces, I hit my knees and prayed so fervently for you. And I have thought of you and prayed for you every single day since that day. It's obvious to me, as evidenced by all the people here to attend this Memorial today that your son was really something special. I am heartbroken for your loss and will be continually praying for your family."   

These are the tear-filled words I spoke to Zachary's mom yesterday at the Memorial in Wichita Kansas.

And they felt so hopelessly insignificant/inadequate in light of the immeasurable loss this family has experienced.

The Memorial Service was very well done - it was a Christian service and the Pastor did not waste this opportunity to share the Gospel with those in attendance. It was very evident that Zachary's parents' relationship with Christ was the sole source of their peace during this very raw time, and this comforts me. 

This family is hurting, but thankfully not destroyed - will you pray for them?

Our unit (the 84th), that is still deployed, is reeling from this very unexpected loss - will you also pray for them? 

The Patriot Guard riders - some 300+ strong, showed up in support of the family of this Fallen Soldier. It was unbelievably moving to have them, solemnly standing, flags displayed and lining the drive to the church.

 * I did not feel right about including this Soldier's entire name, so I redacted it. I know it's "out there" on the internet but, for me, it did not feel appropriate to include it here...