An American Soldier

[Cacia]

Fortunately my brains overtook my mouth for probably the first time in my life and I shut up and listened. Imagine that, though, he's over there dodging IEDs and pot shots from snipers and he's worried about this stuff.

I recognize so many familiar 'things" in your posts

Death will always make us see more clearly and be more thankful for what we have.

FWIW

Death and loss will always be "innappropriate" unless you just say "My Condolences"

you have fear of losing your son right under the surface, right under your skin, every minute of every day...I can relate. It colors our thinking and everybody else needs to deal with that.. is what I feel.

I am happy you have a group of friends to hear your angst and support you.

 

[Doubles]

May you rest in peace James Jacob Harrelson.

Condolences to the family

-s

 

[Bob]

When Pfc. James Jacob Harrelson, son, friend, loved one, athlete, and Soldier of the United States perished in battle he left a hole in the hearts of his comrades, folks at home in Dadeville, and those anywhere who knew him.

Spanky came home yesterday. More than 100 friends and relatives gathered at Thomas C. Russell Field in Alexander City as he arrived on an Air Force C-21 Learjet. The honor guard from Fort Benning escorted him to a long grey limo. Members of the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard, men and women from all wars, lined the tarmac with Old Glory.

Tonight he will say goodbye to family and friends at Radney Funeral Home and tomorrow ride to his hometown in Dadeville. Folks will gather at the First Baptist Church and celebrate his short but fruitful life with full military honors. In southern tradition, ladies will prepare a meal fit for royalty and folks will dine and enjoy fellowship. This common bond starts the healing process so necessary to carry on.

His final resting place is Hillview Memorial Park in Alexander City. For more than fifteen miles grateful citizens will line the highway and traffic will stop as Spanky traces the path of pioneers from historic Dadeville, to Jackson’s Gap, across Lake Martin, and through downtown Alexander City.

I don’t remember where I read it or who wrote it but it’s true. “Only two people have willingly offered to die for me. Jesus, to protect my soul, and the American Soldier, to protect my freedoms.”

Spanky, I offer a salute to a brother in arms and thank you for your sacrifice.

Travel well my friend.

:salute:
As a combat veteran of Vietnam, 1st Squadron, 9th Air Cav, I salute this young HERO who gave the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in peace soldier. Bob

 

[1_T_Submariner]

My condolences to family and friends.

 

[PfcAJ]

My prayers are with James and his family.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I just came home from seeing my son in California. He's now headed to Goodfellow in Texas and then to Fairchild in Washington State. After that it's Offut(?) and then who knows. I do know he will not be going to the mideast. Not many Chinese speakers in Baghdad. But at his going away party at the pub I sat with some who very likely will be sent there. To Pfc Harrelson I say rest in peace, thanks, and Godspeed. To those over there now and those about to go you have my pride, my admiration, and my gratitude. In fact all of our young men and women who have sacrificed to defend us, whether it's by just enlisting or giving the ultimate, deserve our respect and admiration.

 

[ddimples]

you made me cry with your post.. although i don't know this person i know what he did was for his country...

 

[bane51031]

God speed, "The price of Freedom is not Free" never forget that and never forget those that have fought and those that have fallen to give us the greatest gift.

My time serving is done but, Thank God threre are others who are willing to pick up the sword and shield and carry forward to get the job done.....

My deepest sympathies to anyone who has lost a friend or loved one for our country.....

 

[The Kraken]

:salute:

from The Kraken
"B" Co., 229th Avn. Bn., 11th Avn. Grp., 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Republic of South Viet Nam - 1969-71