Fort Hood on the eve of Veterans Day

By Jonathan Tamayo

Missing Call Letters

Killeen, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

I just watched the Fort Hood Memorial, and you can’t help but get emotional. It’s a tragedy not only for the needlessly slain victims, but for the wives, husbands, daughters, sons, parents, and friends of the fallen. Watching the long line of family members wearing white ribbons makes you realize not only how much the military sacrifices but also how much their families sacrifice.

The price of war has plagued soldiers and their families the last decade. On the eve of Veterans Day, remember to not only show gratitude to those currently serving in the military, but also to remember those who have paid the ultimate price. The AP estimates at least 4,353 soldiers have died in Iraq since March 2003 and at least 836 have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

Now, President Obama is considering sending another 40 thousand troops to Afghanistan as soldiers serve tour after tour of duty just so I can write a blog post in a comfortable chair on a Tuesday afternoon.

The President put it best in his Fort Hood speech:

Theirs are tales of American men and women answering an extraordinary call — the call to serve their comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans.

As a journalist I’ve spoken to many individuals who haven’t had the luxury of freedom. Just think of the people in Iran whose lives are threatened for protesting an unfair election or the religious groups in China that are persecuted for their beliefs…

I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with the men and women serving in uniform at recruitment centers and at a reveille ceremony on Armed Forces Day this summer, which you can watch below. My whole point is to get to know these people. Thank them, and appreciate all they do. Happy Veterans Day.

OC Soldier honored at Capitol

By Jonathan Tamayo

Missing Call Letters

Flags at the state Capitol are lowered to half-staff Monday to pay tribute to two Californians (one from Orange County) that were killed in a suicide attack in Iraq.

Pvt. Bryce Gautier, 22, of Cypress was killed in the April 10 attack in Mosul. The attack was described as the deadliest assault against U.S. troops in Iraq in a year. Bryce was killed with fellow Californian Bryan E. Hall, 32, of Elk Grove,  and three other soldiers.

“Staff Sgt. Bryan Hall and Private Second Class Bryce Gautier were true patriots who willingly put themselves in danger to protect their fellow citizens,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the loss of these brave men and we we are forever indebted to their service. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time,” he continued.

As of Sunday, April 12, 2009, at least 4,272 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

The soldiers died when their military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.  Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Carson, CO. 

You can sign a digital guest book for Pvt. Gautier at legacy.com.