As published in an upstate-NY paper:

“CPT Mahaffee survived the initial attack but succumbed to his wounds 15 May 2006. Staff Sergeant Heath Berry survived the attack, but lost his left arm from the elbow down. I was on emergency leave at the time of the attack for the emergency c section birth of my son, Cole Alexander, a few weeks premature. Some people might call that circumstance, but to me it is the Favor of God. I attended CPT Mahafee’s funeral and I will never forget the hug his widow gave me standing over his casket as she said goodbye for the last time, or loading up his 5-year-old daughter, Adelia, and two year old son, Ethan, that morning in their car seats. It is something I do not want to forget and something I will never – get over. So I understand the democratic system and I respect your personal choice for or against this war. I simply humbly ask that you honor these fine soldiers who answered the call and died performing their duty by living your life free and realizing that the liberties we breathe daily are paid for by brave soldiers.”

(Hat tip: Northshorejournal)