To My Warrior Friends and Mates: Gone from Here, Not Forgotten
1) Kelly C. 2) Scott C. 3) Robert P. 4) Jeremy H. 5) Scott H. 6) Ben S. 6) LT M. 7) Rob N. 8) Amarea W. 9) Paul F. 10) Max T. 11) Nicholas B. 12) Dave P. 13) Greg B.
Where are we now? It was the first spring of Covid-19. Perhaps that was possibly what lead to her demise. A boy friend, I don't know; he got mad, or they had a fight, maybe, or he or they were really down... And she and her boyfriend were found. A welfare check. No longer living.
Amarea W.
I think I knew her four years. We may not have talked much. Different sections. I was always impressed by her work ethic. Her even demeanor. Stoic or strong, solid. She was a cadet to become an officer. Then she commissioned as a young lieutenant; she was going to join the infantry. That is impressive for anyone, and rare and more impressive for a female. She was gone with all that life in front to live.
I met her family and mourned and celebrated with friends and family in the hot, summer sun, a few months later. Beautiful thoughts and songs and dances.
She left behind a large wake. She was a warrior drummer. She drummed, played in the band at her college. I think I worked around her a lot, and the memories blend. Worker bees doing their thing. Our things. Working toward the future.
We remember you, LT W. You made it really well. In heaven, you will be a big presence there. I thank you for all your efforts. You are a super star. Forever remembered by me.
Paul F.
I got to know Paul either in 6th grade or 8th grade. Was he a Binford guy like me? I have to check my year books. Or maybe ask a friend that I have that I still keep in contact with. She knew him throughout adulthood. I knew him a bit back in high school, he got a play part at my school that influenced me to get another part. He affected my life.
Years later, I met up with him as he was meeting with the missionaries of my faith. The time when Ben S. and I were helping them. A time in Indiana for me of work, education, and transition. Paul was sincere, and smart, and conscientious. He decided that the Roman Catholic Church was the way to go, which I had to respect. I was excited for him to join my faith. I had dreamt of former classmates becoming a member of my church someday. It would signify that I or we were doing something right. We like re-affirmations, reminders or signs that we are on the right path.
Years pass. We made it farther than a few I have mentioned above and in the previous parts of my Warrior Friends.
I was sad to learn he left behind at least one daughter, after his divorce, and that things got that dark, or hopeless. We cannot know all the things that happen to others; sometimes mysteries abound in ourselves. Like me talking about these long, lost warriors. They are not to be forgotten. No sir, or ma'am.
What was Paul? A hometown warrior. Yes, I believe he was. I read articles he wrote to the paper. He was that type of guy.
Max T.
Was it this year? Or last? I believe it was 2023. I knew him in person in limited contexts. He was a bull on the court, a tough and strong guy. Later I learned of his powerful spiritual and tender side. He was a smart guy, who created games, and was a fun friend and brother to many. He took some early blows to his brain, and the injuries piled up and could not be fixed well enough.
I see and know who you left behind. It has been a tough time for all. Parents, siblings, other loved ones. The circles go far and wide.
Not forgotten in these parts, forever remembered in many, many hearts and minds.
Max the Gentle Warrior. With muscles of steel. Heart of a lion.
Nicholas B.
I will save the last three for Part IV.
We think of them fondly, with longing and some regret. Melancholy, and happiness, and gratitude for having rubbed shoulders with them. Laughs, fun times, smiles, love, and service.
We were good together, I must say.
I thank them all for what they gave and shared. If I could have a few more photos, videos, vignettes or anecdotes. They are stored inside us.
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