Had to email the families of 3 very close personal friends. Just found learned that 3 of my teammates/brothers were killed in Al Kut day and a fourth, BillyBob is left in critical condition as a triple amputee. Steven Evrard "Monk", Michael Doheny, and Micah Shaw "Micah" are the names of the fallen. Please keep all of their families in your prayers. I find this news just as I'm getting over the death of a very close friend Gerold Lambert. I left that team back in May for selfish reasons; I felt I wasn't getting paid enough and I wanted more vacation time. Well now my friends are dead and yet another is left with no arms and one leg. I'm young, single, no kids. All of them were married with children. The worst part about it is that the vehicle they were all in was the vehicle I ALWAYS travel in. Meaning if I wasn't such a little bitch and abandon my team then one of my friends would still be alive to come home to his family. Good job Mark. Sorry for the rant, thanks for your time, PLEASE pray for the families of the 4. Mark
Sorry to hear this! I don't know what to say when I read news like this. Just thoughts run through my mind. It's hard for me to grasp reality sometimes. Sorry for your losses and give my condelences to the appropriate families. Hang in there Mark!
Jeez Markus, I'm VERY VERY SORRY to hear this bro, you have my sympathies bro. It's always hard to hear of friends/family passing, I feel for you, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and their families. :sad:
Very sorry to hear about your friends. Rest assured there are millions of people in this country that knowing appreciate the freedoms that all service members provide us with, sometime with their lives.
Sorry to hear this, It' always tough loseing friends, it's tougher loseing them in tragic accedents,and the worst would be at the hand of others that hate and revile them. You'll have to work this out in your own head and heart, honestly don't blame yourself or do this shoulda coulda woulda thing, I've learn throughout my life God has a plan, and it's a plan we never understand til it's complete, Gods Peace, Mercy, and Grace to you and your team mates Families and I pray for Gods wisdom for you through this.
thanks guys, im not the one that needs sympathy though, thats what alcohol is for. the families do need prayer. here is the press release. they have set up a memorial fund. im not saying contribute to it im just saying that because im glad our company is looking out for the families of its former employee's. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Minden, NV December 10, 2007 - SOC-SMG, Inc., an International Force Protection Security Company, providing high threat protection in Iraq SOC-SMG reports the unfortunate loss of three of their employees, Michael B. Doheny, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska; Steven Evrard, 36, of Arlington, Texas and Micah Shaw, 32 of Vancouver, Washington. A SOC-SMG protective security convoy was on an operation when the lead vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at approximately 12:30 P.M., Iraq time. Also, injured was SOC-SMG employee Billy Johnson, 39, of Blackstone, Massachusetts. The actions of our employees in the field providing security for our clients was nothing short of heroic. These brave men made the ultimate sacrifice by risking their lives to protect the lives of others. Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to their families and friends. All listed personnel had served honorably in the United States Military prior to their employment with SOC-SMG. All four men proudly served to protect the safety of others in the Global War on Terrorism. Company representatives are assisting and supporting their families in their time of grief. Funeral services are pending. A memorial fund will be established for the three families. Anyone wishing to contribute should make checks payable to the Michael B. Doheny; Steven Evrard or Micah Shaw Memorial Fund and send to: City National Bank C/O SOC-SMG, Inc.; Memorial Funds Michael B. Doheny, Account Number 366202919 Steven Evrard, Account Number 366202935 or Micah Shaw, Account Number 366202927 2393 Heybourne Road Minden, NV 89423
Mark Hang in there bro...your fellow comrades respected your decision to move on and they would be kicking your butt for your thinking you may be responsible...you know that being part of the team... Right now, they would want you to be there for their families and the members of the team still over there... Hang in there...keep your chin up...my family's thoughts and prayers are with these warriors and their families...
I knw how you feel I was finaly put into retirement just before my company and team deployed for the 3rd time again. and im sorry to hear about your friends ive lost 1 so far and thats more then enough he also had a wife and 2 kids and his Bday is 1 day after mine. I will keep there loved ones in my prayers.
Awfully sorry to hear that, Mark. Thoughts and prayers are with you, your team, and the families involved.
