its all sad. but it got me when the soldier was holding open his wallet with Family pictures.

Chad'* mom sent me that video and I recognized the title when I just read it on the page before this, so I'm not re-watching it, I can't. My eyes stung when I started to tear up. I'm going through my phases with trying to get over this all. I had a hard time right after the funeral and everything and then was able to go on with things but it'* all hitting me again for some reason. It'* hard, just yesterday I was thinking about how badly I wanted to feel him in my arms again and hug him so tight. I think it'* because there was another news story about a Marine that was just killed from a roadside bomb that was also from MI and as I watched it I felt my face turn red and then realized I was frowning hard and wanted to cry at the same time especially when I saw the picture of the casket with the flag draped over it. He was only 20 years old and graduated the same year as me (2005). That'* the youngest one I've seen so far. But age has nothing to do with it, it'* all a huge mess and I'm not going to be better until something is done to clean it all up and bring them all home.
Sorry I went away for about a month or more and haven't said much. I had my bday Feb 10th and wish Chad was here to share it with me. And a year ago today (March 2nd) I came home from the Air Force. I got off the plane in Grand rapids here and Chad was waiting at the end of the hall for me. I walked up to him smiling and hugged him so tight for a while that I had time to tear up. But of course sucked it up bc I was still in military mode. Talk to you guys again soon! Take care!!! I need to get out this weekend!!!

I never got to know Chad since I'm a new member, but I certainly respect what he stood for. So young, what a shame. My heart felt thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. I could not even begin to imagine what they must be going through right now. RIP Brother, and thank you for everything you've done for this great country!!!

Long live this thread, in honour of Chad. :(

R.I.P Chad, always missed, always loved, NEVER forgotten....

Wow , shivers ran thru me .This was the first I read it, seems like we just said bye.Very sorry to hear, and God Bless Melissa and his family.

They are trying to get the go ahead on building a memorial at the 44th Street Armory for Chad and another soldier who was killed exactly a year before him. I went and saw Chad'* parent a few weekends ago after going to the cemetery for a few to spend time with Chad... the only way I know how right now... until I see him again some day. but I'm going because lately it'* been hard again. Take care and talk to you all again soon.

Melissa were here for you if you need anything.

I never knew the guy real well, I think we spoke a time or two. I do remember the photo of him in the room holding the M-60.
I do remember reading about how he was going to Iraq and my thought was - "He will be back soon enough to the USA".

It is sad. Even tho him and I communicated only a time or two, it is just weird to read this thread. I just now learned of it cause after June 06, I have not been back much until these past few days.

I do wish I remembered exactly what him and I wrote about. Probably something military related.

The latest tribute to Chad.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?*=6571917#