Saw a fallen friend's name this weekend

2015-01-04T21:43:45-05:00

I had the honor of helping unfurl the American flag at the Armed Forces bowl again this year, but before we did that some of us wandered around the area set up for booths for alumni and recruiters.

I came across this long black wall with names all over it. When I read the sign, I found out this guy who runs this board has memorized the rank and name of every SM who died in Afghanistan. Pretty impressive and very cool.

The names are in chronological order. So I walk up to him and ask about a childhood buddy of mine who was KIA 15APR02. He asked for his name, so I tell him SSG Brian Craig. The guy thought for a few seconds and then told me the exact line Brian was on, line 48. That actually freaked me out, then the lump and tears formed.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 4 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-01-04T21:42:30-05:00

I clicked thumbs up, not for actually liking the reason that it happened. But, more because I like that someone cares.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-01-04T22:02:10-05:00

SSG Christopher Parrish, that is pretty amazing. Did you happen to get the man's name?

Response by TSgt Kristin Parsons made Jan 4 at 2015 10:07 PM

2015-01-04T22:07:03-05:00

Wow, I'm tearing up just reading that. Do you have more pictures of the wall?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 4 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-01-04T22:17:39-05:00

I feel your pain, brother. God bless.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 4 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-01-04T22:18:47-05:00

Feel your pain. I like you also lost a good childhood friend in A'stan on Mar. 25, 2006. On the flip side my daughter's birthday in on the 29th. The guy with the incredible memory is Navy veteran Ron White, Some 2,200 hundred names. Very impressive. Nothing wrong with shedding tears for a friend.