In Patrick's memory  / Shirley Stark (none)

"To the family of Patrick McCaffrey: Mei God bless you and be with you....Patrick is in a better place and he will be in your hearts as well as mine. Remember the best times you've spent with him...therefore his memory will never be lost.
We lost our grandson Mei 29 2004 in Iraq.

They are all Hero's. "Some gave some Some gave all""
Shirley Stark of Huntingdon Tennessee

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ARMY LEADERSHIP LISTEN TO SURVIVORS  / NADIA MCCAFFREY (MOM)

http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/19/28985-army-leadership-listens-to-survivors-at-sos-summit/ ,

Photo Credit: Rob McIlvaine.

Nadia McCaffrey admires a poster of her son Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey who gave his life in June 2004. McCaffrey has since worked tirelessly for survivors and veterans.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Oct. 16, 2009) -- About 55 survivors of fallen warriors traveled from Germany and points across the United States earlier this month to discuss and evaluate the progress Survivor Outreach Services has made.

The theme for this year's SOS summit represented both the process of grief and an assessment of how well the one-year-old organization is addressing the needs of survivors: "Embracing Our Survivors Along the Journey...Are We Making a Difference?" Attendees included parents, spouses, adult children and uniformed survivors of active Army, National Guard and Reserve warriors.

On hand to hear their concerns were Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli. Donna Engeman, survivor advisor to the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command's survivor's services, opened the summit Oct. 7.

"You are always part of the Army family for as long as you want to be, and at this summit you now have the chance to voice your opinions, suggestions and concerns," Engeman said.

Engeman, herself a survivor and a dedicated Army spouse for 23 years, lost her husband, Chief Warrant Officer John Engeman, when he was killed in May of 2006 in Iraq. She became active in helping the Army improve its support system for survivors of fallen servicemembers when she was at the Pentagon for a Gold Star Remembrance ceremony in 2007.

"I was standing in the hallway and thinking to myself, 'if I ever get a chance to tell the Army what I think...' and suddenly I found myself standing alongside of Gen. Casey, so I told him in so many words that this whole casualty assistance process stinks," Engeman said.

She turned to walk away figuring he would just go fix it.

"Don't walk away," Casey called out to her. "You're going to help me."

"About a year later, two weeks after beginning work as survivor advisor for the FMWRC, I suddenly found myself being asked by Sheila Casey, the general's wife, to deliver a presentation on Survivor Outreach Services. She didn't listen to my protests that I had never spoken to a large group before.

"You just don't say no to those two," Engeman laughed.

Brig. Gen. Reuben Jones, commanding general of the Family and MWR Command since July, served previously as the adjutant general for the Army. In that position, the Casualty and Memorial Operations Center, or CMOC, fell under his command.

"In my former life, I spent many hours over at the casualty operations center and I remember many of your Soldiers. It gives us no greater pleasure than to serve you all and over these next three days we will listen to you and try and fix what's not working. If we can't, then the Defense Department will, and if they can't, it will go to Capitol Hill.

"To help make these changes a reality, our special advisory panel, made up of four surviving spouses and one surviving father: Donna Engeman, Dana Lambertson, Kristy Stanley, Kristen Fenty and Robert Stokely, meets quarterly," Jones said. The group was selected by Gen. Casey.

"I call on this crew to tell me which paths to take, and although they serve a two-year term and we'll be looking for replacements, their involvement will never expire because Army leadership needs all the help they can get to work your issues and concerns," Jones said.

For spiritual guidance at the summit, Chaplains Lt. Col. Thomas C. Waynick of FMWRC and Lt. Col. Michael Strohm from the Pentagon gave a presentation on dealing with grief. They asked each table to answer the questions: what do you wish everyone knew about the grief of survivors? What is the best thing the Army can do for survivors? And, what is the best thing you can do for each other?

Casey, after a few brief statements, was inundated with concerns from survivors - concerns he does not take lightly. One issue in particular caused him concern.

"We have to change the way the nation thinks about survivors and about the parents of survivors," Casey said. "I was talking to a mom and dad who had lost their son and they told me that no one has talked to them. [The Soldier's spouse was the recipient of the support.] That is wrong."

"I work with Gold Star parents, many of whom are being ignored," Nadia McCaffrey, said. Founder of the Patrick McCaffrey Foundation, named for her son, Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey with the National Guard, killed in Iraq, June 2004.

"Robert Stokely is on our panel because he's a surviving father. This issue will be addressed," Casey said.

Katrina Rojas, a surviving wife from Fort Lewis, wanted to know why the military escort, her husband's friend, wasn't allowed to accompany him back home.

"My husband and his best friend agreed to escort the other home. The paperwork was signed, but when we heard the news, another Soldier escorted him. Our hearts were broken. Why were we given a form that wasn't followed through on?" Rojas asked.

Krystal Michelle Chaney wanted to know why the Army waited so long to inform her about her husband's death.

"SOS at Fort Sill, Okla., asked me to be here today. My husband was killed in a state-side traffic accident and I wasn't notified until 18 hours later."

The notification processes need to be revised, Chaney said.

"Casualty office processes have a responsibility to notify the correct people at the appropriate time. The casualty officer in the situation needs to be very aware and clear as to who the PADD (Person Authorized Direct Disposition of Remains) is in the situation," she said.

Her loss illustrates a new issue to be addressed: the families of stateside casualties caused by catastrophic incidents should be treated the same as survivors of those killed in action or other combat-related deaths.

"Widows of stateside incidents should never be physically put to the side while a widow of a KIA death is given preference, as was my personal experience," Chaney said.

Ed Brown, a surviving father in Troy, Ala., revealed how his family was treated when their son was brought home.

"My son was killed two weeks after he landed in country," Brown said.

We knew he would arrive in the states at some point, but we weren't notified until one and a half hours before his body landed at Dover Air Force Base. From there he was sent to Montgomery, Ala., where my wife and I weren't allowed onto the tarmac to see our son come off the plane and down a conveyor belt."

"Our son was treated like a piece of luggage," his wife, Bonnie, added.

Visibly moved, Casey mentioned the movie, "Taking Chance," an HBO film based on the true story of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps who was killed in Iraq, April 2004. The film bears witness to the fallen and those who carry him home.

"This film represents how we treat the fallen, now, and I'm sorry you had to go through that," Casey told the parents.

Engemen's son, Patrick, a captain in the Army who went to Iraq 12 weeks after his father died, and who left again to Iraq following the summit, brought up one issue that resonated throughout the room. The Army, he said, doesn't follow those who aren't beneficiaries. But many surviving service men and women continue to serve.

"Wouldn't you want to know if a survivor was in your unit," Patrick asked? "All I ask is that the Army keeps track of us."

Laura Wolf of Houston, Texas, a mother at the summit, mentioned how her son had committed suicide.

"My first military son came back from the war very different than when he went," she said. "For two years, the doctors misdiagnosed him, ruling out post traumatic stress disorder and calling it a personality disorder. He tried self medication until committing suicide."

Another survivor recalled how a parent told her she was not allowed to sit with the Gold Star mothers because her son was not killed in combat, but committed suicide.

Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Army vice chief of staff, listened as spouses and parents around the room told their stories of suicide in the military.

"My job is to cut the number of suicides, which is more about mental wellness of force Soldiers and families. I lost 168 Soldiers to combat and one to suicide," Chiarelli said. "For this one Soldier, I made the biggest mistake of my life when I didn't allow his name to be placed on the Honor Wall."

Chiarelli says he is now trying to get Soldiers to understand that traumatic brain injury and PTSD are both real, and that the stigma - which some Soldiers feel will end their career if they seek help -- is a major issue that needs to be resolved.

"With eight years of war in two theaters and more deploying, I need to stand and speak up for the Soldier. Consequently, I'm like a scud missile. Communicate anything with me and I'll try to get something done," Chiarelli told the parents, spouses and children of survivors.

Casey, himself a survivor who lost his father, Maj. Gen. George W. Casey, in Vietnam in 1970, echoed Chiarelli while calling out for more help.

"There is clearly and rightly a lot of pain in this room, but solutions aren't going to happen overnight. As you leave this summit, spread your arms and bring in others. Obviously, the issues we've heard means we haven't been doing enough for our survivors," Casey said.

During the second day of the summit, attendees were invited to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

"Gen. Chiarelli offered us the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery. He and his staff work with ANC folks, so they came up with this wonderful program for our summit attendees," Engeman said.

Survivors Janae Sturgis and Ed Brown, along with Brig. Gen. Reuben Jones, laid a wreath in a special ceremony in Section 60, where most of the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan interred in Arlington have been laid to rest.

(Rob McIlvaine writes for FMWRC Public Affairs.)


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Sincere, heartfelt Condolences to the family,  / Josiane Martin (None)

I'm a french born Blue Star Mother (5 Stars). My family prays for you and mourns with you because all our kids serving this Country are Brothers and Sisters in arms.  Be strong be Proud of Patrick because he is a Heroe.

Josy Martin

SDNC Blue Star Mother

 

 

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Thanks for being a hero  / Randy Lange (HS classmate )
Patrick and Family

Thanks for your sacrifice--though it breaks my heart that you had to leave us so young and leave your family behind.  I didn't know you personally but you have my ultimate respect.  We went to HHS at the same time.  Mei your soul now be at peace away from the craziness of the world. 

All my Love and Respect

Randy Close

Thinking of you today  / Cari (friend)

Thinking of you today

Good afternoon. My name is Cari and I was friends with Patrick in high school. You won't recognize my name or face. But he and I were friends throughout our years at Homestead. My maiden name is Mitzman, we ended up being together a lot as our last names were close together alphabetically. My mother met you and your son on an open house our freshman year. She came home and told me how nice he was and how polite he was and how handsome he was and wanted to know why I didn't talk about him when I came home! (It is exactly the reason that makes me think that he did not come home and talk about me!) But I wanted to let you know that he was a great friend of mine. Several of my family members are in the service and have been or are serving now in Iraq or Afghanistan. Please know how sorry I am for your loss, but how thankful I am to you for giving your son for my safety. I hold him in the highest regard. Know that my prayers are with you and the rest of your and his family.

Cari

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A friend From The Past  / Silvia B. (Mom's Friend )

A Friend From The Past...

Dearest Nadia,

You had been in my mind on and off since the tragic death of your beloved son Patrick.
I listened to you on NPR yesterday, my deepest condolences for the loss of your son.
On Monday, May 25th Veterans for Peace will have Arlington West in Oceanside, CA honoring our fallen soldiers. I will participate and will bring some flowers, and also I will say some prayers on your son's name.

Warmest regards from your long time Friend Silvia who onced visited you at your home in Sunnyvale, and I had the pleasure and honor of meeting your son Patrick.

Many hugs,

Silvia B.

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In the broad Daylight  / Steve Medina (none)

In the Broad Daylight

By Steve Medina, US Army Veteran

If I die, please bring me home in the broad daylight Don’t sneak me home in the black of the night Just bring me home in the broad day light Wrap me up in red , white and blue Remember that, that I did for you Just bring me home in the broad daylight Have a band that plays just for me As I touch down on the home of the free Just bring me home in the broad daylight We who fight and we who die don’t even question why We just hope and we just pray that we kept you from harms ways Just send me home in the broad daylight If I die, please bring me home in the broad daylight Don’t sneak me home in the black of the night Just bring me home in the broad daylight Be proud of me and let my country see That I’ve come home or what’s left of me Just bring me home in the broad daylight My flag-covered box of death is lined up with all the rest And if my country can’t see It will be so much easier to make more of me Just bring me home in the broad day light Please bring me home in the broad daylight Let them see so they can be proud of me If I die, Please bring me home in the broad daylight!

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I wanna share my words about your Wonderful Son  / Marie K. (friend)

 I wanna to share my words about your Wonderful Son 

Dear Mrs Mc Caffrey,

Well you don't know me but I was a friend of your
Son Patrick we were friends on line we would chat all the time. I just found out about his dead like a month ago I was so in shock and could not believe when I seen the News on TV and they said his name and pic OMG the tears just started rolling down my face. I just got the courage to send you an email letting you know how Patrick was a blessing to know. I know his Birthday is coming up this Sat.."" Happy Birthday Patrick"" I would always tell my friends I wonder how My friend Patrick is doing. I used to pray for him all the time and I would send him cards and emails and wonder why he never answer me back.. the last time I chat with him on June 10, 2004 and he was saying he was tired and that is was hot there.. Ms McCaffrey and I am so sorry to hear the lost of
your Wonderful Son Patrick. he was a very Loving and Caring Man & Father we talk about each others lifes. he made me open my eyes about my life he was a wonderful man and I will never forget your
son...
Thank you for letting me share with you about how I knew your Wonderful Son

MARIE K

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In Loving Memory of Patrick Ryan McCaffrey  / NADIA McCAFFREY (MOM)

http://www.rtl.fr/fiche/1046547/rtl-au-coeur-de-l-amerique-1-la-guerre-d-irak-l-oubliee-de-la-campagne.html ,

RTL is a French National Radio-TV station that broadcats internationally

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PATRICK MCCAFFREY FOUNDATION IN MN  / NADIA McCaffrey (Mom)

NEWS FROM SAUK CENTRE, MN

Nadia McCaffrey has been in the national spotlight since her son was killed in Iraq and she invited the press to photograph his flag-draped coffin arriving at the airport. She is in Sauk Centre to tour the Oak Ridge campus with hopes of turning it into a Veterans Village.

Patrick McCaffrey, Sr. (right) tends to a fellow soldier just hours before McCaffrey was shot and killed by Iraqi soldiers his unit was training. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Gold Star Mother
Nadia McCaffrey lost her son in the war in 2004. More than four years later her crusade brings her to Sauk Centre
Nadia McCaffrey has been on the cover of Newsweek, been interviewed by CBS' Dan Rather and has appeared on the Today Show. All because of her crusade to help veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now she is coming to Sauk Centre with hopes of carrying on the legacy of her son Patrick McCaffrey, Sr., who was killed June 22, 2004, by Iraqi soldiers he was training.

 McCaffrey first made headlines when she invited the press to take photos of her son's flag-draped coffin at the airport, shunning a federal ban on such activity. Since then she has founded Veterans Village, which consists of care centers in California, New York and North Carolina that provide veterans transitional housing as they learn to readjust to society. She will be in Sauk Centre today through Thursday touring the Oak Ridge campus (formerly the home school and correctional facility) with hopes of raising awareness and money to help turn it into the largest Veterans Village in the country. "I can see it as a national place, a perfect place to fight homelessness and bring hope to people," she said in a phone interview from New York. McCaffrey points to statistics, alarming statistics of the number of soldiers who are returning from the war with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the physical effects of depleted uranium and other mental and physical issues. These issues lead to homelessness and sometimes suicide, she said. "There are 700,000 homeless vets in our nation" she said. "Think about that. It's unbelievable." McCaffrey is also alarmed by the number of suicides. "We need to stop it," she said. "Every community has veterans and it's the responsibility of each community to welcome them home."

Patrick's legacy Patrick McCaffrey signed up for the National Guard after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, telling his mother he felt he "had to do something." The manager of an auto business and the father of two, he was told he would stay stateside because of his age (34). But he soon found himself deployed to Iraq, where he quickly became a leader in his unit, always being the first one to help others in need. He befriended the Iraqi children who recognized his Humvee and rushed up to it knowing he had extra food and water for them. His giving spirit was evident throughout his lifetime. His mother remembers the time Patrick moved into an apartment and she had bought him some furniture because he had no place to sit and eat. A couple days later when she stopped by with some food she noticed the table and chairs were gone. "He told me he gave them to his friend Raphael because Raphael didn't have anything," she recalled. "That was Patrick." She recalls another time when Patrick befriended a homeless man he saw on his way to work every day. He called his mother and told her that giving him a few bucks here and there wasn't enough, that he really wanted to help him. "I told him to treat him like a human being," she said. It turns out the man was a Vietnam veteran. Patrick found him a job at his auto business and the man worked there for two years until he was back on his feet. More recently, a man showed up at Nadia's home where she keeps a photo of Patrick with his birth date and death date inscribed below. When she opened the door, a man was standing there, in tears. Months earlier Patrick had paid the struggling man to help paint his house and do other odd jobs. He had stopped by to thank Patrick for helping him get back on his feet. He had no idea Patrick had died. "People are always saying, 'Do you know what he did for me?'" Nadia says proudly.

Fateful day Shortly after arriving in Iraq, Patrick would phone home and tell his parents about the hatred the Iraqi people felt toward Americans. It was at the same time the Abu Gharib prison scandal broke.

Then, on June 22, his unit was on patrol, walking in 120-degree heat for several hours. They were training Iraqi soldiers who were supposed to take over the fighting once American soldiers left. But the soldiers turned on McCaffrey's unit, shooting Patrick eight times in the torso and his fellow soldier Andre Tyson in the head. Both men died. Initially Nadia was told conflicting stories of what happened, that he was the victim of sniper fire. But she soon learned the truth after members of her son's unit arrived at her home and told her what happened. She was told one of the shooters was killed shortly thereafter. Another is on trial in Iraq and Nadia, four years later, is still waiting to hear the latest developments. In fact, she was told the trial happened two months ago, but that now there is a new trial underway. She wants to attend the trial, but thinks the military is not notifying her because of safety concerns. Because her son was killed in the war she is now a Gold Star Mother. But she is more than that. Since that fateful day four-plus years ago, her push to do more for veterans has brought her to Sauk Centre. Along with local activist Alice Karakas, the hope is to raise $5 million to make the home a reality in Sauk Centre. But all Nadia McCaffrey has to hear is someone saying it can't be done. It took Patrick's death for her to start her crusade. "I decided to be positive about it," she said. "It's also my way of grieving. It's a victory for me." She couldn't help her son, but maybe she could help the sons of other mothers. "This war is different," she said. "People are suffering from different effects and we don't know the full impact yet. But we do know they need help. They need treatment. They need peace." Providing that peace for others, perhaps, will help her find her own.

Nadia McCaffrey to speak Wednesday, 10 a.m., Oak Ridge Campus (north of Sauk Centre on Highway 71) McCaffrey to discuss plans for turning Oak Ridge campus into a long- and short-term veterans care facility. For more on McCaffrey's mission go to veteransvillage.org.

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What has happened?  / JIM MAHONEY (FRIEND)
Nadia,
I wanted to see how some of my old friends were doing. I specifically wanted to see how Pat was doing. When I saw his picture online, I recognized his eyes and thought Wow, he's looking pretty good. Then I read the caption beneath the photo and cried at work.
Pat was a good friend to me in junior high. I wish we had kept in touch over the years.
Its been four years since he passed away. Its been at least twice as long since Pat and I last spoke.
I remember when he got his car in high school, a burly sports car to replace his old compact import wanna-be. He pulled up into my parents driveway and got out, beaming with pride. The only bad thing about the car was that it didn't quite have the pick he was expecting. My dad took a look at it and tweaked the timing. The car immediately revved with a larger-than-life roar. Pat was in awe and gave my dad a hug and then gave me a ride.
I have many memories of him. I wish I could do more than just share them.
My condolences to you and Robert.

Jim Mahoney
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Veteran's Village and Patrick's story  / Nel Iro (none)

Dear Ms. McCaffrey,

I am an Iraqi translator who served with the US army in Iraq from 2003 until 2005. I have recently arrived and resettled in the US due to the dangers that, as you may know, surround any Iraqis who help in rebuilding their country and support the US government.
I just came across Veteran's Village and read Patrick's story. It is so touching and I am so proud of him. I can't thank you enough for everything you are doing to heal all those who work for peace to make this world a better place for all of us with no exception. Indeed, after the wars and atrocities that I have witnessed growing up in Iraq and working with the US, my mission in life has become what the great poet June Jordan says in her poem Baghdad:
"Yesterday I learned that those who think that some people should die are already dead!"
Like you, I feel an urgent need to tell people about such stories. since my arrival here, I do speak publicly about all my experiences and try to convey a message of love and peace for all the American people whom I found very welcoming and loving people.
I am just writing to send you a message of peace and appreciation for all that you and your family have done and continue to do for us. I am currently a graduate student at Lehigh University in PA. I am working on my master's degree in English literature. I love writing, and literature is a great wsy to help me communicate with people and help creating a culture of peace. I'd be happy to share my experiences and appreciation any any way you wish me to whether now or in the future.
With a lot of respect,
Nel.

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THE GUARD GOES TO WAR  / Nadia McCaffrey (Mom)

THE GUARD GOES TO WAR
Recent Times coverage
Sgt. 1st Class Norman Valdez, Staff Sgt. Dennis Sarla, Sgt. Timothy McClurg, Cpl. Patrick McCaffrey Sr., and SPC Scott Aponte were part of the four Humvee patrol conducted that night.

These soldiers are all a part of the A/579th Engineers attached to TF Tacoma of the 81st BCT.While conducting their patrol, outside the perimeter, a report came over the radio there had been enemy rockets launched.

They discovered the suspected Point of Origin (POO) was not far from their location.

Minutes later, two Iraqis were seen by a dismounted patrol, riding a motorcycle away from the suspected POO. The Humvees maneuvered into position to intercept the two Iraqis. Valdez stood on top of his Humvee and gestured for the two Iraqis to halt. They were then instructed to leave their motorcycle far away and walk back to where the soldiers were standing and they complied obediently. One of the Iraqis told the soldiers he was part of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, calling out ICDC, also providing identification to prove it.TF Tacoma headquarters ordered Valdez and his crew to detain them. Sarla, McClurg, Aponte and Gonzalez approached and detained the two Iraqis. Only one had identification on him.

One man appeared to be extremely nervous, smoking excessively, while the other one remained calm and appeared to be smiling. Sarla and his men took the Iraqis into custody. The soldiers' small group, calling themselves the Double Deuce, remained calm and performed their duty to perfection. The team reflected the entire ordeal had been a reality check for them.The detainees were taken in the gate by the Fire Support and Scout humvees that were also on the patrol. The FISTERs (fire support soldiers) and Scouts blindfolded the two Iraqis upon taking possession of them. They arrived back at LSA Anaconda for residue testing.Spc. Heather Gardiner is the unsung hero of this detainment.

Gardiner is trained to test potential criminals for residue indicating contact with any sort of explosive device. These two Iraqi Nationals tested positive; one for TNT and the other for both TNT and an explosive known as RDX.
Gardiner said of her results,This test is what would convict them (of launching rockets). She explained presenting her findings, stating I submitted a sworn statement, which my commander requested. This sworn statement could be used in an upcoming trial; a trial that Gardiner may be testifying at. Although Gardiner's job is not one of glory such as the various patrol groups, but without her, the work done by Valdez, Sarla, McClurg, McCaffrey, and Aponte would be for nothing.
The double deuce team with the help of the FISTERs and Scouts did an amazing job of capturing the alleged criminals. Without the test results from Gardiner, the team would not have enough evidence to hold and convict the alleged criminals and their hard work would be lost.
The Gatekeeper

Engineers to Infantrymen:
Soldiers of A Company, 579th Battalion Show their Strength and VersatilityLike other elements of the 81st BCT, the soldiers from A Company of the 579th EN Bn have demonstrated their ability to be both forceful and flexible.
Although they were trained as Combat Engineers, the 579th soldiers work in security and support operations at Logistical Support Area (LSA) Anaconda.
Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey is a team leader for the 579th, and works to provide support and security for patrol groups like the Fire Support Teams (FISTERs) and Scout Teams.
During the patrols, McCaffrey's team occasionally runs into potentially hazardous situations.
Recently he and the rest of his team were involved in the apprehension and capture of two anti-coalition fighters. Another time, McCaffrey and his men ran into a cache of rocket fuses while on patrol.

In addition to providing support for the FISTERs, who they were accompanying, McCaffrey and his team also escorted Explosive Ordinance Demolition (EOD) specialists back to the site.

The 579th soldiers maintained security of the area while the fuses were destroyed with a controlled blast.
Although he sometimes has to confront and overcome dangerous situations, much of McCaffrey's job involves staying prepared and on-guard.
He and his soldiers maintain a strong stance, bracing themselves to defend Anaconda against any crisis that may arise. He and his team have also served as convoy escorts, providing security for shipments of the various classes of staple items--food, water, and fuel.

At home, McCaffrey worked at two auto body shops, where he manages 30 people. Although he is only a corporal in the Army, his experience in the civilian world has sharpened his leadership skills, helping him as he pilots his team. McCaffrey and his fellow 579th soldiers have shined during their brief time at Anaconda.

According to McCaffrey, their company is the spearhead for the 81st Brigade, even though they are working in security operations instead of combat engineering." We have accomplished everything and more the Brigade has expected of us, says McCaffrey. During the Transfer of Authority, the 82nd (Airborne) was very impressed with us.

2nd Lt. Andre Tyson praises McCaffrey's skills and solidness as a soldier.
According to Tyson, McCaffrey has a good head on his shoulders, particularly outside the gate. This is one of my best soldiers, Tyson says.

McCaffrey is modest, however--for him success is a result of group effort. It's not just one guy--it's the whole team.

He chalks up his company's success to hard work and training. We want to excel, he says. " The only way to do that is to do a good job at everything we do".

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Holding You in my thoughts and prayers  / Deb Estep (no)

Holding you in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Patrick, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

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To the family of Sgt Patrick McCaffrey  / Peggy Childers (none)

"June 24, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey, Sr.:
Patrick gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

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