In Rememberance...

Often I am asked if I named Tristan after Brad Pitt's character from the movie Legends Of the Fall. Especially since his middle name is Bradly. That answer would be, NO!!!

Our son, Tristan Bradly was named after two wonderful War Heros, or as some would say, Warriors.

Tristan is from Michael's dear friend, Tristan Neil Aitken. They were old Artillerary buddies.

Army Capt. Tristan Aitken, who was killed in combat in Iraq on April 4, 2003, once said, "a true winner always gives his best, not to the glory of self, but to the glory of God." Tristan was deployed on January 24 with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Humvee. Tristan was in charge of 217 soldiers, was riding in the lead vehicle in an artillery supply convoy when the attack occurred.

AITKEN, TRISTAN NEIL
CPT US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 05/12/1995 - 04/04/2003
DATE OF BIRTH: 05/18/1971
DATE OF DEATH: 04/04/2003
DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/22/2003
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 7869
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Tristan's middle name is Bradly. This is in honor of Michael's Sergent Major during his last tour in Iraq, Bradly Dean Conner.

The Conner family were more than just friends from Michael's work. They were our neighbors and our good friends. Their daughter Katie babysat for us and their son Aaron did our yard work when the guys were deployed.

Sergeant Major Bradly D. Conner, 41, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died May 9, 2007, near Al-Hillah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improved explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Conner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Washington.

CONNER, BRADLY DEAN
SGM US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 03/05/1966
DATE OF DEATH: 05/09/2007
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8630
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERy

So, with today being Memorial Day and all, please take a moment to pray for our men and women that are serving our wonderful country. The men and women in uniform that put their life on the line for YOUR freedom. Especially pray for those families that have endured the heartache and loss of a loved one that has made the "ultimate sacrifice." Next time you are somewhere and you see a person in uniform, take a moment to tell them how proud of them you are. Let them know how much they are appreciated. I can't tell you how many times I have been thanked for my sacrifice for supporting my husband. It truly makes a difference and it is a nice reminder for those service men/women on why they do what they do.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." ~George Orwell

De Oppresso Liber