In Memory Of Spc Christopher Gathercole
 Thursday, May 29th, 2008

We got to thinking over Memorial Day about the tremendous sacrifice that - as of today - at least 4,084 U.S. soldiers have made for us in the Iraq War. And we realize that it isn't enough to recognize once a year what these brave men and women are doing for us in the Middle East. Although we've made it clear on numerous occasions that we don't agree with this war, that holds absolutely no bearing on the respect, admiration, and appreciation that we have for our soldiers. They are brave; they are patriotic; they are putting their life on the line, for us. And there isn't nearly enough news coverage on the ultimate sacrifice so many of these courageous men gave.

So, beginning today, we are going to make our best effort to post an article each day commemorating a US soldier that has been KIA in the Iraq War. We hope that this can serve as a very real daily reminder in a war an ocean away that is too often out of sight, out of mind.

Spc. Christopher Gathercole, above, was killed in action on May 26th, 2008 in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was fatally wounded while conducting combat operations near Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Spc. Gathercole was 21 years old, from Santa Rosa, California. He was an Army Ranger with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington. Christopher volunteered for the Army in October of 2005; he was an MK46 gunner decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab; after his death, he was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal.

He is survived by his brother Edward, his father Edward, and his mother Catherine Haines, all California residents.

We think of him today, and pray that he rests in eternal peace.

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