Another local soldier killedRichie Cliff is remembered as leader, disciplined athlete at Wando By Brian Hicks (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Richie Cliff Mount Pleasant — A Wando High School graduate has been killed in Afghanistan, the second local soldier to die in just over a week. Richie Cliff, 29, had served in the Army since 2002, and had previously completed a year-long tour of duty in Iraq. The staff at Wando, where Cliff's mother taught biology for more than 30 years, heard the news Tuesday morning. "He was a student leader, an outstanding, fine young man," recalled Principal Lucy Beckham. "He was very patriotic and we are very proud of him and what he was willing to do." Cliff had moved to North Carolina, near Fort Bragg, where he had recently married and has a young child. Friends say he was home for the birth of his child and deployed soon after. He had reportedly finished training for the Special Forces. The Department of Defense has not released details surrounding Cliff's death. A son of Rich and Julie Cliff, Richie was a '97 graduate at Wando. While there, he wrestled on the varsity team, eventually becoming captain. Scott Ferguson, who coached Cliff, remembered him as a disciplined athlete, a leader admired by his fellow students. "He was a high achiever, always trying to please," Ferguson said. "I always knew he was going to do great things." Ferguson recalled one day when Cliff was not giving his all during practice. He told Cliff that he would have to take on everyone on the team. He did it. "He did drills with six or seven of them, and looked tired, but I told him not to give up, and he didn't," Ferguson recalled. "I think he eventually wrestled 11 or 12 guys that day." After high school, Cliff went to Appalachian State University, where he was an ROTC student. When he graduated from college in 2002, he joined the Army. In 2004, after a 10 1/2-month tour in Iraq, he came back to Mount Pleasant to see his folks. He went back to his old high school, where he spoke with student journalists about his experiences fighting overseas. He said that he was excited to go but was struck by the conditions in the Middle East. "It makes you realize how good we have it here in America," he said. Ferguson had kept in touch with Cliff, and had children in Sunday school at his church send him letters overseas. The last time they spoke, Cliff had called to thank him for the letters. "It's just devastating," Ferguson said. "I'm certainly going to miss him." On Sept. 21, Summerville native Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor was killed in Iraq. There have been more than 4,100 U.S. war casualties there and about 600 in Afghanistan. Of those numbers, 52 South Carolinians have died in Iraq. Cliff is one of 14 from the state to die in Afghanistan. In 2004, when the Wando Tribal Tribune interviewed Cliff, his mother told the paper that she worried about her son while he was gone, but "respected his decision to serve." "I supported my son 100 percent the whole time," Julie Cliff said at the time. "I was worried but I was right there behind him. He feels like he's doing what he's supposed to be doing and that he's in the right place." Contact Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 56 comment(s)
Posted by kontact on October 1, 2008 at 2:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now this is a real soldier that we all should respect.MUCH LOVE BROTHER HOOAH!!
Posted by lemonhead on October 1, 2008 at 4:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
a real soldier???? I think all the men and women that go over there to fight are REAL SOLDIERS...my thoughts and prayers go out to the family,Thank you for protecting our country
Posted by pirate42 on October 1, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
god speed, Thank you for keeping America free..
Posted by shoelaces on October 1, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so saddened by this news. I have known the Cliff family for many years. Julie taught me at Wando and I used to babysit their two boys. This is a truly wonderful family that has taken a horrible hit with the loss of Richie.
The news spread like wildfire through the alumni networks last night.
Such a tragic loss. My thoughts are with Julie, Rich, and Eddie today.
Posted by skwyrlnutt79 on October 1, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to this family & all those who have lost loved ones in the military. Noone can thank them enough for the service they do for our country! You make us all very proud. God bless your souls & the souls of your families!
Posted by USC_Alumni on October 1, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another family falls victim to the "disposable heroes" philosphy and incorrect war time assesment of the administration now occupying the White House.
Posted by cortney0509 on October 1, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Words can not express how our family feels this morning! Rich was amazing and will always be our hero! My husband went through ROTC with Rich at Appalachian and he was always a respected leader and great man! Our deepest sympathies are with his mother, father, brother, wife and new baby!
Posted by willie08 on October 1, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let the Politicians fight the wars they create.
Support Our Troops and Bring Them Home.
RIP Richie.
Posted by konphidence on October 1, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a military child, I truly understand what sacrafices these men and women give during peace time and can only imagine the dedication and grit that those who give their lives for our freedom. I hope his family find solice in the fact that he made a great contribution to this country.
Posted by grannyofseven_2 on October 1, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey willie08 I agree with you. Send them all over there and let them fight it out. And, bring our boys back home. Bet they would think twice this is two sweet boys we have lost in less then a month here, how many all over the states. These are my heroes our marines, army, navy and guardsmen they have my deepest respect and thanks for what they do. But, most of all my heroes are the mothers, father sister, brothers, wives, husbands, and children who see them go and fight and they wait for their return. God Bless you all.
Posted by RTC on October 1, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you, Richie, for the sacrifice you have made for our country. My sincerest condolences to the Cliff family.
Posted by shoelaces on October 1, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USC_alumni, your comment is not needed for an article like THIS one.
Let's hope folks can keep the politics out of it today for the sake of Richie and the Cliff family. If you can't show respect then point and click elsewhere.
PROLETARIAT...I would also add that he sacrificed his life for all of us, including USC_ALUMNI whether he appreciates it or not.
Posted by bvmesservy on October 1, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Romans 8:18 "The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” A hero's legacy long outlasts the pain of his death.
Posted by tygers1231 on October 1, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He gave the ultimate sacrifice so that so many could enjoy the everyday freedoms that many take for granted. My thoughts and prayers are with this young man's family.
USC_Alumni.... it is obvious that you haven't SERVED your country.. this man along with ALL the others that have died or that are still there or have made that journey...are doing there job. He choose to serve his country as his job and died doing that. I am sure you chose an easier profession one that you would not have to worry about whether you are going to make it through the day. Though WE may not agree with the WAR, we, as the armed foces chose to serve our country as our profession. So you need to stay behind your computer knowing that you will make it to the bar tonight for your drink and stop judging ALL the people that are involved in the war and maybe one day tears will roll down your face when you see that WE have lost another soldier and be thankful for the ones that risk their life so YOU can enjoy yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by kontact on October 1, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USC-while I dont agree with the timing of that post I must say that this is exactly what this brave young man fought for
Lemonhead- No disrepect was meant but that is a saying in the black community-He is a "real" soldier just like the rest of our soldiers over there. You know like the saying "keeping it real"? He represents the best of our community. A local boy that is a national hero. His legacy demands respect. Thats why I said he is a ""REAL SOLDIER".
Condolences to his family and loved ones and all who were blessed to be in his presence.
Posted by UrGatorbait on October 1, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bless his family and his soul, thank you for your service my brother in arms, RIP
kontact, real soldier? You dolt
USC Alumni, you and other take your political comments elsewhere. This is a memorial not a political thread. You young progressives are like petulant ill-mannered children have some respect. Now run run along drool over your hero.
Posted by MsPiggy on October 1, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USC Alumn---You better thank Mr. Cliff for his services. If it weren't for people like him, you wouldn't have been able to voice that opinion today. So really, the act that you're so opposed to is the one that is enabling you to say what you did.
Nobody puts guns to the heads of these men/women, forcing them to join the military. They do it upon their own choice and free will. It isn't Bush's fault, or any future president for that matter, that solider's lives are lost at war. All these men/women signed up for it, they volunteered themselves. And when they sign up, they understand that their lives from that point foward are going to be at risk.
What a brave soul, a brave soul indeed.
Posted by palmettotree on October 1, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What can be said that hasn't already been said? So forgive me for repeating others. May you rest in peace Richie Cliff and may God bless you. Thank you for your service to this country of ours and thank you to the rest of our military at home and abroad.
My daughter is going into the army soon and I hope that she only sees the respect that is given to someone in uniform and not the bashing that others have done towards our military. They are all fighting valiantly and should be respected instead of being bashed.
Our military force is still number one in the world and they always will be number one because we Americans are a hard headed bunch of people who do not like to be told what to do by others nor do we like to see others suffer by the hands of tyrants.
Posted by willbillbedamned on October 1, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"No greater love hath a man,then to lay down his life for a friend". My condolences to his family. I hope they find strength knowing he died for that which he believed.
On another note, I'm growing weary of having to post messages like this.
Posted by gunlover on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As I said last week, the best way to honor this member of the military for his service to his country is to have a Twenty-One (21) gun salute at his burial.
Posted by dogdoc12 on October 1, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Richie was a great guy, his family is absolutely devastated. We were glad he was able to be home for the birth of his son four weeks ago and very thankful, but were just absolutely devastated when we got the call Monday night from his parents. Please remember we still have a large number of troops overseas and we need to continue to show them our FULL support!
Posted by Rebel_Yell on October 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thank this man for serving his country to the fullest extent possible. He died in Afghanistan fighting the terrorists and religious zealots who put this country at risk. We all wanted to go into Afghanistan after 911 to protect this county--no one can make it a partisan decision now with a straight face.
Posted by bigwhip on October 1, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
USC....I cannot find adequate words to describe you nor your comments. Unfortunate may be a bit mild when those of your ilk takes a hero's death and politicizes it. Very unfortunate! Richie's sacrifice is the very reason you can get away with such inane drivel. May the Almighty take a liking to you anyway.
Posted by bvmesservy on October 1, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For any of you who are looking for a way to support the Cliff’s during this difficult time… a trust has been set up for his son & they are accepting donations. Checks made out to/mailed to:
Stacy W. Cliff (for Richard Sanders Cliff)
Yadkin Valley Bank
P.O. Box 1865
West Jefferson, NC 28694
Apparently, it was a roadside bomb that killed Richie & the 3 other soldiers with him.
Posted by outrage on October 1, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
proletariat - Quit using facts to debate!
Posted by hightide on October 1, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think USC was politicizing this soldier's death... just pointing out the truth - the very sad truth.
God rest Richie Cliff's soul.
Posted by willie08 on October 1, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, a few people who disagree with the war, and of a sudden, they are being attacked as being unpatriotic and ungrateful.
I heard it was somewhere around 80% of Americans disagree with this war, and don't believe the misinformation that the corporate media and the Bush administration has been feeding the world. I do not blame you all for believing this enormous lie. You obviously just believe what you're told, and don't ask any questions. However, you are a minority.
I too thank this man for serving this country. I am proud of him, and anyone else who risks their lives for a cause they believe in.
This isn't a Democrat or Republican or Conservative or Liberal Issue. This isn't about nuclear weapons, or Saddam Hussein, or Binladen, or 911. I want peace because I'm tired of people dying, do you all understand that?
I don't care what country you're from, or what your religion is.
I'm sorry, but I cannot justify the INVASION of another country, no matter what bs you feed me.
And yes, I'm very appreciative of this man's sacrifice.
Yes, this country is the best, however, we cannot impose our ways on others, especially when they have been at war with each other for hundreds of years What a big mess we've gotten ourselves in, and yes, now we need good people like Richie to go over there and fix it, but he never should have had to go there in the first place.
Oh, and if you fail to see that this war is ALL ABOUT oil, then you should get your head out of your ars.
Posted by blah_blah_blah on October 1, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RIP Rich Cliff, thanks so much for your sacrifice.
What I don't see, is how he died for my freedom? He was fighting for the freedom of Iraqi's, right? Isn't the mission Iraqi Freedom? He died for a noble cause, but not for my freedom.
May God Bless Rich and his family.
Posted by grannyofseven_2 on October 1, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought we fight over seas to keep them from coming here, like they did in 9/11 or so I thought but what do I know I am an old blond haired lady with grey roots
Posted by Lovely_One on October 1, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"This is a memorial not a political thread."
Not exactly. This thread can be whatever a poster wants it to be. However, there is an actual memorial page that can be accessed through the obits, pending his obituary has been posted. Like ColdBeer said, this young man died serving his country and protecting our freedom of speech. Whether you guys like it or not, USC, willie, and anyone else you may disagree with have the right to speak freely in this board.
Also, I don't see how voicing one's opinion on the very war that this brave young man died fighting in is disrespecting him or any other soldier. That is JMHO! I thank him for his service and send my condolences to his family.
Posted by blah_blah_blah on October 1, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you look at this. NO ONE in Iraq attacked us, no one was planning to attack us. Al Qaeda attacked us and THEY are the people we should pulverize into the ground. That is preserving freedom.
No one on this thread has disrespected this brave soldiers death. He died in uniform, that is the greatest sacrifice.
proletariat, explain how the Iraq war has made me free?
Posted by willie08 on October 1, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
proletariat,
I'm sure that if this man's family reads these comments, they would not be surprised to read that someone disagrees with the war, and I'm sure they expect a few political jabs.
How exactly does that make me a coward?
That doesn't mean that I disrespect anyone who serves in the military.
Comparing Normandy to Iraq or Afghanistan is the stupidest crap I've ever heard.
If you like the war so much, what are you doing here?
Posted by luvmydogs59 on October 1, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My sincere condolences to the Cliff family. Your son/husband/father is a hero. Thank you Richie, for your unselfish service to our country. RIP
Posted by hightide on October 1, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
proletariat said:
- and another idiot chimes in with, no knowledge of how one preserves freedom.
So our country preserves our freedom by attacking another country to bring democracy to THEM (which isn't even why we invaded in the first place)? That doesn't make sense. And you talk about idiots. The war in Iraq hasn't made any of us any more free than we already are. In fact, our freedoms have been limited since the war began.
I have family and friends serving in the military and I hold them in the highest regards. It *is* possible to support the troops without supporting a war they were sent to fight.
Posted by hightide on October 1, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good!
Posted by Lovely_One on October 1, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"You cant honor a soldiers death by spitting on the cause that he served and believed in."
I'd beg to differ. Plus there are soldiers over there that don't agree with the war, but are fighting because that is their duty.
Posted by USC_Alumni on October 1, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You have the the right to disagree with me if you like, but if you think this brave young man died for my right to be free, please meet me on the Beach so I can sell you some sand.
This young man died because of bad information, failed policies, and the inability of the White House to not learn from the past. See USA in Vietnam, See USSR in Afghanastan, see USA in Iraq, etc.
In no way do I mean any disrespect to this young man or his family, but we need to take an accurate look at the causes of this war, and blame those who need to be blame. Our invasion of Irag has strengthen Iran, caused many familes to suffer needlessly, and weaken our position on the global stage. How can we tell Russia not to invade Georgia after we invaded Iraq?
We wanted Bin Laden so we went after Saddam? I guess when we want to get rid of Hugo Chavez we will attack Mexico.
Posted by PPKA on October 1, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Richie Cliff was, or rather, is a fraternity brother as well as a friend. Is the a service to be held localy? Information is much appreciated.
Thank you.
Posted by blah_blah_blah on October 1, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my brother is in Iraq, is against the war, but loves his country.
Posted by cswannamaker on October 1, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not here to engange in any political discussion. This is not the forum. Richie Cliff is dear friend of mine. We were pledge brothers. I love Richie Cliff dearly. He will be missed.
THETA
R.I.P. brother.
Posted by willie08 on October 1, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO BLOOD FOR OIL!!!
Posted by USC_Alumni on October 1, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bin Laden hated Saddam and thought he was a disgrace to fundamental Muslims. Saddam hated Bin Laden because he thought he was to extreme. He wanted Saddam out of Iraq as much as Bush.
And when we removed Saddam we made Iran a stronger and richer nation because they hated one another. Do you not remember the Irainian/Iraqi conflict? They kept one another in check because they had to continously watch their backs.
So we removed Saddam and Iran flood southern Iraq with Iranians because southern Iraq was more in line with Iran's take on relegion, and had a large decendent Iranian population. Saddam supressed the decendents of Iraniians in southern Iraq.
Anyway we are missing the point here. I don't give a rats butt about Iraq or Iran; I do however care about our young men and women dying for all the wrong reasons. Here in the lowcountry, in America, and overseas.
Posted by UnoCubanito on October 1, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My prays goes out to the family of Richie Cliff, and those other two men and family. Army Spec Op and SOCOM family GODSPEED
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 29 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Killed were:
Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005, or go to the following Website: http://news.soc.mil/.
Posted by USC_Alumni on October 1, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by proletariat on October 1, 2008 at 5:23 p.m.
Oh, USC, one more thing, IF William Clinton would have acted on good intell and captured Bin Laden when he had the chance several times between 96-2000, maybe none of these brave troops would have had to die.
If and maybe are funny words to toss around.
HINDSIGHT is 20/20 my friend.
If General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard not attacked Fort Sumter, my family and I may still be picking cotton and growing rice in the lowcountry.(who knows)
The point is we can't say what if when lives are at stake. You have to be sure.
Posted by UnoCubanito on October 1, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This comment should be reserved for those who want to pay respect to this young man who's the same as me, and his friends who lost their lives also. All this stupid stuff with where's Bin Laden etc shouldn't be written. My god this young man, his friends, and those like my bestfriend fight each day for freedom. Give it a rest please
Posted by dogdoc12 on October 1, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you UnoCubanito, its disheartening to read all those comments
Posted by woodrob12 on October 1, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Prol-
I had to serve in Kosovo/Bosnia and did not believe in what we were doing there
Prol-
"you cannot honor this particular troop, Richie Cliff, and spit on the cause that he believed in."
Then, by your own logic, you don't honor the two US soldiers who were killed in Kosovo since you disagreed with the cause.
Nationbuilding by Clinton=bad. Nationbuilding by Bush=good. It must be nice to go through life without ever having to think.
Posted by UnoCubanito on October 1, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone throughout this board knows the Cliff family personally. I would like to pass a message to them. Having a bestfriend and another friend of mine who are special operations guys (Air Force and Navy). I have read on WCIV that a trust fund has been set up for the family of Capt. Richie Cliff Jr., but there is also the Special Operation Warrior Fund ( http://www.specialops.org/ ) Provide scholarships,family services, support, and help for personnel under Special Operation Command (Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marines) Please pass this link on if anyone knows them personally
Posted by dogdoc12 on October 1, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will do that UnoCubanito, Thank you!
Posted by UnoCubanito on October 1, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you dogdoc12..Have a bless evening.
Posted by southerngirl45 on October 1, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a tragic loss! This war is kiliing our young men,young men that have their whole lives ahead of them. Rest in peace
Richie! And thank you for your bravery and for fighting so that we can all be safe.My sincere condolences to the famiy of this fine young soldier!
Posted by 512c on October 1, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Support Our Troops, Impeach Bush
Posted by JustSomeDude on October 1, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you equate criticism of Bush and the Iraq war to being unpatriotic and not supporting our troops, then you don't have two brain cells in your head to rub together to produce a thought.
But that's neither here nor there. Richie died in Afghanistan, which is where all of our troops should have been in the first place.
Mrs. Cliff had already experienced a tough loss when a close family friend was killed in Afghanistan several years ago (Major Ed Murphy, also a Wando Graduate and former student of Mrs. Cliff's). Mrs. Cliff was instrumental in having a memorial built on the new campus of Wando to Honor Major Murphy's service to his country - the "Fallen Warrior Memorial". I can't even begin to imagine her family's devastation- and now her son's name will be added to that plaque.
My thoughts go out to the Cliff family.
Posted by tater_salad on October 1, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder why some uninformed people use a memorial for a REAL soldier to make smart comments about things they know nothing about. Nothing, except for what the agenda biased media tells them, or what they believe in their own little disfunctional microcosom.
CPT Cliff was a Special Forces Officer, an Operator in the 7th Group. That means he was a minimum three time volunteer, the Army, Airborne, and Special Forces. These men are the cream of the crop, and selected through a grueling process, and trained beyond belief. Yes, they are real soldiers.
CPT Cliff and his Team work with locals. They gather intel, they train, they provide medical assistance, they seek out and capture or kill terrorists. You know, the kind of Terrorists that crash planes into buildings and kill thousands of Americans in New York-or did you forget?
THAT'S why they FOUGHT and DIED for YOUR FREEDOM. They kill the snake at it's source. The reason for Viet Nam, Korea, and other failures is because our Troops weren't allowed to finish the job and WIN. They were called off, limited, and muzzled by politicians who cowed to whiners and the media.
CPT Cliff and his Team were, are, and ever will be Heroes, and they died for you and me. For this Nation, and for Freedom, and to Free the Oppressed. De Oppresso Liber!
That's what they do. That's what my Father did. That's what I did. That's what my son is doing. I know the truth, I know what's going on over there. These troops are doing great work, and making great strides for peace and freedom where there was none.
Freedom is not Free. So, unless you are the one volunteering, putting yourself in harms's way, or you have a loved one who is doing so, don't dishonor their Sacrifice for US with your drivel and ignorant uninformed commentary.
De Oppresso Liber!
Posted by UnoCubanito on October 2, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you tater_salad for your family service, my brother is in the Marines, and my bestfriend is a Air Force Combat Controller.Those persons on this comment forum who choose to bring politics and stupid stuff here should be deleted.
Posted by bigwhip on October 2, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USC,BLAH, HIGHTIDE.......this article is not about politics,right or wrong,nor administrations. It is about the death of a soldier,a family member, and a friend. Total disrespect is what you are spewing and have successfully turned it into a political football.Cowards you are; disrespectful cowards at that.