Please Remember Our Soldiers

A young paralegal that I knew at Fort Richardson was killed on Thursday by an IED while on a mission. Two other Soldiers were also killed and an attorney I know who was with them was injured, but will be ok. She was the only survivor from the vehicle.

Few of you are aware that any Soldiers died. It is hardly news anymore. In fact, two other Soldiers also died on Thursday making the total five killed. Of course, that does not include the injured, such as my friend who was hurt, but lived.

SPC Coty Phelps was a nice kid from Arizona. He was born in June 1986. Fort Richardson and 4th Brigade (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division was his first assignment after finishing Basic and AIT. He was a paratrooper who always seemed to be in a good mood and who was fun to talk to when he'd bring paperwork to my office or when I'd see him around post. It is hard to believe he is gone. I can't imagine how hard his death is going to be for the members of the legal team from 4th Brigade.

I hope that anyone who reads this will take a moment and think about the Soldiers and Marines who are facing danger and who are injured and killed in this war, as well as their families and close friends who do feel the hardship back home in the loss of those they love. SPC Phelps had two brothers and a sister as well as his dad and step-mom who will surely miss him greatly. My prayers are with them and with the JAG team of 4th Brigade.

Thank you.

Geoff