Despite Wound, Medic Fought To Return To Iraq (a moving and poignant must read article "RIP")

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | January 29, 2005 | Ken Dilanian

[Calpernia]

bump

[MontanaBeth]

So very sad but he did not die in vain, nor will his bravery be forgotten. Iraq's election is in progress right this minute. Let Freedom Ring!

[Former Military Chick]

HERO **PING**

[Happy2BMe]

Ben Stein's Last Column

[wagglebee]

My heart goes out to this man's family and they need to know that his patriotism will not go unrecognized.

[mark502inf]

Wow. Specialist Burk's story exemplifies the American soldier: cheerful, competent, and self-sacrificing in the performance of his duty.

[Happy2BMe]

SEVERAL HARD MEN CRIED - ping.

===================================================

Happening as it did on the deadliest day for the U.S. military in Iraq - a day when a helicopter crash killed 30 Marines and one sailor - Burk's death merited barely a mention in news reports.

But for the soldiers of his battalion, it was shattering.

Several - hard men, men trained not to let their emotions get in the way of their jobs - cried when they heard.

* * * *

[Happy2BMe]

Words To Taps

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.  

[Former Military Chick]

Thank you for the **ping** I will make sure he gets the link and reads all these most wonderful, thoughtful and respectful comments, he does cherish his fans and is a true patriot!

[Former Military Chick]

Thank you for adding the words again, we must never forget -- you can listen to the music at comment 1, click on TAPS!

[Happy2BMe]

* * *

* * *

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." - George Washington

__________________

IT'S THE SOLDIER

It's the soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the
PRESS.

It's the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of
SPEECH.

It's the soldier, not the campus
ORGANIZER,
Who has given us the freedom to
DEMONSTRATE

It's the soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a
FAIR TRIAL.
It's the soldier who salutes the flag,
Serves under the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

-Father D. E. O'Brien

 

We Must NEVER Forget!

Iraqi Coalition Casualty Report

* * * * *

Because of Their Sacrifices, These People's Lives Will Never Be The Same.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank God for this hero and his loved ones!

[risk]

What American Soldiers are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan is...S-A-C-R-E-D..!!!

I have to agree with you, Ronnie.

[Titan Magroyne]

Gratitude to his parents for raising such a determined young man, sorrow with them at the loss. :-(

Go in peace, Spec. Burk. Thank you.

[windchime]

Prayers for Spec. Taylor Burk and his friends and family.

[SoldiersSister]

I will always remember Taylor Burk as my own personal hero. I am a sister of the Army soldier that he saved last year in Iraq in April 2004.

After my brother (the gunner) was wounded in the leg (severed a main artery) and face, Burk insisted he be taken to the cash. The Lt wanted him taken elsewhere. Burk told the LT that he was going to take my brother to the cash or he would die. His decision is what ultimately saved my brother's life. He kept my brother alive until he got to the cash where my brother died on the table. They were able to bring him back.

He had to take my brother back through enemy territory under heavy gunfire to get him to the cash. All the while he was shot and told no one about it.

So as you can see, this young man did more than just "his job". He laid his life on the line and, I assume, his career to save my brother.

His funeral is today (in less than 30 minutes). My brother will be speaking about Burk and pinning the medals on his uniform.

I thank God that I had the chance to meet this brave man, hug him, thank him and tell him how much he meant to me and my entire family.

I was looking forward to making a trip out to Texas next month to welcome him home.

We will forever remember Taylor. He is what a real hero looks like.

May you rest in peace Taylor. I look forward to hugging you again one day. You are my hero!

[SoldiersSister]

I think that is an excellent idea! I will start emailing my local media outlets today!

I am also going to start a blood drive in his name. I think since he was a medic he would appreciate that. I have several online friends in other states that are going to try to coordinate one in their area. I can keep y'all posted on that if you'd be interested in helping in your area or even just donating blood in his name.

[Former Military Chick]

Excellent ideas, keep me informed.

[Former Military Chick]

Important **PING**

First I wanted to say that it was nice to see all the wonderful remarks regarding Spec. Burk. I have entertained the idea and actually have seen a few replies from families that read of a fallen hero and send either a public or private note thanking us for our tribute to our finest. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please check out comment 39. It is amazing to read the remarks of those who loved Spec. Burk, it gives us a glimpse of who this young man was to his family. I thank his dad for sharing his words and hope he will post some photos of Spec. Burk and his family.