Spc Mathew G. Boule

“My thoughts are mostly on what will never be…

What would he have done?

Sad and empty.

I know he wants us to move on, but I still reflect, often.

He will always be with me.”

by Ron Arteno

watch the tribute video

Sgt. Gabriel Glenn De Roo

Gabriel accomplished so much in the short time he was on this earth.  Gabriel worked full time while going to college for a while.  Gabriel earned enough money that in the fall of 2002 he bought and paid for a 2003 silver Ford Mustang.  Gabriel changed the pay scale at Total Logistic Control, where the pay was based on incentive (the harder you worked the more you were paid). His record still stands.  Gabriel enlisted in the Army - choosing the infantry because it was the most physically demanding and it would get him the most actively involved.  Gabriel worked at growing spiritually.  He sought out a Bible believing church that would feed his soul.  He read his Bible, prayed, attended church services, interacted with other brothers and sisters in Christ.  He read other books on topics where he knew he needed to grow.  Gabriel’s most recent desire was to grow in the ability to verbally share his faith in Christ Jesus with the people around him.  Gabriel met the woman of his dreams who became his best friend, the love of his life and the mother of his son. 

Gabriel and Hannah bought a house, remodeled it and with the help of family and friends created a home he could take pride in.  Gabriel laid out his vision of what he wanted out of his military career.  He developed a plan to reach each goal by a certain time.  Then he worked hard to see his goals become a reality.  When questioned about his military work Gabriel would say he was on target.  He once told me “If you listen, watch and obey those in authority over you - you would learn how to get to the next level”. 

Written and shared by Gabriel’s Mom at his funeral and Michigan Memorial 

Gabriel enlisted because “I’m young, I’m healthy and I live in the best country on the face of the earth.  How can I not? * Gabriel’s answer for why he chose to enlist, fall 2002.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to serve our country and attempt to bring some freedom (that) we enjoy to those who have only dreamed of them.”

• - from a letter home dated 1 Jan 2004

“War is horrible, but sitting by while evil persists is worse.”  Gabriel had written this in the margin of his copy of The Military Quotation Book next to Einstein’s comment about the despicableness of war.

In the Quote book beside the Manning Coles quote “If a country is worth living in, it is worth fighting for.”  Gabriel’s response was written in the margin.  “Right on the money!”

Gabriel served with A Company, 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade (SBCT - Stryker Brigade Combat Team), 2^nd Infantry Division out of Ft. Lewis, Washington.  Gabriel served as 240 gunner, automatic rifleman and a team leader.  This was Gabriel’s second tour in Iraq.  The day Gabriel died his squad was Quick Response.  Someone had already been shot and they came as back up.  His team was responsible to secure the prisoners and the roads.  Which they did. 

Gabriel went from Pfc to Sergeant in 3 years (from 30 Jan 2003 to 1 Feb 2006).  Gabriel’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.

In Memory of St. Gabriel G. Deroo - www.gabrielderoo.us

Pvt David E Dietrich

In Honor of Pvt David E. Dietrich, 21, of Marysville, Pa., who died Dec 29. 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire while on combat patrol. Pvt David Dietrich was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 12st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. David will be missed but never forgotten. He was loved by many.

R.I.P. Dave