Honoring a Hero

My nephew, Josh Cash, served in Iraq and has now finished his tour of duty.  He fought so that we could be free to debate on the blogs and enjoy the various freedoms we have in America.  I praise God for those who serve in our military and place their life on the line every day.

Josh had a close friend that was with him in school at East Carolina University,  Sgt. David Smith.  He was called back to active duty to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  Sgt. Smith made the ultimate sacrifice in order for you and me to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy.  I ask that you take time to pray for Sgt. Smith’s family and view the link to the quote below and  read the comments.  You can read his obituary here.  He is a true hero in every sense of the word.  Let’s speak words of encouragement to all who serve in our military in order that you and I can be free.  That is what we open our comment section for today.

Sgt. David Smith, USMCR, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Company B., died of injuries suffered in an attack last week in Afghanistan.  The 25-year-old Marine died Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010 after evac to Germany. Military officials related Sgt. Smith was wounded in a bombing Saturday in Helmand province that killed at least two others from his company.  DoD Official Release is still pending.

This young hero’s family has reached out to the Patriot Guard Riders and asked us to honor his service and sacrifice.  It will be an honor to show our respect.  Funeral Services will be in Frederick Maryland and interment at Arlington National Cemetery, with dates and times to be determined.

Our most heartfelt condolences to the family of this young Warrior.  He was only a month shy of his 26th birthday and by all accounts loved his family, his community and his Corps.  Our Nation, State and local communities are poorer with his loss.

Official DoD release:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. David J. Smith, 25, of Frederick, Md., died Jan. 26 from wounds received Jan. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.