Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Sad Heart

It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the following losses in Afghanistan two days ago.

Fallen Heroes: Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Elwell, of Holland, Pa. and Pfc. Tyler Springman of Hartland, Maine who were killed Saturday by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province. Seven other soldiers were wounded. The men were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.


SFC Elwell was the acting 1st Sgt and had only been with the unit for about a month. He gave up his R&R leave to be with these men. PFC Springman was my Jon's friend. I believe the memorial service in Afghanistan was today. Seven other men were injured, a couple seriously. I am so sad for the families of these men, their friends, and their family in Afghanistan.

This was my son's platoon and had he been there he would have been involved with this incident but please know that God protected him as Jon had been sent somewhere else for about a week (I even got to Skype with him!) and was NOT involved in this incident. I praise God for his provision of safety! I'm also completely stunned at the imminent danger that my son is in. I knew he was in danger I guess I refused to let myself see how much.

Rest In Peace SFC Elwell and PFC Springman. God will comfort and give your family strength during this time. You will not be forgotten!

11 comments that make my day!:

Donna said...

How sad, Lorie! I don't know these men or their families but I have tears for them. May the Lord hold them and their families close to Him as they struggle to comprehend their loss. Praying for Jon that God will continue to protect him from harm.

Patti J said...

Love and prayers to you and yours, dear friend. My heart is breaking for these families. So thankful that Jon was 'sent somewher else' and that God protected him so well from harm, once again. Take care, Lorie - is Todd home yet? Hugs...

Missy said...

OMGosh Lorie!!! I read about this on Facebook (I follow the news up there since I miss it so much). I cannot believe I didn't even connect with your son. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

cardmaking bird said...

How very sad. The sacrifice these men make for their country and for all of the free world is really something to behold. May they Rest in Peace. Hugs, Marie xx

Karen said...

So very sad. I live in Maine and learned of the death of Pfc. Springman's this morning, as well as, Sgt 1st Class Elwell. My heart breaks for these two hero's family and friends. As our nation mourns their loss, we must continue to pray for those still in harms way. My brother has just returned from a year deployment. I will pray for your son, as well as all American hero's, in harms way. I will also pray for you and all families like you who live continually with the fear of their loved ones being harmed. God Bless.

Jennifer ♥ said...

So heartbreaking. I'm so glad Jon wasn't hurt - please tell him thank you for all he's doing.

CreativeMish said...

It is such heartbreaking news when We read about our fallen soldiers. Your Son is very blessed that he is under God's protection.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear this Lorie. God has blessed Jon and is keeping him safe. I will say a prayer for the two fallen soldiers, their families and for Jon's continued safety. Love & hugs to you!!

Christine Riley said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, the families and friends of the fallen soldiers are in my prayers. I'm so glad your son is safe!
Hugs, Christine

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh so sad Lorie. Send hugs to your son for me!

Trina said...

I am sadden to hear about these two deaths. I am visiting from Getting Cricky with K Andrew's site. I am glad to hear your son's life was spared. I do not know you but I have very close friends in the service and I can understand the worry, so I will pray for your son Jon and his unit for their safe return home soon.