In memory of Blackfive's friend Mat Schram ... KIA 5/26/03

Read this moving account of Major Mathew Schram's death in Iraq seven years ago today, written by his friend Blackfive.

It was the passing of Mat, whose death was never reported by the reporter whose life he saved, that propelled Blackfive to begin writing and reporting and remembering the soldiers at war. He has gone on to become one of the most respected military blogs in the blogosphere.

Perhaps one of the most touching parts of the post are his words upon hearing of his friend's death:

I was at my desk at work on Tuesday, June 3rd. The phone rang. I looked at the caller ID to see that it was a call from Ft. Leavenworth. I picked it up.

It was John, a friend of mine and Mat Schram's. We had all served together years ago and had stayed in touch. He told me to sit down. I did. He told me that Mat had been killed in Iraq.

After composing myself, we finished our conversation and I promised to see John's wife, Patti, at the funeral. John had to be at Special Operations Command and couldn't make it.

I shut the door to my office, sat back down at my desk and wept for a long time.

Here's sending up a prayer for Major Mathew Schram and his family. Gone but not forgotten....

Military veteran McDonnell recognizes May as Military Appreciation Month

This military man -- 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired as a Lt. Colonel ... this father of a daughter who served in Iraq as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army -- has declared May as Military Appreciation Month.

His experience and background give him an understanding of what the military means to America and so it seems very appropriate that Gov. Bob McDonnell would recognize our men and women in uniform who sacrifice to protect our freedoms:

“Just last week another military unit stationed in Virginia, United States Navy Riverine Squadron 1, deployed from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Virginia’s soldiers continue to serve bravely here at home and around the world in areas facing great conflict. It is because of the sacrifice and service of Virginia’s military members and veterans that each of us is able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we do each day.

Almost 200,000 Virginians are currently serving throughout the world and over 830,000 veterans have made Virginia their home after service. It is critical that we continue to support and recognize our military families, those currently serving and those who formerly served. That is why I have pledged to make Virginia the most veteran friendly state in America.

It is critical that our government better serves those who have voluntarily protected America for generations past and present. We’re proud of these men and women who are our neighbors, our friends and our family, and pause to pay special recognition this month to their great service to the Commonwealth and the nation.”

Go to the Governor's website to read the entire proclamation that ends:

WHEREAS, the citizens of Virginia wish to recognize, honor, and show appreciation for all service members, past and present, and their families, and to set aside the month of May to pay tribute to the sacrifices and service of the intrepid men and women of our armed forces;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize May 2010 as Military Appreciation Month in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Hear, hear.