A Soldiers Prayer

If you read my blog yesterday you know that I have decided that in an effort to bring some more recognition to those who have given their life for our country, I am going to tell the story of a selfless man or woman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for me and you. Unfortunately there are thousands of men and women who have died since the start of this war, not to mention all of those lost in previous wars. So needless to say I won’t be able to put everyone on here, but I figure if I’m able to just tell one person’s story then maybe one more person will understand the price of their freedom.

Today I want to Honor Sgt. Kevin W. White

 

Sgt. Kevin W. White, 22, of the U.S. Army, resident Westfield, N.Y., died Monday, May 2, 2011, after being injured in action, while serving with the Army at COP Honaker-Miracle, Afghanistan. Sgt White was born May 20, 1988, He is survived by his parents, Paul L. and Patricia J. (Baer) White and his two brothers: David J. and Stephen J. White, all of Westfield, N.Y.; his maternal grandparents: James W. and Joan (Bamberg) Baer of Busti, N.Y.; and his paternal grandmother, Mary Ann (White) Wheeler and her husband, Woodrow of Mayville, N.Y.

A Westfield resident all his life, Sgt White was a 2006 graduate of Westfield Academy and Central School. During his youth he was active in the school Rifle Club, and Ski Club, played soccer, tennis and volleyball. He was in several high school plays and sang in the chorus. He enjoyed turkey hunting, snorkeling, spear fishing and all things Hawaiian. He was an avid air soft player. His family says he enjoyed the opportunity to travel and experience new things.
Upon graduation from Westfield Academy and Central School, Sgt. White joined the Army on July 25, 2006. He did basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga. His first duty station was at Smith Barracks Baumholder, Germany 1st Armored Division and he later proudly served his country in Germany, Iraq, Hawaii and Afghanistan.

He served overseas duty in Germany from November 2006 until October 2009, and during that time he was deployed to Iraq from April 2008 until June 2009. Sgt White had served in Afghanistan since April 7, 2011. His military training and awards include but are not limited to: Air Assault training in 2010 and the Warrior Leader Course for Military Education in 2011 where he made Commandant's list. Sgt. White was Awarded The Bronze Star Medal, posthumously, The Purple Heart, posthumously, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, twice, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, twice, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, also twice, the NATO Medal, posthumously, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualifying Badge Bar, and Weapon: Rifle Expert.

Sgt. White proudly served his country for four years and nine months. He was killed by a roadside bomb in Kunar province May 2, less than a month after arriving in Afghanistan. Mourners called him a soldier's soldier, dedicated to others. Maj. Gen. Kendall Cox said the soldiers who served with Sgt. White described him as a teacher and mentor. More than 400 people gathered for the funeral of Sgt. White

So today as we reflect on all of those who have gone before us and we remember their service and all of their sacrifices, we should also remember their committment to something greater, something biigger than themselves.

Today I want to leave you with “A Soldiers Prayer”

Brave warriors, should fate find us in battle, May our cause be just, May our leaders have a clear vision, May our courage not falter, May we be triumphant and earn victory as we show mercy to our enemies. May our efforts bring lasting peace, May our sacrifices be always appreciated by those we serve. May we return to our loved ones unharmed. Should we be harmed, May our wounds heal, Should we perish in the struggle, May God embrace us and find for us a place in His Kingdom.