Three Names, Three Stories, Three Lives

I have a little pin I wear every day. I change the numbers on my pin each day as the fatality numbers change. When people ask about the significance of the numbers, I tell them it is my way of honoring and reflecting on the Americans that have given their lives in Iraq. I visit this site each day to gather the sad data, and to learn about the names and lives behind the numbers. I thought I'd share the stories about yesterday's losses.
This is the site:
http://icasualties.org/oif/

And these are the names, the stories and the lives:




March 21, 2006


Indianapolis soldier killed in Baghdad
By Robert King

A 25-year-old Army soldier from Indianapolis was killed Tuesday in Iraq, the apparent victim of sniper fire as he manned a machine gun on a Humvee.


Spc. Antoine J. McKinzie, a 2000 graduate of Pike High School, was patrolling Baghdad in an armored Humvee, said his stepfather, Dwight Adams. McKinzie is the fifth soldier or Marine with ties to Indianapolis to die in Iraq.
McKinzie served in the 27th Field Artillery Regiment in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division and was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was last home at Christmas and had spoken to his family as recently as Wednesday.

“He felt like he was doing an important job,” Adams said. “He was proud to serve his country.”
This is really the whole article, but here is the link.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/NEWS01/60321027



Posted on Tue, Mar. 21, 2006

Kern County soldier fatally shot in Iraq while evacuating building
Associated Press
SHAFTER, Calif. - An Army Special Forces soldier who enlisted in the military after his high school graduation was killed when he helped evacuate a building in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Ricardo Barraza, 24, of Shafter, died over the weekend after he was shot in the chest, his family said.

"He always thought of the rest of the people, not to have glory, but for everyone," his mother, Nina Barraza, told The Bakersfield Californian on Monday. "He respected that uniform."

Ricardo Barraza, who had been in Iraq since 2002, graduated from Shafter High School in 1999. Friends described him as an outgoing athlete who played football, basketball and ran track.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/14152458.htm


From the Modesto Bee



Turlock soldier killed in Iraq, family says



Last Updated: March 21, 2006, 05:26:12 AM PST


A 23-year-old Army Ranger from Turlock died Saturday in Iraq.
Sgt. Dale G.M. Brehm's family was notified Sunday of his death, his stepmother said. However, Linda Brehm declined to discuss details.



Brehm, a 2000 graduate of Turlock Adult School, joined the military in 2001. He married Raini Hogan of Modesto more than two years ago. The couple lived in Steilacoom, Wash., near Tacoma and Fort Lewis, where Brehm was stationed.

According to Bee archives, today would have been Brehm's 24th birthday.

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11957668p-12722037c.html


May their families and friends find some comfort in the difficult days ahead. Let's all take a moment today to think of them.

I went to the local crafts store (Michaels), and browsed around. I used things I found in the bead aisle. For the numbers, I used some tiny wooden spools and some stick on numbers. It's actually kind of pretty. I get a lot of compliments on it, tnen either some uncomfortable silences or wow, what a nice idea comments after I explain what it represents. I'm a teacher, and my kids check it out every day. One of them once said...you know its not just them. Those numbers mean a lot of people when you think about their kids and families. That was the best comment I've ever heard.

.....to make one for myself. Thanks!!

If a picture isn't possible then maybe directions on what kind of numbers you used so they can be changed daily, how big round/square it is, and any other details you can think of.

I'm truly interested in making one of these.:loveya:

To hang the little spools I used the lobster claw clasps and tied some of that invisible stretchy thread through them. In the center is another little heart. It's hard to tell because it's twisted.



edit: Happy to share with another creative Libra.

I didn't see your response until I got home from work.
The "bestest" news is I get to actually take some numbers off my pin, unless things change. The site has reported they made a mistake. The number is only :cry: 2,319. I will so very gratefully change my pin to reflect the new number.
The pain these families must feel is so overwhelming. It hurts me so much..

Maybe I'm losing it. Maybe I'm sick of all the bullshit. Whatever. I want people to see these regular, very much I'm sure, loved people that gave their lives for a bunch of lies. I know I'm preaching to the choir. Maybe what we should all do is send these stories on to our contacts. Many people have no idea about the numbers, let alone the humanity behind the numbers. Make it personal. These are people with lives, loves, dreams, and hopes for the future. They deserve more attention they are getting.

:(.

I wish their families strength and comfort.