6:20 p.m., EST 15 August 05 Or, to translate that into Baghdad time, 2:20 a.m., 16 August, 2005. On that date, Sgt. Michael J. Stokely was killed by an improvised explosive device in Yusufiyah, south of Baghdad.
Whatever time zone you are in, please pause at that time to remember this sweet Hero who served his country so well, and his family, who are shining examples of faith, determination, and strength in the midst of incredible pain. I am leaving work shortly after this post goes up on my blog.
In tribute to Mike, I give you the hallowed song of military final farewells.......
To be a Soldier in the US Army is to know a life of hardship and misery, but at the same time one fulfilling and challenging. Even more so the life of a Cavalryman is that of a glamourous time gone past, when they troops would arrive at the last moment to save the day. Today that life is one of security patrols, reconnaisance missions, listening posts, observation posts and typical patroling it is far from glamorous but it is a calling that is in very few men. Mike Stokely had that calling and it was his destiny to serve in Iraq for his service has not only produced great things it has joined together people that might never have known each other all for a common cause.
Rest easy brother... rest easy, and know that you are among the great members of our society of fighting soldiers that stretches back to the dawn of our great service, who fought and suffered at Valley Forge, Breeds Hill, Yorktown, Normandy, Ardennes, Iwo Jima, Pork Chop Hill, in the tunnels of South Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq and in places two numerous or secretive to mention. You are a member of a true Band of Brothers; you many who give your lives so that others might live in peace and security. Sheepdogs all, guardians of the great frontier of liberty and freedom, those tenuous beliefs that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Go easy into the light and know that it is a place of happiness for you have served your time in hell as a Soldier of the United States Army.
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