some gave all

Inspired by this post over at Shannon's blog I am compelled to offer my gratitude for all those who serve this country. Those meagre words are not enough especially for the families of those who have given their lives so that the rest of us can continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.

11/21/2005 Dearing, John Wilson "J.W." 21, Army National Guard Private 1st Class

Army Pfc. John Wilson Dearing died Nov. 21, 2005. He was a gunner riding in a Humvee with five other soldiers in Habbaniyah when it ran over a land mine killing him instantly.

Dearing was an honor student and athlete, participating in his school's track, swimming and baseball teams. He had dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, and his hero was Atlanta Braves' slugger Chipper Jones.

He signed up for the Guard as a junior in high school, his unit was based in Saginaw. He volunteered for deployment in Iraq after his unit returned from Egypt. On June 11 he was married and the unit left for Iraq at the end of June.

According to his father Dearing wanted to be a police officer upon his return.

It is hard to contemplate all the dreams and hopes that were so abruptly cut short. I cannot imagine the loss to his family. Please join me in remembering and honoring this man, John Wilson Dearing.

Sources: Detroit Free Press, The Oakland Press, The Daily Tribune.

If you would like you can also join Some Gave All, and pay tribute to a fallen soldier on your blog.