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DEL.ICIO.USComrades in 48th, families mourn 4
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At midnight Monday, 200 soldiers from the 48th Brigade Combat Team gathered at Camp Stryker in Iraq to salute the caskets of their fallen comrades.
Back home in Georgia, the families of four citizen soldiers killed over the weekend in the deadliest attack on the unit since it arrived in Iraq absorbed the heartbreaking news and began planning funerals.
Spc. James Kinlow (left) and Spc. Jacques “Gus” Brunson.
Family members released the names of two of the dead Tuesday: Spc. James Kinlow of Thomson and Spc. Jacques “Gus” Brunson of Worth County.
On Wednesday, the Guard identified the other two as 44-year-old Staff Sergeant Carl Ray Fuller of Covington and 33-year-old Sergeant John Frank Thomas of Valdosta.
The four were members of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. They were on patrol Sunday night when their Humvee hit a roadside bomb.
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, commander of the 48th, called the deaths the “worst mass casualties” for the brigade since it deployed to the Middle East in mid-May for a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq.
They are also the first combat casualties for the Georgia Army National Guard since World War II, said Jim Driscoll, a Guard spokesman in Atlanta.
“These are tragic losses, and we will do everything we can to take care of [the soldiers] and their families,” Rodeheaver said.
A memorial service for the four soldiers is planned for Thursday evening at Camp Stryker, he said.
Kinlow, 35, a truck driver from Thomson, near Augusta, leaves a wife, Daphanie, a son, Chauncey, 15, and a daughter, Chelsea, 10.
‘The good of the country’
Kinlow grew up in nearby Lincolnton and joined the Guard almost 16 years ago after finishing high school. He was an ammunition specialist and had recently been transferred to the 121st Infantry’s Alpha Company in Valdosta, said Daphanie Kinlow, his wife of 12 years.
At first he wasn’t happy about being sent to Iraq, she said, but his attitude changed after he was mobilized. She remembered a spirited discussion he had with his mother during his last days at home, in May.
“She was dead set against his going,” Kinlow recalled. “He made this speech: ‘Mama, it’s for the good of the country.’ I still don’t think she bought it. But I did — or at least I acted like I did.”
‘Going to be on front lines’
Brunson, 30, joined the Guard two years ago, said his mother, Cathy Brunson of Sylvester. She said her son felt that by signing up he could make the world safer for his children, 9-year-old Kayla and 8-year-old Jake. He had worked for several years as a guard at the Sumter County Correctional Institute but was unemployed when the 48th was activated.
Cathy Brunson, the deputy tax commissioner in Worth County, said she opposed her son’s decision to join the National Guard because she knew he might get sent to Iraq. “I understood his call to duty, but I also understood that he had children.
“I am personally opposed to the war. I feel our troops should be brought home and let the Iraqis fight among themselves,” she said.
Another of Cathy Brunson’s sons, 28-year-old Chris, was an Army helicopter mechanic in Iraq and returned safely. But Jacques warned her that his role as an infantryman would put him in greater danger. “He said, ‘Mama, I’m going to be on the front lines,’ ” she said.
The 48th is responsible for security in sections of southwest Baghdad, and most of the dangerous patrolling of streets falls to the infantry units.
The four soldiers were killed about 7:30 Sunday evening after their Humvee hit a roadside bomb — also known as an improvised explosive device, or IED — on Route Aeros, Rode-heaver said. The vehicle was part of a convoy patrolling the east-west artery just south of Camp Stryker.
Humvees not invincible
Gov. Sonny Perdue, who is on a trade mission in Canada, issued a public statement offering his and his wife’s condolences to the families of the dead soldiers.
“As members of our Georgia family, we will mourn their passing and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement said. “We will honor their service to our nation and their defense of freedom in the heart of the Middle East.”
Lt. Col. Tom Carden of the 48th said Sunday’s attacks were being investigated and that he had sought the help of a local leader to search for the insurgents who might have planted the bomb, which was estimated to contain 500 to 600 pounds of explosives.
Carden said Guard soldiers travel outside Camp Stryker in the Army’s factory-produced, armored Humvees. But even they are not invincible, he said.
“They are the best equipment money can buy, but if it is a big enough bomb, there is no such thing as 100 percent protection,” Carden said. “This was definitely the biggest bomb we’ve been hit with.”
Sgt. Maj. Calvin Wilcox, who has served in the 2nd Battalion of the 121st for 18 years, said the entire brigade was reeling from the tragedy. It is especially hard for the infantry unit, which also lost Sgt. Chad Mercer of Waycross in a noncombat accident in Iraq last month.
“You can look into their eyes and tell they hurt,” Wilcox said.
Staff writers Jim Auchmutey and Kay Powell in Atlanta and The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Anna Varela can be reached at avarela@ajc.com, Moni Basu at mbasu@ajc.com.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Wanda Tumlin
July 26, 2005 11:49 PM | Link to this
My sympathy and prayers are with the families of the brave soldiers that have been killed. I also have a brother with the 2-121A. God be with you all.
By 1LT Wallace Moore, GaSDF
July 27, 2005 04:17 AM | Link to this
To the families, fellow soldiers and friends of Spc. James Kinlow and Spc. Jacques “Gus� Brunson, and the two other soldiers (names yet unreleased): My heart goes out to you in your pain and grief. I, too, am hurting from your loss. I pray to God for comfort and peace to return to our lives soon.
Although I never had the honor of meeting your loved ones in person, I know they were great soldiers. My son, SGT James Cory Moore, is a proud member of Alpha Company, 2/121, and has mentioned to me several times how great the soldiers in the 2nd Bn are. He is proud to serve with them and tells me how close they have grown since deployment.What a wonderful brotherhood.
Soldiers are a special breed. They all volunteer their service to their country, leave the comfort of their homes,jobs, and families, travel to foreign countries, and give their all to preserve both our freedom back home, and, in the present case, the new found freedom of the people of Iraq. What a great, unselfish, unrelenting sacrifice they make! On Sunday, 24 July 2005, four of America’s finest soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. They joined a host of other fine men and women who, over the past 100 years or so, have given their lives so that we can reaps the fruits of liberty and freedom. Without the sacrifice of those great Americans, I would not have the freedom to express my sincere appreciation in a public media form such as this. Thanks guys for helping to preserve our freedom and the freedom of generations to come. Peace has wrapped itself around you. Enjoy it now. I look forward to sharing it with you one day in heaven. May God Bless you and your families.
By 1LT Russ McKelvey
July 27, 2005 06:44 AM | Link to this
To the family of Gus Brunson I send my deepest sympathies. I had the honor of serving with Gus in H Co (LRS) before the recent deployment to Iraq and am currently serving in Iraq with the 48th. Your Gus was a fine man and though I know that it doesn’t help much in your time of grief, but he is one of my heroes. Gus always had that ear to ear smile when he was talking to you about his family, his unit, and his service. You couldn’t help but to like him and I never heard another soldier have anything other than praise for his work ethic, morals, and sense of duty. We will not let your sacrifice be in vain. We are working hard here in Iraq and we are making a difference. There are thousands of children in our sector that can go outside and play in places that they couldn’t not so long ago. There are many little girls that are now allowed to go to school. This new generation of Iraqis is learning to speak English and learn what it is to be free. I am deeply sorry for your loss I am praying for your family and for Gus. Kayla and Jake: Your father was one of the best men that I have ever known and had the priveledge to work with in the military. He is a hero and has made the world a better place for all of us.
From Iraq with sympathy, Russ McKelvey
By j wall
July 27, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this
I held my breath and drove faster than I should but they had just announced on the radio that four of our georgia soldiers had been killed. It is such an unreal thing to face. My husband and his “brothers” were who they were talking about and you hope and pray it is not your loved one but then again feel guilty because you love all of them and wish it weren’t any of them. All i could do was pray for them and their families and pray for their strengh and courage and that they all come home soon. THEY ARE AMERICAS BEST and anyone who does not think so should try to go through what these courageuos soldiers have been through and what they must face and ask theirselves would they be able to step up—-i believe these men and women have a calling in their heart from God to defend our country from evil and that is sacred. God bless the troops and all the families that are being strong for them and I pray this will not happen again.
I LOVE YOU VANCE Love, Me
By Lori Mayhue
July 27, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this
To the families of the fallen HEROEs My prayers are with you. May you find peace and comfort soon.
To the Soldiers of the 48th My prayers are with you also. Have strength and courage to keep pressing on unitl your job is complete. THANK YOU for all you are doing to keep our country free.
By Ursula Joyner
July 27, 2005 08:19 AM | Link to this
May God continue to bless each family and friend of the 48th Brigade. My prayers goes out to every family that has a love one in Iraq. My husband (SSgt Keith Joyner)is deployed in Iraq with the 48th Brigade. Let’s continue to pray for peace so our soldiers can return home. We love you Keith! Your wife and family.
By Lisa Murphy
July 27, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this
My heart just dropped and my soul almost shriveled thinking about those family members as they heard the news of the one they loved and lost. As th mother of one in the 48th in Iraq my heart just wanted to embrace them and tell them the loss will be lighter with time. But how do you go tru it now. Put you faith in God That is all anyone can do and keep praying for all who are over there and keep yourself busy raising and supporting all in the family who have a hard time coping. Just listening without comment is a big help. My husband was in Vietnam and that is how I have been able to cope.
By Pamela Range
July 27, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this
To the families of the fallen soldiers, I offer my deepest sympathy. To the 48th Brigade, my prayers are with you. Shed your tears for God understands the hurt, but at the end of the day, remember God knows best.
By sonny walker
July 27, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this
As the most decorated viet nam veteran Said the late, Capt Willie Pitt Jr would always say.
GOD AND COUNTRY FIRST. GOD BLESS
By Laura Wallace
July 27, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this
First I want to express my sincere sympathy to the families that have lost loved ones in the war, especially to the ones lost from the 48th, since they are part of the family, since I have a son serving with the 48th. As far as I am concerned, they died heroes. Second I would like to quote from a “letter to the editior” that my son recently wrote to our local newspaper. It gives his perspective and his feelings when fighting for freedom over there. “Politics and opinions do not apply while on the receiving end of enemy mortars, rockets and small fire. Stay calm. Take cover. Nothing else matters at the moment. The Iragi people do want us here and appreciate what we are doing. They are just as sick of what the insurgency is doing as we are. They can taste freedom; you can see it in their faces. Every life lost is a tradgedy, be it American of Iraqi. However, we will be steadfast in the performance of our duties”. My son spent seven years in the Marine Corps. When he was discharged, he felt as thought there was a void in his life so he joined the National Guard. He joined knowing that he may have to fight a war someday. That should be in the minds of anyone who joins any branch of the armed forces, including the National Guard. I am very proud of Sgt. Ryan Jeffries, and of all of the men and woman serving. They have made a committment to serve, honor, and protect the freedom of the United States.
By Michele
July 27, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this
I offer my prayers and support to the families of Spc. Kinlow and Spc. Brunson. May God bless you and comfort you in your time of grief.
By Sonya Smith
July 27, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this
My prayers go out to all. I know how hard it has to be to get through this.For my son, “Spc. Justin Ryan Smith” is also serving with the 48TH & I held my breath & prayed this was not God’s will to take my son. But my heart goes out to the ones who have lost their loved ones. I wish I could ease their pain, but only God can help. My prayers are with all of you.
God Be With All, Sonya Smith & FamilyBy a soldier
July 27, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this
Being a member of the 48th can be compared to being in a family. We all share the good times and the bad. In times such as these, we’re also there to lean on each other and pick each other up when needed. Although I’m not in 2/121, and didn’t know your sons, husbands, fathers personally, I do feel the loss personally as does the rest of the 48th. Please know, we will pick up their flag and continue with the professionalism, dignity, and spirit that they have demostrated and will honor them by finishing the mission. History will record that they fought for the very ideal at the center of our (American) society - Freedom. For that, they are Heroes.
By Tiffany McKenna (Kirkpatrick)
July 27, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this
I will miss you dearly John. My first childhood friend and first-ever boyfriend. We travelled to college our first year together too to conquer the world. I can’t believe you’re gone. I won’t forget. We all love you and will miss you dearly. God Bless you and your family.
By Bill Thorne
July 27, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this
On behalf of the Officers, Members, and men and women (families) of the Military Order of the Purple Heart USA, Department of New York, I extend our sincerest and deepest sympathies to Mrs. Daphanie Kinlow and Ms. Cathy Brunson and their families.
We who have served have a common bond … we know, we understand, and we embrace the fact that “FREEDOM” is NOT free … the cost is tremendous and at times terribly painful, but to those of us who serve it is worth it.
I trust tha one day the men and women of this nation will understand that the freedoms they enjoy was paid for by men like SPC Jacques Brunson and SPC James Kinlow and many others like them.
May God grant the fallen men from Georgia eternal peace. And may they souls rest in peace and light perpetual shine on them.
Hold fast to the memories you have of them enjoying themselves and the folks around them, remember the good about them and share your memories with everyone you come in contact with.
May God’s blessings be with you all in this time of pain and know that you are not alone, the nation morns with you.
Bill Thorne Senior Vice Commander
By Matthew Bryan
July 27, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this
I shouldn’t be astonished by now, but I am, at the incredibly crass and opportunistic journalism from the AJC. To seize the deaths of men in the line of duty to grind a liberal ax upon their corpses is sickening.
At least Dan Rather stepped down…Have some decency and remove these reporters from their assignments. Learn from the fallen soldiers, and develop a sense of honor, duty, and even a smidgeon of decorum.
M.A.B.
By Tammy Saperstein
July 27, 2005 11:27 AM | Link to this
It is hard to know what to say, but I hope that the families of these soldiers and all the soldiers of the 48th, feel Gods arms and all of ours, around them. My husband is also in the 48th. I feel we have a wonderful caring family, and are here for each other. God bless you and comfort you.
Ilove you,Bill. And am praying for all of you.
By karen
July 27, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families who have lost someone that they love to the war in Irqa and espically to the members of the 48th. My prayers are with you, my baby brother SSG Bryan Johnson is part of the 48th and i pray for him and yours daily and I tell everyone i know not only to pray for my brother but everyone there. I also want to comment on the editor of the last few blogs calling the National Guard Citizen Soldiers I feel like this is a put down to my everything over there fighting for our freedom and I thought that all of the US Soldiers there were Citizens of the United States maybe I’m wrong but when the National Guard Soldiers were deployed they became Regular Army not Citizen Soldiers
By Judi Goforth
July 27, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this
To the families and friends of the Fallen Heroes….Please know that you are in the prayers of the other families of the 48th Brigade. We hurt for each of you, whether we knew your soldier or not. Any loss is a loss for us all. You don’t have to agree with the politics or reasons for this war to offer support and prayers to the men and women who do so much to protect the citizens of Iraq and each other. No one who loves a soldier is happy that he/she is over there, but we are proud of all of them, and their supporting families & loved ones for their scarifices, their courage and their honor. May God Bless each of them and bring them all home safe & sound.
By Alice Carnes Adams
July 27, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this
To the familys of the fallen soldiers. My brother is in the 48th brigade unit. He called home tuesday, and although he could not tell us anything he was upset that some people in his brigade had lost thier lives. I also want to send my condolences to you. May you be comforted in all that can be, and have faith that all will be well. I, as well as many others, feel your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
By Melinda
July 27, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the soldiers who are fighting this war and also the families who are back in the rear. I was once over there myself and its real hard to be away from your families in war time situations but the thought that your families is there for you and waiting for your returned, is what keeps you going but also knowing that you are there to do a job is what keeps you there. I am saying just be there for you husband, wife, son, daughter becuase what they have back here is keeping them motivated in doing a job that they have promised to do.
By ALice Ledford
July 27, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this
With the death of our sons and daughters, war does take on a different meaning. It is so personal and asks of each family the ultimate sacrifice. Oh how my heart hurts for these families in the lost of their loved ones. I will pray for you…it sounds like such a small thing, but know that I mean it and I know God will see you through this and comfort you. God bless you right now.
By Ruth
July 27, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this
I told one of my close friends that I had no intention of making any comments on the articles about the loss of the 4 soldiers from the 121st other than offering my deepest sympathy to their families. Matthew Bryan, you changed that. I have no earthly idea what in the world you are talking about. The AJC grinding a liberal ax on their corpses????? What I have read for the past 2 days was a sorrowful tribute to those who were lost. Please grind your conservative ax somewhere else…the majority of us with family members serving in Iraq are grateful to the AJC for embedding reporters with the 48th. To Ms. Basu and Ms. Honarvar, thank you and I support you all the way.
By clarence k. sinkler
July 27, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this
To the families of these fallen soldier’s my prayer’s are with you during these sorrowful days. I pray the Lord will give you Peace that passeth all understanding and comfort from above. Remember that Weeping may endureth for a night but will come in the morning. Be encouraged and may God richly Bless you all in Jesus name.
By Mary
July 27, 2005 02:53 PM | Link to this
I read the comments and some make me shed tears. I am saddened by the loss of the lives of our beloved Soldiers. The phrase ‘fighting for our freedom’ is used over and over. I agree the fighting is to PRESERVE our freedom by destroying terrorist factions elsewhere and preventing them from coming here; however, most importantly these revered and courageous Soldiers are there fighting to help establish IRAQI FREEDOM which The insugents are fighting to prevent.
I feel that their effort in helping a country obtain freedom is a high calling. God bless all our military who endure hardships in their effort to grant a country what our ancestors gained for us - liberty and freedom. There is a responsibility of enjoying freedom without harm to anyone and to fight for it when it is necessary.
Condolences to the Kinlow and Brunson families and to the families of the soldiers yet not named.
By SPC Kimberly J. Schatz
July 27, 2005 04:45 PM | Link to this
I just want to send my prayers to my fellow soldiers of the Georgia National Guard, and my condolences to the families of these fine men. It hit us pretty hard here in the 118th PSD, deployed in Kuwait… Those are our brothers and sisters there, and we pray for their safety every day. God Bless these men and the families they leave behind.
By melanie
July 27, 2005 05:10 PM | Link to this
My sincere sorrow for all of the families loss. May the fallen forever fly on angels wings. My thanks to the soliders and their families for their service and sacrifice.
By Michael Castagna
July 27, 2005 05:11 PM | Link to this
The lost of the four brave soldiers hit me hard. Being retired from the 48th Bdge these soldiers I have worked with. My prayers go out to all the families of these brave heros of Georgia.
Mike Castagna SSG (ret)
By Emily Tatum
July 27, 2005 09:38 PM | Link to this
My Family and I attended the “Fairwell” Ceremony at Ft. Stewart on May 14th in support of one of Soldiers of the 48th. As each Soldier went past the Grand Stand we felt an enourmous amount of PRIDE. Tears fell for the Pride but also because you knew some of them would not return. You just had to have been there to feel all the love and pride of each friend or family member. We follow the 48th through the AJC each day and lift our young men and women up in prayer that God would keep them safe and bring them home soon.
By E. Tatum
July 27, 2005 09:46 PM | Link to this
May the Angels of Heaven wrap each family member of a lost “HERO” in their wings and give them comfort in this time of grief.
By Susan Reynolds
July 27, 2005 11:15 PM | Link to this
To everyone over in Iraq I pray for you. To the families of the fallen soldiers May God be with you but to Exspecially SPC Gus Brunson’s family. Gus was a dear friend of me and my husband and he will gratly be missed. Gus was always smiles but he had his funny side to. I remember he used to like to play pranks on people and just laugh but most of all I remember how much he loved hi kids. And I just want to send a Salute to all the soldiers and to the familes fo the Fallen..
By Penny
July 28, 2005 06:25 AM | Link to this
On Sunday our brigade “family” lost 4 of our “brothers”. To the families of these soldiers, I send out my deepest sympathies.
To the rest of our soldiers over there, stay safe! We love all of you and we are praying for all of you!