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DEL.ICIO.US‘They were the best bunch of guys’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Related:
Jacques Brunson: Leaving kids ‘pained him’
James Kinlow: Wife mourns ‘best friend’
John Thomas: Kept up family tradition
Camp Stryker, Iraq � When Spc. James Cribb accidentally fell into a foxhole during training at Fort Stewart earlier this year, Staff Sgt. Carl Fuller never let him forget it.
Sgt. Carl Fuller
“He would show how I fell and crack everyone up,” Cribb said Tuesday as he stood under the blazing sun at a rehearsal for a memorial service today for Fuller and three other 48th Brigade Combat Team soldiers.
The four Georgians â€â€? Fuller, of Covington, Sgt. James Kinlow of Thomson, Sgt. John Thomas of Valdosta and Spc. Jacques “Gus” Brunson of Sylvester â€â€? were assigned to Alpha Company of the brigade’s 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. They died Sunday when their Humvee was hit by a massive roadside bomb in southwest Baghdad.
While his family could not be reached for comment, his comrades remembered Fuller as a gregarious, fun-loving soldier.
“He was such a clown,” Staff Sgt. Ernest Thompson of Albany said. “As I visualize him now, all I can see are his teeth. You never saw him without a smile.”
“This has been devastating,” Thompson said. “They were the best bunch of guys you could set your eyes on. It’s going to be a long road for us to pull back together.”
The casualties served as a grim reminder for soldiers who routinely leave the relative safety of Camp Striker and venture into the southwestern neighborhoods of the Iraqi capital, where there has been a recent flurry of insurgent activity.
“I think we’ve all come here to cheat death,” said Spc. William Parham, an Alpha Company gunner from Social Circle. “It’s a dangerous game cheating death.”
Sunday’s losses have been particularly hard for Alpha Company and other infantry soldiers who have had to continue their routine patrols of Baghdad.
“You just don’t know who’s friend and who’s foe out there,” said Parham, a Walton County sheriff’s deputy. “Those who were really close to those guys are in bad shape. Last night, I heard one of the guys hollering in anger. We want to avenge what’s happened.”
Sgt. John Miller, who works at Camp Striker’s combat stress clinic, said the men in the 2nd Battalion were a tight-knit group and have been vocal about their loss.
“They refer to one another as ‘brother,’ ” Miller said. “Their normal social support system has been taken away from them here. So all they have is each other.”
Thompson said Thomas was a physical fitness buff. Even after long, exhausting patrols, Thomas would return to Striker and take a run. Brunson was a “hard-charger,” Thompson said.
Kinlow, on the other hand, was so quiet that Thompson had to pry words out of him.
Then there was Fuller, the cutup of the bunch.
“The last couple of days I have not been able to get them out of my head and focus on our mission,” Thompson said.
At lunch on Sunday � the last meal the four soldiers had � Sgt. Bill Jones said he chatted with some of them about the perils of combat patrols in Baghdad.
“We talked about how we drive around until we get blown up,” said Jones, of Anderson, S.C.
Hours later, four of Jones’ friends were dead.
Tonight, Jones will stand with hundreds of other soldiers to remember them at the memorial service.
“I don’t think they’ll be the last,” said Parham, who was injured last month when his Humvee rolled over. “God, I hope I’m wrong.”
Comments
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By mary
July 28, 2005 02:30 AM | Link to this
My prayers are with all the families of the soldiers that past over the weekend and also my prayers are with the soldiers of 2/121. I hope yall return home safe. my prayers are with yall. GOD BLESS THE 2/121
By Marie
July 28, 2005 02:41 AM | Link to this
God Enough. We have had enough.
By Bridget Blanchard
July 28, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this
God bless all of you who are BRAVE enough to fight for our FREEDOM. We Love you.
By Tiffany (Kirkpatrick) McKenna
July 28, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this
I am an old childhood friend of John Frank Thomas, in fact, he was my very first boyfriend and first true best friend, which I made when living in Valdosta Georgia. He was 16 and I was 14 at the time. It was John, my brother and I, who regularly frequented the video arcade at the mall during summer breaks. John was always forthright, yet a very complex individual, who questioned all things and all people. He was also quite humble. He loved every living thing. I am extremely shocked and saddened by his loss and for his wonderfully dedicated grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas of Valdosta, who took him in as a baby. I remember we’d dream together of conquering the world through our travels and discover what was beyond the little town that we lived in, by leaving Valdosta at 18 and 20years old to attend college in Chicago, Il. Of course, we did just that….. Once we arrived, we both subsequently went our separate ways after having seen all the many options and things surrounding us, but after years, always maintained a quiet friendship lasting over 16 years.
John was a big dreamer, who was passionate about life and all of it’s many questions. He also wanted to make a positive impression on all he encountered. I will miss him dearly. May God be with his friends and loved ones left behind. Your loving spirit with be missed John. We love you John Thomas. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us who knew you.
By Butch Gaddy
July 28, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this
To all of you who fight for our FREEDOM…..Thank You. To all who have died for this FREEDOM….Thank You. To all who have sacrificed a loved one for this cause….Thank You. This war must be fought and won. Please don’t loose sight of the cause….OUR FREEDOM.
By cathy g
July 28, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this
God Bless the souls of these valliant men, fighting for US. There are never the right words to comfort the pain of losing one you love. All I can say is they mattered, to mothers, fathers, to wives and children, and to me, even though I have never met them. I am humbled by their sacrifice. My prayers are with you. Thank you for the burdens you bear on our behalf.
By Joan B
July 28, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to these families. I live in Covington and therefore seems closer to home. I don’t know any of these families but I do want to say THANK YOU for your sacrifice. My thoughts are exactly of Mr. Gaddy’s comments above. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all those who serve this country and protect us everyday.
By A Soldier's Wife
July 28, 2005 01:13 PM | Link to this
GOD Please, bring the rest of the SOLDIERS home before we lose any more. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends.
By John Faulkner
July 28, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this
To the fallen heroes of the 48th Brigade Combat Team. As a fellow Georgian and American my heart is heavy and my soul is saddened with the loss of these courageous men. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You were called to a higher purpose and that is to defend my freedom and the freedom of people around the world. When I go home tonight and look into my twelve year old son’s eyes I will thank God there are men like you. He will be taught tonight about four American heroes. My prays and thoughts are with your families and brother’s in arms. Thank you
By robert and andree powers
July 28, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this
we both have been in a war i was in vietnam and now iam back home by the grace of god but 100percent disable due to agent orange i know what it is to lose my best friend in combat my wife is or was french 48years ago and was in metz lorraine at 16years old she saw patton and his troups liberating the town and cant understand why ungratful moslem want to kill does boys she welcome the liberators with open arms her wish is that we bring all of them home tomorrow and our simpathy to all the family god bless you and keep you strong
By Anne
July 28, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this
By Anne
We pray that all is well and strong and we wish for a brighter, happier time to come. My prayers are with the families of the men who died.
By An Aunt of a 48th'er
July 28, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this
My prayers are with you and yours during these most difficult of times. God Bless your family and let’s all pray to bring the rest of them home safe !!
By An Old Soldier
July 28, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this
God Bless these fine Soldiers, and watch over there famalies now in their desperate hour of need. It has been a long time since have been able to wear the Army Green, everytime I see another Soldiers name as KIA or WIA it tears my heart knowing they are not a line or two in a newspaper, they are men and woman who have famalies themselves. They will not be forgotten, their sacrafice not in vain. God Bless those who wear the Uniform today! I wish I could take their place, allow at least on young Soldier to come home.
By carol cole
July 28, 2005 11:08 PM | Link to this
My family and I have each of you in our prayers. Praying for the safety of all to return home safely.
By Friend of the Fullers
July 29, 2005 01:39 AM | Link to this
I am a friend of Sgt. Fuller’s younger brother who is also a soldier living in GA. Sgt. Fuller loved what he was doing and volunteered to return to duty knowing the dangers that he would face on a daily basis. We know he is in God’s hands and I’m sure he is smiling and clowning around right now for the Angels. So many people will sorely miss him and our prayer is that the blood being shed for the freedom of the citizens of Iraq is not in vein.
By SFC V.A.ANDERSON
July 29, 2005 06:17 AM | Link to this
My name is SFC Victor Anderson i was in charge of the patrol that day. We the six survivors of that day appreciate all the kind words. Those four guys were great soldiers and great men. If you have ever faced combat you know that it is the man to the left and right that you fight for.God bless George W. Bush the United States of America and the people of the great State Of Georgia
By Ann
July 29, 2005 03:01 PM | Link to this
May God bless the family of these soldiers who fought for our freedom. Thank you for keeping the usa safe.
By Lena
July 29, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the Kinlow family,, James and i were classmate.. I’m going to miss him so much.. We had so much fun together.. He was such a joy to everyone.. Daphnie remember all the goodtimes you shared with James..The class of 88 will truly miss him..
By Robin O'Reilly
July 29, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this
I want to express my sympathy to the brave men who lost their lives and to their families who will have to carry on. God bless you all and God bless America.
By FELECIA HARRIS
July 29, 2005 07:22 PM | Link to this
RE: CARL FULLER
I had the pleasure of knowing Carl when I was a student at Georgia State University and he was a GSU Officer. I was very sadden by learning of his death today, but I am comforted with the memories we shared. I remember his sense humor and beautiful smile, and I am very grateful to known a man so full joy and life. To his wonderful family, may God continue to guide and strenghen your lives as you celebrate Carl’s life. Sincerely, Felecia
By Roslyn Robertson
July 29, 2005 07:22 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the families who lost a loved one this weekend .I,M a coworker of SGT.CARL FULLER’s sister. Just wanted all the families to know earth has no sorrow that HEAVEN can’t feel. My prayers are with you all. I have a nephew in the army so lets continue to please pray for each other. Remember keep christ first.
By Barbara Sargent
July 29, 2005 11:34 PM | Link to this
I am saddened by the loss of these fine soldiers. I will keep their families and friends in my prayers. Please know that their sacrifice is in this effort for freedom will never be forgotten. Valdosta will miss SGT Thomas as I am sure the the hometowns of all soldiers lost will miss these courageous men and women who make America proud.
By Bonnie
July 31, 2005 06:03 PM | Link to this
To Carl’s family, I share your pain and your loss. I am so very grateful that I was blessed to have shared so many wonderful times since 1986. He had an indellible impact on my life. My only consolation is knowing that he is ok now. I share that consolation with you.
By Cynthia, a friend of a 48th Brigade soldier
August 1, 2005 06:01 PM | Link to this
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with the servicemen and women who have so bravely left thier homes and loved ones to fight for freedom. The loss of life is the ultimate sacrifice. All the men and women serving our great free country are heroes. We love you and prayer for your safe return home to the arms of your loved ones. We will never forget the price of freedom and what you each are doing for all of us and the world. May God be with you now and always.
By Cold War Vet
August 2, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the friends and family of those mentioned in the article above, as well as to those who knew SFC Victor Anderson, who posted a comment to this article on July 29th. He was killed by an IED on July 30th.