BOW YOUR HEADS
It is with great sadness that I report the loss of one of our brothers. SRA Brad Smith was killed Sunday in an IED Attack in Afghanistan. Mike Malarsie was also there and injured in the attack and is at Landstuhl. He is in stable condition. As I get further information on the internment and the status of Mike I’ll post.
UPDATE Mike is back in the US and at Bethesda. I’ll provide an address and length of stay when able.
Thoughts and prayers go out to my son’s two friends…condolences to the Smith family and well wishes to Marlarsie for a successful recovery. These men deployed with my son last month, and as an USAF TACP Mom, I am so very proud.
Keep Brad’s wife and two month old baby in your prayers. I only had the honor of meeting Brad a handful of times, but he has made a lasting impression on me. The world is truly worse without him. Adam Walker, Capt, USAF 336 ARS
My thoughts and prayers go out to these families.
He was a good buddy of mine. We went through tech school together and grew up pretty close to each other. One of the best guys you could ever meet. From what I hear he is a hero and died bringing out a guy. He truely is one of the best friends a guy could have. Keep your thoughts with his wife, child and family.
The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we want to protect and to give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own. Two Great men made the ultimate sacrifice one gave his life for his country and another will carry with him the scars of this war.
These men truly adhere to the belief that the greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
Rest in peace my friend.
My son also deployed with these fine men last month. He is very devistated by what has happened. He accompanied Mike to the hospital and was able to spend some time with him before he was flown out. My son is and was very proud to have these men as fellow TACP’s.
My heart goes out to these families.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Smith family as they deal with this great tragedy in their lives. I never had the plesure of meeting Brad as a TACP brother; however I am sure he will be greatly missed. I also extend my prayers to the Malarsie family, and wish Mike a speedy recovery.
TSgt Mark Kistler 3-2 SBCT
I’m one of the ANG pilots who flew Mike and a fellow TAC-P friend of his from Bagram to Ramstein this morning. He’s in good hands. The AirEvac team that accompanied him has high hopes that Mike will pull through this. My prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
LtCol Steven Moraes, NJANG
I can’t believe this. Brad was such a great guy; funny, intelligent, just an all-around good person. Please make sure to post memorial service information when it becomes available.
My son who was deployed with Brad has created a Facebook group in his honor. They are planning to set up a foundation for his daughters education among other things they are hoping to do for their fallen friend. The activities can be followed and joined through the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=241045779172&mid=1ad0b9fG5af336dd983cG84f5G6
may his sacrifice not be forgotten and may his family be cared for by a grateful nation. God bless these families who proudly send their very best to fight for us.
My heart goes out to the whole family. Brad’s older brother and I are very close, when he told me about Brad I felt like I lost a brother too. Brad is truley a Hero.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Brad’s family, friends, and co-workers as they all begin a hard grieving process. I unfortunately did not get to meet Brad but I can only imagine how great he was as a husband,father,son,brother,and friend. Brad, you will always be miss; but never forgotten. “The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”
Isaiah 57:1-2
It is because of brave men like these that we have our freedom. Thank you Brad and Mike for answering the call to service.
I am deeply humbled by Brad’s sacrifice. The fact that young men like Brad are willing to pay the ultimate price for the safety and security of the rest of us is awe inspiring and humbling. I hope the rest of us can rededicate our lives to honor this gift that Brad has given us. Rest in Peace. CMSgt Mitch Quinn, TACP-Retired.
Mike will not be forgotten in our house. I have never met Mike but, he will always be my brother. He stood tall to protect our great nation under God. He will now rest knowing his duty has been fulfilled. I pray daily for the safety of my fellow soldiers and the people of the U.S.A. God bless.
SGT Mark A. Lepper
Co B 311th BSB
To the family of Brad Smith, I had the opprotunity to meet Brad but, I do know a fellow soldier who was serving with him. I would like to extend my deepest sympothy. I Am proud to be apart of a brotherhood of Soldiers willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Brad will never be forgotten and and his memory will be a testement of the heart,service and duty.
SGT Mark A. Lepper
Co B 311th BSB
Thank you all for what you do day in and day out!!! HOOOOYAH! My condolences to the family and to his team….