The convoy was back on base, and the wounded were tended to. It was all over by about 1 p.m. We had DSN lines in the office that would allow us to call home free of charge. I called my wife that afternoon, but I didn’t tell her what happened. I did tell her if she saw anything on the news to know that I am okay. We would watch a lot of the news while we were over there and saw information about how soldiers were killed in Baghdad or some other location. When the media reported where the casualty was based or where the engagement occurred, it can be really scary for the families. They watch every story, and the media didn’t miss an opportunity to talk about a U.S. death.
Deason’s death never even made the news. That really bothered me. It also surprised me. He didn’t even make the news. I can’t remember how many soldiers died in the month of August 2006. We were nearing a hundred soldiers killed a month. But the fact that this young staff sergeant, this hero that was on his last mission, the guy that was in ambush meant for me, sitting in my seat, the one that should have been me…. This should not have been ignored by the media.
We should never forget the service and sacrifice. Staff Sgt. Deason and his family made the ultimate sacrifice. We should always remember that.
Dear God, help me never to forget the names of people I know who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in combat. Thank you that your name is great among the nations, even those who haven’t turned to you yet.
“‘My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 1:11)