Specialist Bailey... Soldier... Volunteer Firefighter... Hero... Friend

By now most of you know that we lost a soldier in June. Like all of the American troops serving overseas... he was special. But while all have a committment to selfless service... Specialist William Bailey was in a league of his own. Not only was he a decorated member of the Nebraska Army National Guard... he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD)... and I don't believe that there is a more honorable... selfless bunch of people on our planet than volunteer firefighters.

To say that this has been hard on our unit would be an understatement. But our wounds are healing... and Specialist Bailey's memorial here in Iraq this morning was a big step forward. Our focus now... and will continue to be... is with his family back in Nebraska. I ask that you direct your prayers and any support possible their way. I've been informed that the BVFD is assisting the family... and they should be able to let you know of any assistance that is needed.

We live in a cynical time... where too often we purposefully divide ourselves from one another. When too easily we search for problems and faults in each other... rather than the goodness that exists before our eyes. And where we've almost taught ourselves to no longer believe in heroes. But they do exist... and Specialist Bill Bailey was darned sure one of them. While our platoon mourns his loss... we take solace in knowing that we were blessed to have him as a part of our lives. With that in mind... we asked his fellow soldiers if they wished to collect some of their favorite photos of him. These pictures will be added to the website in the future. We thank everyone for their contribution!