Monday, April 30, 2007

Blue Star Turns Gold


Please be in prayer for some good friends of ours - they just lost a son to a roadside bomb in Iraq Sunday morning (April 29, 7 a.m. CST).



If you would be so kind as to write a note in the comment section, I'll have them read your words of encouragement and support.

Alex was 21 years old, joined the US Army in 2004 right out of high school, served in Korea and went on his tour to the Middle East last fall.

News Reports:
4.30.07 ~ KWCH News and 2 video articles
4.30.07 ~ KAKE News and video interview
5.1.07 ~ KSN News article and video
5.1.07 ~ Wichita Eagle and Guest Book and this Memorial Cartoon
5.1.07 ~ The Denver Post: Fort Carson soldiers killed

Web Support: Thanks for your kind words ...

  • Blue Star Chronicle posted my announcement here. Beth also wrote a moving tribute on this theme last year when a good friend's husband was killed by an IED. Good words.
  • Robinik has written about the role of being a 'guardian of a free world' in A Little Prayer for a Big Man. Thank you!
  • Argghhh!!! posts a fine tribute and highlights some of the details of Alex's life and death as garnered from the above news reports. Again, thanks.
  • Also from Blackfive a farewell message of Godspeed.
  • And a prayer from The Right Nation (in Italian :-)

    • John at Argghhh!!! also copied this May 1st release from the DoD:
    The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations.

    Killed were:
    Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin, 29, of Baltimore.
    Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon, 21, of Bel Aire, Kan.
    Pfc. Brian A. Botello, 19, of Alta, Iowa.

    They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

    We'll be praying for the Martin and Botello families as well. Articles follow:


    Posted by at
    Labels: , ,

    41 comments:

    1. William TeachApril 30, 2007 9:25 PM

      My thoughts and prayers go out to them. It is always hard to lose a loved one, as we all know, and I cannot say that I know what it is like to lose a child. But, they should know that God is looking after "Alex," and we will say our prayers for the family.

      ReplyDelete
    2. AnonymousApril 30, 2007 9:29 PM

      My heart goes out to them. My daughter is a medic over there and even though she's not usually in the line of fire I worry about her and all of the troops every single day and I will keep worrying about them until they are all back home.

      ReplyDelete
    3. JoubertApril 30, 2007 9:40 PM

      I will pray for the parents of this brave warrior. He of course has earned my undying gratitude.

      ReplyDelete
    4. WomanHonorThyselfApril 30, 2007 9:42 PM

      Hiya Lynn..long time no see my friend..blessings and heartfelt hugs to all those who love and honor this eternal hero.
      thanks for allowing me to share in his glory.

      ReplyDelete
    5. LynApril 30, 2007 10:15 PM

      Thanks for your comments so far... If you want our local news report on this please email me. Lyn

      ReplyDelete
    6. NannyKarenApril 30, 2007 11:24 PM

      Prayers are going up here for these parents. No words I could say would be enough, I know, but I know God answers prayer...

      ReplyDelete
    7. AnonymousMay 01, 2007 1:10 AM

      Dear parents, my prayers that God may ease your sorrow and help you to be strong in your faith, go with you. For your son,

      Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
      And let perpetual Light shine upon him.
      May his soul,
      And the souls of all the faithful departed,
      Through the mercy of God
      Rest in peace.
      Amen.

      ReplyDelete
    8. Pet and The Bengal BratsMay 01, 2007 4:53 AM

      There are no words of comfort I can offer that will ease your pain right now.
      But I can say thank you from the depth of my heart.

      May the light that Alex brought to your lives continue to shine in your memories.

      I pray that God gives healing to your hearts, and that God will give you rest on your tear-filled nights and the fullest measure of peace that only God can give.

      ReplyDelete
    9. JoanMay 01, 2007 5:25 AM

      My love, support, prayers and thanks are offered to and for the grieving family of this young hero. I cannot even imagine their loss; in truth no one will ever know how much is lost when someone this young meets death so much before his/her time.

      ReplyDelete
    10. jack rensimerMay 01, 2007 6:16 AM

      May you find comfort in the Almighty today. Your son has done what many won't, and I thank him and you.

      ReplyDelete
    11. StacyMay 01, 2007 7:22 AM

      I am so very sorry for your friend's loss of their son. My heart goes out to this family. Will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

      ReplyDelete
    12. mRedMay 01, 2007 9:19 AM

      He is with God now and better for it. I will pray for the family left behind and thank God for the soldiers who not only fight for freedom, but to better the lives of those they don't know. Your son's life is a gift to all of us. Thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    13. AnonymousMay 01, 2007 1:31 PM

      God Bless USA
      http://www.robinik.net/2007/05/01/a-little-prayer-for-a-big-man/

      ReplyDelete
    14. pomarcMay 01, 2007 3:06 PM

      dying when you're 21 is a tragedy and it's unfair. Dying as a soldier, far away from your loved ones, in a land so hostile and different from the free land you love, is not only a tragedy, is an act of heroism. No matter why a soldier became a soldier, no matter how smart his or her commanders are, a soldier fighting and suffering for his or her country is an hero, and we must guard his memory and thank him every time we savour our freedom.
      pomarc -italy

      ReplyDelete
    15. LynMay 01, 2007 5:13 PM

      Thanks again for everyone's words of support. Now that the news is public, here's the local newspaper report:
      http://www.kansas.com/196/story/58619.html

      ReplyDelete
    16. AnonymousMay 01, 2007 7:12 PM

      To the parents of this Hero : I am so very, very sorry. My deepest sympathy, and prayers to you. Thank you for raising a wonderful young man.

      ReplyDelete
    17. TexasFredMay 01, 2007 10:17 PM

      Rest in Peace young warrior, and to the family, thoughts and prayers for your peace...

      Our hearts hurt right along with you, and we offer our most sincere condolences...

      ReplyDelete
    18. JaneMay 02, 2007 7:55 AM

      My heart breaks for the family of this precious 21 year old warrior. I know your pain is unbearable. I have lost a child, not in war, but in a plane crash. It is unnatural for a child to precede parents in death.
      My prayer is that God will hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
      You have our love and respect and your son has our thanks for his willingness to serve his country and make it possible for us to enjoy our freedoms. You are all heroes in my book.

      ReplyDelete
    19. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 8:53 AM

      you are in my thoughts and prayers...

      ReplyDelete
    20. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 12:16 PM

      I sit here warm and safe because of men like your son. I have you to thank for that for the way you raised him. And, I thank God that such a man lived.

      Bill Smith

      ReplyDelete
    21. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 12:38 PM

      I have you and the other families who are sacrificing for the greater good of all in this world in my prayers. May God be with you in this terrible loss. Just know that your son was a valiant human being who gave his life for good. That can't be said for many of us, but I believe our soldiers are very special people and hold a higher place in heaven because they give their lives to help others have freedom. Bless you all who make this sacrifice.

      ReplyDelete
    22. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 2:06 PM

      Please accept my prayers and thoughts for you and your family in your time of grief. I am humbled to be able to express my condolences to you. Keep your faith and spend time celebrating the life of your son and all that he was able to do.

      ReplyDelete
    23. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 2:22 PM

      IT IS SO SAD TO SEE THESE YOUNG LIVES LOST. ONLY TIME WILL HELP TO LIVE WITH YOUR LOST BUT YOU'LL NEVER FORGET. I WISH THIS COUNTRY WAS AS QUICK TO SEEK PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS AS IT IS TO GO TO WAR.WE NEED TO PRAY FOR ALL THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST THEIR SONS , DAUGHTERS , FATHERS & HUSBANDS .WIVES MOTHERS.WE MUST PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY THAT WE BEGIN TO SEEK A PEACEFUL SOLUTION & BRING THESE BRAVE WARRIORS HOME. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

      ReplyDelete
    24. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 2:33 PM

      As always, it is sad to know one of America's Finest has passed away. He had a purpose and he was happy serving.Let that be you strength to carry on. My thoughts are with you

      ReplyDelete
    25. HockeyMomMay 02, 2007 3:34 PM

      May God uplift you and your family during this dark time. Thank you for allowing your son to pay the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that America remains the land of the free and home of the brave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

      ReplyDelete
    26. HockeyMomMay 02, 2007 3:35 PM

      May God uplift you and your family during this dark time. Thank you for allowing your son to pay the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that America remains the land of the free and home of the brave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

      ReplyDelete
    27. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 3:57 PM

      To the Family of Sgt, A. J. Funcheon,
      Thank you for raising a wonderful young man who was willing to risk his life to defend us and our way of life. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. May your wonderful memories hold him close in your heart. He will rest in peace until you meet again. In Deepest Sympathy, JAY

      ReplyDelete
    28. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 4:28 PM

      God bless your son in heaven. My deepest sympathy to your family. You are in my prayers.

      ReplyDelete
    29. AnonymousMay 02, 2007 6:36 PM

      Mr. and Mrs. Funcheon,

      I send you my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dear son:

      Sergeant Alexander J. Funcheon

      - as he went about his duty on behalf of our beloved country. I hold him in my heart's place of honor and you in my prayers that you find comfort at this painful time. Please know how grateful I am that your son cared enough to step forward and be counted. I am certain that God must hold your son, and those like him, in a very special place in His sight. He too had a Son who died for others...

      ReplyDelete
    30. PeterMay 02, 2007 9:12 PM

      My prayers go up for this young man, Sgt. Funcheon. May the Lord grant his family some relief from the pain.

      ReplyDelete
    31. KatMay 03, 2007 12:28 AM

      Came from Castle Arrggh!

      To the family of Sgt. Funcheon:

      I am humbled by this young man's life and honored to be able to convey my pride and sorrow to his family.

      God bless you and keep you.

      ReplyDelete
    32. a manMay 03, 2007 5:53 AM

      A prayer for Alex. God Bless America.

      http://ideazione.blogspot.com/2007/05/alex.html

      ReplyDelete
    33. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 9:07 AM

      I am sorry for your loss, We am free today because of brave young Men & Women like him. Please know that I will never forget our fallen Heroes.

      ReplyDelete
    34. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 1:38 PM

      Dear Families of the Fallen, and here in particular, SGT Funcheon, my mind and heart are filled with sorrow and mourning. The struggle to deserve the ultimate sacrifice of your loved ones is hard and constant for those of us who feel the hit nearly as if our own. Your men were our brothers, if not by direct genetics, by virtue of our citizenship.
      As I know your men are in God's keep now, I will ask Him to grace you with all the blessings and mercies only He can deliver to you. I am profoundly proud of these men, your priceless kin, our national treasures. Every gift they gave improves America, indeed the world, in ways too large to measure.

      ReplyDelete
    35. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 1:45 PM

      My heart is hurting.

      ReplyDelete
    36. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 2:59 PM

      Tears and prayers and gratitude.
      Thank you...and you will be on the prayer roster of Chez Engineer for the next few weeks.

      ReplyDelete
    37. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 7:57 PM

      Please know our prayers are with you. There are not words to say how proud we are of the young men and women that join the military today, nor how much our hearts break for them.
      St. Christophers NY

      ReplyDelete
    38. AnonymousMay 03, 2007 8:18 PM

      I prayed for words that would comfort but none came. I searched books and Bible for some phrase that would make it better but there were none. So I sit at a distance wishing I could help and hear more of your son and somehow ease your grief.

      ReplyDelete
    39. benningMay 04, 2007 6:17 AM

      May GOD hold close the Spirit of Sgt. Funcheon, and watch over his family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with them.

      ReplyDelete
    40. OrionMay 08, 2007 3:00 AM

      Godspeed Sgt Funcheon, SSG Martin, and PFC Botello.

      Your service will not be forgotten - I hope that your families and loved ones can find some solace in the kind words and honor being shown them in recognition of your sacrifices.

      You have fulfilled your oaths, and may all the Gods welcome you home.

      Respectfully,

      Spc Burhans (Future Soldier)

      ReplyDelete
    41. GwynneMay 09, 2007 8:37 PM

      My prayers are lifted up for Sgt Funcheon and his family. I too deeply appreciate the service he gave to our country. May your memories and knowledge that he is in good hands now provide some comfort during the difficult years to come. God bless you all.

      ReplyDelete

    New comments are not allowed.

    Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)