The official statement is: Major Gregory J. Fester, 41, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on August 30, 2005, in Iskandariyah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. Fester was a reservist assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He was building schools for Iraqi children. Gregory Fesker left behind his wife, three kids and his mom.
His daughter writes: "To Mommy, Megan, and Peyton, You all have so much to bed proud of, Dad lives through all of us. I see his smiling face in each of you every day. Dad you are my true hero and I will never ever forget the amazing sixteen years you gave me, you were always there, and I cant wait to see you again some day. Jenni"
He was killed six days before his 18th wedding anniversary, leaving behind his wife, Julie and their three children.
His wife writes: "My Beloved Gregory How I miss you every minute of the day. You were my soul mate and I thank you for the best 18 years of marriage that could be. I see you in our three loving children and I can't wait to run to you in heaven and talk with you. You were my "Lory" and I was your "Jo." I so wanted to have a reunion with you after this war , just like after Desert Storm. You are forever our Hero in everything you did here on earth for us as a loving husband, father, soldier, friend, and businessman. You always went above and beyond and put others first. You never faltered in your faith and left behind a great legacy for all of us to strive for. I always wanted to be just like you, and in your kind way you told me the same. How I miss you so. I wonder what your doing now? Love, Julie xoxoxoxo
I could tell you that Gregory Fester's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, one Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.
But that's not what makes him the man. The army is not who will miss him; this is:
Thank you for your sacrifice - all of you.
eph2810
Thank you Ellen for sharing this tribute. I was hard for me to write mine, because I kept thinking about loosing my own son.
Ellen
I wrote this on what would have been my 28th wedding anniversary...it was hard for me also.
Phil
People react to loss in different ways; I gotta admit, my reaction (more often than not) is anger. And this one pisses me off big time. I don't know who to be more pissed off at: the murderous followers of the PedophileProphet (piss be upon him), or the *spit* President *spit* that sent great men like Maj. Fester (at the expense of our grandchildren's tax bill) to die in some pathetic country doing billions of dollars of civil work that desperately needs to be done right here. Suckweasels, all of them! F.E.T.E.
To the family of Army Maj. Fester, I don't know what to say, but something came to mind. In a letter made famous in Saving Private Ryan, President Lincoln once wrote: "I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine that would attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. [...] I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved, lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
Ellen
shhh...language...you'll hurt the little one's ears.
KnightofChrist
God Bless Major Gregory J. Fester and brave men and woman like him, I shall pray for his family.
Peace in Christ,
KoC