Webloggin » Rest in Peace - Respected Milblogger Becomes First Iraq Casualty of 2008

His final post, written for the purpose of being released in the event of his demise. Respected milblogger, he is now the first Iraq casualty of 2008.

I do ask (not that I’m in a position to enforce this) that no one try to use my death to further their political purposes. I went to Iraq and did what I did for my reasons, not yours. My life isn’t a chit to be used to bludgeon people to silence on either side. If you think the U.S. should stay in Iraq, don’t drag me into it by claiming that somehow my death demands us staying in Iraq. If you think the U.S. ought to get out tomorrow, don’t cite my name as an example of someone’s life who was wasted by our mission in Iraq. I have my own opinions about what we should do about Iraq, but since I’m not around to expound on them I’d prefer others not try and use me as some kind of moral capital to support a position I probably didn’t support. Further, this is tough enough on my family without their having to see my picture being used in some rally or my name being cited for some political purpose. You can fight political battles without hurting my family, and I’d prefer that you did so.

On a similar note, while you’re free to think whatever you like about my life and death, if you think I wasted my life, I’ll tell you you’re wrong. We’re all going to die of something. I died doing a job I loved. When your time comes, I hope you are as fortunate as I was.

Obsidian Wings, where you can view the entire thing, and express condolences. But it bears repeating the departed’s final wishes about political commentary, on either side.

Those who wish to view what comments have been made, could peruse the list below. It’s just Googling with filtering, supplemented by some other links the search engine didn’t catch on the first go ’round.

Major, obviously you’ve left a large hole. Godspeed noble warrior.

Olmstead The green-lit FARK thread