Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey Sr (1970-2004)

First Lieutenant Andre D. Tyson
Sergeant Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr.

Both of these men were killed by enemy fire yesterday June 22, 2004.

Last night we loaded their bodies onto a C-130 for the last trip home. We saw them off as the
warriors they are. The entire Task Force was in two ranks facing each other as the flag draped
coffins were led onto the airplane, carried by the palbearers. As they past the entire unit, some
200 soldiers, came to attention and saluted them out of respect, and loss.

After they were loaded onto the plane, the task force dispersed. Despite being on an airfield you
could hear a pin drop. Not a word was spoken, whether out of grief or reverence I know not. I am
not sure why, but I stood at the direct rear of the plane and watched as the loadmaster raised the
ramp to seal the aircraft. I did not have a camera with me, nor would it have been appropriate
despite being a moving picture, but my mind has taken a snapshot of the two flag draped coffins
lined up in the rear of the aircraft. It is a mental snapshot I will carry with me, and will not forget.

I hope this is the only time we will have to do this. To date there are four men of the 81st brigade
who will not be coming home to their families. As anyone who has served in the military knows the
respect that is due to a fallen comrade, we gave them nothing less last night. They have taken
their place among our honored dead, who have given the ultimate sacrifice in answering a call that
only they knew the reason to.

Yesterday was not a good day. D.P.

What is a Hero?

A man that gives himself at all times without questions
A man that takes the heavy load when no one else can
A man that makes every one around him feel special and important
A man everyone is proud to have known
A man that loves his family and thinks of them always
A man that runs to the aid of a fallen soldier
A man that is loved and respected by all that he meets
A man that is stronger than life itself
A man that no one will ever forget
A true Hero is Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey

Jeannette Sarla

The people who serve allow us to be free. What a terrible price some have paid for us to go on day by day.

"To Patrick's mother, it has taken me so long to find the words to say how sorry I am about him. I met u briefly one day on Roosevelt when Pat had is (as he called it his muscle car) So funny & so into making sure everyone else was ok, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, he was one that brightened my day. All the advice he had given me about do's & don'ts will not be forgotten. Our friendship was for a very long time even though we went to different schools. Him at Homestead and me at Fremont. The smile on his face, u got to love it. I have so much to say, but it hurts so much to know my friend is gone but not far away & to meet him in heaven,I can not wait for that day. So my condolences go out to his wife & kids,& from the pictures that I have seen are so beautiful & to u of course his dear mother that he talked so often of.
I will remember the smile he has & the one star that shines so bright knowing he is looking down on all he knows & loves so much.

"God Bless You All""
Chrissy Loya of Sunnyvale, Ca

"Dear Family of Patrick McCaffrey,
Your brave Son Patrick and my Husband (SPC Risch) were deployed together. While they were in training camp in Washington and Ft. Irwin, Patrick let Risch use his cell phone to call home - on more than one occasion. It was yet another act of kindness that Patrick gave from his Heart.
The 579th is Honored to have served with him.
Spc Risch and I will always remember Patrick. God Bless you and God Bless Patrick."

"Dear Sweet Patrick - over three years now, you are deeply missed by your family. Life goes on here, but for those who love you time has stopped in so many ways. Your Mother with the deep pain in her heart is in my prayers this day as she wakes to another day with out you, her son. Continue to keep your arms of protection around her and your family. In peace and love,"
Lila Lipscomb, Mother of Army Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen, killed 4/2/03 Karbala Iraq of Flint, Michigan

"Nadia and Family, this message board is a wonderful thing. It has taken me awhile to truly put my thoughts together and memories to where I want to share of the love of a great friend. Patrick was one of my first friends and many who he knew later in his life may not have known him as I did when we were children. Patrick lived in the house behind my Grandma's in Sunnyvale on Roosevelt Street and always came to our family to share in with us and our parties, Christmas and Birthdays. Patrick and I would always play in Grandma's back bedroom with her multitude of thrift store toys that seemed like gold to us. We were friends, and the best kind of friends. Everytime My 2 Sisters Tammy and Wendy and my Cousin Kathy would be over Grandma would tell us to go into the back and get Patrick so he could join in the fun! Patrick always was a leader even as children, and so smart. He loved my Great Grandma and she loved him too. They always remembered Patrick at Chrsitmas with gifts, they loved him as their own. When Great Grandma died in March of 1985 Patrick and his Father Bob attended the funeral in San Jose and brought yellow roses, Great Grandma's favorite. He was always thoughtful and we have many happy memories of him in our childhood, always talented and speaking well of his Father and the many adventures traveling to see his Mother Nadia. He even gave me some Tahaitan Francs from one of his trips to which I still have and treasure to this day! He once had a yard sale and sold me a ventriliquist dummy to which at age 9 he wrote me out a receipt for the $7.00 I paid! He always knew how to take care and handle business, even as a child. I will always remember Patrick as a great childhood friend to which I share many memories and his dog LuLu!!!! His gentle Father Bob and beautiful Mother Nadia- My prayers are that God let him rest and that the world may know the sacrifice of this great person. My only goal is to continue to support Nadia in her efforts and Patrick's children in their future so they may know their Dad was a very awesome guy. My familys love to his."
Mark Nelson of Sacramento, California

To Nadia and the wife and children of Partick McCaffrey.

I just want to say that I am sadened by the death of your son, husband and father. I never met Patrick, but I knew him. He was a good friend to me, and when I heard of his death, I was so devistated. I cryed for weeks, couldnt believe this happened to him. He was a fine man, so full of love for his family and friends. He is truly missed, but I know Patrick is with the Lord now, watching and protecting his family and friends. God bless you."
Stella of central california

"Nadia,
We have never met but I knew Patrick and went to elementary school with him.
Patrick and I met when we were in the 5th grade , we had every class together up until we graduated from 8th grade together.We ended up going to different high schools so we lost touch. But I have always thought about my friends from my childhood.
I came upon the news that Patrick died when reading the local paper. His picture is what caught my attention, I recognized him immediately . Even though we had not spoken in years it sadden me to hear a friend of mine had died. I consider myself lucky to have known Patrick. Your son was a very good man. He will always be remebered and honored for his bravery and courage."
Jenny Tjomsland of Manteca, CA

"Mrs Nadia, my name is Jose.
You met my wife and son a few times. Her name is Mary. I served with Patrick in the states. I was activated with a different unit and went to a different camp. I am sorry for the loss of your son. He was a great man. I was devastated to hear about his death. I remember when I first met him, he was at his first drill and everyone loved him. He was always smiling. I know that you have been told how great of a soldier your son was. I respect him and looked up to him. The reason he joined alone shows what kind of a man he was. He did not join for school or money like many others; he joined for the love of his country and I admired him for that. He is an inspiration to me and to every one that knew him. The last time I saw him was in Kuwait before we crossed the border. He told me to take extra care of myself because I have a son to come home to. I wanted to write to you and tell you how much he meant to me and everyone he served with. Patrick was a great friend and will always be remembered.
Spc Jose Lau"
Jose Lau Serving in Iraq

Patrick, Nadia, PJ and Janessa....

I met and immediately befriended Patrick in 1992 or 93 through his ex-wife. She was absolutely enamored by him for obvious reasons. Through their relationship and it's eventual demise he and I remained friends, even with relatively large breaks in time between our conversations. The day he told me the joined the National Guard was around the time we were having the Anthrax scares, no one, least of all me, believed he would be called to serve. He said it best when he told me "I did it in case [anyone] tries to invade us again." Always the hero. Proud of his weightlifting, in love with his children and always a smile in his voice. The last conversation we had I'll treasure forever, but wish I could change just enough to make it so I could see him just once more. He told me about being deployed about a month prior so this call was about the going away party he was having. He asked me to go so I could meet his new wife and little girl (both of our kids are close in age, his ex-wife in fact watched my daughter for a while even) I told him I couldn't make it but I would certainly love to throw him a welcome-home party, he said that I had better and that we would definitely keep in touch while he was there. E-mails were sporadic and I understood without question. I found out about his passing on the news and was truly devastated. I mourn my friend often, and remember his smile and laugh above all (and definitely will never forget his incessant preaching on the benefits of a good work-out at the gym!!). He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and will be remembered as my friend and a true hero. I'll be waiting to see your smile and hear your laugh, until you open up those gates for me. God Bless you Pat, Nadia and family.

Aurora
prprincess4_u@yahoo.com"
Aurora (Goss) Ortiz of San Jose, CA

"So sorry to hear of your loss.
I went to High School with and played football with Pat.
I also lost another friend, Pat Tillman to the war.
Please know that my thoughts are with you and that Pat will be missed."

Brian Halliwell of Hermosa Beach, CA

"Hello,
I was in Basic Training and AIT with Patrick. He was a good soldier, a good leader, and a good friend.
He will be dearly missed.
I just found out about his passing recently, and it hit me really hard. I couldn't sleep right for a week, and still can't from time to time. I'm stationed in Iraq at the moment, and was told by another soldier who was in training with us. He had the same reaction when he found out.

Patrick has had a lasting impact on our lives, and we'll never forget him. We thank him for the life he lived."

SPC Christopher Rusinko of Tallil Airbase, Iraq

"To the family of Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey, after seing the show on Good Morning America, I did a search on google.
I am so sorry to hear about his death.
Thank you for the services that you and your son have given this country and your fellow human beings.
I hope that your vast experience in this field helps you to cope with his loss. Again, very sorry and thank you for all the assistance you and your family have provided others."
M.T.

"Thank you Patrick McCaffrey, Sr., you will not be forgotten.
Your bravery goes beyond words.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice.
To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss.
May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss.

God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

TO THE FAMILY OF PATRICK McCAFFREY,

I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR SON BUT A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE DID ANDRE TYSON, YOU SEE HE WAS ALSO KILLED ON THAT DAY AND I KNOW EVEN THOUGH PATRICK WAS HURT HE TRIED TO HELP MY GOOD FRIEND.
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP A SON LIKE PATRICK. THESE TWO SOLDIERS ARE TOGETHER NOW.
GOOD NIGHT PATRICK SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS.
THANK YOU FOR TRYING TO HELP ANDRE.

MICHELLE
MICHELLE of LOS ANGELES, CA.

Patrick was one of my good friends and he will be missed greatly.
He had great integrity, honor and a love for his family and country.
Though I didn't like his decision to join the military I respected it because his main focus was to make a better place for his children the love and light of his life! He truly was a great man and I am a better person for knowing him.
Barney of CA

TO THE MCCAFFREY FAMILY
ALL OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU THE DEVASTATION YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED CAN ONLY BE KNOWN BY THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME.
I DON'T KNOW THAT BUT I DO KNOW JUST HOW DEVASTATING PATRICK'S DEATH IS.
I AM THE MOTHER OF THE SOLDIER WHO DID ALL HE COULD TO SAVE PATRICK'S LIFE.
HE IS MOURNING PATRICK LIKE HE WAS HIS OWN BROTHER AND WILL NEVER FORGET THE HERO IN PATRICK IN HIS WORDS THE TRUE HERO'S ARE THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR ALL AS PATRICK DID HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

SOLDIERS MOM of VA BEACH

Hello my name is spc Jasonne York.

I am currently serving in iraq.
McCaffrey was in my company.
He was a great person always wanting to help others.

We would sit in the chow hall and talk about home and what each of us were going to do when we got home.

I saw him the night before he was ambushed and killed.
We walked by each other he said hi and i said hi.
I wish i would have stoped him and just started talking to him. I am very sorry for his family loss, but he is still with everyone in our hearts and watching over us."

Spc York Jasonne of Chico Ca

Ms. Nadia,

I am so touched & impressed by your story... the story of your son. He represents the all that is great, good, & decent about America.

So much more a man than those posing as 'pious Americans' & sent him to that place. So much more than those that would deny him his full hero's return home.

God Bless you for your own bravery. Most of all- God Bless as you journey forth without Patrick.

I too served my country. Though not in a time of declared war. Perhaps there is always a sense of survivors' guilt to those of us that've thusly served. This, particularly in the case of Patrick, makes his passing all the more poignant. He gave so much to all around him- continually. One could only hope to be 1/10th so generous daily here Stateside.

Kelly Penney of Palestine, Ohio

Patrick,
I know you are with my son Michael in Heaven just as I am with your mother here on Earth. I am so thankful to have her in my life, yet I hate that our hearts had to be bonded together in the death of our son's. I pray you and Michael continue to hold us in your arms as we continue on with the journies here.
Nadia, hugs and love I send arcoss the country to you my friend. I am so proud of you and will always be here for you! In the struggle for Peace!"
Lila Lipscomb, Mother of Sgt. Pedersen, killed 4/3/2003 of Flint, Michigan

Dear Mrs McCaffrey,
please accept my deepest sympathy over the loss of your son, Patrick.
I saw a report on "Good Morning America" about your son and your personal loss.

I was brought to tears, and cannot quell them hours later.
I was a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Viet Nam duringt the 1960's. The 173ed is now stationed near Mosul, Iraq, 30+ years later. I lost several friends and others were devastatingly wounded. I mourn the loss of all "Brothers" in arm's and especially those who volunteered to go to war. I cannot know a mother's love nor grief, and know a soldier's heart. The pain goes on forever, and the only relief seems to be to honor their memory and live on as the fallen soldier would have whished us to. The relief is often transitory and fleeting, for the pain is so strong and grabs one at the strangest moments. An image, a smell, a sound or a touch can bring forth a flood of memories and tears. The image of your son touched me in just such manner.You son is dearly missed and will long be remembered by the band of Brothers". In Love and Peace. M.F.P."

Michael F.Popham of US

Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey was a natural leader.
He looked after every one in the company, always asking how everyone was doing and helping them with their problems.
SGT McCaffrey was a hard charger and very proactive . His leadership has nothing but great things to say about him, and all the soldiers considered him a friend.
Many of the soldiers considered him a close friend and will miss him greatly.
Even though we where all stricken by his loss, it is really hitting us hard.

He was more than just a friend, to many of the soldiers, he was a Brother."
Chris of CA

Nadia I met yo a few years ago at JFK University.
You were giving a talk and I brought a friend with me as well.
I thought that I may have seen you a on TV some months ago, and I know it was you I saw this evening being interviewed by Ethan Harp. I was touched by your lifes work and story at JFK and now after hearing what happened with your son.
It is no wonder that it is you, having been through this life of yours. Such strength you have... you have given so much. You are truly blessed, as you have said and demonstrated.
I would love to cross paths with you again and learn from you and with you.
I work with older adults with dementia here in San Francisco.
I wanted you to know that it was a magical moment to know that you touched many this evening, and my heart goes out to you and your family."
Heidi Wexler of Oakland, CA

It's hard 2 beleive it's been over 3 yrs! It still doesn't seem it can be true! I pray for you all Ms McCaffrey and Sylvia and kids, (extended family). I know I see Patrick everywhere!
This was his home, and this is where he grew up.
He will never be forgotten and we will never stop praying for you all!!! There may be P.R. McCaffrey look-alikes, but none ever like him.
I hope to carry on his legacy in the lives that are around me.
He was filled with so much love, life, passion and encouragement 2 all!!! We TRULY DEEPLY miss you my dear friend! Love -Ddd
Diana Rodriquez (Sunnyvale, CA)

Our deepest sympathies to your family, Patrick, and our deepest gratitude to you for your courage & your ultimate sacrifice for your country.
You will never be forgotten!
Gene & Jean Mohler (Los Altos Hills, CA)

Patrick will be missed. My memories of growing up with him on Roosevelt street will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Eric Kossob (Campbell, CA)

To the McCaffrey Family:

Although I didn't know Patrick, I can tell from everything I read in the paper of what a wonderful hero he was. As he lives on in all of our hearts and minds, he is the definition of what a true American is. Thank you Patrick for keeping us safe at home. We will never forget you.

Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Patrick and the entire McCaffrey family.

Mrs. McCaffrey - thank you for your efforts to bring us the truth as to what happened to your beloved son.
I know it has to be excrutiating to keep reliving it over and over again, but the true story must be told.
Keep up the great work!
Sharon Rossell (San Jose, CA)

I just read your story on CNN.com No bond is greater than that of mother and child.
I know he watches over you all.
Blessings and hope.

Dear Friend of Fallen Marine 9/3/2004
Lois Gareis (Annapolis, MD)

My heartfelt sympathy to the McCaffrey family in the loss of Patrick.
I did not know Patrick, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero.
May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close.
Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Patrick you will not be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith (Springfield, VA)

Pat, I have some great memories of the few years we were in the National Guards

I'm so sorry this has happend to you.
Jason Gramlick (Vallejo, CA)

Patrick was a Peace Keeper to the end.
We, are dearly missing his powerful presence, his gentle love and compassion, his caring attention to both his children, Janessa 3, and Patrick Junior 10.
They both try to make some sense out of the cruel reality, some days, his Spirit's presence is strongly overwhelming, we can catch the sent of flowers, lights will go on without anyone touching the switch.
A picture frame will collapse by itself, in front of our eyes for no reason.
Patrick is very much watching over us, but, what would I give to hear him say gently: I LOVE YOU MOM...
Silvia, Patrick's wife, and my adopted daughter, smile bravely at us, we hug each other through our tears, we dearly love each other, and we will face tomorrow with hope.
Nadia McCaffrey (Sunnyvale/ Tracy, CA)

"I have planted a daffodil for you Patrick, along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldiers who have been killed in Iraq.
Your flower will be seen every year and your sacrifice remembered.

Projectliveon@aol.com Projectliveon@aol.com"

Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

I am PROUD to have known you / Dan Nevins (Friend /Brother in Arms )

My Brother, we didn't talk much while serving together, but when we did, there was always substance and the more I got to know who you were at your core the more I respected you. I would have loved to have you in my squad as I am sure every squad leader would have. You always went above and beyond and that is a testimony to what a great person you were. I want to tell you that I feel that your sacrifice, though tragic and untimely, was not in vain and history will tell the tale much differently than it is in the present. So, as you look down on the rest of us, I hope that you will understand that. At least that is the way I feel. You left too early to know, but on 10 Nov 2004, when another of our brothers (SFC Mike Ottolini) paid the ultimate sacrifice, I was severely injured in the same explosion. I lost my left leg in the explosion and after 27 surgeries, after being evacuated to Walter Reed they were able to save my right leg. Now, three years later, I am back at Walter Reed having the right leg amputated. It was just too much pain to deal with daily and the recurring bone infections were "show stoppers". Now that I have had the surgery on the 23rd of January 08, I feel much better, and Hopefully I will be walking again soon.

I know that we have made our sacrifices for a just and good reason, and I am PROUD to have known you and served with you. I will ALWAYS remember you, as well as Andre and Mike, in addition to all of those who made it home on their own power, but have their continuing battles that go unseen.

Again, Thank You for being the man who you were. I am honored to have served in the same unit with you, in the same Army, and for the the Greatest Nation in the World, and Proud to have fought with you as a brother in arms for a cause that history will view as necessary and just. God Bless you and yours.

Your Brother,

SSG (R) Dan Nevins

"Today in San Francisco, I had the duty of reading the names of my fellow Veterans who passed away while serving our country. I read the names of all those who died in June 2004. Among those was your name. I currently work with those Veterans that come home, and today was a time to remmeber those that did not make it home. You are truly a hero and my heart goes out to your family.

Kenneth Crawford"
Kenneth of San Francisco, CA USA

To the family of Sgt Patrick McCaffrey
"June 24, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey, Sr.:
Patrick gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"

Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

GOLD STAR MOTHER’ s…DAY ?
May 11 2008
By Nadia McCaffrey

Mother’s Day?
What is the meaning of these two words?

The fact is that there is no one left to call me Mother anymore!
I need to gather myself in order to remain psychologically sound.

As every year, for four years, this year is unlike the last, as time
goes, the harder, the more excruciating the pain has become. I miss
Patrick’s voice telling me:
I love you Mom... just calling out of the blue for no reason, that was
typical of Patrick .
I have the regret to say that I had not fully grasped the deep
meaning of his spontaneous actions, I always have loved him so
very much, just seeing him for a short few minutes made my day
worth while.
Patrick was born 38 years ago (May 26 1970) at Stanford University
Hospital, weighing just over five pounds at 1:30 pm his birth took an
hour, what an amazing day that was, Bob and I just became parents
of a child that one day would become a legend in his own way and a
role model for many.

What have I accomplished since Patrick’s death?
I feel as I am drowning in the middle of an ocean without shores. I
cannot think of myself, my thoughts are not here.
Someone said to me once: “Nadia everything that you do is about
Patrick or because of Patrick”
I never had thought of it this way, but it probably has some truth!

Memories…My Darling son has not faded in any way from my vision,
my memory, and my emotions. Last week, walking by the wheat
crackers section of the supermarket, I suddenly burst into tears,
seeing in my minds eye the very last package that we had sent to
Camp Anaconda, Patrick never received it... he was killed instead
and the package came back to us un-opened from Iraq, never got
his “Altama” desert boots either.
The boots forever empty will never be worn and are now on display
near his medals and photographs.
On his daily phone call, I remember his words with a heaviness of
despair in his voice, asking me if we had sent the package yet. He
needed his boots, the old pair was holding with duct tape.

I remember three days after Patrick’s death, his house in Tracy, was
packed with flowers and people, we happened to be watching a
series of digital photographs that the soldiers had send us from Iraq,
on the computer with Jeanne (who had babysat for him in
Sunnyvale) others were standing behind my chair, suddenly we
stared at one-another with tears rolling down our cheeks while we all
became speechless the room stood in a perfect still, an heavenly
sent of roses filled the room so powerfully, after a moment Silvia
shouted: Mom…it’s Patrick, he his here with us now…
I remember the day of Patrick’s Memorial at Fry’s Chapel, hundred’s
of people came, and many stood outside the chapel. Patrick Junior
and Janessa Marie were playing in the chapel and laughing, I finally
got a hold of Junior who was nine years old at the time, and talk to
him gently explaining and at the same time asking if he understood
that it was his father inside the flag draped coffin standing before us
and that was not respectful to run inside the place. Junior looked at
me and said:
yea grandma but, when is my Daddy coming home?
My jaw dropped, and I understood at this instant that we were
heading for a long haul of sad emptiness in our lives…

It was hot, after briefly talking to the large number of media; we
headed back to the house, while Patrick’s body left for his last Home
in Oceanside. We had to get ready to proceed in driving ourselves
to meet at the cemetery for a very last ceremony. I was in the TV
room; Janessa was playing with Lucky in the backyard. Janessa
came in the house shouting: Grandma, she had a strong hold of my
hand and pull me outside with her, pointing at the lemon tree, she
said: you see daddy is here, he loves Janessa, grandma can he stay
with us now?
She had this marvelous spark in her eyes and smile that she only
had in Patrick’s presence. I was choking and sobbing, in tears that
wouldn’t stop, of course only Janessa saw her Daddy, I felt Patrick’s
powerful and loving self…

There isn't a moment in a day where his presence is not at my side;
Patrick is my strength, my motivation, my only reason of still existing.
With his love I made up a fabric of idealistic dreams dictated by his
very own.
The main question is:
Is it happening? Is the Dream Happening?
If it is, then why does it seem never to end, the dream, I mean.

The Centers, I can see them, touch them, walk in them; I know that
the materialization is near completion, the interest in the efficiency
and purpose of the vision itself has become national and even
international.
Do I have the power to close the chapter of this project before life
exits my body? I am not so sure anymore.
I know that I am at cross-roads where the choice is made available to
me. The temptation of letting go is strong, not waking up seems easy
enough; my health is degrading on daily basis.
The challenge has become a black wall where I cannot see the top
nor the end, I am becoming exhausted, it is hard to breath, it is
painful inhaling each breath this body is telling me to hurry up and
finish what I have started, I feel like I am literally falling apart and I
am not sure that I can reverse the process I need a miracle to stay
alive enough time to finish my mission... we will see!
Holding on to life by a thread, I need to keep my vision undisturbed
until completion.
On the other end I want to fulfill Patrick’s wishes and be the grandma
that he wanted me to be.
Yes, but what am I going to do about it?

I feel very proud of my grand children, Junior has come a long way
since Patrick's death, every day he acts and looks more like his dad
and he is becoming quiet an athlete and a gentleman as well as a
peace maker. Once in a while he and I have a serious talk. Patrick
would be so proud of him now, and I make a point to tell him that, I
also remind Junior that he can do whatever he choose to do in life
and stay with it, never quit. Those are some of Patrick last words to
Junior. I truly enjoy his company and conversation, he shows a very
healthy curiosity of a bright mind.
His Heart is in a very good place, I love him very much.

My little Janessa is still struggling hard, she needs her dad so badly,
they were so close to each other.
I remember, when Patrick came home from boot camp, the family
came to welcome him in Santa Rosa airport, the soldiers lined up by
the airplane and started to walk in our direction there was quiet a
distance and before any one of us could see Patrick, Janessa
started to climb the wire fence and screaming Daddy Daddy my
Daddy, Silvia and I had a bad time holding on to her, she was 2
years old... She eventually run off into the field toward the long line
of National guardsmen and women, straight to her Dad, Patrick did
the same thing, run off from the orderly walk to pick up Janessa in
his strong arms both laughing to tears and holding on tight to each
other…it was quiet a site!

And then there is the LION KING.
Patrick and Janessa both were sitting in the master bedroom
watching the Lion King, Janessa would watch the Disney feature 5
times (average) daily.
This took place the night before Patrick left for deployment to Iraq.
I was listening to their voices thinking sadly that this family joy was
coming to an end.
At the part where the Lion King is killed in “an ambush” betrayed by
his brother, Janessa grabbed on to her father so hard and made a
knot of her little fingers around Patrick’s neck almost crying telling
him:
“Daddy that’s you, Daddy that’s you…”
Patrick run to me in the kitchen where Silvia and I were cooking
dinner for all of us, and his face was flushed: Mom, do you know
what Janessa just told me?
I am not coming back am I Mom?
Of course I said, she is just a baby sweet heart, she doesn’t
know…but, did Janessa have the knowledge of her Daddy‘s faith?
After that day Patrick had left his home never to walk trough the
door again, it became a tradition for Janessa and I to watch the Lion
King on daily basis and every time the film reached the death of the
Lion she curled up close to me and keep saying to me” Grandma
that’s my Daddy…

Her will is strong and her heart is golden, she truly is a gift.
In some ways I am afraid for her she is such a rebel just like I, it
make me feel helpless, I know who she is.
Janessa is making so much progress in school now, thank goodness
for a great tutor.

Last holiday was the closest of a Christmas we have had since 2004.
We trooped together at Bob’s house in Bella Vista with Janessa
Marie, Patrick Junior, Silvia and I. It was a delight to watch Patrick’s
children
re-discovering each other after a much too long separation and
Lucky (Patrick’s dog) was very joyful to see all of us.

The last evening we had in Tracy as a family, Patrick opened up, he
and I talked on the bench, the silence was heavy and meaningful
between words.

Later that evening he asked me to get the Medicine Cards and he
picked one of the them, it was the RAVEN, laughing he pointed at his
shoulder patch : Mom I am a Raven! (Patrick was attached to the 81
Brigade from Washington “The Ravens” his Unit the 579 from
Petaluma was small, 90 soldiers)
The card had this words to share “Open yourself to Miracles Use
new eyes, Believe in Magic Embrace life’s Wonders”
Watching the crows and ravens flying around us, Patrick would
laugh and say: If I don’t make it back, I will be here watching over all
of you, I will be. Patrick was shot with the cards on his chest.

Nadia McCaffrey Gold Star Mother of Patrick R.
McCaffrey Sr

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Patrick, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

THE GUARD GOES TO WAR
ex. from the Times
Sgt. 1st Class Norman Valdez, Staff Sgt. Dennis Sarla, Sgt. Timothy McClurg, Cpl. Patrick McCaffrey Sr., and SPC Scott Aponte were part of the four Humvee patrol conducted that night. These soldiers are all a part of the A/579th Engineers attached to TF Tacoma of the 81st BCT.While conducting their patrol, outside the perimeter, a report came over the radio there had been enemy rockets launched. They discovered the suspected Point of Origin (POO) was not far from their location. Minutes later, two Iraqis were seen by a dismounted patrol, riding a motorcycle away from the suspected POO. The Humvees maneuvered into position to intercept the two Iraqis. Valdez stood on top of his Humvee and gestured for the two Iraqis to halt. They were then instructed to leave their motorcycle far away and walk back to where the soldiers were standing and they complied obediently. One of the Iraqis told the soldiers he was part of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, calling out ICDC, also providing identification to prove it.TF Tacoma headquarters ordered Valdez and his crew to detain them.

Sarla, McClurg, Aponte and Gonzalez approached and detained the two Iraqis. Only one had identification on him. One man appeared to be extremely nervous, smoking excessively, while the other one remained calm and appeared to be smiling.Sarla and his men took the Iraqis into custody.
The soldiers' small group, calling themselves the Double Deuce, remained calm and performed their duty to perfection.

The team reflected the entire ordeal had been a reality check for them.
The detainees were taken in the gate by the Fire Support and Scout humvees that were also on the patrol. The FISTERs (fire support soldiers) and Scouts blindfolded the two Iraqis upon taking possession of them.
They arrived back at LSA Anaconda for residue testing.Spc. Heather Gardiner is the unsung hero of this detainment.
Gardiner is trained to test potential criminals for residue indicating contact with any sort of explosive device. These two Iraqi Nationals tested positive; one for TNT and the other for both TNT and an explosive known as RDX.Gardiner said of her results. This test is what would convict them (of launching rockets). She explained presenting her findings, stating I submitted a sworn statement, which my commander requested. This sworn statement could be used in an upcoming trial; a trial that Gardiner may be testifying at.

Although Gardiner's job is not one of glory such as the various patrol groups, but without her, the work done by Valdez, Sarla, McClurg, McCaffrey, and Aponte would be for nothing.The double deuce team with the help of the FISTERs and Scouts did an amazing job of capturing the alleged criminals. Without the test results from Gardiner, the team would not have enough evidence to hold and convict the alleged criminals and their hard work would be lost.

The Gatekeeper

Engineers to Infantrymen:

Soldiers of A Company, 579th Battalion Show their Strength and VersatilityLike other elements of the 81st BCT, the soldiers from A Company of the 579th EN Bn have demonstrated their ability to be both forceful and flexible.
Although they were trained as Combat Engineers, the 579th soldiers work in security and support operations at Logistical Support Area (LSA) Anaconda.

Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey is a team leader for the 579th, and works to provide support and security for patrol groups like the Fire Support Teams (FISTERs) and Scout Teams.

During the patrols, McCaffrey's team occasionally runs into potentially hazardous situations. Recently he and the rest of his team were involved in the apprehension and capture of two anti-coalition fighters. Another time, McCaffrey and his men ran into a cache of rocket fuses while on patrol. In addition to providing support for the FISTERs, who they were accompanying, McCaffrey and his team also escorted Explosive Ordinance Demolition (EOD) specialists back to the site. The 579th soldiers maintained security of the area while the fuses were destroyed with a controlled blast.
Although he sometimes has to confront and overcome dangerous situations, much of McCaffrey's job involves staying prepared and on-guard. He and his soldiers maintain a strong stance, bracing themselves to defend Anaconda against any crisis that may arise.
He and his team have also served as convoy escorts, providing security for shipments of the various classes of staple items--food, water, and fuel. At home, McCaffrey worked at two auto body shops, where he manages 30 people.

Although he is only a corporal in the Army, his experience in the civilian world has sharpened his leadership skills, helping him as he pilots his team.
McCaffrey and his fellow 579th soldiers have shined during their brief time at Anaconda.

According to McCaffrey, their company is the spearhead for the 81st Brigade, even though they are working in security operations instead of combat engineering.
We have accomplished everything and more the Brigade has expected of us, says McCaffrey.
During the Transfer of Authority, the 82nd (Airborne) was very impressed with us.
2nd Lt. Andre Tyson praises McCaffrey's skills and solidness as a soldier.

According to Tyson, McCaffrey has a good head on his shoulders, particularly outside the gate. This is one of my best soldiers, Tyson says.

McCaffrey is modest, however--for him success is a result of group effort. It's not just one guy--it's the whole team.
He chalks up his company's success to hard work and training. We want to excel, & quote; he says.
The only way to do that is to do a good job at everything we do.