Soldiers gone, but not forgotten: An open letter to fallen heroes

  • Published
  • By Spc. Tamika Dillard
  • 3rd MEB PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Dear Pfc. William B. Dawson and Pfc. Jaysine P.S. Petree,

family and friends have gathered today to honor your memories, your courage and your selfless service to your country.

As we think about all the joy that you brought into our lives, we are always able to smile and to laugh through the tears and the pain.

One thing we all know is that you are somewhere safe and at peace.

Pfc. Dawson, you were known by your younger brothers as a "great role model" and "the stronger one" who always led by example everywhere you went. You were a young man with the characteristics of a "Good Soldier".

Your mom - she explained that you would give your heart to being a Soldier to this country. She said you have set an example for your brothers and she feels that you are still doing the same.

Your fellow Soldiers say that you were a great Soldier and constant comedian who would come up with hysterical imitations of your friends and superiors and it seemed as though the first person to laugh was always Petree.

Pfc. Petree, you had a way of doing things that would brighten up anyone's day. Do you remember this silly joke: What makes fluff pink? Pink fluff. Although it was corny, we all still laughed.

Girl, you were always up for competition, your friends say that you when you where in high school you were not afraid to compete against girls who were bigger than you and guys who were stronger than you.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Shafer told us that you were the top marksman in your squad.
He said you shot expert with both the M-16 and the .50 cal. I hear that that was your thing.
You never let anyone take your small size for a weakness.

You were one to never give up on anything you did.

You will always be remembered for that by everyone who had the pleasure of being around you.

Even though you two have left us so young, both of you have made more of an impact than many people who have lived to be 80.

Just know your families are proud; just know the Army is proud.

Brandon and Jaysine, you will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me."

Sincerely,

The Trailblazer Family

(Editor's note: Spc. Tamika Dillard, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs Specialist, wrote the message on behalf of her brigade after a memorial ceremony, Oct. 12, for Pfc. William B. Dawson and Pfc. Jaysine P.S. Petree. Both were killed in combat Aug. 24, while serving with the 109th Transportation Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Afghanistan.)