This is the letter I wrote to my former commander upon hearing of my friend's death.
Sometimes, less is more.
Sir:
It was a heavy blow to my morale upon hearing of SSG XXXX passing. I worked with him and knew him for a long time during my stay with XXX. Moreover, I remember explicitly my last conversations with this good man, husband, and Soldier. Not only has a family lost a great man, but the army and the nation have also suffered another unconscionable blow.
While he was and is a Soldier of our military, who conducted himself to our highest standards, his murder by the inhuman waste that afflicts Iraq and the world is without question a heinous act not worthy of such an honorable man.
I know that this is a tremendous blow to 9th Battalion; however, I am also cognizant of the professionalism and dedication to duty that the officers, NCOs, and Soldiers of XXX Battalion possess. They will soldier-on despite such a loss. Please, extend my sympathies to his family and those that knew him well. I grieve along side them.
De Oppresso Liber
> Gregory XXXXXX
