On March 12th, 2006 in the Pech Valley of Afghanistan, an IED took the lives of four soldiers of A Co., 391st Engineer Battalion, Army Reserves.
Staff Sergeant Joe "Ray-Ray," Ray, Seargeant Kevin Akins (heard him called "Big Ache," more than once), Sgt. Anton Heitt (medic and all-around great person), and Specialist Joshua Hill (riding in the gunner slot on top of the HUMVEE and I put him there when they asked for volunteers from my section; the sins and damnations of command I suppose). All gone in a flash.
Essayons, my brothers.
Always remembered. Never forgotten.