Sunday, April 19, 2009

679 - updated with photo


04/19/09 :

PFC Richard A. Dewater, 21, of Topeka, Kan., died April 15, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device, while on a dismounted patrol near Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment...

PFC Dewater deployed to Afghanistan on July 27 after having gotten married to his wife Valerie in June. WIBW (click on Fallen Hero video) interviewed his family this week. PFC Dewater was "convinced he would go to Afghanistan and change the world." His stepsister Megan Westbrook reflected: "He was the most positive, good honest person I ever knew."

When Rick’s father got a phone call from Rick’s mother with the news he was devastated. "My world just collapsed," he told the WIBW reporter. Bob Dewater recalled that when PFC Dewater told him he was going to become a soldier by saying "I think I’m ready now," he said to his son: "Son – you are the bomb. You are the ultimate. I have nothing but pride and respect for him..."

Photo and additional information from IGTNT. May he rest in peace; his mission is complete.

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