Rest In Peace SGT. Jessie Davila. You will never be forgotten.

In this place in my mind I find myself submerged in a deep body of water. The water is made up of the tears of the families and loved ones mourning the fallen. On either side of me are steep cliffs, leading up to mountains of expectations, high hopes and dreams that my fallen brothers could have accomplished if they had the chance. In the distance is an island where I imagine I'll someday reach and finally rest alongside them. For now I tread water. My head is above water and although I am weighed down by guilt and sadness, I am able to stay afloat. To my fallen brothers I ask that you forgive me for my moments of weakness and self pity. I haven’t done everything as I should have, especially when it comes to those closest to me. I try to live every day as though it is not promised to me. Trying to find purpose by serving others, but certain that I will never live up to the example of selflessness you have set. The memories of how you perished are slowly being replaced by the memories of the good times we had and the conversations we shared. If only I knew it would be the last time we spoke I would have asked so many more questions. Not a sunrise goes by that I don’t appreciate and reflect upon your sacrifices. Not a sunset goes by that I don’t think about you and what could have been. Could have been and should have been. I will never forget.