"Dear Chaplain Staton,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  They offered some comfort.
Son Dave was interred at Tahoma National Cemetery, in the vicinity of Kent,
Washington, on Monday 3 October.  As he was a National Guard Special Forces
Chief Warrant Officer, the SF community turned out in force, with the Group
Commander, the Battalion Commander, and the Commanding General of the
Washington National Guard in attendance.  As to be expected, the SF guys did
a wonderful ceremony.  The SF Company Commander presented Cindy, the widow,
with the National Colors.  The Special Forces Association Chaplain not only
did a prayer, but he collected the firing party brass and presented the
shells to my wife for her memories.

We know two other Blackwater guys were killed with Dave and we would like to
offer our condolences, sympathy, and support for their families who are
undergoing the same travails as we are experiencing..."

Dave and Karen Shephard
(I have their contact information if anyone should desire to have it in order 
to contact them directly.  Contact me at my e-mail address at the end of the 
message closing below.)
==============================================================
...the sadness continues... the ripples widen... the sadness is mixed into a potion...