***Bumped and Updated***
My husband, Steve, and I received some very sad news Thanksgiving evening. Steve's cousin, Army Sgt.1st Class James Priestap, was shot and killed by a terrorist sniper while working at a checkpoint near Baghdad. He was wearing body armor, but he hit was in the shoulder, and the bullet went into his heart killing him instantly.
Here's the AP story on his death:
IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (AP) -- A National Guard soldier from the Upper Peninsula was killed in Iraq on Thanksgiving Day, military authorities said.
Army Sgt. 1st Class James D. Priestap, 39, of Hardwood, was fatally shot while on duty at a checkpoint in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company in Kingsford.Priestap was among 60 members of the unit, which was deployed to Iraq on July 9. They had trained in Fort Dix, N.J., for six weeks before heading to the combat zone.
"Jim was the type of guy that everybody liked," Mary Oman, a friend of Priestap's from Breitung Township in Dickinson County, told The Daily News of Iron Mountain for a Monday story. "He was a great guy to be around. You never saw him without a smile on his face."
Priestap was a 1985 graduate of North Dickinson High School, where coach Joe Reddinger remembered him as a good football player."Jim was always upbeat about everything he did," Reddinger said. "He was very passionate about playing sports and always went full force. He was a natural leader."
We found out a couple of days after his death that he actually wasn't supposed to be at the checkpoint at the time, but the generator blew out. Apparently, two other guys were assigned to go out and restart it, but, since Jim was in charge of the platoon, he went out instead because he felt responsible for his men. It was then that he was shot. That was Jim, always putting the well-being of his men before himself. And helping others was what Jim was all about. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast region, he traveled to New Orleans and spent a month there to help rebuild the area and assist those whose lives had been turned upside down.
Jim's father wrote this about him in an email which he sent to us shortly after Jim's death:
[H]e always believed, and proved, that being mediocre in life wasn't for him. Like when he was a kid and was called "little Jimmy" until he became captain of the high school football team. I remember talking with his ship mates once when he was in the Navy in San Diego and they said he was the top sailor on the ship in all ways, and they hoped he'd go to OCS and become their officer. As you probably know, he became a Navy Diver (next thing to his dream of being a Navy Seal), a small plane pilot, and after we spent many study hours together he became a Deputy Sheriff in Florida--getting the highest score in his class. That eventually enabled him, Connie & the kids to get back to the families and area they loved.
Then he worked like a dog on the old house they bought to get it ready for a UP winter for Connie and the kids, before he left for Iraq. For example, 1,000 sheets of drywall were hung. He and Connie did a beautiful job on it. Then in his "spare time" from that and his job (working nights--so he usually didn't get enough sleep-- he helped [his brother-in-law] Mark and [nephew] Mason put a roof on their garage--just before he left. Jim was ALWAYS helping others.The time we worked together repairing their Florida house so they could sell it and move back to the UP, and then together painting their house this past summer before Jim left is a time I'll always cherish.
But you know, in spite of Jim's many "accomplishments" in such a busy schedule, the best thing about Jim was how wonderful & attentive a father he was. Frankie and Brody adored Jim, for good reason.
His funeral is scheduled for this weekend, and about 3,000 people are expected to attend, including 200 Patriot Guard riders who will escort Jim's body to the cemetery in the Upper Peninsula town in which he grew up.
If you wouldn't mind, please think of and say a prayer for Jim's wife, Connie, and their two kids, Francesca and Brody, as well as his sister, mother, and father as they cope with Jim's sudden death. It will be especially difficult during this Christmas season.
Update: Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Sgt. James Priestap Memorial Trust Fund at either First National Bank and Trust of Iron Mountain at 231 S. Stephenson Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 or the Range Bank of Kingsford at 345 Carpenter Ave. Kingsford, Michigan, 49802.
Update II: I found a post written by a soldier, Matt, who served under Jim and who was with him when he died. I posted it briefly on Tuesday but took it down because Jim's family hadn't seen it yet. Now that they have, I am going to repost it because it's an amazing but heartbreaking tribute to Jim as a person, a soldier, and a leader.
In memory of SFC James Priestap (my platoon sgt.). Killed by a sniper at Checkpoint 17 while distributing food and water to the Iraqi Police. Moments before his death, he was smiling and giving candy to the kids in the area. He was a man with a wife and 2 kids, ages 11 and 9. I had to help load his body in the backseat of my humvee and then loaded him onto the MEDEVAC helicopter. I had in my posession a camo pattern angel that i carried for my own good luck charm. Before we got him on the helicopter, i placed the angel on his body and said a prayer to help him on his way to Heaven. He will now be living in eternal happines and we all have another guardian angel watching over us. The expression on his face is something that is forever burned into my memory and i'll never forget it. It was most certainly a life altering experience and I now have a whole different outlook on life in general. This man was one of the greatest leaders in our company. He had a huge heart and he would do absolutely anything for his soldiers that were under his command. This incident may have dented our morale here, but we will NOT stand down and we will NOT back away. We will be back out at Checkpoint 17 soon and those motherfuckers better be ready to die. They may think they've had a victory on thanksgiving day but they haven't seen the wrath of my squad and the sheer anger we now have growing inside us all. After we took SFC Priestap's weapon we divided up the rounds in the magazine to everyone in the squad. The first round in the chamber of our M4 rifles is one of his tracer rounds and it will be the first round out of the barrel in his name. He will not have died in vain.
On Wednesday afternoon, I had a wonderful IM conversation with Matt and had the opportunity to thank him for his kind words as well as his service to our country.
Update III:
Steve and I are so grateful for everyone's kind words of support and sympathy for Jim's family as well as for us. While Steve and I are heartbroken about Jim's death, our thoughts and prayers are with Connie and her kids as they try to get through this difficult time. Losing Jim is hard enough for them to begin with, but losing him on Thanksgiving day makes the hurt so much more intense.
Again, thank you.
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Iraq, Military
Comments (76)
My condolences to you and y... (Below threshold)1. Posted by lawhawk | November 28, 2006 2:45 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My condolences to you and yours.
1. Posted by lawhawk | November 28, 2006 2:45 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:45
2. Posted by Tom Blogical | November 28, 2006 2:46 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sorry about your loss, Kim. Condolences.
2. Posted by Tom Blogical | November 28, 2006 2:46 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:46
3. Posted by Amy | November 28, 2006 2:49 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
You're all in my family's prayers. May Jim rest in peace- he's a true hero.
3. Posted by Amy | November 28, 2006 2:49 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:49
4. Posted by Mitchell | November 28, 2006 2:54 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
God Bless.
4. Posted by Mitchell | November 28, 2006 2:54 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:54
5. Posted by Oyster | November 28, 2006 2:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Our family's thoughts are with you too.
5. Posted by Oyster | November 28, 2006 2:59 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:59
6. Posted by Gianni | November 28, 2006 2:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Thoughts and prayers to him, his family and friends, and those with whom he served.
6. Posted by Gianni | November 28, 2006 2:59 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 14:59
7. Posted by jp2 | November 28, 2006 3:09 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts.
7. Posted by jp2 | November 28, 2006 3:09 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:09
8. Posted by Adam Lawson | November 28, 2006 3:13 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am so sorry, you have my condolences.
You and yours are in my prayers.
8. Posted by Adam Lawson | November 28, 2006 3:13 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:13
9. Posted by Keryn | November 28, 2006 3:14 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My thoughts and prayers and thanks to your family's sacrifice and pain. May you all be comforted especially this holiday season.
9. Posted by Keryn | November 28, 2006 3:14 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:14
10. Posted by seawitch | November 28, 2006 3:16 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm so sorry. I'll be keeping all of your family in my prayers.
10. Posted by seawitch | November 28, 2006 3:16 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:16
11. Posted by USMC Pilot | November 28, 2006 3:25 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim:
Some see only the loss, but most see also the value of the sacrifice. Know that Jim's life had purpose, and whether it is heaven or valhala, he rests with the brave.
11. Posted by USMC Pilot | November 28, 2006 3:25 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:25
12. Posted by Heralder | November 28, 2006 3:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sorry to hear the news. My condolences to your family.
12. Posted by Heralder | November 28, 2006 3:41 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:41
13. Posted by Retread | November 28, 2006 3:51 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My sympathies to you and your family. Of course I'll say a prayer for your cousin and all your family.
13. Posted by Retread | November 28, 2006 3:51 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 15:51
14. Posted by Faith+1 | November 28, 2006 4:18 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
From one of my favorite poems:
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
14. Posted by Faith+1 | November 28, 2006 4:18 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 16:18
15. Posted by Gianni | November 28, 2006 4:32 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim,
let me know if there is a fund set up for his wife and kids.
15. Posted by Gianni | November 28, 2006 4:32 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 16:32
16. Posted by Greg Tinti | November 28, 2006 4:42 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim,
I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
16. Posted by Greg Tinti | November 28, 2006 4:42 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 16:42
17. Posted by jwehman | November 28, 2006 4:49 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Yes, Kim...please let us know if there is any way we can contribute to the family. They should be made aware that there is a country of people grateful for the sacrifices of their husband/dad/son.
God bless his family in this time.
Rgds,
Jwehman
17. Posted by jwehman | November 28, 2006 4:49 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 16:49
18. Posted by loaner1967 | November 28, 2006 4:58 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Sounds like a great guy. I think about all of the stories that I hear about the men and women that go over there and are killed and the one thing that is consistant about all of those stories how selfless those people are. The story of this soldiers death reminds me of how priveleged we are to have such men and women defend us. I have never served in the armed forces so there are times I wonder how they do it. How they place themselves in harms way again and again and yet seem to be able to accept the risk involved with such seeming aplomb. I am in the mortgage business and a few years ago I worked for a company that only made loans to veterans. I got to go into many of their homes and meet their families and hear their stories of peace time and of conflict. I can assure you my life was enriched for having had that experience.I always tried to thank them for their service to our country. I know we don't do enough for them.
I am truly sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you at this time.
18. Posted by loaner1967 | November 28, 2006 4:58 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 16:58
19. Posted by Peter F. | November 28, 2006 5:01 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
19. Posted by Peter F. | November 28, 2006 5:01 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 17:01
20. Posted by Henry | November 28, 2006 5:08 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim, godspeed and god bless.
your family is in all of our prayers and thoughts.
20. Posted by Henry | November 28, 2006 5:08 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 17:08
21. Posted by pennywit | November 28, 2006 5:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss, Kim.
21. Posted by pennywit | November 28, 2006 5:21 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 17:21
22. Posted by dawnsblood | November 28, 2006 5:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim,
My very best to you and yours. It sounds like you folks lost a d@mn good man :(
22. Posted by dawnsblood | November 28, 2006 5:41 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 17:41
23. Posted by Vinny | November 28, 2006 5:46 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Shame he didn't torture, rape, or mutilate someone, or we might've heard more about him on the news.
He apparently was a really standup guy and your family is in my prayers, and shame on the media for not highlighting the amazing heroism and bravery of people like him.
23. Posted by Vinny | November 28, 2006 5:46 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 17:46
24. Posted by _Mike_ | November 28, 2006 6:02 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sorry to hear of your family's loss, Kim. My deepest condolences to his wife and children.
24. Posted by _Mike_ | November 28, 2006 6:02 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 18:02
25. Posted by Wanderlust | November 28, 2006 6:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Godspeed, Sgt. Priestap.
25. Posted by Wanderlust | November 28, 2006 6:07 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 18:07
26. Posted by McCain | November 28, 2006 6:33 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
God bless Jim's family. Because of men like Jim, we can live more safely and freely here at home.
Thank you for the difficult post, Kim Priestap.
26. Posted by McCain | November 28, 2006 6:33 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 18:33
27. Posted by bobdog | November 28, 2006 6:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Sad news, Kim.
27. Posted by bobdog | November 28, 2006 6:59 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 18:59
28. Posted by Tony | November 28, 2006 7:04 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Condolences to you and your family Kim. Good people are never forgotten.
28. Posted by Tony | November 28, 2006 7:04 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 19:04
29. Posted by astigafa | November 28, 2006 7:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori: It is sweet and honourable to die for one's country. May God touch your family's hearts and ease your sorrows.
29. Posted by astigafa | November 28, 2006 7:05 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 19:05
30. Posted by Brian the Adequate | November 28, 2006 7:11 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. They will be in my prayers
30. Posted by Brian the Adequate | November 28, 2006 7:11 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 19:11
31. Posted by Proud Kaffir | November 28, 2006 7:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim:
My deepest condolences for you and your family. My deepest respect and appreciation to Sgt. 1st Class James Priestap.
I would like to share an encounter I had with another Florida National Guardsman about to be deployed to Iraq. I do not know him but I heard him speaking to a secretary where I work and where he was conducting some business.
When he mentioned that he had a 14-month old son and was about to deploy to Iraq, the secretary offered her condolence. However, he wanted none of it, stating he looked forward to serving.
He politely stated, "Many people have given their lives so that I can live in a free country. I want my son also to grow up living in a free country. Even if I should die, I want my son to be able to say that I have my freedoms because of my father and people like him."
His words and courage moved me to the verge of tears. Although his infant son was too young to understand, yes, we most certainly do owe our freedoms to his father and people like him, and to people like Sgt.1st Class James Priestap.
31. Posted by Proud Kaffir | November 28, 2006 7:39 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 19:39
32. Posted by RELIAPUNDIT | November 28, 2006 7:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
God Bless His Soul.
People like him - who serve - are why we are free to enjoy our God-given rights.
I am grateful for his service, and grateful to him and to you all for your sacrifice.
I pray for his soul, and his platoon, and their mission.
May God soon grant you the power to feel more Joy for the time you had together than sorrow at his passing.
God bless Our Troops.
32. Posted by RELIAPUNDIT | November 28, 2006 7:52 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 19:52
33. Posted by madconductor | November 28, 2006 8:18 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Sorry Kim. I read you news everyday but this was not one I wanted to hear. My condolences to you and your family. It is truly a difficult time. He seems so much larger than life in your words and the words of his friends, family, and buddies. We are all grateful and sorry.
33. Posted by madconductor | November 28, 2006 8:18 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 20:18
34. Posted by Linoge | November 28, 2006 8:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
May America never be short of people like him. My condolences.
34. Posted by Linoge | November 28, 2006 8:52 PM |
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Posted on November 28, 2006 20:52
35. Posted by invernessie | November 28, 2006 9:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kim,
Please accept my condolences to you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
35. Posted by invernessie | November 28, 2006 9:05 PM |
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