I regret to inform you...

DHart

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Jan 8, 2009
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Sonoran Desert ~ Scottsdale, AZ
The words you never want to hear from a military officer or policeman. We heard them today.

Some of you may recall a thread I started some time ago about our son's use of the Solarforce flashlight helping to find a cache of arms in Afghanistan.

Sharon and I were informed by the military today our son/stepson, Specialist Elijah Rao, was killed by an IED earlier today in Afghanistan. His convoy was stopped at the site of an explosion. Elijah stepped out of the humvee and within moments, another IED was detonated, taking Elijah out. Something we have feared for years, but hoped would not come to pass.

Elijah served an extended (15 month) tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May. Elijah has been posthumously promoted to Sargent E5, will receive the Purple Heart, and has been recommended to receive a Bronze Star.

He was an incredible, gentle, loving person and this hits really, really hard. Has a wife and 1 year old. The coming week will be very difficult. We were visited by two Army officers today and more will be here later tonight. We have a lot of grief and ceremony to move through this week, and beyond.

Here's is picture I recently took of Elijah.

3412.jpg


I think we've cried enough for one day. About all we know to do is tell people who might want to know about this beloved 26 year old son, father, brother, friend.

Please pray for our brave young men and women who risk their lives for us in that hell hole of the middle east.
 
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moldyoldy

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Sep 22, 2006
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Maybe Wisconsin, maybe near Nürnberg
As an ex-mil who served abroad during the so-called Cold War (VietNam Era vet), you have my sincerest sympathy and condolences. More than 1-2 of my acquaintances left never to return. My prayers for the extended family!
 

paintballdad

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Sep 22, 2008
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SoCal
I will shed tears for the loss of your beloved son.

But I stand tall as an American because of the sacrifices of your family and your beloved son.

I will pray for him and all who serve this country.

And my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family tonight.

GOD BLESS DHart and his family.
 

timbo114

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by a lake in PA
Thank you Sir, for sharing with us here.

Thank you for raising a son to be a proud American Soldier.

I salute you Elijah, and I thank you for your service and bravery, while you fought for my freedom.
 

Pontiaker

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Dec 5, 2007
Messages
379
Iam so sorry to hear of this, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I thank you and your family for the sacrafice you have had to endure to protect our country. Your son is a true hero. He is in a better place now, may he rest in peace.
 

vetkaw63

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Dec 1, 2004
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virginia, us
I am heart broken at your/ our loss. I feel much safer due to his service.
Thank You for raising such a fine son. All of us would be proud to call him our son!
Mike
 

GotDogs

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Jun 20, 2009
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Lancaster, PA
I wish I could say, I know how you feel. I can only imagine and still not come close. God Bless you and your family in this most hardest of times. May God bless and keep your son close to him. My Prayers tonight are devoted to you and your family. John
 

wolfstyle

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Apr 18, 2007
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Ohio
I'm very sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you and your family.

wolfstyle
 

bltkmt

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Oct 2, 2007
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Connecticut
So sorry for your loss...and so grateful for your sons brave contributions to this country. And to you for producing such a fine son...God bless you all.
 

Boo Radley

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Feb 24, 2007
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South Bay, SoCal
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I'm at a loss for words. My prayers tonight go out to you and your loved ones. My eyes are sweating, and I never even had the opportunity to meet or thank him...
 

sawlight

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Jan 2, 2007
Messages
617
WOW! Sorry really sucks to say/hear, but I have no idea what else to say other than thank you.
 

TooManyGizmos

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Jan 12, 2006
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Died Nov. 2015
DHart ,

I am very saddened to hear this .

It is a terrible loss for all of us .

I offer a 21 gun salute in his honor .

I am so sorry this happened .

TMG :mecry:
 
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