Private William Jonathon James Cushley

[jeffreyab]

Photo courtesy Canadian Forces Image Gallery

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/common/combatcamera/video_photo_e.asp


Private Cushley of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment was killed while assaulting a Taliban position on September 3rd 2006 during Operation Medusa in Panjwai district west of Kandahar. Also killed at the same time were Sgt. Shane Stachnik, Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan, all based at CFB Petawawa, Ont.

Cushley was from Port Lambton, Ontario just south 20 minutes from where I live and some of my co-workers knew him and his family. He was the first person from Lambton County killed in battle since 1945. He was 21.

To emphasis that war the costs of war include individuals not just statistics.

From a meme some of my American friends started:

I want you to do something.

I want you to go to this page, and pick a soldier. Pick one by state, pick one by your birthday, pick one by any reason. Just go ahead and pick one.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

Remember this life. Many were young, with years of living ahead of them. Many were older, and left behind grieving spouses and children. Just remember them. Remember how they died, and what they died for. They believed, else they wouldn't have been there. Respect that. Keep it in your heart. You and others live because this person died.

So pick one. Look at his age. Look at her hometown. Imaging the sacrifice they made. Imagine the grief, if you can, that their families feel every day.

Comments

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

I saw it on rothgar's blog too

[dudarling.livejournal.com]

You know this makes me cry... as a mother of a US Marine I am fully aware of the sacrifices that heros like Private Cushley (and their families) make to serve their country. My thoughts are with his family.

I'd like to remind everyone to vote... use your voice! Your right to vote has been secured for you at great cost.