Some Gave All

I couldn't get the button link to work so here is the link to the website: Some Gave All

Since today is the 6th anniversary of Sept 11th I'm doing a tribute post. A tribute to a soldier who lost his life 2 years ago today in Iraq.

Sgt. Kurtis D. K. Arcala, 22, of Palmer, Alaska, died on Sept. 11, 2005, in Tikrit, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during convoy escort operations. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

A little bit about the young man behind the uniform:

Sgt Arcala was the first soldier from Palmer, AK to die in the war and his town has honored his memory by naming a soccer field after him - Sgt. Kurtis Arcala-Berberich Memorial Soccer Fields.

Kurtis was a standout athlete at Palmer High School where he graduated in 2001. He was captain of the basketball team, but I think (from reading an article about him) that soccer was one of his passions as he started playing at 5 years old. He played in indoor and outdoor soccer leagues every year until he graduated high school. He also coached elementary-school soccer players when he was only in middle and high school. I think naming the fields after him seems very fitting!

The school district designated their new nutrition services center the Kurtis Arcala Nutrition Services Center.

There is also this sign on The Alaska Cheesecake Company "We remember U.S. Army Sgt. Kurtis Arcala." The owner heard stories of Arcala's good nature from customer after customer and decided to honor him this way.

He has been described as a patriot, good comrade, fine soldier, one of the best, and well respected by his fellow soldiers - he had reenlisted half-way through his second tour in Iraq. Friends describe him as likeable, selfless, honorable, and brave.

It's obvious from reading the articles I found online about him that he was well-liked and is deeply missed by his Army unit, friends, community, and family.

Thank you Sgt Kurtis Arcala for selflessly giving the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to remember all those who lost their life on Sept 11, all of those who have lost their life since then, and to all those who are still overseas serving.

And speaking of those overseas now - thank you all for your comments on my post below dealing with Kayla missing her daddy - I appreciate all the suggestions too! And to anonymous who left the post w/the links, thank you so much! I really liked the idea of the love chain too. If I knew how to contact you I would have emailed or visited your blog, but there was no information for you - so hopefully you'll read this!