We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:05:12 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2008 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification About two months before we left Bosnia, our Task Force XO decided to play with his new CD burner and give everyone in TF Pegasus a memento; a disk recapping what we'd seen and done (and why) and including at least one picture of everyone in the unit -- planners, pilots, mechanics, our infantry squad, Bosnian interpreters, the schoolkids we'd scrounged pens 'n' paper 'n' such for -- everyone. He left before I got my copy, but he e-mailed me the whole thing a month later -- three megs at a time. Took forever to download all 93 megs and... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:57:17 -0600 Hi there! I'm Lenise of Chesterfield,VA and also went to church with Bro Booker. He was such a wonderful and kind person. The thing I remember the most was his love for his family and particularly his wife. I think that we all could take a lesson from him on how we should be as people. I know that his family will never wonder about his love because he showed them! Andre and I (my hubby) will continue to keep the family up in prayer and I will continue to pray for the rest of the troops that are still in IRAQ and families of the fallen heroes. God bless and thanks for taking time to honor Bro Booker. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55935 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55935 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:24:32 -0600 By all accounts Mrs. Loney - you and Norman, and Andre and Norman Jr. all did a fine job. While I did not know your son (my co-blogger Bill Tuttle did) all that I have learned from those who did know your son... well, he was a helluva guy. We are proud to honor him. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55858 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55858 Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:08:29 -0600 I am Darryl's mom (Maria Booker Loney) of Chesterfield, VA. Darryl is a hero in more ways than one. He was and will be always be a hero to me. I will miss my son, his laughter, and most of all, his love. He had great love for his wife and family. We as his parents (Norman & myself), had the pleasure to raise a wonderful son. His brothers, Andre Booker and Norman Loney,Jr. loved him very much and was very close to him. We are so greatful to God for that. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55856 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55856 Sun, 28 Jan 2007 04:26:22 -0600 Hello Mr. Bill, My name is Tashana and I am from Chesterfield, VA. I went to church with Bro. Booker and I would like to say that I commend you for setting up this page for him and Mr.Kelly. Bro.Booker was apart of our security ministry and he and I have interacted during the football season- he ALWAYS joked on me because I liked the Seahawks. The most remarkable thing was that this year when the Seahawks went to the elite eight and won I thought about him. I was hoping there was a way that I could tease him that my team was going. I never knew him by name but he was a friend by face. I must say that it was very hard hearing that he was killed in Iraq, however I know he is in heaven with God and for that I am happy. I will miss his smiling face. If it is ok with you, I will refer more people to your website so that they may leave comments also. Thank you again. Tashana http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55850 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55850 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:04:13 -0600 I had the opportunity to work with COL Kelly when he worked up at National Guard Bureau. He was a true professional and will be missed. Mike Greene MA ARNG http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55714 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55714 Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:36:34 -0600 Okay, took a while, but everybody got squared away. The guy who originally took the pix is now a very popular individual. My Motto: "When confronted by the press, drop them into somebody else's lap. By the time both parties can struggle to their feet, you'll be long gone." http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55713 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55713 Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:15:44 -0600 Hello Bill, I am also looking for some images of both Col. Kelly and Staff Sgt. Booker. Would it be possible if someone could email me these images or any other images that you have of these soldiers? Thank you very much. Sincerely, Leah Latella Newsweek Photo Dept. 212-445-4636 leah.latella@newsweek.com http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55675 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55675 Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:35:40 -0600 The Amelia Bulletin Monitor 16311 Goodes Bridge Road Amelia,VA 23002]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55663 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55663 Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:48:36 -0600 I drilled with Staff Sergeant Booker from June 2007 until he left for his "quick trip to Iraq" (as he put it). The first day I met with him, SSG Booker promised that he would train me on how to function as an Aviation Operations Specialist so that I could properly handle any situation that job could possibly put me in. He lived up to that promise even as he mobilized to Iraq when another NCO in our unit forwarded me an email SSG Booker had sent them requesting that they make sure I was taken care and didn't fall through the cracks in his absense. I was upset to hear the news of his untimely death earlier this week and will miss learning from his knowledge of the subject, but it seems almost natural that he left this world doing what he loved to do. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55656 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55656 Thu, 25 Jan 2007 05:32:34 -0600 Thank you for your kind words. I was the FRG coordinator for the Bosnia deployment and my husband was also serving with Col Kelly. He was a commander to be admired both from the soldier and family perspectives. It was an honor and priviledge to work with him and to call him a friend. SSG Booker was also a friend to my husband. We know he is in the hands of God now. His faith helps those he left behind to cope with this terrible loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the famlies. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55648 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55648 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:39:04 -0600 Godspeed and peace to your loved ones. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55643 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55643 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:55:18 -0600 Bill, My name is Peter Bacque' and I cover the Virginia National Guard for the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. I'm doing the article on Col. Kelly and Staff Sgt. Booker. We'd like to talk to people who knew them and valued their lives and service. Could you call me as soon as possible at 804.649.6813 or, toll free, at 1.800.588.9884 extension 6813. FYI, I am an Army veteran and a helo pilot. Thanks for your help. Peter Bacque' http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55641 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55641 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:17:29 -0600 Thanks for posting this. I went to college with Paul Kelly, he was a great guy. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55633 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55633 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:51:11 -0600 Oh, Bill... I am just so sad. I am so sorry you've lost more friends to war. So very, very sorry. This just breaks my heart, and it sounds like a lot of hearts are breaking over the loss of these men. Damn. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55564 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55564 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:13:41 -0600 The long gray line still holds, despite the lost of two of its finest. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55558 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55558 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:48:17 -0600 We're the lesser for this loss. I am sorry. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55525 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55525 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:38:30 -0600 Thanks for introducing us to these men, Bill. Absent, but thanks to you - not forgotten. Rest in peace http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55523 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55523 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:29:37 -0600 Absent companions! [sound of breaking glass] http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55521 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55521 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:02:48 -0600 They both sound like great guys. I wish I'd had the chance to know them, but I'm betting they left a fine legacy among friends, family and colleagues. Rest in peace, dear warriors... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55517 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/01/two_whom_you_sh.html#comment-55517 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 06:11:29 -0600