[Kat]
I was looking over the information regarding casualties in May. Nineteen soldiers lost their lives last month, the lowest in the war. Somehow, though, that makes it harder. In fact, in this war, the reason it may feel so personal to many is that there are not so many that we cannot read a story about each of them somewhere on the internet. They become more than names and faces, they are known to us.
When I looked at May's list of casualties, I noticed something that isn't broadcast very often and, to some degree, shows that everyone sacrifices: men and women. And, everyone of them is a great loss to somebody. Three of the casualties in May were women.
Here, though, is Corporal Jessica Ellis, 2BSTB Airborne Medic. She wasn't given a medal for valor though she earned the last medal, the Purple Heart, in the hardest way. She didn't pull anyone from a burning vehicle or save 10 Marines from an ambush, but reading the comments from her legacy guest book, Corporal Ellis was the kind of medic every unit wishes they had. She went out of her way to care for her "troops" even when technically "off duty", stopping by one tent nightly to take the blood pressure of a soldier who had just been diagnosed with high blood pressure among the many. Everyone who speaks of her, who served with her, mentions how she was always smiling, brightening their day and always saying "I got it" when something came up or something needed to be done.
The people she served with and her family said best why, sans Silver Star or Medal of Honor, we should know Corporal Jessica Ellis, veteran of two tours in Iraq and a great American:
My name is Sergeant Matthew Engel and I am a team leader in 1st PLT A Co 2BSTB 2BCT 101st, Corporal Ellis was are platoon medic. Corporal Ellis has worked on me every time that I was injured on mission, she was a person that you knew could fix you up no matter what the problem was. There hasnt been a day that I think about that night out on mission. The times that Ill miss the most is her coming over to Goats and my room just to talk and hang out. Also Ill never forget here smile and positve [sic] outlook on everything. I will miss her and never forget what she has not only done for me but my whole platoon.
I am in 2 BSTB and knew Corporal Ellis, I wish I would have been able to get to know her more, but from the times I went to early sick calls to when I would go to Liberty and saw her walking around she always had the best attitude and had a friendly face. Her smile and her kindness will forever be remembered. Thank you Corporal Ellis for fixin me up all those times from shin splints to the common cold and not to forget your friendly hello's and smiles that would brighten anyones day. You are the nicest person I have ever met and I will never forget you. And to the family of Corporal Ellis I am truly sorry for your loss and you are all in my prayers. And again thank you Jessica Ellis for just being you! Jessica Dubee (FOB Justice, Iraq)
Another said, "she was a friend to all she met."
I never appreciated the finer things in life, like old SNL episodes or Country Music sung off key. It wasn’t until I met an amazing soldier. Young Private Ellis, though seemingly unsure at first. . . was ready to take on the world. I trained her on the ways of the military, or just ran around the Cav Hills at Campbell with her. However, Ellis taught me that, with enough Mousse, gel, hairspray, and clips. . . . you still could tame her hair for more then 5 minutes. Her greatest quality. . . . you weren't able to have a bad day, when Jessica was around. Her smile, made everyone near her, grin. The sunny disposition was there to brighten, even the worst days. If all else failed, Jess would have sour gummy candy or peach-Os to help lift your spirits. I will never forget the can-do attitude, and her true compassion for others. She truely is an inspiration. I cannot express in words just how much Corporal Jessica Ellis will be missed. For she was a true angel. . . who finally has been issued her halo and wings. Bernadette Hartman (FOB LIBERTY)
So many comments started out:
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Ellis, I want you to know what an honor and privilege it was to serve with your daughter. I always thought of her as a sister and will never be able to forget her.
Read many more remembrances of Corporal Ellis here
There is really no way to estimate the true positive effect, the value of such a young woman to so many troops and to the war effort over all.
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