They all have names

This past week was an exciting one for several of my West Point classmates. After sixteen years of active duty service, we celebrated some promotions to Lieutenant Colonel. 

It was especially gratifying to see pictures of one of my female classmates' promotion ceremonies. There were fewer than 100 of us women who graduated in the Class of 1997, and I think less than ten of us are still in uniform. To see Robyn in her dress uniform with the new silver leaf of an O-5 was a thrill for me. As Justin and I sat at the dinner table one night talking about the promotions, we talked about the few women who are still in. One of those women was Jaimie Leonard. 

Today, I learned that Jaimie was killed in Afghanistan yesterday. 

The shock of learning a classmate has passed never lessens, even though you know there is always a chance of the bad news when people are deployed all over the world at any given time. There had been an article in the paper this morning about three American soldiers killed in an attack by an Afghan soldier. They were trainers, and there had been an argument. 

Three American soldiers. No names - just American soldiers. 

And one of them was my classmate. 

We don't hear regular news stories about battles or skirmishes any more. There aren't uplifting stories about free elections, stable governments, or economic recovery from Iraq or Afghanistan. There are just occasional headlines and stories stuck toward the back of the front section in the newspaper giving the perfunctory details of attacks by individuals. I've always said a quick prayer for the families, especially the mothers, of those killed when I see these stories. I'm doing the same today, adding a prayer for all of the members of the Class of '97. 

When you're a West Point graduate, when it comes to your classmates - whether you were good friends, casual acquaintances, or just familiar with a face - you're all part of the Long Gray Line. So once again we grip hands though it be from the shadows, and we say:

Well done. Be thou at peace.

Update: Honoring the life of LTC Jaimie Leonard, USMA Class of 1997. On June 8, 2013, LTC Jaimie Leonard was killed in action while serving with the US Army in Afghanistan. The Class of 1997 has set up a memorial fund with the West Point Association of Graduates (AOG) to purchase a four-person shell (rowing boat) and to dedicate it in her name for the use of the Army Crew Team for years to come. The Army Crew Team’s boathouse will also display a box with pictures and narratives of Jaimie’s service to the nation. The fund requires $25,000. Upon fulfillment, the Class of 1997 will plan a dedication ceremony at West Point, possibly in May of 2014 or fall of 2014. Any person wanting to support Jaimie’s legacy in this way, may do so. 

All donations are tax deductable. Checks should be made payable to the West Point Association of Graduates, with “DCA Crew Team—in Memory of Jaimie Leonard” in the memo line or in an accompanying note. Gifts can also be made online at www.westpointaog.org/givetoWP or by calling 845-446-1658. AOG mailing address: Gift Operations Department, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. If you give online, please ensure that you go to the link on the left that says "ways to give" and make sure to indicate that its for "DCA- Army Crew IMO Jaimie Leonard". In addition, many companies match funds, so please provide your employer information so that AOG may determine whether matching funds are available.

Please direct financial questions to the AOG. All other questions contact Pam Long, ’97, at rypamlong@comcast.net. Pictures of rowing shells are posted on the West Point Crew Team facebook page.