Another Fallen Friend

It is with a sad heart that I write this post.

From the Associated Press, 5Dec2006:

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota National Guard paid tribute to two soldiers from the same unit who were killed by a roadside bomb that injured two other member's of the Guard's contingent in Iraq.
Spec. Bryan T. McDonough, 22, of Maplewood, was driving and Spec. Corey J. Rystad, 20, of Red Lake Falls, was a passenger in the Humvee on patrol near Fallujah when the bomb went off Saturday.
Both men were assigned to B Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, based in Crookston, and had deployed to Iraq in March.


Bryan was one of my dearest friend Sean's cousin. Sean is stationed with me here and we have know eachother since joining the guard. I first met his cousin in Camp Shelby, Mississippi where we were all mobilizing together. He was an outstanding guy and dedicated soldier.

Sean had been keeping tabs on Bryan since we have been over here and had always been worried about his safety. We knew that he was in the thick of the battle over here and it seemed liked Bryan was dodging danger day in and day out.

My condolences go out to Bryan's family and friends. I can't describe the heartbeaking feeling of knowing a soldier that has been lost here, let alone Sean's cousin Bryan.

Nick