"I regret to inform you..."

[Erich]

I am so sorry to read this. You and your family are in my prayers, sir.

 

[Sweden]

Don & Sharon

I'm unable to comprehend the pain you must feel today. It's through heavy tears that I request to be added to the list of citizens eternally greatful for Elijah's service. In the hopes my son may live a brighter life, I thank you for your sacrifice.




"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom."

 

[EAJ]

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved son. My deepest condolences to you, your family, and his comrades in arms.

 

[Ric]

May forever feel like home.
God bless and strengthen you and yours

 

[sig228]

I am truly sorry to hear of your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need.

 

[DHart]

Thank you all again so much for the caring and kind remarks. Elijah's mother and I received word tonight from the Army that Elijah has been promoted posthumously from Specialist to Sargent E5. Of course he also receives the Purple Heart and has been recommended for a Bronze Star.

Elijah's body was received at Dover USAF Base at 5:11 pm EST, so this hero is now back on American soil and one step closer to coming home. Elijah's wife has granted permission to the media to photograph and film the Dignified Transfer of Elijah's remains at Dover. These images are available online with Google search.

Extended family gathered today and amidst it all, the media has been calling throughout the day. All of this in Elijah's honor and memory. We are so very grateful for the overwhelming recognition that is due to Elijah.

Here are some links to news stories about Elijah.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index...o_soldier.html

http://www.oregonlive.com/lake-osweg...explosion.html

http://www.katu.com/news/local/78707792.html

 

[Nighthawk0083]

My thoughts go out to Elijah, you and the rest of your family.

 

[Extremely Pro Gun]

I am very sorry

 

[janedoedad]

Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family.

JDD

 

[DHart]

This link should take you directly to the news story video that was done today:

http://www.katu.com/news/local/78707792.html?video=YHI&t=a

 

[warnerwh]

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. He was a great son.

 

[Bronx]

You have my prayers and deepest sympathy. Blees you, your family and your son.

 

[dec41971]

RIP Elijah; Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your son, brother and husband.

 

[hawkeye216]

My heartfelt regrets on your loss. My prayers are with you.

 

[bootless]

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace

 

[mgregg85]

I'm so sorry for your loss, I wish I could personally thank your son for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

 

[skoro]

So sorry for your loss.

Words are so inadequate at times like this.

 

[CajunBass]

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
John 15:13

From my wife and I, you and your wife, have our deepest sympanthy, respect and heartfelt thanks. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you, his wife and his child in the days, weeks, and years to come.

 

[DC300a]

My deepest regret for your loss and my sincere gratitude for your son's service. You and your family will be in my prayers.

 

[RB98SS]

OMG I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you, your family and your son.

Take care, Gary

 

[Mikil]

I,m sorry for your loss,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[Nightmare 7]

RAO Was Amazing!!!

To the family of SPC Rao I send all of my condolences and mourn the loss of your son Elijah. Your son was such a devoted family man, he oftened talked about how his wife and daughter were doing when we returned from patrols with a huge smile on his face even after some very long days. I miss your son yet know the Heavens got the best they could get in Elijah. Your son had such an impact on alot of people and I will never let the impact he left on me go away. If there is anything I can do please let me know. I was your son's Platoon Sergeant these last six months and will continue to honor your son as a hero forever.

SFC Riley

 

[mountainpharm]

May I say that my sympathy is matched only by my pride -- pride that men and women like Elijah volunteer to protect our freedom and that I share their country with them. I am humbled by such selfless individuals as our United States Servicemen. Elijah has gone from here, but he has taken his rightful place alongside the Patriots who have defended this country for the last 234 years, from the Revolution to the War on Terror. He deserves a special reverence to which only a select few are entitled. He has earned every bit of respect given to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Boys of Point Du Hoc. I obviously didn't know him, but if I were to say such a thing to him, he would likely respond as most veterans do: "I was just doing my job", which is exactly what makes them so special and a cut above.

World history tells us that most wars are fought for the purpose of conquering. The United States Military is unique in all the world in that they fight for liberty and self-determination. If anything can be defined as doing the Lord's work, this is it.

Thank you, Elijah, for giving yourself for the larger cause of freedom and liberty. You are appreciated more than words can express. As others have indicated, there is really nothing I can say to Elijah's family that would do justice to their loss and pain. I can only say thank you giving such an enormous gift to this country. Please make sure that little one grows up to know of the greatness of her dad!

 

[UnclePete]

Heartfelt condolences.

 

[wahsben]

My condolences to you & your family.