October 02, 2004

TP

"Someone from your post died in Iraq this week, but he was someone from another unit," Mom said after dinner. "Oh. Who was it?" I asked from the other room. "Someone named SGT Tyler Prewitt."

TP.

SGT Prewitt first emailed me from Iraq in June, to ask for help with getting a transcript. We wrote back and forth a couple of times to get all of his education records straight, so when he decided to register for online classes in August, he contacted me again. He had just emailed me because he was worried he was too busy soldiering to concentrate on the class. Ten days before that RPG.

His emails were always signed TP.

His memorial is Tuesday, and I plan on going. I wonder if his family could ever imagine that his school representative, someone he barely knew, is weeping.

salute.jpg

MORE TO GROK:

Here's my first chance to see TP's face. Surprisingly enough, that's exactly what I had imagined.

Posted by Sarah at October 2, 2004 09:12 PM
Comments

Someone in Florida that only knows him from what you've shared is weeping too.

Posted by: Tammi at October 2, 2004 11:15 PM

Sarah I am sorry for your loss. We are not in control of who touches our lives, even if briefly, and we are also not in control of how deeply someone can touch your heart, even if their touch was brief. I'm sure his family doesn't know...but your tears and thoughts are out there for them to feel. And my tears are with yours.

Posted by: Kathleen A at October 3, 2004 02:27 AM

Crap Crap :( Why is it always the best who must go? DOH cause they are all the best! Add my tears to yours and tell the family that normal folk know....

Posted by: LarryConley at October 3, 2004 05:36 AM

Stay strong, Sarah; TP's family will need you...

Jim

Posted by: Jim Shawley at October 3, 2004 05:37 AM

This never gets any easier when a soldier dies. I am always astounded when I read the background info on these brave soldiers. I always wonder were did we find all of these amazing brave men and women. Thanks Sarah for making Tyler more than just a number. Regrets Toni

Posted by: Toni at October 4, 2004 01:46 PM

Sarah, it was my online sociology class that Tyler was taking. There are several others in Iraq in that class, as well. Tyler was doing well and then we stopped hearing from him. I've written his family with the condolences of the class.

Posted by: Dr. Rosenthal at October 4, 2004 02:17 PM

I knew of Tyler only as a friend of a friend. That friend is my girlfriend. Her name is Kayla, and after she found out I think she has cried everyday since. I never knew Tyler, but I know now, for sure, he must have been a great man. The sweetest, most honest, most wonderful, person I know, cared for him on a level that only a few friendships reach. I am very truly sorry, I know we all are. But there's something we all need to be, for Tyler, above all; proud.

Posted by: Chris at October 8, 2004 09:19 AM

Hi!
My husband and I just found out yesterday.I am really sorry!!! We both know Tyler from Vilseck. He took over my Husbands job as 2/2 Scout Medic. The both of them had served in Kosovo with eachother. My husband is really sad, and so am I. He was a good Person! We're really sorry for his family and wish them only the best !!!!!!!

Posted by: Judith Craig at October 8, 2004 11:24 AM

I am very touched by what you have written about Tyler. Yes, he was a very amazing man. He meant way more to me than many ever knew, maybe even him. I miss him dearly but am so proud of him. I have always appreciated my freedom but now even more: knowing that wonderful people like him are giving their life's for it.

Posted by: Kayla at October 10, 2004 04:28 AM

Tyler was our nephew. We live in Cody, Wyoming,
and have just returned from Tyler's services. Our
whole family appreciates the overwhelming support
that has been shown. Tyler was extremely proud to
be in the military and his whole family was
extremely proud of him. We will miss him.

Posted by: Ray and Stephanie Stockhill at October 11, 2004 02:44 AM

I knew Tyler since I was in the 8th grade and he was in 7th. Though I did not know him that well until after highschool I will always remember his great personality, goofy sense of humor and awesome laugh! I attended his funeral services and was very touched, especially by the video at the end. The song "Proud to be an American" now has greater meaning to me than it ever has. "And I am proud to be an American where at least I know I am free, and I wont forget the men who died who gave that right to me". Tyler I wont forget. Thank you for your sacrafice.

Posted by: Sarah Freswick at October 12, 2004 12:45 AM

www. geocities.com/sgt_tylerprewitt

Posted by: Chris Primerano at October 13, 2004 11:17 PM

I was stationed in Germany with TP, TP, myself and our other friend Luke were always together. I will never forget the way he laughed, and all the other funny thigs he did. I just wanted everyone to know that Luke and I are taking care of eachother through these hard times. We will never forget TP. I Love You Tyler.

SPC Roger Jones

Posted by: Roger Jones at October 25, 2004 12:53 PM