In the Face of Tragedy / Cavalry Soldiers Carry on for a Fallen Comrade

ABU GHRAIB, IRAQ

12.22.2004

Courtesy Story

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Story by: Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq -- Like the daily prayer before patrol, Soldiers gathered again to pay respect and honor to their own. They left with the understanding their brother's death, while tragic, was not in vain.

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, remembered Spc. Blain M Ebert Nov. 26 in Baghdad.

Ebert was shot by a sniper while conducting patrols in Baghdad Nov. 22.

He was born March 30,1982 in Colfax, Washington. He joined the Army in June 2001 after finishing high school. His fellow Soldiers said he was a reliable Soldier and a good friend who made a lasting impact on his comrades.

Ebert was the "heartbeat of the platoon," according to one noncommissioned officer in the platoon.

Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Kahn, 210th Forward Support Battalion chaplain, said many of Ebert's friends said he was considered one of the top Bradley gunners in his battery and his professionalism will be missed.

Spc. Jason Buscambell, a close friend to Ebert, was with him in his last moments of life. He said at the memorial that when his friend died, he didn't understand why. His unit prays before every mission for safety and yet his friend is gone.

Upon reflection, he likened questioning God's will to questioning his chain of command.

"You don't ask why," he said, because he has faith in his command and in God.

"Some may ask, "Why God? Why did this happen? Why him?"" he said. "God will provide the answers that we seek. But in the meantime, we will mourn for our brother and shed tears for him. Most importantly, we will honor him for getting up every day, getting dressed, not being a quitter and never accepting defeat. We will see this through to the end, in honor of him."

"God does not always give us the answer, but he always gives us comfort," Kahn said.

Kahn said Ebert died, but he did not lose his life. His life was an honorable sacrifice, not a loss.

"It is not appropriate to say that he lost his life, because he gave his life to the Army and to his country," he said. "He swore allegiance to his country and took an oath and honored it every day."

Ebert's awards include: The Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Army Expert Marksman Badge. He is survived by his wife, Shilanta, and his parents Michael and Lucy.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2004
• Date Posted: 12.22.2004 11:06
• Story ID: 745
• Location: ABU GHRAIB, IQ