Story by: Spc. Erin Robicheaux
CAMP TIGERLAND, Iraq - "They're our friends, our brothers, but please remember that our loss is Heaven's gain."
With these words, a somber Lt. Col. Thomas Plunkett, battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, bid farewell to two of his fallen Soldiers.
Sgt. Lee Godbolt from New Orleans, La., of 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery, attached to A Company, 1st Bn., 156th Armor, and Sgt. Isiah Sinclair from Natchitoches, La., also of A Co., 1-156, died March 25 as the result of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
On March 30, the friends and leaders they left behind gathered to celebrate their lives and mourn their deaths.
Cpt. Michael W. Hicks from Shreveport, La., commander of A Co., 1-156, gave an emotional and tearful tribute to his two Soldiers, and reflected on qualities in each that he had come to love and admire.
"Sinclair was always prepared to execute 24/7," Hicks told the group. "He was dependable, squared away and liked things in order. We always said, if you want something secure, put Sinclair on it."
He reflected on Godbolt, and his insane desire to learn more about his job, and how he had a positive effect on all who came into contact with him. Hicks said both Soldiers were exceptional men who helped define the Citizen Soldier.
Sgt. John Roger III, from St. Bernard, La, of A Co., 1-156, was close to Godbolt and said his admiration was, at times, parental.
"I realized that being a non-commissioned officer is a lot like being a father," he said. "You do your best to instill discipline, honor, integrity, and courage into your Soldiers, much like you would to a child. I guess that's why I feel like I've lost a son."
Lt. Col. Jordan Jones, from Luling, La., commander of 1st Bn., 141st FA, boasted about Godbolt's dependability and his capacity to do the right thing. He said what Godbolt gave, no leader could ask for more of a Soldier: "He gave all."
Jones also said the family members of the fallen Soldier are coping as best they can and will continue to pray for the safe return of the Soldiers of the 256th BCT.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Meziere, from Natchitoches, La, of A. Co., 1-156, paid homage to Sinclair and told the crowd about Sinclair's love of military life"he"d been in both the active-duty Army and Marines, and enlisted in the National Guard in 2002. Meziere joked about how his friend was in awe of a certain comic book hero: Spider-Man.
Sinclair collected Spider-Man memorabilia, including cereal boxes with the webbed one in his room. In true form, Meziere said his friend had a reminder of his favorite comic book character with him on his last patrol.
Meziere said Sinclair was always prepared and always on the go. He thought back to their days of drill at the National Guard Armory in Louisiana. "He either rode his bike or ran to drill, and he was never late. Yet, there were some Soldiers who lived less than a mile away and came in cars, but were still late at times."
During the service, Plunkett rejoiced in the legacy that his men became a part of, by honoring their sacrifice for their country. He said his Soldiers will meet any challenge and defeat all enemies so that their two fallen comrades will not have died in vain.