Letters from Iraq

Remembering the Fallen

30 June 2004
FOB KMTB (CALDWELL)
Diyala Province, Iraq

On Sunday, 27 June 2004, BG Hickman, LTC Stevens (Commander of 1-120th Infantry Battalion), Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Larry Morgan and I flew to FOB WARHORSE to see the men of A Company, 1-120th. They are now attached outside of the Brigade to assist the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the First Infantry Division to bring peace and stability to the rather large Iraqi city of Ba'qubah. On Thursday, 24 June 2004, CPT Chris Cash and SPC Daniel Desens lost their lives in the performance of this mission.

Upon arrival at WARHORSE we were escorted into a small trailer that serves as the TOC or center of operations for A Company. CPT Matt Stapleton (former HHC Commander 1-120th who now commands A Company) greeted us and turned the briefing over to the three lieutenants who were in Ba'qubah and who led the patrols on that fateful day.

Slowly and painfully off of a map of Ba'qubah they briefed us on the blow-by-blow detail of what occurred, and where and how their troops performed under fire. Their faces were full of emotion and every eye present was filled with water as they not only described how their comrades met their untimely deaths but also how several soldiers performed acts of uncommon valor in order to save the lives of others.

That small trailer was filled with pain and pride as BG Hickman and LTC Stevens praised their actions and I inquired as to the present welfare of our troops. We were then escorted outside where the company was formed for us to address them. BG Hickman asked that they break formation, get out of the heat, and just informally gather under a tent. He has been where they are, as a soldier in Vietnam, and the last thing he wanted was for them to have to stand in formation in order to hear the heartfelt words of assurance from their Brigade and Battalion Commanders.

After BG Hickman and LTC Stevens spoke words of shared pain and grateful appreciation, I shared words of how they can now take care of each other and then closed with a prayer, as requested by our Brigade Commander. As I looked into the eyes of the soldiers gathered there, I did not see men who looked defeated or tired, but men still ready to perform their mission with a determination that only a soldier who has survived an intense firefight can imagine.

I felt privileged to hear their individual stories of where they were in the fight and their words of admiration for those who risked their lives to save their fellow soldiers. Even over lunch, we knew that we were indeed privileged to be in the presence of these valiant warriors. May God watch over them in the coming days and keep them safe.

On 28 June, we conducted a memorial service for our fallen comrades on FOB CALDWELL at 1930 hours at the New Iraqi Army (NIA) Parade Field that has been the location of every ceremony and baptism service. The stands were full of soldiers who walked over a mile to pay their respects through the searing desert heat. Attendance is not mandatory and I fear that few will come.

As we complete our preparations, I realize that not only is the brigade represented by commanders and staff officers, but there are representatives from every branch of service who live on this base as well as representatives from the New Iraqi Army and Iraqi National Guard. All have come to honor our fallen soldiers and acknowledge our loss.

In as good a format I can share with you in this document, here is the bulletin that guided us on that day and that serves as our remembrance for posterity sake. It was produced in a normal bulletin format for that occasion.

     View the memorial service brochure.
     It will open in a new window.
     Adobe Acrobat is needed to view this brochure.

At 1930 hours the temperature has abated to a mild 105 and the wind is not blowing, which is highly unusual. As I arrive at the Parade Field, the men who will fire the volleys are rehearsing as are the men who will prepare the memorial stands. Our chaplain assistants have covered each memorial stand with camouflage netting and are preparing the stage with chairs and a podium. Two are making sure our sound system is working correctly.

Men and women are assembling and finding a place in the wooden bleachers facing the parade field. There will be no formation of troops on this occasion. BG Danny Hickman has decided that a memorial service is more appropriate than another ceremony. At 1925 hours all the players are in place and CSM Morgan has the color guard ready.

Promptly at 1930 hours with the sun not far from setting, I ask everyone present to stand for the posting of the colors. The Color Guard positions themselves to the right of the podium. Their precision is perfect. Chaplain (CPT) Darrell Brumfield then proceeds to the same podium that he uses when he preaches in our chapel and says:

"Good evening and welcome to this service where we honor and pay tribute to our fellow soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in serving their country. We remember their service, their dedication, and their sacrifice.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord we must listen to you speaking to us through every event that we face in life. And there are times when we do not understand why bad things happen to good people. We must continue with the missions that face us, but we also need to take time, be still, and receive your encouragement and guidance. Please speak to our hearts now.

We give You thanks for SPC Desens, for SFC Faulcon, and for CPT Cash. Please be with their families, even as you are with us, as we honor them.

In the name of our Lord, we pray. Amen."

After we were seated, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Larry Abrams ascended the stage from its rear and slowly walked to the podium. As soon as he reached his destination, he started singing,

"Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

Was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear thee hour I first believed.

When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun."

Without musical accompaniment of any sort, we heard the strong and clear voice of SSG Abrams echo through the desert. It was sung without pretense, yet it was sung with absolute precision. Never has it been sung any better.

Then our Commander, BG Hickman, offered his personal words about the soldiers and his personal words to us:

"Thank you, SSG Abrams for that outstanding rendition of "Amazing Grace." I have never heard it sung with more feeling.

"Good evening. Last week three members of Old Hickory left us and we gather today to honor their memory.

"In the early morning hours of 24 June, CPT Chris Cash and SPC Daniel Desens from the Wolverines of A Company, 1-120th Infantry Battalion, met an untimely death while engaged in combat with our enemy. Neither knew that it would be the last day of their lives, but neither would have wanted to be anywhere but with their unit if it was going to be attacked. Like most soldiers, they faced the dangers with courage in their battle skills, and faith in their buddies. The battle was fierce, and they and their unit acquitted themselves well. Many of their enemy died before them on that fateful day. When I talked with members of A Company yesterday, they asked for only two things; more 25 mm HE ammo and some Old Hickory patches for their right sleeves. They have earned them. SFC Faulcon did not die in that battle, but died trying to get here to Iraq; trying to stay with his unit and do his duty.

"Today, as we assemble to remember three of our finest. Many of us feel this loss in a most acute and personal manner. Each of us has many personal memories of these great soldiers.

"SPC Daniel Desens lived in Jacksonville, NC. His father was a career Marine and his best friend was his older sister. SPC Desens was enrolled as a student at East Carolina University having completed two years at Chowan College. He played football at Camp Lejeune High School. He enjoyed his job as an infantry soldier and was known for trying to make others feel good. SPC Desens had a good heart and will be greatly missed.

"SFC Earl Faulcon mobilized with us and trained with us through JRTC. While there, he had the first of two strokes and was later diagnosed with cancer. On Tuesday of last week, cancer won over his body. SFC Faulcon was a veteran of Desert Storm with 30 years of military service. He was known for his pleasant manner and his love for his family. He was an employee of Blue Flame, Inc. Though he never made it to Iraq with us, he would have if he could and will forever be remembered as a member of this Brigade who offered his best.

"CPT Chris Cash was as fine a Company Commander as we have in this Brigade. He began his Army career as an enlisted soldier and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After four years of Active Duty service in the 82nd Airborne Division, he joined the 1-119th Infantry as a Platoon Leader in Co. B and continued in the 1-119th until he assumed command of A Company Wolverines on 08 September 2001. CPT Cash was married to Dawn and they lived in Greenville, N. C. He had two sons, ages 11 and 13. His civilian employment was as an exercise physiologist. He had a joy of life and spoke as clearly with his enthusiastic eyes as many can with their mouths. CPT Cash was passionate about everything he did and those whom he loved. He possessed a heart of gold and leadership skills that would have carried him far. He served his country out of a strong desire to do the right thing and out of duty. CPT Chris Cash was undoubtedly one of our very best.

"When I think of these soldiers in the future, I will remember them as dutiful soldiers doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, even in the face of adversity. Each gave his life by different means, but each cherished duty, honor and country. I am proud to have had each of these men as a member of my command.

"We have lost three of our brothers; and like brothers, we will cherish their memory and continue to honor them after their passing. For those soldiers taken from us in battle with our enemy, we should focus not on revenge, but on carrying on with the mission they believed in and gave their lives for. We will do that by redoubling our efforts to succeed here. Each of these three would have wanted their lives to stand for something important and lasting. We will continue this mission, in part, to make sure that CPT Cash, SFC Faulcon, and SPC Desens are not forgotten and their efforts are not in vain.

"I am proud of them and their service and I am proud of each one of you and for the efforts you exert on a daily basis. I pray that we never gather here again for such an occasion and I promise to do everything within my power to ensure the same. May God bless Old Hickory and keep us safe until that glorious day we return home.

Thank you and OLD HICKORY!"

Chaplain (CPT) Steve King then read selections from Psalm 116.

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
     he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
     I will call on him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me,
     the anguish of the grave came upon me;
     I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
     "O Lord, save me!"

The Lord is gracious and righteous;
&nbs    pour God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the simplehearted;
     when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul,
     for the Lord has been good to you.

For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death,
     my eyes from tears,
     my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord
     in the land of the living.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
     is the death of his saints."

It is now my time to offer my humble words on such a solemn occasion as this one. CH(LTC) Dennis Goodwin.

"Two soldiers in one day is tough. Three members from Old Hickory in one week is even tougher. I can only imagine how their friends and family must feel. These are the sixth, seventh and eighth losses for our brigade combat team since we mobilized. I know that in battles of the past more have died in a single day than all our losses combined. Still each life lost is a tragedy and takes something out of all of us.

So, I struggle with my words today. Words from the heart are what I want. Yet, if my heart is unclear, then my words may seem so too. So I prayed and then prayed some more. If my thoughts were paper, I'd be one of those people with a pile of crumpled paper in the corner of the room. Then slowly, ever so slowly God reveals His words. His words are to acknowledge what is true about these deaths, then acknowledge what is true about Him. God has not changed, what was true about Him yesterday is still true today. His words are to ask for His presence among us this day and every day henceforth.

With that I begin. The young lives that have been cut so short and so swiftly, leave us with the sobering realization that life comes with no guarantee, that each day is a gift, and we need to live it with the knowledge that we are not promised tomorrow. We gather here today with so many mixed emotions about all of this. Their deaths were unexpected, unplanned and tragic. It is important for us as we reflect upon these lives to realize that not only were their lives a gift in itself, but their lives were gifts to each one's family and to us. There are many ways that each has blessed us and we need to spend the next few days, or perhaps years, remembering the good things about CPT Cash and SPC Desexs and SFC Falcon: their love for their families; their love for the military; and their love for America. Remembering is one way to find healing and hope and the inner strength to continue.

In the Old Testament there is a man named Job who once had everything and now has his whole world fall apart. Job asked questions, just as we do. He wanted to know why all this was happening to him. Three of Job's friends tried to convince him that every thing that was happening to him was exactly what he deserved. But Job was not satisfied with their explanations. And eventually the book even quotes God with words which say in effect, "I'm God and you are not, so there. That's the way it is. You just have to accept it." Almost like what we often hear on the FOB, I out rank you; I so order it, and that is all you need to know. But in this case that doesn't satisfy. We want more.

Ultimately, God's response to Job's questions and to ours come to us in the person of Jesus Christ. We who believe in God live in a world where sin and ignorance lead to suffering and death. Jesus himself suffered and died unfairly for these very reasons. And in Jesus' suffering and death we discover that God enters into our suffering and gives us courage and strength to bear it. What God is saying to us is not, "I'm God and you are not, you just have to accept it." He is not saying that He is the Commander in Chief of everything and He doesn't care how you feel. No, what God is saying to us is, "I am God, and I am with you in your suffering. If you allow me to come into your suffering, we can bring something good out of it."

A glimpse of some of the good that have come out of last Thursday's battle was apparent to me as I listened to the selfless acts of heroism on that fateful day. Our soldiers performed admirably when confronted with the full onslaught of an enemy who wanted nothing more than to take it every Bradley Fighting Vehicle and call Al Jazeera and have them film it for the world to see. They wanted to break the spirit of the American fighting soldier and particularly of some North Carolina National Guardsmen. But they did not understand the strength and maturity of the Old Hickory soldier. They only got lucky and once again we proved that we are as good a Brigade Combat Team as there is.

CPT Cash's and SPC Desens' and SFC Faulcon's lives were a gift and now it is time for us to use that gift in such a way that it brings honor to their memory.

     They have gone from us. Their mission on earth is over, but ours is not. We who remain have to live our lives yet. May God grant us the courage and wisdom to do so honorably. For we have all now crossed a distinct line and are a true band of brothers and sisters. For, "He who bleeds with me is my brother."

     PRAYER:

     "Eternal God, Supreme Commander of us all, Lord of the far-flung battle line, to whom all ranks of life report.

     We come before you today to honor and remember three American soldiers who have given their lives to defend their families and their nation.

     In the midst of this time, we acknowledge what is true, that you are indeed a great and mighty God. You give us life and hope. You preserve us from many, many of the enemy's wicked schemes. You love us and you protect us and you take care of our families while we are away.

     So we thank you, thank you for our friends who have given their lives for their country and for us. We seek to honor their sacrifice and remember them today. We pray you'll comfort their families and friends. And we pray now that you'll continue to be with us today and in the days to come.

 In    Jesus Name, Amen."

     Major Dan Marks, Brigade S-1 read the Eulogy.

  "SFC Earl D. Faulcon, Sr. was born July 17, 1955. He departed this earthly life on June 22, 2004

     SFC Faulcon was a veteran of Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran. An Active duty soldier for 18 years and served in the North Carolina National Guard for about 11 years.

     He was married to Beverly for almost 30 years and they had two sons, Earl, Jr. and Kengia, plus three grandchildren: Gianna, Kengia, Jr. and Nyesha.

     He was a graduate of Northwest Halifax High. At the young age of 18, Earl joined the US Army. He was employed by Blue Flame, Inc. where he became a permanent fixture throughout the community.

     Earl obtained two associate degrees (Criminal Justice and Industrial Maintenance) through Halifax Community College. SFC Faulcon was a hardworking and devoted husband and father.

     Specialist Daniel Alan Desens Jr. of Jacksonville, North Carolina was born September 1, 1983. He graduated from Lejeune High School June 1, 2001 and enlisted in the National Guard November 8, 2001. On the 14th of June 2002, he finished AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia and was awarded the 11Bravo, Infantry MOS. Prior to mobilization SPC Desens was a full time student at East Carolina University working on a degree in Physiology. SPC Desens was assigned to 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment as the gunner on Bradley A13 or RED 3.

     SPC Desens awards include:
     The Army Service Ribbon
     The Expert Marksmanship Badge with grenade bar
     The Marksmanship Badge with rifle bar
     The SSI /FWS for the 30th Brigade and 1st Infantry Division

     SPC Desens is survived by:
     His Father Daniel A. Desens Senior
     His Mother Patricia M. Desens
     And His sister Somer

     Captain Christopher Scott Cash of Winterville, North Carolina was born October 2nd, 1967. He enlisted in the Active Army as an Infantryman on January 31, 1986. Upon discharge, Captain Cash attended North Carolina Wesleyan College and East Carolina University earning degrees in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology respectively. While in school he enlisted in the National Guard, graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1995 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and branched Infantry. Prior to mobilization Captain Cash worked as an Exercise Physiologist. Captain Cash took command of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment on September 8, 2001.

     His previous assignments include:
     Assignment to the 82nd Airborne Division while enlisted
     He also served as a Platoon Leader in Bravo and Charlie companies 1 Battalion, 119th Infantry

     He is a graduate of:
     11B Infantry AIT
     Primary Leadership Development Course
     Officer Candidate School
     Infantry Officer Basic Course
     Infantry Officer Advance Course
     Captain's Career Course
     Airborne School
     Air Assault School
     And Ranger School

     His Awards include:
     The Army Service Ribbon
     NCO Professional Development Ribbon
     Army Achievement Medal w/ 4 OLC
     North Carolina Commendation Medal w 1 OLC
      Army Commendation Medal w 1 OLC
      National Defense Service Medal
     Humanitarian Service Medal for Hurricanes Fran and Floyd
     Parachute Badge
     Air Assault Badge
     Expert Infantry Badge
     Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Former Wartime Service for the 30th Brigade and 1st Infantry Division

     Captain Cash is survived by:
     His Wife Dawn
     And his two children:
     Christopher and Matthew

     Specialist Desens and Captain Cash will be awarded to Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star for their actions."

     The Honor Guard composed of twelve members from A Company, 1-120th Infantry Battalion then marched from the extreme left of the stage and stopped directly in front of the three camouflaged boxes that were positioned in front of the stage. The first three men then took one step forward and slowly imbedded the M-16 with a bayonet into the slit cut out in the top of the camouflaged wooden box. They then took one step back and offered a very slow salute to each imbedded rifle and made a left face and marched off to our right. Then the next three soldiers walked forward and placed a pair of desert boots on the box on each side of the rifle, took one step back and offered their salute and marched off. Then came the next three with identification necklaces or dog tags who performed the same movements. And lastly were the three soldiers carrying kevlar helmets, which they placed on top of the embedded M-16 rifles, offered their salutes and marched away.

     Then 50 yards to the left rear of the stage we could faintly hear the command, "Ready, aim, fire." The seven members of the firing detail were poised. We have grown so accustomed to the sound of war that few flinch when the first rounds are fired. We fire live rounds into the air in the direction of the rifle range and away from civilization. After three rounds are fired, we hear the sound of "Taps" played through the sound system. It is with a plenty of volume and it is clear. It is especially slow because there is a trumpet echoing each line, drawing the water out of our eyes and thrusting our hearts into our throats.

     Chaplain (CPT) Kevin Wainwright then offered our Benediction and I announce that our service has concluded.

     You would think that this would end the drama of the evening, but not on this occasion and especially today. There is little movement away from the Parade Field and hardly any conversation. People just stand and look at the memorial stands and some must sit where they are. BG Hickman walks to the front and offers a heartfelt salute to his fellow soldiers. Then without any form or order or rhythm so does another soldier and then another. Some stand back as if they are afraid that if they get too close they will break.

     There is a pause until a soldier in a boonie cap slowly stops in front of one of the memorial stands and takes out his knife and cuts off the Combat Infantrymen Badge off his desert camouflaged uniform and places it in front of one set of boots and then reaches into his pocket and places a chromed set of jump wings along with his unit's coin on the same stand. Later he comes to me and says that he served with Captain Cash on Active Duty with the 82nd Airborne Division and then he is unable to say any more.

     I look around and a few soldiers are visibly upset and others gather around them yet allow them some space. Our grief is private and our grief is corporate. I walk over to one Sergeant Major who has had to sit on the bleachers and place my arm around him and he grieves. The time silently spent looking off into the Iranian mountainside and pondering what has occurred is almost as long a period of time as the memorial ceremony itself.

     I am now so moved by our brigade's grief that I need time to walk. I underestimated the effect that this occasion would have on our soldiers. I have never witnessed such an open display of respect for another's life. Three of us decide to take the mile long walk back to our area. My helmet now doesn't seem to fit as my sinuses are full.

     About halfway back I look up and a HUMMWV has stopped on the road and two individuals get out. They begin walking in our direction and I notice that one is Command Sergeant Major Larry Morgan. I learn later that he is concerned that he cannot find his roommate and chaplain. He stops ten feet in front of me and salutes. I return his salute and we then silently walk back to the Brigade Command Building at a brisk pace. We pray to ourselves that we never again have to walk this walk. It is too real and fraught with too much pain.

Chaplain (LTC) Dennis Goodwin
30th Brigade Combat Team

Click to close