He was totally a great kid. He never gave me an ounce of trouble, ever. If I needed something, I could count on him.
    — Kelly Tulloch, Future Farmers of America advisor

    Conkrite had served in Iraq for one year, according to an AP obituary. His family had expected his tour to end two weeks before he was killed. Instead, his combat duty had been extended by three months.
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    Eight memories of Brud J. Cronkrite

    I went to basic with this guy. he truly was an amazing human being. He said he joined out of patriotism, he loved his country.

    One day he did an impression of one of our drill sgts. it was kinda out of the blue but it was really funny. even the Drills laughed. he was famous for it the rest of the time at basic.

    — Andrew
    January 3, 2009 at 2:38 p.m.

    He died on my birthday. Ironic that this may be he dies giving us freedom on a day that I was celebrating my birthday. I will forever be grateful to him and many more that are brave and go out there and do the job that I am so coward to do. I love you and I pray that your family will find comfort one day in knowing that you are one hell of a brave man and soldier!!!!!!!

    — Sheila
    June 9, 2009 at 12:43 a.m.

    SPC CONKRITE AT THE TIME I MEET HIM... HE WAS TASKED TO SHOWING THIS BRAND NEW PRIVATE AROUND POST UPON MY ARRIVAL... BEFORE QUICKLY SHIPPING OUT TO KUWAIT... HE SHOWED ME HOW TO TRUELY LOVE MY JOB AND DID NOT LET ME BE A LONER IN A CROWD OF NEW FACES... WE NEED MORE BRUDS IN THIS WORLD!!!!

    — DARIAN KOEHNE
    August 22, 2009 at 8:22 p.m.

    Brud was my 3rd cousin. I never had the honor of meeting him but I am so proud that he took on the responsibility of protecting the rights and freedoms that we all hold so dear to our hearts. What makes me even more proud are all the memories and comments that those who did know him are sharing. Thank you all from the botttom of my heart and those of all the family memebers Brud had who never really got to know him but can now through your memories and stories.

    — Steve Micke
    November 4, 2009 at 7:04 p.m.

    I went to basic with this guy he was a great person and his impressions were unforgettable. I remember him doing alot of push ups cuz of the amount of mail he received. I havent forgotten u my Friend!

    — Esteban Ramirez
    January 7, 2010 at 9:15 p.m.

    to my brother. yes its your sister. how do i love thee let me count the ways. you know your beatiful. what you did for us was beautiful. not every one takes a job that can take your life. come visit me in my dreams...i need a hug. i talk to you daily so you know the score. i love you. to all those that serive and those who have died. thank you and i love you all. to my now new family... peace, love and what there fighting for good happiness stuff.

    — messina
    April 20, 2010 at 10:58 p.m.

    Brud
    Remember when you were 5 and I lost you in the supermarket, and the time you skinned up your face so bad sliding down the big rock in my yard? You were so brave while I was falling apart. I will always remember how proud you were at your sisters wedding when you told me you were joining the service like your Grandpa. I wear your name on my wrist everyday to remind me want you sacrificed for all of us to insure our freedom. God bless you my friend, until we meet again...........

    — Tammy Burst
    June 6, 2010 at 9:46 p.m.

    One of the greateds uncle in the world. i was really young when you died all the stories i've been told about you, your one of the people i look up to. Glad you were a part of my life you well always be loved and never forgoten <3

    — Haley
    August 24, 2011 at 9:25 p.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 686 California servicemembers and 464 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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