Brud J. Cronkrite, 22

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.

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!!!!!!!

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!!!!

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.

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!

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.

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...........

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

SGT Brud J. Cronkrite, It has been eight years since that fateful day in Karbala, Iraq, and as your Company Commander (C/1-37AR) there still has yet to be a day since 13 MAY 2004 that I have not seen your face. I remember that day with such excruciatingly exact detail that I simply cannot un-think or un-see what happened that day and why.

To your parents, I sincerely hope that our visit at Arlington Cemetery and the following discussion of what exactly happened and where the blame/failure of leadership/buck stops with me, helped in some way to provide a sense of closure and some minor form of comfort.

Regardless, the unfortunate end is the same. Brud is no longer here with us. I don't think I will ever be able to completely recover from what I failed to do to prevent this from happening. Some days I see Brud while I'm driving down the road, or I see him when I go to the hospital, or at other completely unpredictable and random times. You are always with me. You were a amazing soldier who was respected by your subordinates, peers, and "superiors" alike.

I often wish that decisions could be unmade, that better protective measures were taken, and that I had been a better commander.

Mr. and Mrs. Cronkrite, my heart truly goes out to you, not just now, but always, and I can only hope for your eventual forgiveness in my failure to bring your son home to you.

W. Thomas Byrns
Major, U.S. Army (Retired)