It made me feel less alone. The fact that he takes the time to acknowledge this person -- who was someone's son, someone's brother, someone's uncle -- just helps with the healing a little bit.
    — Pauline Pritchett, sister, on the governor flying flags at half staff to honor war dead.

    Although he had served for at least 15 years, Watkins never moved beyond the rank of corporal. "Because he didn't want to," said Robert C. J. Parry who served with him in the California National Guard. "He was happy being down in the trenches with the guys."
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    Seven memories of Glenn J. Watkins

    I'll never forget you, brother.

    — A Nightstalker
    May 25, 2008 at 10:25 p.m.

    What is not said here is Glenn Watkins had volunteered for his first tour of duty in Iraq. He moved from California to Washington to deploy with another unit since he felt that strongly about the ideals behind the war. After completing his first one year tour, he found out that his brothers from his old unit were deploying and he volunteered to stay another year with us. His experience and light hearted personality was welcomed into our unit with open arms once again. He never made it home...and died in an early morning patrol in South Baghdad just about two and a half months into his second year in Iraq. If you met him on the street, you would have never figured out that this guy was a quiet hero.

    I think of you often brother.

    — A fellow Nightstalker
    May 26, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.

    I'll always remember the times we pulled guard together,partied, trained @ camp Bob. I'll especially remember your little Jewish hat you wore under your kevlar.

    — Killer Co. A 1/184
    May 27, 2008 at 7 p.m.

    I never knew Glenn because I was new to the company. But I remember that day as it was yesterday. One of the worst days of my life.

    — 2nd Platoon
    June 17, 2008 at 11:35 a.m.

    I never had the honor of meeting Corporal Watkins. My husband and I rode in a Memorial Bike Ride last 9/11. At the Memorial Event, cards with fallen warriors were passed out. My husband and I were honored to receive the card of Corporal Glenn J. Watkins. The card was carried in my chest pocket, right next to my heart. I never met Corporal Watkins, but his spirit rode with us last year. I still have the card, it will ride with us again and so will his spirit. I just wanted his family and friends to know he is not forgotten. Williamsport, PA

    — Brenda Hall
    September 10, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.

    Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice so that the people in America can continue living free. There are alot of people in this country that have no clue, respect or honor for those like you that paid the ultimate price to live the way that we do in America. Living free is not free, it comes at a very high price. You payed that price for the Country you loved. Although I never knew you Glenn, I thank you and honor you. God Bless you, Ronald Weber
    PS. Parent of a US Marine

    — ronald weber
    June 10, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.

    Thinking of you today, brother. I think of you a lot.

    — A Nightstalker
    May 30, 2010 at 3:06 a.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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