John E. Allen, 25

Jennifer - From Lancaster, Ca

I Will Soar Again

With my back turned, you betrayed me
on a quiet peaceful day.

Then suddenly, without warning,
your attack was upon me.

All the feathers that have fallen
can never be replaced.

But of the ones that still remain,
have strength to honor their space.

For now, I wait. I watch. I heal.
With pride you could not contain.

For the one thing that is certain,
with courage!.I WILL soar again!

He iS a good person.

John could do amazing tricks, such as multiple back flips in a row, or balance on a limb of a tree. I think it's because he trusted himself and had no fear. One time he was doing these tricks at a little boy's birthday party dressed up in a spiderman costume. He soared through the air, climbed trees and flipped around with such grace that these little boys actually thought he was the one-and-only Spiderman. I remember the next day he was hurting bad, but word got around and he did these stunts one more time at another birthday party the following month - just because he enjoyed having the kids light up at his presence.

I never had the opportunity to meet you but I have been blessed to have your mom in my life as a friend. Special thoughts of you both this Memorial Day.

I went to high school with John. He always made me laugh, and he had the most sincere smile. It was one of a kind. I was so sadden when I read that he passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and as to all families with loved one servicing our country. I also love the picture of John... he was always smiling..

Allen was the epitome of the Soldier Medic. Wether he treated Soldiers with minor colds, back and knee aches, or traumatic wounds, he always gave the best possible care, and he was always eager to see another patient.
His devotion to family was solid, and he was never shy about it. For weeks he worked on a sketch of a photo of him and his wife. I hope she got that drawing because he was so excited to finish it and send it to her. Allen was one of the best Soldier Medics I've had the opportunity to work with, and I know that my brief time with him is just a glimpse of his immense character.