Kyle A. Coumas - Recent Comments - California's War Dead - L.A. Times

Shaun Young on October 24, 2015

Sat, 24 Oct 2015 04:40:36 -0700

A few things stick in my mind from my deployment in Afghanistan, but the most significant to me is the story of PFC/SPC Kyle Coumas. He worked in the HHC mayor cell, doing the mail when I was there. I remember one day about a month into the deployment, he was doing some business for HHC at the Operations Center. I was the brigade battle captain during the deployment (basically on shift for 14-16 hrs, workout, and sleep), so I had a lot less free time than most. I happened to run into him and he said "Oh, CPT Young, you need to come get you mail, you've got about enough to fill a duffel and haven't picked it up since we arrived." Essentially I told him I wouldn't be able to, because during his mail room hours I would be on shift, and I'd send one of my Soldiers to get it. Doing the right thing, he said no, he can only give mail to the person addressed (even with the circumstances we were in over there). So I told him I'd try to get the mail soon. A couple days go by and I didn't pick it up, he comes to the TOC to see me. Carrying in my mail, he told me "Don't worry sir, I'll take care of you." From that point forward, he brought me mail 2-3 times a week on his spare time. He did it because I was about the only guy that really didn't have time to get mail, and he knew the immeasurable impact mail had on Soldiers. I'll never forget his desire to do what was right and his display of selfless service and I'll be forever indebted to him, for something that seems so trivial, but was so huge. Especially during those first months. I'll not forget my brother at arms.

Bobby v on June 2, 2014

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:02:41 -0700

Gone but never forgotten bro.

Meghan FItzpatrick on April 6, 2014

Sun, 06 Apr 2014 10:44:45 -0700

Stateside, long before this deployment, Kyle was a good friend. I remember when my boyfriend at the time and I had some ugly fight, and Kyle, never assuming like so few others, invited me to talk. I also remember when Kyle would seek me out if I had mail, both stateside and later Afghanistan. I remember hearing about his death. That same boyfriend turned husband came to my tent with tears in his eyes and said "It was Coumas! Kyle Coumas is dead!". He sobbed. It became real for me at that moment. Our brigade had lost many, but this was my first friend. I had stood at many ramp side briefings, but this is the first one I struggled not to cry at (despite tears running down my cheeks). He was a great, loyal man and an even better friend. And my aforementioned boyfriend, well he became my husband, and then like so many army marriages, my ex-husband. And he also died in Afghanistan. Only 3 years later on Mar 11, 2013. May God take them all and keep them. And may he bless them for eternity and ever after. <3 Meg

Alicia Poore on February 3, 2013

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 01:57:20 -0800

Kyle Coumas is the Ultimate definition and Embodyment of, Pure Hearted True American Hero! I am proud that I had the honor of working with him. All who knew him will never forget. Kyle stays with us in our hearts everyday. This Hero freely and honorably paid for our/every US citizens freedom! <3

SGT Aly Melchor on May 21, 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:42:52 -0700

Coumas and I were the Brigade mail clerks the first two months of our deployment. We would sort endless amounts of mail in 130 degree weather. At the end of the day we would be tired and sweaty but he worked so hard to make sure all the Soldiers got their mail. Several nights we would go to the MWR and play X Box till late at night then wake up and do it again! We parted ways in the beggining of October 2010. He went to 1-17 IN and I went to 2-1 IN. Such a great kid. RIP I miss you!

Derek MacDougall on August 16, 2011

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 03:39:15 -0700

When kyle came to our Platoon as always he was the new guy but I took him in and we instantly became brothers because we fought next to eachother each and every day, we became real close because we were roommates but also together all day everyday. I road in the vehicle with kyle and that day i remember we were bickering back and forth to eachother and then laughing at the responses we would come up with trying to make the best of our time. I was also inside the vehicle that day and his loss was hard. I had the oppurtunity to meet kyles family and they are now my family.

Jennifer Balestracci on July 3, 2011

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 06:34:52 -0700

I remember Kyle back in high school. I'd hang out in the band/choir room after school and he was always around. He was one of the nicest kids around. He would play in the pit for school shows if they needed an orchestra. He was always a good friend. When I heard about his death, I broke down crying because I knew that we wouldn't have his smiling face around anymore. He is truly missed by everyone and he is always in my thoughts and my heart. Miss you Kyle.

Douglas Cone on May 30, 2011

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:43:21 -0700

I first met Kyle before we left for Afghanistan. When we first got there he was placed in charge of starting the mail distro point. I would come by and talk to him, and he would always let me know if my wife sent me anything. He seemed to always welcome people with a smile, and was just nice to everyone. He was professional, and brought everyones spirits up. He was excited to do his job, and would do anything for his fellow soldiers. Every loss was hard, but his was felt across the BDE. God bless him, and his family.

Crystal on June 11, 2010

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:18:53 -0700

I am so sorry for your loss. Your Kyle was replacing my Kyle who was discharged due to health reasons right before being discharged. There are no words to speak of how I feel, but I wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I pray GOD will give you the strength you need.

Aaron Beadles on November 2, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:33:46 -0800

I'm sorry for what happen to him I hope the people who did this feel sorry and get the right punishment that GOD has prepared for them. Sorry, for what happened Aaron Beadles