I knew this soldier.

My mom and sister and I were watching the news last night. I don't usually watch the news, but it was on and I was reading a magazine. I heard the name "Aaron Holleyman" and I looked up. Suddenly on the TV screen I saw a familiar face as the announcer said that Aaron had died in Iraq. Oh my god, no. Not Aaron. Oh my god.

me: Kathy, come in here. Look at the TV. It's Aaron.
mom: who?
Kathy: oh my god
me: Aaron, mom. Kelly's brother. Glenda and Ross's son. From church camp.
mom: is that your friends who lived in Glasgow who you went to see that time?
me: yes! oh my god. Poor Kelly. Poor Glenda.
(TV announcer): Holleyman leaves behind a wife and three young children . . .

My heart sank as I remembered meeting Kelly at church camp, spending time with her there over 4 summers. Playing volleyball and basketball with her and Aaron.

Talking to her mom, who I thought was so beautiful, and the coolest mom in the world. Their little brother Daniel, whose sweetness and lack of being annoying for being so young amazed me.  Aaron talking me into giving him a necklace my sister had beaded for me because he thought it was so cool.

Going to visit them over a long weekend and having so much fun with such a great family. They are all truly good people.

Most teenage boys are selfish and mean and care only about themselves, but I can honestly say in those years that I knew Aaron Holleyman, I never experienced him to be anything but caring and respectful.

When I moved away from Montana after high school I lost touch with the Holleymans, but if they happen to Google this: I love you guys. I am so heart-broken for your loss. Aaron was a good man and he is my hero.

I hope that you will read more about Aaron's service here:
Parker Hahn
Great Falls Tribune
Billings Gazette
MilitaryCity.com
Missippi News
The Children of Heroes

I will write more about Aaron next week, after I have time to find some pictures. Everyone please say a prayer for those in Iraq and their families. Pray especially for Aaron's 3 small children and their mother, his parents, and his sister and brother. Click here to read my next entry about Aaron.

Comments

[Kelly]

My heart always breaks when I hear about another soldier dieing. They sacrifice so much for us. My thoughts will be with Aaron and his family and friends. God Bless America.
With love~
Kelly

[Sue]

I'm so sorry Jen :( That is a tragedy. The whole situation in Iraq is a senseless, horrible tragedy.

Thinking of you

Sue

[CaraH]

Oh how much heartbreak there is everywhere. I am so sorry for these families.

[emily]

So sorry about your friend.

[Jenni]

Jen,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend!
Jenni

[Jen A--Evelyn's Mommy]

I'm so sorry, Jen.

[Steph]

I went to high school with Aaron in Glasgow. He truly was an exceptional man.

[tormann]

I will pray for Aaron and i will pray that that senseless killing in Iraq will stop asap.We germans never supported that war.I have been in your beautiful state of Montana and i wish Aaron could still enjoy that peacful landscape.

[Gayla]

My name is Gayla Holleyman, and I am Aaron's wife. I remember when three dress greens came to my door. Aaron was killed the day before my daughter's birthday. He was her stepfather, but the only father she ever knew. My teenage son was hurt tremendously. It affected his school work, as he tried to come to grips with what had happened. We had three children together....Shelby, who is now 3, Zachary who is 2, and Erin who is 6. We miss him, and wish that this had never happened. Sometimes it feels as if it's a bad dream....one that we will eventually awake from, but never do. He believed so much in what they were doing, that he volunteered to go back in July, even though he did not have to, due to a perferrated eardrum he sustained from the first trip. He was our hero, and he will always be remembered....never forgotten...my fallen soldier.

Gayla Holleyman

[Mike Murieen]

My name is TSgt Mike Murieen, I am active-duty USAF. I went to school in Glasgow & went to the Holleymans church for awhile. So I knew Aaron & Kelly a bit, having been to Iraq with the Army myself this still hits home. I always remember Aaron as such a stand-up guy. I was stationed in South Korea when Aaron was killed and remember not being able to believe it. I know this happened in 2004, but I believe we can never forget American heroes; especially one as special as Aaron. I don't know if anyone will ever read this but I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to all of Aarons family and friends. There are those of us that will never forget the ultimate sacrifice your son/brother/husband/father & friend made for the greater good of the United States and fellow brothers & sisters in arms.