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The words you never want to hear from a military officer or policeman. We heard them today.
Sharon and I were informed by the military today our son/stepson, Specialist Elijah Rao, was killed by an IED earlier today in Afghanistan. His convoy was stopped at the site of an explosion. Elijah stepped out of the humvee and within moments, another IED was detonated, taking Elijah out. Something we have feared for years, but hoped would not come to pass.
Elijah served an extended (15 month) tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May. Elijah has been posthumously promoted to Sargent E5, will receive the Purple Heart, and has been recommended to receive a Bronze Star.
He was an incredible, gentle, bright, loving person and this hits really, really hard. He has a wife and 1 1/2 year old daughter. The coming week will be very difficult. We were visited by two incredible Army officers earlier today and spent most of this evening with another. We have a lot of grief and ceremony to move through this week, and beyond.
We've cried about all we can cry today, I think, and now about all we know to do with ourselves is to let people know about our beloved Elijah.
Here's is picture I recently took of Elijah.
And some other images
Please pray for our brave young men and women, and their families, who risk their lives in that hell hole of the middle east to try to keep us safe at home.
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• 2010 Road Glide Custom ~ 103 ci kit ~ D&D FatCat 2-into-1 pipes ~ FrickenLoveToRideX in Black Denim paint with ABS and Cruise
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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2009 Road King 16" Apes, Rineharts, Pro Super Tuner
2008 Fat Bob, 103" S.E Stage II, S.E Stage I A/C, S.E Pro Super Tuner, Bassani Pro Streets, Burly Slammer Kit
I am sorry for your loss, prayers go out to your family....
Thank you for his service to our Country...
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2010 Ultra Classic Limited (Vivid Black & Black Ice)
10.5 to 1 pistons, se-255 cams,SE heavy breather A/C, Jackpot Pipes, Jackpot carbon fiber mufflers, Garmin 660 GPS, Harley Hammock seat, Harley Blutooth, Harley XM radio, SEST tuner, Chrome front end, Chrome handgroup J&M 7.25 & 5.25 ...etc.
Lots Of Chrome = No Money
Every day on a Harley is a great day!!
The words... "I regret to inform you..."
Black Pearl - The Fastest Color.... Vivid Black - The CHEAPEST Color....
