30 November 2006, This last weekend I explained that the camp was under a gag order and that entails having our Internet and phones shut down until such time that the immediate family of a soldier who has died will be able to be notified without interference from others. Today, we had a ceremony for that soldier.

2 LT Scott Lundell

I did not have the honor of knowing Lt Lundell, although at some point during our training our paths might have crossed. I do consider it an honor, now, to speak of him here. Lt. Lundell joined the Utah National Guard in June 2004. He volunteered with several others from Utah to become part of Task Force Phoenix V as an Embedded Training Team. His job was to help mentor the Afghanistan National Army and he deployed with them downrange. On November 25, he died during an attack by insurgents in Terin Kot, Afghanistan.

For his actions here, he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife, 2 sons, 2 daughters and his mother. I saw many of his comrades at the ceremony and it was also my honor to serve as an usher during the ceremony.

2 Timothy 4:7,8

7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

"The Soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war" - General Douglas MacArthur.

The globe above is a creation of Mimi and is a prayer for peace that she started on November 7. I dedicate this one to the memory of 2LT Lundell for his service to his family, his country and his God.