My Friend, Wally Price.

I saw on the news tonight that longtime EnergySolutions Arena/Delta Center/Salt Palace usher Wally Price has died. Wally was a coworker. And a friend.

Wally worked at the "back" entrance, where the players and VIP's came and left.  Legend has it that when Larry H Miller designed his arena, he asked Wally where he wanted to work and built the rest of the arena around it. When Larry died, Wally spent 3 hours in line at the viewing, despite the fact that several people, including at least one Miller family member, told him that he didn't have to wait, he could go to the front of the line.  Wally refused, because he was "regular people," and regular people waited in line.

That was Wally.  He was regular people.  If the ushers had to pick up folding chairs after the game, Wally was right there helping, until our boss told Security to escort him away. This happened multiple times, but Wally wasn't going to let being in his 90s be an excuse for not doing something.

Wally was excited when he discovered that I was a fellow Mormon Democrat.  After he discovered this, he always would find something to say to me about the Republicans, the Tea Party, the Legislature, or President Obama.  Sometimes he'd just greet me with "How's my favorite Democrat?"

One of Wally's favorite things to say when people told him it was good to see him was "It's better to be seen than to be viewed."  I asked him what it meant, and his reply was that if you're being seen, you are breathing and have a pulse, but if you're being viewed, it means that you're lying in a box in the Relief Society Room.

The last time I sat down and spoke with Wally, it was a Jazz game about six weeks ago.  I asked him how he was doing.  He said that he had a few things wrong with him, but that was expected of a man his age.  I told him that a man half his age would be doing good with only a few things wrong with him.  He told me that he probably wouldn't be alive much longer, but if he's still around when I ran for office, that I needed to call him so that he could be my first endorsement.  I told him that I've heard the "I'm dying" talk for him for the past decade, and that I had given up believing him, and that he would be one of the first people I'd contact if I ever ran for office.

Godspeed Wally Price.  Until we meet again, my friend.

In Memory: Todd Taylor

I don't have a picture of me with Todd Taylor. This makes me sad. However, this picture of him with Rob Miller is a great one.

When I read on Twitter that Todd had died, I cried. I cried as if I had lost a brother.

Well, because in a way, I did.

I don't recall ever meeting Todd. Then, one day in 2007, in response to a blog post saying I was looking for a job, I got an email from Todd. Only I didn't realize it was THE Todd, because he didn't include his last name (I had worked for the Democratic Party for months before I realized that the "Todd" who frequently commented on my blog posts was THAT Todd). He was sending me details about a job at Utah Democratic Party HQ. Well, it wasn't so much details as "We've got a job for you. Call this person for an interview." My interview was basically "Todd said I should hire you. Here's what we're doing. Are you in?"

I remember my co-workers faces of dread whenever Todd would show up to a staff meeting. When Todd was there, meetings were never short. It's because once Todd got going on a subject, he kept going. And most of the kids I worked with really didn't understand Todd. I found myself on more than one occasion translation Todd-ese into English.

However, I did. Todd and I were cut from the same mold. I never really understood that until we were sitting in the hotel bar late one night in Denver.

It was late at night, and a bunch of us were sitting around B.S.ing. Most people had gone to bed. Several Utah reporters were there, and Todd made it clear early and often that everything was off the record (With Todd, every conversation was "off the record," unless he told me afterword to go start typing. Usually those conversations were held in the parking garage).. It was Todd telling story after story. He also got a little personal talking about how much of an introvert he really was. I, myself, am quite introverted and appreciated that there was a niche for me. Like Todd, I also took life as a series of experiences meant to educate us. And that education is meant to be shared.

I've let the narrative get me sidetracked. But, since Todd once told me that is favorite blog posts of mine were the ones where he knew I didn't care if anybody was reading, I'll move back to a couple of experiences. One was a time when he wrote an email regarding yard signs to send out to candidates. Well, it wasn't so much an email as it was a novel. He discussed things right down why certain color schemes work and don't work and how fast someone should be able to drive and still be able to get the most out of you sign I think of that email every time I see a bad yard sign. And there are many bad yard signs.

Another great moment was when I had written a post that dealt mostly with inner-office politics. He called me into his office, made me close the door, and he gently rebuked me for posting about things that happened in the office without clearing it through him. When I asked him if I should take the post down, he said "No. I want to see if [then Utah Democratic Chair] Wayne [Holland] reads your blog like he says he does. When he reads it, he'll yell at me, and I'll let you know it's time to take it down." That post is still up.

As knowledgeable as Todd was, he wasn't afraid to admit when he wasn't an expert on something. He invited me to sit in his office to listen in on a conference-call training regarding blogs and ads. Most of the conversation was over his head, but he wasn't afraid to ask questions. That is the mark of a real genius.

I really wish that somewhere out there, there is a book of wisdom written by Todd. That is a book I would purchase, and give to my friends. I would also offer to translate it into English for them.

One of the last conversations Todd and I had was 52 weeks ago today. I had bitten off more than I could chew by organizing a rally in the capitol rotunda. It was about 2 hours before the rally was supposed to start, and he found me in the capitol cafeteria. He stopped, asked how things were going, and then changed the subject to something non-political. After about 15 minutes, he said "No matter what happens, you've done good today. Don't ever forget that."

Right back at ya, Todd.

(First photo stolen from Rob Miller on Facebook. Second photo stolen from JM Bell on Facebook)

RIP Ted Kennedy

The Democratic National Convention paid tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy on June 25, 2008.

Exactly one year later, Senator Kennedy died of brain cancer.

here is that tribute:

RIP John Hughes: "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. "

Even though I was in high school in the mid-90's, when John Hughes was on the down slope of his career, John Hughes defined my high school days.



Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain...
...and an athlete...
...and a basket case...
...a princess...
...and a criminal...
Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.

President Obama Remembers Walter Cronkite

Watch CBS Videos Online

And that's the way it is....

Walter Cronkite announced his retirement from the CBS evening news on my first birthday. Therefore, I have no memories of watching him deliver the news.

Yet, at the same time, he occupies some deep memories in my head. I feel like I'm missing something if I watch the Apollo 11 landing without his voice.



Many other events are linked in my mind with Cronkite: JFK Assassination and Vietnam are embedded with his voice.

The world lost an important man today. Yet, I don't think it will get the overage other recent celebrity deaths have gotten. And that's too bad.

-Bob

(video hat tip: The Daily Beast)

RIP Sam Weller

Sam Weller's is the coolest place downtown. He built a legacy.

Tribune:

Sam Weller, the venerable Salt Lake City bookseller, whose business thrived for more than 80 years despite threats from downtown redevelopment, a devastating fire and encroachment from national bookstore chains, died Tuesday. He was 88.

Weller was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States when he was just a child. His father, Gus, founded the Zion Bookstore in 1921. Weller took over the business when he was just 24, later changing the name to Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore. The store has been located at 254 South Main Street since 1961.

Family and friends say the business survived thanks to Weller's passion and foresight. He expanded the store's selection of nonfiction books about the West, and built one of the largest selections of used books west of the Mississippi.

Former Congressman Bill Orton 1948-2009

I only had a few interactions with Former Congressman Bill Orton.

One was at a Christmas party for the Utah Democratic Party staff members in 2007. Bill was sitting next to me, and my friend/coworker Alan was sitting across from him. Alan has only lived in Utah for a few years, and was fairly new to the political scene. In the middle of the meal, he looks at the Congressman and says "Who are you, what do you do?"

Congressman Orton thought it was funny.

At the Democratic National Convention in Denver, he was getting his sons involved with blogging. It was fun to see him interact with his sons.

When he ran for Governor in 2000, he became the first Democrat I voted for.

With news of his passing, I have yet another person in politics I wish I had gotten to know better.

-Bob

In Memory of "Net Man"

Between my two jobs, I meet many unique individuals.

One of those guys was known as "net man."

If you have been to a Salt Lake Bees baseball game, you know who I'm talking about. There was a gentleman who sat on the front row down the first base line, between the dugout and the bullpen. He had a long net that he used to scoop up foul balls.

What most people didn't see is what happened to those balls.

He would turn around and give them to kids. He'd usually try to hand them to a kid who was behaving themselves.

His reward was the smile on their faces.

Not only did he attend most Bes home games, but would also travel to one or two road series a season.

His name was Dave Pratt, who worked as a civilian contractor at Hill AFB.

He died last weekend. He will be missed.

-Bob

4000 Dead, a mosaic

Roll The Dice to See if I'm Going to Heaven!

Gary Gygax, one of the co-creators of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, according to Stephen Chenault, CEO of Troll Lord Games.

Gygax designed the original D&D game with Dave Arneson in 1974, and went on to create the Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventure RPGs, as well as a number of board games. He also wrote several fantasy novels.

"I don't think I've really grokked it yet," said Mike Mearls, the lead developer of the upcoming 4th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. "He was like the cool uncle that every gamer had. He shaped an entire generation of gamers."

The nerds of the office will be mourning....

A Hardcore Democrat til the end, 1926-2008

(Hat tip: Out of Context, highlighted by me.)

Florence Kaplan Strindberg 1926 ~ 2008 Florence Kaplan Strindberg, born Oct. 8, 1926 in Bronx, New York to Sarah and Meyer Kaplan, died February 5, 2008 in Salt Lake City. Florence brought her keen wit and intellect to all that she undertook in her life. She graduated from Brooklyn College and then worked as a welfare case worker in Harlem. She subsequently obtained a masters degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve. While living in Cleveland her activities opposing Senator McCarthy and the Korean War lead to 25 years of FBI surveillance, which did nothing to deter her later opposition to American incursions in Vietnam, Iraq, Grenada, Panama, Guatemala, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq and various covert operations too numerous to name. She is survived by her two absolutely wonderful children, Erik Strindberg (Karen Wikstrom) and Gail Strindberg (Kurt Alloway) who thank her for instilling in them a sense of humanity but will continue to blame her for any problems or difficulties they experience in life. She achieved the goal of any Jewish mother when her son became a lawyer and her daughter a surgeon. She was a loving grandmother to Elsa, Jack, Kaio and Saige, grand-dog Rosie and great-grand-dog Max. Florence met the love of her life, Justin Miller, while hiking with the Union County Hiking Club in New Jersey. She and Justin resided in Montclair, Union and Washington Borough, New Jersey prior to relocating to Utah, so Justin could ski the Wasatch Mountains and Florence could, eventually, spoil her grandchildren. She was director of older adult services for the JCC in Essex County New Jersey for many years where she was fondly known as Mrs. Steinberg. She later served as Executive Director of Prospect House, a psycho-social rehabilitation center located in East Orange, New Jersey. She was a leader in psycho-social rehab, helping countless individuals gain independence and self sufficiency. She was a masterful manager, mentoring countless mental health professionals. She was president of the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, later serving on its board of directors. While in Utah, Florence continued her service to the community serving as President of the Board of Trustees of Jewish Family Services and serving on the board of Cornerstone Counseling. Florence turned her Salt Lake City balcony into a lush garden. She had a great vocabulary and used this skill masterfully in many games of Scrabble. She was unable to convey her well-developed bridge acumen to any of her progeny. Florence has graciously donated her body to the University of Utah. A celebration of her life will be held Friday evening 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Florence's and Justin's home. In lieu of flowers, Florence requests that you vote Democratic in November. Rumors that she voted in the Democratic primary shortly after her death remain unconfirmed.

Statement From Wayne Holland, Utah Democratic Chair, on Gordon B Hinckley

A statement from Wayne Holland, Chair of the Utah Democratic Party on the death of LDS President Hinckley

It is customary for organizations to release short statements of condolence at the death of prominent community leaders. Upon learning of the death of Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found it impossible to sum up the Utah Democratic Party’s feelings about his leadership in a few short words. Utah Democrats appreciate his contributions to the world and our community too much to let his passing be memorialized with a one paragraph statement.

Utah Democrats embrace diversity as a source of strength in our community rather than a reason for division. President Hinckley exemplified this principle more than any other Utahn. He did more than just outreach to people around the world. In various LDS temple dedications and other services, he celebrated our cultural differences and, in doing so, helped us all discover the common humanity that we share. President Hinckley demonstrated this value with his good works around the globe and here at home in Utah .

Utah Democrats are constant advocates that access to government services be as widespread as possible. This principle is reminiscent of President Hinckley’s commitment to improving the access of LDS Church members to facilities where they could participate in sacred temple ordinances without undue travel and financial hardship aiding many LDS faithful who previously had little hope of ever attending far-away temples. Again, the work of his life demonstrated our common values.

President Hinckley wrote two books that many Utah Democrats cherish. Democrats in Utah and around the country are familiar with his 2000 book “Standing for Something.” The book speaks to people of all political persuasions and all faiths expounding on common personal virtues that bring us together as a community and help uplift us. The Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States , Sen. Joseph Lieberman, was featured on the dust jacket of that book. While the book focuses on ten specific values, it provided Democrats in Utah with another virtue – courage, the courage to stand for their convictions which are based on the ten virtues that he did write about.

The other book of importance to Utah Democrats was President Hinckley’s biography “James Henry Moyle: The Story of a Distinguished American and an Honored Churchman” published in 1951. James Moyle was the first Chairman of the Utah State Democratic Party and our party’s nominee for governor and the United States Senate in the first two decades of our State’s history. He served on the Democratic National Committee until 1932. Mr. Moyle was a prominent attorney who went to law school in Michigan with George Sutherland, who later became a Supreme Court Justice. Moyle would serve in the Treasury Department of two national administrations for Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This book is an important historical document for the Utah Democratic Party and we are grateful to President Hinckley for his work on this important text.

Another thing we need to mention is President Hinckley’s dedication to openness both with the news media and in the political process though establishment of the Public Affairs Committee. The establishment of this important Church committee institutionalized a method of communication between the Church and the secular world. He used it masterfully, empowering the committee to meet with local and national officials and arranging numerous interviews with the national and local news media, increasing transparency about the LDS Church and its positions.

As an example: For years, politicians and the news media have treated political statements coming from the LDS Church administration as though they were delivered in some code that could only be discerned by the worthy. One particular instance took place in May of 1998 when Elder Marlin Jensen speaking for the LDS Church made its strongest public statement to that date about the need for political diversity among members, while expressing concerns the Republican Party is becoming the “church party.” The statement was immediately dismissed by then Congressman James V. Hansen who insisted that if the LDS Church really meant what Elder Jensen had said it would have come from President Hinckley. So, at a later date when President Hinckley was asked at the National Press Club, “Given the platform and positions taken by the Democratic Party, can you be a good church member and a Democrat?” He answered, “Yes, I think so.” He thus put an end to the debate.

Finally, on a personal note, I will always appreciate the words of comfort that he brought to the family and friends of former Congressman Wayne Owens by speaking at his funeral services. Congressman Owens was a close friend and mentor to me. I will never forget President Hinckley’s comment that, “Any man who is engaged in the cause of peace is engaged in the cause of Christ. That was the essence of Wayne 's life.” President Hinckley offered his comfort to thousands of others in a similar manner that I know will always be appreciated.

The world has lost an irreplaceable role model who taught us how to reach out to one another and appreciate our diversity. He showed us the importance of access to the facilities and services that are important to conducting our lives in a fulfilling manner. He taught us to stand for something and live our virtues. He gave Utah Democrats an important text telling of our Party’s history. And, he was a community leader, who brought some openness and transparency through his willingness to talk to the public. We thank his family for sharing him with us and supporting his efforts. We thank the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint for providing us with such an inspiring leader. At this time our prayers are with them.

Some of my favorite Gordon B Hinckley Quotes

"Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

“Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith.”

"It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

"the only way to get anything done is to get on your knees and plead for help and then get on your feet and go to work."

"How grateful I am, how grateful we all must be for the women in our lives."

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. i say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us,...if we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."

"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart."

Gordon B Hinckley: 1910-2008

I've been trying to compose a message about my great love for LDS Church President Gordon B Hinckley, but the words just won't come tonight.

But the AP has a great story out:

SALT LAKE CITY - Gordon B. Hinckley, the longest-serving president of the Mormon church who presided over one of the greatest periods of expansion in its history, died Sunday, a church spokesman said. He was 97.

Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died because of complications from age and was surrounded by his family.

"His life was a true testament of service, and he had an abiding love for others," said U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican and fellow Mormon. "His wit, wisdom, and exemplary leadership will be missed by not only members of our faith, but by people of all faiths throughout the world."

Hinckley had been diagnosed with diabetes and was hospitalized in January 2006 for the removal of a cancerous growth in his large intestine. In April 2006, he told a church conference he was in the "sunset of my life" and "totally in the hands of the Lord."

By unfailing tradition, at a church president's death, the church's most senior apostle is ordained within days on a unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. The most long-serving apostle now is Thomas S. Monson.

The church presidency is a lifetime position. Before Hinckley, the oldest church president was David O. McKay who was 96 when he died in 1970.

Hinckley, a grandson of Mormon pioneers, was president for nearly 13 years. He took over as president and prophet on March 12, 1995 and oversaw one of the greatest periods of expansion in church history. The number of temples worldwide more than doubled, from 49 to more than 120 and church membership grew from about 9 million to more than 12 million.

Like his contemporary, Pope John Paul II, he became by far his church's most traveled leader in history. And the number of Mormons outside the United States surpassed that of American Mormons for the first time since the church, the most successful faith born in the United States, was founded in 1830.

Hinckley began his leadership role in 1995 by holding a rare news conference, citing growth and spreading the Mormon message as the church's main challenge heading into the 21st century.

"We are dedicated ... to teaching the gospel of peace, to the promotion of civility and mutual respect among people everywhere, to bearing witness to the living reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the practice of his teachings in our daily lives," Hinckley said.

Over the years, Hinckley labored long to burnish the faith's image as a world religion far removed from its peculiar and polygamous roots. Still, during his tenure the Roman Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Convention and United Methodist Church — the three largest U.S. denominations — each declared that Mormon doctrines depart from mainstream Christianity.

"We are not a weird people," Hinckley told Mike Wallace on "60 Minutes" in 1996.

"The more people come to know us, the better they will understand us," Hinckley said in an interview with The Associated Press in late 2005. "We're a little different. We don't smoke. We don't drink. We do things in a little different way. That's not dishonorable. I believe that's to our credit."

Hinckley's grandfather knew church founder Joseph Smith and followed Brigham Young west to the Great Salt Lake Basin. He often spoke of the Mormon heritage of pioneer sacrifice and its importance as a model for the modern church.

"I think as long as history lasts there will be an interest in the roots of this work, a very deep interest," Hinckley said in a 1994 interview with the AP.

"Because insofar as the people of the church are concerned, without a knowledge of those roots and faith in the validity of those roots, we don't have anything," he said.

In 1997, Hinckley seemed to drive that point home in his orchestration of the lavish sesquicentennial celebration of the Mormons' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. The yearlong festivities featured a TV-friendly reenactment of the dramatic Mormon exodus from the Midwest by handcart and covered wagon.

Born June 23, 1910, in Salt Lake City, Hinckley graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in arts and planned to attend graduate school in journalism. Instead, a church mission took him to the British Isles.

Upon his return, he became executive director of the newly formed Church Radio, Publicity, and Mission Literature Committee at $60 a month. Hinckley always worked for the church, except for a brief stint during World War II as a railroad agent.

Hinckley was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, whom he married in 1937. She died April 6, 2004.

Best Heath Ledger Moments

Since everyone else has commented on Heath Ledger, I'll give my two bits.

Gov Rampton

Many Blogs out there will have personal stories about Governor Cal Rampton, who passed away Sunday Night.

I don't.

Gov Rampton left office two years before I was born. Makes you feel old, doesn't it? While he hung around for annother 30 years, I never had the opportunity to meet the man.

I would have liked to, but the opportunity never presented itself.

I have enjoyed hearing stories about him, though. I remember reading an account in a Holly Mullen column a few years back about the lunches he held at the Alta Club. When the Utah Republican Party moved their headquarters there a few years ago, he switched sides of the table so that his back faced the window, and the Republicans.

This was a man who lost several elections, but did not let that keep him away from politics. There is a lesson in that somewhere, especially for a Democrat in Utah in the year 2007.

But, let's not dwell on the past, but lok to the future.

It seems that many people have mentioned that Gov Rampton was their first introduction into politics. And tha lead me to wonder: who will be that introduction to future generations?

I have some ideas, but what do you think?

EFY Founder Dead At 74

As I posted earlier this month, EFY more than likely changed my life. Therefore, it made me sad to read this:

Ronald Cree Hills passed away Saturday, August 25, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. [...] Ron attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. He was hired at BYU and later became the Director of CES Youth and Family Programs. In 1976 Ron envisioned and began developing a new youth program, Especially for Youth (EFY). Enrollment at the first EFY session was a disappointing 172. However, 30 years later EFY now has attendance at over 50,000 youth.

He was truly an inspired man...

-Bob

Iraq: A Special Tribute for the 4th Anniversary of the war

1. John T Sims Jr -- Alexander City, AL 4/10/04
2. Jamie D Weeks -- Daleville AL 5/14/06
3. Brian D Hazelgrove -- Fort Rucker AL 1/23/04
4. Howard Johnson II -- Mobile AL 2/23/03
5. Christopher J. Taylor -- Opelika AL 7/24/05
6. Aubrey D. Bell -- Tuskegee AL 10/27/03
7. Joseph I. Love-Fowler -- North Pole, AK 4/9/06
8. Salamo J. Tuialuuluu -- Pago Pago, American Samoa 12/4/04
9. Alyssa R. Peterson -- Flagstaff AZ 9/15/03
10. Patrick A. Tinnell -- Lake Havasu City AZ 4/19/06
11. Jason L. Merrill -- Mesa AZ 9/3/06
12. Carl Thomas -- Phoenix AZ 9/13/04
13. Frank B. Hernandez -- Phoenix AZ 2/17/05
14. James Witkowski -- Surprise AZ 10/26/05
15. Jeffrey D. Lawrence -- Tucson AZ 7/6/04
16. William W. Labadie Jr. -- Bauxite AR 4/7/04
17. Derek J. Plowman -- Everton AR 7/20/06
18. Billy J. Orton -- Humnoke AR 4/24/04
19. Jeremy W. McHalffey -- Mabelvale AR 1/4/05
20. Brian C. Hopper -- Wynne AR 1/26/05
21. Kenneth L. Sickels -- Apple Valley CA 9/27/04
22. Clay P. Farr -- Bakersfield CA 2/26/06
23. Joseph A. Blanco -- Bloomington CA 4/11/06
24. Juana NavarroArellano -- Ceres CA 4/8/06
25. Anthony E. Butterfield -- Clovis CA 7/29/06
26. George J. Payton -- Culver City CA 11/14/04
27. Richard J. Gannon II -- Escondido CA 4/17/04
28. Fernando S. Tamayo -- Fontana CA 12/21/06
29. Ailes, Jeramy A. -- Gilroy CA 11/15/04
30. Kenny F. Stanton Jr. -- Hemet CA 10/13/06
31. Jesus Angel Gonzalez -- Indio CA 4/12/03
32. Douglas A. LaBouff -- La Puente CA 1/7/06
33. Karina S. Lau -- Livingston CA 11/2/03
34. Roberto L. Martinez Salazar -- Long Beach CA 2/4/06
35. John Winston Marshall -- Los Angeles CA 4/8/03
36. Salvador Guerrero -- Los Angeles CA 6/9/06
37. Ricardo A. Crocker -- Mission Viejo CA 5/26/05
38. Kirk J. Bosselmann -- Napa CA 11/27/04
39. Rudy A. Salcido -- Ontario CA 11/9/06
40. Arthur A. Mora Jr. -- Pico Rivera CA 10/19/05
41. Lawrance J. Carter -- Rancho Cucamonga CA 12/29/06
42. Todd J. Bryant -- Riverside CA 10/31/03
43. Sean R. Grilley -- San Bernadino CA 10/16/03
44. Devon Demilo Jones -- San Diego CA 4/4/03
45. Joseph Menusa -- San Jose CA 3/27/03
46. Andres H. Perez -- Santa Cruz CA 11/14/04
47. Michael C. Ottolini -- Sebastopol CA 11/10/04
48. Luis G. Ayala -- South Gate CA 12/28/06
49. Timothy Craig Kiser -- Tehama CA 4/28/05
50. Jeffery S. Brown -- Trinity Center CA 8/9/06
51. John Daniel House -- Ventura CA 1/26/05
52. Kelly Bolor -- Whittier CA 11/15/03
53. Michael S. Hancock -- Yreka CA 10/24/03
54. Thomas F. Broomhead -- Cannon City CO 5/27/03
55. Jeremy P. Tamburello -- Denver CO 11/8/05
56. Nick J. Palmer -- Leadville CO 12/16/06
57. Andrew G. Riedel -- Northglenn CO 10/30/04
58. John T. Schmidt III -- Brookfield CT 5/11/05
59. Thomas E. Vitagliano -- New Haven CT 1/17/05
60. Nicholas A. Madaras -- Wilton CT 9/3/06
61. Cory L. Palmer -- Seaford DE -- 5/6/06
62. Henry Paul -- Kolonia Pohnpei, Federated States of Miconesia 9/26/06
63. Alexis Roman-Cruz -- Brandom, FL 11/16/05
64. Javier J. Garcia -- Crawfordville FL 4/5/05
65. Jeffrey M. Wershow -- Gainesville FL 7/6/03
66. Dennis J. Flanagan -- Inverness FL 1/20/06
67. Brandon R. Sapp -- Lake Worth FL 5/15/04
68. Pablo Mayorga -- Margate FL 4/15/06
69. Roger A. Suarez-Gonzalez -- Miami FL 12/4/06
70. Carlos J. Gil -- Orlando FL 2/18/05
71. Paul C. Mardis Jr. -- Palmetto FL 7/15/04
72. Ian T. Zook -- Port St Lucie FL 10/12/04
73. Robert A. Wise -- Tallahassee FL 11/12/03
74. John Travis Rivero -- Tampa FL 4/17/03
75. Christopher T. Blaney -- Winter Park FL 9/29/06
76. Thomas R. Thigpen Sr. -- Augusta GA 3/16/04
77. Christopher J. Holland -- Brunswick GA 12/17/03
78. George Ray Draughn Jr. -- Decatur GA 9/1/05
79. Jeffery S. Blanton -- Fayetteville GA 12/12/04
80. William A. Long -- Lilburn GA 6/18/05
81. Lonnie J. Parson -- Norcross GA 9/2/05
82. Carlos Dominguez -- Savannah GA 9/23/06
83. James Chamroeun -- Union City GA 9/28/06
84. Juan Lopez -- Whitfield GA 6/21/04
85. Jeungjin Na "Nikky" Kim -- Honolulu HI 10/6/04
86. Cameron B. Sarno -- Waipahu HI 9//1/03
87. John B. Ogburn III -- Fruitland ID 5/22/05
88. Cleston C. Raney -- Rupert ID 3/31/04
89. Joshua D. Palmer -- Blandinsville IL 11/8/04
90. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina -- Chicago IL 5/1/04
91. George R. Obourn Jr. -- Creve Coeur IL 10/4/06
92. Adriana N. Salem -- Elk Grove Villiage IL 5/4/05
93. Geoffrey S. Morris -- Gurnee IL 4/3/04
94. Uday Singh -- Lake Forrest IL 12/1/03
95. Charles R. Lamb -- Martinsville/Casey IL 9/5/04
96. Ryan J. Buckley -- Nokomis IL 6/23/06
97. Eric P. Pearrow -- Peoria IL 11/24/05
98. Jakub Henryk Kowalik -- Schaumburg IL 5/12/03
99. Kevin Michael Clarke -- Tinley Park IL 2/19/05
100. Matthew R. Smith -- Anderson IN 5/10/03
101. Eric R. Lueken -- Dubois IN 4/22/06
102. Jonathan F. Blair -- Fort Wayne IN 11/19/05
103. Jesse M. Halling -- Indianapolis IN 7/7/03
104. Matthew C. Frantz -- Lafayette IN 1/20/06
105. James Brown -- Owensville IN 11/2/06
106. Mark A. Wall -- Alden IA 4/27/06
107. Clinton J. Miller -- Greenfield IA 12/11/06
108. William J. Leusink -- Maurice IA 5/22/06
109. Casey Byers -- Schleswig IA 6/11/05
110. Jerry W. Mills Jr. -- Arkansas City, KS 11/29/05
111. Clinton R. Upchurch -- Garden City KS 1/7/06
112. Kevin L. Zeigler -- Overland Park KS 8/12/06
113. Jacob Lee Butler -- Wellsville KS 4/1/03
114. Christopher Tyler Warndorf -- Burlington KY 8/29/06
115. Tatjana Reed -- Fort Campbell KY 7/22/04
116. Thomas W. Clemons -- Leitchfeild KY 12/10/06
117. Jeffery L. Wiener -- Louisville KY 5/7/05
118. James E. Powell -- Radcliff KY 10/12/03
119. Derrick J. Cothran -- Avondale LA 4/15/06
120. Joshua C. Burrows -- Bossier City LA 11/26/06
121. Johnathan Bryan Chism -- Gonzales LA 1/20/07
122. Brandon L. Teeters -- Lafayette LA 5/12/06
123. Matthew J. Vosbein -- Metairie LA 8/29/06
124. Jens E. Schelbert -- New Orleans LA 10/1/05
125. John Edward Hale -- Shreveport LA 10/6/06
126. Terry O.P. Wallace -- Winnsboro LA 6/27/06
127. Christopher D. Gelineau -- Portland ME 4/20/04
128. Michael L. Starr Jr. -- Baltimore MD 1/26/05
129. Jennifer M. Parcell -- Bel Air MD 2/7/07
130. Brandon L. Davis -- Cumberland MD 3/31/04
131. James W. Higgins -- Frederick MD 7/27/06
132. Norman W. Anderson III -- Parkton MD 10/19/05
133. Thomas K. Doerflinger -- Silver Spring MD 11/11/04
134. Kyran E. Kennedy -- Boston MA 11/7/03
135. Michael E. Bouthot -- Fall River MA 4/22/06
136. Norman Darling -- Middleboro MA 4/29/04
137. Brian Oliverira -- Raynham MA 10/25/04
138. Justin W. Garvey -- Townsend MA 7/20/03
139. Thomas W. Christensen -- Atlantic Mine MI 12/25/03
140. Clifford R. Collinsworth -- Chelsea MI 10/21/06
141. Adrian J. Butler -- East Lansing MI 7/27/05
142. Brad A. Wentz -- Gladwin MI 5/20/05
143. Justin D. Reppuhn -- Hemlock MI 11/11/04
144. Raymond J. Plouhar -- Lake Orion MI 6/26/06
145. Richard Allen Goward -- Midland MI 4/14/03
146. Nicholas O. Cherava -- Ontonagon MI 10/6/05
147. Adam Malson -- Rochester Hills MI 2/19/05
148. Tarryl B. Hill -- Shelby Township MI 2/7/07
149. Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr, -- Temperance MI 4/8/03
150. Andrew K. Waits -- Waterford MI 4/13/06
151. Jesse M. Lhotka -- Alexandria MN 2/21/05
152. Jason G. Timmerman -- Cottonwood/Tracy MN 2/21/05
153. Michael J. Fasnacht -- Mankato MN 6/8/05
154. Bryan James Opskar -- Princeton MN 7/23/05
155. James M. Wosika Jr. -- St Paul MN 1/9/07
156. Bryan Edward Barron -- Biloxi MS 5/23/05
157. Joshua I. Bunch -- Hattiesburg MS 8/6/04
158. Robert Shane Push -- Meridian MS 5/2/05
159. Audrey Daron Lunsford -- Sardis MS 5/23/05
160. Anthony M. Mazzarella -- Blue Springs MO 7/5/05
161. Erik R. Heldt -- Hermann MO 6/16/05
162. Richard S. Gottfried -- Lake Ozark MO 3/9/04
163. Amos C. R. Bock -- New Madrid MO 10/23/06
164. William F. Hecker III -- St Louis MO 1/5/06
165. Colby M. Farnan -- Weston MO 2/25/05
166. Michael J. Mackinnon -- Helena MT 10/27/05
167. Lonnie Calvin Allen Jr. -- Bellevue NE 5/18/06
168. Christopher W. Swisher -- Lincoln NE 10/9/03
169. Tricia L. Jameson -- Omaha NE 7/14/05
170. Kyle W. Codner -- Wood River NE 5/26/04
171. Daniel F. Guastaferro -- Las Vegas NV 1/7/05
172. James J. Cathey -- Reno NV 8/21/05
173. Richard L. Ferguson -- Conway NH 3/30/34
174. Robert E. Rooney -- Nashua NH 9/25/03
175. Christopher M. Duffy -- Brick NJ 1/4/04
176. Harry R. Swain IV -- Cumberland NJ 1/31/05
177. Gladimir Philippe -- Linden NJ 6/25/03
178. Yoe M. Aneiros -- Newark NJ 9/7/04
179. Min-su Choi -- River Vale NJ 2/26/05
180. Christopher Ramos -- Albuquerque NM 4/5/04
181. James H. Pirtle -- La Mesa NM 10/3/03
182. Emilian D. Sanchez -- Santa Anna Pueblo NM 1/27/07
183. Denise A. Lannaman -- Bayside NY 10/1/06
184. Jose M. Velez -- Bronx NY 6/9/06
185. Bobby Mendez -- Brooklyn NY 4/27/06
186. Jeff LeBrun -- Buffalo NY 1/1/05
187. Jason C. Denfrund -- Cattaraugus NY 12/25/06
188. Robert C. Pope II -- East Islip NY 11/7/05
189. Michael V. Postal -- Glen Oaks NY 5/7/05
190. Matthew D. Lynch -- Jericho NY 10/31/04
191. Irving Medina -- Middletown NY 11/14/03
192. Irving Hernandez Jr. -- New York NY 7/12/06
193. Kevin A. Cuming -- North White Plains NY 8/21/04
194. Regilio E. Nelom -- Queens NY 9/17/05
195. Nathan P. Brown -- South Glens Falls NY 4/11/04
196. Steven E. Auchman -- Waterloo NY 11/9/04
197. Michael S. Voss -- Aberdeen NC 10/8/04
198. Mitchell K. Carver Jr. -- Charlotte NC 1/13/06
199. Ryan D. Russell -- Elm City NC 5/5/07
200. Andrew D. Russoli -- Greensboro NC 10/20/05
201. Sandra S. Grant -- Linwood NC 12/31/06
202. John D. Rode -- Pineville NC 2/14/07
203. Christopher N. White -- Southport NC 6/20/06
204. Christopher S. Cash -- Winterville NC 6/24/04
205. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle -- Grand Forks ND 11/15/03
206. Leeroy A. Camacho -- Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 2/9/07
207. Timothy A. Knight -- Brooklyn OH 1/26/05
208. James H. Miller IV -- Cincinnati OH 1/30/05
209. Brandon Ulysses Sloan -- Cleveland OH 3/23/03
210. Brian K. Van Dusen -- Columbus OH 5/9/03
211. Timothy D. Roos -- Delhi OH 7/27/06
212. Gavin J. Colburn -- Frankfort OH 4/22/05
213. Dustin R. Fitzgerald -- Huber Hieghts OH 8/18/04
214. Christopher P. Lyons -- Mansfeild/Shelby OH 7/28/05
215. Jason L. Sparks -- Monroeville OH 9/8/04
216. Joshua D. Jones -- Pomeroy OH 8/27/06
217. Adam R. Shepherd -- Somerville OH 1/17/06
218. Jason A. Benford -- Toledo OH 9/27/05
219. Vincent J. Pomante III -- Westerville OH 12/6/06
220. Daniel J. Pratt -- Youngstown OH 11/3/05
221. Adam Noel Brewer -- Dewey OK 2/25/05
222. Lamont N. Wilson -- Lawton OK 9/6/04
223. Jeffry A. Rogers -- Oklahoma City OK 11/16/05
224. Ross A. Pennanen -- Shawnee OK 11/2/03
225. Justin Noyes -- Vinita OK 7/2/06
226. Jeremy M. Loveless -- Estacada OR 5/29/06
227. Gary F. Van Leuven -- Klamath Falls OR 4/17/04
228. Erik S. McCrae -- Portland OR 6/4/04
229. James Lee Moore -- Roseberg OR 1/26/05
230. Ken W. Leisten -- Warrenton OR 7/28/04
231. Todd M. Siebert -- Baden PA 2/16/07
232. Tristan Smith -- Bryn Athyn PA 8/27/06
233. Shelby J. Feniello -- Connellsville PA 10/9/06
234. Ashly L. Moyer -- Emmaus PA 3/3/07
235. Roger Alan Napper Jr. -- Greenburg PA 10/7/06
236. Daniel R. Lightner Jr. -- Hollidaysburg PA 10/27/05
237. Aaron J. Rusin -- Johnstown PA 10/11/04
238. David E. Dietrich -- Marysville PA 12/30/06
239. Edward W. Shaffer -- Mont Alto PA 12/27/06
240. Kyle J. Grimes -- Northampton PA 1/26/05
241. Edward W. Brabazon -- Philadelphia PA 3/9/04
242. Rafael L. Navea -- Pittspurgh PA 8/27/03
243. Jaror C. Puello-Coronado -- Pocono Summit PA 7/13/03
244. Matthew J. Sandri -- Shamokin PA 3/20/04
245. Neil Anthony Santoriello -- Verona PA 8/13/04
246. Melvin Y. Mora Lopez -- Arecibo, Puerto Rico 6/6/04
247. Michael A. Martinez -- Juana Diaz Puerto Rico 9/8/04
248. Jesus M. Montalvo -- Rio Piedras Puerto Rico 10/18/06
249. Matthew S. Coutu -- North Kingstown RI 6/27/05
250. George Edward Buggs -- Barnwell SC 3/23/03
251. Shawn M. Dunkin -- Columbia SC 2/19/07
252. David G. Weimortz -- Irmo SC 8/26/06
253. Anthony O. Thompson -- Orangeburg SC 9/18/03
254. Daniel D. Bartels -- Huron SD 10/19/05
255. Patrick W. Herried -- Sioux Falls SD 2/6/06
256. Kenneth W. Harris Jr, -- Charlotte TN 8/20/03
257. Morgan W. Strader -- Crossville TN 11/12/04
258. Robert W. Tucker -- Hilham TN 10/13/05
259. Eric A. Fifer -- Knoxville TN 10/7/05
260. Morgan DeShawn Kennon -- Memphis TN 11/7/03
261. Stephen C. Kennedy -- Oak Ridge TN 4/4/05
262. Michael T. Blaise -- Unknown TN 1/23/04
263. Tommy Ike Folks Jr. -- Amarillo TX 10/19/05
264. Nickalous N. Aldrich -- Austin TX 8/27/04
265. Zeferino E. Colunga -- Bellville TX 8/6/03
266. Tony L. Hernandez -- Canyon Lake TX 1/26/05
267. James Michael Kiehl -- Comfort TX 3/23/03
268. John Barta -- Corpus Christi TX 12/23/06
269. Jacob D. Dones -- Dimmitt TX 10/20/05
270. Ruben Estrella-Soto -- El Paso TX 3/23/03
271. Kyle A. Eggers -- Euless TX 12/5/04
272. Clarence E. Boone -- Fort Worth TX 12/2/03
273. Matthew W. Holloway -- Fulton TX 1/13/05
274. Brian J. Kubik -- Hardin TX 8/5/06
275. Armando Soriano -- Houston TX 2/1/04
276. Walter M. Moss Jr. -- Houston TX 3/30/06
277. Hector Leija -- Houston TX 1/24/07
278. Jonathan D. Rozier -- Katy TX 7/19/03
279. Rey D. Cuervo -- Laguna Vista TX 12/28/03
280. Stuart W. Moore -- Livingston TX 12/22/03
281. Sean B. Berry -- Masfield TX 10/3/05
282. Samuel Tyrone Castle -- Naples TX 5/11/05
283. Byron W. Norwood -- Pflugerville TX 11/13/04
284. Collin R. Schockmel -- Richwood TX 1/16/07
285. Anthony Scott Miller -- San Antonio TX 4/7/03
286. Albert E. Smart -- San Antonio TX 5/28/05
287. Timothy A. Swanson -- San Antonio TX 1/27/07
288. Michael B. Wafford -- Spring TX 4/8/04
289. Aaron C. Austin -- Sunray TX 4/26/04
290. Elias Torrez III -- Veribest TX 4/9/04
291. Paul Balint Jr. -- Willow Park TX -- 12/15/06
292. Dan Dolan -- Roy UT 8/27/06
293. Erik Anders Halvorsen -- Benninton VT 4/2/03
294. Kevin F. Sheehan -- Milton VT 5/25/04
295. David C. Canegata -- St. Croix, Virgin Islands 1/20/07
296. Bradley Thomas Arms -- Charlottesville VA 11/1904
297. Edwin Anthony Andino Jr. Culpeper VA 9/3/06
298. Christopher L. Weaver -- Fredericksburg VA 1/26/05
299. Jason D. Scheuerman -- Lynchburgh VA 7/30/05
300. Lee A. Lewis Jr. -- Norfolk VA 3/18/05
301. Clarence Adams III -- Richmond VA 9/7/04
302. Nicholas P. Rapavi -- Springfield VA 11/24/06
303. James C. Edge -- Virginia Beach VA 4/14/05
304. William Downs -- Winchester VA 5/30/05
305. David G. Ries -- Clark WA 11/8/04
306. Nathan R. Wood -- Kirkland WA 11/9/04
307. Kerry D. Scott -- Mount Vernon WA 10/6/03
308. James D. Riekena -- Redmond WA 1/14/07
309. Jeffrey B. Starr -- Snohomish WA 5/30/05
310. Robb Gordon Needham -- Vancouver WA 9/20/06
311. Abraham G. Twitchell -- Yelm WA 4/206
312. Marion Parker, Bradley L. Parker -- Marion WV 11/15/04
313. Jamie Jaenke -- Bay City WI 6/5/06
314. Warren S. Hansen -- Clintonville WI 11/15/03
315. Benjamin A. Smith -- Hudson WI 11/2/05
316. Grant Allen Dampier -- Merrill WI 5/15/06
317. Andrew P. Wallace -- Oshkosh WI 9/26/05
318. Dan H. Gabrielson -- Spooner WI 7/9/03
319. Richard D. Warner -- Waukesha WI 12/13/04
320. Jason J. Corbett -- Casper WY 1/15/07

This list represents 10% of the 3205 U.S. deaths in the first four years of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gerald R Ford: 1913-2006

Former President Gerald R Ford died this evening. He was the longest-living US President (he passed Ronald Reagan in November of this year.)

President Ford was the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without ever being elected to either position.

He appointed George H W Bush Ambassador to China and Director of the CIA. Donald Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense. Rumsfeld had previously served as Fords tarnsition team leader and Chief of Staff. When Rumsfeld was appointed Secretary of Defense, the new chief of staff was Dick Cheney, who later served as Ford's campaign manager in 1976.

His comeback in the 1976 election, having been down 35 points and losing by 2, is especially remarkable given the political climate of the time.

Other facts about President Ford, so you can astound your coworkers today around the water cooler:

* Ford, Clinton and Franklin D. Roosevelt are the only three former Presidents who did not have full siblings (no president has been a true only child).
* Gerald Ford was the 37th President to be born as well as the 38th to serve, and the 37th to die. Richard Nixon was 36th born, 37th to serve, and the 35th to die. John F. Kennedy was the 38th President born, 35th to serve and the 31st to die. Ronald Reagan was the 35th President born, 40th to serve, and 36th to die. Four of the 41 presidents are still living, former presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and current president George W. Bush.
* Ford is the only U.S. President since Herbert Hoover to not be named Time Magazine's Person of the Year during his term.
* Ford was once a cover model for Cosmopolitan Magazine.
* Ford died on the 34th anniversary of the death of another U.S. President, Harry S. Truman.

-Bob