Trival

I did not watch one game of basketball this year, at least during the regular season. I was disgusted by the circus that was the Miami Heat. I did watch the finals and even though from Houston, cheered wildly for the Mavs. The results validated my prediction.

I was prepared to type several pages of what I thought about LeBron and the Heat and why the would probably never win it and why TEAMS like the Mavs did.

But as I was sitting in the airport, I saw a family with American Flags and signs that said "Welcome Home Roger" and "We missed you". I knew some soldier was returning from somewhere far away. I waited with almost the same anticipation as the family, choosing not to go through security just yet as I did not want to miss it. Perhaps because I've been there or perhaps because some things in life are just, well, pure.

The girlfriend, fiancee' or perhaps wife was pacing with anticipation the mother was steadily looking at her watch, the dad smoked three cigarettes outside while I watched.

Suddenly, through the gates he came and there were tears of joy everywhere. I will admit to a small mist myself. Its just one of those great moments that needs to be watched over and over again.

And then I remembered an email I received yesterday from a friend, late in the afternoon.


PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Army Ranger killed in combat

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 15, 2011) – A U.S. Army Ranger was killed in action on June 14 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Andrew Katzenberger was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

He was killed by direct fire from enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Paktika Province.

A native of Weatherby Lake, Mo., Katzenberger enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2004. For more than six years, Katzenberger served as a rifleman, automatic rifleman, team leader and Ranger squad leader in 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt.

The 75th Ranger Regt. has been continuously deployed to Afghanistan since October 2001.

“Staff Sgt. Katzenberger was a phenomenal Ranger who died while leading his men in an assault against our enemies. He died while protecting our Nation and we will not forget his sacrifice,” said Col. Michael Foster, commander, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regt. “He was universally respected by every member of this command and was a devoted, loving husband and proud father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Katzenberger family.”

Katzenberger previously served on four deployments to Iraq and this was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

“I wish the American people could truly understand the dedication and sacrifice that Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger made for his country. Since early 2005, Jeremy has either been in combat or training for combat. This was his eighth combat deployment,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regt. “Jeremy was the epitome of a Ranger squad leader; he is a hero to our Nation, the Army and his family.”

Katzenberger is survived by his wife Colleen A. (Montgomery) Katzenberger, son Everett James both of Richmond Hill, Ga., and his parents Robert and Peggy Katzenberger of Weatherby Lake, Mo.



Tears of joy in one place, tears of sadness in another. You see LeBron, your right people will go back to their normal lives. One way more important than yours, for you see Freedom has a flavor for those that fought for that the protected will never know.

Makes basketball and your life a bit trivial.

RIP SSG. Katezenberger.