A Soldier's Last Request

UPDATE: Blackfive updated his original post with a link to Spc. Mahlenbrock's hometown paper. People wishing to make contributions may send them here:

Maple Shade High School
David Mahlenbrock Memorial Fund
180 Fredrick Ave.
Maple Shade, N.J. 08052

Condolences may be sent to the family, care of the funeral home mentioned in the article.

Blackfive writes to elicit our help in making sure that a warrior's last request is honored.

Specialist David Mahlenbrock was killed by an IED in Kirkuk, Iraq on December 3rd. He is survived by his wife, infant daughter, parents, and siblings -- one of whom was born only a few weeks ago. He wrote a letter to be delivered to his squad in the event of his death, which reads (in part):

Dear 1st Squad,

If you’re reading this, then I’ve died for our country. I just hope it wasn’t for nothing.

After the IED went off yesterday, I wanted to write this in case something happens to me. There are a few more letters that I’d like you to give my wife and family.

I’d like to have a military funeral, but, if you can work please make sure that Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” is played at the ceremony in addition to the bagpipes. If they won’t let it happen, that’s ok, thanks for trying…...

I know that all the belongings I have here will go to Melissa, but there are a few more things I’d like for you guys to make sure she gets. I have a dog tag w/ our picture on it along w/ some pictures and an American flag in my left breast pocket. There is also a can that says “Son” on it that Melissa’s parents gave me that I’d like for them to have, and that angel stone should go to her grandma and grandpa Snow.

Now if I died w/ blue eyes (one blew that way and one blew the other way) and there’s nothing really left of me, that’s ok, I know you meant well.

Alright, enough with the dead guy’s last request, there’s a lot of thank you’s I wanna say to you fellas……

David will be laid to rest at 10AM, EST on Wednesday, December 15^th in Arlington National Cemetery. His family and friends are asking radio stations to play Toby Keith's "American Soldier" at 1PM, EST that day.

Please email or call the radio stations in your area and ask them to play the dedication to David. Blackfive invites us to copy his post to send to them.

I've already emailed K99 in Greeley, Colorado. Please do the same in your neck of the woods.

Thanks, team.

posted by Linda on December 9, 2004 09:16 PM