[Kingfisher]

Just want to take a minute to remember Bill again on this day. The following is a letter a Professor wrote to Bill's wife and she forwarded it to me. I am posting it with her permission.

Dear ,
> My name is Brian W and I am a professor of History at the
> University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth who spent the summers of 2003 and
> 2005 in northern Afghanistan with the Uzbeks. While I was there I
> interviewed many people to find out what life was like under the Taliban
> and how they felt about liberation.
> In the process of my interviews I heard horror stories of teenage girls
> having their skulls crushed in public for various 'crimes' and of mass
> executions. When your husband's team destroyed the Uzbeks' Taliban
> oppressors they brought light to this dark region for the first time in
> years. Over and over again I was told stories by the Uzbek men who fought
> alongside ODA 595 of their truly amazing bravery and courage. While the
> word 'hero' have been over-used of late, those who told me the stories of
> your husband's bravery meant it. They all, including their commander
> General Dostum, loved your husband and all those in his team who they came
> to consider brothers and guardian angels.
> When I told several of them that Bill had died in Iraq they were
> devastated, General Dostum went into mourning as did several of the
> commanders who knew your husband. Their sadness was something powerful and
> I was made to promise that I would thank his family for saving them from
> the Taliban. Only this evening did I discover your husband's site and feel
> as if I can finally convey their prayers for you and their thanks to Bill.
> I know many of the Afghan people he saved on a personal basis. They are
> good people who live free now because of the miracle of bravery your
> husband pulled off in the fall of 2001.
> I am truly humbled to be able to belatedly convey the condolences of many
> people you do not know. I wanted to let you know that few people are given
> the opportunity to do as much good for others in their life as your
> husband did.
> You are in my prayers and in the prayers of many simple people in northern
> Afghanistan who are free today due to your husband's personal bravery.
> Thank you and God be with you. If I can share any further information with
> you I would be honored to do so,
> Sincerely yours,
> Brian