It's the 5th Anniversary of when my two closest friends were killed in Iraq

[DarthCoercis]

So yeah, as the topic says. Even though we lived in different countries and had wildly different careers (they were both American soldiers, I'm an Aussie Freelance Editor), online gaming brought us together, made us friends, and gave us a bond that will exist forever.

I'm about to head to America to pay my respects to them. I'll mourn them forever, but I'm also so thankful that my hobby brought people into my life that made such a difference to me, that gave me new perspectives and insights into the lives of others.

I just wanted to make this post to celebrate the lives of two people I considered my brothers. I'm sorry if anyone considers this inappropriate, or political, or any of that nonsense, but I just miss my brothers in gaming. They helped me be better than I was, and did so while trying to make the entire world safer.

 

[Samtemdo8_v1legacy]

Out of respect, what were their names?

 

[DarthCoercis]

Their names were David and Jonathan.

 

[ObsidianJones_v1legacy]

Bonds are never inappropriate. I am sorry for what you're going through. My best friend in the world passed this year, and we never met. While in early Spring, I'm still numb to it. I understand it's not proximity, but likeness of heart that creates the truest relationships you'll ever have.

My thoughts are with you. Find whatever measure of Solace you can in your trip. And for what it's worth, my Sincerest Condolences.

 

[Saint of M]

Whatever most of our stances on the wars that have waged are, I think most of the forums here are of the opinion of you support your troops and their memories. They are people with quirky fan bases like ourselves and are thrown into the worse situations imaginable and usually do not get the proper pay or respect for it.

Even without that, I can say I have had too many friends and family that are in uniform oversees not to see where you are at, nor can I not hope they are in that 90% boredom phase of war.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, wish you and their families a long life. It speaks well of their characters that years after their untimely passing they're still so fondly remembered.

 

[DarthCoercis]

My thanks to each of you, both for your empathy and for not condemning me for making the post in the first place. It's much appreciated.

ObsidianJones, any words I could offer would be poor, but you are not alone. Having never met irl does not diminish the friendship.