Staff Sergeant Michael J. Gabel and Corporal Joshua C. Blaney were killed in action by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan on December 12, 2007. Both soldiers were proud members of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Sky Soldiers. CPL Blaney was 25 years old and hailed from Matthews, NC. SSG Gabel, a 30 year old native of Baton Roughe, LA was on his third tour to Afghanistan.
His brother David Gabel said Michael had planned to re-enlist next year so he could serve more time in Afghanistan, a country that he loved.
“My brother believed in Afghanistan,” David Gabel said. “He really wanted to see schools, jobs and opportunities brought to the country. It was his third tour in Afghanistan, and the job there was unfinished.”
SSG Michael Gabel, Sky Soldier.
SSG Gabel had only a month before delivered the eulogy for three fallen Sky Soldiers, comrades in arms, friends that were killed in Kunar Provence.
“I will not be bitter,” Gabel said. “I will not shed any tears of sorrow. I’m proud to have known such a good man and a warrior to the bitter end. Until we see each other again, sky soldiers!”
America has given two more heroes to the fight for freedom. I’ll see you on Fiddler’s Green Sky Soldiers. Sgt Hook out.
Taps
Halfway down the road to hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler’s Green.
-Author Unknown
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This post is filed under: Fiddler's Green & Heroes & The Soldier & The Stan
