Fallen Friend

Last week my wife and I found out that a friend of ours from church was killed in Iraq.

Fallen Soldier is Remembered as a Selfless Friend

Just after I got back from Iraq last October, and I started going back to the church that I had been going to before the deployment. While there we met a new couple from the States new to Baumholder. His name was Bruce Horner and his wife’s name is Erin. We had actually met them through other friends the Beaulieus; Michael Beaulieu was my Fire Support NCO in Iraq. They met when Mike had a flat tire and Bruce stopped to help. They changed the tire and then Mike invited him and his wife to church on Sunday. Once they came to church, they quickly made many friends including us. We went out to dinner and hung out with them on several occasions and really clicked.

Bruce had been in the Active Army for several years 18 years ago as an MP and then decided to get out. During his break in service he served as a Reserve MP and Police Officer in Virginia. Then he ended up going back on Active Duty in 2006 and came to Baumholder. Unfortunately as soon as we got back, his unit was getting ready to deploy the next week.

Julia and I did have the opportunity to go out for dinner again when he was home on R&R in February. That was the last time that we were able to see him.

Bruce and his wife were several years older then us but we got along like we went to College together. He was a great inspiration to everyone he met and was a devoted husband a Christian.
Julia and I will miss him.