Statement from Gardner's Family

( I Corps release) – The wife of Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner, Jr., released a statement yesterday.

Gardner, 26, of Little Rock, Ark. died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, from
wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer
Company, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat
Team).

Kara Gardner, his wife, released the following statement:

"Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and
soldier and a friend to many. He was a quiet man with a gentle
demeanor. Freeman loved going to the movies every Saturday with his
wife and he loved listening to her colorful stories and impressions
which always kept him laughing.

"He loved working on computers, playing video and strategy games,
reading, and studying military and international history. He also loved
watching college football games and could not be interrupted when the
University of Oklahoma Sooners or University of Michigan Wolverines were
playing.

"Freeman adored his mother and younger sister Darlene and he was
enamored with his niece Chanel who he felt was the sweetest, caring and
most respectful child he'd ever encountered.

"Freeman joined the Army in 2004 in order to obtain valuable work and
leadership experience. He died serving his country and he was proud to
have the opportunity to be a soldier. Freeman tried to prepare his wife
in the best way he knew how for his departure from this life by pushing
her everyday to be strong, assertive and resilient. Freeman was
extraordinarily loved and will be missed every moment of every day."

A memorial ceremony at Fort Lewis to honor Sgt. Gardner is being planned
for early next week.

Members of the I Corps and Fort Lewis community extend their condolences
to the Gardner family.

Comments

[Big O]

I have no idea who in the Hell this Marat is, or why in the Hell this person feels that they have the right to post such a comment. Well, I guess you have the right, but only because Soldiers fight for YOU, to give YOU the right to make a very stupid observation about something you have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA about. I never knew SGT Gardner, but I have known and fought alongside enough Soldiers that will never get the chance to see their families ever again, and I am making this post in defense of them. They are no longer around to defend their memories against stupid people that whine and complain about something that they have never experienced. Whoever you are Marat, you are an idiot. Why are you so stupid? Because you owe your freedom to the Soldier you just spit on with your words. Hope it makes you feel good. You dont like this Country and those that give their lives in defense of this Country? Fine. THEN GET THE HELL OUT!

[AshOU]

I am appalled that one would 1) speak ill of the deceased, 2) be condesending to soldiers who feel a duty to their country, no matter who is in office, 3) lacks the discretion and decency to know when to shut up. I went to school with Freeman. Regardless of what we are fighting for, as an American who enjoys the rights people like him have died for, you must be supportive of them. Every person over there may not be blessed enough to forgo joining the military because they were born with a silver spoon or other lucrative options. Some people just feel an obligation to their country. As a friend of Freeman and a concerned citizen, I ask you to evaluate yourself and have more respect--for the deceased AS WELL AS yourself.

[Stryker Army Wife]

I hope that the Blog removes the first comment. It is hurtful and certainly not needed. Our family offers prayers for you during your difficult time.

[Editor]

The Ranger newspaper would appreciate if Marat would cease and desist.