By Debbie Schlussel

Earlier today, in my Memorial Day tribute, I talked about American soldier, Michigan National Guardsman Sgt. Duane Dreasky, one of the many military men and women who gave their lives in serving this country.   I meant to post the comments of his family and friends left on this site in recent years, but they deserve a separate post.

Natl Guard Staff Sgt. Duane Dreasky is Buried in Arlington Natl. Cemetery

To remind you, Dreasky volunteered to go to Iraq, even though–after a year serving at Guantanamo Bay–he was assigned to stay here in comfort as a recruiter. He died in 2006, after a valiant 8-month fight to survive wounds from a terrorist attack near Habbaniyah, Iraq. The heroic Dreasky suffered burns over 75% of his body, but still tried to salute President Bush when he visited his bedside. (I’ve written about him here, here here, here, here, and here).

Here are four very touching, must-read comments posted by those who knew him best–family, friends, and fellow soldiers who served with him. I think they exemplify the feelings of so many family members and friends of so many thousands of fallen soldiers whose lives were taken from them in fighting the enemy and serving America:

My Uncle was a true American Hero. I loved every thing he did for me and my cousin Tatianna. But i have to say, he wasnt just an uncle, he was my father, and i miss him dearly. He taught me everything i needed to know about defending myself, and how to act like a lady.
He treated my aunt with the utmost respect, and never let harm come to his family. He was very respectful and loved life. I will miss him with all my heart, and hope god is looking after my dad!

*his daughter, Kaysha

Kaysha Dreasky on April 14, 2010 at 7:58 am

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To Sgt. Dreasky’s wife:
I’m sorry about your loss. I knew him 1 year and he made a lifelong impression. He was a man’s man. He was the man you would want next to you in battle and the man you’d choose to be next to you as a friend. I would feel bad but you know he died doing what he loved and he wouldn’t change one thing unless it was to be able to give more or do more though he gave his own life already. In my 8 year career, Sgt. Dreasky is remembered in my top 10 friends because of something he said to me one day. I was not well-liked, and I was assigned in his tower one day, and during our shift, he said to me, without looking up from what he was doing or turning toward me, “I don’t know why those other guys don’t like you. I’ll have you in my tower anyday.” This always stays with me. I’m sure this is a great loss to you and your family, and just know he is remembered and reguarded highly by those who barely knew him also. I can only imagine the everlasting impression he made on you.
Thank you for reading.

ExInfantry on March 2, 2009 at 4:53 pm

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I lost a dear friend in Sgt. Dreasky. He truly is everything you read about him, and so much more. He lost his life doing what he loved i can tell you that. And I’ll never be the same knowing he’s not here….

nav vet on July 14, 2006 at 5:38 pm

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God Bless him. He was a dear friend and always a gentleman. All the children, parents and other adults affiliated with Michigan Martial Arts, loved him and we’ll miss him, dearly.
KMS

KMS on July 15, 2006 at 6:14 pm