As usual, the Pentagon release merely stated that he had died in a non-hostile situation and that an investigation would proceed. Also as usual, I then googled for stories in local news outlets, which often provide some details about the deceased, occasionally even the true cause of death.
In this case, I also found a haunting photograph, after a newspaper link took me to ? of all places ? an elementary school?s online newsletter. I wrote about all this on my new blog (see link below), posted the photo and, amazingly, nearly a dozen people who knew the dead soldier and/or attended that school have written me or posted remarks at the blog.
It's rare that the war "comes home" for average Americans like this -- at least with this war. A new AP poll today reveals that only one in five Americans know of a family member, friend or neighbor who has been wounded or killed in Iraq.
My blog report opened: The Pentagon revealed today that a soldier from suburban Detroit died on Christmas Day in Iraq. Sgt. Peter Neesley, 28, was from Grosse Pointe Farms. The military says he died of an undetermined cause in a "noncombat environment" in Baghdad. In the photo at right, Neesley is shown on a recent visit to his nephew's 4th grade classroom in Grosse Pointe Farms.
The school's newsletter described it this way: "Sergeant Peter Neesley, uncle of Patrick D., visited Richard Elementary while home on leave from Iraq. Sgt. Neesley led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance and visited several classrooms answering questions from our inquisitive students. Thanks for spending valuable time with us Sgt. Neesley and don?t forget to write and keep in touch. Thanks to all the men and women in the armed forces. We are so proud of you!"
The blog item got picked up on a few other sites, and the surprising reaction soon arrived.
A man named Mark was the first to email: ?You posted a brief message today on the blog about the death of Sgt. Peter Neesley, along with a photograph of his visit to Richard Elementary School. More than twenty years ago, when I attended that same school, Peter was my best friend. We lost touch over the years, and I had no idea that he was enlisted, much less on active duty in Iraq. Your blog was the first glimpse I've had of him in more than a decade."
A few minutes later a blog post from ?anonymous? arrived: ?I knew Peter Neesley since middle school. He was an incredibly loyal and smart individual and he served this country in this senseless war with bravery and courage. My heart weeps knowing I will never see him again.?
Then I got an email from someone who said he knew Neesley and directed me to Web site at www.hyerstandard.com. There I found the proprietor, presumably named Hyer, revealing that he had seen my blog post: ?Upon reading this I found myself in a state of disbelief. I knew of Peter Neesley. I am from Grosse Pointe, MI. We shared the same high school, he graduated when I was a freshmen, and being as though Grosse Pointe is a very small town I had known the name and face of Peter Neesley since I was much younger through little league circles, groups of friends, school sports organizations, and so on.
"It is a town where everyone knows everyone else, and to read this struck me in a very odd way. In the picture Neesley is posing with a group of elementary school children at Richard Elementary School, which happens to be about three blocks away from where I sit typing this, my home.
?I guess it may be the fact that no one I knew had been effected in such a tragic manner until now, the Iraq War was far away, not in Grosse Pointe. That has all changed. And while I only knew of Peter Neesley by name and a couple brief conversations, I will forever think of him when I drive down my street past Richard Elementary School.?
Another poster left this today: "I also knew Peter and he's more than just a number to those that love him. We caused trouble together, partied together, laughed together. He was one of 'the boys' to our group of girls in High School. Everyone that remained close to him over the years were fortunate enough to see his love, compassion and character grow. He will forever be missed and we are all fortunate to know that he will be greeting us when we get to the other side."
From a longtime friend, this one with a clue about some of Peter's concerns: "I knew Peter for most of my life; he was an amazing human being, loving and giving to those he trusted and I watched him grow from a silly yet sensitive teenager to a courageous and brave young soldier. He told me in an email recently, that he wanted to come home-- he was proud of what he'd done but that he couldn't take the pain and heartache of seeing his close friends--brothers--lose their lives. Peter, you're home now...."
Another weighed in: ?Peter has had my heart as a friend, confidant and protector as long as I have known him. He has always held such a very special place in my heart, as well as all of those close to him. I knew Peter as a boy, and as a young man. He exemplified what an amazing amount of growth and maturity and individual can exhibit.
?Hearing the news of this most unfortunate loss is nothing short of devastating. I pray God had a good reason for taking Peter from us on earth. I pray Peter a peaceful and eternal existence. Let us all share our stories and comfort each other in the wake of Peter's death. I love you Peter! Always have, and always will!?
And, finally, from a relative: "Pete is my cousin. I just want to say thank you for all the nice posts. Even though it bring tears to read them, it warms our hearts to know he will live forever in your memories. Our hearts go out to his brothers in Iraq and everyone away from their families. I want all of you to stay safe and strong. Thank you everyone."
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To comment or read more than dozen other reflections, go to my new blog and scroll down find the two separate items about Peter Neesley at Soldier.