Reply To: SFC Ronald Sawyer, 38, KIA, USArmy, Austin, TX, 05 SEP 2009

[markwells]

Bill "Maddog" Presley of Centex PGR went to the City of Florence administration on Thursday to inform them of the procession bearing SFC Sawyer which will pass through their town on on its way to CTSVC on Saturday. Later that afternoon Mary "Marebear" Gregory, Centex DSC, received the following email from the Florence Chief of Police. He asked that we pass it on to SFC Sawyer's wife and family, which we will do, but it is posted here also, as he expresses so beautifully what is in our hearts.

“To the wife and children of SFC Ronald Sawyer:

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that there are no words that I can give you that will comfort you in this very difficult time. Please know that you, your family and all the friends of SFC Ronald Sawyer are in my prayers. I hold SFC Sawyer (and all of our military men and women) in the deepest regard. SFC Sawyer and all soldiers are our true Heroes, not sports figures, movie stars and music stars. Your husband has paid the ultimate sacrifice and this country owes him a debt of gratitude that we will unfortunately never be able to repay.

On August 28th, my son, PFC Tyler Dever, graduated from Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. I have never been as proud of my son as I am now. He has never wanted to be anything but a soldier. He too will be paying his last respects to your husband as you pass through Florence.

May God Bless you, keep you safe and comfort you during your time of loss. As SFC Sawyer passes through the City of Florence, I am happy to honor him on this saddest of occasions. My condolences and Hooah.

In service to all,

Chief Jeff Dever
Florence PD
”