Bad news

[Spectre]

So I found out two days ago that one of my best friends from my childhood died in Afghanistan. It was rough as he was one guy who always had my back growing up and was like an older brother to me. I didn't see him much after I started college and he enlisted but I saw him once in a while when he was back home. His parents have been great to me throughout life and our families are incredibly close. I've been thinking the last couple of days of how my first time staying over at his house when I was 9 or 10 we spent the whole day poking at turtles we found near a railroad track with a stick- funny how stories like this come up now

I'm so proud of him- what he did in life was remarkable and his story shows that American Muslims are not a group to be feared and are just as patriotic as any other Americans. He had to deal with a lot of crap in the Army for his background and I heard all about it- in basic training, I can't count how many times he told me fellow soldiers and superiors mocked his name or religion but he persevered. He loved being in the Army and loved every minute of it.

I know I won't forget his memory and I hope his life will inspire others. There's many times I get downtrodden/disgusted with some prejudice I have seen but now I'm re-dedicated to fighting through it. It's the least I can do.

Gonna miss you buddy. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080919/NEWS/809190359/-1/COMM03

[TheMatrix31]

Re: Bad news

I thank him personally for his service.

God bless him.

[BrianFifaFan]

Re: Bad news

So I found out two days ago that one of my best friends from my childhood died in Afghanistan. It was rough as he was one guy who always had my back growing up and was like an older brother to me. I didn't see him much after I started college and he enlisted but I saw him once in a while when he was back home. His parents have been great to me throughout life and our families are incredibly close. I've been thinking the last couple of days of how my first time staying over at his house when I was 9 or 10 we spent the whole day poking at turtles we found near a railroad track with a stick- funny how stories like this come up now

I'm so proud of him- what he did in life was remarkable and his story shows that American Muslims are not a group to be feared and are just as patriotic as any other Americans. He had to deal with a lot of crap in the Army for his background and I heard all about it- in basic training, I can't count how many times he told me fellow soldiers and superiors mocked his name or religion but he persevered. He loved being in the Army and loved every minute of it.

I know I won't forget his memory and I hope his life will inspire others. There's many times I get downtrodden/disgusted with some prejudice I have seen but now I'm re-dedicated to fighting through it. It's the least I can do.

Gonna miss you buddy. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbc...0359/-1/COMM03

That's an awesome story, and one that shows why America is the greatest country on Earth. I do feel for his situation as it has been the case that American Muslims have been under great duress since 9-11. Maybe his sacrifice will change some minds. Our country has lost a true American. God Bless his family during this time..... Brian

[Knight165]

Re: Bad news

May he Rest In Peace

I saw that story ...front page of the Herald this morning. Every time...time after time....it still hits me when I see our serviceman and woman make the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Sorry for you personal loss Spectre.

M.K.
Knight165

[Spectre]

Re: Bad news

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

He had just gotten married too and was ready to get a family started. He was just a great, great kid. He'd go to war not only for his country (Mohsin just absolutely loved fighting for this great country), but for any of his friends.

More than anything, I don't think I can bear to see the look on his parent's face. Our families are incredibly close. Everybody back home is devastated- he was well-liked by virtually everybody. Nobody can fill the void that he left.

I've been able to focus on work the last two days, but I knew with the weekend that it would hit me like a ton of bricks and I was right. I've had a nice lump in my throat for the last few hours. Your thoughts are much appreciated guys.

[Scottdau]

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Wow, I bet it was hard being in the Army. Great story. I wish his parents and wife the best. That is hard losing a son to this can of stuff.

[chadskee]

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My condolences...

I don't think the men and women that go overseas get enough recognition. When I see someone in a uniform I thank them in person.

[SPTO]

Re: Bad news

My condolences my friend.

Your friend faced a lot of prejudice but his love of country broke through all that. I'm sure he was every bit of a good man as you say he was and his sacrifice will not go in vain.

May he rest in eternal peace.

[nyisles16]

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Sorry to hear the news Spectre..

RIP to your friend

My thoughts and prayers go out..

[Spectre]

Re: Bad news

Another article for those wanting to learn more about Mohsin- the guy was persistent in everything he did. He had just gotten married three months ago and didn't even spend too much time in the US before going off to Afghanistan. A true American hero in every sense of the word, without a doubt. He wore the colors of this nation with honor. I had a lot of debates with him, but we always recognized our joint pride in the US.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080920/NEWS01/809200332

Mohsin Naqvi had served a tour in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan, and family members said his Muslim faith was a constant source of taunting.
"He was being picked on any time they wanted," his father said. "He still wanted to be in the Army."
But Nazar Naqvi said he never questioned the allegiance of his son, who emigrated from Pakistan with the family when he was 8 and became a U.S. citizen at 16.
"When he came to this country, he took an oath to be loyal to the United States," Nazar Naqvi said.
Hassan Naqvi, Mohsin's younger brother, knelt at the Friday afternoon prayer service, Mohsin's dog tag hanging from a chain around his neck, and wiped away a tear.
He called his brother "the most patriotic person I know."
Mohsin Naqvi joined the Army reserves days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Once in Afghanistan, he would converse with prisoners of war in his native language, Urdu, but his common ground with the captured Taliban fighters ended there. The version of Islam they were preaching didn't resemble his own, he told his family.
"As far as he was concerned, he wasn't fighting against Muslims," Hassan Naqvi said.

I know it isn't much, but each soldier has their story. Mohsin's story is incredibly complex, but I hope his story will reach more eyes and ears. In an era when people love to paint Muslims with one broad brush, Mohsin was a ringing endorsement that our faith and patriotism are not mutually exclusive.

[Heelfan71]

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sucks. Too young to be gone.

[RAZRr1275]

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Sorry to hear that. RIP.

[hardcor2]

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Sorry to hear about your loss man. I have friends over there too and pray all the time they can make it home safely. Not sure how I would do if I lost one.

[loccdogg26]

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As a former member of the armed forces my condolescences go out to you and his family.

[auburntigersfan]

Re: Bad news

That is a very sad, unfortunate story. My condolences go out to you and his family.

God bless him.

Our armed servicemen and women truly are remarkable people, they give so much just so that we can enjoy our everyday freedoms.