| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Fitz Williams |
Posted - January 05 2004 : 4:13:56 PM
You see the names in the news, but until the name belongs to someone you know, it never really comes into perspective.
Yesterday my wife came in with a newspaper she bought for the wedding pictures of our "third daughter", who was married last weekend. My youngest was one of the bridesmaids. On the front page was a picture of Capt. Kimberly Hampton of Easley, SC. That's about 10 miles from Greenville. She was piloting a helicopter and was hit by a missile near Baghdad. She was 27, just two years older than my youngest. The two of them played tournament tennis together, sometimes as doubles partners, sometimes against each other. They won the Easter tournament at the Myrtle Beach Tennis Club every time they played it. Kimberly went on to play college tennis, but she always wanted to be a pilot. She got her wish and flew missions on the DMZ in Korea, in Afghanistan, and finally Iraq. And last weekend, while my daughter was wearing an evening dress and celebrating her best friend's wedding, Kimberly was shot down and killed in the desert. Her body arrives home tomorrow.
It makes a difference when the person in the news is someone you know.
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| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Theresa |
Posted - March 03 2004 : 8:19:07 PM
Thanks for posting that, Lainey. I'm going to send it to my soldier who is in the 82nd Airborne. He didn't know her personally but knew of her. So tragic. |
| Lainey |
Posted - March 03 2004 : 2:19:54 PM
You've probably already heard about this, Fitz ...
Anderson County Moves To Honor Fallen Pilot
TheCarolinaChannel.com
March 03, 200411:17 a.m. EST March 3, 2004 -
A helicopter pilot killed in action in Iraq may soon have another honor bestowed upon her.
The Anderson County Council voted Tuesday night to ask the county's legislative delegation to work toward naming a portion of Highway 88 for Capt. Kimberly Hampton.
Hampton, an Easley native, died when her helicopter was shot down near Fallujah last year.
The plan calls for the road to be named the "Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Parkway".
"She is a child of this county. She is a child of this state and certainly she is a child of America. She is a true hero," Council Chairman Bill Dees said.
The legislative delegation will now present the plan to the General Assembly."
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| Fitz Williams |
Posted - January 10 2004 : 11:04:13 PM
Kimberly was burried this afternoon. It was cloudy and cold. There were about 70 of the 82nd Airborne there, and at least 1000 people from this area. The President of her college spoke, along with her college tennis coach, and a General from the 82nd. She received three medals and was burried with full military honors, horse drawn caisson, riderless horse, honor guard, and a 7 gun salute. Her fiance accompanied her body from Iraq. He was with the family. |
| Kaylynn44 |
Posted - January 07 2004 : 3:37:23 PM
Fitz,
They had a segment about Kimberly on "Good Morning America", and she was a beautiful girl. The first thing that struck me before they made any kind of comment about it was her smile. She had a genuine and beautiful smile. My heart broke for her parents, especially since she was their only child. It is just so sad!!!
Kay |
| Highlander |
Posted - January 07 2004 : 01:19:28 AM
I'm sorry for you're loss. Would somebody please tell me why we're over there again? |
| securemann |
Posted - January 07 2004 : 12:37:17 AM
Very sad to hear this.May she rest in peace. |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 10:17:51 AM
Fitz,
Please allow me to add my condolences.
Kimberly has joined a growing sisterhood of courageous military heroines. My prayer is that this may be some comfort to her grieving family and friends. |
| Jayne |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 09:45:17 AM
Fitz,
My heart goes out to your family and the family and friends of this brave, young woman. So sad to hear this.
Jayne |
| Lainey |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 09:14:13 AM
quote:
And last weekend, while my daughter was wearing an evening dress and celebrating her best friend's wedding, Kimberly was shot down and killed in the desert. Her body arrives home tomorrow.
Very sorry, Fitz. |
| Kaylynn44 |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 08:39:38 AM
Fitz,
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter's friend. My husband had mentioned something about a young girl dying the other day in Iraq. He said that she was from South Carolina. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Kay |
| Carter |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 07:53:02 AM
I am so sorry. What an incredibly awesome and brave woman. Suddenly I feel ashamed for whining about my own petty problems. This tragedy does indeed put things in perspective.  |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - January 06 2004 : 04:00:07 AM
Sorry to hear of your loss, Fitz. There is nothing to be said that would comfort you, but I will pray for both her safe arrival in the afterlife and for your peace of mind.
Your Most Humble Servant,
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| richfed |
Posted - January 05 2004 : 7:08:46 PM
Very sorry to hear this Fitz ... personal stuff does make a difference. That's one reason the WTC attack hits me hard ... still. |
| Theresa |
Posted - January 05 2004 : 5:55:33 PM
I'm so sorry, Fitz. Did she happen to be with the 82nd Airborne? |
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