RIP John Massey

["Ironman" Michael Taylor]

Yes, I am "Mr. Showtime" Bryan Daniels. For those of you who didn't know, surpise! Anyway, on to other things. I posted this elsewhere, which you may have seen, but want to post it here as well as a memorial to my friend.

As many of you know, I'm in the Army. I served a year in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005. John Massey was a man who served with me during that tour. He was a friend and part of my Army family. I have known him for almost 7 years. The information I am about to tell you was made public yesterday.

This past Saturday, during a routine convoy, the truck John Massey was riding in was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device(IED) roadside bomb. He was killed. He was serving a 2nd tour in Iraq with another unit at the time.

If this makes any of you uneasy upon reading this, I'm sorry. This is a guy that I laughed and joked with on a daily basis while we were there the first time. He is the first person that I really KNEW quite well that this has happened to. I have known many that it happened to, met them a few times and chatted a bit. But, none like I knew this guy. It has taken quite the toll on me the past 3 days since I found out. So, if I have offended anyone during that time, you'll have to excuse me. I haven't been in my right mind at all. It is hard to even type any of this. I just need to get it though.

Also, I just want all of you to realize just how real this war is. I know you see it on the news, say "Oh damn. That sucks." and then go about your daily routines. Being someone that has been there, it really does take a toll on my mind. I don't even watch the news because of it. I want everyone to think about it, to realize people are actually being taken away from their families and friends. Some of you may have even had someone taken away from you because of it. I don't mean to make anyone feel bad, but I can't help it if I have. This is something that has really been effecting me and I felt the need to share with all of you, for him.

In Memory of John Massey. May you rest in peace for all eternity brother.

[newstar]

Ouch, sorry dude.

[fninfamous]

Damn. Sorry about your friend man. It's hard to lose someone that you've known personally. I know this better than most people. Some here know what I'm talking about. He may not have died in the war but the fact still remains that I've lost a close friend of my own. I feel for you man. I know how it can get when you lose someone like that. Someone you've joke around with on a daily basis. Someone you hung out with. Ate with. Got to know really well. Almost to the point where the person's like a brother to you. I know when I lost my boy Ace, my mind was fucked up and it hurt like a mothafucka. If you need time to take off, by all means man. Take the time you need.

Rest in Peace, John Massey.

[warrior]

I can relate to you in a few ways. My grandfather served in world war 2, and his platoon got shot at so many times it was amazing they lived through it. However unfortunatly, he passed away in 1997. (R.I.P. Grandpa) However, he died of natural reasons, old age, and a heart attack.

Another way that I can relate to you is that as we speak, I have a cousin in Iraq, and he just got home to visit for the fourth. He seemed very different, and he told me that he got shot at the other day while driving a tank. His buddies in the tank told him to go slow in case for traps on the ground and he said I cant I'm getting shot at. I'd rather get out alive than go slow and die anyway. He lived, which I am very happy for. Every night, I pray for him as I go to bed, and I think alot about him because I don't wanna get a letter about him one day in the mail.

Your definitly right about watching the news. When you have a loved one in the war, it gets so hard to watch the news, knowing he or she is there. Well, I send you my condolensces towards this time. (R.I.P. Grandpa and Massey)

[robert]

Why didn't you tell me this this morning? I'm sorry to hear about it, Bryan. May he rest in piece.

R.I.P. John Massey.

[Joe Bruiser]

DAMN man that sucks. I'm really sorry to hear this man.

R.I.P John Massey