PFC RACHEL K. BOSVELD
527th Military Police Company
Rachel
K. Bosveld, age 19, was fatally injured on October 26, 2003 during a
mortar attack on the Abu Ghraib Police
Station in Iraq. Bosveld was assigned to the 527th Military Police
Company, V Corps,
Giesen, Germany.
(www.militarycity.com)
WISCONSIN
SOLDIER DIES IN IRAQ
By Colleen Kottke
The (Fond Du Lac, Wis.) Reporter
By Colleen Kottke
The (Fond Du Lac, Wis.) Reporter
WAUPUN,
Wis. — The news of Rachel Bosveld’s death has brought the reality of
the conflict in Iraq home to Waupun.
Bosveld, a member of the 527th Military Police, was killed Sunday during a mortar attack at a Baghdad police station.
As the word of the 19-year-old’s death filtered through the community, friends who knew the fun-loving brunette sought out one another to grieve and relive memories spent with their fallen friend.
Although Bosveld attended Waupun High School for only two years after transferring from Oshkosh West High School, it is clear that she made a lasting impression in the lives of those who knew her.
“She was energetic and always laughing,” said Krissy Beske, UW-Fond du Lac student and former classmate. “When she first came to school, we just kind of pulled her into our circle and took her under our wing.”
Beske says that Bosveld was very independent and comfortable with who she was.
“She was really unique and had her own style and wasn’t embarrassed to show it,” said Beske, who also tells of Bosveld’s sense of humor. “Sometimes we would just do silly stuff, like dress up like boys and then go out in public.”
After she learned of Bosveld’s death, she spent time with friend Jessica Gruening, looking over old pictures of themselves and Bosveld in happier times.
“Because she had been away for so long, the news didn’t really hit me at first, but when we began looking at old pictures and wishing she was here, it came over us big time,” said Beske. “(Rachel) was such a strong person and I looked up to her. She knew what she wanted and where she wanted to go in life. I will always remember that about her.”
Bosveld, a member of the 527th Military Police, was killed Sunday during a mortar attack at a Baghdad police station.
As the word of the 19-year-old’s death filtered through the community, friends who knew the fun-loving brunette sought out one another to grieve and relive memories spent with their fallen friend.
Although Bosveld attended Waupun High School for only two years after transferring from Oshkosh West High School, it is clear that she made a lasting impression in the lives of those who knew her.
“She was energetic and always laughing,” said Krissy Beske, UW-Fond du Lac student and former classmate. “When she first came to school, we just kind of pulled her into our circle and took her under our wing.”
Beske says that Bosveld was very independent and comfortable with who she was.
“She was really unique and had her own style and wasn’t embarrassed to show it,” said Beske, who also tells of Bosveld’s sense of humor. “Sometimes we would just do silly stuff, like dress up like boys and then go out in public.”
After she learned of Bosveld’s death, she spent time with friend Jessica Gruening, looking over old pictures of themselves and Bosveld in happier times.
“Because she had been away for so long, the news didn’t really hit me at first, but when we began looking at old pictures and wishing she was here, it came over us big time,” said Beske. “(Rachel) was such a strong person and I looked up to her. She knew what she wanted and where she wanted to go in life. I will always remember that about her.”
TASK FORCE'S FALLEN SOLDIERS
REMEMBERED
U.S. Army Spc.
Andy Miller
122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 23, 2004 — Task Force 1st Armored Division soldiers know “Freedom Rest” as a place of rest and relaxation, with amenities that remind visiting soldiers of home.
On March 21, during memorial and dedication ceremonies, Freedom Rest became distinguished for something more than an R&R stop: a site dedicated to honoring the Task Force’s fallen soldiers.
An apartment building on the former Republican Guard compound was renamed in the memory of Pfc. Rachel K. Bosveld. A plaque bearing her name is now a permanent part of the building’s throughway.
Bosveld served with the 527th Military Police Company in Baghdad last year. She provided security for the Abu Ghraib district police station and worked to train the Iraqi Police Service officers.
Bosveld received her first purple heart when her vehicle was hit by enemy fire during a patrol mission in Abu Ghraib. Six weeks later, Bosveld was mortally wounded when her HUMVEE came under mortar fire. She was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a second Purple Heart.
Following the dedication ceremony for Bosveld, a service of remembrance was held for all the Task Force’s fallen soldiers.
A memorial plaque bearing their names was unveiled in the main Freedom Rest building. The plaque lists the names of all Task Force 1st Armored Division who died as of March 16, 2004 and is displayed inside the main entrance.
“A memorial ceremony is an opportunity to pay honor and respect to fallen comrades. And it’s a traditional military event that gives the soldiers an opportunity to bid farewell, express their emotional grief and convey their love and support to other soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Alvin C. Sykes, division chaplain.
“This was a combined memorial service to recognize the total price paid by Task Force 1st Armored Division soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” he said.
“As 1st Armored Division prepares to redeploy back to their home station in Germany, it is appropriate for the Division to pay homage to the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for their country,” he said.
“It’s a tough ceremony. We are talking about the young lives that have been sacrificed willingly for a fight against terrorism. A fight to bring dignity to other people and a fight to protect many of the folks back home,” said Brig. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, assistant division commander for support. “Every single one of these individuals was in the early part of their lives.”
Hertling said these soldiers are fondly remembered by their units and comrades in arms.
“They are always the ones with the smiles on their faces. Always the ones that are willing to give you anything,” he said. “They are the ones that perk up a squad or a platoon. The loss of that to this world is just devastating, but they are doing it for a reason that’s bigger than each one of them.”
Though the individuals listed on the plaque at Freedom Rest will not be going home with their units, ceremonies like the one held Sunday ensure they will not be forgotten, Hertling said. Soldiers who visit Freedom Rest for recreation have an opportunity to reflect on their commitment to the cause of Iraqi freedom and to their fellow soldiers.
“While these soldiers are in reflection, the plaque will help them to remember that we must go on,” Sykes said. “It will help them remember that we must finish this fight because of those who paid the ultimate price.”
