L”HU  

1,196,554 – this is the number of the Noble Fallen.  

The number of Unites States military personnel who have given their lives in defense of our greatest of nations, the United States of America, in the 12 wars the U.S. has been in from 1775 until now. 

Today, on Memorial Day, we honor these 1,196,554 men and women who gave “the last full measure of devotion” so that this “nation might live.” And we are supremely blessed to live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

I would like to share with you the story of 2 of these Fallen Heroes, those who made the ultimate sacrifice. One I did not know personally. One I did know personally and was like a brother to me. 

When I was the CHOPS (chief of operations) for TAAC-South in Kandahar, I was in charge of all current operations in the southwest of Afghanistan. In this position, I would get all the news and reports first.

I was one of the first to find out that Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Timothy Bolyard (of blessed memory) was killed in an “insider attack” in September 2018.

As I learnt more about him, what struck me about CSM Bolyard was this was his 7th combat operations deployment. I did not know him personally, but I knew fellow officers who did and they spoke of him in the absolute highest of terms – his leadership, his courage, his selflessness – a professional of the highest order, a truly extraordinary Soldier, husband, father, and friend.

In the service of his country, CSM Bolyard was taken up to the Heavens too soon at the age of 42, leaving behind his wife, his parents, his 3 children, as well as a brother and a sister. 

MAJ David G. Taylor (of blessed memory) and I met in 1991 at Ft. Benning (now Ft. Moore) and we were life-long friends from the first second.

You only get a few really close friends in life and Dave was one of mine. Not a friend, a brother, a real flesh and blood brother. He was killed in action (KIA) on 22 October 2006 in Baghdad when his humvee struck an IED.

A day does not go by that I don’t think of him. I wear a memorial bracelet on my right wrist with his name and the time/place he was KIA. Almost never do I ever remove it.  He is with me always. We were close with Dave’s wife, Michelle, before he was taken up to the Heavens and we remain close with her and Jake (now 16), their son, to this very day. 

It was Michelle who introduced me to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) which provides compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or Veteran loved one. Our beloved friend Michelle attests to the wonderful kindness she has received from TAPS.  This is the only endorsement needed to confirm its worthiness of our support. 

Back in 2004, when I was in Iraq with 1-16 Infantry (Iron Rangers), after a massive battle northwest of Fallujah, I participated in the memorial ceremony for an Iron Ranger (SGT Christopher Ramirez) who was killed in action during this battle. After the ceremony, I sent out an open letter to the American Jewish community, a call to send morale packages to the Soldiers deployed at the front lines in Iraq. The result was the greatest Kiddish HASHEM (Sanctification of G-D’s Name) with which I’ve ever been involved. In 4 months, we received in Ramadi, Iraq over 1,500 boxes. These came from Jewish schools, shuls, temples, congregations, organizations, individual Jews, and Jewish families. From all across the United States, the packages poured in. 

Now, on this Memorial Day, the day we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I am sending the call again.

1 of the 3 highest of Jewish values is Hakarat Hah’tov (gratitude) – your support of TAPS, which does so much goodness and kindness for the families of the Noble Fallen, is the ultimate expression of Hakart Hah’tov. 

My request is threefold.

(1) That we raise as the American Jewish community at least $54,000 to support TAPS. I know we can do better than this, but the goal is at least $54,000. 100% of the funds goes directly to TAPS. 

(2) That we give in increments of $18 – a very special number in Judaism. “Chai” is life – care and support to the families of the Fallen.

(3) That this project be an endeavor of the entire American Jewish community, for every single Jewish-American - secular/religious, observant/ethnic, left/right – everyone. Hence, it is critical and crucial that you pass on this request as widely as possible so that it can reach every member of the American Jewish community. 

Like the building of the holy Mishkan (the Tabernacle), everyone was involved – giving as best as each person could toward a great communal project of gratitude. 

The purpose of this communal project embodies the other 2 of the 3 highest values in Judaism.

(1) Kiddish HASHEM (Sanctification of G-D’s Name) – in Jewish philosophy, there is no higher action that a Jew can take.  None. By expressing our gratitude, we bring honor and praise to G-D. We sanctify G-D’s name. 

(2) Tikkun Olam (perfecting/repairing the world) – by helping, assisting those families who have been broken by the sacrifice of a loved one, in the defense of our nation, we help rebuild and restore.   

Why now?

The classic Jewish answer was given by our greatest Sage, Hillel, over 2000 years ago – “If not now, when?” (Ethics of Fathers 1:14). 

A second answer has special resonance with me.

Soon, I will be deploying for the 3rd time to the CENTCOM AOR (area of responsibility).  This time it is in support of OIR (Operation Inherent Resolve), the mission to degrade and destroy the remnants of the Islamic State in and around Syria and Iraq. I am blessed to work with so many incredibly talented, dedicated, and selfless professionals. When we return, I will have spent a total of nearly 3 years away from family and friends in service of the U.S. Army. 

Conclusion

Let us make this a most meaningful and memorable Memorial Day. Let us express our gratitude and support to those who tend to the families of the Noble Fallen. So that we all may be part of a highly exalted Sanctification of G-D’s Name (Kiddush HASHEM) and a truly remarkable repairing (Tikkun Olam) of our world. 

“Be Strong and Courageous” (Deut. 31:6) 

Very Respectfully, 

LTC Moses Scheinfeld