A SOLDIER DIED THIS WEEK-TRIBUTE FOR "IRISH"

This was a person I knew and cared about as friend and advocated with me for veterans. She had very poor health from agent orange exposure. She also had ptsd, but had made it her life mission to help veterans, even while she was still battling the VA for herself. We had lost touch due my pc problems and my misplacing her phone number. I kept putting off hunting for it, and now am so sad I did make the time despite my life trials to do so. Life can be so fleeting. I never thought we would lose her now.
She was on a trip to DC to speak for veterans cases, including her own. She lost a brother to agent orange as well. She had been changed by the VA to a different medicine than she was used too, a cheaper brand, generic, and it was causing internal bleeding. She went back to hotel room to rest and went to be in the "arms of the angels" far from home. The veteran community I belong to are devastated, as am I. I never got to say goodbye, but this I will always remember about "Irish" her easy smile, comforting words for vets, always willing to help others. This is my tribute to a soldier who gave it her all in the Army and out, and it is also a reminder to never forget to let those you love, family or friends know they mean the world to you and that you care.

My mom in law has been put on hospice and I have been very caught up in trying to find a way to make my peace with most likely losing her. She is more like a mom, than a mom in law. I have been caught up with my pc troubles and did not look for "Irish"s" number or write and now it is too late. I guess this is just a reminder to cherish the time and the people in your life who mean the most to you. I am also sorry due to pc trouble I have not been at eons much. All my kindred sisters mean so much, as do all my friends. Please know that.

This blog is for "Irish" though. She was a Capt. in the Army and also a federal employee until she could work no more due to her health. She gave tirelessly of her time and knowledge to help all veterans despite her own health issues. She listened to me when I needed to talk and she could always make me laugh. The VA was not kind to her, as she challenged them and their policies toward veterans. Ironically, she died in hotel room far from her home in New Hampshire. We have gotten her back home to her family now. She was there to fight for veterans and for agent orange policies and ptsd claims, and make change for the better for veterans. I guess God knew she was tired and needed to be in the arms of the angels...I salute you "Irish". I hope you rest in peace, and comfort in the arms of the angels.

My son just joined the Army ironically, and is finishing basic training soon. I know Irish helped make the Army a better place for him to be by challenging how we treat our soldiers and veterans. She is now with God and can rest. I know she would say her work is not done here on earth, but I know now she is a veterans and Armed Forces guardian angel. Bless you Irish...You are loved by those you left behind, and as I look in to the heavens I know one of the stars shining tonight is you looking back on all of us left here to carry on reminding us life is fleeting, but you will always live in my heart, and gave me a wake up call to tell those I love, I love you and I care, as it can all go away in a instant. It is also a reminder to thank our Armed Forces and veterans for being willing to lay their lives on the line daily, and to remind us freedom is not free. Irish may you be in peace tonight and always now as you rest in the angels arms....