02 May 05

Mr. Linke,

I'm not sure if you remember me or not but I was a member of the class of 1987. Needless to say, I was a friend of Tim Finnerty and was devastated by the news of his death. Since graduating, I have been in the Army for a number of years and am currently serving my second tour in Iraq. The unit that my company falls under is from the New York City area. Before they deployed, they were given a flag that was flown at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania crash site.  The enclosed photo is one of my platoon at Al Taqqadum, near Fallujah, with that flag.  Before we took the photo, I explained to everyone it's significance and talked a little about Tim and the impact he had on those who knew him. By the time I was finished there was not a dry eye anywhere. Even in death, Tim's love for his fellow man and zest for life carries on.  I would ask that you please let people at home know that the folks in this photo are some of the most courageous, compassionate and dedicated people I've ever met.  They asked me to send this to you in the hope that it would be displayed with the knowledge that our cause is just and the vast majority of the Iraqi people are grateful for our presence. Our best wishes and deepest sympathy go out to Tim's wife and our deepest appreciation for everyone's support. Back home, no matter where home is, is constant.

Sincerely,
1Lt Anthony Freda '87
Platoon Leader
2d Plt, 70th Trans Co

anthony.freda@us.army.mil