Fort Carson – Their guns are silent now; the dog tags that once hung near their hearts have been tucked in special places.
Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton, Spec. Ricky W. Rockholt, Pfc. Joseph Knott and Pfc. Robert W. Murray Jr. – all from Fort Carson’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment – are at rest.
There were not enough seats in Soldier’s Memorial Chapel on Tuesday for all the people – more than 700 – who came during a thunderstorm to say goodbye to the “brave rifles.”
“I thought it was very fitting that it was raining during the service,” said Pamela Knott, of Yuma, Ariz., whose son was killed in April when a remote-controlled bomb exploded in Iraq.
“It sounds silly, but at times you want to think, ‘Oh, those are the angels crying, not just for Joseph but for all the lost soldiers.”‘
The Department of Defense announced Tuesday that another 3rd ACR soldier had died. Spec. Joshua T. Brazee, 25, of Sand Creek, Mich., died from noncombat-related injuries on Monday.
Since Fort Carson troops returned to Iraq in the winter and early spring, eight soldiers have been killed – six from the 3rd ACR and two from the 43rd Area Support Group.
In the chapel on Tuesday, Spec. Dave Clayton read a letter from Cpl. Michael Shoemaker, a friend of the 24-year-old Saxton of Temecula, Calif.
“Someone asked me once if I had ever known a hero,” Shoemaker wrote. “The truth is, I think I met with, fought with and lived with and was friends with one. Stephen Saxton was every bit of a hero.”
Rockholt, 29, of Roseburg, Ore., was remembered by his comrades as a mature, competent scout who would do anything to help his fellow soldiers.
“Rock fit right in,” said Pfc. Kevin Lyons. “He was a quiet person, but so easy to talk to. No matter what situation we were in, there was Rock working with a smile on his face.”
Murray, 21, of Indianapolis, was known for his sense of humor, confidence and positive attitude.
“He was a great soldier and an even better man,” said Sgt. Jeff Evans. “He was an ideal soldier, a wonderful friend and ideal individual. Among his many talents was his ability to make us smile.”
Sgt. 1st Class Rodger Snod grass, Knott’s drill sergeant at Fort Knox, said that Knott told his fellow soldiers during basic training that he joined the army because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“I could tell right then that Pvt. Knott was raised the right way, in a loving family, by loving parents,” Snodgrass said.
Outside the chapel on Tuesday, Knott’s mother said that some days it is hard to believe her son is gone.
“Sometimes he seems like he is gone. But he was supposed to be gone for a year, and sometimes I’m still waiting for him to come back.”
Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.
