Pfc. Lukas C. Hopper, 20, of Merced, Calif.
Spc. Adrian L. Avila, 19, of Opelika, Ala.
Spc. Christopher M. Cooper, 28, of Oceanside, Calif.
Three names. Three deaths. And countless tears for three men who served their nation and died far from home.
Tonight's diary marks the passing of three soldiers, though there was little information available about two of them. As you read about them, please bear in mind what is invisible: all of those moments that they spent playing baseball or joking with friends; the first kiss; the times they made their parents proud with a good grade or a Boy Scout badge; the hugs for siblings at holidays; the care for a beloved pet. Remember that though these moments are lost, and that we may never hear about them, they happened. These men had lives that mattered, as llbear always says. Their moments mattered. They are mourned.
A friend of Lucas Hopper said it all: "I don’t think the world really knows who it lost today, but those of us who knew you understand it perfectly, and for that, I am grateful. I’ll miss you."
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