Name: Army Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander
Age: 26
From: Bakersfield, Calif.;
Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.;
Incident: Army Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander died April 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Died: April 29, 2008
• • • • •
California soldier dies before wedding
The Associated Press
VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. — A decorated California soldier was killed in Iraq just weeks before he was due to be sent home for his wedding, his father said.
Army Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander, 26, of Bakersfield, Calif., died Tuesday after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.
He had planned to be back in the U.S. about a week before his June 6 wedding, said his father, Greg Bolander of Virginia City, about 20 miles southeast of Reno.
“His commander, his master sergeant, was to be the best man at his wedding,” Greg Bolander told the Reno Gazette-Journal. “Now, he will accompany his...
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 12, 2008
None of us have the right to ask for the sacrifice that was given. No words can express the gratitude and sorrow. Rest in Peace Soldier.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY sexygal001 on May 09, 2008
My most sincere condolences go out to your family and friends. Thank you for affording me the freedom through your sacrifice and helping others to live free also. We are free because of brave soldiers like you. God Bless you, Sgt. Bolander!
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
There beside a grave she stands, a folded flag clutched in her hands. A silent teardrop on her face, her brave young child has entered grace. She does not hear the sermon said, just memories run through her head. The child she held so long ago, the child with faith she let go. The child who heard the nation's call, and in the end gave it all, without fear or thoughts of self, thoughts of freedom and little else. The bugle sounds TAPS in the wind, a mournful song it does send. A reminder to us all, that for freedom this, this price was paid, and her sweet young to rest was laid.~~Thank youStaff Sgt. Bolander for fighting for Freedom and America.~~To his family and friends--May GOD bless you--with bright stars in the sky when in doubt--with smiles when the road seems long--with sunshine to warm you when the world seems cold--with love to greet you when each day is done.~~Norma coan, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
The Soldier Poem--I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness.....should I fail. I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love. I have cried, pained, and hoped.....but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least some day I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was..... A Soldier. --Deepest and most heart-felt sympathy--Nikki CoanLouisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep. I have no cares, no troubled thoughts, for now I am asleep.--The living breathing me that was, is now forever still, and time goes on without me as time forever will.--Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all, and those of you that loved me, I thank you most of all.--It matters not if time began or if time will ever cease. I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear may love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories be your comfort.~~Stevie Coan, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds dear, fond memories linger everyday, and remembrance keeps Bryan near.--Dorothy Bowling,Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Nothing loved is ever lost.~~Cordie Griffin, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
There was no love more genuine than mine; in giving and receiving it was pure. Grieve not, for my legacy is love, pure and true, each memory a gift that will endure, returning you to moments fair and fine.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Submitted with Bryan's Family in mind---We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So rest in peace dear loved one and thank you for all that you have done. We pray that GOD has given you the crown that you have truly won.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Love and Gratitude....The agony is so great and yet you stand it. Had you not loved so very much, you would not hurt so much. But goodness knows you would not want to diminish that precious love by one fraction of an ounce. You will hurt, and you will be grateful to take the hurt, for it bears witness to the depth of your meanings, and for that you will be eternally grateful.--Irene Richmond, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Remember me in your hearts, your thoughts, and the memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, and the times we laughed, for if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
A life well-lived does not end any more than the music ends, it echoes through time with whispers of beauty and grace. If we listen, we can hear the encore with our hearts, for the song plays on, just as love lives on. Just remember that grief cannot take away the happiness you shared, that sorrow will fade in time, but love remains forever.--Clara Langley, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand, the sun goes down but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.....for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.~~Sydney Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
For the loss you had words do not heal. May the memories deep within your heart help soothe your spirit. With each memory, let your hearts be reminded that nothing can ever take away the beauty you have known.~~Cora Meyer, Louisville,Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY Anonymous on May 05, 2008
Fill the cracks in your broken heart with fond memories of the past.~~GOD BLESS YOU ALL.~~Cheryl Bowling-Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY John on May 04, 2008
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family forever.
Prayers & Condolences For: Bryan E Bolander BY miyembro on May 04, 2008
Thank you for your sacrifice.
May God bless and keep you and your family in his loving arms.