First Sgt. Brad Kasal received the Navy Cross for heroism yesterday. It recognizes his actions in Fallujah. Receiving one of the nation's highest military awards is a great honor.

Unfortunately, one family member was not present, Kasal's father.

An Iowa Marine being decorated today for combat heroism in Iraq is suffering his own family loss.

First Sgt. Brad Kasal, 39, is to receive the Navy Cross, one of the nation's highest military awards, at Camp Pendleton in California. One of his father's final wishes was to live long enough to see his son honored.

Gerald Kasal died Sunday after a battle with liver cancer. He was 69. The retired Afton-area farmer recently moved to Creston. Because of his health, volunteers set up a live video conference hookup at Southwestern Community College in Creston so Kasal could watch the ceremony.

Despite his death, the event is to go on as planned.

Brad Kasal was wounded in November 2004 while leading a mission to rescue three fellow Marines trapped under heavy fire in Fallujah. Kasal, who's being promoted to sergeant major, is transferring to Des Moines.

Let us all salute the actions of Brad Kasal in the service of his country.

And let us also offer our prayers and condolences for him and his family as this time of honor has been tansformed into a time of mourning. May God bless them all.

Posted by: Greg at 10:28 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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