John 15:13
Joseph Trane McCloud, a member of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, died in a helicopter crash at Haditha Dam in Anbar Province Iraq, on December 4, 2006. Trane, who was known as a “Marine’s marine,” served his country from the Philippines to Somalia to the Person Gulf, where he was deployed during Desert Storm. Posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel, he left behind his wife, Maggie, and three children.
Following Trane’s full military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, an eagle soared over his flag-draped coffin, just as the sun burst through the clouds.
In Memory of Trane McCloud
Joseph Trane McCloud, a member of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, died in a helicopter crash at Haditha Dam in Anbar Province, Iraq, on December 4, 2006. Trane, who was known as a “Marine’s marine,” served his country from the Philippines to Somalia to the Persian Gulf, where he was deployed during Desert Storm. Posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel, he left behind his wife, Maggie, and three children.
Following Trane’s full military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, an eagle soared over his flag-draped coffin, just as the sun burst through the clouds.
“I know that if Trane had a choice, he’d do it again because he cared so much for his country,” says his mother, Roma, who serves on the boards of the Military Moms Prayer Group and American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County.
“This whole experience has tempered me,” says Roma. “Whenever I’m in a crowd of people, I try to look at them through God’s eyes, through eyes of love. And I say quietly to myself, ‘my son died for you.’”
“I know that if Trane had a choice, he’d do it again, because he cared so much for his country,” says his mother, Roma, who serves on the boards of the Military Moms Prayer Group and American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County.
“This whole experience has tempered me,” says Roma. “Whenever I’m in a crowd of people, I try to look at them through God’s eyes, through eyes of love. And I say quietly to myself, ‘my son died for you.’”
In Memory of Dale Kridlo
Dale Kridlo, a member of the Army’s 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, was killed in action November 7, 2010, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when his unit came under small-arms fire while sweeping for explosives. At the time he died, he had served for nearly a year in Afghanistan and was due home for Christmas to celebrate with his twin daughters.
Dale was posthumously promoted to corporal and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was buried with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60, just a few rows behind Trane McCloud.
“Dale chose the extremely challenging and dangerous job of route clearance,” says his mother, Michelle. “He loved the Army and was proud of his service to his country in Operation Enduring Freedom.”
To honor Dale’s memory, Michelle founded and is president of American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County, Inc., a local nonprofit organization modeled after American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. She is also an officer of American Gold Star Mothers Department of Florida/Puerto Rico. The national organization, which was founded in 1928 by 25 mothers who lost children in World War I, continues to welcome mothers of children who have died while in military service.
The Military Moms are grateful for the service and sacrifices of all those who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Let us never forget the valiant men and women who were wounded or gave their lives to protect our freedoms in the wake of 9/11. In particular, may the victims of the August 26, 2021 airport bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, forever serve as a symbol of the courage and commitment of each and every veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. You are our heroes.