
Nearly 20 Years Since Montana Lost Lt. Josh Hyland
Hyland. He looked like he was straight out of the movie Black Hawk Down. He had the patrol cap rolled just right, the high and tight, the poker face, and the military bearing of a seasoned veteran.
That's how I remember 1st Lieutenant Josh Hyland when we were fellow cadets in The University of Montana's ROTC program. Hyland was a natural, and if I remember right- he had served at an Army Ranger Battalion prior to deciding to go the officer route in ROTC.
It's been nearly 20 years since we lost Lt. Hyland in Afghanistan. His widow, Lanie Hyland, shared a touching tribute this Memorial Day weekend:
Lanie Hyland: This weekend, stop and take a minute to remember those who gave their lives for our beautiful country. Those who sacrificed themselves for our freedom. The ones who stood up against those who attacked the USA. The men and women, that people like me, miss every single day and wish they were here, enjoying their lives beside us. I will grieve the loss of Josh for the rest of my life. It has been 20 years and I still miss his hand in mine. 20 years.…..Never Forget.
I know many folks are out enjoying the freedom and the campfires this Memorial Day weekend. Whether you make a ceremony on Monday or not- I heard someone once share a great idea: remember the fallen and why we get to enjoy our freedoms and our country this Memorial Day. Even if it is just picking one fallen warrior and sharing their story with your family and friends. Thank you Lanie for sharing YOUR story and your sacrifice with us.
The Grateful Nation Montana website has the full story after Lt. Hyland was killed in Afghanistan:
A Missoula soldier who enlisted in ROTC at the University of Montana on Sept. 12, 2001, was one of four Americans killed in Afghanistan when a bomb detonated underneath a wooden bridge they were passing over...Also killed in the attack were: Army Spc. Blake Hall of East Prairie, Mo.; Sgt. Michael Lehmiller, 23, of Anderson, S.C. and Pvt. Christopher Palmer, 22, of Sacramento, Calif. The soldiers were assigned to the Second Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy.
Like his father, who was pictured in Life magazine during the Vietnam War, Josh made the front page of the New York Times in June.
Hyland was the 11th Montanan to lose his life in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan as of his death on August 21st, 2005.
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa
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