Jeff Fortenberry: “It's hard to be sad when I'm so proud. You are my hero.'' These were the words Alvin Debro, Jr., used to bid his…”

“It's hard to be sad when I'm so proud. You are my hero.'' These were the words Alvin Debro, Jr., used to bid his brother, Sergeant Germaine Debro, a final goodbye. Sergeant Debro was killed near Balad, Iraq, on September 4 when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. A member of the Nebraska National Guard, he had served in both Bosnia and Kuwait. Because of these recent deployments, he was not required to go to Iraq. But as a single man with no children, he volunteered so other soldiers would not have to leave their families. At the funeral service at Morningstar Baptist Church in North Omaha, Pastor Leroy Adams said to us: I look across this sanctuary, and I see America, one Nation, under God, in a church brought together by Germaine. It's not how long you live, it's how well you live. His friends recall Germaine's love for life, selflessness and compassion for others. Germaine's mother, Pricilla, said her son died a proud soldier. Our Nation will be forever grateful to Sergeant Germaine Debro and his ultimate sacrifice. ____________________”