Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I knew Clint many years ago. Junior high- high school to be exact. We got along and bumped heads. I can't explain it. You just couldnt stay upset with him. His "I got something going on" grin or smart funny as hell remarks. Maybe thats why Clint and I had so many "conversations" with Mr.Mossey the assistant principle. Lol. Clint thank you for making those years much more bearable. I think of that young skinny fast running kid I knew quite often. I'm very proud to have known him. He will always be remembered."
Tim Homa of Erie, Pennsylvania

"I miss and love you buddy."
Triplett

"Clint Prather is my cousin and I'm very sad that I never got to meet him. May he rest in peace. My mom Michelle is his father Jeff's sister and I know my mom misses the both of them very much. I have a deep respect for Clint and think about him often, even though I never got to meet him. I'll never forget the day I found out that he had passed, I was a junior in high school when it happened and I remember talking about it to my classmates and I just broke down and started crying, it saddened me very much knowing that I didn't have the chance to meet such a great man. He died serving and protecting our country, and for that he will always be remembered. It feels great reading all the comments that everyone is leaving. I'm very proud of my cousin for what he's done for our country. Even though I'm not in the military, many of my family members are currently serving or have served in the past and I know that Clint watched over every single one of them. It gives me a great sense of pride after reading most of the comments, especially those that mentioned how Clint has had a positive affect on their lives..Clint I hope to see you one day and am waiting to hear some of your stories, as I'm sure you have many to talk about..to his wife and kids - I hope you're doing okay and I hope things have gotten easier for you over the years, your husband/father will always be a hero of mine and it is an honor to say he is family to me. I hope one day I'll have the opportunity to meet his wife and kids so I can get to know my cousin through them.. Rest in peace Clint, you will always be in my thoughts."
Kyle Hutton of Tacoma, WA

"To all the Prather Family;
I graduated from Cheney with Clint. I remember he was one of the first people that I met at Cheney. I never got to know him very well but I will consider Clint a friend. I did not learn of his passing till just before our 20 year class reunion. As a fellow service member it is hard to write to/about a fallen brother in arms. Clint you were a great personality and you were always able to make everyone around you laugh. You will be missed my friend."
HM2 (FMF) Jesse Bolstad U.S. Navy of Bremerton, WA

"My dear son We miss you very much. Each year that goes by which is 6 years is still hard and will always be. I wanted my children but it was not to be. We loved you and your brother more than you will ever know. We now have this ache in our heart that does not go away. The day you died part of us died . If I could of changed things I would of died for you. You had so much to live for. You have a beautiful wife,beautiful daughter now 14 and a handsome son 16. They both act and look like you and their mom. You should be proud of them. Love you Clint. Mom and Dad"
gloria hackwith (mom) of Cheney, Wa

"To the family of:Clint J.Prather
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"To the Prather Family,
Words cannot express the loss you have endured. I had the great fortune of being in the next bunk over from Clint at AIT in 1992. With my last name Prater, and his Prather, Drill Sergeant Richardson couldn't keep us straight. I was "short stocky &^%##" and Clint was "tall Lanky @#$%#". His sense of humor and story telling made training easy. We last track over the years, but such is a Soldier's life. I am deeply saddened by the loss of a good comrade and a person I consider to be a friend."
SFC Randall Prater of Fort Sheridan, IL

"Love ya brother."
Cean Smalls of Nampa, Idaho

"You will be missed and remembered."
SSG Alan Prather of Texarkana, Texas

"Althought we graduated from Cheney together and we both knew each other from middle school on, and we both joined the Army after school, and you wrote in my year books year after year. We never really got to know each other like I wish we could have. You are the kind of friend all Americans have. Thank You for everything you have given me and every American! God willing I hope to see you in heaven someday!!"
Matthew Cross of Cheney WA

"Re: CWO Clint J Prather

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"I'm a Cheney boy that grew up with Clint, ran with Clint, got in trouble with Clint, and some of the greatest memories were spent driving around on country roads with him. He is everything that all the people have commented, and I know he was a great father and husband. The last time I saw him I think he was home for the hollidays from Korea, and came over for dinner- what a remarkably changed man! I was so proud of him, and then to find out a couple of years later that he had accomplished such a lofty goal as an aviator, I was not surprised.

Irene, my thoughts are with you and the kids, and I would love to meet you all some day.

Thank you Clint, I miss you Buddy."
Jon Grafious of Cleveland, Ohio

"To the family of Clint Prather, I knew Clint at PLDC in Hawaii in 1996. I know that I can't add to the stature of your son, father, and husband. I was impressed with him enough to get an address good for the next 25 years. I told him I wanted to track him down and see what his career was like. I still have the address. Upon asking him then what he wanted to do, he told me then that he wanted to fly helicopters. I still remember kidding him how big a target he was going to make himself. He responded with a smile, "Someone's got to do it." Clint possessed courage in the face of fear. Such men are rare. There are those of us who find strength from the memory of the dead and such lives as his have a profound affect in the conduct of our own. Thank you Clint for being what we all should be as servicemen and Americans."
Anthony Young of Clarksville,TN

"Irene This is mike from hawaii. I was married to christina we were neighbors.I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. I had tried to look you guys up to see how you were and i was just beside myself to see what i saw. I looked and looked for a mistake but didnt see. i would really love to talk to you in some way. i dont know if you will get this or not you can msg me on yahoo. or e mail. keepitsimple62301@yahoo.com if you need anything."
Mike Dagenais of Quincy,Illinois

"November 10, 2007
To the family of CWO Clint J. Prather:
Clint gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Hiya Clint,

I heard what happened through my mom. I know you are gone, but man oh man I will never forget you hitting me on the nose after I kicked your butt in Kick Ball. I will never forget that all our teachers had to separate us because we talked too much through elementary school, Jr. High, and High School and ohh yes I so remember going to state track with you saying "Hey Tina there's Santa high on drugs in the next lane".

You came from a very very hard line and a hard childhood. I loved you dearly and still love you. You were my best friend when I needed it and I hope you knew you that. You did well for you and your brother Chuck. Oh yeah I remember you talking about Chuck all the time! Funny, no one talks about that. Bottom line I love you Clint and always will, you were a great friend to me since I was a little kid. You did good, despite hitting me on the nose and throwing books at me. I'm still making men mad and I love it. It's a gift from a probation officer to a medic, you healed, I piss people off, funny how our lives switched."
tina of cheney, WA, USA

"I had the good fortune to be a teammate of Clint's on the cross country team at Cheney High School. Yes, he was a gifted runner, but that's not what I remember most about him. I remember the guy who volunteered without hesitation to leave a team outing at the river early so he could haul a couple of us underclassmen 40 miles back into town before our parents got off of work. Or the one who shared his headphones with me on the way back from the state championships because I forgot mine. I can tell by the other postings here that for the rest of his life he never stopped doing things like that. Our goofy 1992 team photo still hangs on my refrigerator. No longer to commemorate my accomplishments, but to remind me to tell my three daughters about Clint and all of the other men and women like him who so selflessly defend us."
Marc "Boggs" Barton of Goodyear, Arizona

"I knew Clinton as my supervisor during my tour of duty at 1-3 ADA, Ft stewart, GA. he was an inspiration to me as well as a leader and a friend.

he will forever be in my thoughts and prayers as well as his family."
Aaron Brown, SSG(R) of Ft Leonatd Wood, MO

"You are still in our thoughts everyday, we often remember things and have a laugh. We will never forget. We love you and miss you.
Clint, Jody, Jason and Sam"
of Fort Belvoir, VA

"Irene,

We hope that you and the kids are doing well. We continue to pray for you and your family and think of ya'll often. We miss you,
Philip, Mari, Cristina and Clarissa Paniagua"
Philip and Mari Paniagua of Germany

"I never got to know Clint for as long as some, but the time I did spend with him was truely unforgettable. When we first moved to Germany him and David Ayala, who was his PI the day of the accident were sponsors for our family. I spent a whole 4 hours waiting up in Kitzigen for my husband Michael as he was inprocessing and Clint sat there and talked to me with my little ones. He spoke about how when he was home from Iraq he never wanted to scold his kids and he'd let Irene do that because he just never wanted to be the "bad guy." He talked about how he had a great wife Irene who had made the choice to be home with the kids so that they always had somebody there they could count on, to meet them after the bus, get them off to school and just "run the show" as he said. He had a great sense of humor and told me a lot about the unit and how he used to be a medic and joked with Michael and I a lot and asked us questions about being married and we shared back and forth funny stories. I will never forget that day because as he drove Michael and I and the kids in your SUV, our oldest daughter Aylish got sick EVERYWHERE and Clint just pulled over and laughed it off and said, "somebody's not having a good day are they?" He talked to me about how he was his son's best friend and how great his children were in general. He bragged about how well-mannered they were when they went out to restraunts and Michael told me he met your kids one day and said they truly were well behaved and great kids. He seemed so proud. It is odd because as I read other messages I even read one from Joe Beebe who we met at Fort Rucker when Michael was going through Flight school and he was in IP school. We didn't know Joe knew him too. What a small world it is in aviation. Despite any differences we are all like a big family hoping that we will see a day when there is peace again and no more loved ones are lost flying like Angels in the clouds. I never really got to meet you Irene, only at the PX one day with my family, but I know Michael respected your husband a lot and said that Clint was a great guy with a great way of lighting up a room. Michael returns to Afghanistan next year with his unit here in Bragg and I am sure there is not a day that won't go by that he won't think of Windy 25. Peace and love to you all. Especially your children. There is no doubt after even just that short time with Clint that they were truly his greatest accomplishment. If you ever need anything we are at Mrmturner@earthlink.net."
Paula Turner/Wife of CW2 Michael J Turner of Fort Bragg, NC

"Clint and I were in Korea together i remember it like it was yesterday two 18 year old kids that could drink we had alot of good times. When I found out he was staying in I was shocked this was the kid who said 2years and out i am going to college. We lost touch until right before he went to afghanistan when I contacted him and made plans for a trip to orlando with Irene and the kids,Unfortunately that did not happen I will miss my brother and will never forget the lessons we taught each other. Clint made me smile and when nothing else could. I will miss him very much."
Chad Mumm of Jacksonville,Florida

"you are a great hero to us alland we all miss you"
linda of seneca s c

"I attended flight school with Clint and lived a few doors down. I remember stopping by a few times to borrow a movie and Clint would give me the worst one he had telling me how good it was and that I "had to see it." When I would return it, he would just laugh and say "didn't I tell you it was a great movie." He truly made the hardships of flight school worthwhile with his humor. Even during the worst of times, Clint would make a joke and completely take my mind off the stress that was flight school. God bless you, Clint. You will never be forgotten."
CW2 Mike Mankowski of 2-6 Cavalry

"Dear Irene and family:

I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Clint in Ft. Stewart Georgia. I was one of his Medics. I was pregnant when I met Clint and going through a ugly divorce. He helped me get through the mess. I remember every day through my pregnancy he would ask me "So, you are going to name him Clint, arn't you?" I remember I was due in about a week, he pointed to my stomach (that was huge) and asked if I had twins.

Clint was so positive. He reminded me of Jim Carey. He made funny faces and jokes that kept me from crying. I do not think I would have made it through my divorce and pregnancy if he was not there every day telling me that it would be okay, and that I did not need my ex-husband. He was right, I thank him for everything that he did to help me.

Clint was the best soldier that I met while I was in the Army.He was a very good father. He talked about his son and daughter every day. About how much he loved them and he could not wait to see them after work. About how his son could run so fast and keep up with him.

Clint got his EFMB badge while at Ft. Stewart on his first try as a SSG. That is an amazing accomplishment. Clint helped all the medics get promoted and put us in for awards we deserved. He was a wonderful Medic and sqad leader.

My prayers have been with your family. May your children grow and know that their father was a Soldier Medic and a hero.

All my love,"
Yvonne Lawrence- Ayers(Lewis) of Amarillo, Texas

"I didn't know Clint too well when our paths first crossed in I believe Ms. Houlihan's class. I was in 2nd grade, Clint was in 1st - yes Salanave Elementry was a bit different back then. When our paths crossed again in the Fall of '88 and '89 on the Cheney Cross Country team we formed a team of 'brothers' that went on to win the State Championship.
For all of us that was our first experience of working so hard together as a team and achieving so great an acomplishment. I'd like to think that work ethic and commitment helped prepare Clint for the much more important 'TEAM' he joined after High School.
My favorite memory of Clint was the night before State Championships. Coach Martin put us in same room because I was supposed to be the more mature one and would help keep Clint focused (looking back I'm not sure if thats exactly how it worked). Clint was pretty nervous about the whole event and the rest of the team helped in the way we knew best, yelled at him and harassed him endlessly untill he would lighten up.
Nervousness and all Clint and the rest of us ran the best we could and achieved the result we deserved. That Clint was so nervous for a Cross Country Race seems so improbable now considering what he went on to do.
I will always consider our victory the greatest acomplishment of any athletic team I have ever been a part of. When I am out running, that day in November of '89 always comes to mind with awesome memories, the memories are still awesome but now they are sometimes mixed with tears as I think of Clint.

We will always be 'STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!'

Scott, Donovan, Kieran, Eric, Andy, Jamie and Clint"
Andy Palmer akpalmer@aol.com of Denver Colorado

"To Irene and family: My name is Barb Shillinger and I send you my most sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and dad, Clint. I know what you are going through and I will keep you in my prayers. I am the WA state coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. We are volunteers making a Civil War reprodution quilt for the family of each of our Fallen from WA. It will have an embroidered label with Clint's name. We ask nothing of the families except an address to which we can mail the quilt when it is finished. Please contact me at barbnlamont@comcast.net
And, again, I am so sorry for your great loss."
Barb Shillinger of Aberdeen, WA

"Irene,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family and all loved ones of Clint.

I know it’s been a while so you may not remember me but I feel a great loss in Clint’s passing and wanted to extend my sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember Clint as the honest and EXTREMELY hilarious guy that he was. He was without a doubt the life of any party and definitely not an easily forgotten person. He was always the guy that kept you laughing even in the most difficult of times. I too, like many others visiting this site, attended Warrant Officer School with Clint. I’m sure that Brian Wells, Paul Strohl, Josh Plotner, Edward Roche, Ryan Weaver and the many others that attended the school with Clint will all agree that he was definitely and without a doubt one of a kind. Never have I met a person that could be so energetic and motivating during those gruesome days of WOCS.

Our hearts ache for you and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Clint’s valor and deep sense of patriotism. If ever we can do anything for you or your family feel free to contact us at jwilburn01@comcast.net.
Clint will never be forgotten.

The Wilburn Family"
Joe Wilburn of Pineville, Louisiana

"Irene

It is a slow day at work and I just happened to come across this site. You may not remember me, my name is Brian Wells and I went through flight school with Clint. I am so sorry for your loss. Clint was a pleasure to go through school with as he would always know when to say the right thing to relieve the stress of school. I remember riding the bus with him out to the stagefields and him signing "where I come from" by Alan Jackson. He was always picking on Randall. I remeber the good times that we had at your house playing cards. I have loss touch with all the guys that I went through school with with the exception of Joe Wilburn, but I often think of the class and Clint always sticks out in my mind. If you ever need anything you may contact me at wells7907@yahoo.com. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brian"
Brian Wells of Chicago, IL

"Irene and Children;
You do not know me or my family but I know you and yours very well. You and your Clint were the Sister and Brother who took care of my baby sister when she was and is away from me. I cannot tell you the number of times that I have heard your name and that of your Clint - in fact at times it would get really confusing. It got to where Jody would say "my" Clint and "Irene's" Clint. What I want to say is that I regret the fact that I never met your husband for I feel that I will for the rest of my life have really missed something. The words written on this page, what I have heard about him and heard about him from my family and most of all the way he touched the life of my sister and brother in law. Please know that everyday I say a prayer for you, the kids and Clint. Please know that if there is ever anything that I can do for you do no hesitate to call and ask - you took care of my sister for so long that I would love to be there for you. Thank you and Thanks to Clint for being extraordinary people."
Debbie of Moody, Texas/USA

"Irene there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Clint and how wonderful he was. He was a brother to me and my Clint, an uncle to the boys and a Hootie Dog lover. As every day goes by I hope that things will get easier on you and the kids. The one thing you can never question is Clint's love for you and the kids. He was an amazing husband, dad and soldier. I will never forget the times we had together, his funny stories, his words of wisdom and his "HOOOOOOTIE" story. Always know that you and the kids are family and we will do anything for you guys. We will never forget Clint and are honored to have even known him. He is a true Hero. Love you Jody"
Jody Harris of Germany

"Irene and the kids:
Clint always had a way to make people smile, and even caused a few faces to turn red, especially when it was time for him to go through the medical portion of his predeployment, postdeployment or SRP processing. If there was one thing Clint hated, it was VACCINATIONS! He would try to talk his way out of ANYTHING if he could! I will never forget the jokes and his smile....he always made me giggle whenever he popped up in line because he always had a wise crack to pop on us when it was his turn at the table. Irene, you are truly an amazing woman. You have faced one of the toughest events in anyone's life and you have faced it with courage and a calm, gentle spirit. I stand in awe at the strength you have shown through this entire ordeal. I want you to know that Windy 25 lives on in the hearts of many people. Clint and the other crew and passengers on that chinook live on in the memories of so many people and each man and woman on that bird are true American heroes. God bless you, your children, your families and Windy 25."
Christy of Giebelstadt, Germany

"Clint and I were in WOBC together. He had to be the funniest guy I have ever met. I will never forget you Clint. God bless your family."
CW2 Justin Taylor of Fort Hood, Texas

"I remember the party at Clint and Irene's while we were in flight school together and Clint played his favorite song at the time--"Where I come from".... Clint dancing his heart out. Clint was one of the bestfriends I can ever remeber having and he will be greatly missed. ALWAYS the joker. He was able to make the best of any situation. I can't say enough about this man, this soldier, this Warrant Officer, so I will sufffice to say that he was my friend and brother in arms. So in closing to Clint, may you watch over me and to Irene if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. God bless Clint and his family."
CW2 Edward Roche of 1-501st AVN Attack Ft Hood Tx

"Hello Eireen,

this is Katja - writing from Germany. Hope you remember me, Karl-Heinz and Marianne from Gaukoenigshofen. Hope you and the children are doing well. We are thinking very often of you all and we miss you and your family. We would be very happy to hear something from you.
(especially my dad would be very relieved hearing from you!). He is wondering if you all are doing well. Maybe you can contact us:
(katja-fleck@gmx.de).

Greetings from Germany

Katja."
Katja of Wuerzburg,Bavaria/Germany

"Irene and kids, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless,"
The Ross Family of Ft. Campbell, KY

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA""

"My name is CW2 Ryan Weaver. My Brother, CW2 Aaron Weaver was killed in Iraq on 8 January 2004 when the Medivac Blackhawk his was flying in the back of was shot down. I wanted to tell you that I am a TAC Officer here at 1st Warrant Officer Company, where I first met Clint going through Warrant Officer Candidate School in 2000. Nothing anyone can say can make the hurt go away, but I was there through Candidate school all the way until he picked his aircraft- the day before he didn't know which he'd fly, Apaches or Chinooks. He made us all laugh when he picked Chinooks, because it was such an irony that someone would have two completely different choices. He always made me smile, and though I wasn't close with him, he radiated a positive spirit to everyone with that infectious smile. I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and I wish there was something I could say to ease your pain. I assure you this... I am doing the best I can to train the future's Warrant Officers to fight in his memory for all that we hold dear. Clint will not be forgotten. From my heart to yours,"
Ryan Weaver of Ft. Rucker, AL USA

"We went to Cheney with Clint, and although we didn't know him really well, we want to express our gratitude to him and his family for making such a sacrifice for all of us. Clint is an American hero. Thank you Clint."
Donnie and Jeanette Pool of Spokane, Wa USA

"I am Clint's Aunt Dawnee, sister to his father Jeffrey. The words I have read on this site bring tears to my eyes, but also a gladness to my heart that Clint touched so many lives. It is hard to make sense of the death of one so young. I know in my heart that he died doing what he loved best. I also know that he would do it again to ensure freedom for his wife, children, family and friends. I have no doubt that Clint is in heaven with his grandparents awaiting the day that he will see us all again.

Again..thank you for taking the time to share memories and thoughts of Clint."
Dawnee McCulley of Puyallup, Washington

"Clint you will be missed, for the family, you are all in my prayers. I am sure that you are making everyone smile in Heaven. I will miss your laughter."
CW2 Eric Collier of Ft Campbell, KY

"To Clint's Family,

Irene, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Like so many others have stated, Clint was a great friend and soldier. I knew him while we were stationed together in Hawaii. We served on the Color Guard together and worked together as fellow soldiers/medics. Clint was always the life of the party. His presence guaranteed a good time full of laughs. I last saw Clint in Balad Iraq. It was my first week in country and his last night before going home to his family. Seeing a familiar face in such a strange place was just what I needed. We sat and caught up on lost time over dinner. Clint helped me realize that my time there would pass and many rewards were to be had by serving our country. He told me a few stories of close calls during missions, but mostly he talked about his family. He was so proud of his children and deeply in love with his wife. I wished we could have spent more time together. I will miss you terribly Clint! You are not forgotten!"
CPT Mitch Godwin of El Paso, TX

"To Clint's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"Clint was a childhood friend of mine, growing up in Cheney, WA. Some of my best memories include him. We used to play kick the can, door-bell ditch, and just wait for dark to arrive so we could terrorize the neighborhood-as most boys did back then. Clint was always into sports, was on swim team, good at soccer, etc. Its unfortunate to see a friend leave us too soon. I commend him for his longtime service to our nation."
SSG Andrew Steen of 25th ID, currently Iraq

"In 14 years in the Army, Clint was the best friend I had made. We were stationed together in Georgia and Hawaii (1993-1997) as medics and we submitted our flight packets together. We were both young and single Enlisted soldiers, then not-as-young married Warrant Officers. Regardless of geography or demographics, Clint was a source of optimism, self-confidence, loyalty, professionalism, and one of the greatest senses of humor I have ever known.

He came to my barracks after his 4-midnight shift ended. I was asleep with a cold.
"hey! lets go get a beer!!!"
"I'm sick, go away"
"the alcohol will kill the virus, trust me, I'm a medic"

Needless to say I got up from my sickbed. Partly because I wanted to be out on the town, but mostly because I knew Clint was the man to chase away the blues and not even sickness could hold back a good time when he was in the room.



AN IRISH AIRMAN FORESEES HIS DEATH
— William Butler Yeats, 1919

I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.

Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.

Clint, I look forward to seeing you on the other side, brother. Save a seat for me..."
CW2 Joe Beebe of Ft. Rucker, Alabama

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Clint will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"My husband, Josh, befriended Clint in 2000 during flight school. I heard many stories about Clint and his quick and hilarious sense of humor long before I got to meet him. He was every bit as entertaining as I imagined him to be. I remember the flight school graduation ball and how during the speakers' memorized and boring speeches that Clint kept making short, quick, absolutely humorous comments that gave Irene and me a terrible case of the giggles - so bad, that she and I decided that we needed to go calm down in the lounge. A few days before I learned of Clint's fate, I was looking through the photos we had all taken before the graduation ball and reminisced about all of those great memories of a much happier time. Irene looked radiant, and our husbands looked so handsome in their highly-decorated uniforms with all of their enlisted awards. Life was great. It wasn't long after that until the Army sent us our separate ways and over time our communications had become less than sparse. But the one thing that will remain unchanged is our memories of how good of a friend Clint was and his extraordinary reputation for his humor that preceeded him."
Amanda Plotner/CW2 Josh Plotner of Pooler,GA/Iraq

"I have lost several friends since I returned from my tour in Iraq, but this one hit me the hardest. I was deeply saddened to hear of Clints death. I not only served with Clint when he was stationed in Hawaii, but I also went to High School and ran cross country with him in Cheney. He was a great soldier and a wonderful person who always made me laugh. My thoughts, prayers and thanks go to Clint's family for his service to this great nation and his sacrifice."
SSG Erik A. Miller of 1/158th Air Cavalry Edgewood, Maryland

"I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Clint's family and friends. Please know that there are many Americans that appreciate the bravery and sacrifice that American soldiers give our country."
Jennifer Smith of Post Falls, ID

"Thank you Clint Prather, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Clint Prather:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Clint for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Clint Prather:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Clint, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia