Stephen C. Reich

West Point, 1993

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by MAJ Michael Emons on January 25, 2007:

I didn't know Stephen personally, but he had a great effect on my decision to return to duty. As I write this, I am in Muqdadiyah, Diyala, Iraq, serving as a Civil Affairs Team Leader. I am a fellow resident of Connecticut and a 1992 West Point Graduate. When I heard of Stephen's death, I was living in NY City working a civilian job and was a member of the Individual Ready Reserve. For many reasons, I decided to attend the memorial service on the Green in the center of Washington, CT. I was not invited, I didn't know your son, but I felt a strong desire to honor the great sacrifice that was made by Stephen and his family. As I stood in the back of the crowd that day, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, and was brought to tears by the kind words, the huge crowd, and the strength that the Reich family displayed. I was very moved by the event and decided that I should be contributing more. Just 4 short months later, I was called to duty, and instead of resigning my commission, didn't think twice about answering the call. When asked why I decided to serve after having fulfilled my obligation to the military, it is that day that I reference. I think of that day often while I am here, and thought of it again on Saturday when I lost a good friend, a 1999 West Point graduate, in an attack in Karbala. I was sent a link to this website to eulogize my good friend CPT Brian Freeman, but I wanted to tell my story so that the entire Reich family knows that Stephen's service and sacrifice has touched many who didn't even know him personaly. From what I have read about him, and what I heard that sunny day on the Green, he was a great man, a true hero, and an inspiration to all. Thank you! Sincerely, MAJ Michael Emons USMA '92

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