Tiffany Q Burns

West Point, 1997

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by 2LT Sylvia Amegashie on August 7, 2008:

Ma'am, Even though I only knew you for a short time, I will forever be indebted to you for the impact you made on my life. I still remember the day you came to my home in VA as a recruiter for the Army Track Team. You didn't talk too long about the fact that the track team was a family and I would form unbreakable bonds that will probably last for the rest of my life - which I did. You didn't only tell me that going to West Point was on opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up - although it was. You touched on the fact that West Point is among the best academically - but that's not what stuck in my mind. And although I eventually adopted your "black/white moments" with many of my roommates and a few friends (we're all thankful to you for that), that's not what I remember best about you. To this day, the thing I remember about you most is the fact that you made a high school girl feel like she mattered in this world and could make something of her life...because you made something of your life. It's nothing you ever said but the way you acted and conducted your life. You were straight forward, kind, lady-like, confident, and witty. The list goes on but you had all the qualities I wanted to emulate. I figured that if I could make it to graduation and gain 1/10th of the qualities you possessed I'd be a very lucky girl. I finally graduated last year in May 2007 and still strive to be like you. I try to keep it real and let my actions do the talking. You were my mentor/role-model for such a short time and yet I learned things that will stay for me for the rest of my life. I wish God had not taken you so early but I'm sure He had his reasons. Just wanted to let you know that I (along with Krystal and Dom) still remember you and try to live our lives right like you. God Bless, Sylvia Amegashie 2LT, U.S. Army

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