David Michael Fraser

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Blake Saksa on November 27, 2013:

Dave, Hard to believe it's been seven years already since your passing. We shared a lot together as cadets between running, volunteering for Young Life, and unexpectedly scrambling into your company for our last two years. So many things I remember with you that are worthy of putting pen to paper, but I wanted to share one specific circumstance that really clarifies the man you were ... It was fall 2002 and late one Saturday night I was escorted back to the barracks after a West Point football game and too much to drink at a tailgate. Certainly not one of my finer moments, but I got back to my room, got sick, and couldn't even put myself to bed. A few other cadets attempted to take care of me that night, and in my embarrassingly pathetic state, the only thing I muttered to them was, "Get Dave. He'll help me. He'll take care of me." So they went to get you, and immediately you came. You got me cleaned up, dressed, made sure I was all right, and you put me to bed. I didn't deserve any help or any favor. I hadn't done anything for you. I deserved to be caught and be punished for my immature and irresponsible behavior. But you helped me and kept me out of trouble. You helped me more than I could ever realize at the moment. You literally washed my feet, as Jesus washed His disciples feet. I woke up the next morning and it was over. Forgotten. You never once reminded me what you had done for me. Never once scolded, judged, or looked down on me. Never once even made a joke to me about it. Eleven years after that miserable night, I still remember vividly what you did for me, and I thank you dearly for it. Seven years after your death, I remember you as a friend, a brilliant cadet and officer, and most importantly, a selfless man relentlessly in pursuit of God's favor. Even in your passing, you have provided an incredible example of what a man of God should look like. I still strive for that, even today. Thank you, Dave. You are not forgotten.

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