Special prayers are for you and your family. May the Holy Spirit work in your hearts to help you find comfort in knowing that Jesus died for Isaac and us all and he is in His loving arms. Amem

I am so sorry to hear about your son. I did not know him personally, but unfortunately I “know him and his pain”. I am an ex-military RN and also worked in the VA with PTSD patients. It is heart breaking every time I hear of another young soldier who have chosen to stop the pain by choosing this option. May God have mercy on him. He served his country and we are all proud of that. 

Chaplain Ziemer just relayed the news of your tragedy to me today. I am 78 years old; am a retired Army National Guard colonel; served 26 years in the Army--1 in Vietnam combat and 12 in the Pentagon; have a PhD in medieval history and taught for a dozen years at a Wisconsin Prep School; am on the 30% VA disabled list for PTS; have a deceased oldest brother who was a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor for decades.
I would be happy to talk to Cheryl and/or Phil or anyone else. My phone: 608/838-4226. My e-mail: epopsahlw@aol.com.
I participate in a weekly "peer support" group and we meet on Tuesday noons in Madison, Wisconsin. The struggle continues for most of us every hour of every day.
Best wishes, Erhard ("Erik") Opsahl

Dear Cheryl and Phil,
We have only just heard of the passing of your son. Mike and I are so sorry to hear this. He was such a great kid when we knew him. Although it has been a long time since we have been able to see each other, I am certain he grew into an amazing young man as evidenced in the pictures I saw above. We will pray for peace for your family during this hard time. Again, we are so very sorry. With sincerity, Mike and Marlena Gross

Words? I have no words. God does, however, and His are both pertinent and powerful:

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
   and saves the crushed in spirit." ~ Psalm 34:17-18

Cheryl, Phil, Ellen, & Ruth- I'm so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your comfort and strength.

Isaac, I know that your Mom and Dad loved you more than any words can express. The joy that I saw in your mom's face when she talked about you was immeasurable! I think of when they were going to your graduation and how proud and excited they were to be a part of that. Your life was truly a beautiful one and you stood out with your accomplishments and drive to do what you can for your country and for others. You were a very bright and well spoken young man. When I had the pleasure of working with you, I remember you as being a gentleman and a young man of integrity. Cheryl and Phil, I am praying for you in your grief. Please go through it and do not try to skip the grief process or explain it away. I have been with people through their losses having worked in the Catholic church for 10 years. I remember a saying that was by Fr. Paul Caldwell. "Jesus did not come to take away our suffering, but to fill it with his presence." God grabs onto us and goes through it with us. There is no way but through it and it will come in waves. God holds you through the people around you who will hold you in prayer, in their embrace and walk through this with you as best as we can. This tragedy was not God's will, but God WILL be with you every step of the way. Love and prayers to you guys as you mourn and remember the good times. Cassie

Dear Isaac,
I didn't have the chance to meet you personally but I know how your mom is a kind and supportive person. I believe you looks like her and better. My condolences to you Mrs H, I know it is unaffordable loss.

Dear Isaac,

I cannot say how much I will miss you as we had only just begun what was destined to be a beautiful friendship. I had the fortune to really get to know you in 2020, even getting the chance to go into the mountains to board with you. Our shared hobbies and interests brought us together. I am blessed that you spent the time to help me understand the mechanics of helicopter flight, the special natures of your Tegu, and the complexities of metalworking armor. We were brothers in the club and I am now a better person having known you. I shall miss the quick wit, the enthusiasm, and the way you encouraged others to live to the fullest. 

"Not gone, merely marching far away"

Dear Isaac,  I did not have the chance in meeting you- but did watch you grow up thru pictures that your Mom use to send of you and your sisters. Your Mother and I worked together back in Ft. Collins, CO.
You will be missed by her and you dad and family so vey much.
Thank you for your service thru the years. 
Dear Cheryl and Phil and family, we are so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers for you all during this sadden time.
With much love,  xoxo Cathy & Ray Vendryes

Isaac recognized that our 11 year old son was bored during some downtime while we were visiting my husband in flight school.
Isaac sprang to action and engaged in an epic Nerf battle that took over every room in their house. The boys had such a good time and I’ll never forget how thankful I was not to hear, “what else are we doing today?” for at least 20 minutes.
Thank you, Isaac

However often I hear the thrum and chop of a Blackhawk rolling over the mountains, tracing the landscape, I will look to the sky, and I will miss you my friend. EW

I’ll miss you Isaac. I’ll never forget your smile or your jokes. You and your family are in my prayers.

Cheryl and family, I am so sad to know that your dear son Isaac is no longer here on this earth.  Over the years I have loved following you on Facebook and watching Isaac grow and have been proud of Isaac and what he had accomplished.  I pray that our triune LORD, your friends, family and church will bring you comfort and peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers, my dear friend. With much LOVE, Lu

I enjoyed Isaac’s sense of humor and quick wit. I first met him when he was a boy and one special memory I have of him is how proud he was of the family’s Westies, and how gentle he was with them. It is a great comfort to know he trusted in Jesus and is now at peace with the Lord. I continue to keep the family in my prayers. ✝️