Comments on: Real Life Hero: Boots on the Ground Report #2 — A Tribute to SSG William. E. Vile

By: Creig Dunlap

Creig Dunlap — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:43:01 +0000

Heather, I met Bill in training at Ft Riley and was a member of his MiTT team. Things I remember most about Bill is that he knew his business better than most and he was always out front. The last time I saw him I bumped into him after his R and R. He had a smile on his face because he was out doing what he loved. You know him better than anyone…he was hard charging and could not sit still.
Although I knew him only briefly I learned a great deal from him and am grateful for his help prior to my first deployment. I am honored to have had the chance to get to know him. I am heart-broken for you and his family.
One of the last things we talked about was your engagement. I do know he loved you. Be proud of Bill and know he is in a good place.
May God bless you both!
CPT Dunlap

By: Paul Horne

Paul Horne — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:15:43 +0000

Dear Heather,

Enjoy the memories that you and Bill had. That can never be taken away. He is an American Hero, I know that will give you no comfort. You cannot put your arms around that and hold it as you go to sleep. I am a former Army Infantry Staff Sergeant. My nephew, SGT James Pirtle, fought and died along side Bill that first day in May. I know that for the most part there were few that could be trusted that day. But, I am glad that Bill, Jimmy and Ryan could. There is no doubt in my mind that they look after us today. As you live the remaining portion of your life, just think what Bill would want you to do. I think that way, thinking of my young nephew. My only son is just three years younger. I was 17 when I joined the Army. Fresh out of high school, turned 18 in the gas chamber in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Jimmy always wanted to have a drink and cigar with me, so I have one once a year for him. Life goes on. I hope in our lives we will meet. Until then, take care of yourself as Bill would want. Your spiritual friend. Paul Horne

By: Paul Horne

Paul Horne — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:02:50 +0000

What most people don't know is that during the final minutes of the attack, SSG Vile called on TACAIR (Broken Arrow) on his own location. Both SPC Ryan and my nephew SGT Pirtle were already dead. Three out of the four Latvian snipers were also gone. It was obvious that the COP would be overrun and all NATO forces would be killed. So, in order to affect maximum damage to the on coming enemy a "Fire for Effect" "Danger On" was given. In my day, back in 1978 I provided Recon "TACAIR" (warthog) support for the 172nd. I can only imagine the "balls" this great warrior had. I am proud that my nephew fought and died with such an amazing american. Not a day goes by that I don't think of them. As a country we really don't realize just how fortunate we are to have people like our warriors to defend us.

By: Clint Badlam

Clint Badlam — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:48:05 +0000

Not only a defender of your great Nation but mine (in the UK) and all of the nations that are out there doing righteouds job of bringing freedom to those who lack the strength and to those he need protecting.

Our thoughts and gratitude go to you all in SSGT Vile's family, to his friends and to his colleagues.

Much love and thanks from here in the UK

By: hmmm

hmmm — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:28:39 +0000

I pray for the family, one should think about this… Man got injured during each tour. Me personally find that it tells you something. Yes he was brave and sacrificed himself for our country, however, I think he made some critical mistakes. I feel bad for Heather and the family. Honestly, I heard nothing but bad things of Bill except for the troops he liked. He lowered the moral of his troops and put people down. He treated his troops like crap. He was gung ho to go out there when some of his own troops told him something was up. It is a shame. Sometimes us little troops know more than you give us credit for, remember, we are to work as a team and ultimately the ranking solder makes the final decision, but things should have been thought through clearer. You can't win a war unless you can fight. So I feel we are just sitting ducks, because we are not allowed to fight the war like wars used to be faught.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:28:56 +0000

I wanted to give my condolences to SSG Vile's Family and friends. I am the widow of Sargeant Philip A. Dodson Jr. Killed 12-02-05 in Talil Iraq. Your lives have forever been changed. Let God comfort and keep you in the next few weeks and years. It takes a while to heal the hurt and the hurt may never totally go away . I was told it gets easier to deal with.

By: Chris Cavoli

Chris Cavoli — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Staff Sergeant Vile was a good man. He was a strong fighter, and brave, and was decorated repeatedly for wounds and for valor. More cannot be said of a soldier. The world and our Army are lesser places without him. God watch over his family and loved ones.

By: SSG Myers

SSG Myers — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:30:36 +0000

Heather,
I am so sorry for your loss. I served with William in the Korengal and I was blessed with being able to talk with him here a few times before that awful day. My prayers are with you and the family.

SSG Myers

By: Jeanette Hancock

Jeanette Hancock — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:04:01 +0000

My son and Bill served together with the 10th Mountain Division. We had Thanksgiving dinner together several years ago and I remember him as a very nice, considerate young man. My son is back in Afghanistan on his second tour. My heart goes out to Bill's wife and family. Thank you for your sacrifice. He will never be forgotten by his friend and the men of his unit.

By: Janet Muir

Janet Muir — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:29:59 +0000

Heather, your Bill was a great young man. I knew him as a youngster in Philadelphia. He would come to my house to hang out…he was a fixture at our home. It is a shock that such a vibrant man is gone. I am sad, sorry for your loss, as well as all of our loss. Bill will always remain in my heart and mind. Heather, we never met, but I must say I am very happy that Bill found someone to love in this life. Peace be with you and yours.