Salute to the Common Man

Russell Mahlenbrock died on Dec 3, 2004. Many people died that day. What makes Russell so special? Russell was a soldier in the US Army doing what he believed in. He laid down his life in a cause that he he so aptly thought described in the words of Toby Keith's song "American Soldier".

As a last wish, Russell wrote a letter to his fellow soldiers:

Dear 1st Squad,
If you’re reading this, then I’ve died for our country. I just hope it wasn’t for nothing.
After the IED went off yesterday, I wanted to write this in case something happens to me. There are a few more letters that I’d like you to give my wife and family.
I’d like to have a military funeral, but, if you can work please make sure that Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” is played at the ceremony in addition to the bagpipes. If they won’t let it happen, that’s ok, thanks for trying…...

The least that we can do for Russell is to try to get this song played across this great land of ours. His funeral is on 12/15/2004 at 1:00 pm. Call your local radio station, tell them about this true story and request that they play this song for Russell, for all our troops and their families. They need our love and support ... now and always.

Thank you for reading this.