Statement by Sergeant Damien T. Ficek Family (Donna and Danny Vian)

We are devastated and heartbroken by the death of our son Sergeant Damien T. Ficek.  He meant everything to our family; he was a loving son, husband, best friend and brother to Dustin and Friend to anyone that met him.  We loved him very much and will miss him greatly.

Damien graduated from Beaverton High School in June 1996.  He served four years in the active army and joined the Washington Guard in 2002.  He was a student at Washington State University in the athletic training education program, he was on the presidents honor role and also the recipient of an academic scholarship.

We wish the world could have known him as we did.  He was bright, brave and courageous.  His commitment to others was something we could all learn a little bit from.  He was a giving soul who had time for everyone.  He left an impression on anyone he met and he held so mush promise for this world.  It was this promise of a better world, full of peace that led him to serve in the National Guard.

Damien’s commitment to his military duty was very important to him.  He wanted to serve his country and do his part for the war in Iraq.  Although, he has made the ultimate sacrifice he would want you to know that this was part of his duty.  He would want you to know that the guard was very good to him.  He would want you to know that the guard provided everything he needed.  He would want you to know that the guard protected him as much as they could.

Please take time out of your day – every day – until each one of them are home, to remember our soldiers, their families and the sacrifices they are making.

We have been deeply moved by the many expressions of support from our friends and family.  We appeal now to everyone to afford us the privacy to grieve in peace and to come to terms with our loss.