I originally wrote this entry last year on Memorial Day and it is worth reposting (with a few modifications)... I am posting it here as a way to remember a Purchase hero. - Jeffrey PutmanI hope all are having a peaceful and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Whatever your opinion is about our current administration in Washington, don't forget that Memorial Day is a day to honor our fallen American Soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and our way of life. Take a moment to find a way to thank our fighting men and women, in even the smallest way, especially those who have been placed in harms way in Iraq and those who are currently serving in Afghanistan and throughout the world.
Every time I need to be reminded our our heroes I remember the only member of the armed forces that I know personally who gave his life in Iraq in 2005.
Anthony N. Kalladeen and his older brother, Chad Pillai, were put up for foster care when they were just 9 and 10 after their mother suffered a nervous breakdown. But Kalladeen, at age 17, came looking for her and his brother to reunite the family. "He showed us what true love was," said his cousin Ana Rodriguez, 46. "He showed no animosity toward his mother."
Anthony Kalladeen served as a Purchase College resident assistant for three semesters in the freshman residence halls Big Haus and Crossroads, enjoying great popularity with his peers and first-year students. He was a superb mentor and model for the residential community. He touched students' lives and helped them grow in his capacity as an RA. I still remember the day he came to our office to request a military leave of absence. He was so proud of his military service and felt that it was his duty to return to Iraq. A former Marine, he was about to begin his second tour of duty in Iraq as a member of the Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment out of New York City. He planned to return to Purchase to complete his studies.
Anthony Kalladeen, 26, a resident of Purchase College in Purchase, N.Y., died Aug. 8, 2005 in Baghdad of injuries sustained Aug. 7, when his Humvee was struck by two improvised explosive devices and he received small-arms fire.
Anthony Kalladeen is a true American hero. Whenever I need a source of strength, I think about him. I only wish I had gotten to know him better.
It is one of the saddest duties of a Student Affairs professional to attend the funeral of a student who has passed away, and I have unfortunately attended three, but Anthony Kalladeen's military funeral, with a helicopter fly-over and 21-gun salute will live with me forever.
In May, 2006, Purchase College dedicated Kalladeen's Corner in the Crossroads residence hall which continues to serve as a place of reflection where students can gather to socialize and study. Every time I visit the College, I try to be sure to take a moment to visit it and reflect.
On this Memorial Day, 2008, I remember Spec. Anthony N. Kalladeen and all of the fallen heroes, and think about all of our men and women in uniform who continue to serve to this day. I hope you take a moment to think of them as well.
Portions of this entry were adapted from an article in The Washington Post.