Richard J Henkes II

I knew Rich from school and from his family life. He lived with his Mom and step Dad and from what he told me he was very content. He told me his father had little to do with his life. His step dad treated him like his own son. He taught him to drive, took him for his drivers test, got him excused from traffic tickets, picked him up from sporting and band events and was there for him during local band and sporting events. He told me his "father" wanted to give him to a foster family because he could not control him during a short visit with his father. His mother immediatly took control. Rich was her son and she loved him more than life. She made sure he had everything he needed and wanted including entering the Army against her wishes. She knew this was what he wanted so she signed the papers. She lives with this every day of her life. But she knows now that it was what Rich wanted and he died for a purpose. His Mom loved him enough to let him make his own choises regardless of how she felt. His dad condemned her for that choice. He loved his mom for her decision. His dad placed the responsibility of his death on his Mom. He loved his mom for believing in him...he hated his dad for not believing in him.

May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family forever.