Letter to the editor: Remembering Earl Fillmore, American patriot

I want to sincerely thank you for publishing the article celebrating Earl Fillmore Jr. (“Derry native killed in 1993 battle of Mogadishu in line for Army’s Distinguished Service Cross,” Jan. 1, TribLIVE). As I sat in my home on a rainy New Year’s Day, I thought about what a wonderful and courageous person he is.

To become an Army Ranger and the youngest member to be selected to the Delta Force is something that most people will never understand or think about. He is an American patriot.

Your article immediately inspired me to watch “Black Hawk Down.” My day was spent thinking about the brave soldiers who have protected our country for the past 250 years.

The battle in Mogadishu is not one that many will remember. However, Sgt. First Class Earl Fillmore Jr. must be one of the bravest people to ever serve our country. I wish that I could have met him in person.

Marquis Smith III

Greensburg