I originally wrote this entry in 2007 and I re-post it each year on Memorial Day. One of the saddest of duties for s Student Affairs professional like myself is to attend to the funeral of a student. Unfortunately, I have had to attend several in my 16 years in the field, but the burial of one of our own who served his country in Iraq continues to live with me...
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| Anthony N. Kalladeen |
I hope all are having a peaceful and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. 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 a member of our armed forces that I know personally who gave his life in Iraq in 2005 and share his story.
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 SUNY 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. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and posthumously promoted from Specialist to the rank of Sergeant. He was laid to rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.
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.
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| Specialist Anthony N. Kalladeen Memorial Highway |
In the summer of 2012, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to rename a portion of Route 120 in Harrison Specialist Anthony M. Kalladeen Memorial Highway.
On this Memorial Day, 2014, I remember 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. It was initially written in 2007, modified in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
More Information about Anthony:
2 comments:
Beautiful post Jeffrey. RIP Anthony.
I served in the same company as Sgt Kalladeen for 18 months, including Iraq. I was the one who had to pack his belongings being sent home. He always had a smile on his face and he made friends even with the local Iraqi people
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