The Bitter Taste of Reality

I just received an email from RADM Shear sent to all CEC officers. I toiled with whether to post it or not. It's not my intent to scare people, to bring fear or worry to those who read this. My intent moreso is to remind myself and others that this reality that so many of us are facing is very real. To think otherwise serves only to fool oneself with a false sense of bravado.

From the Chief of Civil Engineers:

CEC Leaders,
I deeply regret the loss of our fellow Naval Officer and brother-in-arms, LTJG Francis (Frank) L. Toner IV, CEC, USN. LTJG Toner was attached to NAVFAC HI and was on a one year IA to Afghanistan with the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. Frank was killed on Friday, March 27 at Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan. Initial reports state that an Afghan National Army soldier opened fire on Frank's group, and then turned the gun on himself.

Another Naval Officer also died and a third was wounded.

Frank left NAVFAC HI in July 2008 for IA training before traveling to Afghanistan in October 2008. Frank was an exceptional young man and Naval Officer. He made a great and positive difference while in Afghanistan - just as he did while serving in Hawaii. His death is a very costly sacrifice for freedom. Those he touched during his life will never forget his smile, sense of humor, competitive spirit, outstanding work ethic, and love of Country. The Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan held a memorial service on Sunday morning to honor Frank and his fallen colleague.

The NAVFAC Hawaii Ohana/family is planning a Pearl Harbor service later this week.

Frank is survived by his Wife, Brooke, his parents Francis and Sharon, two brothers, and a sister. Brooke Toner was staying with her family in Idaho during Frank's assignment in Afghanistan and is now surrounded by family. We will put out information on memorial services and funeral arrangements as details become available.

Please pass to your wardrooms and extended CEC families. We mourn Frank's loss together. Please keep Brooke and all the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Frank arrived home on Saturday evening. It was my honor to represent all of you, in Dover, to receive him.

With Great Sadness, Greg