Department of the Army Letter

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
B Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regt.
3HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division
Fort Hood, Texas 76544


February 11, 2010

Dear Larson Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, Specialist John C. Larson, who was a well known and deeply loved soldier in his unit. Words cannot, and never will be, sufficient to express the depth of sorrow and bereavement that we feel.

As you know, John was an good man and an exceptional soldier. Those who served with him always describe his as forthright, honest, and very hard working. There was nothing that he would not do for another soldier. Not only was he a genuinely good natured and sympathetic man, he was also filled with a true desire to do the right thing. I have rarely encountered such a combination of noteworthy traits in one man. He was always smiling and ready with a sympathetic ear or a kind word to anyone who was feeling down and out.

It is important that you know John loved being a soldier and those he served with. He was one of the most well regarded members of the Company and the Battalion. I wish you and your family the very best as you deal with this unthinkable tragedy. If there is anything that I can do to ease your pain during this time, let me know. Please know that you and your family are, and always will be, part of my band of brothers.
-CPT Shane Aguero

John was just an all around great guy, I have never met someone who was just so willing to be there for others.

How do you thank a guy that has done so many great things for his country and his brothers around him? Larson was the most unselfish human being I have ever had the privilege to meet. There were times when will literally go out of his way to take care of his fellow brothers. For instance “my macadamia cookies”. Larson was a man with no vices and I could always depend on him to do what was right. John, it was my privilege to have known you, and I know that I will never meet a human being quite the same as you, my friend. Thanks to your family for allowing you to serve with us. Hopefully, your kindness, unselfishness and love for your country will echo throughout Bulldog Company. So how do I say “thank you”? Just simply “Thank you” and we will miss your presence my brother.

John was more than just a soldier in the U.S. Army. He did not just wear a Specialist rank on his uniform. He was well liked by everyone. Even peers like myself. He carried himself like a professional at all times. Not was he only kind and always had time for everyone, but he also took the time to go out of his way to help everyone no matter how long it took or to what extent. I have never met or known a person that cared more than him. In Iraq, he and I would always run into each other and always talk about the day. I have never heard him complain or gripe about any task or how hard his day was. He was a professional soldier and was a great example to Bulldogs. I remember when we had early missions over numerous days straight, he would always be the first person at his vehicle and always made sure his commander’s vehicle would be ready to execute any missions. He always made sure that he fulfilled his tasks before he took care of himself, no matter how much it endured. I always told him that he would be a great leader because he always had the skills. He always talked about his kids numerous times and I could always tell that he loved them very much. Specialist Larson will never be forgotten by me, and he was not just a great soldier, but a truly great friend.

I served with John in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. In this year, your brother, son, husband and friend did more for Bravo Company that any other soldier I have met. Whether it was buying questionable meat for a platoon BBQ or simply just being there to hear your woes, talk to you and motivate you into doing what needs to get done. John was hard working and I consider myself very fortunate to have known him.

I have so many good things to say about John that come as a flood. How can I say just one thing? Everything is a jumble, you know. He was my friend and my brother.

SPC John Larson was a one of a kind type of Soldier and person. He was the type of guy that would give you his last and not think twice about and never asked anything in return. He always gave from the heart. He was a hard worker and accepted any challenge with a smile. He was outstanding on the grill too. I can remember many nights when we would cookout and no matter what he was doing or tired he might have been he always was ready to grill. SPC Larson will always be remembered in BULLDOG Company as an OUTSTANDING SOLDIER and MAN.
-1SG Torry Rice