1 PM EST, DECEMBER 15TH - HAVE 'EM PLAY "AMERICAN SOLDIER" BY TOBY KEITH

Matty O'Blackfive sent me an e-mail today requesting that I pass the word about an e-mail he recently received.

Can do:

Specialist David Mahlenbrock was killed by an IED on December 3rd in Kirkuk, Iraq.

I received this email. It's from David's Squad in Bravo, 65th Engineers in Iraq and they are forwarding a request from David. It appears that David had a special letter sent to his squad in the event of his death. He wanted Toby Keith's "American Soldier" played at his funeral:

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Dear 1st Squad,

If you're reading this, then I've died for our country. I just hope it wasn't for nothing.

After the IED went off yesterday, I wanted to write this in case something happens to me. There are a few more letters that I'd like you to give my wife and family.

I'd like to have a military funeral, but, if you can work please make sure that Toby Keith's "American Soldier" is played at the ceremony in addition to the bagpipes. If they won't let it happen, that's ok, thanks for trying...

I know that all the belongings I have here will go to Melissa, but there are a few more things I'd like for you guys to make sure she gets. I have a dog tag w/ our picture on it along w/ some pictures and an American flag in my left breast pocket. There is also a can that says "Son" on it that Melissa's parents gave me that I'd like for them to have, and that angel stone should go to her grandma and grandpa Snow.

Now if I died w/ blue eyes (one blew that way and one blew the other way) and there's nothing really left of me, that's ok, I know you meant well.

Alright, enough with the dead guy's last request, there's a lot of thank you's I wanna say to you fellas...

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David will be laid to rest in Arlington on Wednesday, December 15th at 10AM EST.

David's family and friends are trying to get help mobilizing radio stations to play the song "American Soldier", dedicated to David, on Wednesday December 15th at 1PM EST.

I would appreciate it if you could encourage your readers to call and email radio stations to play Toby Keith's "American Soldier" - dedicated to Specialist David Mahlenbrock - at 1PM EST on Wednesday, December 15th.

By the way, Matty lists more ways to help in the effort in his post, so don't be shy about clicking this link.