Editor:

I heard about this half-way around the world the other day (“Buckingham’s Gill dies,” Wednesday, July 13).

We’re gonna miss you, Coach. You taught all of us who played for you more than just a game. Even after all these years, I can still here that gravely, unmistakable voice. And through all the years of Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, it’s saved and pushed me more than you’ll ever know.

You taught us not only how to be great on the field, but to be good human beings off of it.

I’m sure that I echo the sentiments of all of us from that 2002 team when I say that we lost a truly great person, coach and role model. “Remember the Knights.”

SSG Kristopher Pierce

Alpha Company, 1-12 Infantry

APO, AE