Mr. M., Requiescat in pace.

The story of a hero, courtesy of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota.

The story of Mr. M is both heartbreaking and heartwarming – a tale of different people from different parts of the world brought together by the universal bonds of compassion and friendship.

When the soldiers of North Dakota’s 141st Engineer Combat Battalion were stationed in Iraq last year, they met “Mr. M,” a local Iraqi man who immediately befriended the soldiers of B Company’s third platoon. Mr. M was both a hardened survivor of Sadaam’s terror, as well as a dreamer who never abandoned hope for his country. He had been imprisoned for five years after a cousin of his spoke out against the regime. Shortly after meeting the North Dakota soldiers, Mr. M began providing them life-saving information, which helped them locate roadside bombs and weapons cachés, in addition to assisting an Iraqi army unit in identifying insurgent safe houses. Time and time again, Mr. M placed his own life in danger so that the soldiers, both Iraqi and American, could be safe.

More than just an ally on the battlefield, Mr. M often opened up his home to the members of the unit where they began a lasting friendship with his pregnant wife and their six children. Mr. M asked nothing in exchange for his efforts except the chance to come to America and start a new life for his large family away from the dangers of war.

Tragically, Mr. M was executed by insurgents in front of his young son just weeks before the 141st was scheduled to return to the United States. Deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of their friend, the platoon leadership, Capt. Grant Wilz and Sgt. 1st Class Shayne Beckert, vowed to do whatever they could to honor Mr. M’s wishes and bring his wife and children out of danger and fear for their lives to safety in the United States.
Some good news:

Months of coordination, planning and extraordinary efforts were rewarded late May 20 when Mrs. M and her seven children stepped off a plane and onto North Dakota soil. Mrs. M’s husband served as an informant for soldiers in the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, helping to save many lives through his courageous efforts. His desire to help his American friends led to his death by the hands of terrorists in January. His wife and children remained in danger in Iraq. An effort led by Capt. Grant Wilz and Sgt. 1st Class Shayne Beckert helped get the family out of Iraq. Help is still needed -- in the form of volunteers and monetary donations -- to provide for the family's well-being, however.

Donate here to help Mr. M.'s widow and children. This man gave his life to protect Our Boys. His family receives no assistance from our government.