DG life lost in Iraq.....

hannahgirl · #1 03-13-2004, 12:22 AM

From Delta Gamma's National Website......

So proud to know that I had a sister with such a strong and loving heart.....my thoughts and prayers go to her family, the sisters of Alpha Iota, and those who knew her.

3/11/04

Dear Council, Board of Trustees, Cabinet, Staff, Board of Advisers,
collegiate and alumnae group presidents, and members of Delta Gamma Fraternity:

Fern Leona Holland, a 1989 initiate of Alpha Iota chapter at the University of Oklahoma, was killed Tuesday, March 9, in an ambush outside Baghdad. Fern was among the first U.S. civilians from the Coalition Provisional Authority to be killed in Iraq. A women's rights activist, Fern worked for the Department of Defense in Iraq as a program manager
for women's initiatives and was assisting with the development of a new constitution.

Before leaving for Iraq, Fern told her friends, "If I die, I know that I'm doing precisely what I want to be doing."

Close friends and Delta Gamma sisters describe Fern as smart, independent and vivacious - someone who "wanted to change the world."

The Council of Delta Gamma Fraternity offers their deepest sympathies to Fern's family and friends. She is survived by two brothers and a sister - and thousands of women who proudly called her a Delta Gamma sister.

TriDeltaGal · #2 03-13-2004, 12:26 AM

I'm so sorry to read about Delta Gamma's loss of a sister. She sounds like she was a pretty amazing woman. Her family and sisters will be in my thoughts.

polarpi · #3 03-13-2004, 01:08 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with this heroine's family, friends, and DG sisters in this time of loss.

mommag2 · #4 03-13-2004, 01:16 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that Delta Gamma has lost a sister. She sounded like she was an amazing woman. The Alpha Iota chapter can be proud that she is an initiate of their chapter.

I know that this is going to sound weird and maybe a little rude , but it's sounds like she died doing what she loved doing. I for one am PROUD that a fellow greek sister was doing something that she believed in, she is an inspiration.

My heart goes out to her family for the loss of their daughter and sister. God is looking down and is keeping you in the palm of his hand, watching over you and engulfing you in his love.

To ALL DELTA GAMMA SISTERS: Be proud that you had (still have) the chance to call her sister. Remember that sisterhood does not end after death, it carries on and lifts us up knowing that you know have another angel on your shoulders.

IN GREEK SISTERHOOD,

Buttonz · #5 03-13-2004, 02:22 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about this. DG sisters, be proud of your sister, and what she did. She sounds like an amazing woman.

bsp-mich24 · #6 03-13-2004, 03:02 AM

My thoughts, prayers & deepest sympathies to Fern's friends, family, and DG sisters.

mmcat · #7 03-13-2004, 08:39 AM

my thoughts and prayers are with fern's family, friends and chapter.
what an amazing young woman!

Aphigal · #8 03-13-2004, 08:58 AM

My sympathies to her her family.

What a lovely memorial letter by the DG National Council!

Kevin · #9 03-13-2004, 09:59 AM

They've been running her picture all over the news here. She was an amazing woman who was totally unselfish. I have great respect for her and her life sacrificed to help others.

mattpike · #10 03-13-2004, 10:11 AM

the pikes have lost a few brothers as well

William R. Watkins, III- Died April 7, 2003, while serving in operation Iraqi Freedom

Jeffery J. Kaylor- Died April 7, 2003, while serving in operation Iraqi freedom
*Kaylors wife 2nd Lt. Jenna Kaylor was stationed in kuwait at the time of his death. they were married just months before the tragedy.

there is an impressive list of deployed pikes at http://www.pikes.org/deployed.html
including my little bro, who is stationed in south korea.

bruinaphi · #11 03-13-2004, 01:18 PM

My sympathies to her family and friends. She sounds like an inspiration to us all.

AOcutiePi4ever · #12 03-13-2004, 05:33 PM

i'm sorry... that's really sad. from her bio, we need more ppl like her in the world.

Taualumna · #13 03-13-2004, 05:39 PM

I'm so sorry. She sounded like an amazing and wonderful woman. My thoughts go out to her friends, family and to DGs everywhere.

preciousjeni · #14 03-13-2004, 05:43 PM

My heart goes out to your Sister, her friends and family and Delta Gamma. She was a true reflection of your motto and deserves the highest honor for her sacrifice.

Sister Havana · #15 03-14-2004, 01:05 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and her Delta Gamma sisters. She sounds like she was an amazing woman and a true inspiration.