Unfortunately, this was not a difficult decision for us. Shortly after the church service we became aware of a tragedy from NBC Anchorman Brian Williams. My colleague and friend from a US Navy tour in Rota, Spain, Commander Charles "Keith" Springle, was a social worker serving in Iraq and had been murdered by a US soldier receiving treatment at the facility where he was stationed.

We met Keith during the first few weeks of a 2 year assignment in Rota, Spain. He was an outstanding officer, superb clinician, benevolent friend, talented drummer, and a dedicated father and family man. It is excruciatingly painful to realize that our friend is gone from earth at a far too young age. We know he is with God in heaven; nevertheless, it is impossible to understand this senseless tragedy.

A scholarship fund was created in his memory at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The scholarship was established for young men and women pursuing careers in social work in the armed forces of the United States of America. We contributed $100 to the scholarship fund in memory of our dear friend Keith. Fair winds and following seas Keith.

Sincerely,
Dennis, Kristina and Alex Szurkus