We prayed that this day would never come, but on Saturday, December 5th 2009, we were informed that my brother, Elijah Rao, was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. He was a kind, loving, honorable man and will be missed dearly by our family and all those that he touched with his gentle spirit. We have faith that he is in Heaven and one day we will all be together again.

Elijah served an extended tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May when his tour ended. He leaves behind a wife and 1 1/2 year old daughter.

Please pray for our family during this unimaginably difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from the military and community is a blessing and really shows us how many people Elijah touched in his short life.

A local news story about my brother and his sacrifice for our country: Soldier from Oregon killed in Afghanistan