To
Mark and Kaye Youngren, the Citadel Family Association, and all of the
wonderful Citadel families across the United States,
Thank
you so much for your all of your support following the death of our youngest
son, Cadet Master Sergeant Adam Kevin Riley, November Company, 2010. Your words and prayers have meant so much to
us over the past months.
We
have received hundreds of cards and letters from Citadel families and staff
members. Some of you wrote long notes about your personal connection to Adam,
sharing anecdotes about his sense of humor, his leadership in the classroom and
in the barracks, and the strong impression he made on your sons and daughters. Others
of you did not know Adam, but sent your heartfelt condolences to help sustain
us during our darkest hours. Thank you
for the beautiful flowers sent to the funeral home, the numerous poems, books,
gifts, and blessings, and for the very meaningful phone calls and emails. We
also wish to thank the members of the Citadel chapter of the Honor Society of
Phi Kappa Phi for voting unanimously to record Adam’s name posthumously on the
roll of this year’s inductees. This is indeed a great honor.
Thank
you to everyone who helped plan Adam’s memorial service in the Summerall Chapel, and to all those who attended. Thank you to all the administrators, faculty
members, friends, and families who met with us in the days before and after the
service, and for those staff members who took such good care of us during our
stay. We cannot say enough about this amazing school with its unique atmosphere
of strength, respect, and character.
We
are grateful for the many generous contributions to the Citadel Foundation in
memory of Adam. Adam loved the Citadel
and all that it stood for. He was so proud to be a member of November Company
and was dedicated to serving our country in the armed forces. Your donations to
the Academic Endowment Memorial Fund will help support another cadet with the
same strong beliefs. We cannot think of a better way to honor Adam’s memory and
to thank the Citadel for all that it has done both for Adam and for our family.
The
bonds of the Citadel are strong, and we know that a little bit of Adam lives on
inside all of those who knew him. Our family is so proud of all the cadets, and
we are celebrating the accomplishments of everyone in the Class of 2010. While
we are not yet strong enough to attend this year’s Ring Ceremony or graduation,
our hearts will be there with you.
As
we struggle with our loss, we are grateful for your support and comforted by
the amazing impact Adam had on so many lives. We could not have made it through
these last months without the caring and kindness of so many wonderful friends
and families.
Please
continue to keep Adam in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Carol
and Kevin Riley
criley53080@hotmail.com