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Army officer was a best man in all senses

Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 1:01 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington

WASHINGTON – Army Maj. Alan Rogers had no family of his own, so his friends became his family, and scores of them turned out Friday to say good-bye to him.

Rogers was killed Jan. 27 by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

An Army band led the procession down Bradley Road to Rogers' gravesite, followed by a horse-drawn caisson and all of those friends – civilian and military, young and old, black and white.

Image: Army Maj. Alan Rogers was killed by a roadside bomb on Jan. 27 in Baghdad
Courtesy U.S. Army
Army Maj. Alan Rogers was killed by a roadside bomb on Jan. 27 in Baghdad.

"Today we lay to rest Maj. Alan Greg Rogers, a man of great courage," an Army chaplain told the mourners. "Whenever he was needed, he was there."

Rogers was remembered for his love of cookouts and entertaining friends.

"Alan was such a sweet, kind, loving person," a friend wrote in the online guest book. "He brought everyone together to have a good time."

An only child of elderly parents, Rogers was often called home to Hampton, Fla., for medical emergencies.

"A mother couldn't have asked for a better son," a former neighbor told the Gainesville Sun. "Anytime they called, he would get here if he could."

The 40-year-old Rogers graduated from the University of Florida and had a graduate degree in public policy from Georgetown University. He was a career Army officer and an ordained minister.

"We have lost a special person in Alan," a fellow Army officer wrote in guest book.

His parents passed away and he was divorced with no children. But he had his friends, one of whom he contacted just hours before his death.

"He just said he missed us," the friend told the television station WUSA, "and he couldn't wait to come home." 

Rogers was due home this month, to be best man at a friend's wedding.

Washington Producer John Rutherford is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He also posts stories on the military at www.dailynightly.msnbc.com (click on "John Rutherford" under "categories") and at http://john-rutherford.newsvine.com/. A tribute gallery to U.S. service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan can be found at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22802019/.

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How sad - I support the war but it is so sad when I read about our men and women dying over there.  God Bless everyone of them and stand strong for what you believe!!!!

Jana in Texas :-(

Jana, Lubbock, TX (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 2:14 PM)

Alan was my God-brother, whom I hadn't seen in years, but loved none-the-less.  We last spoke in 2001 and he seemed happy. The news of his death was numbing and I wish now that I was able to keep in touch, but I guess it's too late.  Rest in Peach God-brother...you'll be missed.

Erica, Teaneck, NJ (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 3:34 PM)

These are the men that we all should be proud of not these men who have nothing but hate in their heart Like obama

ronald with the truth (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 3:34 PM)

There are great people in this country such as Maj Rogers. Let's hear more about them and quit giving media time to all the scum.

Warren Jones, Ocala, FL (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 3:57 PM)

Why is it that there are no coments on the life of this good man? I never knew him, but it is very evident that he had many good quilities. he should not pass from this stage of action without comment. I hope, many will come to do as I have done. That is to wish him well in the next life as he has given his last measure of devotion to his nation, and its people.

James B. Dickinson (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 4:31 PM)

Insanity is repeating the same mistake hoping for a different result
To end casualties from IEDs imbed a general, a pro-war congressman and a pro-war media personage in each foot patrol.  A solution will be found before the death toll reaches 10,000.

Dennis R. Whalen, Baton Rouge, La. (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 4:37 PM)

What a wonderful tribute to one of America's finest! Having a brother serving in Iraq myself, this story brought tears to my eyes. It's great to hear of his friends remembering him in such a special way.

Reba Barber, Columbia, MS (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 4:37 PM)

For Erica in Teaneck, NJ
Erica, if it would help, you could start up a journal
or special diary just for reading back to your "God-
brother," If you have faith that he would hear what
your are writing and saying about in your special
journal then that is all that matters. Tell about
your friends, what went on that day; If you believe
Erica, Alan is listening, just like the Lord is
listening when you pray at night or say grace at meal
time. Teaneck is not that far from Arlington National
Cemetary Erica, If you have access to a computer, you
can find out exactly where his plot is in the ceme-
tary. If it will help you Erica, give it a bit of
time and visit the Veteran's Hospitals, volunteer,
they are always looking for volunteers. There are
V.F.W. Posts around that travel to the VAMCs to do
volunteer work. They would be glad to have you as a
nonmember volunteer. This could be a kind of way to
give back to Alan. He would like that you are visiting the troops that are in the hospitals. This
goes for anybody else that would like to assist these
troops in the Military Hospitals and the VAMCs.

Boyd Herrst, Past Post Cmdr, Michigan (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 5:18 PM)

What a touching story about a great man! I am so glad that his friends honored him this way. Boyd, that is a wonderful idea to volunteer as a way of honoring these special men and women of the armed forces.  I'm signing up!

Billie White, Morgantown, WV (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 5:58 PM)

Thanks to the major and his colleagues, 1 in 8 Iraqi children don't live to see age 5.  Some hero.

Dennis Whalen's comment on how to counter IEDs is right on.

Sick_of_this_mess, Cucamonga, CA (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 6:31 PM)

I thank God that there are such men in our country. It is sad to think of their sacrifice...so willingly given. Yes, there still are heroes here. God bless his friends and brothers in arms. May his memories give you peace.

Dave K (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 7:58 PM)

Our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen defend us with their lives yet we have some of our political leaders who are concerned only have their own personal interests.  I am saddened by what I see going on with them.  My hats off to all that serve for the good of our country but my disgust for those who would only profit from these that give their lives.  May we all have the courage to vote this year with the aim of getting rid of those whose poorly or improperly serve us in political positions.

Ed Beckett, LtCol (USAF Ret) Cincinnati, OH (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 8:18 PM)

It says so much about our country that we would be willing to allow our best citizens to fight to keep us free.  It is that important to us!  
Freedom really isn't free, is it?  This was a risk my father and husband faced in Korea and Vietnam and now my dear brother-in-law in Iraq.  All the service men and women who have given their all are trusting us to make sure it wasn't in vain.
May the peace that only God can give surround each of you who are grieving the loss of this dear person in your life.
Please share more about individual heroes so we can all be proud and shed a tear for them - they are worthy.

Martine, Central Texas (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 8:25 PM)

HELLS, BELLS! OH WISE ONE    - RONALD WITH THE TRUTH
WHO CAN TELL US WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT OBAMA HAS HATE IN  HIS HEART.  NOT AN OBAMA SUPPORTER BUT JUST LIKE TO KEEP TRACK OF THE VILLAGE IDIOTS.

MARIAH, GARWIN, IOWA (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 9:42 PM)

THIS MAN IS NOT A HERO, A HERO DOES SOMETHING OUT STANDING. ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY. THIS MAN DID WHAT THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS DO EVERY DAY BUT WAS JUST COUGHT IN THE WRONG PLACE .YES I FEEL FOR HIS FREINDS,BUT WE MUST NOT IMORTLIZE EVERY PERSON WHO SERVES FOR US LEST WE FORGET THOSE THAT DO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL.

BADDAD LOUISVILLE KY (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 10:39 PM)

God bless the memory of this good man. May all who hear of him attempt in their own special and unique way to emulate the kind of person he was. May his memory be an encouragement for us all to be agents of healing, forgiveness and kindness in this troubled world.

Michael Beebe, Seattle, WA - Vet 1st Gulf War (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:24 PM)

Could not agree with Dennis W. (above comments)more.  And would add, it we had a draft, the war would end also as many "pro war" citizens and TV talking heads would be subject to danger in their families also...or maybe even themselves if of sevice age!  

Clinton James (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:49 PM)

Could not agree with Dennis W. (above comments)more.  And would add, it we had a draft, the war would end also as many "pro war" citizens and TV talking heads would be subject to danger in their families also...or maybe even themselves if of sevice age!  

Clinton James (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:49 PM)

It hurts.
It hurts like hell.
I believe our country is doing what it must do.
And those who serve that cause are some the very finest people this country produces.
Alan Rogers was typical of these execeptional people.
Because he too was clearly an exceptional man.
And every one we lose is painful.
Someday,someday,someday oh lord how I wish someday we won't have to send our people to risk their lives in the defense of freedom.But as long as freedom has enemies there will be wars.
And we are a blessed nation that we are defended by true heroes like Alan Rogers.

Mark (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:16 AM)

To the close friends of Alan.
My heart goes out to you.I have a son in the military also.Erica ask the Lord for peace and closure.


Faith Skiffer Mendenhall Ms (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 1:45 AM)

This conflict is the result of insane political leadership - it should never have taken place.  There were never any WMD's and the military and intelligence leaders knew it all along.  Almost 4000 US military soldiers have died in this stupid, senseless war.  I think all who initiated the Iraq invasion should go to jail for life because it was a stupid, senseless scam from the outset.

Tina Simmons (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 8:06 AM)

Rest in Peace Sir

SFC G Michigan (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:50 AM)

May God hold Alan in the palm of his hand.

paul phoenix.az (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:51 AM)

This Officer and others like him will always have a family.  The family I speak of is; his brothers and sisters in uniform.  We are a family. A disgruntel one, but a family indeed. He is in the hall of fallen warriors like the ones before him.  His family is celebrating the life of this man.    

SSG Gilmore Mannheim GE (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:15 AM)

thank God for men like this and stories like this.  Alan is the type of man that all boys should aspire to be like.  God bless his friends and loved ones.

Shelby, Atlanta, GA (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:04 PM)

If it's not too late, he can still be best man at that wedding - in spirit.  Have another soldier stand in his place, carrying the flag in its case.  Wherever that flag flies, he is there, with the others who have died for this country.

Carole Clarke, Army Brat, College Park, MD (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:36 PM)

Carole Clarke, Army Brat, College Park, MD (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:37 PM)

I am so sorry that he died. Although I believe launching the war was a mistake, it is now vital to stabilize Iraq for all Americans, which is what Major Rogers was doing, which was therefore the highest public service, and especially to honor those who died in the service of their country. I certainly will do my best to "take care of him who hath borne the battle, and his widow and his orphan," which is what we should all remember irrespective of the wisdom of launching the war, and remember as well that the Iraqi people are counting on us not to abandon them, lest millions die. To the friends and family of Major Rogers, I offer my sincerest condolences, and promise that in my life I will do what I can to help other veterans.

Don A, Rich (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:40 PM)

Dennis Whalen - refrain from commenting on that which you know nothing about.  This article is about a hero, not you, nor your complete ignorance on the resourceful and deadly enemy we face.  Fortunately, our military is more resourceful and is winning the fight.  We aren't Starship Troopers, we are flesh and blood Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.  We work every hour of every day on ways to defeat IED's and the terrorists who use them.  We spend many, many millions on the threat of IED's.  

We crush the enemy every time we fight them - of course you don't know that because the media won't tell that story.  The media abandoned the story when it looked like our efforts over here began to work.  So much for supporting the troops.  Now misinformed folks like you attempt to hijack a memorial piece to a great American.  I have had friends wounded and killed over here - its a war.  IED's are deadly, powerful and change rapidly, thanks to the nice folks over in Iran and elsewhere.  Maybe your angst would be better spent directed toward the enemy, rather than your perceived notion that we don't do enough to combat one weapon in the enemy inventory.  

John, USN (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:41 PM)

When World War I and II and then the Korean War was going on, we didn't have the access to the news media we have today, so most of the baby boomers didn't hear and see all of the dead and wounded we do today.

Soldiers, Marines, Air Force, and Navy has the best volunteer personal a great nation could ever ask for.
They go to war, knkowing full well they may never come back alive. They do this without a hero complex or a world saver attitude, they go because they love this country more than life itself. I was in the Air Force during Viet Nam, my son knew when he was between three and four years old he was going to serve his country anyway he could. He has for 19 years now and he has been to the middle east five times for six to twelve months at a time. Was I afraid he would not come back alive, you bet ya, but if he did get killed, he would have died for the greatest cause any person could have, a free country, a country that has the right to protest wars, take to the streets for justice and equality or whatever we want to say or do except threaten our leaders. I LOVE AMERICA and at 58 years old, if the United States Military would let me, I'd go fight right now. I'm not alone either, thousands of others would go with me, even though some of them may be against the war right now, they would go and not run to Canada or some other country to get out of it. If I died there, it would be for the greatest cause any person could have, a free country.

Thank You Very Much
Rodger De Ramus
USAF Veteran

Rodger De Ramus, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:42 PM)

Good job Sir!  Well done soldier.  God rest your weary soul.  Unconditional thanks for your superior service to our beloved Country.  

Trey Moskau (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 1:40 PM)

Wow!!! What a neat guy!!  :) I also liked that the comments were upbeat mostly not like others that I go to.

Becky Smallwood-White, Glen Rose, TX (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 1:51 PM)

we lost another great member of the finest organization in the world. We will continue the fight for you sir, HONOR THIS man's death by thanking a soldier today. it does make a difference to us to hear the simple words "thank you." not people trying to use us as political fodder. 101st airbourne air assault. 502 INF... STRIKE BRIGADE.

tk (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 2:48 PM)

As long as America embraces the sin of sodomy and man lies with man as a woman, and even woman engage in the unnatural use, then his vengence will not go unquenched.

Saint James (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:13 PM)

GOD BLESS YOU Maj Rogers - you will stay in my prayers. May your death call attention to your fruitful life and inspire and encourage others to follow in your footsteps. Ronald and Warren - I agree with you 100! Major Rogers is the kind of man that this country was built by and there are so many slackers bringing it down. It's so heartbreaking to hear that such fine people leave us early. If not for my Faith and the belief that he truly is in a better place and one filled with many other great people, it would be harder to accept this tragic loss to those he left behind.

Liza, Tampa,FL (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:18 PM)

I awoke early this a.m. to pray for my brother in Iraq and our troops who are fighting for freedom here and abroad.  There isn't a higher calling than this one.  I appreciate the men and women of our Armed Forces. It is in our best interest to protect America and the liberty of others. I applaud Army Maj. Alan Greg Rogers for his bravery and dedication to America and the innocent he protected.  Freedom isn't free.  May we all remember this and be diligent to pray for our brothers and sisters who are in harms way. HM3 Mougeot 1994- 2000 former Navy Corpsman    

Heather Anne Mougeot, Spokane, Washington (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 4:31 PM)

My sincere sympathy for the loved ones and friends of this brave American hero.  "Life is not measured by its duration, but by its donation." I Cor. 15   Easter is here soon.  Resurrection is real.  You will meet again! Shalom from Maple Grove, MN Dale Stone

Dale Stone (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:00 PM)

Army Major Allen Rogers may not have left any parents, siblings or others in this world, but by all accounts he has joined a heavenly family for eternity.  I too believe that expressions of love for him will be received joyously by him and his family.  Friends of his, fellow soldiers and the many who have heard of his life on earth will miss him, but your comments here and with others, will keep his memory alive.  That is what will bring healing to those who desire it and bring encouragement to others to be more like him.

Charles F. Palmer, USN-Ret (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 7:12 PM)

This is why war is stupid.  The good people die.  War just causes suffering.  Can't we just switch to solar energy and not have take the Iraqi oil?  

A 14 year old kid from California (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 7:58 PM)

I have a nephew serving in Baghdad and we miss him dearly.  He should be home in May to attend West Point.  This man was truly serving his Father first, country second and serving each of third.  He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him.  We pray daily for relief from above.  Pray on.

Jo Lynn Kinman, Deming, NM (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 8:12 PM)

This sounds like a fine man was lost. I do not support this war, as don't most Americans, but I am grateful for men like this that are willing to deploy when ordered, and let others decide the policies of war. As a non supporter of the war, among a vast majority of non supporters, I have to believe that we failed this fine man. Somehow, we failed to enforce our will with our elected representatives, and many fine young men and women are now dead because of our failure. In November, we can't afford to fail again.

Rupert (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:12 PM)

Is this man's life somehow worth more than the Iraqi's? Why highlight this soldier, and not an Iraqi civilian as a hero?

Eric, Chicago, IL (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:55 PM)

To Boyd Herrst and all the friends of Maj. Alan Rogers; I have a son in Iraq at this moment as well who calls at least once a week hoping to come home. For Alan he never made it home, but because of his faith in God he did make it to a home that we all desire with God. It seems sometimes that some of the most beautiful make it there first, or sooner. I never had the pleasure of meeting Alan but I know now that I would like him. The sacrifice that he made for all of us is so great that I wrestle to understand it fully. All of us should do our best to love and care more for our fellow man and our country when so precious a gift has been given over and over again through history. Alan I never had the pleasure to meet you Sir ! but on behalf of myself and the Fuller family we honor and salute your memory. I can only hope that in the loving arms of almighty God you will understand how loved and appreciated you really are...you are a priceless treasure to me....
Rev. Douglass Fuller First Baptist Church Heights and the Fuller Family

Rev. Douglass Fuller (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:56 PM)

My prayers and my empathy for the friends of the Major.  He sounds like he was a wonderful person.  My many heartfelt sympathies and support from the grandaughter, daughter, neice and former wife of Navy, Army and Marine Corps from WWII to Afghanastan and Iraq.

Supporter of the Troops; Co Springs, CO (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:12 PM)

I did not know Major Alan Greg Rogers, but knew many like him. My heart goes out to Alan's family and friends.  I can only give you solace in the fact that Alan gave his life to the Lord in whom he believed. He made an educated choice and stayed in the Army. This choice, in these tumultuous times, is at best, chancy.
He also gave his life in the service of his nation.
I am a Viet Nam veteran who believed in the war when I was 20 years old, and served proudly in the Army Engineers. Now that I've grown older and wiser I do not think war is the best answer to the problems of the world.
We spent 15 years in Viet Nam, and accomplished absolutely nothing.  I hope either the politicians wise up or the citizens of this great nation take them to task, after 6 years in Afganistan and Iraq, and get us the hell out of there.
Our nations heart grows weaker with each magnificent
young life lost or maimed on foreign soil.  These men and women, whose names appear in my VFW Magazine each month, gave of themselves, as I would have done, for the greater good of our country.  We need to stop sacrificing our military personnel for the stupidity of other countries peoples.  It is time to let them grow and learn as we did. Our ancestors went through times of trouble and strife and grew beyond it.  Let them do the same.  

Larrie Croteau, Toms River, New Jersey, 08757-6550 (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:45 PM)

I'm with Warren Jones. As media consumers we need to switch off the "news" until they start showing stories that highlight good men and women like these.

Glen Bailey, Calgary, Canada (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:05 PM)

Why do we wait until the person is gone to give them words of praise? To me every single person who wears the American uniform is a hero to me. Last year I joined the volenteer Memorial Honor Guard to lay to rest all of the men and women that have served their time and honor them one last time. God Bless America and I hope to see you Major when my time comes to pass the pearly gates, save me a spot. Hoo Rah


Eddie Martinez USMC (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:12 PM)

God bless you Alan, I know that your in a better place and at peace.
I in no way mean to belittle Alan or anyone fighting. But I'm getting real tired of seeing flags at half mast

kw Hawarden,ia (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:40 PM)

This young man was"1"of our"Cream of the USA military crop" who went 2 war 2 help keep America safe, in a indirect way.My prayers go 2 God 4 him & 4 his family
...I also thank all our miltary men & women who are still fighting the "Devils" of that country.May God bless & keep all of them in his heart forever...JBM

Ms.JB MATHEWS (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:43 PM)

I too am part of the military as is my middle daughter. We both have learned the special bond that the military gives us. Although I never met Maj Alan I appreciate his sacrifice and am glad that his death did not go unrecognized. Thank you Maj Alan.

Jackie Washington DC (Sent Sunday, March 16, 2008 12:02 AM)



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