CNN iReport

Where to begin... we grew up with a loving single mother in Chicago and despite all the adversity we were confronted with on a daily basis, my brother MSG Wilberto Sabalu Jr always knew he was going to be somebody to do right by others...

My name is Elizabeth Sabalu ,the only older sibling of Wilberto. He died in action on 05/06/07 in Afghanistan , shot in the head  by small arms fire. He was to come home on 06/10/07; and as you may imagine I am torn to pieces that my best friend is no longer here to give advice laugh or tell jokes. Wilberto was loved and cherished by many the proof is in the house dedication in Afghanistan , it is called the Sabalu house. There is also a website dedicated to him under his name.  Wil had the kind of personality that just grabbed you and never let you go he was very affectionate . When he would tell you " You are my friend " it was for life. His funeral procession is on You Tube, and to see that and experience the love that has been pouring out of all who knew him is enough to let me know that was a wonderful man, friend ,husband and father and most important to me my loving little brother. the closeness we had was special if one of us became ill, we would call to see what's wrong, he lived in Missouri, I  in Chicago.

Wil died doing what he believed in , serving his country. I am very proud of my Little brother. But as the days go by my heart is inconsolable I miss his contagious laughter. It has been  a year, but at least I did get the chance to let him know 2 days before his death that he was loved. 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself. I am one person who will tell the world how proud I am to be the sister of MSG Wilberto Sabalu Jr a man with a heart of gold.