That is awful. I remember when I first met Art. It was at the outpost late on Sunday the weekend of the Zuwharrie run in the fall of 2003. We talked Samurais for about 20-30 minutes. I didn't even have one at that time, but he was nice enough to answer all my questions about his rig. I ran in to him a few other times at URE over the following couple of years. He was a very pleasant and friendly guy. RIP
i saw this just now over at pirate and i was going to post it over here since i knew a couple people on this site knew him.
I did not know him but i knew of him and watched all his posts and builds.
Hi! My name is Art. I have been in the US Army for almost 17 years now. I spent 5 years in the INfantry and have been a Green Beret for the past 11 years. (I was in school for a year to become a GB) Anyways, I joined the Army in June 1990 and ended up in Iraq by Jan of 91. I have been to over 50 different countries, speak Spanish, Italian, and understand Portuguese. While the Army isn't for everyone, it is definately for me. All I ever wnted to do was be a soldier for as long as I could remember. I have no idea how long I will stay in the Army past 20 years but I assume I will be here for many years to come. The thing I ask you is WHY you want to join a service? If it is dedication to country then I say go for it. You will definately deploy to a combat zone, there are no doubts about that. But you will have to make your decision based on your own reasons. I look to my left and right and I see my men standing there shoulder to shoulder with me and we are out there kicking the snot out of the Taliban everyday................... and this is what I look like doing it ;D I love my job, can't think of doing anything else. I love serving my country................. that is why I serve.
Master Sergeant Art Lilley
US Army Special Forces
De Oppresso Liber!
Hearing this brings back memories of when my son was there.
Thank you Art for serving. Not many can say they they do what they love. You did. Thank you. And to his family, thank you too.
Rest in peace
My prayers go out to his family. I cant imagine getting a phone call like that. Never formally met Art but had seen him at uwharrie. Hope everyone knows what kinda of price our soldiers are paying for our country.
I lost a true friend today. He is truly a great example of what a man should be. Art is a hero and there will never a day that goes by that I will not think about the sacrifices he and other like him have made so we can enjoy the freedom we so enjoy. His family needs prayer. Please make it a point to say a prayer for his wife and 2 kids. I am sure he is in a better place. Rest in peace my friend.
There is a memorial fund set up at Zuwharrie if anyone is interested in tossing some money in the pot for his family.
Had some great times with Art. Like Jimmy said he was a great example of how we all should be. I will truly miss him but will never forget him. Rest In Peace Art.
I'm really at a loss for words.... Even my wife remembered him and his son from the CNC-4x4 truck show... Glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him and shaking his hand a few times.... Just an honest to god good man.. I am really sad....
Having know him for several years and speaking to him about zukes when he was getting it to them.. He came over for 3-4 hours one weekend, to check out my rig (zukipuke) and pick my brains. We talked as much as he could about his job... He truly loved it, and everything about it.. I remember telling him I was glad people like him were on our side...
Art, I got that cold one sitting here for you as I type....