Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

It's rather hard to realize how difficult things are for his family right now... I'll try to make this post as coherent as I can.


Karl Linn, a Synergy Robotics team member from 3 years ago, and a former member of 405 (I believe this is what it was) lost his life today in Iraq from a rocket-propelled grenade while he was on patrol. His brother and father, member and mentor respectively, are both core members of our team and I cannot properly express how sad this is for us all.

Karl was a student at VCU for a while before he joined the military, and was a mentor for us before he joined the Marines. He also designed our famous logo and started our legacy of "best buttons."

If you would like to express your condolences to the family, contact me and I will give you his brother's e-mail address. But you can also post on our forum and give your sympathies.

http://team975.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=46

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I'm very sorry about this, I'm not sure what to say but at least his hard work helped in liberating millions of people.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Oh my god! I'm really so sorry! From 384 to Synergry, we have your thoughts in our prayers.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

From 384, I would like to offer my prayers for the Linn family, and Synergy.
ivey

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I am very sad to hear about this, and my condolences go out to his family and friends.

Only those who have lost a loved one in this war, or any war, can understand the immense grief that will follow. I lost my cousin at the end of September, and to see someone this young die for their country is a heartbreaking loss and a stab of reality, all at the same time. It's hard to believe, but the grief slowly heals with time.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

This is actually the third time I've opened this thread, and I think I've finally gotten myself to the point where I can reply to it.

First off, my greatest sympathy's and thoughts to team Synergy and to this Marine's family. I know the heartbreak that I feel everytime I hear about one of our men/women being injured or worse. I have a very good friend in the Marines, so I know how it feels constantly being afraid. I just cannot even express my feelings of compassion and prayer for all of you right now. I hope that everyone is keeping close and supporting each other, it's the only way to get through. Once again, my condolences to everyone involved.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

On behalf of team 547, our sympathy to the family and the team. Mr. Linn's work in Iraq was important and because of people like him, we are free.

God Bless,
Mike

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I tried to come up with some wise words for something like this.

And there isn't a single one that can describe my thoughts at the moment.

Best wishes to his family and you all.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

From 1351, I'd like to offer my prayers to the Linn family, friends, and Synergy.

~Stephanie
Team 1351

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

On behalf of team 222, we give our deepest sympathy to the family and the team. It's hard to hear such news. Again, our sympathies.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Words can not explain how I feel =/ but I know how you all feel -- I lost my cousin not long ago to the war. Team 1466 sends their condolences.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

im so sorry for your loss .. while I cannot say that I truly know what you are going through, I do extend my deepest sympathies and condolences on behalf of 771 and 1353 ...

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Team 103 would like to offer its deepest sympathies to Karl Linn's family and team. We are terribly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Deepest sympathy to Karl's family and 'Team Family' from Chuck 84. We all feel your loss.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

There are no words to express the deep regret felt by every member of the FIRST family at the loss of Karl Linn. His death is another reminder of how precious life is and how abruptly it can be taken from us. While we on team #1163 did not know Karl personally his sacrifice represents to all of us the loss of a friend and a fellow American. May Karl rest in peace and may his family find solace in their abiding faith.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Once again another fine young solder has tragically left us. It is tragic that such fine Young men and women lose there lives before they even really begin. I convey to you my heart felt sympathy.
-J15.5h :(

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

On behalf of MOE 365, Karl and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. During this time of the year, we are all heavily in the "FIRST ZONE." It is sad news such as this that reminds us that there is world turning outside of this year's game.

Hopefully, what each of us gathers from our FIRST experience and what we do with it outside the FIRST bubble will help truly make the world a better place, so there is less sad news in the future.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Bravery, Loyalty, Courage, Integrity, Leadership

Those five words are the best way to describe a soldier who would willingly risk his/her own health and safety for our nation. ANY loss is tragic, but to die as an American soldier is not a shameful death. Our military represents the greatest aspects of our people. I have only the deepest respect for your former teammate's sacrifice, and I pray you find it easier to bear his loss as time goes by.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I haven't had time to read all the posts yet, but I will. I thank you all for your concern and sympathy. All that knew Karl feel the great loss. I am busy trying to make funeral arrangements and so forth, but perhaps Tan will post some stuff. I am still in the shock/denial stage.

Dick Linn
(Karl's Dad)

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Im Tan, Karls little brother. I appricieate all the posts you've made and i think my parents need the most support. I cant tell you all what it is like, and times being what they are it might be nearly impossible to imagine. This whole ordeal is only going to make me try harder at everything I do and if you are'nt already then I encourage you to do the same. Tan Linn signing off

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

From team 1073 we send our condolences to Karl's team and family. I have many friends over in Iraq and not a moment goes by that I don't think and pray for them. I can't say that I can relate to what you are feeling but I can say that Karl is up there watching over you guys. I know it's not the same as having him here but hopefully it helps some to know that he will always be there for you in spirt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Though we never knew him, he was part of the FIRST family, and that is enough, for us. On behalf of Team 772, "Club Sandwich", our thoughts and prayers are with the Linn family, and Synergy. We hope the you best of wishes, and hope to see you guys at the nationals.


Mohsin
Team 772
Club Sandwich

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

From Team 461 "Westside Boiler Invasion", I express my condolences to the Linn Family. Karl expressed honor, bravery, loyalty, and courage on a level I can only begin to understand, and honorably did his duty in trying to bring freedom and security to Iraq. I, as well as my whole team, offer the deepest prayers for his family.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Team 617 in Highland Springs sends its sympathies and condolences.. we had a tragic death in our robotics team last year and understand how hard it is to keep going.. just keep pluggin along
Team 617

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

The posting on this web forum from Dick Linn (father) and Tan Linn (younger brother) are what really rip my own heart out..........

The official DoD release is HERE.

Adding yourself to these DAILY press releases is a very sobering and educational experience if you wish...........

KNOWLEDGE is the strongest tool in freedom and democracy. Get it and share it with others.........

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I'm praying for you and your son. I want you to know that I am in dept to you for the sacrifice that your son has made for my freedom.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I wish to express the heartfelt condolences of Team 1073 of HBHS.

Not long ago, our school lost a member of the sophomore class. The loss of a young friend is never something easily dealt with.

Best wishes,

--Petey

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Here is a news article about Karl that mentions the robotics team he started: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArti cle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031780504449&path=!news

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

This is an example of a true American hero. Team 1375 salutes this fallen soldier.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

my condolences go out to his team his family and to his fellow co-workers.


words cannot explain what the soldiers of the usa deal with on a daily basis in iraq. i salute those in iraq for trying to help liberate the country.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

This is truely a sad thing to happen. I wish the family and the team better times in the future. I'm proud that great people like him serve in our military and work to try to make the world a better place. One day perhaps fighting against other human souls will not be an issue and we can all learn from FIRST and the ideas of gracious professionalism.

From my own heart and i know the hearts of members on S.P.A.M. prayers will be said for all troops and the family and team.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I am so sorry to hear the news. My condolences and hugs go out to all that were team members, friends, and family to Karl. I have often thought about about joining the military, and for Karl to risk his life for our country is something I regard with the utmost of respect.

I am sure that his smile and his personality will be greatly missed. My sorrow goes out to all affected and all that hear this sad news.

God Bless the family and friends of Karl, and to all those fighting for us.

Caitlyn

Team 698

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I like to express my deepest sympathy to the family members, friends, co-workers, and team. Sorry about the loss and my condolences to everyone affected by the death.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

The VCU School of Engineering pointed us to this article by the Times Dispatch which gives a little more detail about the incident, though is less specific to Karl.

My sincerest condolences as a VCU School of Engineering student, and FIRST mentor. My prayers are with all of our soldiers and their families.

Sam

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I don't know what to say...

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I send my deepest sympathies and condolences on behalf of my team, 1159.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss...

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

From all of us at Team 358:

We all send our condolences to Karl Linn's family and friends. We thank him for his bravery in serving his country.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Thanks to everyone for their support. The VCU School of Engineering has named a scholarship in Karl's memory. It would be a real honor if some of the members of the FIRST community would be awarded this scholarship in the years to come.

There's a memorial service coming up at James River High School on April 16th, 2005 at 7 p.m.

Regards,

$@#$@#$@#$@# Linn

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

We all at team 326 send our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Karl Linn.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

Men and Women like Karl are the ones who are truly the American heroes. Without them, this country would be nothing and programs like FIRST would not be possible.
From all of us at 340, to the entire Linn family and to team synergy we send our condolences. We hope you can find the necessary things to get you through this troubling time.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

like wise from 233 i am sorry for this mishap

Fallen Heroes
 

Tonight, Friday, April 8, CBS Evening News will air one of those short Fallen Heroes segments in honor of Karl Linn.

Saturday, April 16, his former high school classmates will have a memorial service at James River High School in the auditorium starting at 7.p.m. All are welcome. We expect a number of Marines from his company to be in attendance, including two of the wounded Marines who were with Karl at the time.

For those who haven't seen it, his site is still up www.karl.linn.net

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I am so sorry. The sacrifices of our best and brightest serving in the military are immeasurable. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

On behalf of Team 1027,

I would like to send our condolences to the family, and friends. FIRST is a family of teams around the world, and we are all deeply sorry for your loss.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

With our deepest sympathy, team 433 send our condolences to your team, and the family and friends of Karl. Although we've never met him, just by reading these posts, it appears that he was a monumental member of the team and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

I and the members of 624 would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends.

If you would, I would like to know if you have a memorial ribbon for him, if so what color. I will paint it on the robot so he can still be at the championship, competing in what he loved.

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

For Karl, we've worn little black ribbons, and he did receive a purple heart. Or I could email you a little picture or a copy of one of our team buttons that KArl originally designed and you could tape it one somewhere. My email is REMOVETHISrlinn@REMOVEwrsystems.com.

Thanks for all the kind thoughts. Good luck at the finals!

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

,..that REALLY sucks.. but dont let it ruin your time,the only thing you can do, put his name on your boom / arm and WIN THE COMPETITION IN HIS NAME!

best wishes from team 1596

Re: Former FIRST student and mentor dies in a tragic rocket attack in Iraq today.
 

wow
i cannot even express wat sadness towards this post
everyone has been like "we send our condolences and hes in our prayers" and i wanted to come up with sumthin else....but i cant
words are hard at situations like these
all i can say now is how sorry i feel and i cant even imagine how u are feeling
im sure my entire team backs me up on this also
from team 341......condolences...