Comments on: Pray for Paula Loyd

By: Gerald Ramkissoon

Gerald Ramkissoon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:03:13 +0000

I served with Paula as a fellow PRT’er in 2005 and 2006. She had rescued and adopted an abused blind puppy in Qalat Afghanistan. I was helping her to get him back to the V. I. at her parents. Paula is one of those rare souls that when you meet her and get to know her, she inspires you to be a better human being.
She walked the walk.
R.I.P Paula.
You willalways be remembered.
Gerry R

By: Paul Mason

Paul Mason — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:02:25 +0000

It is an honor to have worked with Paula in Afghanistan. She had boundless energy, courage and enthusiasm- and compassion most of all. God Bless You Paula.

Paul Mason
FPO
Kandahar 2003

By: Farah Stockman

Farah Stockman — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:26:38 +0000

I am a reporter from the Boston Globe who is writing a piece about Paula’s life and her work in Afghanistan. By the comments here, I can see that Paula was dearly loved and a truly unique, couragous person. If any of you are willing to share your memories of Paula with me – especially from Afghanistan – I would really appreciate it if you would email me at fstockman at globe.com.

Many thanks.

By: Arab American

Arab American — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:37:55 +0000

As an Arab American, I am ashamed and embarrassed about the behavior of some of the illiterate Muslim people. Our religion is no difference than Christianity; it promotes love, kindness and tolerance to other religions, the Muslim extremist along with some of the Christian extremists twist the religion to promote hatred and annihilation of other believes. I am deeply sorry and apologize on behalf of the entire Arab Muslim community to the parents and colleagues of Paula and our hearts with them. I am in tears for what happened to her especially when her intentions were to promote our values and respect for others which does not exist in their country. I beg every Christian not to judge us by the act of Muslims that do not understand the meaning of Islam (translation of Islam is “Peace”). God bless you all and Paula who I am sure has a place in heaven.

By: Brenda Halloran-Donald

Brenda Halloran-Donald — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:24:37 +0000

Paula, you are with the angels now, gone from this Earth far too soon. You have been on my mind a great deal, as is the case for so many of us who are fortunate to have known you.

Your kind, loving spirit touched countless fellow humans, and your loss if felt deeply. Rest in peace, and know that we are all thinking of you and your family.

By: Jim & Lynne

Jim & Lynne — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:56:02 +0000

Dear Patti & Terry,
We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Paula’s passing. We were not fortunate enough to have met her but by all accounts she was a very special person, loved and admired by so many. She achieved so much in such a short time, more than most people ever achieve.

Our love and thoughts are with you,

Jim & Lynne

By: shelby

shelby — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:28:29 +0000

her injuries could “have been worse?” i cannot imagine being burned over 60% of your body to be even something you can say it could have been worse. well that sounds pretty awful to me. may she rest in peace.

By: Major Harry Chadwick

Major Harry Chadwick — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:15:35 +0000

I am so saddened by the news of the death of Paula. I was a UN CMCoord Colleague and worked with Paula (from a distance) in Kandahar (she was in kabul but a GREAT resource to tap into). As a Canadian CIMICer I have great respect for our bretheren in the US Civil Affairs community. Paula represented you all very well. The world is a poorer place with this loss.

Her small size obviously hid some serious strengths. I pray that her family finds peace in knowing that she died in a noble cause and trying to help people have a better life.

By: Thad Santon

Thad Santon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:46:06 +0000

I was with Paula in Afghanistan in 2002 while I was in CAT 10 and she was in CAT 2. She had the most calming personality, which was surprising being in a combat zone. It was in her nature to better humanity. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. If a woman is assaulted in the muslim faith, then it is the families responsibility to restore her honor through retribution. Ayala witnessed the event first hand. Immediate justice was served. The only flaw in Ayala’s response is that he shot Salam. My opinion is that Ayala should have done to Salam that which Salam had done to Paula. Salam got off to easy. Now we will waste time and money on this, because that is what our society does best. RIP Orlando, Jake, Manny(ODA 744), and now, Paula. I will see you on the other side.

By: Alexis Meshi

Alexis Meshi — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:53:11 +0000

I am still completely devastated by the news of her death. It is really unbelievable to me. I have been struggling with it over this past week. I’m basically totally shocked. Paula will always be in my mind and heart. She was a very special person.

I wrote the following tribute to her on her memorial page. I think it conveys what I feel best:

Paula’s life was beautiful. It was true and it was unbelievably courageous.

I have always admired Paula for challenging definition and convention and living her life with a freedom most of us will never know.

Thank you for your service to our country and for your service to the Afghan people. And thank you Paula for letting me share some time with you.

Your Friend Always