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Impact Statement Read at Sentencing of US v. Saddiq Al-Abbadi

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The sentencing of senior terrorist leader Saddiq al-Abbadi in May 21, 2025 marked a significant conclusion to a legal process that sought to honor the memory of Spc. Christopher "Gator" Gathercole, who was killed in action on Memorial Day in 2008. The proceeding, overseen by Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, served as a platform for the victim's family and fellow soldiers to express the profound and lasting impact of their loss. Background and the Legacy of Christopher Gathercole Early Life: Christopher and his brother Edward grew up as wards of the court in the foster care and group home system, facing a childhood marked by instability and violence. Military Service: Despite these early trials, Christopher joined the Army with a desire to protect his country, eventually becoming an elite Ranger. The Firefight: On May 26, 2008, Christopher was killed by a gunshot to the head during a courtyard firefight while clearing a compound in Afghanistan. He was 21 years old. Presidential...
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Article I helped write for my brother in Coffee Or Die Magazine

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Below you'll find excerpts from the article:   LINK to Article  and below that you can dive deeper with the questions the author asked me to help with this article.  THE LOST BATT BOYS:  THREE FORMER FOSTER CHILDREN ON FINDING FAMILY AS ARMY RANGERS [Excerpt highlighting Christopher Gathercole] By Luke Ryan | May 17, 2020 "Some families are born in the loving care of two parents, and some are built through friendships in college or work. Still others are born out of shared hardship — the military, for example, often uses the word “brotherhood” to describe the bond shared between service members. Brothers and sisters not by blood born, but by blood shed. Among the U.S. armed forces, few are closer to one another than the units who work in the world’s most harrowing environments. U.S. Army Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment (sometimes known as “Batt Boys”) execute some of the most dangerous missions in the world. They work outside the protective umbrella of the l...
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My Brother's Obituary

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Reflection On Christopher Gathercole's Obituary from 2008 Obituary written by Terrence V. Photo left to right: Joel R, Terrence V, Christopher Gathercole.     Photo left to right: Joel R, Terrence V, Christopher Gathercole. Obituary        GATHERCOLE, Christopher - Born October 16, 1986, Died May 26, 2008, during combat operations while serving his country in Afghanistan. Loving little boy, precocious teen, strong warrior. He gave what he could, but left us wanting so much more. Chris came into the world with a wonderful smile. It defined his being and captured anyone's heart who ever met him. He and his brother Edward were the inseparable pair. Quick to laugh, oblivious to harm, and always looking for mischief. Those early years became difficult and Chris entered the Sonoma County foster care system. Because of many different circumstances, Chris was eventually separated from his brother Edward, and he ended up residing in several different foster placemen...
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The Conspiracy That Killed my Brother

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Two Yemeni Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Murder United States Nationals Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda Christopher's Memorial FaceBook Page Listen to this post on YouTube here:  The Conspiracy That Killed Christopher Gathercole A rare update in the GWOT from 2015 directly related to my brother but not widely reported on was the capture of enemy combatants that escaped the raid on May 2008. The saga of this trips me out and could be made into a movie with as much drama and action yet to be seen. I was notified by Leroy P. as well as an FBI agent and friend Dave O. that worked with my brother and was a part of the arrests. Here’s links to what I know (below), and don’t know much else. Both Leroy and my friend with the FBI confirmed the ranger mentioned was Christopher Gathercole and wanted to notify me/family in case the press/media opened floodgates, that didn’t happen.  R.I.P. Christopher 'Gator' Gathercole, Memorial Day May 26th, 2008  4 Ea...
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Local News Article from 2005

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  A BRIDGE BETWEEN CHAOS AND ADULTHOOD By CHRIS COURSEY  February 28, 2005  Publication:  Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)  Page:  B1  Word Count:  669 In his 19 years, Eddie has lived with his mom, he's lived with his dad, he's lived in foster homes, he's lived in shelters, he's lived in mental facilities, he's lived in group homes, he's walked the streets and he's slept on friends' couches and floors. But, as far back as he can remember, he's never lived anywhere for a whole year and a half. ``That's why I'm so excited,'' says Eddie, whose full name is Edward Gathercole. ``I'm not going to have to spend every day planning where I'm going to sleep.'' Eddie is the first occupant of a new Santa Rosa residential facility designed to help former foster children find their way into adulthood. The former nursing home on Yulupa Avenue, due to open in the next several weeks, will provide transitional housing for up to 18 ...
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