Gabbard Was A First, In Life And Death

(CBS)  In both life and death, Marilyn Gabbard was a first. She was the highest-ranking enlisted woman in the history of the Iowa National Guard, CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers reports — and the first woman from there to die in combat.

But to her family and the thousands who packed a memorial service in her high school gym, the 46-year-old was also a wife, mother and grandmother.

"Everything about her was pride. I mean, my family loved her, the Guard loved her," says Ed Gabbard, Marilyn's husband.

Marilyn was "in country," as they say, only 26 days, but she'd already started "movie night" — a way to help officers and enlisted get to know each other.

"I've never quite met anybody that totally gave of themselves and really just didn't want any recognition for it," says Doyle Norris with the Iowa National Guard.

Ed and Marilyn met in the Guard, and for 18 years, they were inseparable. Even her deployment couldn't keep them apart. Despite the nine hours' time difference, they talked twice a day. But she woke him up only once: Saturday, January 20.

"She called me at 2:30, said 'I'm getting ready to board the helicopter. We're heading back to base. I'll call you when I get back," Ed says. "She never called, never called. And the next morning at 8 a.m., the news said there was a Black Hawk that went down on Saturday and all 12 people were dead. I knew it was Marilyn."

A lot of people say they love their spouses, but not a lot of people are able to say they were soul mates. "I was asked when I think life will get back to normal," Ed says. "It never will — not without her. Never ever."

Come spring, he vows he'll put the top down on Marilyn's beloved Mustang and take grandson Benjamin for a spin. But first, he has to find the right words to tell the 4-year old that his hero Grandma is not coming home.

[tankernav1]

There is nothing wrong with this country. We are sending people who are dedicated, intelligent, and qualified people. These people deserve our highest level of respect and thanks for the sacrafices they make. We OWE them our gratidude. I would much rather see my fate determined by a "Grandmother" than some kid who can figure out how to pull up his pants and put his hat on the right way.
To be the first woman to attain the highest rank (I assume Command Sergeant Major) she must have have been an extraordinary woman. It is evident from the article that she was a respected leader. I am sure she will be greatly missed by both her Family and Comrads.

[macusweil]

Johnny Mc. "Wasted!"

[j_flood]

R I P - On behalf of a grateful nation.

[ssg_bigjim]

First of all, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to CSM Ed Gabbard and also to the rest of her family. I served in the 185th CSB with Marilyn & am proud to have served our country with such an amazing woman. She is the person who called me personally and invited me to be a part of the 185th. She was a leader for many, but she always made everyone feel equal to her. She never placed herself higher than anyone. I will always remember the constant smile that she wore and remember her kindness to each and every person that she made contact with. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Thank you Marilyn for serving our country and making your fellow comrades proud to have served with such an amazing soldier. You will be missed. Rest in peace. SSG Big Jim

[sailors_wife]

May God bless you and your family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sacrificing every day, doing the job you were given. It's fighting men and women like you who make it easier for the rest of us to sleep at night. I pray for your family. Rest in peace, dear Marilyn.

[sailors_wife]

May God bless you and your family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sacrificing every day, doing the job you were given. It's fighting men and women like you who make it easier for the rest of us to sleep at night. I pray for your family. Rest in peace, dear Marilyn.

[surfmomma4]

Thank you Marilyn for serving and making the ultimate sacrifice. May God Bless your dear husband and grandson and give them peace in their hearts and I also pray for peace in our world. I try to thank every serviceman or woman I see for their unselfish service and I encourage everyone who reads this to do so. We can still support the servicemen and women even if we don't support the war. God Bless all of them and us.

[noel_wang]

What is wrong with our country? There are thousands of unemployed healthy young men walking the streets with baggy pants and ball caps on sideways, and we are sending grandmothers to fight wars. It is shameful. I bet if there was a draft and high school dropouts were selected first, there would be a lot more kids graduating and maybe fewer grandchildren wondering why Grandma isn't coming home.