On March 6, 2012, eight months into a long range relief mission, Hsaw Reh drowned while crossing the Pon River in central Karenni State. He was going to get a restock of medicine so his team could continue their mission. Hsaw Reh was 23 and single. We are saddened by his death and extend our love and sorrow to his family, his team and the KNPP (Karenni National Progressive Party). His loss will be greatly felt not just by all of us but also by those people he served so faithfully.

Karenni FBR team member Hsaw Reh

Karenni FBR team member Hsaw Reh first attended FBR training in 2009. He was 20 years old and decided he wanted to help his people by helping them tell their story, by documenting the abuses of the Burma Army – he decided to become a digital cameraman. After his first year of missions to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Karenni State, he decided to become a medic and attended medic training in 2010. Afterward he returned to the IDP areas to bring medical aid to the people there.

Hsaw Rey and Karenni FBR team in action

We will miss him. At the same time we are inspired by his life and his example of perseverance and sacrifice. He spent much of his time on relief missions. To Hsaw Reh we want to say, “Thank you and we thank God for you. You were a good teammate and you served your people well – you are an honor to your family, your team and your people and we are blessed to have known you. We look forward to meeting you in what the Karen call ‘the undiscovered land.’ ”

To his family we want to say, “We are so sorry for the loss of your son – we know that no words can replace him. We love him and love you and are honored to have known and worked with him.” Hsaw Reh died for freedom and for love and we are reminded of Jesus’ words, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

May God bless you,
The Free Burma Rangers

Hsaw Rey (left) and team carry patient in relay.