Loss of a Ranger: Kay Maraw

06 October 2025

Mon State, Burma

Dear friends and family,

We honor the life and death of Kay Maraw, an ethnic Mon Ranger who was shot to death by the Burma Army on October 15, 2021.  Because he was serving in a remote area far south of us, we only found out about his loss recently and are so sad to have lost him. He graduated from training in 2008 and went on a series of missions with us, deep into Karen State and later back in Mon State.

He was especially good at the Good Life Club programs and made all the children and their parents laugh. A father in one of the hiding places where Kay Maraw and our team led a GLC said, “The FBR team made us laugh so much and feel so loved, we forgot there was a war!” Kay Maraw was especially good at jokes and leading songs. He made people feel better. In the areas close to the Burma Army and under attack, he displayed great bravery, putting others first and risking his life to help all in need. 

He also liked to sing pop songs and his rendition of the Mon classic, ‘One Kiss,’ filled us with joy and energy. I will never forget his smile and joy. Kay Maraw also took time with our children, Sahale, Suu, and Pete, who were then nine, seven, and four years old. He made them laugh and cheered them on as we trekked for two months on the mission – he was a beloved uncle.

We love and miss Kay Maraw. Thank you for remembering and celebrating his life with us. Please also join us in praying for his loved ones, that they will be comforted and that they will get to see the freedom and peace Kay Maraw gave his life for.

Thanks and God bless you,

Dave, family, and FBR