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The day is here
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I always wondered how exactly I would feel when this day happened. The day one of your sons leaves for as he calls it, the sandbox. Iraq. But it is also a mixed feeling for his mom, he leaves on her birthday.
I have some good knowledge of what has and is happening over there, having close relatives over there some for up to 4 years total. But, it was not YOUR child. The one you watched born and grow up right here in Victoria. Go off to university and expand his mind, glad that his conservative upbringing taught him stand up to the challenge of some of the liberal professors. Then walking the stage on the honors list. All the while proud of his country.
He goes from the extreme, the frozen tuntra, to the dry sand of desert. You also know he has been trained well for it. Go Army. He takes with him some things of friends and family. One of them is the very useful knife his uncle, USN Corpsman FMF, took with him for Desert Storm. The son told him it is going back for part 2.
As parents you have questions of how you did,...
Then this 1st Lt. you raised sends this out to all his family and friends.....
"Parting words
To All:
By the time you read this, I will most likely be on a plane headed to Kuwait. From there I will travel into Iraq and not return for 12 months. I think to myself, man....how did I end up here. I have spent the past three years away from friends and family, training for this day that is now upon me. I have traveled from one side of the United States to the other. And I have received many reactions from people when I tell them I am in the Army. But as I march into the unknown, I would like to tell you why I am doing this.
It seems like now days the United States is always in some kind of crisis. From the war on terrorism, to the present economic buy out, one can definitely make the case that America has seen better days. People talk about how America's time has gone and that we are on our last leg. But being in the Army has taught me one thing, the power of influence or as the Army likes to call it "leadership style." The type of influence you have on others can be astonishing. It can be as simple as asking someone how their day was, to mentoring someone around you. The point is, try to help someone else out each day (other than yourself). Keep a positive mind and remember that anything is possible.
But know this, America has been too good to me, and I need to pay her back, that time is now. I am not sad, or regretfull of my decision to join, I welcome this opportunity with honor. I am going to help rebuild a place that has not seen such change since the fall of the Ottoman empire. I will walk on the same ground as Alexander the Great and the Roman Legions once did. I am going to help a nations people stand up on their own two feet, so that they can fight for themselves. But most of all, this is my way of telling America thank you for the great life she has given me.
Everything you do and say effects somebody someway, so set a good example. One thing I have learned from being a platoon leader, even the smallest conversations or sarcastic remarks can be heard by the most unsuspecting ear. Bottom line, we each set America on her path down the road. We steer her left and right by our speech, actions and decisions. So guide her wisely, for the future of the Untied States is in no ones hands but our own.
You have all deeply influenced my life and am glad to have met you. God Bless and take care."
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Sounds like an outstanding young man. God Bless and keep him.
September 25, 2008 at 12:06 a.m.Since I don't want to be redundant and simply echo the well wishes and prayers for your son nor the well-deserved accolades for his parents, I'll just
September 24, 2008 at 10 p.m.[SALUTE!]
, my friend.
Let us know as well when he returns. I'd like to join in the grateful celebration.
Ernie
Thanks to all for the words and prayers.
September 24, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.Llike he said when he was home on leave when I asked him if he would like the church to pray for him. He said no, I am just one member of a brigade, all deserve it just as much as me. So direct your prayers to all who serve.
His letter gives me more hope for the up-coming generation.
September 24, 2008 at 1:13 p.m.May God bless him and your family. We will keep all in our family prayers.
Hoorah and God bless and watch over your son.
September 24, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.Ditto: May God watch over your son and my prayers are with your family : )
September 24, 2008 at 11:50 a.m.Your son's letter displays how well you and your wife did do. You should be proud of your son and the wonderful job you have done raising such a boy.
I am glad you posted that, because more people should read those words.
Thanks Mike.
September 24, 2008 at 10:04 a.m.Great post,may God watch your son, you have a lot to be proud of,(you & your wife are to be commended) ....My thanks for his service.
September 24, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.