Wakeup call…
I have always known that I will command young soldiers in combat, but it caught me off guard today when the birth years were called out to the soldiers. Specifically, I have several soldiers whose birth year is 1988. 1988? 1988? I was in college in 1988!
These kids will grow up very fast and that is unfortunate.
They will be robbed of their free-spirited college years. They will be forced to become grown men - right now. They will be forced to make life-and-death decisions; they will fear for their life, daily; and inevitably they will witness life extinguish - before their very eyes.
They will not carry book bags, or ride their mountain bike to class. They will: wear body armor with ballistic plates; Kevlar helmets; carry a loaded M4/M16; fly in a helicopter in the most dangerous place in the world; continue to keep their guard up and defense mechanisms working overtime and they will be targeted by an enemy that loathes the very ground they walk on.
Even when they return, their innocence and care-free approach will have been exchanged for a battle-hardened kid - not even old enough to legally drink.
An unfortunate travesty,
Tim
These young soldiers are very fortunate to have a commander with such passion. I told Tiff a couple years ago that you, my brother, have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I am so proud of you and the man you have become. I love you Tim.
Deb
Deb - June 20th, 2007 at 9:35 pmPerhaps having you to guide them through this as a father or big brother would guide their children will make all the difference in their young lives? You have a lot to teach them about life and how to live it. Hopefully they will come home with some of that as well. We love you and pray for you daily.
susan
Susan - June 21st, 2007 at 7:45 amYou get them home, and I’ll meet them with the beers and fake ID’s. How’s that for a deal? (Does Uncle Sam moniter this thing?) Afterall, this is a team effort the whole way round.
Aunt 9 - June 21st, 2007 at 9:57 pmPS Is it worth it to send more bread? Just say the word.
You have a way of putting things that makes one stop and really think about what is going on in this world.
Jean - June 21st, 2007 at 10:44 pmI can’t think of a better leader of men or someone who I would want watching out for my son than you.
I dearly love you and think about you and your men daily. Every night I pray for the angels to wrap their wings around all of you and I know that they will. x0×0x0x
While unfortunate for these young men, I am so thankful and grateful that they make sacrifices for the rest of us. Sincerely, I value you and pray that God will protect you and bring you home safely and quickly.
Sarah
Sarah Shalley - August 9th, 2007 at 3:31 pm