The eleventh hour…
It’s here, it’s finally here…we are in the eleventh hour.
We’re currently completing our desert flight training and will be crossing-the-berm soon. The eleventh hour is producing more energy, anxious energy, within the soldiers. Some people release this extra energy by working out, some pack and repack, some clean weapons - again, some are reading, some are listening to iPods, many are joking with their buddies, smoking, chewing tobacco, and some simply sit in solitude.
This window we are in is having quite a diverse affect on the group. You quickly see how people deal with enormous amounts of stress; in-public, by mentally escaping, or by remaining quiet.
Most of the soldiers want to end the training, and end the waiting, by “going forward” and “getting into the fight.” I too, just want to go.
The visual picture of a boxer comes to mind. Just before the bell rings, many boxers begin to jump around, shadow punch and move - exuding energy, concentrating and increasing focus.
We have plans, and contingency plans, for everything, but we simply do not know “what’s next.” We’ve never been here before. Our state has NEVER sent a helicopter unit into combat, in any war, EVER. We were not handed an overall strategy, an operational plan, or tactical plans. There has been no playbook, we have defined, built and refined it along the way.
The team is highly-capable, and confident - amazingly confident.
As I write, tears begin to well in my eyes. I will not hide them.
We are ready.
Tim
Tim,
You certainly sound prepared and ready. Your men have such a gift with you leading them. The tears will serve to show them that feelings in one’s heart and mind are often best expressed openly and without reservation. They will see strength, compassion and honesty.
Please be careful - keep those sidearms close @ hand and blast those little f>>>>>s if they even think they can do any of you harm. I sincerely mean that.
As you enter into combat, picture serenity and peace of family and all those who love you beyond measure. I don’t think there are any of us who are not with you in spirit and I for one will have my heart and arms tightly wrapped around you, We are so proud of you and I stand applauding you at this moment and every moment you are away.
We love you!
Jean & your Mom
Jean - August 11th, 2007 at 10:25 amNot sure what to say other than I feel like I have to say something. ………………………….Go get’em Timbo.
Big Stone - August 11th, 2007 at 11:12 amYou and your troop are in my heart. I(we) think of you and pray for you every day. I cannot fathom what you are about to see and go through. Just get it done and come home! We love you.
susan
Susan - August 11th, 2007 at 3:03 pmI am not sure what to say. Probably comes as a surprise considering I ‘barf’ out my emotions on this blog.
I am so incredibly grateful you are my Partner.
Briggs, Gage, Emerson, Campbell, and I miss you and will be waiting for you to walk back into our home once your duty is complete.
Love, Porter
tiffany - August 11th, 2007 at 3:46 pmYou are making history. Yes, you are highly capable and confident. God Bless. Stacy
Stacy - August 11th, 2007 at 4:33 pmWe have all the confidence in the world you will get it done and come home safely—-God Bless
Beth
BETH HOHMAN - August 12th, 2007 at 10:27 amTim,
Sorry I did not get to see you while you were back. I did not want to intrude upon your short time with your family. Just wanted to drop a note to say you are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and I will be moving some furniture for Tiffany today. She decided to do some rearranging.
It continues to be hot in Indy. However, our hot is only in the 90’s.
We have a new neighbor across the street. They were able to adopt a baby girl. She is 8 days old.
Although my work still has me traveling around 60% of the time, I am sure Tiffany knows she can ask for help when she needs it.
Keep you focus on your job when it is needed.
God Bless
Mark
Mark Kleis - August 12th, 2007 at 10:34 amTim, I am so thankful Derrick has you as a leader. We are here, standing anxious yet proud for you all. You have a great team and they are ready to serve.
Tiffany, I am glad to have you here with me to get through this. We’ll start our pizza play nights with the kids soon! Take care!
Gwen
Gwen - August 12th, 2007 at 2:00 pmUncle Tom - you are right…I am late on keeping up with the blog. But the truth is that when I read this particular entry by Tim so much emotion came over me I could not respond right away. I guess as Tiffany says, this blog is great therapy and I wake-up crying and go to bed crying (many people say I am just like my mom, but I think I inherited the emotional end of things for my dad…good old Uncle Wally!) I pray for you and your men everyday Tim, and I know God is going to take good care of you.
Thank you again and again for keeping us safe!
xoxoxox…I have to go because if I don’t stop crying I may electrocute myself with all these computer wires.
Suzy - August 12th, 2007 at 10:19 pmTim,
I feel honored to know you and know your troop and our country are in the most capable hands. As a friend, former coworker and current business associate, the reality of your military career had never hit home until Barb introduced me to this site. Our prayers are with you daily.
Blessings and Godspeed.
John Emard
John Emard - August 22nd, 2007 at 8:03 am