A pal of mine is a therapist in a facility for high-functioning Alzheimer’s patients. One of the staff organized a collection of goods to be sent to Iraq for our soldiers, and yesterday a young man - Army Airborne, on his way back to Iraq for a second turn - showed up to collect the packet and thank the staff.
My friend was overwhelmed by the way our trooper carried himself, with quiet dignity, self-confidence and gentleness. He met with the staff, talked a little about Iraq. From my pal:
“he said the worst part about Iraq is simply that you do not know who you’re talking to. One family may greet you with open arms, sincerely expressing gratitude and begging us to stay, but perhaps the husband has a brother who would like to kill not only you, but all Westerners. The enemy does not identify himself; he doesn’t wear a uniform and fight honorably, out of the way of children and women and innocents, and that is what makes everything more difficult, for everyone. ‘If the enemy would simply fight this war traditionally, it would be over by now,’ he said.”
She went on to recount how this fellow agreed to her request to stay for a while and meet with some of the residents, who were enormously keen on his uniform, which jogged many memories and brought many tears.
“One resident remembered that her brother had been a paratrooper in WWII, and that he’d been too afraid to jump the first time - that he’d asked his buddies to push him. My residents all wanted to kiss him and tell him to be careful and they thanked him for being a solder, for being so brave. It was so beautiful we were all crying and [the soldier] was just beautiful throughout - so accommodating, so sweet and patient. He is such a fine representative of the best of our young people. The whole building was bawling by the time he left, even the kitchen staff. I can’t bear to think that anyone would treat someone like him with disrespect, or could disregard what he does. What courage and character!
Indeed.
Jules Crittenden has a requiem for another soldier, 1st Lt. Andrew Bacevich, and he notes takes a thoughtful look at what goes reported and unreported by the press, and some of our tactics.
Meanwhile. IBD says it is beginning to smell victory in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And Glenn Reynolds gives us one small, pithy-but-powerful line: “THERE ARE TWO AMERICAS, and one of them is defending the other.” See the link. He also has a bit about Marines returning to Iraq. Yes, they want to.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I can only hope that people really do put some thought into what these young men and women are doing for this country. What a tough job they have.
btw: your blog reads so much easier now. It is really nice!
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:43 pm
This is so sweet to hear, I know of at least 6 fine young men who have served or are now serving in Iraq and they are all very much like this fine man. I pray every night for their safety and the well being of their families.
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Good folks.
May 22nd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
A beautiful story. Just before the war started I was at Camp Lejeune NC meeting my aunt for the first time. I saw so man young men who were preparing to go to war. This was October and they didn’t act as though they were afraid, but as though they had a job to do. Every one of them was polite.
At the Dallas/Fort Worth airport a couple of years ago I met quite a few of our elite men and women. One was on his way home for his 2 week leave and was flying to wherever his wife and children were.
Another was on his way back. All they wanted was a light for a cigarette and I had plenty of matches so gave them each a couple of books.
One was a lady in front of me at the security line. She stood there with all her gear and took off her boots to be scanned. I was amazed she would have to do this since she was wearing the uniform.
I mentioned it to her and she said, “No, Ma’am, I don’t mind.”
I gave each one a hug and told them how much I admired and appreciated them and to come back home safely. I hope they all did.
They were the finest group of people I have ever met. When they’d see other soldiers they’d all sit together at the bar and quietly talk and wait. A real band of brothers and sisters going into the unknown.
God bless every one of them.
I hate to whine but could you ask your designer to fix this so if I read it at the 800×600 resolution it doesn’t take the comments into the sidebar and write over it? This is a beautiful site!