Well… I can’t believe I separated from the service 10 years ago. It seems like only yesterday that I was leading, training and counseling my soldiers. It seems like only yesterday that I was teaching combat lifesaver classes to troops who were deploying to Iraq. It seems like only a few days ago that I solemnly prepared the helmets and shined the boots of fallen soldier to be used in the nationally televised memorial service for my fellow troops–soldiers in my unit–who paid the ultimate price when their convoy was ambushed in Nasiriyah. (Yes, I was in the same unit with POWs PFC Jessica Lynch and SPC Shoshana Johnson. I was one of the NCO in charge of ensuring that they had transportation after they returned from Iraq. And I spent many hours speaking with my buddy, SGT James Riley, after his return from capture.)
On this special day–our day–I wish to say a heart-felt thank you to all of my brothers and sisters-in-arms who are currently serving, and to those who have served with pride in the past. Thank you. As one who knows what an overwhelming sacrifice it is to serve in the armed forces, I want you to know that I thank God for each and every of you. I know your struggles, and I know just how much you have given up to serve. Anyone who has served their country knows that when you are enlisted, your life is not your own. You are “Government Issue,” and you willingly give up many of your freedoms as you work together as a band of brothers to achieve whatever missions are set before you… no matter what the price. I will never forget the sacrifices I made (let’s face it, my back injury is not going to get better, only progressively worse, unless the Lord chooses to heal me), and I want you to know that I do not take your struggles lightly. I get it. And so, I salute you on this special day, brothers and sisters: your day. From the bottom of my heart… Thank You.
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” – G.K. Chesterton
In Christ’s perfect love,
Dwight
The Parson (SGT, USA, Retired)
