Bittersweet Goodbyes
Well, I got to travel north and see some of the guys up there again, which was nice, however I wish it had been under different circumstances. We lost one of our own once again to an IED the other day as a squad was on its way to raid several locations in connection with previous IED incidents in the area. The soldier who died was a very competent squad leader who was always ready and willing to go out of the wire, and was favored as a possible future platoon sergeant or gunnery sergeant when we go back to artillery. Also injured was his driver, who suffered a compound fracture and is currently heading back home after a stay in Germany. The gunner too was injured as he ducked down following the explosion and collided with his .50 cal and bit into his lip.
Today there was a memorial service, and the BDE sergeant major was kind enough to allow us to insert our vehicle, one other vehicle from our unit, and several additional passengers into his convoy in order to attend the ceremony. Having missed the last ceremony due to being on leave, I was doubly glad that I was able to attend this one. Of some comfort, is the fact that after medevacing the injured soldiers, the mission was accomplished with no futher injury, and my fellow soldiers performed the raids with precision and professionalism: capturing their intended targets, and not allowing their negative emotions to take charge and just go in with guns blazing. My thoughts and prayers go out to my fallen comrade's family, and I'm thankful that everyone else was more or less spared. May the rest of us come home whole from this whole experience.
TeddY2K out.
Today there was a memorial service, and the BDE sergeant major was kind enough to allow us to insert our vehicle, one other vehicle from our unit, and several additional passengers into his convoy in order to attend the ceremony. Having missed the last ceremony due to being on leave, I was doubly glad that I was able to attend this one. Of some comfort, is the fact that after medevacing the injured soldiers, the mission was accomplished with no futher injury, and my fellow soldiers performed the raids with precision and professionalism: capturing their intended targets, and not allowing their negative emotions to take charge and just go in with guns blazing. My thoughts and prayers go out to my fallen comrade's family, and I'm thankful that everyone else was more or less spared. May the rest of us come home whole from this whole experience.
TeddY2K out.
posted by TeddY2K at 6:50 PM
10 Comments:
I'm sorry Teddy, I think I just read a thing last week about your former squad mate who was killed back in November. Stay safe.
Matt Berge
Son,
Our prayers are with you and all the men in your unit. Be careful.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of our heroic men and women.
Be safe:
ted's across the river!
Prayers to you and your troops, everyday. And to the family who lost a loved one.
Little Teddy, WoW, You are right. French were not friendly even back in 1976.
O & O
Hi Sean
I truly appreciate reading your posts every week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone that facing the incredible challenges that you face.
Rev. Pete
hey see-in~
just wanted to say thank you for giving your time, knowledge, and heart into being a soldier.
don't know about over there yet (time difference and all), but its veteran's day here...and thanks for doing something that you didn't have to do. we all miss you, but we know you're protecting some greater good. come home safe!
~suze
Hey, son.
Ditto on Susan's message.
Also, thank you to Opa, Kyle, Mike, Jason, Roger, Christie, and Keith (Teddy's barber).
Real Good Pistol Salute at Memorial Hall in Rockford today.
Cooper played Taps, great as always. Thirteen G's there including women.
Opa says you're welcome "Mom"
O & O
Hey, son.
Today as I was coming out of the grocery store I heard the Salvation Army bellringer and saw the first snowflake of the season. It was a puny specimen, but a snowflake nontheless!
It made me wish you and your sister were here to bake cookies.
Keep safe!
I had the prilige of attending the visitation for the soldier Teddy discusses. I met his father, and had previously met his mother and wife at a Family Readiness Group meeting and shared a few moments talking and hugging. It was a heart wrenching experience that I hope never to have to do again.
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