37
37
0
This is a letter that I sent home to family of friends following a tough week in Iraq when I was in battalion command in Baghdad. I've previously shared it in a couple of venues and hope RallyPoint finds it of interest.
From: Russell, Samuel L LTC MIL USA FORSCOM
Sent: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 4:10 pm
Subject: Another Memorial
Family and Friends...
I've been trying to get out another update on the events of the past two months, but we've had a busy couple of weeks -- large spike in insurgent activity. Unfortunately, our brigade lost several Soldiers. Again, my battalion was spared any casualties. I can't bring myself to write about my trivial goings on with the weight of the latest combat operations, and the burden of the associated loss. That will have to wait.
One of the missions my unit performs is recovering heavily damaged vehicles that units are unable to self-recover. We had several over the past week into heavily contested areas. Our follow-on missions after a recovery are to sanitize the damaged or destroyed vehicles, process the human remains and prepare the fallen Soldiers for transport through the mortuary in Baghdad and on to the mortuary in Dover. Unless out on a mission, I am always present when remains are brought back and vehicles are sanitized. It is the most solemn of missions and at the same time potentially the most psychologically demanding that my Soldiers encounter.
One of my recovery teams went out with 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment -- Rangers -- to bring back a destroyed HMMWV and two of their fallen comrades. This mission involved running a gauntlet of improvised explosive devices (IED), rocket propelled grenades (RPG) and small arms fire--there and back--and, thank God, our guys returned unscathed, despite being hit by all three. I was there when we downloaded the severely damaged gun truck, which was missing an armored door after receiving the full blast of an explosively formed projectile (EFP). After untarping the vehicle and beginning the sanitization, I moved to the mortuary affairs collection point where I met those two young Rangers, not in life but in death. The earthly remnants of their bodies were void of the souls and spirits that so recently filled them with life and aspirations, but had now moved onto a better place. After fourteen months of hard fought combat, these two Rangers were only days from going home; each was in his early twenties. I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my chaplain as he prayed over the bodies of these two fine young men.
No movie can capture the essence of war, not even the beach landing scene in Saving Private Ryan. Rightfully, such true to life experiences should not be seen and felt by anyone. Beyond the sights and sounds of battle, the movies can never bring to the viewer the overwhelming crush to the other senses: touch, taste and smell. My attempts to describe the variety and severity of each sensory input would make this message unreadable. So, I'll spare you those details. Suffice it to say that the most overwhelming sense is that of loss.
Today we held the traditional memorial ceremony for both of them. It was comforting to see photos of them when they were whole, strong, motivated and proud to serve. Unfortunately, what I'll carry with me is the images of my meeting with them at my mortuary as we prepared them for their hero flight home.
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur once said, "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
While this is true, the Soldier also prays for his life, the life of his buddy next to him, the loved ones he is serving to protect, and his safe return home where he can peacefully enjoy that blanket of freedom for which he has sacrificed so much. He prays for victory, for strength in battle, for the annihilation of his enemy, and for retribution of fallen comrades. But what separates a Soldier's prayer from any other God-fearing American, is that he puts his prayers into action. Wielding his God-given strength he storms into the cauldron of fire, takes the fight to the enemy, places his life on the line for his buddies, seeks vengeance for his fallen comrades, and annihilates the enemy.
May God continue to bless our Nation with young men like Specialist Durrell Bennett and Private First Class Patrick Miller, young men that not only pray for peace but are willing to answer the prayers of millions of Americans by waging into battle to protect and preserve that blanket of freedom. Sleep gently tonight America, for your brave young men are standing firmly at their post.
God Bless, Sam
SAMUEL L. RUSSELL
LTC, LG
94th BSB Commander
FOB Rustamiyah
From: Russell, Samuel L LTC MIL USA FORSCOM
Sent: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 4:10 pm
Subject: Another Memorial
Family and Friends...
I've been trying to get out another update on the events of the past two months, but we've had a busy couple of weeks -- large spike in insurgent activity. Unfortunately, our brigade lost several Soldiers. Again, my battalion was spared any casualties. I can't bring myself to write about my trivial goings on with the weight of the latest combat operations, and the burden of the associated loss. That will have to wait.
One of the missions my unit performs is recovering heavily damaged vehicles that units are unable to self-recover. We had several over the past week into heavily contested areas. Our follow-on missions after a recovery are to sanitize the damaged or destroyed vehicles, process the human remains and prepare the fallen Soldiers for transport through the mortuary in Baghdad and on to the mortuary in Dover. Unless out on a mission, I am always present when remains are brought back and vehicles are sanitized. It is the most solemn of missions and at the same time potentially the most psychologically demanding that my Soldiers encounter.
One of my recovery teams went out with 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment -- Rangers -- to bring back a destroyed HMMWV and two of their fallen comrades. This mission involved running a gauntlet of improvised explosive devices (IED), rocket propelled grenades (RPG) and small arms fire--there and back--and, thank God, our guys returned unscathed, despite being hit by all three. I was there when we downloaded the severely damaged gun truck, which was missing an armored door after receiving the full blast of an explosively formed projectile (EFP). After untarping the vehicle and beginning the sanitization, I moved to the mortuary affairs collection point where I met those two young Rangers, not in life but in death. The earthly remnants of their bodies were void of the souls and spirits that so recently filled them with life and aspirations, but had now moved onto a better place. After fourteen months of hard fought combat, these two Rangers were only days from going home; each was in his early twenties. I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with my chaplain as he prayed over the bodies of these two fine young men.
No movie can capture the essence of war, not even the beach landing scene in Saving Private Ryan. Rightfully, such true to life experiences should not be seen and felt by anyone. Beyond the sights and sounds of battle, the movies can never bring to the viewer the overwhelming crush to the other senses: touch, taste and smell. My attempts to describe the variety and severity of each sensory input would make this message unreadable. So, I'll spare you those details. Suffice it to say that the most overwhelming sense is that of loss.
Today we held the traditional memorial ceremony for both of them. It was comforting to see photos of them when they were whole, strong, motivated and proud to serve. Unfortunately, what I'll carry with me is the images of my meeting with them at my mortuary as we prepared them for their hero flight home.
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur once said, "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
While this is true, the Soldier also prays for his life, the life of his buddy next to him, the loved ones he is serving to protect, and his safe return home where he can peacefully enjoy that blanket of freedom for which he has sacrificed so much. He prays for victory, for strength in battle, for the annihilation of his enemy, and for retribution of fallen comrades. But what separates a Soldier's prayer from any other God-fearing American, is that he puts his prayers into action. Wielding his God-given strength he storms into the cauldron of fire, takes the fight to the enemy, places his life on the line for his buddies, seeks vengeance for his fallen comrades, and annihilates the enemy.
May God continue to bless our Nation with young men like Specialist Durrell Bennett and Private First Class Patrick Miller, young men that not only pray for peace but are willing to answer the prayers of millions of Americans by waging into battle to protect and preserve that blanket of freedom. Sleep gently tonight America, for your brave young men are standing firmly at their post.
God Bless, Sam
SAMUEL L. RUSSELL
LTC, LG
94th BSB Commander
FOB Rustamiyah
Posted in these groups: 
Baghdad
Fallen Soldiers
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Battalion Commander
Command Post
Baghdad Fallen Soldiers Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Battalion Commander Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 42
13
13
0
I know what you are talking about sir. I was the First Sergeant of D co, 2-16 IN, that escorted your recovery team to the COP. I was on that mission as well. Once at the COP, there was a platooned pinned down and we were tasked to recover that platoon and get them back to their COP, which we did successfully. I have never been more proud of my men of D Co. Once we escorted you all back to the FOB, I was required to stay back and identify the remains of Specialist Bennett and Private First Class Miller....so to quote you sir.
"May God continue to bless our Nation with young men like Specialist Durrell Bennett and Private First Class Patrick Miller, young men that not only pray for peace but are willing to answer the prayers of millions of Americans by waging into battle to protect and preserve that blanket of freedom. Sleep gently tonight America, for your brave young men are standing firmly at their post."
WILLIAM C. ZAPPA
1SG, US ARMY Retired
"May God continue to bless our Nation with young men like Specialist Durrell Bennett and Private First Class Patrick Miller, young men that not only pray for peace but are willing to answer the prayers of millions of Americans by waging into battle to protect and preserve that blanket of freedom. Sleep gently tonight America, for your brave young men are standing firmly at their post."
WILLIAM C. ZAPPA
1SG, US ARMY Retired
(13)
(0)
COL Sam Russell
Wow! What a connection. I recall our recovery guys had to stay overnight at that COP, I think.
(3)
(0)
SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
Top, what was your call sign ? I too was along with y'all for the ride. I was lead gun truck for our company. I remember the day very well unf
(2)
(0)
10
10
0
I had a letter that I kept with my personal effects addressed to my mom and kids, just in case. As soon as I was safely back in the states, I threw the letter away.
I don't remember what all it said but I know it started off something like this "If you are reading this letter, it means I didn't make it."
Thinking about that letter and the fact I actually had to write it has brought a tear to my eye.
I do remember telling my mom that if I got killed in action to not carry on like that one mother, Cindy Sheehan that went on a rampage against President Bush because her son was killed. I also told her that if I was wounded to the point that I had less than a 50% chance of surviving, to pull the plug. These are things that no mother wants to hear or should have to hear from her son or daughter.
I don't know if any of my family still has letters that I wrote home. I tried not to write about killing or death, I guess I didn't want them to know just how dangerous it was for us.
Thank you for sharing sir.
I don't remember what all it said but I know it started off something like this "If you are reading this letter, it means I didn't make it."
Thinking about that letter and the fact I actually had to write it has brought a tear to my eye.
I do remember telling my mom that if I got killed in action to not carry on like that one mother, Cindy Sheehan that went on a rampage against President Bush because her son was killed. I also told her that if I was wounded to the point that I had less than a 50% chance of surviving, to pull the plug. These are things that no mother wants to hear or should have to hear from her son or daughter.
I don't know if any of my family still has letters that I wrote home. I tried not to write about killing or death, I guess I didn't want them to know just how dangerous it was for us.
Thank you for sharing sir.
(10)
(0)
While I can appreciate the question and desire..
What i wrote to the wives, daughters, Mom and dads of those I lost.. should never have been written, but surely do not deserve to be read by anyone but them.
What i wrote to the wives, daughters, Mom and dads of those I lost.. should never have been written, but surely do not deserve to be read by anyone but them.
(7)
(0)
COL Sam Russell
Like you, SGM, there are letters that I've written that are very private that are meant only for the eyes of the NOK. Solemn, indeed, which is as it should be and should remain.
(3)
(0)
6
6
0
When they don't have the words but they want you to know they understand what is going on.
(6)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I have a crap to at home in a box somewhere.. im not at home at the moment but maybe when I get back I might share..
(1)
(0)
6
6
0
COL Sam Russell thanks for sharing, wow you caught me off guard. I do and I will re-search my e-mail and archives to post.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
COL Sam Russell
My kid brother sent this from Germany. He was given 30 days delay enroute before reporting to Oakland Army Base tor shipping to Nam. A member of the SP4 mafia, he wrangled 30 days additional leave over the Christmas holidays. My sons were 5 and 6 years old at the time. 'They" played for 60 days, when the station wagon was backed into the driveway, I knew he had been driving somewhere.
His tour in Viet Nam was a short one. I met his casket at the train station in Los Angeles 26 days after he departed Los Angeles.
John was a 106 RR gunner, 11H. 'AJ" is Acing Jack for acting Sgt.
I will work on scanning the one of the two letters we received from him. My wife had ordered a case of Kool Aid, before it arrived, he was returned.
BRAVO COMPANY
2D BATTALION (RANGERS) 36TH INFANTRY
APO NEW YORK
09039
15 March 19 66
Dear Harry,
In about four weeks a couple cases of books will arrive
at your house. It will be children’s encyclopedias, atlas,
Webster unabridged dictionary and a set of medical books,
They are the kids Late Late Christmas-Present. Open them up
and check them out thoroughly and if they aren’t any good
let me know so that I can cancel the contract. They are strictly
on approval and my contract has a clause which says so. Also
with them comes an extension service from the university of
Chicago. You are allowed one inquiry a week for ten years on
any subject from nuclear fisson to why a pickle tastes sour.
The university will reply with a detailed report. Make sure the
kids use it when they they aret old enough.
I took three this month for VietNam. I just got my stripe back
the first of January. I lost it last summer for being in on a
scheme to run off our' own EIB orders. Same old stupid John.
I saw Ursula once last year at Easter on a three day pass
I got for colonels orderly. 'They even made me a squad leader
for awhile until I wised up to these screwballs. All they
wanted was a figurehead and wouldn’t give me AJ so I told the
Platoon sergeant to shove it. He didn't do my thing about it
though because he was mixed up in quite a bit of hanky panky
with coffee and cigarettes 'trading with rad and the whole
p1atoon would have put the meat to him if he tried to get me.
I don't know what Army you were in that was so good but it ,
wasn't this one. I have never seen so many stupid people concen-
trated in one place. And about 95% of the NCOs are leading the
Category. My poop is the heaviest in the brigade on the 106mm
as we found out on Veterans' day in the competition.
I bought a good Sony tape recorder with my bonus. $250.00
worth. I think: it’s a real good deal because I've seen ads
in stateside magazines that want $400 for it.
I’ll see you before June- I hope.
My kid brother sent this from Germany. He was given 30 days delay enroute before reporting to Oakland Army Base tor shipping to Nam. A member of the SP4 mafia, he wrangled 30 days additional leave over the Christmas holidays. My sons were 5 and 6 years old at the time. 'They" played for 60 days, when the station wagon was backed into the driveway, I knew he had been driving somewhere.
His tour in Viet Nam was a short one. I met his casket at the train station in Los Angeles 26 days after he departed Los Angeles.
John was a 106 RR gunner, 11H. 'AJ" is Acing Jack for acting Sgt.
I will work on scanning the one of the two letters we received from him. My wife had ordered a case of Kool Aid, before it arrived, he was returned.
BRAVO COMPANY
2D BATTALION (RANGERS) 36TH INFANTRY
APO NEW YORK
09039
15 March 19 66
Dear Harry,
In about four weeks a couple cases of books will arrive
at your house. It will be children’s encyclopedias, atlas,
Webster unabridged dictionary and a set of medical books,
They are the kids Late Late Christmas-Present. Open them up
and check them out thoroughly and if they aren’t any good
let me know so that I can cancel the contract. They are strictly
on approval and my contract has a clause which says so. Also
with them comes an extension service from the university of
Chicago. You are allowed one inquiry a week for ten years on
any subject from nuclear fisson to why a pickle tastes sour.
The university will reply with a detailed report. Make sure the
kids use it when they they aret old enough.
I took three this month for VietNam. I just got my stripe back
the first of January. I lost it last summer for being in on a
scheme to run off our' own EIB orders. Same old stupid John.
I saw Ursula once last year at Easter on a three day pass
I got for colonels orderly. 'They even made me a squad leader
for awhile until I wised up to these screwballs. All they
wanted was a figurehead and wouldn’t give me AJ so I told the
Platoon sergeant to shove it. He didn't do my thing about it
though because he was mixed up in quite a bit of hanky panky
with coffee and cigarettes 'trading with rad and the whole
p1atoon would have put the meat to him if he tried to get me.
I don't know what Army you were in that was so good but it ,
wasn't this one. I have never seen so many stupid people concen-
trated in one place. And about 95% of the NCOs are leading the
Category. My poop is the heaviest in the brigade on the 106mm
as we found out on Veterans' day in the competition.
I bought a good Sony tape recorder with my bonus. $250.00
worth. I think: it’s a real good deal because I've seen ads
in stateside magazines that want $400 for it.
I’ll see you before June- I hope.
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
I remember this Saturday very well. These two young men where in my company A co 2-16IN I was their commo guy. Seeing their pictures on here just gave me a rush of memories from that week. Very well written and I wish there were more people like you that shared these.
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
10 APR 03-?
01 FEB 04 Day 297
Febuary,
Its here at last. After two long months back to back. I get a shot at the short one. Without complete success as this is a leap year. The short month has 29 days not the usuall 28.
Last time it was Leap year, Feb. I was blessed with lockdown in Kosovo. At Camp Bondsteel. You know what they say about bad luck.
Bright side of everything is. Jan is finished , crossed out on the calender. Flip the page forward. Another month down v just a handfull to go, Maybe. I expect the worse , hope for the best. Its all anyone can do ,in any situation. As Mr. Murphy always pops up at the least expected times. He is a bastard. Not a Warrant Officer. OK I did know a Mr. Murphy, CW3 type. Not a bad guy. Just got bent out of shape real easy. Like when , say. I would take the hydraulic accumulator hand pump handle ,and beat upon the poor blackhawks main landing gear tire during runup. In time, with the rotor system. Now of course this would make him worry just a bit (crew chief humor for me). Thinking the rotor system was coming apart.
Its not just me. I swear! In this world we are all sick minded individuals, when it comes to certain comedy. We are apes. Its in our nature. (http://www.rotten.com)
Of course. now that I am a seasoned Crewchief (a older wiser more creative ape). I enlist the help of another Crewchief (ape no.2). He can beat on the tire, while I pull an extra rotor head component from my helmet bag, and ever so gently throw it out in front of the Helicopter. THIS IS NOT A JOKE TO PLAY ON ALL PILOTS!!!!! just most. Builds character, and a better conditioned heart. Due to the design limitations of fixed wing acft. If you crew or work on one . You are not able to play this joke upon your pilots.
Yesterday for entertainment. One of our crews had the unfortunate experience of flying into a flock of birds.
At over 130mph. It is not too funny. Three blades made contact(of the four) two birds impacted the nose, one on the left pilots step, one between the fuslage and right crewchief window, and one into the right crewchief M-60D doorgun.
Poor guy was bout to toss his cookies from what I heard. Its not everyday a person gets sprayed with bird guts. There was a little damage to the acft. The Crewchief window on the right side was folded in on the leading edge. It can be fixed For a couple grand. No big e.
We win . As we are the bigger bird.
Iraq has not changed much since I last wrote. The sun does rise a bit earlier, and sets a bit later. Still desert cold (warm in the day, cold at night),and I am still working the night shift. So the potbelly stove stays lit.
I was talking with one of the guys I work with the other night. About our work. How much it is different from the civilian side. What we do, and how used to the responsibility of it all we become.
Nightly I brief the status of our Blackhawks. At 7 mil a pop. Thats 91 million dollers worth of equipment. That I must be versed on to the last detail. Then of course the topic of discussion went straight to. Imagine what you could buy with 91 mill? Its a pretty big forest they would have to cut down just to print the money.
For us at this point in the game. We could stand to not see another helicopter for a month or three. Each one is just another number . A number that in all its own special ways can be a pain in the ass. Gremlins do exsist. I have never seen one, personally. But , they live inside each aircraft we own. Doing their deeds while our backs are turned. When (if) I catch one . I will drown him slowly in jet fuel. Or better yet, we will collectively decide his fate.
In addition to the responsibility. Are the hours we work. I am on a schedual that runs 14 days. My shift runs 7pm to 7am. For 14 days. Then I take a 24 to 36hr break.
Thats two back to back 84 hr work weeks. Now I dont know a whole bunch about the outside. But the way my math looks I should get the whole next two weeks off. As I have put in my 4 40hr work weeks (in two) for the month, and an additional 8 hrs overtime.
Duty , Honor , Country. NOT Completely, its free bullets , machine guns , a helicopter , and the shooting range is called Iraq. Thats the trade off I see.
It is coming to its close. We are beggining the plans for our return. Dates are up in the air one day to another. I keep my fingers crossed for sooner then later. As the money made here is nice. I am ready to have a little free time in life and money is not as important any longer. Freedom is the word. So is home. Feb. is calender month number eleven we have seen here. Thats a long time working 14 on one off.
Ive done this thing before. Coming back. It has its rough edges. Things to sort out. A life to put back together. In perspective the strange part is the lack of changes. When it comes down to it. The bank is a bit fuller, the waist a bit smaller, hair greyer, but the world is still the same. Almost as if we never left it. But there are all these crazy memories in the mind. Yet the world doesnt even know we were gone, let alone really understand where we went to or what we did there. The picture in the mind and soul, are hard to describe. The energy is hard to express. The rush was ours to be had. Some days too much, others not enough. Photographs can only show a 3x5 cut , of the big picture.
No more pictures for Jan.
Peace, Take care of yourselves.
Joe
01 FEB 04 Day 297
Febuary,
Its here at last. After two long months back to back. I get a shot at the short one. Without complete success as this is a leap year. The short month has 29 days not the usuall 28.
Last time it was Leap year, Feb. I was blessed with lockdown in Kosovo. At Camp Bondsteel. You know what they say about bad luck.
Bright side of everything is. Jan is finished , crossed out on the calender. Flip the page forward. Another month down v just a handfull to go, Maybe. I expect the worse , hope for the best. Its all anyone can do ,in any situation. As Mr. Murphy always pops up at the least expected times. He is a bastard. Not a Warrant Officer. OK I did know a Mr. Murphy, CW3 type. Not a bad guy. Just got bent out of shape real easy. Like when , say. I would take the hydraulic accumulator hand pump handle ,and beat upon the poor blackhawks main landing gear tire during runup. In time, with the rotor system. Now of course this would make him worry just a bit (crew chief humor for me). Thinking the rotor system was coming apart.
Its not just me. I swear! In this world we are all sick minded individuals, when it comes to certain comedy. We are apes. Its in our nature. (http://www.rotten.com)
Of course. now that I am a seasoned Crewchief (a older wiser more creative ape). I enlist the help of another Crewchief (ape no.2). He can beat on the tire, while I pull an extra rotor head component from my helmet bag, and ever so gently throw it out in front of the Helicopter. THIS IS NOT A JOKE TO PLAY ON ALL PILOTS!!!!! just most. Builds character, and a better conditioned heart. Due to the design limitations of fixed wing acft. If you crew or work on one . You are not able to play this joke upon your pilots.
Yesterday for entertainment. One of our crews had the unfortunate experience of flying into a flock of birds.
At over 130mph. It is not too funny. Three blades made contact(of the four) two birds impacted the nose, one on the left pilots step, one between the fuslage and right crewchief window, and one into the right crewchief M-60D doorgun.
Poor guy was bout to toss his cookies from what I heard. Its not everyday a person gets sprayed with bird guts. There was a little damage to the acft. The Crewchief window on the right side was folded in on the leading edge. It can be fixed For a couple grand. No big e.
We win . As we are the bigger bird.
Iraq has not changed much since I last wrote. The sun does rise a bit earlier, and sets a bit later. Still desert cold (warm in the day, cold at night),and I am still working the night shift. So the potbelly stove stays lit.
I was talking with one of the guys I work with the other night. About our work. How much it is different from the civilian side. What we do, and how used to the responsibility of it all we become.
Nightly I brief the status of our Blackhawks. At 7 mil a pop. Thats 91 million dollers worth of equipment. That I must be versed on to the last detail. Then of course the topic of discussion went straight to. Imagine what you could buy with 91 mill? Its a pretty big forest they would have to cut down just to print the money.
For us at this point in the game. We could stand to not see another helicopter for a month or three. Each one is just another number . A number that in all its own special ways can be a pain in the ass. Gremlins do exsist. I have never seen one, personally. But , they live inside each aircraft we own. Doing their deeds while our backs are turned. When (if) I catch one . I will drown him slowly in jet fuel. Or better yet, we will collectively decide his fate.
In addition to the responsibility. Are the hours we work. I am on a schedual that runs 14 days. My shift runs 7pm to 7am. For 14 days. Then I take a 24 to 36hr break.
Thats two back to back 84 hr work weeks. Now I dont know a whole bunch about the outside. But the way my math looks I should get the whole next two weeks off. As I have put in my 4 40hr work weeks (in two) for the month, and an additional 8 hrs overtime.
Duty , Honor , Country. NOT Completely, its free bullets , machine guns , a helicopter , and the shooting range is called Iraq. Thats the trade off I see.
It is coming to its close. We are beggining the plans for our return. Dates are up in the air one day to another. I keep my fingers crossed for sooner then later. As the money made here is nice. I am ready to have a little free time in life and money is not as important any longer. Freedom is the word. So is home. Feb. is calender month number eleven we have seen here. Thats a long time working 14 on one off.
Ive done this thing before. Coming back. It has its rough edges. Things to sort out. A life to put back together. In perspective the strange part is the lack of changes. When it comes down to it. The bank is a bit fuller, the waist a bit smaller, hair greyer, but the world is still the same. Almost as if we never left it. But there are all these crazy memories in the mind. Yet the world doesnt even know we were gone, let alone really understand where we went to or what we did there. The picture in the mind and soul, are hard to describe. The energy is hard to express. The rush was ours to be had. Some days too much, others not enough. Photographs can only show a 3x5 cut , of the big picture.
No more pictures for Jan.
Peace, Take care of yourselves.
Joe
(5)
(0)
4
4
0
COL Sam Russell, I wrote home regularly from Vietnam. After I got back, I asked my mom where my letters were. She told me she threw them away. When I asked why, she told me she read them and didn't see any reason to save them. That's my family and why I was glad when I left home for Vietnam. You can tell it still hurts me. Boo fn boo.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
Sir thank you for this letter. These two incredible Soldiers were in my battalion at rusty. We 2/16 Rangers still have a void that will never be filled because of the loss of these two and the other 14 we lost in that long hellish deployment known as the surge
(4)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google