The War Just Got a Little More Personal
In other news...
I recently received a voice mail on my phone from one of my dearest friends. Most of my dear friends, the ones who are really in there, are far away. This particular friend and I met in Hungary. She was the First Sergeant for the post where I worked. She ran those soldiers, helped them grow up, and handled a clueless Post Commander brought in from the Reserves. She was tough, fair, and didn't take any bullshit. She also loved those young soldiers like they were her own kids, and went all out for them. She returned to Germany after her tour, came back to Hungary to visit, and came out to Seattle for a visit a couple of years back.
She did a tour as a Drill Sergeant before I met her. It amused me to no end to see her one minute, laughing over some girl talk, and the next minute, noticing some young soldier in need of "guidance", she'd pop into Drill Sergeant mode on a dime. You'd best lock it up, sol-DIER! Talking to that female is not part of your mission for tonight, now is it? Then you'd best get back to it, before I think of my own mission for you. Then that smile would be back, as if nothing had happened.
She's the type of person who takes in children of soldiers sent to Iraq or Korea. She adopted a teenager from Africa before we met, who has since made her a proud grandmother to twin girls. She has taken in so many kids over her lifetime, and really made a difference in those young lives, I am in awe of her. She also went back to school after her return to Germany. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology while raising up kids, training up soldiers, and doing her own job as an active duty soldier.
Her voice mail told me she is now in Iraq.
I felt like those words punched the air out of me.
I got an email from her yesterday. She talked about getting off the helicopter in the middle of the night - less of a target that way. She is trying to set up a decent Christmas for her soldiers there. She plans to put together stockings for them, asking people to send things from the States, so her soldiers can have things from home, a bit of tradition, something to open on Christmas. She sent me the address, not so I could write her, but to help fill soldier's stockings.
Typical - she's separated from her own family and friends, but thinking of her soldiers. She could've taken retirement the last couple of years, but now she's in Iraq.
Goddamn it, girl, why couldn't you just fucking retire?
I know she will do everything in her power to bring her soldiers safely home. Please just remember to take care of yourself as well, friend. Stay safe.
14 comments:
*hugs*
I hope your friend stays well, the world needs strong women like that. And good friends.
Can I help coordinate care package stuff on the East Coast? You know if the boyz send care packages (no pun intended) they'll be FABULOUS!
I hope your friend comes home safe.
This war should be personal for all of us, tho' I know it's an extra special kick in the abdomen when you hear that a friend or loved one is over there.
One of the things I'm thankful for this year is a strong group of Democrats running against the lamest, most obviously hypocritical group of Republicans we could have possibly imagined. Maybe in a year or two we'll actually be able to end this thing.
By the way, that photo of you? Hot.
Just sayin'.
Post the address please. I am so sorry that your friend is in Iraq, but something inside tells me that she is content wherever she finds herself. Seems to not be all about her, but whomever is in her vicinity that needs help. Wish our administration had an ounce of her human decency. If something happens to her, I don't think I will be able to read about it, without plotting assassination scenarios.
On a lighter note, You are such a MILF it is sickening. Although technically, it would be MTLF (they), because this little gaylord just can't go there. Girl you are smoking hot.
Oh man. The Spouse has 2 friends there right now...it does make a difference.
I think you should share the info so all your blog buddies can get in on the stocking stuffing.
I went into the Army about a month after my 17th birthday.
I'm guessin' my Drill Seargent's were about as tough as they come.
Over the years,when those times came that it was necessary to nut-up and face things head on,I think about Sgt. Young,pushing me to do things I never thought I could.
Tell your friend I said thank you.
P.S.
Your HOTNESS is not lost on us straight guys!.. ;)
Jokerine: Thank you. Yes, the world does need women like her.
RG: I knew I loved you for some reason. Love my boyz. I'll either publish or email the info.
Red: You're right, it should be personal for all of us, every day. I hope the government gets off their ass and quits using the military for their own agenda. Bastards.
Red2: Thank you - in the interest of full disclosure, though, that pic was from my first year after arriving Stateside, before picking up the Northwest 40. -sigh- Seeing that pic makes me realize I really, really, need to drag my ass back into the gym.
Tater: Yeah, she's the epitome of a good soldier and a good leader. You're right, the administration could do well to follow that lead. She's an amazing example for young women, too. I think she puts herself too far back on the burner, though.
MTLF, ha! Actually I was once at a high school track meet, and a high school kid elbowed his buddy, "Dude, check out the MILF!" I turned around and raised an eyebrow at him, and he turned beet red. Thought the poor boy was going to pee himself. That, however, was before I picked up the aforereferenced Northwest 40. -sigh-
Lorraine: sorry to hear about the Spouse's friends. I will post/email the info.
Sling: Absolutely. Those Drill Sergeants have so much effect in such a short time. One of our Drill Sergeants was wonderful -- in a badass screaming sadistic kind of way. I'm not sure how he conveyed caring through the screaming, but he did, somehow. The other, Drill Sergeant White, actually got kicked out for trainee abuse after our cycle. But I made it through his cycle. Which I think about, when shit gets tough. Even with his abusive ways though, he came through in the end. At Victory Tower, I didn't think I could do it - I have a serious heights issue -- DS White quietly (for once) made me believe I could do it. And I did. Thanks for the good thoughts.
You attract the most amazing people into your life. I don't have a personal connection to anyone in Iraq right now, of which I am very thankful. But Red is right, it should feel more personal to all of us, regardless. Here I am, sitting all fat and happy and full on more food than I will ever be able to metabolize before bedtime - and you go and write a post like this?
pft. Now it's personal.
Humble pie anyone? (:
I'd like to contribute to her stockings too, if I may. I can't do much. But it's a whole helluva lot better than doing the vats of nothing that I've done up to now.
First: I can't find words that would sufficently discribe how incredible this woman is.
Second: One could only hope that the current bastards in power were as dedicated to bringing the boys back safely.
Third:
NW 40 or not
We talking HOT!
I'll happily play Santa elf to RG's dirty minded Santa.
As for MILF, Girl! You are so all that! What you said about the teenager, my pal Sonia had that happen to her. When she went to see her son at college, one of his friends nudged him and said, "Who's that hot lady?"
The son was all, "THAT'S MY MOTHER!"
I hope everything is working out okay with your friend, and that she comes out of all this craziness. I almost wish I believed in God, since that would mean GWB would spend eternity burning in hell.
What an amazing friend. I hope you get to see her again, we could use more people like her on this planet.
(You look great, BTW,)
I'm with Red7eric: this war should be personal to eveyone. But it really becomes more of a priority when you know folks over there. My thoughts are with your friend.
Hat: you're so right... I do have some pretty amazing people who have made their way into my life -- perfect time of year to be grateful for them, thanks. And today I'm stuffed chock full o' leftovers, yep, fat and happy, and am thinking about some of those folks, scattered around the globe. Hey pass that humble pie over ...
Willym: First: Me neither. Second: Hear, hear! Damn the bastards! Third: I immediately fall victim to your flattery.
Evil-G: Hee-hooo, I would SO love to see you and RG doing a naughty Santa routine. That would make a hell of a Christmas card! As for the MILF deal, I think that's one of the harder parts of the NW-40, is the becoming invisible, being "just a mom". (I know, I know, gym ...) And you know, I think Dubya WILL spend eternity downwind from Satan's asshole. I don't think one needs a religious bent to be fully convinced of that.
Allan: Thanks - and thanks!
KA: Yes, so true. This was a jolt, a personal one, but it should be more forward in my mind all the time.
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