I am ready to go home now. (1551 hits)
Category: GeneralRating: 1.91 on 47 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Amusediniraq (View user info) at 2004-02-27 14:54:25 EST
Of all the things I expected from this year I never expected to give a eulogy. Well in today's PC military it's called a tribute not a eulogy. Anyway, I knew that the chances were good that we would end up losing someone to an accident or to enemy action or something. We have a dangerous job to do in a dangerous place and it didn't take long before we actually lost lost someone. We lost our first soldiers from a medevac helicopter that was launched in poor visibility to fly a sick Iraqi child who was in need of medical care. The air ambulance was engaged by enemy ground fire. When the helicopter made evasive maneuvers it collided with wires and crashed into the Tigris River killing all but the medic on board. He was injured so severely he was medically retired from the military. We held a memorial service to honor the dead and comfort the living. Speakers got up and choked out little stories and anecdotes to summarize a lifetime into three minutes. There is the playing of bag pipes, a roll call, a rifle salute and the playing of Taps, all in a nice little package. It is designed to bring closure and to be honest it helps. Most of the folks we lost I didn't know well, even though I had met many, shared small talk at some unit social event or took care of them in our aid station for some minor ailment or another but I would not consider them part of my inner circle.
Over the next few months we (my regiment) started to take more and more casualties. There is a plaque in our chow hall to commemorate the dead. It is a large wooden board painted in the classic red and white of the cavalry. The names of the dead where written in a column on one side. I remember commenting on the morbid fact that it looked lopsided and funny because there were only a few names on the plaque. It is now almost full. I wonder how many people on that plaque ate in our chow hall and read the list and noted that there was plenty of room for expansion. We lost guys to improvised roadside explosions, to direct combat, to accidents and to suicides (to be fair the suicide rate is no greater here than in peace time for a unit our size). The numbers continue to climb. Leaving everyone wondering where the next casualty was going to come from. Who is going to be the last to die before we go home.
In January my luck ran out and I lost one of my good friends after his medevac helicopter was shot down by a surface to air missile fired by a coward who decided it is ok to shoot at a marked air ambulance flying a medical mission in day light in clear blue skies. He was killed along with his crew and five patients. Their helicopter was hit by a surface to air missile that totally destroyed the helicopter. I have seen photos and talked to eye witnesses, there was little left of the chopper but pieces of debris. Now I was faced with having to speak on his behalf. Holy shit, what do you say? How do I speak to 500 people to make them understand that this tragedy is special or worse then the others. The reality is it isn't any worse then the others. In all cases there was family who said goodbye last spring to these men. Everyone had families who spent sleepless nights of worry for their loved ones when the news reported another casualty in Iraq. The death of my friend and his crew was no more tragic than any other loss my unit had suffered.
As many of you may know, I lost two more friends a couple of days ago when their helicopter crashed into the Euphrates River. Today we memorialized these two brave fighting men. Just three days before they died one was cited for the second time for heroism in the line of fire. He attacked an enemy position that was actively engaging US forces in western Iraq. His actions allowed someone else to make it home safe. Two days ago I was there as we pulled their broken lifeless bodies from their helicopter in the Euphrates River. I accompanied their bodies to our hospital and I reported to the trauma surgeons the nature and extent of their injuries. I was there when the time of death was announced and when mortuary affairs came to claim their bodies for the final trip home. Another buddy of mine flew them to Baghdad so they could be put into a coffin to be flown home.
Today I sat in their memorial service as their close friends tried to talk of their lost friends and of their families. I heard of an audio picture frame of ones daughter asking her father to be safe and to come home soon. I cried as I realized that she would never sit on her fathers lap again. She will never rough house or wrestle with her dad again, she will never know the pride of her father as she achieves the most mundane of accomplishments. Mostly I cried as I realized how much I miss my own daughter. I feel how much time this year has really been. What the cost has been and how much has been lost.
This is not a commentary on the politics of war. Frankly, I don't care anymore. I understand today, better than ever before, in my 18 years of service, that freedom is never free and that the cost of freedom is nearly unbearable. I guess I can only pray that the future will reveal that this has been worth the cost and that the five children left fatherless on 25 February 2004 will feel that their fathers didn't die for nothing.
User Reviews
Submitted by captainfoamy (user info) at 2004-04-16 21:48:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
War Monger
Submitted by Therighteouswicked (user info) at 2004-04-15 00:08:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
We're all thinking of you. Oh and how many people on this site could honestly say they would risk their life for their job and country like this guy?
Submitted by Heimdallsman (user info) at 2004-04-06 19:38:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Random Joe, you fucking pussy, grow some balls and review under your own name.
Asshole.
--HeimdallsMan
Submitted by Scott_James (user info) at 2004-04-06 19:29:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by shandythedog (user info) at 2004-04-06 08:44:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
well written.
a sad story.
sad that your friends are killed, sad that 'the enemy' is killed.
sad that this story is told over and over and over again.
my own view, which may be wrong, is that the war you are fighting will not make the world safer or or protect freedom in your country.
Submitted by Jo_of_the_golden_P (user info) at 2004-04-04 01:09:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
What a dick, R.J. If you're going to review and be a dick about it, have some fucking guts and put a username. No fucking respect.
To Amused: Fuckin A. Sorry about your friends. Come home soon.
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-04-04 00:40:04 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
"one was cited for the second time for heroism in the line of fire" - what a freaking oxymoron. There are no heros in Iraq.
You deserve what you get for being there and taking involvement. Any rational human would just say no and be court marshalled rather than participate. Thanks for embarrassing our country.
Submitted by Kimba (user info) at 2004-03-29 22:26:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Come home safe and soon. God bless you.
Submitted by Hooligan (user info) at 2004-03-28 18:01:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Very good. But it about tore my heart out. I shouldn't read these things...
Submitted by Fleet_Marshall_Badass (user info) at 2004-03-15 05:38:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You, your mates, your regiment and everybody else who has served in war have experienced hell first-hand, and the rest of the world remains oblivious in their "peace", unable to imagine how one individual among the choas must feel.
Press on mate - the rest of the world needs its ignorance.
Badass.
Submitted by RyoOkutani (user info) at 2004-03-15 05:02:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
T.T
Submitted by BlinkSparky (user info) at 2004-03-15 04:17:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Your a strong person... Come home safely... dude u have my total respect
Hope they nail the fucker that got ur best friend
Submitted by esso_merda (user info) at 2004-03-15 03:54:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Come home safely.
Submitted by Scott_James (user info) at 2004-03-02 22:32:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Can't believe I missed this the first time around.
Submitted by wkey (user info) at 2004-03-02 16:50:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
What can I say? Thank you.
Submitted by wags (user info) at 2004-03-01 19:23:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
much respect
-wags
Submitted by Scientifik (user info) at 2004-03-01 03:18:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by InjunEar (user info) at 2004-02-28 04:32:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Freedom is what stirs the soul.
Submitted by LeprousExistnce (user info) at 2004-02-28 03:31:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can only second what Domenad said.
Submitted by Ainkara (user info) at 2004-02-28 01:04:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hope you come home safe.
Submitted by ess2s2 (user info) at 2004-02-27 20:14:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It is difficult to describe how this post makes me feel.
Everyday, people go to work and go to school and are oblivious to the fact that other people have died, are dying and will continue to die in order to protect this remarkable way of life that we all enjoy.
Even people in the military take this for granted.
A truly special breed of human is reqired to see the things you have seen and live the life you are living and not lose their humanity. How many people that you see on the street would accept the responsibility and the danger that comes with fighting for our way of life? Not many I'd wager.
You and your compatriots are truly amazing. Thank you, and come home safely.
Submitted by jcricket (user info) at 2004-02-27 19:35:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That was amazing...
I have several friends that are over in Iraq now.
I pray for everyone's safety.
Bush and his administration are so full of shit...
I couldn't think of a better way of supporting our troops, than by bringing them home.
Good luck to you and everyone.
We'll see you when you get back.
Submitted by DarthAwesome (user info) at 2004-02-27 19:09:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't know what to say other than I am deeply touched.
Stay sharp and make it back.
Submitted by Herpes (user info) at 2004-02-27 18:43:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Stay strong, and good luck.
Submitted by ohlookasquirrel (user info) at 2004-02-27 18:12:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm sending good vibes, for lack of prayer, your way.
Submitted by acrog (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:36:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
thanks, man
Submitted by kai070169 (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:34:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
War sucks. Come home soon.
Submitted by kgbpasha (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:30:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Posts like these help in arranging my priorities.
The majority of my day is spent doing things that are
mostly irrelevant considering the big picture. Thanks for
helping me refocus.
Submitted by Zod (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:22:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't wait until you're "AmusedinUSA."
Be safe and hurry back.
Submitted by PukingDog (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:21:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I too hope that the losses mean something. Many of us think of you guys. Hang in...
Submitted by Quartermain (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:16:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
**I was sitting here thinking just now that this makes everything else on Ubersite so totally irrelevant as to be unreadable. I was wrong. It's this sacrafice that you are talking about that allows us to enjoy all the nonsense of everyday human life.**
Exactly. I hope you come home safe.
Submitted by Kristen (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:11:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Have another.
Submitted by Kristen (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:11:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You know that weird, burning feeling you get when your eyes tear up?
I just felt that.
But furthermore, I felt a little tug on my heart and a dip in my stomach. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for reminding me to be thankful.
Submitted by antluvdog (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:03:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This should be sent in memo form to everyone at the White House, the Capitol, and, last but definitely not least, Halliburton.
And if you're thinking about voting for George W. Bush, read this twice before you go in the voting poll in November.
Submitted by PeopleAreStrange (user info) at 2004-02-27 16:02:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Phinch (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:32:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I knew this was going to be a sad post from the title, but you brought tears to my eyes.
I hope you get home safely.
Submitted by Kracka (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:31:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Heimdallsman (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:20:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn, you write well.
If you ever hear of ANYBODY that says you guys aren't heroes, send 'em my way. Better yet, wrap 'em in burlap and use 'em to replace sandbags on the front line.
Be proud of what you've accomplished. You've done things that 90% of the people in this country would rather die than do.
And most of all, do what you can to get home safely.
--HeimdallsMan
Submitted by T.chow (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:17:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:16:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I changed my mind. I do have something to add.
I was sitting here thinking just now that this makes everything else on Ubersite so totally irrelevant as to be unreadable.
I was wrong. It's this sacrafice that you are talking about that allows us to enjoy all the nonsense of everyday human life.
Salute.
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:13:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No comment because nothing I say can add to this.
Submitted by Shay (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:12:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I am very sorry for your loss. For everyone's loss. I hope you get home safe.
Submitted by domenad (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:11:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
They didn't die in vain, Amused, Mr. Hofstetter (did I spell it right?). You guys are heroes. Whatever the political climate surrounding the war, there can be no doubt about what you brave men and women did. You pulled a man who fed people to lions, machine gunned the helpless, gassed villages, and had rape and torture rooms filled to capacity, out of a hole in the ground. You made every dictator in the world tremble, if only for a moment. Nobody can take that away from you. We will never know how many lives were spared because of the ones you sacrificed, but if the history of Saddam is any clue, it was in the millions. Given that Uday or Qusay would have taken over after Saddam, you may have saved more people than died in the entire Nazi holocaust. Even greater, you cleansed a sin staining the US - namely that we ever supported the regime of such a murderer. It is my regret that not everyone in America looks upon you as the heroes you are. When your plane finally touches down on the tarmac of a US base, we, your countrymen, will be there to greet you with open arms. Your heroism will be remembered for a hundred years more. You've earned yourself a place in the history books, Amused. I, along with the rest of Ubersite, salute you.
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:08:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Powerful words.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:06:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No matter how this whole war thing turns out, I don't think it is fair to say that anyone over there has died for nothing. He died doing his duty and serving his country. It is admirable and something his children should be able to hold their heads up about as unfortunate as all of this is.
Submitted by LacyFace16 (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:05:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i'm ready for YOU to come home now. :-)
just keep posting when you get back.
-Michelle
Submitted by Yes (user info) at 2004-02-27 15:03:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hang in there, kiddo.