Recent Events…..

As my readers know, I had a blog entry about my recent surprise visit home nearly complete. Then, the unthinkable happened. We heard that sound twice in one night. I actually heard “IT” this time, before that sound. I felt the same feelings as before – obviously I will never forget them. It was as if I had never left. Then, silence………immediately followed by the sirens of an ambulance and police vehicles or security. Either way, this series of sounds can only mean one thing….something has happened. Unless you are witness to the “event” you just don’t know what happened and where. I was not a witness to the event although far too many were. A short while later, I received news that a fellow Senior Chief (among other “Soldiers” – Soldiers is used generically to account for all services, all nations) was injured, one fatally. The feelings are indescribable. That night I laid in bed wondering, why him?

He wasn’t a target, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You can’t help but wonder if you’ll ever be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is difficult but you have to stop yourself from thinking about that, although it remains a distinct possibility. If only we knew where the wrong place was and when the wrong time is we’d be so much better off. We simply do not know and now we are forced to pray for our Shipmate, the injured others and the witnesses to this horrific event. He survived although a young Specialist (Lancaster) was not so lucky. The next morning I collected my thoughts and went to the hospital to visit my friend. The Doctor who was working on him told me that he could hear so I was encouraged to talk to him. I slowly grabbed his hand and held it tightly – staying as strong as I could – I told him who I was since he couldn’t see me. I began reminding him that we knew he was strong enough to get through this and that every Chief Petty Officer on our base was 100% behind him in this fight. I further told him that if that wasn’t enough support for him, that I was confident that he had the support of every Chief Petty Officer in the world. I reminded him that he was going home within a month and that he had to do all he could to make that happen. I knew he didn’t need to be reminded, but I was simply at a loss for words, a little additional motivation for him. Then, afraid I couldn’t maintain my composure much longer, I told him to get his rest. I finished our “conversation” by saying a prayer to him. I don’t know what religion he is nor do I care, he needed to hear from someone, anyone! When I left, there was a whole line of Sailors standing outside the ICU waiting and wanting to talk to him. It is my hope that each and every one had their chance.

This Shipmate needed to know that support for him is everywhere, regardless of rank, race, gender, or any other potential discriminator….we were and remain 100% behind him and wish him nothing but a speedy recovery. As for Spc. Lancaster’s family, they’ve paid the ultimate price and it is important to remind them during this time of sorrow that they are and will forever be in all of our prayers. I heard that he was only on our base to wait for his R&R flight home…let’s hope that’s not the case. If true, that would be yet an addition to the already devastating blow to his family. What was to be a most joyous time for his family, quickly turned into their most devastating time.

He went home, unfortunately, for the last time.

As you can see, my blog entry about the “trials and tribulations” I experienced during my most fortunate visit home quickly became superfluous and irrelevant. For those who wish I would blog more, please bear in mind that I try, but in the end, all of us here are, in fact, in a combat zone.

I offer this website to anyone interested in learning just how much our service men and women sacrifice each day. Every person listed on this website has a family and their military unit whom will forever be changed. The incredible sacrifices which our military families continually experience cannot be overlooked. For those helping our military families as they endure our lengthy deployments (mine included) - Thank You! I know our families appreciate your continued kindness and generosity!! Never Forget…………………

http://militarytimes.com/valor/