I am writing this on 12 April, even though the posting date will be later. Today was a rough day for the battalion. One of this our sister companies we picked up here in theatre, lost a Soldier in a non-combat related accident. This will shake the battalion for the next several days. When things like this happen, we conduct a communications black out with state-side so casualty notification can do their job without rumors and unnecessary pain being caused to the family be erroneous information. That is why this was posted a day after the fact.
We also received a an urgent call for Soldiers to aid in a search mission and rescue type mission to find personnel who were in a building that collapsed during a mortar attack. (I don’t post operational details, so don’t ask!)
On top of that, the Department of the Army announced a policy that could extend many units up to 3 additional months on top of our present 12. As of now, our unit is NOT affected by this change!
My Soldier who I gave the Article 15, is now appealing to the Battalion Commander, and PFC Cooper’s re-enlistment was put on hold by everything else. My friend the Chaplain, was going on leave today, but had to shift his calendar to the right as he has to conduct grief counseling, and help prepare a memorial service.
There was something positive that came out of the events of today. Everyone broke out of “Fraternity boy” and “Queen for a Year” mode and acted for the common good. Would be nice if it becomes enduring behavior! That is something that the people who hate us will never comprehend about us Americans. You mess with us, and you do what we are unable to do on our own; come together as a team.
This was one of those days where I, as a Christian, saw the mark of the Lord where others did not. In tragedy, our spiritual patience and endurance put in the fire. What comes out is stronger. There is potential for spiritual growth when we least expect it. God never promised a rose garden to anyone; seems like he actually took a garden away from some folks not to far south of here. Anyway, I am proud of how everyone has handled today.
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I was sorry to hear about the day you had, but I am thankful that God gives us as Christians little GLIMPSES of glory in the midst of all the chaos! I am also thankful that he continues to grow you and me both - that I am still a work in progress in His service.
The boys are out in the backyard with some poles from my one of my dusters. They are using them as light sabers and swords. Definitely ALL boy, and the oldest will surprise you in his Jedi skills. Little girl is going to Grandma and Pa's for the evening. She will be taking dance lessons in about 5 weeks. She enjoys putting on her tap shoes and ballet slippers and pretending she is performing right now! It is so GREAT! Can't wait to see you for vacation!
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