Sad Reflection.

[DawnCt1]

I am so thrilled that DH is back at Ft. Bliss and will be home sometime Thursday. A mother and father were awaiting the arrival of their son, a 20 year old Marine, an Eagle Scout, a track star, home from Iraq. He finally arrived yesterday. The town turned out. We held our American flags proudly in our hands and solemnly welcomed him back home, down Main St. I just returned from his wake. He could have gone to any college he wanted, been anything that he wanted, but all of his life he wanted to be a Marine. The Proud and the Few. Our sons played Little League Baseball with Steve. They were in Cub Scouts with Steve, they were in Boy Scouts. DS 21 graduated from high school with him. His parents are loving, simple and very proud parents comforted in the knowledge that he loved the Marines, he loved his country, his town, his friends and his family. He chose his second tour of duty in Iraq and was anxious to return to do the job that he believed in. He took pride in what he was doing for the Iraqi people. He was killed on patrol on May 4th.in Al Anbar Province. Like all such wakes, such sad events brings a town together. We walked past his track shoes, his snow board, pictures of him with his family, a stuffed Marine teddy bear, memorbilia from his child hood. a GI Joe doll dressed as a Marine Recon. soldier. What he was. His scout master was there, his teachers, his neighbors, friends, people who didn't know him but would have been so proud to call him a friend. The Marine honor guard stood at attention. Other Marines assisted family and friends in their sadness. We will miss you Steve. You made us all so proud!!

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

 

[Keggy]

My thoughts are with his family.

Kelly

 

[Microcell]

Please tell his family that we could not be more thankful for his hard work and sacrifice. It is not in vain. I hope my DS4 will not feel the need to make the same choice because we will be safer for thier son's choice.

 

[MAKmom]

I 'm glad your husband came home safe Dawn. I'll say a prayer for Steve's family.

 

[noodles]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steves family.

 

[grimley1968]

Thank you for sharing that.

My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family, and anyone in that town who is now missing an obviously bright light in their lives.

As inadequate as it seems, all I can think of is gratitude for people like Steve who give literally everything they have for something they believe in, and something which will pay enormous dividends for all of us in the future, when peace can finally settle that troubled region, and the rest of the world. Thanks to all who make the choice to serve, and risk joining Steve in making this sacrifice, so that the rest of us can continue to live in peace and security.

Congrats on getting DH back soon!

 

[DawnCt1]

Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and prayers. While we as a family are celebrating the return of DH, our hearts ache so much for Steve's family. The contrast is so sad. Both loved ones, returning to the same small town in the same week under such opposite circumstances. I just can't stop crying right now.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

My prayers will be with his family. Thank you for sharing.
I am glad you dh is on his way home too. I know it is bittersweet.

 

[Dan Murphy]

God speed for Steve. So sad. And blessings for his family, his friends. A thank you to him, them, and you and your family too, Dawn, for all your hubby does.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hugs, Dawn

 

[snappy]

I know my family owes a lot to your husband, your family, and Steve and his family. No way to express thanks properly, no way to repay the debt.
Just saying a prayer for all.

 

[mickeymousemom]

Hugs to you and congratulations on the return of your DH. As a former military wife whose ex DH was in the Gulf War, I feel for all these families and their soldiers. As a Vietnam War buff, it never hit home with me until ex-DH was sent over there. All of a sudden there were so many people I actually KNEW who were truly risking their lives. I am sick of hearing, almost every day, of yet another death of one of our soldiers in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Every man and woman serving, whether it be here or overseas are heroes. I am thankful for your DH and thankful for Steve. I wish everyone would fly our US flag everyday for these awesome men and women.

 

[Sparx]

Thank you, steve.
and my regards to steve's family.