Hi Everyone! I forget how I got turned on to this site, but seeing as we're both medically trained people I've been following it. The gentleman writing is a medic from Tennessee currently in Iraq. I've enjoyed his site and his pictures for the last few months. The one yesterday was quite moving and I thought I'd share it with you all. If you'd like to read it from the origin, or to check out any of his other posts, I've listed the blogsite as the Title of this blog. Here's his musing (along with the picture)....
Today, during a memorial service on the FOB, we both mourned the loss and celebrated the lives and service of three of our 3rd Squadron 278th Regimental Combat Team brothers.
I did not know all three of them, but that does not lessen the pain that we all feel. I would like to take a moment and list the names of these fellow soldiers so that you may keep them and their families in your prayers:
SSG Asbury F. Hawn, II
SGT Gary L. Reese Jr.
SGT Shannon D. Taylor
Also wounded in the same attack and currently being treated for wounds:
SPC James K. Downs
I was given the honor of being the flag bearer of our unit, HHT 3/278, and proudly held our colors during the memorial service today. Those who attended the service, in addition to our units, were our Regimental CO and CSM, our Squadron CO and CSM (with the rest of the 3rd Squadron officers) our Chaplain and Iraqi Army officials.
Among the special speakers were representatives from each of the fallen soldiers' units, who gave personal accounts of the lives of our Cavalry comrades.
When the service began with all of our units standing at attention and the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes, a cold chill rushed down my spine. I then felt a lump in my throat and my whole body became numb for a few minutes. I am being totally honest. I always seem to feel some of these things while spending time at a war memorial or hearing the National Anthem or Amazing Grace being played, but never like this. Although I can say that the closest I have ever been to feeling like I did today was when I attended my wife's Grandfather's funeral. My Grandfather-in-Law was a proud WW2 veteran and I admire his service greatly.
Today was a day that I will not soon forget, maybe never forget.
"WE MUST NEVER FORGET"
Right now, I would like to thank all of my Armed Forces brothers and sisters for their service and sacrifice. I would also like to thank all of our families, friends and those who support our efforts and service. Without your support, we could not continue to "drive-on," and complete our mission. Thank you. God Bless.
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