bare4you |
08-03-2005 07:45 PM |
I had the honor of escorting a gentleman who was flying to Germany this morning. His 40-year old son-in-law had received some very serious injuries recently in Iraq. He was in the gun turrett of his Hummer and took a direct hit. I won't describe the injuries as they are very horrific (and they call photos of sex pornographic). The soldier has only 3-months to retirement after a glorious and honorable career in the US Army. Now he is fighting for his life instead of his country. Fortunately there are no children but what struck me odd is that his own brothers didn't want to go and be with him in what could very well be his last few days. After I escorted this gentleman to his gate, I found myself and quiet spot and shed a tear. I immediately thought of this thread and felt that his story had to be shared. The military will not fly anyone other than blood relatives to a soldier's bedside at a time like this. The gentleman was able to find a group that donates plane tickets and he was given (at no charge) a business class seat to Amsterdam then to Frankfurt and back home (if you know anything about plane fares - not cheap). The State Department rushed through his passport application as well and he got his in about 2 hours this morning. God Bless America!!
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