This past week has been spent reflecting on my time with the Marine Corps in Iraq. Realizing the precious gift of life each of us have and how we never realize the purpose of that life until something tragic befalls us.
On July 29th 2006, I sat in a classroom, with 49 other students, awaiting the beginnings of what was to be another day of training, when the instructor requested a moment of silence for four Marines who had lost their lives in Iraq. My heart sank deep within my chest as he said Marines had lost there lives. He had heard it on the news that morning as he prepared to come to the class. Unfortunately he did not know which unit had lost these four Marines.
Upon my return home to Washington, DC I learned what unit those four Marines belonged to. It was the unit I was with in Iraq. They were taken away from their families, our country and a very special brotherhood, when a vehicle entered their compound filled with explosives. Like many of those surrounding these Marines, who reacted to the loss with tears and sadness, I was no different.
This morning, at the home base of this unit, their brothers and sisters in uniform said their final farewell. At 0700 this morning, as the tribute was underway, I sat quietly praying for those in this unit because they have a very special place in my heart. The faces of those I was with, only a few months ago, flashed before my eyes, and among them the faces of these four Marines.
I had the honor and privilege of spending time with these Marines and the rest of the unit, when I accompanied them in March of this year, as they deployed and entered Iraq. I know first hand the hardships, the restraints and the sacrifices in which they endured each and every day in the Al Anbar Province. These four individuals and rest of the unit allowed me the privilege of living life as they did in a war zone. They embraced me as one of their own and allowed me to get to know them on a personal level. They also allowed me to feel that special bond of trust and friendship of this brotherhood first hand. They guided me on protocols, directed me to ensure my safety, and asked me to trust them if things got hot. I trusted them with my life. These brave warriors were my protectors and that is why I felt compelled to honor them today.
After spending time with them I can say this, there should never be a good bye, but a celebration of their life, for they lived it the way they wished to live it, in the service of our country. These warriors would not have it any other way. Each of them individually chose to join the military for different reasons. They chose to join not for money or fame but for another reason. The underlining link that joins each of them together, Honor! There are no words to describe their honor – for it is beyond honor to go into a war zone. It is love of country and freedom, which drives each of them to enter a war zone for the first, second or third time. It is their free choice of duty, honor and commitment. It is also because of the special love they had for their brothers which is completely beyond honor, oneself or country – a bond between brothers so special it is beyond words itself.
Many have asked: why did they go? For those who have the opportunity to answer such a question in person, but not sure what to say, please answer it like this: One day long ago they chose to become a United States Marine. After boot camp, they chose to love their brothers. The Honor is therefore in the choice! That “choice” was made with a clear conscience, and that decision entered them into a brotherhood which is beyond comprehension by the average American -- a brotherhood of trust and faith of one’s life being put into another’s hands. There is no going back for those who don’t make that choice, because they lost out on the honor of being a part of that very special brotherhood – the love and the bond of friendship which can never be broken becuase it is shared deep within a Marines soul.
As the Marines stood together to honor Hanson, Baucus, Butterfield and Williams I wished I could be standing among them, but miles between us prevented my being there. Instead I stood with them in spirit, for my heart is heavy at their loss. Although my heart was feeling their pain, I couldn’t help but smile because for a brief moment in time, I knew them. I was blessed because of their humor, their laughter, their guidance and their spirit which will live on inside of me forever. "For wherever you go in life, whatever stage or place you reach, a friend who has entered your soul, is always with you, gently guiding, faithfully following, and most of all, Forever walking beside you!" Semper Fi Marines Until we meet again!
Embedded Author with USMC in March 2006
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