9/26/2005
First day back to work
American Soldier says,
Today was my first day back to work in over 3 weeks. I drove in and it felt so different. I had been home for over a week but something about was off. I got in and found my way to my office. Turned on my computers and began my day. For about an hour I sat there completely unproductive. I sorted through about 150 emails. I quickly made a mental note to add an out of office note the next time I go away. Then I thought about a Soldier who was in my last unit. Before the unit was getting ready to go, I took this kid under my wing. If you all remember a soldier who I made a post about earlier this year.
Well he was seriously injured in Iraq about a month ago. He is apparently at Walter Reed now. I want to make the trip to see him. It’s a matter of trying to find out what room he is in.
I’ve been haunted by his injury because this kid has potential. Even though he made a young mistake, he had the drive and courage to push through it.
So there I sat thinking about the kid and how I wish I could be there for him. Then I got distracted by some subtle conversation about New Orleans any my experience down there. The person I was talking to was going to be heading that way next month for some church thing. I just kept telling him to get use to people trying to take advantage and ask for too much. I’m sorry but a lot of the people dealt with there were assholes, lazy and greedy! There were the exceptional few but people literally demanded the food out of your rucksack.
The rest of the day was answering emails and making phone calls. The day was really boring but I made it through it. I got in my car in the late afternoon and aimed north. I made a stop to get a haircut and all was good.
Filed under: General, News from home
9 Responses to “First day back to work”
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AS,
Sorry about your young friend getting hurt in Iraq. That is nice of you to go see him. He will be surprised I’ll bet!!
That is just too much that people down in New Orleans would ask for your food. I can see if they were starving or something but some people just don’t care how much they ask you for. Just so they have alot of “stuff”…. they don’t care about anyone else.
Glad that your day ended OK. You will get back in the swing of things at work I’m sure.
The military is in your blood AS and you care about people. That’s why you keep thinking about people who are injured etc. If you didn’t care so much, you wouldn’t give them a second thought!!
Send him our best wishes, AS, for his good and speedy recovery. If it turns out he needs anything while he’s there, let us know. Maybe we can help make his path alittle smoother! Thank you (both) for serving this country well. It wouldn’t be as great as it is without you!!
Ditto to what Beth* A. said!!!!! I’m sorry to hear about your soldier…but relieved that he’s still around! Will be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers always…. please keep us posted if you can.
What unit was your friend in and where in Iraq was he? The reason I asked was because one of my friends got injured also and he is at Walter Reed. Thanks.
Maricel,
There are hundreds of Soldiers who get injured during the week there. I doubt the two are the same. Out of privacy I won’t say his name.
AS - When you get connected to him, please let us know if he needs anything. And if he would like cards, let us know how to end mail (maybe through you?).
Hey Soldier - I know the feeling. My husband retired from the Army a few years back. We raised our children and they are now grown. You care - you care a lot about young folks who make an impression on you. Well, though they are my “boys”, my twin sons enlisted back in 2002 on the delayed entry program while in high school. They are now in aviation - Black Hawk and Chinook mechanics. They both have already done a tour of Korea. Now, they are readying to leave for the Sand Box. I, too, am prior Army way back when. So I should be strong about this - but I just ain’t. So, like you, I think and pray for all the other soldiers Over There whom I know have a mom. Guess we just have to cowboy-up and ride it down somehow. We must not forget our soldiers - man or woman.
AS, I understand. From a soldier to another, salute. My thoughts and prayers go out to your friend as well as our troops out there. Thanks.
AS,
Sorry to hear about the injured soldier. I will keep him in my prayers.
Maybe if there is a next time(which I hope not) you’ll be sent to Mississippi. Most of us have offered food and water to the many people down here helping us. But mostly they refuse our offers.
When the relief trucks arrived in Gulfport, the police and military were armed to the teeth. That changed within a day or two when there were no riots and the lines for ice, water, and food were orderly. Again, the police and military refused offers of water. I knew they were thirsty from handing out all that stuff in 95 degree heat.
Thanks to you and all the others who have helped and are continuing to help in Louisiana and Mississippi.