A tough day today at camp

“That's what it takes to be a hero, a little gem of innocence inside you that makes you want to believe that there still exists a right and wrong, that decency will somehow triumph in the end” -Lisa Hand

Today we remembered three soldiers who rendered the ultimate measure of devotion to our country last Sunday. They are a Captain, a Sergeant First Class, and a Sergeant. A gifted and well-respected translator also died, along with a K9 named “Hunter.” They fell in Kandahar Province, victims of an Improvised Explosive Device.

General Petraeus, ISAF Commander and US Forces Commander, Afghanistan, attended the service. He walked within inches of me as I stood in formation. He looked slightly stooped, his blue eyes blazing with a mix of sadness, fury, and determination. Other notables walked by but I didn’t catch their names.

When my turn came to pay my respects before the three upside-down rifles, each crowned by a Green Beret, the photos of the fallen ones before each weapon, and even the K-9’s collar, I rendered a slow salute, knelt, and kept quiet for a moment.

Then I asked myself, by what miracle do I get the privilege to stand in this forest of men made of steel?

Is this what you wanted to show me, Lord, the true price of war, the value of life, and the privilege to mourn with true heroes, I, am unworthy one? The sight of grown comrades crying and the tired look of a fighting general who has seen way too many of these ceremonies?

I am humbled.

The deaths of these heroes confirm me in my determination that I am at the right place, and at the right time, to serve my country and my neighbors in a worthy cause. Keep these heroes, and their families, in your prayers.

I will share their names with you later on.

* June 5, 2011 – Their names were: Capt. Joseph W. Schultz, 36; SFC Martin R. Apolinar, 28, and Sgt. Aaron J. Blasjo, 25. Also a K-9 handled by Sgt. Blasjo named “Hunter” and also a respected civilian translator.

More information here.