Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Somber Homecoming

There is something about the salt air that is really good for me.  My better half likes to call me a salty-dog because as soon as I am close to the coast, I relax instantly and after that calm relaxation spreads over me, I'm invigorated.

I've been working the past two weekends at the creekhouse, which is close to the coast, remodeling the kitchen and painting.  It's been hard work, but well worth it.  I only have one more weekend of this, the clean up and finishing touches.

This morning when I got up, I checked the blog to find my better half's post about our neighbor, Nicki's brother who was killed in Afghanistan.  I am heartbroken for her because I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a sibling.

When I turned on our street and I saw all the American Flags in the lawns of all my neighbors, I felt proud of my neighbors and my heart was warmed and tears of gratitude for not just Nicki's brother and what he sacrificed for liberty but for everyone who has served and who is still serving.

Most of the time, when I see our men and women in uniform, whether it's at the airport or at the grocery store, I, if given the opportunity, will thank them for their service.  I do the same when I have the opportunity to speak to a cop or a fireman, I thank these men and women for putting themselves in harm's way to ensure that my live can be lived in freedom.

To the families of those same men and women, their sacrifice is not less important and I thank them for the love and support that they give so that their loved one can do a good job.

I'm glad to be home today and I count my blessings, but I can help but to think of what has been lost.

Fox news has a story here and names the victims brave men and woman (only one female killed) who were killed in Kabul.


Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi declined comment Saturday, saying the joint investigation by the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and the Afghan government was still under way. 
In a statement issued late Friday, the U.S. Defense Department identified those killed as:
—Lt. Col. Frank D. Bryant Jr., 37, of Knoxville, Tennessee.
—Maj. Philip D. Ambard, 44, of Edmonds, Washington.
—Maj. Jeffrey O. Ausborn, 41, of Gadsden, Alabama.
—Maj. David L. Brodeur, 34, of Auburn, Massachusetts.
—Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II, 40, of New Haven, Connecticut.
—Capt. Nathan J. Nylander, 35, of Hockley, Texas.
—Capt. Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Midlothian, Virginia.
—Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, 33, of Deltona, Florida.
I am pretty sure that her brother was Capt. Nathan J. Nylander, may they all rest in peace and their families are in my thoughts.

2 comments:

  1. My brother and I, as well as our uncle, have had the solemn duty of escorting the remains of airmen and sailors home after being KIA.

    During those years (early 70's to early 90's), there was not the outflow of patriotism and gratitude towards veterans that we see and appreciate today.

    Our orders were specific: Do not leave your comrade under any circumstances.

    There is no worse, yet more fulfilling duty in the military. It is the true epitome of a dichotomy.

    Glad to hear the good folks of your area put out the flags for one final honor of this outstanding young warrior.

    --AOA

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you AOA for sharing and of course for your service.

    ReplyDelete

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