Friday, June 25, 2004

Little Brother In Iraq, Hear My Words!

A little background. My young brother-in-law, is from Wisconsin and is a member of the National Guard (correct me if I am wrong) there. I believe it was about six month's back that his unit was activated and away they went as a medical team to Iraq. Shortly after his arrival, their Father died and he was back on leave for the funeral and family management. His twin brother and older sister were waiting for him, and we received a call informing us of "father's" death, (my wife was adopted out before her parents married and had the three younger siblings afterward, and had only met her siblings, a younger sister [the eldest], and two twin brothers) and was asked to come to the funeral and really felt her siblings needed the support. So off we went.

At the funeral, both brothers were attired in their military dress (both are in the military, only one activated), and following the funeral all met at a local restaurant to eat, talk, and let things sink in some. While walking across the parking lot, many people honked their horns, waved, gave the thumbs up, and showed approval of them in a moving way. It was very nice.

After we returned home (800 miles away), the brother from Iraq requested and received an extension to help settle estate and family, which was good. As time moved toward his scheduled departure for Iraq, his family really didn't want him to leave, especially with the recent loss of "father," which is understandable. The twin brothers, when together, operate as two parts of one...Almost like all that they do is choreographed for perfect synchronization, and when apart, they have to feel somewhat displaced.

The family and friends in the mean time started petitioning his commander, as well as many governmental representatives and officials, for his release from active duty. They truly were terrified that he would not return, and with all of them being in their early twenties, I can understand their feeling such. What was odd was the fact that the brother being fought over was very quiet. No word from him at all. In the end the request was denied and he went back to Iraq, while the family persisted from state-side in his behalf. Still Younger brother remained silent.

We also remained silent. The family petitioned us to join in the battle and for all they knew, we had. The truth was that we could not join in as we felt that this young man's integrity and honor would be damaged if he did get the easy way out. So....We chose to do as he had, and just sat back and watched how things would play out. It was his test and trial, and as hard as it was, it was a fight that only he could take up.

We continued to receive emails from him from time to time, but they had now become rather dry and to the point. Then finally (I believe a month or so later)we received an email (addressed to all his loved ones) that had a scary intro, but led into triumph for him. He shared how miserable and depressed he was. That the stress was making him physically sick, to which we were very concerned. He then goes on to tell how he went to his company commander that morning and informed him the he had no intention of leaving his unit or going home before any of them.

This act took much courage on his part both to tell his family no, and in light of the fact that they are attacked daily with rpg's and such, and still choose to stay. A very proud day for this family indeed...Little Brother is a patriot bound by honor and duty! I now address him directly for the whole world to know what we think of him.


Bart, hear me!

I cannot tell you how proud and honored I am to have you as my brother-in-law! I know how tough your decision was to make and in this, I know you have elevated yourself to a higher level of being. Your task and role in Iraq is noble and you will never be questioned about your decision by any of your hillbilly relates.

I have faced death many times and still cannot conceive how it must be to live with it's potential on a daily basis, but I do know that every day you are there, your wisdom and integrity grows. You are seeing how precious life is, and I honor you in your work of preserving it for so many wounded people in this tragic conflict. Your work sees no color, recognizes no language, and honors no flag. The work of saving lives requires one to give their life...To each and every person they help. I know who you are, and also know that those you help, know you as well. Your only mission is revealed in your eyes and manner. This cannot be taken, but only given, and I must thank you for giving so freely.

My only words of advice to you little brother Bart is, to stay the course, increase your knowledge, grow your faith in God, and continue to be right. Apart from this, there is little else of significance to offer you.

To the rest of the family, I implore you to rally around him in support and declaration. Offer only that which will help him in his quest, while allowing love and respect to tide you over until he returns home.

If you ever need anything over there, don't hesitate to call upon a family that loves and supports you in your journey and decision!

We salute you and those working alongside you in your efforts to save the lives of any who might need your help. Indeed, we are PROUD!

You do well little brother! We love you!