This blog was started shortly after 9.11. Today with Facebook and Twitter I should probably rename it to the WeeklyBlogster, but this morning I owe you my loyal readers (both of you) at least a paragraph or two.
The morning of September 11 2001 I thought about joining the military to help fight the scourge that is Islamic terrorism, to help find justice for the 3000 murdered on that day for no particular reason other than they went to work to provide for their families. Two months later after the anger had subsided some and I knew I was not just doing it because I was mad,
I joined the fight. The Navy was the only one who take such an old man with no military experience so off to
boot camp I went at age 37 and I joined the reserves. Nearly 10 years later I am still proud of that, but I am more proud of the men and women I work with and for. Especially those who are in combat in all services, people I have had the honor of serving with and supporting. I am one of the thousands of sailors, soldiers, airman and marines behind the scenes who support those who take the fight to the enemy. We get medals too but they deserve them much more than we do. They put aside their personal fears and the move forward making every attempt to minimize or eliminate civilian casualties and combat an enemy who has no such conscience.
Yesterday was a day of contrasts for me. I woke early while my family slept and I proudly put on the uniform of a Navy Chief, and I drove to the base for reserve duty. I really did not want to go, I was tired and it had been a long week. But I reminded myself that not all of us had the easy job of driving to duty in our own town, some of us are over there, there are always a few of our friends over in the middle east. We take turns doing that and everyone in the reserves these days spends some time in the sandbox. On the way in to work I heard that Al Qaeda had declared a new offensive against...well against anyone who didn't believe like them and the started the offensive by sending in a 12 year old boy with bombs strapped to his chest to commit suicide and take as many people with him as he could. It too reminded me why I was going to work and steeled my resolution again. Any group of people who would use their children...well you know. It is evil.
None of us knew the news that Bin Laden was dead when we left base last night. I wish we had, it would have been a fun celebration with my friends. It came late and although i am happy he will not be making videos anymore, I was not sure how to respond other than to say Bravo Zulu SEAL Team 6. Hope you get a book and movie out of it.
As a Christian, I find it difficult to celebrate the death of anyone, but I do raise a toast to my shipmates, to SPECOPS, to JSOC to those that fight, those behind the scenes and those out front. I am glad he is now standing before God, having to answer for the fact he completely misrepresented the Almighty in the worst ways imaginable. And I am glad he not only answered for his crimes here but he will answer for them in the afterlife 100 fold.
To all those who are serving and have served in combat. You are men and women of Valor who deserve the medals you wear. Thank you. Although this is largely a symbolic victory, symbolism is important in this world. What it means is that there are still Americans who believe in fighting and finding those who want us dead, and find them we will.
- "We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."
- George W. Bush
Kudos also to President Obama who took the fight to Pakistan where this demon was hiding and followed through what began many years ago. Bravo Zulu to you Sir as well.
