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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (January 30, 2008) - Coalition forces are
making slow but steady progress training the Afghan police force, a
top leader in the effort said Jan. 25.
What I am upset about seems important to me, but to others these
issues are insignificant troubles that should be shrugged off and
forgotten. In my mind it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, I
have a right to be upset and I am going to voice it to who ever
will listen.
That was the old me. I had a life changing experience that made
me think differently about what I stress over on a daily basis. Now
I am just thankful I am alive.
I had the unique opportunity to be a part of an honor ceremony
for Soldiers who were killed in Iraq. I stood in the back of a
formation with a mixture of civilians and all branches of the
military. I rendered my slow, four-second salute as I watched three
Marines and three Airmen each carry a flag-draped coffin off of the
plane, which arrived in Kuwait from Iraq.
Suddenly I began to wonder about the fallen warriors who
peacefully rested in the silver coffins. What kind of persons were
they? How are their Families dealing with the news? How would I
feel if I was waiting for my loved one to return home? Hundreds of
thoughts whirled through my mind as I rendered my slow, steady
salute.
After all of the Soldiers were loaded onto a truck, we went to
the mortuary. It's important to explain that all service members
who pay the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. Central Command Area of
Operation make a stop in Kuwait during their journey home.
I helped bring the coffins into a small room on wooden carts.
Then I helped remove and fold some of the American Flags we are
used to seeing flying high in the air, but are now keeping the
Soldiers warm during their journey to their final resting
place.
This was the moment that changed me forever. As part of their
duties the mortuary team has to open the coffins to ensure
everything that is suppose to be in coffin with the warrior is
there. It was hard to believe these men were alive a couple of days
ago probably counting down the days until they could go home and
now they were gone. I prayed that none of these men felt anything
when they passed.
What I saw has humbled me to a degree that I can never put it
into words. All of the petty things I worry or get upset about
don't matter. I am alive. I can call my Family and tell them I love
them. I can indulge in a candy bar and not feel guilty. I can
travel the world and take pictures of everything I see. I can let
that person stare at me as they pass.
It's so cliché to say this but life is short. These men didn't
know they were going to pass away. They didn't know the last time
they spoke to their mother, father, wife or children that it was
going to be the final time they would say "I love you." Their
Family didn't know it was the very last time they were going to
hear their loved ones voices.
No one knows when it will be his or her time to go. All those
"important issues" are meaningless, insignificant problems that
should be brushed off and forgotten. I am determined to live my
life differently, enjoying each new day with Family and friends and
taking a deep breath when the little things start to bother me.
After all, I am alive, I am breathing and I am not guaranteed
tomorrow.
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