right now

right now

Aug 9, 2011

American Loss

To follow the last post, another reason I haven't posted in a couple of days is emotional shock.  I'm sure all of you have heard about the RPG attack that took the lives of so many of our forces this past weekend.  It has hit our community here very hard, 22 of them are from right down the street from us, many wives and children were awakened by that dreaded knock on the door Saturday.  Most all of the Team members were husbands, fathers and sons, I know a couple of the Team members and their families and even though I am fully aware of the sacrifices they are willing to make and knowingly do so, it still comes as a shock.  If you met any of these Team guys the first word that comes to mind is indestructible - that's the feeling you get from them, they make you feel safe beyond any doubt, but I guess that's why they are so good at what they do.  Truth is, families have been destroyed, some are still waiting, and we are all anticipating the tears that will come tomorrow as we watch all those caskets being carried off the jet in Dover, DE.  I can't help but think of how terrible it will be for all their kids to start back to school in just a month and be around all their friends again talking excitedly about what they did this summer...  

I don't like to get political very often because of the very fact that I am highly opinionated and I'll admit, biased, but maybe now eyes will open to how much we are not ready to pull troops out overseas.  For many of us military families, pulling out before the job is truly done to allow these countries to fall back in on themselves makes us feel that our sacrifices were in vain.  I know most of the opposition comes from a very good place in peoples' hearts in the basic need to have our members home, but they are doing a very important job, and they don't want to do it half-a$$ed.

Please keep these families all over the country that lost a part of themselves this weekend in your prayers, and if you aren't the praying type, send healing thoughts their way, I know they are appreciated.  

via: http://short-sharp-shock.blogspot.com/

 http://www.patrickjhughes.org/

http://www.patrickjhughes.org/

http://www.upi.com/

I hope everyone takes a minute to look at these photographs of dignified transfers, I was shocked to learn that many Americans never see these images.  From Dover, DE these heroes will be flown to their respective families all over the United States using regular airlines.  If you ever fly and are asked to remain in your seat "for a few extra minutes", please tell the impatient people complaining around you to be quiet, and look out the window... some amazing heroes were traveling with you, most passengers never know, although there are many pilots that are prior military and will be proud to announce their special added mission on the flight.  I only say this because I nearly knocked someone out for their ridiculous behavior in an airport while a flag draped casket was being wheeled out of a cargo bay of a plane.  I have hope though, that the majority of Americans are respectful and emotional about such things the way I am.

26 comments:

  1. Oh, Erin, please forgive my frivolous comment on your last post. Of course this tragedy would hit very close to home for you. Although the news saddened others of us and we couldn't help but think of the families of those lost, we're able to keep a certain distance from it all that you can't.

    It seems so weak to say I'm sending thoughts and prayers to families that have been destroyed but I don't know what else to do. I have tremendous respect for what your family and those like you do. There's a lot of strength involved.

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  2. My prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones. I was horrified to hear about the helicopter being shot down and how many lives had been lost. I hope these heroes are given all the respect they deserve.
    All military people are heroes as they put their lives on the line to keep us all safe or keep people in other places safe.

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  3. My heart goes out to you and especially to all those who lost loved ones. Like Mama Pea said- it seems so weak to say that we're sending thoughts and prayers but there seems so little else to say.
    Hugs.
    Judy

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  4. To lose so many at once really pushes home the fact of how much our Armed Forces AND their families are willing to give up for me.

    Each week, in my local newspaper, I read the list of soldiers killed. I mourn the loss of each life as I celebrate their strength, bravery and devotion to our country: making my family's and my freedom possible.

    Erin, Thank you.

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  5. You all should know that it means the world to their families that people are thinking of them and praying for them - I know it seems like a little thing, but really it's so important for their families to feel that their sacrifice and loved one's death means something to people. One day all their little kids will grow up and be able to look back and see how many people cared all over the country through prayers and thoughts that they will know how important their service member was even to those that didn't know them personally. Still pretty solemn around here, I was able to get some quiet time to go to the library tonight without the kids and there are messages all over every billboard and signs in peoples' yards for those killed, it's truly uplifting to see in spite of the sad reason for them.

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  6. I am so very sorry, sitting here, not having a clue what to write in response to your post. I'm so very very sorry and will keep your community in my prayers. I simply can't imagine what it must be like to be there dealing with your reality. Your post was very heartfelt and to the point and I will pass it along to everyone I can. Very well said, Erin.

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  7. I know you're a military wife; your blog says so. Yet I never really thought about the connection between your life and the war in Afghanistan. In truth, this terrible event is close to home for all of us. I don't publicize this in the blogging world of gardening, but I am the praying type. I'm a Christian pastor and last Sunday, I prayed publicly for the families who lost their loved ones in this fight. We're in this together.

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  8. I am not prone to emotions, but those photos of the flag draped coffins get me all teary. The sacrifices these fine service people make is incredible---and not many seem to realize that their FAMILIES make these sacrifices to. It's a sad sad fact that soldiers are NECESSARY. They deserve our utmost respect. Hugs to you for bringing this to light for those that may not realize.......

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  9. Erin, thank you for putting so well what so many forget. It's easy in these difficult economic times at home to forget the brave men and women who are defending freedom overseas. It must be so unbelieveably difficult for their families. It is too bad that it take such a major loss to remind people of the bravery that is played out beyond our view. My heart goes out to their families, friends and colleagues.

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  10. mine go out too!-as I have been there .The dreadful knock. but first we had several telegrams which we took as a good sign. but that awful walk up to the door and the knock--you never forget. That was so long ago-Vietnam,We had 1 guy that was in the unit your talking about-he lived nearby in chisago city.

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  11. My deepest sympathies to all those families. It is such a terrible loss.

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  12. Thank you all for the kind words, it's hard to express the emotions that go along with this stuff, but I have to try, I think it's part of healing.

    Jody, your calling as a pastor is such an important one, there are so many people that need guidance and have so many feelings and just aren't always sure what to do with all of them, leading them in prayer helps them to find an outlet for all the sadness, and really does help the families. Just knowing that so many people are praying for them will help them get through this. Right now people are angry, sad and still in shock, but the one thing that never wavers is that they are proud of their sacrifice, they know that the country is pulling for them, and you don't hear any of the families speak of regret about being involved in the war. I believe that the families' have a strong belief in God, community and country and knowing that their sacrifice really meant something and that people remember and pray for them is what will get them through eventually.

    Wow, sorry to rant on and on, but it really helps me to write about it, even if much of it comes out not making sense... I don't think anyone yet has devised a "good" way to express feelings of loss and sympathy to another family, yet we keep trying, that's what's important.

    Judy, I am sorry about your loss - I am thankful that this time around at least the military has been given so much support and love from their country, sadly it was not that way during Vietnam. Thank you for your sacrifices as well, I know your husband is a disabled vet and so he has sacrificed much for our country as have you, which is evident in your constant caring and all you do for him.

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  13. Oh Erin, my heart goes out to all the families who made the ultimate sacrifice. I cannot imagine the loss, the shock and everything they must be going through, but I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

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  14. thanks Erin that means a lot I GIVE JERRY HIS FIRST CHEMO PILL THIS MORNING,they told me what to except but I really don't know what to expect-all the side effects or hopefully not a lot but how do you girls put it? I HAVE TO MAN UP AND PUT MY BIG GIRL PANTS ON FROM NOW ON OUT. WISH I HAD DID A STINT IN THE SERVICE .my AUNT VI, TRIED TO CONVINCE ME TO SINCE SHE WAS A CHIEF IN THE NAVY ,THAN THE RESERVES ,THAN WORKED AT THE VA-the only person you probably ever heard of that was engaged for 40 years -NO LIE SHE DID NOT FOOL AROUND - SHE WAS A LOT LIKE YOU TOOK LIFE SERIOUSLY[ SORRY I'M ALL OVER THE ALPHABET AND THE CAPS LOCK TODAY-NERVOUS I GUESS

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  15. My thoughts and prayers can be added to the list.

    And, thank you for sharing those pictures. Next time I fly, I will also be sure to keep in mind who may have been flying with us. Especially should the pilot make such an announcement.

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  16. Erin-
    This was very well said, and I couldn't agree more. The job needs to be done, and thank God for these men and women who do it.
    I am praying. I wish it could bring them back. They're the valuable sort we need, and can't afford to loose.

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  17. Oh Erin, this brought me to tears and goosebumps. I have been watching the news and seeing your town right in my living room knowing how hard this must be for all of you. And I strongly second your feelings about pulling out as opposed to finishing up. But to hear you say it makes me so damn proud! I applaud you for the control I most certainly would not have had. You are amazing and You walk it!! That means so much to me (the girl on the couch watching) that YOU as a vet and wife herself would say this. I think they do seem indestructible and this just is such a sad thing and yet they do it for us! Does the person complaining on the plane NOT get that??? My Dad told me that were it not for being yanked out of Nam, they would have completed the mission with success. The soldiers themselves didn't want to leave! What does that tell you about the men and women who serve us? Wonderful!!

    Many prayers and much comfort being sent to you and all the families! xoxoxo

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  18. Swigget, welcome, and thanks for your kind words.

    APG, I knew this one would hit home with you - so many our age never bothered to "ask" about our parents' involvement during that horrible war or know many stories from then, but you have made it your business to know all about your dad's life and are publicly so proud of him and all the accomplishments he has made, it's very uplifting to read your words whenever you pay tribute to him, he must be very proud of you :)

    I wish the "busy" people of the world would just slow down a bit and realize life is not all about where all the Starbucks' locations are and instead think more about what's really going on out there. Again though, preaching to the choir here since all of you are keenly appreciative of family and community and that's why we tend to find each other out here in the blogosphere - I don't remember who said it, (all of you?!) but I think it's true if everyone in the world gardened and cared for their families more, the world wouldn't need wars and conflicts - but until then, bless our troops! :)

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  19. Darn, it seems my original comment did not go through.

    I had never seen transport photos before, and I had no idea soldiers are sometimes in commercial airliners. We all think about the families, as the idea of losing a father/husband/son is one we could dare to imagine the horror of....but as I looked at those photographs it occurred to me that their comrades must be feeling just as broken. What a great loss for our Nation. My heart & prayers go out to all. Thank-you Erin for sharing this.

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  20. Kelly, thanks for the good thoughts, healing in this city is a long way off still but the families' grief is unimaginable.

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  21. What a heartbreak. I had been wondering which of my friends and family involved in the military would know these soldiers. Now I know. I am so very sorry for the loss to your community, to the families, to the nation.

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  22. It is such a tragic loss. My heart goes out to all their families, friends and loved ones.

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  23. A memorial service for one of the men killed was held yesterday in Shreveport LA, about an hour down the road from us. Shreveport is home to Barksdale Air Force Base, and the community there is big on supporting them. The Patriot Riders were there and asking anyone who wanted to show support to line the streets surrounding the church were the service was held. The city blocked off several streets and a local school and Boy Scout Troup lined the streets with flags. My heart goes out to those affected by this tragic event. God Bless our Military and God Bless the Patriot Riders, who help shield the families from any one who may want to make a tragedy worse.

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  24. The Patriot Riders are a fantastic group!

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