Current mood: sad

No, we aren't on a deployment right now, but many of Travis' brothers and sisters are. He wanted to be with them. He tried everything he could to stay here, then go there. God, fate, kharma? I don't know, but it wasn't meant to be.

Travis' former unit deployed for the thrid time to Iraq in June. This was one of the only Military Police companies in the entire Army which hadn't suffered a fatality in Iraq. Yes, there were some serious injuries between the last two deployments, but everyone came home and moved forward. Everyone.

Sadly, we can no longer claim that proud moniker. I was at home today when Travis texted me that he had just found out 978th had a loss. As the afternoon passed he told me who it was. He was a young MP named SPC Hale.

I don't know much about him, just that he had a wife and at least a couple of kids. I don't recall ever having met him, myself, but I may have. There have been so many young guys I've met that sometimes I lose track of which face and which name go together. I am really going to put some serious effort into being better about that, although I do pretty well most of the time.
I also don't know how he died, but I know enough to have a pretty good idea of the basics. I do know two others are in critical condition, so please think of them as well.

My heart is breaking. This is one of the worst days I can recall. I've cried today for his family and for the Soldiers who will remain in Iraq to carry on, while they carry his memory with them. Suddenly the disarray in my house and my bruised foot don't seem like all that big a deal.
I wish there were something I could do to help this young wife without intruding. I know the last thing she needs is someone she doesn't know needling in and that is not going to be me. I would like to help make casseroles and clean toilets until she is more up to it.

I really do hurt for her. I hurt for her babies too, because I think they are all very young as well.

A few weeks ago, we learned of another death in the MP family. SSG Warren was outside Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri on a motorcycle ride with a friend. He was killed in a collision with an SUV making an illegal turn on the interstate. He also had a family. They had stayed behind in El Paso and weren't with him when he died.

So, as you read this, please take a moment and think of these men, both of whom had seen combat more than once. I think it is certainly appropriate to be grateful, this day, for what we all have and to thank our military for everything they do. I know most of us wouldn't take the job.

Currently listening : Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory By Dierks Bentley Release date: 2008-05-06