I’ll be home for Christmas are familiar lyrics and just as familiar is the fact that those who serve in the military are likely to lament ‘if only in my dreams’ as the next lyric this time of year. In addition to all they do for our nation and regardless of their religious affiliation being away from family, friends and important events at home is one more burden they bear.
Today’s post is handed off by excerpt and link to someone who can speak to this topic from experience. A topic we all need to keep in mind. And one we can all find ways to help lighten the load. The least we can do for what they do for all of us.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
When I landed in Iraq, one of the first things I was told was, “In Iraq, every day is Monday.” And to that I’d add: “And the Grinch always steals Christmas.”
Especially for the men on the line, there is no weekly or even monthly rhythm of life like we have in the States. You just do what you do, day in and day out, until you go home. Then one day you go to the dining facility (if you’re fortunate enough to be working from a base), and there’s a cake and some Christmas decorations. A few days later, there’s another set of decorations. Your friends tell you “Merry Christmas,” then “Happy New Year,” and you just keep working. In my case, that meant preparations for a New Year’s offensive. For others, that meant another patrol. For still others, it meant another broken tank to fix, more rounds to load into the howitzer, or more time hunched over a radio.
This entry was posted on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 7:21 am and is filed under Christmas, Military.
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