I love my uncle George, not just cuz he’s to be feared from a law enforcement perspective, but because he’s kind, caring, intelligent, passionate, strong, inspiring, sober-minded, a devoted husband who refers to his wife as his ‘bride’, an involved father of 2 active sons who has a soft spot for their differences, he’s got a booming laugh and incredible dedication, conviction and sacrifice to lay it all on the line to defend our country, our freedoms and our families.
He recently emailed our family (though it said Unclassified, I’ve edited it just to be safe), “I recently returned from an operation out in the western part of Iraq at the Syrian border… It’s hot there and there’s lots of sand fleas that feasted on us; and they brought all their friends to join in on their gourmet meals. Normally we fly at night…in Marine helos, which are much different than the Blackhawks used by the Army. The Marine helo of choice is the heavy-lift type pictured in the attached. But they leak hydraulic fluid everywhere and because it’s night and pitch black inside (it has to be so the pilots—who are flying with night vision equipment—don’t get glare-back) you get covered in fluid. This, added to the talcum powder like sand here, creates the national past time: weapons cleaning…It’s good to be back at base camp. The weather is cooling—it’s now regularly under 100. But the great news is I’m getting my 2 weeks R&R (during the year everyone in Iraq gets 2 weeks R&R). So, I’ll be able to race home and see Lisa and the boys. I hope and pray you all are well.”
I don’t know what it’s like to be a fully armed Commander, in the 100 degree heat being eaten by sand fleas, running clandestine operations looking for bad guys. However, I have a suspicion that I would not do it for myself, let alone anyone else. I guess that’s why my uncle and the thousands like him who do are truly heroes. Feel free to pray for him and all our service people-it’s a tough job on every level.
PS-though the Marines are transporting them, he’s actually a Commander in the Navy
