Tragic news...........Cosmo

Constantin

... instead as fathers, brothers, sisters, moms, etc. i.e. humans like the rest of us? ... who happen to be serving our country, and having very little choice as to the where and how (other than signing up for duty in the first place)?

Perhaps our esteemed executive and legislative leaders ought to be forced to put their own flesh and blood on the front lines before engaging the nation at war? Perhaps when their own children are at risk of being obliterated, maimed, or harmed, the stakes will be raised to the point where war only becomes an action of last resort?

I don't know if that scheme that could/would work. Coming from a family whose German side was largely wiped out in WWI and WWII, I can't say that I have a particular appetite for "action". Too many tombstones littering graveyards across Europe, too many bloodlines that end suddenly and long before they should have.

My thoughts are with you, your helper, and the family and friends that have just lost a loved one. I have recently had the joy of welcoming my first daughter into this world and my worst nightmare would be to see her leave it before I do.

Your conumdrum is a great reminder for all of us to think, perhaps question, and only then respond when a trusted friend, colleague, etc. asks for time off (and does not do this frequently). Your best bet is to apologize, tell him how sorry you are about getting cross at him. I'm sure he'll appreciate and understand just how badly you feel about barking at him.

Cosmo_3

Hit close to home

Part of the latest casualties in Iraq, my helper lost his buddy...forever.

He just called me and asked if he could have the day off. I gruffed back at him, your taking a day off on a day I am doing a boiler replacement? What the hell for?

Then he told me. He was crying on the phone. His buddy from high school died in Iraq from an RPG attack. He just found out. It was hard to listen to him crying and not start bawling myself. Earl, my helper said that his friend died yesterday, but his friend's dad didn't find out until today. I remember Earl telling me that he was just deployed out there after Christmas. He had been keeping me filled in on what he was doing and when Earl was going to see him again. Poor kid was barely over there a month. 19 years and just like that it is all over.....

Understandably he is taking a day off to be with his buddy's family. I just wonder what I will tell him when he asks me why his friend had to die there when he comes back to work the day after tomorrow.

That's nothing compared to who answers the same question from this boy's father.

I do not want to make a political statement here. I will not reveal where I stand on the question of why Iraq is necessary. I do not want anyone to start a debate.

Lets just think of all the mothers and fathers out there who have lost their sons and daughters in this war and all the wars before this one....and just pray.

Lets think of all the young men and women out there in Iraq and Afghanistan, and wherever else our Country has these brave people deployed. What do they think about when they go to sleep every night while in a war zone? Kids that have not really been away from their families except for boot camp and a few training deployments. How do they sleep while wondering if tomorrow is their last day...or will tomorrow ever come? How many of us have ever been in a situation where we see people dying this way all around us.

We think about things like what new toy/tool we are going to buy, paying bills, etc. Meanwhile they are there and thinking.......When will my turn come? Will I ever see my family again?


Lets all pray for our service people.

Thank You



Cosmo

[Deleted User]

Done deal...

ME

Tony_23

My condolences

To the family and your helper.

Godspeed soldier.....

I'm feeling pretty lucky right now, I spoke to my son tonight.

Brad White

Done

But one can never be done appreciating those who serve in places inhospitable on our behalf.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Perry_3

I have never left the solders, sailors, and airman deployed

Ihave never left the solders, sailors, and airman deplyed out of my thoughts...

How can I?

Most people in the US do not understand as our military is made up of somethink like less than 5%; and since I did not see active combat there are those who say I don't understand either; and i'll grant that second group is right.

But, man... how can I forget my experiences ... and how today years later there is a bond between those of us who served - regardless of the branch. Especially those from the all volunteer military that we have had since Nam...

Cosmo; I am sorry in part that this has indirectly affected your life; but on the other hand I wish more people were exposed to it as well. I knew too many people who died in other conflicts - and in peacetime as well. Military service is a somewhat dangerous occupation. Note that your helper may need more than one day off. I trust that you will understand.

To all my veteren brothers and sisters. To all those currently in active duty or in the reserves, to all those in the Coast Guard. I bid you thanks.... and I'll never forget.

Perry

Mark Hunt

My prayers


are with his family.

Pray for our soldiers. Every day, every night. No matter what is happening in this world, they are on the job 24/7/365. Probably THE most thankless job in the world.

Mark H

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Wayco Wayne_2

Very sad

Prayers sent. WW

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

jackchips_2

Prayers

to all, Cosmo.

Jack

hr

Sorry Cosmo

we will be thinking of you and you friend.

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Cosmo_3

Thanks to everyone

I just wanted to say thank you to you guys.

Earl came to work today, and we talked a lot about his best buddy. Turns out he was going to be his best man....

Well I had a long couple of nights, off to bed.


Cosmo