The children also serve

Charlie Sherpa of Red Bull Rising is a recent addition to my blogroll over there>>>

Not only is Charlie a member of our military, he is also a fantastic writer. His column for Fathers Day just past, ripped my heart out, as he writes a letter to his children:

20 June 2010

A Letter to Lena

Dear Lena:

Today is Father's Day. You are 5-and-a-half years old. Rain is 3 years old. You are my best friends in the world. I love you both very much.

I am writing from an Army camp. I work in a big tent with other soldiers and airmen. Some are men and some are women. You and Rain would like it here. There are always lots of airplanes and helicopters and trucks. Some airplanes flew over my head last night. It made me think of my dad. I hope you are thinking of me sometimes, too.

This week, I saw Elam's dad at an Army store. I told him you said I had to give him a hug. He said that was very sweet. I hope you and Elam are friends for a long time.

I will be home soon, but I have some sad news. In a month or two, the Army will send me to another country. The country is called Afghanistan. I am going because my soldier friends need my help. I will talk on a radio, and work on a computer. I will help keep my friends safe....

PLEASE take the time to go read the rest of what this loving father writes to his young children, as he readies to deploy. Find it here.


I have said before, and will no doubt say it again: NEVER forget that the children also serve.

Red Bull Rising

It is no secret that I set great store by our boots on the ground warrior writers/bloggers. I recently found Red Bull Rising.

Our No-Bull Purposes:
To explain in plain language the roles, responsibilities, and routines
of the U.S. citizen-soldier, with particular focus
on the U.S. 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division
and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

To illuminate ways in which citizen-soldiers past and present,
as well as their families, can be remembered, supported, and celebrated.

A recent column there:

02 February 2010

Why I Love Army Life

Sherpa realizes he hasn't been bringing the funny much recently. Instead, he's been heartfelt and reflective. I cannot allow this to continue.

So, in celebration of being back on "indefinite temporary full-time stateside military duty" as of yesterday, I thought I'd share with you some of My Favorite Things about Army Life:

- You never have to dither over what to wear in the morning.

- There is always coffee. Not necessarily good coffee, but there is coffee. Coffee that you can chew.

- Provided you don't spill coffee on yourself, the daily maintenance of the digital sage-green-and-tan Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is pretty minimal--there's no more spit-shining your boots anymore, or pressing and starching your uniforms. Of course, you do have to wash the ACU in Woolite, but that's weekly maintenance, not daily.

- Gore-Tex desert boots are nice and toasty, if not exactly slip-resistant.

- The Army cattle-prods you into doing regular physical training (PT), but also gives you the time during your duty day in which to do it.

- People are generally friendly, and focused on solving problems, rather than on creating them. I cannot say this of every place I have ever worked...

There is more. Get over here, and read. Be sure to check back often.

Thank YOU for your service.