Hello All,
I know it's been some time since I last wrote you all, and I hope you haven't been too worried, but my access to email has been severely limited. The kind Marines up the hill have not allowed me access to my email again, so I'm securing alternate locations for communications home (see Army, fuckin' Marines).
I have been writing up my little messages and saving them to a floppy disk, waiting for a day like this one where I could sent my messages home, however yesterday's sandstorm seems to have wasted the disk (I’m beginning to hate this fucking place). I could bypass all the fun we’ve been having here, and just bring you up to speed on current (see last 2 days) events, but I just have to tell you about the day our equipment arrived.
It was 10 days ago, and I was waiting with bated breath (yeah, right) as word came down, that our ship had arrived in port. I am a skeptical person normally, but this place has made me especially so. You see, dear friends, we had been receiving the word that our ship had come in for about 6 days prior, and everyday they told us it was coming in the next. It seemed a bit foolish to get all worked up for something that probably wasn’t going to happen anyway, right? But the equipment WAS coming; and so on the Sunday afternoon when they asked for volunteers to go to the port, I reluctantly raised my hand. Thankfully, my platoon sergeant ordered me not to go, and allowed some lower ranking individuals to go in my place. He knew what was coming, and I thank God that he saved me from the port. This is all second hand, but I've received enough of the same details from different people, that I believe that this is what really happened.
The volunteers were picked on Sunday night, and loaded onto a bus on Monday
morning. 18 total, they took an extra uniform and lots of extra socks with their shaving kits, just in case something went wrong (can you say foreshadowing). They looked happy as they loaded the bus, the boredom of digging foxholes and filling sandbags being lifted by the idea of our equipment arriving and getting a chance to do our jobs.
As they left, I looked at my platoon sergeant and said, “How bad will it be?”
“It'll be fucking awful.”
The plan was a good one. Send an advance team in first to coordinate with the Navy (see Boat with trucks on it) and the Army (see Place to park trucks and eat), and then move the rest of the company in to drive the vehicles back to the camp. Like I said, a good plan. But like ALL plans, it didn’t survive first contact with the enemy. Mr. Murphy (see Murphy’s Laws, e.g. 'Incoming fire has the right of way!') was the enemy and his first shot was the definition of arrival. When we were told that the boat had arrived, we made the assumption that it was at the dock, and ready to unload. You might think that as well, unless you’re in the Navy. The Navy (see Retards) defines 'Arrived' as in the harbor, waiting to dock. Right. So our brave volunteers arrive midmorning, Monday, to find no boat and no job to do. They have, please excuse the cliché, hurried up to wait. And wait they did. All of Monday, and all of Tuesday they waited. They waited until about midnight on Tuesday, when the boat arrived and unloading began. What did they do in the mean time? Not too much. Waited. Bored and restless, and quickly ran out of cigarettes, poor devils. What were we doing? We were wondering if they’d really want to unload the boat.
On Monday, sometime around noon, VOA (Voice of America, the only English speaking radio program on in the country) announced that most of Basra had fallen, and that US forces were sending raids into Baghdad, without much resistance. To those of us at camp, it seemed pointless to off load the boat when the war was practically over. Common sense, however, is not involved in this operation.
On Wednesday we received word from our advance team in the port that they were ready for us to move in and pick up the trucks. As good soldiers, we saddled up and rode into port on busses to get our trucks. Well, things looked bleak from the start, when one of the busses got a flat on the way in. No spare, so we had to wait for another bus to come in and replace the one with a flat. An hour later, (now we’re late and I hate being late) we’ re moving again and finally make it to the port. Another issue (see Problem) is that we have no idea where to go in this place that smells like an open sewer. We missed our link-up by an hour, and they went looking for us. 30 minutes later, they found us, and moved us the marshalling area (see Parking lot in Army terms). An empty marshalling area.
You see, the advance team (Army) relayed to our command element on the hill (Marines) who relayed the message to us (Army) that they only needed another 18 people to help offload the trucks. Miscommunication happens, no big deal, now we’ve got LOTS of help, but they only want 18 due to the cramped nature of the ship, oh, and didn’t they tell you, we have to offload the ENTIRE boat because our stuff is on the bottom level. Why not just let the schmucks with stuff on the top download theirs and wait for ours, you might ask? Well, half of the companies that have stuff above ours aren’t even here yet, and the transportation company (see Truck Drivers) that are responsible for this kind of thing aren’t too motivated (see Lazy, Fucking Regular Army Dicks). The only way we’re going to get his done in less than a week is if we do it ourselves. So we do. For 14 straight hours in a loud, hot boat (after relieving the advance team that had been working for nearly 20 hours, those guys deserve medals!) and downloading at least 500 trucks, Hummers and trailers, packed in tighter than sardines (I have got to hand it to the Navy, they know how to pack, wish my ex-girlfriends could pack that well) our equipment was ready to move back to camp. The problem was that while the trucks were ready, we were shot.
Everyone was exhausted. The advance team was crashed out in a field, and I doubt that a SCUD alert could have wakened them. Our Commander made the decision that it was safer to sleep in the marshalling area than to try and move the company back. So we bivouacked (see Army Camping) right there, caught 2 hours of sleep (until the sun, Mr. Sun, came up), and moved back to camp the next day (I have a rule, no matter how late it is at night, it’s not the next day until I get at least 10 minutes of sleep). All’s well that ends well, to quote Bill S. and we had no problems on the way back to camp, on Thursday (Thank GOD!). It only took 4 days (approx. 34 hours of actual work) to get all our equipment back to the camp, oops, I’ve misspoken, we’re still missing one conex (see Big Metal Box that holds a LOT of stuff). But that should be arriving any day now…
There is more to write, but I’m running out of time. Lets just say that the war looks to be over, and there doesn’t appear to be too many things for a Chemical Warfare Specialist to do when the hasn’t seen too much (see Any) Chemical Warfare, but I do appreciate the Tax Free dollars I’m making right now. If it wasn’t for the bloody sandstorms, I don’t think that this place would be too bad. The food is ok, the SCUDS are done and the nights are pretty groovy (nope, really isn’t getting too cold, just a touch chilly, at least General Winter isn’t here!)
Uh-oh, they’re asking for volunteers again, this could get ugly.
Love,
Will
PS I may have used the word 'Fuck' quite a bit in this message, but I believe that it is necessary, considering that I am on my 5th day without a cigarette. Fuck, I hate withdrawals. Fuck.
Glad to see you've retained your sense of humor..really, you have an awesome talent. Stay Safe.
Every time I start missing the military life, reading something like this reminds me why I got out.
Thanks!
Posted by: GORDON on April 18, 2003 01:28 PMWill, glad to have you back! I know I'm not the only one who's been checking here day after day for a post from you. I'm glad you haven't gotten the chance to use your skill and expertise in the field...that is a good thing! Take care...we'll keep watching for you. Thanks, again, to you and all the soldiers for doing what you do and being who you are.
Godspeed!
Great to hear from you again, Will!
Best wishes!!
Chrystal
Posted by: Chrystal on April 18, 2003 01:35 PMDamn, someone get that man a smoke before he hurts somebody! ;) Kidding, stick with it. Find something else to do with your hands and mouth.... wait... that didn't sound quite right. I meant..., ah the hell with it.
Forgive me for saying so... I'm really glad you haven't had to do your job even if there is a small part of me that wishes we would find something so that we could say see, told ya so (uh, pardon moi...).
It was great to hear from you Will. Take care and take notes. I can see the books '1001 Places You Don't Want Sand', 'Helpful Marines'... Limitless options.
I hope that everything is really close to being over and that more of you (soldiers, sailors, etc.) are home soon.
Kathy
PS. It appears that General Winter is making a final stand here (in the Rocky's) starting this weekend. Hopefully he suffers a quick defeat!
Posted by: Kathy on April 18, 2003 01:36 PMGreat to hear from you, I hope we get to hear all your other amusing (unless you were actually there, I'm sure) tales soon. Just think of all the money you will save if you successfully stay off the cigarettes!! (I know that isn't the point but there is a silver lining in every cold turkey, so to speak).
Posted by: Beccy on April 18, 2003 01:37 PMTake this chance to quit smoking, why don't you. Well, take care of yourself.
Posted by: Michael on April 18, 2003 01:57 PMGeneral Winter stayed here in Minnesota. Glad he didn't follow you there.. but I sure wish he'd ship the hell outta here too!
Glad you're safe and it's good to hear from you again! We'll all be looking forward to your next post!
Posted by: Nikkie on April 18, 2003 02:14 PMWill!
It is great to hear from you again. Keep up the good work and the sense of the absurd. I too can hardly wait to read more of your posts. Keep it safe!
Posted by: Roxann on April 18, 2003 02:41 PMI just wanted to say I think you are hilarious, my husband is over there with the 101st and has been saying some of the same stuff. Keep us posted :0)
Posted by: Melody on April 18, 2003 02:50 PMGlad you could join us again! You should have known those "helpful Marines" were just a fluke of nature and as far as Navy goes all i can say is "GO ARMY! HOOAH!!" I havent had a cigarette in 2 months, 29 days, 7 hours and 4 minutes LOL, I feel your pain! On the bright side...not too much longer and you will be loading that boat back up again(*sniff sniff* smell that? thats sarcasm)
take care, watch your 6
Good to here from you Will,
You have a great talent for writing.
I really enjoy reading your posts.
Take care.
Jan
Posted by: Jan on April 18, 2003 03:19 PMSo great to hear from you Will!
Glad to know you are safe and have every liklihood of staying that way now that this thing is about over.
As someone said above, maybe soon we can hear your rant about loading up and coming home!
I just found your site and have to say, I love it!!! Take care over there and keep your chin up! As for the cigs...you are a better person than I am. If you are trying to quit, quit for me while you're at it:)
Keep Smiling
~Bielle~
Posted by: Bielle on April 18, 2003 04:32 PMJust a quick note, from a AFWo-MAN! if we dont smoke in the field...we find other, destructive things to do with our hands...i.e. rig the shower tents to fall when the door opens, play with the bayonets *got the stiches to prove that one!, catch big spiders/snake-apply to open, non locked rucksacks or a wide variety of other things...the most important reason to smoke in the field.....The Officers ususally dont, so it provides time when they leave us the hell alone *grin*
Much Love Will.......
Summer
Will, say "FUCK" all you want, just keep writing when you can. Sorry things suck for you right now. Just have someone get you some smokes! Good luck.
Posted by: Steph on April 18, 2003 04:54 PMGive that man a cup of coffee! That should take the edge off! I've never been anywhere in the gov't that didn't have a pot of the stuff that's been brewing till it syrup.
Take care and come home safe!
Posted by: Tess on April 18, 2003 06:45 PMHey Will!!
Like everyone else, I was glad to hear from you.
My friend is over there and she says the sand storms are terrible. You deserve a medal for tolerating them.
I hope you got your smoke. Take care.
God Bless America and our Troops
Ashley
Posted by: ashley on April 18, 2003 06:48 PMHey u crazy fucker
Glad you are doin' ok. I was worried about you. I feel kind of dirty looking for an update daily. (It's actually scary). Does the word ''psycho'' come up @ all. Just kiddin'. Just want u to be safe. You are truly a hero. Thanks for everything. In your bio you said your b-day was in April--so I would like to say Happy B-day. Hopefully its not to late. Take care of yourself and be strong.
xoxo
Will -- great to have you back and to know that you are safe and, all things considered, doing well.
General Winter has made his way back to the East Coast and I wish someone would kick his ass outta here.
Look forward to your next post and hope that you're stateside soon.
Take care.
Love,
Kimberly
P.S. Thanks again to your Mom for her recent update on you.......we were worried about you.
Posted by: Kimberly on April 18, 2003 08:50 PMHappy 30th!!
Posted by: Kimberly on April 18, 2003 08:52 PMSo glad to hear from you. i am just glad you are safe. Keep it that way.. Cya soon. keep writing and If I could I would send you a carton of cigarettes and some coupons for more.
Carmen
Will -
You better get back here and get back to work ASAP soldier! I had to resort to hiring some fat kid to take your spot while you are out and he is really, really dumb! Out of nowhere this guy will waddle up behind you and say something like "My brother's middle name is Michael." No shit - that happened. I miss singing the error messages from the computers over the cubicle wall like Elvis, LOL! Be safe and get here soon. And hey - you are single, maybe you can hook up with that Jessica Lynch hottie (what a tough chick she is by the way) Happy 30th and I miss you man - Again, BE SAFE. Well man, just like I told you the night before you shipped out (when I called you in a drunken stupor) "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
(By the way for everyone reading this - Wills response was "Too late Donovan, I joined the Army.")
God Bless Will, see you soon.
-D-
Posted by: Donovan on April 18, 2003 09:41 PMWill,
So we get to go through cig withdrawal again when you get back, huh? (FYI, he had already quit once for quite some time but started back up when he left this happy place).
To Donovan - sorry you had to hire the fat kid. But just think if you keep him on for a bit after Will gets back, oh my god, it is going to be sooooo funny! You know it will, you are laughing now thinking about it. Oh and by the way, Private Lynch would kick Will's ass, she would eat him alive,he's a Sally! (yep, he is gonna kick my ass for that one).
Ok, back to the topic at hand. Good to hear from you again my friend. Pack up the boat and come home!!!
Posted by: Shell on April 18, 2003 09:56 PMHi Will,
Very glad to hear from you again. Glad you're retaining your cool sense of humor. Good luck on quitting smoking, and happy birthday. Will keep sending prayers your way. God bless.
Will,
send me an address and I'll send you some cigarette's!!
by the way, when you get home I have a truck that needs unloading!!(HA!HA! just kidding:)
keep safe, keep up the good work.
Sherri
PS
something to keep your mind off of your trobles for a short time
Q. you have two coins and they total 35 cents but one of them is not a quarter, what two coins do you have?
A. a dime and a quarter!! I said ONE of them is not a quarter but the other one is!!
Posted by: Sherri Miller on April 18, 2003 10:32 PMWill
One word for you - Patches! They may be for Wussies but my family was VERY grateful for them (almost as much as I)!
Know you're bored but thank God there were no chemicals to clean up (I hear Merry Maids is hiring! JK)
Take Care
Posted by: L.V. on April 18, 2003 11:09 PMWill you Handsome Hunk!
Your weblog inspired me to start writing one of my very own on the very day I first read "A Minute Longer." Yours was the first blog of any kind I had ever read and so I think a guy really oughta know when he is a gal's first dontcha think?
Secondly, Will darling, you inspired me to go and get myself a Serviceman of my very own. And for that, he has you to thank, and of course I am also grateful to you as well.
Little did you know that you were performing all these heroic deeds while in service to our country.
So I would like to propose a toast to our beloved Will, a man who works hard to play hard. Our accolades he richly deserves.
For never was it more true than it is to say about this man: "Will, you are indeed a JOLLY GOOD HERO!"
Confidentially from me to you, I always thought that laughter was your best medicine. But all things being equal, a good woman might prove to alleviate the occasional grumpiness and stress that seems to (understandably) creep its way into your mood now and again (see get laid ASAP)
And now that you are worshipped near and far and women are throwing putang at you I don't see that being much of a challenge for you, not that it ever was.
You may even be able to help out your compadres if you seem to have a sudden "Army Surplus" if you know what I mean. (Tantalizing tongue in cheek talk here)
Seriously, your blog is like a great novel where we never want to reach the last chapter. And while we all want the war to come to a swift end and for you all to come home safely, we, your dedicated and devoted readers eagerly await your next installment.
Couldn't be prouder of you if I had my own medal to pin to your chest.
And put some of those tax free dollars away for your bright future now will ya?
Hoping you find an Oasis in the desert,
Szaffie
Posted by: SzaffireBlue on April 19, 2003 12:18 AMWhoo Hooo, Will!
Like a few others, I've been obsessively waiting for an email with news of your latest post. (See WILL-FIX) Oh, happy day...here you are!
Hmmmm...something to do with your hands and/or mouth instead of smoking...could get a rated blog for that one! (See FINDING A SUBSTITUTION FOR SMOKING) That's in the unabridged field guide, isn't it? *grins*
I'm glad to see you're in the group that my two friends are in...safe and ready to come home!! One in the Marines, one in the Army. (See WHOOP ASS)
Hey Will....tell your mom I'm not some sick weirdo that emailed her, please! I never got a response from her when I attempted to email her, and I'm wondering if either that happens alot since your blog appeared, or she was being cautious. (See RED ALERT FOR SICK WEIRDOS EMAILING YOU) I meant no harm or concern to her....just wanted to say hello to her and wish her love and prayers, ok? See, I wanted to know if there was a way I could send you or Josh anything...either directly to you or through her. (See FUCK I NEED CIGARETTES) As you know, one cannot send care packages to 'any service member' anymore. (See ANTHRAX SCARE)
*NOTE* Dinner is still in the offering and a promise of awesome Arizona weather! Hey, if you're going to jaunt around the country upon arriving home, you may as well jaunt down here, eh?
Oh hey...Will? If you happen to run into a Micky P. in the Army (hahahahha yea, like that will happen) tell him Judi said HI, k? I'm not sure if you'd say hi to a Marine for me, but if you would, and happen to run into a Ken S., ditto on the hi from me. (See FAT CHANCE IN HELL THAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH A ZILLION TROOPS OVER THERE) Worth a shot, eh??? *laughing*
Great to see a new post from you, and what the hell are you STILL doing over yonder? (See BRING OUR TROOPS HOME)
Oh ...if you're thinking Arizona is the last damn place you want to visit after sand in your unmentionable places, Az is NOT like that! Honestly...it's not that bad, desert and all. *swears that to ya* (See OH HELL HOW DID SAND GET THERE?)
GODSPEED, AND GET HOME ALREADY!
Judi
Tucson, Arizona
From Spain with Love !!
I really enjoy reading your mail´s Will... It´s a different and refreshing view of a terrible event. Hope you all keep safe and good luck with your "quitting" !! ha ha.
Love & Peace....
Iris
Posted by: Iris on April 19, 2003 09:00 AMglad to hear you're doing good, and buying a ticket home... You have to keep this thing going once you get back, we have all become pervs who want to look into your life from time to time!.... if you by chance get the opportunity to smack one of those idiotic statues (see bird latrine) of SH, take off your mickey mouse shoe and smack it for me!!!
God Bless, Penny
ps... tell your mom I am still looking for her book on how to raise a man (stop the bad thoughts, NOW)...
Will,
Nice to see even through withdrawls your sense of himor is still intact!
Love and prayers to you and the others!
Keep up the Good Work!! =)
Posted by: Stacey in Boston on April 19, 2003 05:31 PMIt was wonderful to see this post. Here in VA, General Winter has been replaced by Corporal Rainman, and Sgt. Pollen. The two don't mix very well, (see AHCHOO!) and I am cursing. At the moment I am trying to imagine going without a cigarette (see, panic attack) and feeling for you bro. I'll fire one up for you, take care, and get home to us soon!
Posted by: Shannon on April 19, 2003 09:53 PMHey Will,
Did you get a deck of those playing cards?
I just got a set of them today, a reproduction, but they look nice. I was amazed how fast they came in. I ordered a deck of them on eBay 2 days ago, and have them in my hands now. The people who made them have the Info minister (AKA Baghdad Bob, Skippy, Comical Ali) as the Jokers !!! All the other auctions I looked at are not shipping till May. I think it is great to have them in my hands now.
Anyone who wants them now should go to:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=201&item=3322040498
Posted by: Mike on April 19, 2003 11:23 PMHi Will,
We're gald you're ok. Unfortunately, I think you'll be on a bug hunt soon. Their "CDC" was looted and you have all kinds of nasties that are running loose. No nukes thank goodness, but plenty of narley stuff. Remember to wear you PPE, wash your hands and don't scratch what ever you do.
Take care
Wishing you safe from Va. Beach.
Will!
Glad to see your post - it truly is something wonderful to look forward to. You have talent!!! And, besides, we were all getting worried about you!!! (Tell your Mom thanks for letting us know you were okay).
Take care, keep writing, and if you ever need a publisher, look us up!!! (Honestly, we own a military history book publishing company!!!)
Posted by: Karel Lea on April 20, 2003 08:17 AMHappy 30th from Down Under too!
The Aussie sand is usually under our toes along a walk on the beach, or running to and from the surf. Hope some of our men will have some R&R here to enjoy what we are fighting for. ~~Much love from around the world~~
Happy to hear from you. Glad you are safe. I am still here sneak'n peeks at you, and all your fans. Its very addicting. Come home soon.
Posted by: Scarlett on April 20, 2003 07:24 PMGood to hear from ya again,Will. Happy Birthday if its not too late. Like everyone else,I've been checking for an update every now and then. Hopefully, you'll be home before too long and you can smoke all of the cigaretts ya want.
Godspeed and good luck to you and all of the other soldiers out there.
Posted by: Jennifer on April 21, 2003 12:53 AMHiya! :)
*lol*... Don't ask about the name... my parents don't ever give me the real story of why they not only named me different but why they they couldn't spell it right (personally I think they were probably drunk at the time but won't admit it). They learned their lesson though cause the rest of my siblings have NORMAL names and they are spelled EXACTLY like they sound.
Your story about picking up your vehicles reminded me of my own personal experience (could be because I drank last night but that's not something I should admit). I wasn't waiting to pick up stuff... but I sure the hell was crazy enough to follow my boyfriend's convoy to drop it off. OHMIGOD!!! *still traumatized*. I was excited at first (please note the "at first") because we were going to Myrtle Beach afterwards and I was a "part" of this big thing he was doing. After the SLOW (excruciatingly slow) journey (did I mention how slow it was?), we FINALLY arrived. But it wasn't over like I thought it would be over. We sat at the docks for HOURS... so much for my night at Myrtle Beach. I actually got upset (like it made a difference) at the whole seeming pointlessness of it all (I truly learned about the "hurry up and wait" issue)... so I feel for you... but you being in the military and all should have known about this phenomenon!!! We ended up spending $20 bucks to enter this club.. (don't even ask about the drinks they were outrageous)... just to leave in less than an hour. *lol*
I'm still in the "hurry up and wait" mode... but I try to blur my days so that I'm not thinking about waiting too much. I feel for ya on the cigarettes issue too... I know how much of a stress reliever they are (wow... chose between dying of stress or dying from cancer... they don't tell you that stress actually kills more people). I'd think that with all the fan-fare that you receive from this site though that you'd be "hooked-up" in more ways than one. I'm betting that they'll outlaw being out in the Sun in Cali next (trust me I lived there) because of the cancer risk. They'll have 2 sections... the "sunning section" and "no-sunning section"... being the non-conformist that I am... I'll be out in the "sunning section" as usual (probably even when I'm freezing my arse off like I do now with cigs). Hell... I only have one life... and I want to enjoy it as much as I possibly can. :) I refuse to be one of those people that ate all the right things... did all the right things... sacrificed all the right things... just to get hit by a car... doh!
Take it easy!
~Thelsa (in case you've forgotten already... it's pronounced Ta-Lisa!!!)
Thank you for updating us. We all are hoping for your safe return home soon.
Posted by: Earlene on April 21, 2003 10:18 AMHey Will!!!! Good to see your still laughing!!! Keep on with the good work(even though you aren't using your skills!!) Stay safe and come back soon. Love, Robin
Posted by: Robin on April 21, 2003 01:12 PMHey Will...Liz here. :) I stumbled across this site while looking for word on my friend that was Killed In Action in Iraq. His name/rank was Staff Sgt Scott D Sather of the USAF. I doubt you knew him considering the countless numbers of men & women out there right now assisting in the battle to defuse Suddam Hussein. BUT! Nonetheless, I figure you being there, maybe you'd know first hand about losing someone in the military. Scotts funeral service here in Michigan is today and Friday, April 25, 2003, Scott will be buried in the Arlington National Cemetary. I have to say, on America's behalf if you will - you are really being thanked by America for your bravery and your contribution to bringing a resolution to this chaos. Hearing your stories - seeing you still have held onto your sense of humor - its all inspirational and a bit chilling all at once. Its hard to comprehend all of what the troops are enduring from over here in the U.S.. Although the war was brought a little closer to home walking into the funeral home today. So, on that note, thank you...to you...to Scott...and all the others. Our freedom is your mission and we are forever grateful.
God Bless ~
Posted by: Liz Snyder on April 22, 2003 12:12 AMI thought this was a great article worth sharing.
Liz, sorry for you loss. It really seems inadequate but our thoughts are with all of you that have lost someone.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E27772%257E1317616,00.html
If the link doesn't work the title is 'All Walks of Life Gather for Marine' by Jim Spencer published on Friday April 11, 2003
Posted by: Kathy on April 22, 2003 09:26 AMWill,
Just wanted to send a big thanks from Minnesoooowta *smile* I really enjoy reading your blog, definitely gives me somewhat of a glimpse of what my friends are going through over there. You probably think we're all weird people who read your column, but I'm sure I can speak for more than just myself that we're all rather attached to your life! ha ha.. Stay strong, and I'll keep some ciggs for you when you get back!
Hurry home, Soldier
Emarie
Posted by: Emarie on April 22, 2003 03:01 PMI am thoroughly enjoying reading the accounts of your experiences! I have a very good friend who is currently in Iraq with the 4th ID, and reading what you are going through gives me some sense of what he might be experiencing, also.
Thank you for what you are doing over there. Take care of yourself and be safe!
Nancy
Hey Will,
when will you give us some updates about you? I'm waiting for the next letter, written by a great and humorous writer!
How are you??
Keep strong and pray while we pray for your return to home, in a free and peacefull country.
Love,
Ilenia
God luv ya, Will!! You make us chuckle during a very tryin time and for that you should be commended.
Stay strong over there. ALL of yous--army, navy,marines, air force, civilians~~are in my prayers. Keep up the good work and the positive attitude. TRY to keep in touch as best you can~I think it's very important to us concerned about ya back in the states. Freedom is a beautiful thing and worth fighting for~~even if it is for folks we don't know. God Bless and Take care!! Kris
P.S. I'll have a smoke on your behalf. If we could only send nicotine e-mails!! Hang in there, love.
Where are all the haters now? It seems the people full of hot air ran out of steam when Baghdad fell. Lots of love to you Will and thank you for sharing your life with us.
God bless!!
Emily
Posted by: emily on April 23, 2003 10:11 AM(Thank you Kathy for that link to 'All Walks of Life Gather for Marine' by Jim Spencer published on Friday April 11, 2003 - That was a very nice story. I will share it with the family.)
If you wish to read a short story on Scott and the funeral yesterday you can do so by visiting:
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/news/042203_NW_r2_sather_memorial.html
And aside from that, here is my personal view...
I went to a funeral today. I said good bye to a friend today. I watched his casket be carried ~ covered in red, white, and blue. I looked up at the sky and wanted to blame you. Why on earth would God let this happen? Why would he take someone so gracious and loving? But as I listened to the sermon today, and listened to the Reverend so calmly say, Scott was loved by us and by God. It doesn't only hurt our hearts to see him gone. God doesn't want to see us hurt - God wants peace and justice on earth. Scott was a fighter, a man with a heart of gold. With will and strength he took on this cause so bold. We may not have been able to say goodbye to him in the ways we would have chose, but God has a purpose all of his own. Scott will be missed, many tears will fall. Many days lie ahead of wonderance, disbelief and awe. But whether we want to believe or not ~ God was there upon the death of dear Scott. For it was God's voice Scott heard that fatal morning calling. A soldier, full of bravery, death stricken and falling.
My emotions are mixed with anger and sadness. My heart is torn and hurts for gladness. I looked at his mother, father, and siblings. His wife, now a young widow - mere thoughts of children she will never be bearing. How I'd love to tell them all, everthing will be okay....in my heart, I know, grief can only heal....day..by day.
IN MEMORY OF STAFF SGT SCOTT D SATHER.
May you hold him close in mind like we do close in heart.
We love you Scotty!
God Speed & God Bless you all,
Join the Linux community.
Posted by: Ellois on July 6, 2004 02:09 PM
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will