Chapter from the book on Going Away Ceremony

Please be honest. Am I close? Do I explain the military stuff to detailed? Not detailed enough? Should there be more conversation? Adding conversations is my biggest hurdle right now. The red notes are mearly that...notes to me about content I wish to add later.

The Task Force Thunderbird soldiers stand at attention. Each dressed in what soldiers call full battle rattle. Kevlar helmet with desert camouflage cover and sand colored band. Goggles to protect the eyes from wind and sand attached to the top of the helmet with two straps. Everything is tied down to keep it from being lost. A further benefit is to keep things from rattling and making noise while moving around. Brand new protective vests with the latest in bulletproof plates in front and back. The proper name is Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System but the soldiers mistakenly call it a FLC. The true Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) is actually the outer tactical vest portion of the Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE). In October 2001, the MOLLE replaced the Vietnam era ALICE (All-purpose, Lightweight, Individual Carrying Equipment) pack and the short lived Integrated Individual Fighting System. The FLC is heavy at just over 16 pounds. But knowing that the small-arms protective inserts (SAPI) will stop a 7.62 mm round is comforting. Small and medium sized pouches attach with straps for holding ammunition and various tools of the trade. Everyone in desert camouflage uniform sleeves always rolled down to offer some protection against the sun and bugs. Suede boots to protect the feet. I can’t help but be thankful that they don’t need to be polished. Sweat drips down my collar to pool in the small of my back. All I can think of is lets get this show on the road. The sooner we get over there the sooner we come home. The going away ceremony seems to drag on forever. LTC _______ says some encouraging words. (I need to ask who has his speech on video) CSM _______ tells everyone to watch each other’s backs. (Check the same video to see if he said anything motivating) Demons floating through the crowd whispering, “He isn’t coming back.” “Your husband is gonna get a disfiguring wound.” President Frankin D Roosevelt said it best, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” The demons capitalize on this fear of the unknown. Demons go through the soldiers in formation whispering, “You aren’t gonna make it” “You’re a coward and they know it.” “You aren’t trained fully. You will let your buddies down.” Too soon the First Sergeant yells, “Get on the buses.” Platoon sergeants spin around. “Right face”, I firmly command. The soldiers of second platoon turn as one man. Soldiers are conditioned in basic training to follow orders without thinking. After all we are told to hesitate in combat could be deadly. “File from the right. Forward, march.” The administration clerks of first squad step off at the squad leaders command. The medics in second squad and the supply clerks from third squad stand fast at the command of their squad leaders. Family members cling to their soldiers. Sometimes pulling them out of formation. No one complains. It might not be militarily correct but it is real. Family first has taken on a whole new deeper meaning. Tears flow from spouses, girlfriends, parents and children. Many soldiers get our last hugs in before boarding the bus. Most of the soldiers were waving goodbye from the buses. The commander’s wife yells to me, “Take care of my husband Doc. Watch his back.” The emotions are so high I can’t speak. I merely shake my head in the affirmative. I quickly say a prayer asking for strength. I wonder if God will hear me since my antennae are so dirty. I think back on all the mistakes I have made. Why didn’t I read my Bible every day? Why didn’t I attend church every Sunday? Why did I take my Christianity for granted? Why? Why? Why? The bus lurches forward breaking me from my revelry.