Stryker Brigade News: Heroes

Heroes

Jul-17-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT , Tributes

Not too long ago someone posted a column on our bulletin board written by Ben Stein called, "How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?" One dad sent the column to his son who is serving with the Stryker Brigade in Iraq. His son responded with the following email, which we wanted to share with everyone with his permission. We've removed the names, but otherwise it is unedited.

*****

Dad,

I read Ben Stein's column you sent me. His last one for 'Monday Night at Morton's.' I read it with a strange mixture of pride and sadness. I'm glad he wrote it and glad that other people see that there are deeper issues in America than Monday Night Football and the Emmys. Ben Stein is brave enough to tell people they are stupid, and for that he is a refreshing, if not lonesome, voice.

I've read different accounts of heroes. I've read how people twelve thousand miles from this battleground view our soldiers. These always strike me as distant and impersonal perceptions of a reality in which the writers have no frame of reference. They have no more met a hero than I have met a movie star. They no more understand valor than they understand the difference between Kurds and Arabs. They hear about stories, they watch the evening news and they feel better about themselves because they tell their friends they support the troops. Then they fill up their JetSkis on $2 gasoline and blissfully spend a weekend balancing their own drunkenness with the ability to look cool on their watercraft. Their frame of reference is their reality. This reality is what they base their decisions, political views and self-righteousness on. It is a reality that does not know how simple valor is.

I suppose it is somewhat noble for a man to commend those whom he does not understand. Perhaps, even, this is a measure of patriotism. However, my contention is with that person who only uses words to express his nationalistic pride. Would that person be more dedicated and more valuable to the nation by doing something? A simple, personal thank you card or letter to a soldier, firefighter or policeman. Or volunteering at the USO to give coffee to the guy coming home from a year dodging bullets and roadside bombs in a foreign land. How about just being there when he gets off the plane? Here's a novel idea: how about voting?

I understand that this is a shallow, self-serving wish. I know it is impossible to change a whole nation's center of gravity. I do believe that we will never 'win' a global War on Terror unless the common man is willing to accept that such a war exists. All of the voices in America can ring for all eternity, but where are the echoes if you don't stand in the canyon?

I have noticed subtle changes in my own frame of reference and realize that this is probably inevitable, given my experiences here in Iraq. Instead of $2 gasoline, I worry more about the headspace-and-time on a M2 .50 cal machine gun. Or the priorities of filling up every truck as soon as it comes off patrol because you just don't know when you have to go out again. I find I am more interested in the correspondence of my soldiers than I am with my own letters home. I apologize to you for this.

Having been here for nine months, I feel a certain duty to report some real heroes. I see how the softness has faded to hard lines on the faces of my soldiers. Doubtless, others have seen more and done more than we have in our little corner of contested ground. That, however, does not take from the hundreds of missions that these men have completed. We have learned our lessons the hard way and been made better for it. There is an odd, overwhelming pride which I feel as I remember some very intimate moments from the last few months. These men, my men, are the reason I do this job. Not the pay, not the resume, and not the God and Country stuff. It's these guys who have become my heroes.

I remember the first night the FOB was attacked. Rockets screamed inbound and tracer fire arced across the sky over our heads. You cannot know what dark is until you see its oily blackness broken by muzzle-blast and rocket engines and explosions you know are only feet or inches from your friends. Who are heroes? Heroes were my men who ignored the chaos and the fear and ran from shelter to their howitzers. Heroes, who concentrated on their job and answered back with a thundering crash of 155mm diplomacy that stopped the attack and saved lives. Heroes did this, not because they were told to, but because they had to.

I know another man, a medic who did his job. SPC ***** was in a convoy in Mosul that took an IED to a Humvee. [He] administered treatment to the wounded and stabilized the most critical. His actions were professional and precise. Only after he had treated all the casualties would he allow himself to be evacuated for the injury that had him doing his duty with but one good eye.

I will never forget the simple, awful joy I felt on another occasion when I saw one of my Humvees come boiling out of the swirling dust and smoke of another IED. The bomb had blown between two of my trucks and had temporarily knocked out the radio communication between those trucks and myself. Sgt ***** brought his truck through the blast and did not worry about instructions he couldn't hear on a radio that didn't work. He executed the battle-drill he knew by heart and maneuvered his truck to lock down on the group of people who was closest to the scene. Then he and his driver proceeded to clear the closest small building of any possible enemy while his gunner provided security to the perimeter we had established to secure our wounded and ourselves. He and his crew only did their job, but they are still my heroes.

The other day SPC ***** took a mine-strike. A piece of shrapnel blew a two-inch hole in his body armor and knocked him on his rear in the back of the truck. It took out his wind and would have taken out his heart had it not been for the body armor. Seconds later, he was standing behind his gun, doing his job. That night he returned to us from the hospital with a lot of scratches, some shrapnel wounds, a helluva bruise on his back and a profile for light duty. I will never forget the intensity in his eyes when he respectfully told me, "Sir, if you put me behind a desk, I'll hit you in the teeth. . ., Sir. My job is out THERE!" SPC ***** is my hero, and you know what? So is the guy who made that ceramic plate he was wearing.

PVT ***** doesn't have to be here. His family is big in business. He joined the Army to earn a life he could have been given. He spends a lot of time talking about 'his girl'. He's young and brash and takes some reining in, at times. But he still rolls out the gate every day with the same enthusiasm he had nine months ago. The edges in his face are a little harder now, the lines a little deeper but he can still tell you what every person on the last block had in their hands when we rolled by.

I have another Hero whom I never met. Another guy who never had to do what he did. Pat Tillman heard the call after 9/11 and dropped a star NFL career to become an Army Ranger. He didn't talk about it, he just did it. And he, alone, paid the price on a dusty road in southern Afghanistan doing a job he couldn't tell his closest family member about.

I saw a kid I went to High School with the other day. SGT ***** has rolled his Stryker from one end of this country to the other and done nothing more than what was asked of him. He's participated in every brigade operation since we hit country. He has appraising eyes, now, which suspiciously pry yours, and weigh your value against his experience. We talked about his family some and the leave he was able to take before the slots got screwed up. I asked him how he had been holding up and he replied simply "I've seen my share, Sir." I didn't press. We understood each other. Those four or five words summed up this whole experience for all of us. I've seen my share.

So I hear folks back home talk about heroes, but what have they done to earn heroes? Have they earned the sacrifice the men around me make very day? These men, who ride behind the guns and walk the streets and train the Iraqi Security Forces, in order to give the Iraqi people the same freedom that the bluster-heads back home take for granted.

My soldiers. These are my heroes. And they will never drop their heads for any man. The Army says I am supposed to lead these men. I think I wouldn't work with anyone else. They are better than I and better than anyone I know back home. Not because of what they've done but because they have done it. We've all seen our share, but these guys don't use it as an excuse. It's just a fact. A fact that makes them heroes.

Your son,

D***

Comments For "Heroes":

I just article and wow. It is a very truthful very moving e-mail and i just want to thank you for the article.

from a stryker wife
patricia

Posted by: patricia m jankowiak | July 17, 2004 1:37 PM

This man is my hero!!!!!!!!!! Only a hero can praise others, look up to others, and thank others in such a manner that he has so eloquently expressed. I guess the adage "it takes one to know one" is very fitting. Thank you for sharing such a moving commentary.

Barbara

Posted by: Barbara | July 17, 2004 2:12 PM

What you wrote brought tears to my eyes. My son Michael is my hero and I am so very proud of him. When somebody complaint about the heat here and the price of gas, I said, You are not in Iraq = fighting. People say that they understand what it must be like - well - I can not say that because I am not there. All I can do is pray for our brave soldiers. And I Do. What do I want for Christmas. I want only one thing - Come home safe - all of you. Love Mom and supporter.

Posted by: Barb Keyes | July 17, 2004 2:34 PM

Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching letter. There are no words to describe the letter that this man wrote and what he has seen around him. He has truly captured the meaning of the word "hero." I pray with my 3 year old son every night to keep these brave heroes of ours safe downrange. My husband is a SSgt in the USAF & we are stationed in Germany. He sees the young & old soldiers coming from & going to downrange and has never been more proud to be a part of the military. Please know that there are people everywhere who think you are all heroes for what you have done. And PFC Toy, I don't know if you'll see this but we miss you & love you! Stay safe!

Amber
~ a proud USAF wife~

Posted by: Amber | July 17, 2004 4:29 PM

WOW!! What an amazing letter. I am from Arizona and we all here knew and loved Pat Tillman. He gave up so much to defend this country and never once wanted the media attention that he rightfully deserved. He was a great man who will never be forgotten and who will always be missed and loved. All of our men and women serving in the military are heroes and I hope each and everyone of them know that. My personal hero is my husband and best friend PFC Duhe. He doesnt talk much about what he does or what he has seen, but one thing if for sure, he doesnt complain. He knows his duty and he loves his country and that is what keeps him strong. You will be home before you know it Bubba and we all cant wait to see you. We send you all of our strength, support, and love. I love you.

God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops.

Posted by: Kyla | July 17, 2004 5:44 PM

That was a real hard hitting to the heart letter Son you are my hero, you and all the sons and daughters serving with you we have a son in SBCT and we feel the same about him.

Posted by: Bill C | July 17, 2004 5:55 PM

What an Awesome Son you have! I was the one who origanally posted the Ben Stein Letter as I thought it was great that someone understood the sacrafices our soldiers are making on a daily, hourly, basis. But your son put it out much better and brought it home more then any one could have hoped for.
Thanks for sharing it with us and thanks to all our soldiers.

Amanda H
Prous Wife HHC,5/20 , Scouts-Snipers

Posted by: Amanda H | July 17, 2004 6:41 PM

Posted by: jaime | July 17, 2004 9:03 PM

Thanks to your son for such an eloquent expression and compilation of all the thoughts and feelings all soldiers' families have had all these many months. My son is a Stryker driver, and I am very proud of him. With all the hoopla of the NBA playoffs, I ignored it, because the real heroes and the real work are our soldiers risking their lives 24/7.
"CELEBRITIES MAKE THE NEWS;
HEROES MAKE A DIFFERENCE."
Tell your son thanks, and God bless him and all our troops. We Are Proud!!
Karen, mother of soldier 1/14 CAV, 3/2 SBCT

Posted by: Karen K | July 18, 2004 9:32 AM

I want to thank you for letting this be posted for others to see.What an amazing,informative letter.Really puts things in perspective,and shows exactly why they all deserve our thanks and absolute respect.
God Bless to the father,his son and all of our troops.

Posted by: Melani Shumaker | July 18, 2004 10:24 AM

Thank you for telling us how it is! I am too old to serve but have adopted 2 soldiers to write to. I have not gotten any response so do not know anything except they are serving in Iraq.
Many of us have never been in combat and will benefit from your writing. The military is
always in my prayers. I read blogs everyday to try to learn what is reality and what is media hype. May God bless each of you as you look out for each other and do your best for our nation.

Posted by: Pat in NC | July 18, 2004 11:46 AM

A hero is a person who is willing and does the right thing when bad things are happening. These boys are heros, and have met and seen more heros in their tour then most of us will in our lifetime. I am so proud of all of them.

This letter will hang on the wall of my office for a long time. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Posted by: bryce | July 18, 2004 6:24 PM

Thank you.

My brother is in Iraq (1st ID) and he refuses to tell me (ADAF) what's going on. He 'slipped' that he was under fire a few days ago while we were IMing for 10 precious minutes. I hate to think of what the 'real deal' is over there; there is no way to tell from the media. To hear about the heroes from you, first hand, is scary and exhilarating and it makes my heart swell with pride and yearning. I feel so guilty that I am not there, but I still do my best to help.... Again, thank you for that letter. I needed that!

Posted by: SSgt C | July 19, 2004 12:56 AM

After reading this incredible email, one of my son's favorite quotes immediately came to mind which seems to describe the author of this email perfectly:

"A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others."
Robert E. Lee

Posted by: Marilyn, a proud Stryker Mom | July 19, 2004 6:55 AM

What the!?

Sounds like this guy's been hanging around with my troops!!!

Posted by: Jason | July 19, 2004 8:09 AM

I just do not know who I am prouder of....
God Bless Our Troops!
God Bless America,
Patti

Posted by: Patti Patton-Bader | July 19, 2004 9:11 AM

Thank God for leaders like that young man and the others like him, my nephew is in very capable hands.

Posted by: Charlie | July 19, 2004 9:44 AM

My heroes are the men and women that are fighting for my freedom. These other people maybe hero's but in different ways. God bless our men and women that is giving me the freedom to say what I want and not get my head taken off.
God bless America and the men and women who gave their lives for my family and me. Stay safe and
come home safely.

A Proud Grandmother

Posted by: Florence | July 19, 2004 11:35 AM

God bless all of you in The Stryker Brigade and thank you for your service to our country.

My youngest son served six months in Kuwait-Iraq Mar-Sept last year as a USMCR sergeant/scout sniper. We sure were thankful to get him back safe and sound. He was grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to serve.

Posted by: Lou Issel | July 19, 2004 1:54 PM

WOW!! EVERYONE should read this. It was so moving and brought tears to my eyes. I know when I hear people grumble I let them know my two cents or when I feel like giving up or being a babe about something I just think of Rob and remember where he is and what he does everyday and I just give it my all to be strong like my hero.
All of our men and women serving in the military are heroes and I hope each and everyone of them know that. My personal hero is my husband and best friend SPC Bowker. He doesnt talk much about what he does or what he has seen, but one thing if for sure, he doesnt complain. He knows his duty and he loves his country and that is what keeps him strong. You will be home before you know it Rob and we all cant wait to see you. We send you all of our strength, support, and love. I love you Rob. BE CAREFUL AND COME HOME SAFE AND SOON!!
God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops.

Posted by: Rachael | July 19, 2004 3:42 PM

What an awesome letter about awesome guys. Please tell me what I can do to honor these amazing men and women.

What can I send them, for example?

Best, Ben

Posted by: Ben Stein | July 19, 2004 7:53 PM

Ben,

I sent you an email.

Todd

Posted by: Todd | July 19, 2004 8:17 PM

Dear Ben,
You're last column was an absolute honor to the awesome guys AND gals of our military...too bad it was your last. That's exactly what we Americans (civilian and military) need, more honest reporting and writing from the heart. Thank you for recognizing our dedicated sons, daughters, spouses, all family members that so proudly serve this great country. You've already sent them hope through your words, as your column has been forwarded and shared by many. THANK YOU!

A Proud Military Mom

Posted by: St. Louis Sue | July 20, 2004 5:25 AM

Dear D***,
Wow!!! Your words are are incredibly humbling and very moving. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and for recognizing our heroes! You're a shining example of our awesome military, an amazing American son, and with great pride I must say...YOU are a true Hero!

A Stryker Mom

Posted by: St. Louis Sue | July 20, 2004 5:38 AM

I want to thank all of our brave men and women in uniform for their sacrifices and bravery...this letter was very touching, and I wish that the whole country would sit down for a minute and read it...God bless you all, and please know that there are MILLIONS of us praying for you, and the success of your critical missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world...the strength and intestinal fortitude of the young man who wrote this letter is inspiring...

Posted by: Greg in Fort Wayne, IN | July 20, 2004 8:27 AM

I hate to repeat what others have said but this is a truly moving, well written & honest letter, the "everyday" guys "just doing their job" are the real heroes. My son is my "hero" and the rest of his comrades in arms. I have another son leaving for Basic soon following in his brother's footsteps. For now, I say my prayers for all of our heroes, our sons, daughters,husbands and wives. Zach, YOU are my hero, part of the best troops in the world and I'll be there when your mission is completed and you can come home.
A proud Stryker Mom

Posted by: Jennifer | July 20, 2004 9:09 AM

I just want to say thank you for writing this absolutely incredible truth, rumors free messages. all of the military are my heroes, of course some are closer to my heart than others, but none the less i have a deep love and respect for the military. this seriously brought tears to my eyes, and i just cant thank this world enough. thank you too D*** for writing that.. you truly are an amazing person, and i send my best to you. whenever i talk to my bf i never say its too hot here, or i never complain about anything, because they have it way worse, whats the point, ya know? so thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Posted by: Tara | July 20, 2004 10:10 AM

~Greater glory is not given to those who seek comfort from sacrifice, but to those who sacrifice for the comfort of others.~

GOD BLESS OUR HEROES!!!

Posted by: Rhonda | July 23, 2004 9:27 PM

Hell of a letter, my girlfriend found the link.

Keep Mosul beautiful, guys. We had it first, and we'll rotate back soon enough ;)

Be careful out there.

Dan Kemp
B 3/502 Infantry, 101st Airborne Div.

Posted by: SGT Daniel Kemp | July 25, 2004 7:35 AM

Wow, I'm sitting here in awe, and am extremely grateful for the young men and women like this who are serving our country. Thank you so much.

Posted by: MaryMargaret | July 25, 2004 2:43 PM

Just a great letter. I am proud of the military and thank God for them. phyllis

Posted by: phyllis | July 27, 2004 10:48 AM

I am a proud supporter of ALL those that serve our great country. What an insipring letter this young man sent to his Father! I know he must be extremely proud of his son, and all of us should be proud of everyone serving in our military today, as it is now on a "volunteer" basis, and to have such great personnel serving us today, makes my heart swell.
May god watch over them all!!
Thank you all, from an older vet.

Posted by: Keith | July 28, 2004 7:31 AM

I totally agree these are the real Heroes, not the politicians, movie stars, singers or sports figures! We've seen them in previous wars and other conflicts even the nearly 400 that died in th undeclared cold war! I pray every day that the real patriotic Americans don't let them sacrifice for nothing ! Make the politicians support them 100% not with just false words! Jim: 30 year Navy Vet and Three sons USN & USMC!

Posted by: Jim | August 1, 2004 9:39 PM

I have a grandson in the Marine Reserves. He went to Iraq as an active duty Marine, then as a reservist. Now he has volunteered to go to Iraq a third time. I worry and pray for his safety. He said "I think we are doing a good job over there, and I want to help get it done". I wish all our senators and congresmen had his patriotism.

Posted by: B. Mae Helmers | August 8, 2004 10:25 PM

WOW! That was a truly heartfelt and amazing letter. I was very touched as I knew MANY of the guys from the 101st, and Now a few from the stryker brigade, you are ALL heros! D*** you truley captured the meaning of a Hero. God Speed, May you all come home safe!

Posted by: Michelle | September 21, 2004 10:27 AM

What a great letter that really hit home. My husband is in Mosul now with the stryker brigade and he is MY hero. The sacrifices all these men make are truly heroic. I can only imagine what the days and nights are like over their and I pray every night that all of our soldiers come back safe. Thanks for sharing this wonderful letter. It was heartfelt and so VERY true. Thanks troops. A proud Army wife.

Posted by: lisa J | December 17, 2004 9:59 PM

Wow, what a beautiful letter, so moving. I am the wife of a retired AF man, 22 yrs of service. I am s proud of our military and the guys and gals in Iraq and Afghanistan and everywhere else in the world. My husband was in Korea, and we as a family were caught in a terrorist attack at the former Wheelus AFB, Libya during the Arab Israeli 6 day war. I got a small dose of what it was like, very small, but I will never forget it. God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.

Posted by: ValF | January 24, 2005 1:11 PM

I am so proud of our american young guys and women ...careing enough to die to keep us safe..my thoughts & Prayers are with them every day & night..I cry-and cry when I hear of one of our young soldiers passing on..I wander how many prayers for them every day & night only them & God knows what mysery thay are going through..may the Lord bless every-one..& may the heroes..who have meet him..God let them rest peaceful in your Loving arms forever..thay are at peace now never no never to be forgotten..Prayers forever.Dolly Glick Knoxville,Tenn. merciful GOD be with everyone."

Posted by: DOLLY | March 20, 2005 3:56 PM

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