Veteran's Day - I Love These Guys

Phillip and Buddies on Deployment

Hi.  I've been thinking about Phillip and his Army buddies all weekend.  They were/are in the Army Infantry as Combat Engineers, which means they drive the roads at a snail's pace, watching for IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).  It's pretty crazy.

They did this in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Combat Engineers would go out on the roads for six days, then have one day of relaxation, one of Physical Training, and one to work on vehicles and equipment; then go out for another six days on the roads.

They worked in all types of weather and in all conditions.  There were people waiting for them to come along.  Sometimes the bombers were successful and they'd kill or wound Phillip's friends.  Three times they got Phillip, but he was just injured, not killed.  But it made him verrry jumpy inside, knowing that the bomb that was destroyed would be put right back in place, buried even deeper this time, and more cleverly situated.  And those bombers were just waiting for them. 

There were a few others besides Phillip with the dubious distinction of being hit numerous times.  

No one wanted to ride with more than one of them together - they felt it would be tempting fate, and I don't blame them.   

I know that Phillip and his friends had other experiences that were truly shocking, that they don't talk about.  In fact, they don't like to talk about what they went through at all.  Not only is it difficult, they seem to take an obstinate pride in not being one of the glory hounds, so to speak.  

Phillip hasn't complained.   He just wanted to do his job, never wearing his uniform when he was home on leave, never wanting a hero's welcome.

Well, just like on other patriotic holidays, I can't help myself.  After hearing so many songs and speeches this weekend (if you can, check out the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's program from 2011.  It is so awesome!) about the job our military performs to protect the land I love, my heart is full.  I am so grateful for what my dad, brothers, uncles, father-in-law, and nephews have all done.  It was that same type of soldiering - keeping the faith with their buddies and not asking for anything more - that goes on, unheralded, all the time.  I respect that so much.

Thank you, guys.  (And gals that do and have done the same.)  Thank you.

We are doing well, looking forward to Haley and Dallin's move!!

We love you!

xoxoxo