Coming to America
As an introduction or refresher course to the Life and Times of Eric Russell, I would like to note that I have not only a brother, but a step-brother. Technically and legally speaking, it would be "ex" step brother, but even though I really couldn't care any less for the ex-step father, the bond between Brad, Tony, and me is still pretty strong and has become more so over the last few months. Anyway, the following post applies to aforementioned step-brother, Tony Mitchell, or, as is now more proper, Spc. James Anthony Mitchell, U.S. Army.
Tony entered the Army Reserve several years ago. We weren't really in contact very much at that time, but Mom did hear the news and I knew about it. He joined a unit in Arkansas, I think, and ended up doing training in several different places, including up in Oregon (I would spout off the names of military bases, but my "military intelligence" is zero). At some point in time, he got wind of the fact that an Oregon unit was gonna get deployed. Now, he was kind tired of the reserve, one-weekend a month gig, and decided he wanted to do a bit more. So what does he do? He orchestrates a transfer to the unit in Oregon. Next stop: the Persian Gulf.
I don't know exactly all the timeframes involved, but Tony has been in Kuwait and Iraq for the greater part of 2 years, I think. Originally, it was supposed to be a 12-month gig. Then 18. Needless to say, he was looking forward to the "downhill" part of this year until he could come home. I think he's tired of 120 degree heat and those wonderful MRE's. And then, an event that will change his life (and his veteran status) forever.
A convoy of 25 jeeps. Tony's was 20th. Suddenly, Tony's vehicle strikes an explosive device. He opens his eyes to total blackness, making him think he's been blinded. Luckily, he hadn't. But his Staff Sergeant, a 40-ish father of 2, later died of his injuries en route to a medical facility (Tony had already performed CPR successfully). Tony's injuries were relatively minor, comparitively speaking--shrapnel to the leg, needing a decent amount of stitches. Had to stay off of it for a few weeks, but he would've given anything he owned to have his sergeant back.
There were MANY times that Tony resented the discipline that (my) mom was trying to teach and instill, but he grew to appreciate every bit of it. He has thanked her time and time again for not backing down. Now, Tony Mitchell, the boy whose birth mother kidnapped him from the church nursery when he was less than a year old, will soon be awarded a Purple Heart. His future wife will be eligible to join the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Today, Tony flew home for a 15-day leave. He's got a long list of restaurants he wants to go to and people he wants to see, no doubt with a new lease on life. He's been through more in the last couple of months than I ever hope to, and I respect him a ton for making the choices he did to serve our country.
The phrase "Support our Troops" is so cliche, but it's true. Tony LOVES getting mail, and packages, and longs for small opportunities like phone calls and email sessions. Hopefully by October or November, Tony will be done, through, and permanently on U.S. soil. He's been over there longer than just about everybody in his unit, and it's virtually guaranteed he won't be delayed any more.
God bless our troops, and God bless America. And Tony, wear the Purple Heart with pride--you've definitely earned it, and your country--as well as your brother--is proud of you.
Tony entered the Army Reserve several years ago. We weren't really in contact very much at that time, but Mom did hear the news and I knew about it. He joined a unit in Arkansas, I think, and ended up doing training in several different places, including up in Oregon (I would spout off the names of military bases, but my "military intelligence" is zero). At some point in time, he got wind of the fact that an Oregon unit was gonna get deployed. Now, he was kind tired of the reserve, one-weekend a month gig, and decided he wanted to do a bit more. So what does he do? He orchestrates a transfer to the unit in Oregon. Next stop: the Persian Gulf.
I don't know exactly all the timeframes involved, but Tony has been in Kuwait and Iraq for the greater part of 2 years, I think. Originally, it was supposed to be a 12-month gig. Then 18. Needless to say, he was looking forward to the "downhill" part of this year until he could come home. I think he's tired of 120 degree heat and those wonderful MRE's. And then, an event that will change his life (and his veteran status) forever.
A convoy of 25 jeeps. Tony's was 20th. Suddenly, Tony's vehicle strikes an explosive device. He opens his eyes to total blackness, making him think he's been blinded. Luckily, he hadn't. But his Staff Sergeant, a 40-ish father of 2, later died of his injuries en route to a medical facility (Tony had already performed CPR successfully). Tony's injuries were relatively minor, comparitively speaking--shrapnel to the leg, needing a decent amount of stitches. Had to stay off of it for a few weeks, but he would've given anything he owned to have his sergeant back.
There were MANY times that Tony resented the discipline that (my) mom was trying to teach and instill, but he grew to appreciate every bit of it. He has thanked her time and time again for not backing down. Now, Tony Mitchell, the boy whose birth mother kidnapped him from the church nursery when he was less than a year old, will soon be awarded a Purple Heart. His future wife will be eligible to join the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Today, Tony flew home for a 15-day leave. He's got a long list of restaurants he wants to go to and people he wants to see, no doubt with a new lease on life. He's been through more in the last couple of months than I ever hope to, and I respect him a ton for making the choices he did to serve our country.
The phrase "Support our Troops" is so cliche, but it's true. Tony LOVES getting mail, and packages, and longs for small opportunities like phone calls and email sessions. Hopefully by October or November, Tony will be done, through, and permanently on U.S. soil. He's been over there longer than just about everybody in his unit, and it's virtually guaranteed he won't be delayed any more.
God bless our troops, and God bless America. And Tony, wear the Purple Heart with pride--you've definitely earned it, and your country--as well as your brother--is proud of you.
posted by Eric C at 4:38 PM
1 Comments:
Amen, Eric. God bless Tony and the work he's doing.
Post a Comment
<< Home