This is my message at a PFC’s Memorial recently. I have changed the names and locations due to OPSEC (Operational Security). I was on a mission in the Southern Region of Afghanistan. By God’s design, I met this Soldier as we were waiting on a bird to catch a ride out to the forward positions. It would be the last time I would see him alive.
I rode shotgun in the vehicle with PFC Joe on the way to the holding tent in the Southern Region of Afghanistan. We were the first to arrive as I recall. I couldn’t see him in the vehicle. He sat directly behind me. We all talked about where we were from. I remember PFC Joe being from Louisiana.
We got to the tent. I believe it was PFC David that asked if I knew how to play gin rummy. It had been 20 years since I had played. I attempted to play. It wasn’t going too well for me. Joe was playing just across from me. He was a vibrant young man. I remembered him saying that he was going to Ripley. Every time SSG Brown or someone would ask to clarify, Joe was quick to shout out that he was going to Ripley. He wanted it to be known that he was not going to Bullhorn. That is the last that I remember of him.
My assistant woke me early Thursday morning at Bullhorn and told me that there was a KIA from Ripley. I soon would realize that it was my traveling companion and card playing acquaintance the day before.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”
It is not likely that PFC Joe woke up the morning of his honor and said, “I might give my life in this mission.” I am sure that the thought that possibility was there. But like most of us, these events usually come as a surprise no matter how prepared we are. I don’t know what he was considering on that morning. But on Thursday morning, PFC Joe would be face-to-face with this reality.
PFC Joe may not have been considering all the friends and countless others for whom he would make the ultimate sacrifice. But, he had committed to a cause greater than himself. He had given his life into the service of our great Nation.
Like all of you, PFC Joe raised his hand on April 8th, 2008 and stated that he swore to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. At that moment, PFC Joe gave himself to the service of our Nation. His service was short-lived, but none diminished by time. In this short time, he gave all of himself for all of us.
PFC Joe’s sacrifice seems unjust when considered in the constraints of the moment. It would be very easy for those who knew him well to be angry, hurt, and without a remedy. Some may wonder about God’s purpose or even if a loving God could allow such a tragedy. I say that those are normal and even expected reactions. None of these questions are unfair or unjust. They are normal emotions and responses to the sting of death. Only time can heal such wounds. Only God can bring comfort into this deep sorrow. I mourn with you the loss of PFC Joe’s. He was a Soldier I would have been pleased to know better.
PFC Joe will leave behind a great void to those who knew him and loved him. Those left behind will struggle to find meaning and purpose from day-to-day. First, I encourage you to simply hold on. Hold onto all that is dear to you. Hold onto to those whom you love that remain with you. You will need one another. You will need to lean heavily on one another. Second, hold onto God’s constant hand. You may be angry with God. You may not want to even believe in God. I simply ask you to speak your heart to Him. He’s big enough to take your pain. He will deliver you from the dark and dismal days. Though He seem distant, He is near to the broken-hearted.
This is what David said in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Today, I say “Thank You” to the family of PFC Joe. He gave his life for our Nation. He gave his life for his friends. No greater commitment and no greater love can be displayed but that a man lay day his life so that we can enjoy the freedoms with which God has blessed us. Today, I salute a Hero. Today, we honor PFC Joe.
May God bless the family, loved ones, and friends of PFC Bobby Joe . Father, bring comfort in this time of loss and grief. Be a tangible strength and help in the days to come.
I rode shotgun in the vehicle with PFC Joe on the way to the holding tent in the Southern Region of Afghanistan. We were the first to arrive as I recall. I couldn’t see him in the vehicle. He sat directly behind me. We all talked about where we were from. I remember PFC Joe being from Louisiana.
We got to the tent. I believe it was PFC David that asked if I knew how to play gin rummy. It had been 20 years since I had played. I attempted to play. It wasn’t going too well for me. Joe was playing just across from me. He was a vibrant young man. I remembered him saying that he was going to Ripley. Every time SSG Brown or someone would ask to clarify, Joe was quick to shout out that he was going to Ripley. He wanted it to be known that he was not going to Bullhorn. That is the last that I remember of him.
My assistant woke me early Thursday morning at Bullhorn and told me that there was a KIA from Ripley. I soon would realize that it was my traveling companion and card playing acquaintance the day before.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”
It is not likely that PFC Joe woke up the morning of his honor and said, “I might give my life in this mission.” I am sure that the thought that possibility was there. But like most of us, these events usually come as a surprise no matter how prepared we are. I don’t know what he was considering on that morning. But on Thursday morning, PFC Joe would be face-to-face with this reality.
PFC Joe may not have been considering all the friends and countless others for whom he would make the ultimate sacrifice. But, he had committed to a cause greater than himself. He had given his life into the service of our great Nation.
Like all of you, PFC Joe raised his hand on April 8th, 2008 and stated that he swore to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. At that moment, PFC Joe gave himself to the service of our Nation. His service was short-lived, but none diminished by time. In this short time, he gave all of himself for all of us.
PFC Joe’s sacrifice seems unjust when considered in the constraints of the moment. It would be very easy for those who knew him well to be angry, hurt, and without a remedy. Some may wonder about God’s purpose or even if a loving God could allow such a tragedy. I say that those are normal and even expected reactions. None of these questions are unfair or unjust. They are normal emotions and responses to the sting of death. Only time can heal such wounds. Only God can bring comfort into this deep sorrow. I mourn with you the loss of PFC Joe’s. He was a Soldier I would have been pleased to know better.
PFC Joe will leave behind a great void to those who knew him and loved him. Those left behind will struggle to find meaning and purpose from day-to-day. First, I encourage you to simply hold on. Hold onto all that is dear to you. Hold onto to those whom you love that remain with you. You will need one another. You will need to lean heavily on one another. Second, hold onto God’s constant hand. You may be angry with God. You may not want to even believe in God. I simply ask you to speak your heart to Him. He’s big enough to take your pain. He will deliver you from the dark and dismal days. Though He seem distant, He is near to the broken-hearted.
This is what David said in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Today, I say “Thank You” to the family of PFC Joe. He gave his life for our Nation. He gave his life for his friends. No greater commitment and no greater love can be displayed but that a man lay day his life so that we can enjoy the freedoms with which God has blessed us. Today, I salute a Hero. Today, we honor PFC Joe.
May God bless the family, loved ones, and friends of PFC Bobby Joe . Father, bring comfort in this time of loss and grief. Be a tangible strength and help in the days to come.
Comments
I've served with those who gave it all. I know how it feels. All Americans should know. Your reports from the field are exactly what we need. Keep good notes. When your tour is over consider broader horizons for your writing.
Alan
Brad