Emotionally Impacting Day

Pretty emotionally impacting day today. I woke up today to face what appeared to be the beginning of another groundhog day. Expecting to have another run-of-the-mill, boring, uneventful day. Boy was I wrong!

Shortly after I woke up my buddy SGT Will Whitley came into my tent where I was working on a fellow soldier's computer. All he said was "come on... get dressed... X is at the nort gate." (X represents the name of an Iraqi National friend of ours which I am allowing to remain anonymous for safety)

This is great news! While I was home on leave our buddy X was injured from a VBIED (vehicle-born Improvised Explosive Device or "car bomb") that had been planted in a tractor that stayed parked at the north gate. The explosion severely injured X in the back, both legs were broken, left forearm was broken, and several internal organs were damaged to include: his spleen and one kidney which were both removed. As a result, he is (hopefully only temporarily) unable to walk, and although recovering slowly he'll never be the same. There were a few other casualties in the bombing, one of which lost his life, and several others sustained heavy injuries.

Over the course of this deployment X has become one of our (will and I) closest friends. We've discussed everything from family life, to finances, to politics, to religion, to the intimate intricacies of married life! lol! X has even taken time from his daily routine to teach me a little Arabic. X owned a shop at the "hajji market" here on base and is well known to pretty much everyone on base that frequents the shop. Many high ranking officials on this post to include several majors, lieutenant colonels, and even the Brigade Commander (a one star general) have become very familiar with X due to his friendly nature, ability to speak English almost perfectly, and desire to create positive relationships with just about everyone he meets.

X was a teacher in one of the local high schools before OIF. He taught English and grammar as well as several other subjects. X wants nothing more than to become an American citizen. His main concern is for his wife and 2 kids (a 3yr old boy, and a 4-5 month old baby). Every time X and I discussed the subject he expressed his undying desire for a better life and a place he would be proud to raise his kids. He even asked us to put him in contact with US Army recruiters because he's willing to join the military and serve the US in order to become an American citizen. Will did his best to get in contact with recruiters in Germany and explore any other resources X may have, but with the growing tensions surrounding Iraq and it's people the chances of it being a success seem slim.

Will and I gathered up some supplies from the PX today and stopped by medical to grab half a dozen tubes of anti-biotic ointment for X and his brothers (both of which took shrapnel to the face... one lost vision in his left eye). We spent 60 dollars on toothbrushes, toothpaste, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, shampoo, and any other items we could think of might be useful to him. We asked X if he needed anything else, anything, just ask us. He told us no and that all he wanted from us was our friendship because it overjoyed him just to see us and know we were doing well. He told us that he constantly talks about us to his wife who is his sole care provider currently. The US Army is giving him 6 months pay and paying for all his expenses related to the injuries. Medical bills, taxi fare, medical supplies, and any other expenses he incurs as a result of the incident.

It really was heart-breaking to see him sitting there almost completely unable to move from the waist down and wincing in pain every time he attempted to shake a hand or shimmy in his chair. Almost overwhelming, I had a heartfelt compassion nearly bringing me to tears as I kneeled down in front of him, trying to maintain a conversation and keep a smile on my face.

His wife tells him he's like her 3rd baby. *sigh*

The thought of my wife ever being in a situation like this one grips my heart and chokes me up beyond belief. I hope my wife never has to go through something like X's wife has to endure. I love her too much to see her suffer everyday, heart broken, and sullen.

I'd like everyone to keep my friend in their heart and their prayers. Remind yourself that there are tons of people just like him who are dying for a chance at a better life. This is why we are here. Don't allow yourself to be blinded by the oil hype, or the overly liberal views on war. Keep in mind that there are thousands of children who deserve a better way of life, and a chance at escaping the pains of poverty. Likewise, there is an entire country that deserves better than having to wake up to the sound of artillery fire, living in fear of death, and/or their country's rulers.

"Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality." - Jules de Gaultier

"I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy..." - Dan Quayle