I am truly nothing special, was just in places at the right times I guess. Am concerned for my son. You see, I know he is going to see the worst of this. Just last night he revealed his plan to actually get into group. Turns out the Ranger tab, in his words, is a means to an end, and any self respecting green beret ought to have earned that tab first. I guess I always knew it. In my Army and even contractor days, I was always close, a mission, an hour, a phone call or a couple hundred pounds of gas away from the SF dudes. Just was that way. I'd go somewhere, and I'd find my way to the JOC and hook up with the commander or SGM. From there it was giving them rides, trading for things or flying them to strange places. It started back in regiment days and just never ended. Now that kinship I have with those guys will be known to my son(s) soon enough. Maybe God will have the grace to take me home before he takes one of my sons from me. Too tough the other way around.
You families who gave up sons and daughters before your time have my deepest sympathies...and respect.