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sgtdub

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11/2011
It was ten years ago today. I had just gotten off work from the night shift as a police officer, taken my daughter to school and was just going to bed when my wife called me and told me to turn on the news. Within minutes I had guardsmen, my soldiers, calling me and asking what we needed to do. I told them then, get ready. I too went out to my garage and pulled together all of my military gear, pulled out my clothes and packed. I did not expect a call to come on that day, but I wanted to make the gesture, to show my commitment that I was ready. That call came two years later, the 45th Infantry BDE was training at Ft. Carson heading to Afghanistan in the largest deployment for the Thunderbirds since Korea.
In 2006, for the 5 year anniversary I again was in Afghanistan serving on my second tour, The 1-180th Infantry Battalion from the 45th was called up to deploy with the 41st IBCT from Oregon.
And now, 10 years later, on this day, I write to you from a forward operating base, FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan. This war has had a toll on all of us. We have had too many losses just in this deployment so far. I will say to you now, I am proud of my commitment to the Oklahoma National Guard, the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America. I wear this uniform to pay tribute to those who died on that morning ten years ago, their families, to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives for our safety and to their families who feel the void in their lives now. I WILL NEVER FORGET.

16 comments:

Sarge Charlie said...

first, thank you for being there again and again, America needs your service. I will also never forget, pray for peace in your lifetime.

Bob Mack said...

Came here from Sarge Charlie's site. Thanks for ur service, Sgt. Dub. Am linking ur post.

Bob Mack
1st Sig. Bde. RVN 67-68

Barb said...

Thank you for your continued service and for you love of country, Sgt.

Big virtual hugs xoxo

(I came from Sarge Charlie's blog, too.)

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

hey dub! what's happening my friend? we're still here. thanks for what you're doing there but i want y'all to come home now, ok? tell them i said so.

smiles, bee
xoxooxoxox

ancient one said...

Hi... came over from Sarge Charlie's blog.. Thanks for all you do in service to our country..I can never thank you enough.. and I will never forget !!

Sandee said...

Thank you Sergeant Dub. Your service is very much appreciated.

I do like what Empress Bee said though.

I will never forget.

Have a terrific day and stay safe. :)

Jonathan said...

Sarge -

Thanks to you and all the Guardsmen (and women) for their continued sacrifices on behalf of this nation.

God Bless you all (and your families) for this service.

Jonathan (formerly HM2 USN)

PS - also came here from Sarge Charlie's blog.

Cinderella said...

Sarge sent me. Thank you for your service. It is because of men like you that we have our freedom and safety. God Bless.

The Reckmonster said...

Thank you so much for the sacrifices that you and your family make each day for the greater good of our country. I am a proud Army brat (my dad served 3 tours in Vietnam and retired after 26 years), so I know how tremendously you give of yourself (and I have seen the toll that it takes on soldiers). Be safe and may you return quickly to your family. And please pass along gratitude to your fellow soldiers over there - you are all in my thoughts every single day. (And I came over from Sarge's blog as well)

Paxford said...

God Bless and keep you.

Pax
[Downunder]

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your service!!!!!! Send my thank to your unit as well. May God bless you and keep you from harm.

Wade Huntsinger said...

I know you will not. That makes you who you are and someone I am proud to call friend. You and Angela have raised one incredible little girl!

Traveling Bells said...

Sgt Dub, my hearty THANKS for all you and the troops are doing to keep the world a little safer. God bless you and yours real good.

Sarge Charlie said...

Hey dude, you got lots of traffic on this post, I must admit it was an excellent post.

Bobbi said...

Sgt Dub, thanks for serving and your willingness to serve, to help protect our way of life. I appreciate all your sacrifice for those of us safe at home. Praying for your safe return home soon. Sarge Charlie sent me :)

Desert Songbird said...

I will never forget either, Dean, and I'm proud to say I've met you.

Thank you for your service and for the sacrifices your family has made.