Another terrific thread you've presented. Makes me want to wake up and salute the flag. :)
Gleened the following from a web site maintained by a cousin in Alabama. It was written last week...
Major Kevin Whitney, stationed in Iraq has been e-mailing letters from the front to his wife and brother which they have been sharing with us. They have given all of us who read them a close look at life for a soldier in a war zone. Kevin is a doctor. On october 22th he wrote about his feelings as the medical team awaited incoming ambulances with massive injuries. The first one to arrive had a young man who lost both arms as the tire he was changing on a helecopter exploded. The medics had already done a good job stemming the flow of blood. Soon blood was tranfusing and the patient was stable. Until the surgeon took over there was nothing they could do except talk to him and comfort him.
The second ambulance arrived closed. One of the other doctors pronounced him dead.
The next morning we read in the Mobile paper that the dead soldier,Paul Bueche was from Daphne. He was only 19 years old. he joined the Alabama National guard right out of High School. His sister is also serving. On Oct. 13th he had E-mailed his parents that he had won a lottery to receive a two-week trip back home in December. But he didn't accept the coveted prize, he gave it to an older soldier who had kids to return home to. Paul said,"A father needs to be with his kids. It's the right thing to do."
Today Dars E-mailed a message saying that his body was being brought back to Pensacola and that they would have an escort along Highway 98, which runs right by our subdivision, to Daphne and that we should all go out and line the highway as they passed. I would never have known if she had not told us and I don't think many knew. The body was to arrive at 3:30. At 4:30 I went to the highway and sure enough I saw the flashing lights in Foley. I stood all alone by the side of the road and waved my flag as the squad cars, hearse, Army escort and the news truck went by. I'm sure the people of Daphne were better informed and honored this very wonderful young man. I still have tears in my eyes.
It makes the baseball games seem very insignificant. Pray for peace.
Salute to Paul Bueche - May God bless and comfort his family for the ultimate sacrifice.
And now I have tears in MY eyes. But what a show of patriotism and honor to the young soldier it was.
Lord, please comfort the Bueche family as only you can. May Your tender mercies be upon them. Amen