As some of you know my good friend, Sgt. Hank Harvey got back in country from Iraq about two weeks ago. I drove over and picked him up yesterday to take him to his house because his wife dumped him for another man. She really did a number on him. He has changed a lot physically since the last time I saw him. He has lost a lot of weight with sunken eyes and hollow cheeks. He looks just like a man who has just come in off an extended stay on the Line. You combat vets out there know what look I mean. He kept telling me how good it was just to be back in the States in general and East Tennessee in particular. He didn't talk about his wife much but did let off some steam about Iraq. He is not a violent person and therefore is still a bit upset about killing 4 jihadis. When he unlocked the door and stepped into the house it was completely empty. He walked inside and just sat down on the floor for a while. I didn't say anything at first, I wasn't sure what to say. He finally stood up and asked, "Why did I go through all the shit I just did to come home to THIS?." I stayed with him until well after midnight and we talked quite a bit. He told me the worst part about comming home is that nobody seems to care about what he and the others went through and are still going through. I said, "You've been watching too much CNN, ABC, CBS, etc. There are a great number of people who are proud and extremely thankful for what you all have done. We owe you a great debt and can never repay you." I would like to prey on everyone's conscience a bit and ask you, if you would like, to send a little note to Hank. All you need to say is "Thank you". I think that would be a tremendous boost to him. You can send the notes to my e-mail at rnorthin@gmail.com (Thanks to Seafarious). Hank is a kind, decent man who I am extremely proud to call my Friend. Thanks to all Rantburgers.
Sincerely, Deacon Blues. |