It is quite fitting that you posted this today Art. At 11 A.M. this morning I am instructed to lower our National Ensign to half mast to coincide with the funeral of our first Coast Guard combat casualty since Vietnam. U.S. Coast Guard Damage Controlman Third Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, 24, from Smithtown, N.Y., died from injuries sustained when a small boat exploded as he and six other coalition sailors attempted to board it near the Iraqi Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal Saturday.
Some may say it was just one guy, and we've lost hundreds over there already, but when you're in the service that most people don't even know is over there, and most people don't even consider a military service, compounded with the fact that Camp Lejuene has 36,000 people, and the Coast Guard has 39,000 total personnel, it makes it kind of hit home.
I sit in an air conditioned building and haven't had to carry a weapon for my duty in 8 years. I do not take for granted what the other folks do who give me that priviledge. Talk to a vet, take time to go and speak to the ones who've seen it and done it. They make it so that you can do what you do. There are heroes everywhere, but it takes a special breed to look you in the eye and say "I am willing to kill and to die, so that you may live the life you choose"
To all my fellow sailors and soldiers who served/serve/will serve, and to all who support them, and the families at home who wait on news, good and bad, I salute you. Be proud of who you are and what you do. Do it the best you can, and come home safe.
Thank you!
R/T
1 loss in any branch is 1 too many, but unfortunately war is hell.
Art, it's people like you that make me proud to call myself an AMERICAN !! Y'all do an outstanding job!
ROB
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