A friend's passing...
Current mood: sad
This is the letter I wrote to my former commander upon hearing of my friend's death.
Sometimes, less is more.
Sir:
>
> It was a heavy blow to my morale upon hearing of SSG Dickinson's
> passing. I worked with him and knew him for a long time during my
> stay with 4th POG. Moreover, I remember explicitly my last
> conversations with this good man, husband, and Soldier. Not only
> has a family lost a great man, but the army and the nation have
> also suffered another unconscionable blow.
>
> While he was and is a Soldier of our military, who conducted
> himself to our highest standards, his murder by the inhuman waste
> that afflicts Iraq and the world is without question a heinous act
> not worthy of such an honorable man.
>
> I know that this is a tremendous blow to 9th Battalion; however, I
> am also cognizant of the professionalism and dedication to duty that
> the officers, NCOs, and Soldiers of 9th Battalion possess. They
> will soldier-on despite such a loss. Please, extend my sympathies
> to his family and those that knew him well. I grieve along side them.
>
> De Oppresso Liber
