Doing Us Proud

I was on a flight to Nashville a few days ago that carried about 15 Army soldiers in desert fatigues. They were all returning from Iraq for some R&R. As we prepared to board, I was pleased to hear the American Airlines gate attendant welcome the soldiers and invite them to board in the first group. They received a warm round of applause from the other passengers.

I had the privilege of sitting beside an Army Major who headed up a regiment (if that's the right term) of Bradley armored vehicles and M1 Abram tanks Northeast of Baghdad, near the Iranian border.

"It's pretty quiet and stable there now," he told me. "But it wasn't that way when we got there."

What an outstanding example of a man he was. Although he had been on the move for the better part of five days trying to get home to East Tennesee, he was eager to talk about the work he and his men were doing there.

It was clear he believed in their mission, was proud of the good they were doing, and desired to see the job through. He indicated that it would be a tragedy, after all the American blood and sweat, to pull out too quickly and have the country spiral down into civil war and chaos.

Before we parted company, I made a feeble attempt to let him know how much I appreciate his service to our nation and how everyone I know feels the same way.

His eyes moistened as he extended his hand. "We'll do you proud," he said.

You already have, sir. You already have.